The Prologue                                         Monday, March 20, 2017
  Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
   Congregation founded 1949
   LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995
   Green Sanctuary since 2007

Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World

Monday, March 20, 2017   6:15 p.m.
Intergenerational Spring Equinox Celebration
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Scott McNeill
Come and celebrate the changing season through song and ritual.  We will reflect upon this time of balanced light and darkness and and consider what we would like to emerge in our lives in the coming season of growth.  The UU Children's Choir will also sing during the service.
Sunday, March 26, 2017   9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Risk Lite
Reverend Scott McNeill 
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Join us for a unique service where we will do more than talk about risk--but take risks together. Rather than coordinating our service and topics with one another, each worship leader will bring something that calls to her or him. And, rather than follow the typical order of service, we will determine the order randomly by drawing each next element from a hat! Please join us, knowing that we will create sacred space amidst the spontaneity.  
Sunday, April 2, 2017   9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Keepers of the Dream
Reverend Scott McNeill 
HG Wenzel, in a book about Unitarian Universalism, talks about everyday people who transform the world by their daily actions. We, too, are keepers of the dream--people who change the world for the better by living our values. Join us for inspiration as we begin our month of focus on "Transformation."
Now, More Than Ever
Come Celebrate Pledge Day April 22
     Given current national and world affairs, the theme of this year's Annual Pledge Campaign was rather obvious.  Now, more than ever, we all need a place to rekindle our fires and rebuild our spirits in the face of authoritarian challenges to our deepest values.  Now, more than ever, we need  the reassurance that we are not alone and powerless, but part of a powerful community.  Now, more than ever, our world needs people prepared by love to be a sanctuary when liberties are threatened. Now, more than ever, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington is a vital force for good in the world, and now, more than ever, we need to show our collective support.
     We are trying something new for this year's Annual Pledge Campaign. Rather than a traditional Commitment  Sunday  service, we are going to have a fun-filled, day-long "Pledge Day Celebration" on  Saturday, April 22nd . The day will feature community meals, celebrations of congregational leaders and volunteers, inspiriting talks, fun games, Zoomba, opportunities to help work on the grounds, and a very special evening worship service with Carrie Newcomer. We will also be receiving pledge commitments for the upcoming fiscal year with the goal of having everyone's pledge turned in on or before  April 22nd .
     Please plan to join us on  April 22nd . More information about the day's events and opportunities in the coming weeks. 
From Your Board of Directors
Save the Dates: 
April 22 and Mary 20
     

     Two important save-the-dates for everyone to be aware of: April 22nd and May 20th!
     April 22nd will be Earth Day and  Pledge Day at UUCB. Our normal pledge campaign packed into 12 hours of activities during the day at Church: music, food, leadership/volunteer recognition, work for our Earth and local grounds, Maypole Dance in April, speakers, meditation, worship, and more. The Board is working now with the Finance Committee to develop a pledge goal that will support our congregation's vision--Seeking the Spirit, Building Community,  Changing the World
--to provide resources for social justice, including sanctuary, spiritual and community development and treating our ministers and staff fairly.
     May 20th will be the installation for Reverend Scott McNeill. Yes, this ceremony of welcoming would normally happen a little closer to his arrival, but with the new arrival in his family, it seemed best to let the McNeills get settled in first. Please mark your calendar and more information will be forthcoming.
     Finally, our congregation's recent resolution on being a Sanctuary Congregation called on the Board to work with and guide the ministers by setting policy around Sanctuary, which we did at our meeting last week. You can find the updated Board Policies on the UUCB website: http://www.uubloomington.org/about-us/bylaws/
MAM's Musings
      In this week of the Vernal Equinox, these words from Vincent Silliman remind us of the balanced vision of Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington--Seeking The Spirit. Building Community. Changing the World.

