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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
Congregation founded 1949 | LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995 | Green Sanctuary since 2007
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Seeking the Spirit | Building Community | Changing the World |
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Join us for online services
Livestreamed on Sunday mornings at 10:15 am
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Sunday, June 6, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
A Season of Weird and Tenderness (Part 2)
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Reverend Macklin will offer more thoughts on this season of weird and tenderness, from Covid to her recent announcement that she will conclude her ministry to the congregation in June of 2022. If you did not see Part 1 last Sunday, please view that worship service here, A Season of Weird and Tenderness (Part 1).
This Sunday’s worship service will also honor many of the rites of passage in our lives, from cradle to grave. Our Time for All Ages will include a recognition and celebration of our congregation’s graduating High School Seniors! We will also have a Social Justice Moment from our End of Life Task Force.
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Sunday, June 13, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
The Role of Play and Humor
Rev. Dave Clements
Adrienne Summerlot
“When was the last time that you really had a good Laugh? When was the last time that you played? Many times, in our lives we forget to laugh or to play and yet we miss out on taking advantage of a wonderful outlet that is designed to increase our creativity, calm our troubled situation and provide us with clarity as we move forward. We invite you to play and laugh with us.
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Early Bird Coffee Hour
Bring your coffee or tea and join us at 9:15 am to relax with friends on Zoom before the service. Click on this link to register for the Early Bird Coffee Hour and receive the Zoom link.
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Connect with our UU Community during Virtual Coffee Hour!
Everyone is welcome to join us after the worship service, until 12:30 pm, for engaging conversation in Virtual Coffee Hour.
-- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Please Make Your Pledge Today!
We are still encouraging everyone who has not already done so to make a financial pledge for the coming fiscal year, July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022.
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Official Notice of Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 4:00 pm
Online on Zoom
This meeting is being announced in accordance with our Bylaws.
We encourage all UUCB members to attend and participate (online) in the June 13, 2021 Congregational Meeting! We will send instructions for how to join the meeting soon.
Included on the agenda at this meeting will be election of Special Purposes Fund (SPF) and Leadership Cultivation Committee (LCC) members, selection of a local helping organization to receive our 25% Sunday Plate Fund for 2021-22, and approval of our budget for 2021-22, as well as a number of reports and updates.
Nominees for Elected Office
Leadership Cultivation Committee: Suzanne Fodor
Special Purposes Fund Committee: Ed Long
Nominees for the 25% Sunday Plate Fund
The Nest at New Hope
Nurse Family Partnerships
Friends of Monroe County Public Library
Budget Information for 2021-22 will be provided on the day of the meeting.
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Our Building is Closed, but Our Hearts are Still Open.
To do our part to disrupt the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19 in our community, our building is likely to remain closed for some months to come. Our Board of Directors will review this decision at each monthly board meeting.
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MAM’s Message
Last Monday, May 24th, we sent out an email message entitled,“Important Letters from Reverend Macklin and The Board”. We did our best to make sure that everyone received this message and I have appreciated the many heart-felt responses to the message that I will be serving this beloved congregation for one more year, concluding in June of 2022. However, no process is perfect and we know some of you did not receive this email message. Click here to read in full: Letter Regarding Reverend Macklin’s Departure.
Also, I addressed aspects of my leave-taking in the Sunday, May 30th worship service which you can view here (Livestream) or here (Facebook). My hope is that you will take time to be with that message if you were not able to join us on Sunday. I will be delivering Part 2 on Sunday, June 6th.
So stay tuned.
Important questions, and even awkward ones, will arise as a result of my departure in a year from now. For instance, you may ask, “What if I am just sad or angry or indifferent that you will be leaving in a year? Your feelings are your feelings. And they are real. As one colleague put it,
“You have a right to your feelings. Grief includes pain, anger, bargaining, shock/denial, acceptance, and hope. You may feel a mix of these things. An old clergy adage says, ‘When it's time to go, a third of the congregation will be very sad; a third of the congregation will be glad; and a third of the congregation won't feel too strongly, either way.’ So, different people feeling different things at different times is all normal and ok.”
