Religious Organizations in Bloomington

By Jay Upshaw jnupshaw@iu.edu

With a diverse range of international students and residents in Bloomington, new students can find a multitude of opportunities to practice their religion close to campus. Whether you practice Judaism, Hinduism, Islam or Chirstianity, the many religious culture centers and organizations around Bloomington have lots to offer any incoming student.

Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center

The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center was founded by Arjia Thubten Lobsang Rinpoche who began studying to be a monk at just eight years old. After fleeing Tibet due to political unrest, Rinpoche settled in Mill Valley, California. In 2006, under direct orders from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Rinpoche became the director of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington, Indiana. He moved to Bloomington in February 2006 and continues his mission to promote Buddhism to this day.

The TMBCC was established by Indiana University Professor Emeritus Thubten J. Norbu in 1979 to acquaint people with the history and culture of Tibet and to support Tibetans everywhere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of workshops, teachings, seminars, initiations, retreats and ceremonies relating to Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhism. The temple strives to foster a cultural exchange between Tibetian Buddhists and the Bloomington community.

Most recently, on July 9th, the temple celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday. The day was packed with smoke puja, long life prayers, present khatas and pot luck lunches. Even on non-holidays, visitors are still highly encouraged to participate in various activities within the temple. On Wednesdays, they have a regular meditation session from 6 to 7 p.m. On Saturdays, they hold a prayer and offer sessions for those who wish to participate at 10 a.m.

St. Thomas Lutheran Church

St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Bloomington is a Lutheran church that is also linked to various ministries located in places such as North Carolina and El Estor, Guatemala. The church’s services are led by Rev. Adrianne Meier every Sunday and at 8:30 am and 10:30 am. Services are also live streamed on their Youtube channel on Sundays at 8:30 AM.

In their mission statement, the church says they “welcome all God’s children to an inclusive community.” The church believes their faith lies more with their actions than their words. Members believe in having many vocations in life and using their time on Earth to help others. For that reason, the group is partnered with many local Bloomington organizations that serve the public such as Bloomington Refugee Support Network and Community Kitchen of Monroe Country.

In addition to the presentations, the church will be hosting a potluck at the Sycamore Shelter at Lower Cascades Park on July 23. At 8:30 am, worship ser- vice will be held at St. Thomas then, at 11 am, the potluck will take place down at Cascades Park.

Bloomington Friends

Bloomington Friends is a part of the national Quaker group, Friend’s General Conference. The group has been meeting since the 1940s. In-person and zoom meetings are available on Sundays at 9:50 am and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. The organization emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in their faith.

Bloomington Friends’ core beliefs revolve around the testimonies that each share that same sentiment of faith and religion being for everyone no matter their background. So, in order to open their religious services up to various other beliefs, Bloomington Friends operates differently from a normal church. This group meets on the basis of a silent meeting, so there are no pastors or leaders for the service. Participants come in and share how they are moved by their faith or belief.

Since Bloomington Friends is reorganizing, their meeting structure, clubs and other gatherings have been delayed for the time being. Peter Burkholder, Bloomington Friends’ Clerk, says Bloomington Friends will be having more events on IU’s campus such as lunch worship meetings. Be on the lookout for the Quaker folk concerts that are held at their meeting house every couple of months.

For more information on religious centers in Bloomington, visit guides.idsnews.com/ religious.