   Let religion be to us life and joy.
   Let it be a voice of renewing challenge to the best we have and may be;  let it be a call to generous action.
   Let religion be to us a dissatisfaction with things that are,  which bids us serve more eagerly the true and right.
   Let it be the sorrow that opens for us the way of sympathy,  understanding, and service to suffering humanity.
   Let religion be to us the wonder and lure of that
which is only partly known and understood:
   An eye that glories in nature's majesty and beauty,
and a heart that rejoices in deeds of kindness and of courage.
 
         Meanwhile, I had to trim my "Truth Decay" sermon for Sunday in order not to preach for two hours.   So here are a few items that were trimmed away:

*Fascinating article from March 3, 2017 New York Times entitled, Why We Believe Obvious Untruths. Thank you Bob Althauser for providing a "heads up" on this article.

*Quiet repose is part of being conscious--being aware of not only what is happening but how it is happening.  Opportunity:  "Being, Bloomington: Being Together"   will take place at the Buskirk Chumley this Thursday, March 23 at 12:00 noon.    BBBT provides a safe space to gather in silence with others in self-reflection, prayer or meditation. 

*April 22 is Our Pledge Day as well as March For Science.  Richard LeDuc is ready to create a car-pool for those who would like to attend the March for Science on April 22nd in Indianapolis, and return to Bloomington in time for some of the April 22nd festivities here.

Lastly, that wonderful quote from Alice Walker, "As long as the Earth can make a spring every year, I can. As long as the Earth can flower and produce nurturing fruit, I can, because I'm the Earth. I won't give up until the Earth gives up."  
--Alice Walker

Blessings in the Time of Vernal Balance, MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister
  Seeking the Spirit 
Our Folks...
     You are invited to Don Freund's Composition Recital,  Friday, March 24, 8:00pm
Auer Hall, Jacobs School of Music, featuring guest violinist, Julian Ross from Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory.

First Monday Poetry Sharing
Join us in this ongoing monthly group for poetry lovers! Bring a poem 
to share that you enjoy. Next meeting is Monday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m. in the Library at church. Contact Bob Taylor for info, bstaylor1@comcast.com  


Shambhala Meditation Every Monday at Noon
Join us at  12 noon every  Monday in the Library for an hour of Shambhala Meditation, walking meditation, and Shamatha yoga with Sarah Flint. Beginners welcome in this 2500-year-old  tradition. 
 
Traditional Taiji on Tuesdays and Saturdays
   Brian Flaherty leads Taiji in Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. This form practices the "Wu (Hao)" style of taijiquan, including practice of standing exercises, forms, and "pushing hands." Anyone is welcome, even those with no experience.
     Please wear loose-fitting clothing.  
 
Open Mind Zen Bloomington 
Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
   Join Frank Seisho Diaz for meditation, talks, and discussions on Zen Buddhism,  Mondays 7:00-8:30 p.m.,  in Room 110 here at the church. All are welcome regardless  of faith or experience;  freewill donation.       More  info:  openmindzenbloomington@gmail.com  or 
 
   
Ministry Themes for 2016-17
   We will be exploring the following themes for the remainder of the 2016-17  church year.   October: Healing November: Story,  December: Presence, January: Prophecy,  February: Identity, March: Risk
April: Transformation,  May: Embodiment, June: Zest

  Building Community  
Welcome to our Newest Members!
This month many new members were welcomed into the congregation. Please offer a warm welcome to our newest members: Sandy and Dennis Davoren, Lynn Duggan, Taylor Erickson, Miles Eddy, Brandi Edwards, Joe and Shannon Grimme, Perry Hodges, Cynthia Marion, John Pappas, Ed and Dian Robbins, Ginny and Thayr Richey, Larry Ruich, Nancy and Mike Shipman, Jan Steenblik, and Tracy Turner.  Below is the first installment of new member bios to help you get to know them. --Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator. 

Dennis Davoren
Dennis Davoren and his wife Sandy recently moved to Bloomington from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  A Chemical Engineer by training, Dennis is originally from Massachusetts and worked for ExxonMobil in many different capacities for over four decades.  Since moving to Bloomington he has begun tutoring both high school students in math and science and in the VITAL, adult literacy improvement program. Dennis also now enjoys regular workouts at the Monroe County YMCA and long walks through the rolling southern Indiana hills.