We have many clergy and lay leaders available to be with you through this time. We are blessed.
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister
- Email macklin (at) uubloomington.org, Mon, Weds, Thurs. 812-322-0205
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, our Minister of Congregational Life & Religious Education
- Email mre (at) uubloomington.org, Tuesday-Friday.
Reverend Dave Clements, our Interim Minister Consultant
- Email clements (at) uubloomington.org, Tuesday-Friday.
Reverend Barbara Carlson, our Minister Emerita
- Email barbaracarlson5 (at) gmail.com or call 812-822-0243.
Reverend Bill Breeden, our Minister Emeritus
- Email breeden1949 (at) gmail.com or call 812-360-1779.
I keep hearing Wendell Berry’s words in my head and heart; words which I shared in part on Sunday:
Again, again we come and go,
changed, changing. Hands
join, unjoin in love and fear,
grief and joy. The circles turn,
each giving into each, into all.
Only music keeps us here.
Peace, Mary Ann
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Senior Minister
PS And now, let us continue with the ministry of this congregation. Please join me today, June 1st, in starting the 21 Day Racial Justice Challenge. To receive the packet to begin the challenge, send an email to Reverend Dave Clements, clements (at) uubloomington.org.
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Importance of Play
Our theme for the month of June is play. Can you remember the last time that you really played, as an adult? Play has been shown to release endorphins, improve our brain functionality, and stimulate our creativity. Play can even help to keep us young and feeling energetic.
With that in mind, here are three easy ways to get more play in your day.
1. Dance Every Chance You Get
It may sound silly, but inserting dance into your day is a great way to stay (or get) healthy & happy. It doesn't have to be crazy; you just need to let your body move.
2. Set Up A Weekly Games Night
Games have a way of calling forth your creativity, helping you re-discover those lost nuggets of knowledge in the back of your brain, and bringing out the best in people through friendly competition. Games nights take minimal effort, very little time to plan & execute, and they're a lot of fun.
3. Get Up Frequently to Move & Play
Whether you're dancing, playing music, playing games with your family, incorporating a bit of play into your routine will refresh your mind, lift your spirits, and help you connect with others more easily.
In short, routine play simply makes you a better human being.
Now that you know, how will you play today?
Rev Dave
Reverend Dave Clements
Interim Minister Consultant
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Emily's Post
More big changes coming! See the letter that went out this morning to read more about what is emerging for religious education. I am really excited for the congregation about these changes--there is so much possibility in a fresh start, and a new religious educator's perspective will help us make the most of this time as we plan for our multigenerational community to gather once again.
Please know that throughout this change, I will continue to be available to children, youth, families, and to all of you as one of your ministers. I will soon be focusing more on creating rich worship experiences and opportunities for spiritual deepening. And of course, I will be continuing to tell stories for all ages. I hope you'll call on me whenever you are in need. Our shared journey is not ending, but taking a turn into a new way of travelling side by side. I am looking forward to many more adventures together.
With love and expectation,
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Congregational Life and Religious Education
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A Personal and Pastoral Message from Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
I recently received a message from a friend of mine, also a former congregational president and member of our congregation, Chris Clothier, who now lives in Portland, OR. In May, Chris discovered that she is dealing with an aggressive cancer that has metastasized to her lungs. She will begin chemotherapy in a few days. Chris shared with me, “I wanted to let you know as soon as I was ready. Also you are welcome to put anything in the Prologue. Please do let everyone know that I am not planning on responding to phone calls, emails or cards immediately. I have no idea what chemo will be like for me and hope to focus on healing. I do hope to have the energy to respond to folks in time.”
Chris is currently staying with her son and family. She will most likely be there at least to the end of June. Cards are welcome: Chris Clothier, c/o Mikael Clothier, 5603 NE Cesar Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR 97211. Her email is: clothiercs (gmail extension).
Many of us love Chris. May she be in our hearts and prayers. We also hold her sister Sandi Clothier, a member of our congregation, and her family, in our hearts and prayers. (And I love that Mikael lives on Cesar Chavez Blvd; I would expect no less).