Sandy Davoren
Sandy Davoren and her husband Dennis moved to Bloomington from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Sandy has an educational background in Medical Technology and Applied Statistics. In recent years Sandy has been a practicing artist. She originally began in Fine Arts Photography and has migrated to Print Making in more recent years. Since moving to Bloomington Sandy, has set up a studio in her home and is also an a member in the Bloomington printmaking Collective in downtown Bloomington.  Sandy is a very active grandparent and is interested in women's issues and racial justice.

Brandi Edwards
Brandi Edwards recently moved to Bloomington from Chicago, Illinois. After working for several years on political campaigns and with advocacy nonprofits, she now works at Indiana University at the Kelley School of Business and is enjoying her extra free time to do yoga, hiking, and spending time with her rescue dog, Watson.  


Taylor Erickson
Taylor Erickson moved to Bloomington from Phoenix, Arizona, last summer with her husband and dog. She is currently a science teacher at Edgewood Junior High, while her husband attends IU Maurer School of Law. She enjoys running, doing yoga, and hiking. Taylor has been a devoted volunteer in her adulthood and is currently walking the pooches at the Bloomington Animal Shelter. She's excited to be a part of such a kind and welcoming community of heartful people. 

Ed Robbins
Ed is a former long-time member of the Tree of Life UU Congregation, McHenry, Illinois. He had several leadership roles there, including pledge campaign chair and endowment fund chair. While not a continuous choir member, Ed participated in the holiday concert and other special programs. He is looking forward to his activities in the Bloomington UU congregation.


Dian Robbins
Dian, and her husband Ed, lived in northeastern Illinois for the last 34 years. In 2002, they moved to a 65-acre farm bordering the Nippersink Creek, where she kept the "manicured" property and he took care of the 2600 trees that were planted for conservation purposes. They were both active in the Tree of Life UU church in McHenry, Illinois.
Outgoing, friendly folks wanted
Are you friendly and want an excuse to meet new people at church? If so, please consider volunteering as a Fellowship Hour Host once a month.  Fellowship Hour Hosts circulate in the Fellowship Hall during coffee hour and talk to folks that look like they might be new or don't know anyone. If this sounds like a good opportunity to you, email Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator, at  connect@uubloomington.org or call her at (812) 332-3695 ext 203.

Exploring Unitarian Universalism Class 
April 9 and 23
Are you interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism and this congregation?  Are you considering becoming a member of this church? Whether you are considering membership or are just curious, this class is for you.  The Exploring UU Class will be held on  April 9 and 23 from  2-4 p.m. in the church library. Please plan to attend both Sunday sessions, since different material will be covered in each session.  Sign up by  April 3 at the welcome table in the foyer, or by emailing  connect@uubloomington.org. Free childcare is available if requested in advance.  Carolyn and David Emmert will facilitate this fun and informative class.