Peace, Mary Ann
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You Can Still Join Us --
21-day Racial Justice Challenge June 1-21
Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. has created the 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge with resources to help us create effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of power, privilege, supremacy, and leadership. We will take the challenge from June 1-21, and we encourage everyone to join us! On Sunday, June 27 at 4 pm we will gather on Zoom and share with each other about our experience. To participate, please email Rev. Dave Clements, clements(at)uubloomington.org
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UPDATES
PLAYFUUL Summer
Summer is just around the corner and we invite people of ALL Ages to lean into the healing power of play. Our religious education assistant, Stephanie Kimball will be supporting PLAY this summer. If you would like to join our Intergenerational Play Group, simply complete this quick and easy form and she will send you invitations to gather with others at a nearby park, make connections with UU folks and have fun playing together! If you have an idea of a playful opportunity you
Each One Feed One Food and Hygiene Drive
Starts today and runs through June 13
Monroe County United Ministries needs our help to support the needs in our community. Our church will be a drop-off site, so you can put items at the bins by the Portico entrance; just look for the Each One Feed One signs. Click here for the list of items needed. Visit their website to volunteer to help, set up a collection site in your neighborhood or office. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more ideas on how you can get involved. https://mcum.org/events/
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Are You New Here?
If you are new to our congregation, a very warm welcome to you! This Sunday, June 6, at 2:00 pm you are invited to join in a brief (20-30 minute) online introduction to Unitarian Universalism and this congregation. Just click on this link at 2 PM on Sunday. If you are new to using Zoom, please read these instructions before the meeting. Additionally, here is our online connection form if you are ready to get involved. If you have questions, you are always welcome to email me at connect(at)uubloomington.org or call me at (812) 720-3688. Welcome! -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Meet up with the UUs!
This summer you are invited to attend these wonderful outdoor community events and meet up with other UUs!
Concerts - Look for the "UUs Meet Here!" sign.
Sun., June 27, Cuadros Quartet, Bryan Park, 5:30 p.m.
June 27, Salaam, Bryan Park, 8:30 p.m.
Sun., July 25, Matixando, Bryan Park, 5:30 p.m.
July 25, Skaaholics, Bryan Park, 8:30 p.m.
Fri, Aug 27, Janiece Jaffe, Switchyard Park, main stage, 6 p.m.
Aug 27, Krista Detor, Switchyard Park, main stage, 7:15 p.m
Sun., Sept 19, The Bloomington Community Band and the Bloomington Jazz Orchestra, Switchyard Park, main stage, 6 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Registration is required via Bloomington Parks and Recreation for the events below. Please email connect(at)uubloomington.org to let us know if you plan to attend, so we can connect UU attendees. Also, please email if you need assistance paying the registration fee.
Night Paddle for all ages
Thursday, 6/24 • 8:30–10 p.m. • Register by 6/17 • 240002-B $8/in-city, $9/non-city • For all ages. Griffy Lake Nature Preserve
Just for kids! Slip-n-Foam
Saturday, August 7 1–4 p.m. $5 per person, Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park For ages 3–12 yrs. w/parent. Participate in water-themed games and crafts.
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Exploring Unitarian Universalism Online!
July 11 and July 18
Explore Unitarian Universalism with us online, July 11 and 18, 2-4 pm. Use this link to register These small group gatherings are a great opportunity to learn about the UU Principles, our ministers, the history of this church, all the ways to get involved here, and what it means to be a member of the church. Plan to attend both dates, since different material will be discussed in each session. We request completion of these sessions before becoming a member of the church. Everyone ages 14 to 100+ is welcome! Questions? Email connect(at)uubloomington.org or call (812)720-3688.
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Writing as a Spiritual Practice, Season 4
A Drop-in Group with Rev. Barbara Child
Tuesdays at 1:00 pm
May 11 - June 29 (Join anytime!)
You are invited to join me on a journey of personal exploration through autobiographical writing in community on Zoom. We will meet every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00-2:00, May 11 through June 29.
Please note – there will be no session on May 4.
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To begin with, even if you took part in Season 1, 2, or 3, you need to register for Season 4 by clicking here. You need to register only once and can then attend as many Season 4 sessions after that as you choose. You may register up to a few minutes before a session begins.
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Here is a description of “Writing as a Spiritual Practice” and what happens in our Zoom room on Tuesday afternoons at 1:00.
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25% of Sunday Plate Fund Nominees
Friends of the Monroe County Public Library
The funds would be used by the Friends of the Library to purchase Coretta Scott King award-winning books for K-12 Monroe County Schools, in consultation with Monroe County Public Library (MCPL) and school librarians. Classroom book kits requested by teachers would also be created so all their students can read and discuss books together. Due to budget constraints, a diverse representation of stories by African American authors and illustrators is often not available to students in their schools. Books range from $5 to $25. The Friends will be responsible for monitoring the funds. Click here for details.
New Hope's Early Childhood Care & Education -- The Nest
The New Hope agency is the only agency in Bloomington that houses homeless families with young children. Right now, the agency is in the throes of a major building project and move due to the closing of the current Bloomington Hospital. However, the Homelessness Task Force would like to use the 25% plate contribution to support New Hope’s program The Nest, which is the program for early childhood care and education. The Nest is an Indiana Paths to Quality Level 4 and nationally accredited by the National Association for Family Child Care. Only 6% of licensed family childcare providers in Indiana have received this level of accreditation.
The donation would be for supplies and materials needed to cover the many facets of early childhood care. The children would be more likely to succeed in kindergarten. Most recently, there have been 39 families which include 88 children under the age of 18 in Monroe County. New Hope is the only agency that can meet the needs of all members of these families.
Nurse Family Partnerships
Our Share the Plate funds could have so many uses for Nurse Family Partnership clients. Examples of the "extras" that are needed, but not funded by the grant are: helping with funeral services when an infant doesn't make it; buy required work shoes so a mom could get a job to provide for her child; paying for a mom's teaching license so she could get a job; basic needs like food, clothing and living expenses; bus passes and gas cards....and so much more. The needs are varied and great and these small acts can have lasting positive impacts on mothers and babies. Google "Nurse Family Partnerships," then select Bloomington, and many links will appear to fill in the details for this organization.
The members of our congregation attending the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 13 at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom will have an opportunity to vote on which of these agencies will receive 25% of our Sunday offerings for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
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Pitch in for Shalom
You can drop off donations of pasta/cereal/canned food, coffee/tea, hygiene products, and clothing for Shalom Community Center in the bins marked "Pitch In for Shalom" on the north side of the church under the portico.
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Each One Feed One
Monroe County United Ministries' (MCUM's) biggest food drive of the year will take place during the weekend of June 12 and 13 -- and at UUCB the entire month of June will be devoted to a food drive for MCUM. We are asking you to drop off non-perishable food items and cleaning/hygiene items in the bins marked MCUM by the Portico entrance on the north side of the church. Here is a link to the most needed items. Thank you from UUCB Religious Education and the Hunger Task Force.
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UU/GA June 23-27
Please join other UUs at this year’s GA which will be virtual from Milwaukee. We have room for 12 Delegates. Registration is only $200 and there are many interesting meetings going on. The Ware Lecture will feature Stacey Abrams as well as Desmond Meade. If you wish to attend the Ware Lecture you must register as a delegate. For more info about the General Assembly please see: uua.org/ga. Let us know if you’re interested in being a delegate. Iris Kiesling - irisfkiesling (at) gmail.com
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, June 6, 12:45 pm
The UU Freethinkers bi-weekly meeting creates the opportunity for participants to raise questions and engage in open and non-structured discussion of issues of social, political, and theological/religious concern. Every other Sunday via Zoom at 12:45 pm. To join, contact Harold Ogren or Ann Watzel.
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UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, June 13, 12:45 pm
Every other Sunday at 12:45 pm, our UU Humanists meet together online on Zoom for discussion. On June 13, Bill Baus will lead a discussion on "Housing Equity in Bloomington ." Email Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren if you would like to join the discussion.