Are you a long-time attendee, but not a member?
Recently several long-time attendees have decided to become members of this beloved church community. As a member you are able to vote at congregational meetings, which is very important in keeping our church governance democratic.  New members are no longer asked to stand up in front of the entire congregation and be recognized on a Sunday morning. Membership ceremonies are held between services several times a year. If you are a long-time attendee interested in becoming a member, please contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator at connect@uubloomington.org or (812)332-3695 ext 203  
pre-2005
Women's Alliance Meets on April 6
     The Women's Alliance program on March 2 was presented by Abby Gitlitz and the Bloomington Creative Glass Center.  The Bloomington Creative Glass Center offers classes for students of all ages and skill levels in glass blowing, glass casting, history. The hosts were Dian Robbins and Julie Cauble.
     The program for the April 6 meeting welcomes Ann Connors, Development Director of Sycamore Land Trust. Sycamore Land Trust protects and restores the beautiful natural heritage of southern Indiana. Our nature preserves offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental educationHosts will be Cathy Hiatt and Katherine Hopkins.
    The Women's Alliance meets on the first Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. for brown bag lunch. Dessert and beverage provided. Lunch is followed by a program and business meeting. Join us!  --Julie Cauble, Alliance Vice President
UU Passover Seder Sunday, April 9
     The UU Seder will be held on Sunday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m.  This beloved celebration re-tells the story of Moses and the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt.  The event includes the ceremonial foods and a full (non-Kosher) dinner.  The celebration of spring and of freedom is child-friendly and welcoming to all.  Cost is $9 for Adults, $4 for children with a family limit of $25.  Tickets will be sold in the Commons between services and after the 11:15 service on March 26 and April 2.  Or call Ruellen Fessenbecker with questions or reservations:   812-837-9550 or rfessenb@indiana.edu .
       If you would like to be involved with the planning and the cooking, there will be a very short (15 min) planning meeting on   Sunday, March 26 at 12:30   in Room 110. 
Save the Date(s)! 
April 15 and April 29--Grounds Workdays
There will be two opportunities this spring to help on the church grounds. Both will be held between 9:00 AM and noon on Saturday April 15th and April 29th, with a rain date of Saturday May 13th, if needed. This is a fun way to help our grounds reflect our UU principles, and to get to know folks you might not otherwise talk to!  --Molly O'Donnell (We are also going to do some grounds work as part of our Pledge Day Celebration on April 22! --Ed.)
Annual Auction Date: Sunday, May 7
Mark your calendars for the 2017 Goods and Services Auction on 
Sunday, May 7th at 2:00 p.m.  Please start thinking how you might participate:  donate an item, share a talent, offer a themed dinner or volunteer for a role during the auction.  There's a way for everyone to participate in this important annual fundraiser.  Donation forms can be found HERE.   Paper forms are also available at church, in Room 204.
Attention Kroger shoppers! 
You must annually renew your selection of UU with Kroger Community Rewards in order for the church to receive a percentage of your purchases at Kroger. Go to  krogercommunityrewards.com  and follow the directions online. Helpers will be at the grocery card sales table on Sunday if you need detailed instructions, and there will be gift cards for sale there for Bloomingfoods, Marsh and Lucky's. Thanks for your support!
Denominational Affairs
Regional and National UU Conferences This Year
Would You Like to Be a Delegate?
Members are invited to consider becoming a delegate to one of these annual meetings:     
1.  MidAmerica UU Regional Assembly April 28-30 in Oak Brook, Illinois -- outside Chicago.
     2.  UUA General Assembly June 21-25 in New Orleans, Louisiana
     Speak to some of the delegates who attended last year's meetings:  Doug Cauble, Marlin Howard, Martha Foster and Earon Davis, Pat Brantlinger, or Jackie Hall.
      All three of the candidates for President of the UUA will be speaking at the Regional  Conference.  All delegates and absentee delegates to General Assembly will be able  to vote for our new UUA President at the June meeting.
     These will be very important meetings. To volunteer be a member delegate, please contact Iris Kiesling,  Denominational Affairs,  ifkiesling@aol.com
or 812-332-5224 by March 30. Early registration ends April 5. After that, the registration cost goes up.
     The Midwest UU Leadership School  for Youth and Adults will be  July 9 - 15th  in Decorah, Iowa.  Please see the website for further  information, http://www.mwls.org/ .  Attendees last year were Ann LeDuc and Hans Kelson. Speak with Harv Hegarty of Leadership Cultivation if you are interested in attending, hegarty@indiana.edu   There is some financial support available. 