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Shambhala Meditation Online on Mondays
Every Monday at noon online, or anytime it's easy, since there are saved sessions, you can join Sarah Flint in this 2500-year-old practice of cultivating peace and inner wisdom. Contact Sarah Flint to join the group in real time. On Facebook at UU Bloomington Meditation.
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Open Mind Zen Online
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Open Mind Zen with Frank Seisho Diaz is currently holding all meetings online. If you'd like to participate, visit openmindzenbloomington.org and reach out via their contact page for more information.
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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
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Spencer Pride Fundraiser Benefits CommUnity Center and Owen Co. Humane Society
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Black Authors Speak 2021
At the Monroe County History Center July 17
On July 17, The Monroe County History Center is creating an outdoor author showcase called Black Authors Speak. The first Black Authors Speak in 2018 hosted a public book fair and panel discussion. For 2021, the event will showcase local writers through short readings and performances. Interested authors and musicians of all ages and genres can reach out to the History Center by emailing Andrea Hadsell at education@monroehistory.org or calling 812-332-2517, ideally by June 12.
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COVID-19 Vaccination News -
Vaccines for Age 12 and Older!
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People age 12 and older in Indiana are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. To make a vaccine appointment, call 211 or visit this website: vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov
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Indiana Department of Health info: coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine
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Standby Waitlist for Unused Vaccinations: Click here for information about joining a standby wait list for possible unused doses of vaccine at the end of a vaccination clinic day.
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Email SCAM Alert
Many of you received an email that appeared to be from Carol Marks asking for help in the form of eBay gift cards. This was yet another phishing scam. Our ministers, staff, and board members or other members will never send you email asking you for any money besides your pledge payment! And never in the form of gift cards.
How to Recognize an Email Phishing Scam:
Is the email impersonating Rev. Macklin or another of our staff or ministers? Are they asking you to purchase gift cards? Wait! Don't do it! We will never send you emails like that. To double check, look at the email address of the sender. Is it from an address at uubloomington.org? If not, that's the second good reason to delete it!
Office Hours, Calendar, Deadlines
Office hours: M-F, 10 am-4 pm (office closed at church, but staff working from home)
The Church Office can be reached via text or voicemail during office hours at 812-287-9615. Email: admin (at) uubloomington.org or office (at) uubloomington.org
The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Next issue is
June 15. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, admin (at) uubloomington.org
Mailing Address
During the pandemic:
UU Church, PO Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158.
(Items mailed to 2120 N. Fee take 3-4 weeks on average to be forwarded by the Postal Service! So please use the PO Box instead of the street address!)
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Membership and Attendance
Membership: 574 certified members as of 2/1/2021;
573 current members.
Attendance
Attendance data is missing, due to recent changes made by our livestreaming service.
Non-Pledge Offering:
May 16: $307 May 23: $94
To make a contribution for the Non-Pledge Offering (Sunday Plate), or to make a payment towards your pledge or the Minister's Discretionary Fund, click on this link to get to our PayPal page: bit.ly/UUCBdonate
Total to be donated (25%) to Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) Compass Early Learning Center and Self-Sufficiency Center: $100.25
Grocery Card Sales: (Bloomingfoods or Fresh Thyme) -- $400; Total income to UUCB: $20.00
Free Money from Kroger!
Fresh Thyme and Bloomingfoods
Grocery Cards Available by Mail
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Did you know that Kroger sends us over $1,600 each year? This is made possible by those of you who participate in Kroger's Community Rewards program. Register your Kroger Plus card online at this link. We received $432.88 from Kroger for the months January through March from this program.
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We are also still selling grocery cards for Bloomingfoods and Fresh Thyme. Click here to see what kind of cards and how many are available. Send your check to the church (UU Church, P. O. Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158) with a note to let us know the type and value of card(s) you want, and we will mail them to you. You do not need to send an envelope. Orders are received in Nashville, but fulfilled in Bloomington. (smiley face)
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Masthead photo by John Woodcock. |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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