Current Membership: 491
Attendance
Sunday, March 12                9:15:    66    11:15:  168    TOTAL:  234
Sunday, March 19                9:15:   121   11:15:  176    TOTAL:  297
Non-Pledge Offering
March 12: $488.16                March 19: $655.45
Total to be donated to New Leaf-New Life $285.90
Grocery Card Sales
(Bloomingfoods, Marsh, or Lucky's)
March 12: $700, income to UUCB $37.50     March 19: $2700, income to UUCB $140.00

UU Humanist Forum Meets on Alternating Sundays
This group offers an opportunity for regular, open, wide-ranging discussions of issues relating to morality and ethics, human development, and the nature of the universe. The bi-weekly forum will meet next on Sunday, March 26 at 12:45 p.m. in Room 208.   The topic will be "From Beauty to Duty" presented by Noretta Koertge.  A complete list of winter/spring topics can be found here.  
UU Freethinkers Group Enjoys Free Ranging Discussion  
The purpose of the UU Freethinkers bi-weekly meeting is to create the opportunity for participants to raise questions and engage in open and non-structured discussion of issues of social concern, political concern, and theological/religious concern. UU Freethinkers meet on alternating Sundays after children's religious education classes end, in Room 208.   UU Freethinkers meet next on Sunday, April 2, at 12:45 p.m. 

Earth Kin Call-Out Meeting 
Sunday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m.
Earth Kin is an eclectic group of people in our congregation who gather to discuss and practice Pagan and Earth-centered spirituality. We are dedicated to furthering the tolerance and understanding of Neo-Pagan beliefs and traditions--such as Wicca, Druidism, Eco-Paganism, and Goddess Worship--as well as growing the Bloomington Pagan community through our involvement with the Bloomington UU Church. Earth Kin gathers to celebrate the four Greater Sabbats (Imbolc, Beltane, Llughnasadh, Samhain) and will begin to hold regular Meet-Ups and Book Club discussions. Please join Earth Kin for our Call-Out Meeting on Sunday, March 26 th   at 1:00 p.m. in the Library here at church to learn more about who we are and what we do. All are welcome! --Brooke Opel
  Changing the World   

Our Chalice Lecture Series returns with a visit from Rob Boston, of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. This event is hosted by our UU Humanist group and Indiana United for Separation of Church and State. Join us for this important and informative talk. In our Meeting Room, Friday, March 31 at 7:15 p.m.
Green Sanctuary Task Force Spring  Clothing   Swap   March 25
      T he Green Sanctuary Task Force encourages all of us to examine our habits of consumption.  What do we buy? Where does it come from? What happens to it when we're finished with it? 
       Each spring and fall, we hold a Clothing Swap to offer an alternative to buying new clothes.  This spring's Swap will be held in Fellowship Hall on Saturday,  March 25   from   10 am until 12 noon   with drop-off starting at   9:30 am
Gathering Letters about Healthcare Reform and the Budget--To Be Mailed March 30      
     Want to send a message to our US senators about healthcare reform? 
     UUs across the country are writing letters on healthcare to their U.S. Senators to be personally hand-delivered to Capitol Hill offices by participants in the April 3-5 conference, "Reversing Inequality: Healthcare Justice is a UU Value." 
     If you would like to write a message on healthcare justice for hand-delivering to Senator Joe Donnelly or Senator Todd Young, please do so this week and bring it to the church during office hours or on Sunday, March 26. We'll mail them all in a big envelope on March 30 and a member of UUs for Social Justice will hand-deliver them to our senators. Questions? Contact David Keppel,  Keppel@sbcglobal.net . Click here for sample letters.

Nominations Open for 25% of Sunday Plate Fund Recipient for 2017-18
Application deadline April 15
     Each year at our June Congregational Meeting, we vote to choose a social justice organization in Bloomington to receive 25% of our Sunday Plate non-pledge offerings for the next year. Members of the congregation are invited to nominate the agency they would like to receive these donations. Since 2006, the amount we have donated annually has exceeded $5,000. For the last four years, we have donated over $9,000 to each of the organizations we selected.  Please click on the link below to get to the application form. Deadline to apply is April 15, 2017. 
http://www.uubloomington.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/SJFC-25-Plate-Application-2017-18.pdf

Macaroni for Shalom Center!
    For the last 3 years, our congregation members and friends have provided macaroni for the meal program at Shalom Community Center. Please remember to pick up a package the next time you go to the store. Collection basket for donations is under the Social Justice table in the Commons.

Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community

Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day March 21
In recognition of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, the Down Syndrome Family Connection invites you to commit a random act of kindness in honor of all people with Down Syndrome. Those participating can take a WDSD17 postcard from the literature rack in the Courtyard Entrance and leave it with the recipient of your act of kindness. Here are some suggested random acts of kindness:  babysit for a friend's kids for free, do odd jobs for an elder, leave a bag of microwave popcorn on a Redbox, buy extra canned goods for the food pantry, tape change to a vending machine, take supplies to the animal shelter, leave bus fare at a bus stop, pick up litter in your neighborhood. www.downsyndromefamilyconnection.org/about-us.html

Being, Bloomington: Being Together March 23, 12 noon
Join us for an hour of quiet reflection for all.
You are invited to make change through your presence in silence with others on Thursday, March 23 at 12:00 noon at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Our silence together will be interspersed with the calming sounds of crystal bowls by Janiece Jaffe. Bring a cushion, yoga mat, prayer rug or simply take a seat. This is a safe place for all people to come together in self-reflection, prayer, or meditation. This opportunity will be repeated on April 11 at noon and also on May 12 at noon.
Sponsored by 5 Inspired Women. Details here.

My Sister's Closet and IU School of Public Health Life Skills Event April 1
A surprisingly fun and healthy life skills event will be held in our Fellowship Hall 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. Lunch buffet with portion control containers (that you get to keep), interesting booths and hands-on health demos, free resistance bands and pedometers for all attendees. Free childcare provided during the event by Americorps volunteers. $10 per person, $5 students. For tickets or info, info@sisterscloset.org.

Let Us Persist: A Collaborative Concert on April 2 at 6:00 p.m.
inspired by Nasty Women and Friends
Local musicians, visual artists, speakers, dancers, and social activists will come together on April 2nd at 6:00 pm here in our Meeting Room for a collaborative concert. In the face of widening chasms in civility, power, and discourse, this concert will encourage our community to directly engage with these social justice issues--both for those who are already actively engaged and for those who might be seeking ways to activate. Music, dance, and poetry will be included. In addition, the evening will afford opportunities to participate in interactive projects such as writing postcards to state representatives, donating to local and national organizations, knitting your own Women's March hat, and developing personalized action plans. Admission is free, with optional donations to various local organizations encouraged, including cash, canned goods, and/or diapers. Join us on April 2.

Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign--
Free Smoke Alarms Available
To reduce fire-related death and injury in the U.S. by 25%, the Red Cross is assisting people with maintenance of their smoke alarms.  To have your current smoke alarms tested, batteries replaced, or to receive free smoke alarms installed, call 1-888-684-1441. Please mention you were made aware of the Home Fire Campaign through Health and Safety training. 
CommUNITY Interfaith Habitat Build
    We are excited to have about 30 Unitarian Universalists
signed up to participate in the frame-up of the upcoming interfaith build  on  March 31 April 1 , and 2, at 520 W. Duncan Dr. We could use a couple  more builders for half-day shifts  on Friday  and  Sunday  mornings. But our
biggest need is for morning snacks and lunch dishes to feed these hungry  builders. Contributions of main dishes, side dishes, fruit, salads,  desserts and drinks, and breakfast items, including bagels, muffins and  granola bars, are needed for at least 50 people each day. If you can help,  contact Barb Berggoetz,  barbberg@bluemarble.net .

Banquet for Benefiting the Interfaith Build at First Presbyterian April 2 at 7:00 p.m.
       We also would like Unitarian Universalists to support the Banquet for  Benefit, a fundraising event on Sunday, April 2 sponsored by the IU Student Muslim  Association, in cooperation with all of the faith communities  participating in the build. The event will be at  7 p.m. Sunday, April 2 at First Presbyterian Church. Excellent catered food, activities, speakers  and musical performances will be provided. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10  for students ($6 for babysitting). All funds will go toward the $70,000  needed for the build. Tickets can be purchased at  tiny.cc/mchabitat The Habitat fundraiser concert here at our church on Friday, February 24 raised $2791 for the Interfaith Build. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all who participated!
UU History for You
Who Was the First Female 
Unitarian Minister?
     Universalist women were accepted into the ministry in the 1850s.  Antoinette Blackwell and Olympia Brown are the most well-known of Universalists who convinced all-male seminaries to accept them and to eventually ordain them.  
     But it was not until 1871 that Celia Burleigh (1826-1875) became the Unitarian minister for Brooklyn, Connecticut, and also the first female minister in Connecticut.   She was born in Cazenovia, New York and had a traumatic upbringing.  She moved to Connecticut where she was a feminist, fought for female suffrage, the right to divorce (she had two), and the right for women to have the same educational opportunities as men.   She adopted the dressing style of a Bloomer Girl.   
     She founded a women's Social Science Club in Brooklyn, New York, when living there with her third husband who was Harbor Master of New York.   Before he died, he urged her to try for the Unitarian ministry because she was such a gifted orator.  She did so and returned to Brooklyn, Connecticut, and applied to become their Unitarian minister.  At her ordination, Julia Ward Howe read a letter of praise from Henry Ward Beecher.  Burleigh said she believed "in the trinity of God, woman, and man bound by love."  She had a short career as a minister, breast cancer forcing her to resign in 1873.
Please Don't Park on the Grass
Please don't park in grassy areas on the church property or on the grass across Fee Lane by the ball diamonds. IU has specifically requested us not to park in the grass on their property because of the damage it causes. Please note we are not allowed to park over there at all if there is a baseball game or softball game in progress. Thanks, Carol Marks, Ch.Admin.
Contact a Minister


Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister,
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 201 and is available by appointment on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. macklin@uubloomington.org


 

Reverend Scott McNeill, our Associate Minister,  
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 209 and is available by appointment on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.   mcneill@uu bloomington.org . He can also be reached on his mobile phone, 703-577-0919 and for after-hours pastoral emergencies, please call him at 812-727-0919.



Reverend Emily Manvel Leite our Minister of Religious Education,  can be reached at 
812-332 -3695, ext. 207  on Weds and Fri mornings.  mre@uubloomington.org    
 

Livestreaming Our Sunday Services  
You can view the livestream of our Sunday services and view archived video from the last few months at this link:    uubloomington.yourstreamlive.com 
Please let us know if you have a problem with the livestream, by emailing Andy Beargie at  media@uubloomington.org It is also helpful if you let Andy know which web browser you are using.
Orion Day 2016
Beacon Young Adult/Campus Ministry
Orion Day, our Young Adult/Campus Ministry Coordinator, can be reached at  beacon@uubloomington.org and keeps office hours at the Indiana Memorial Union Room 577. Stop by and say hello! 

Deeva, Carol, and Monica
Our Administrative Staff
Who Ya Gonna Call? 
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I schedule a room for a church meeting? Call Monica or Deeva at 812-332-3695 ext 204 or office@uubloomington.org
2. How do I reserve space at the church for a non-church meeting? Call Carol at 812-332-3695 ext 200 or admin@uubloomington.org
3. I need to know my pledge balance. Call either of the numbers above: 812-332-3695 ext 200 or 204
4. There is something haywire with the building! Call Carol at 812-332-3695 ext 200 or admin@uubloomington.org
5. I need an appointment with one of the ministers. Contact them directly. See their contact info in above article on this page.
6. How do I get an article about a church event into The Prologue or the Friday UU Update? Send it to admin@uubloomington.org

Church Calendar 
A link to our church calendar can be found on this page of our website. 
Facebook 
Many church events also appear on our Facebook page.
Prologue Publication Schedule 
The Prologue is edited by Carol Marks. The deadline for articles is 10 a.m. on the date of publication, which is the first and third Monday of each month, with exceptions for federal Monday holidays.
Next few issues:  April 3 and 17, May 1 and 15. 
Masthead photo by John Woodcock. Grasses on the north side.
Unitarian Universalist Church