 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
January 11, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 2
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| $22K for Marnita's Table! |
 |
|
|
Rev. Justin Schroeder |
We are happy to share that the Holiday Giving Project has raised
$22,476.33
so far for Marnita's Table! Although the holidays are over, you can still donate by
online payment
or by check (payable to "First Universalist Church" with "Holiday Giving" on the memo line). We'll present our collective gift to Marnita's Table at a Sunday service in February.
What's next? Although the fundraising phase will conclude soon, we intend to sustain and grow the church's relationship with Marnita's Table
. Hosting an IZI (Intentional Social Interaction) program at our church is one proposed activity. A small planning group is forming to generate ideas and move them forward.
Please join us as we shape this promising new collaboration. Contact Lukas Udstuen (
Lukas.Udstuen@gmail.com
) or Rev. Justin Schroeder (
Justin@firstuniv.org
) to express your interest. Watch this space for updates as plans develop!
In faith,
The Holiday Giving Team and
Rev. Justin Schroeder
|
| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
|
|
|
|
Detail:
Anahita, Danami, and Roya
, 2017, by Leslie Barlow
|
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 14, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Youth-friendly Worship*
Rev. Justin Schroeder
What's at the heart of any movement for justice? What can ground us in our desire to see a transformed world? Drawing on the wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Adrienne Maree Brown, and artist Leslie Barlow, we'll explore these questions as we dig into our worship theme of "Loving."
*Grades 6-12 join their families in worship.
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, Jan. 21, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Musical Guests: Give Get Sistet
Recent Sermon Podcasts
January 7, 2018
"Why Is Grief Important Now?"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
December 31, 2017
"Hope Sings"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
December 24, 2017
"Wisdom of the Four-Leggeds"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
December 17, 2017
"A New Work Is Come"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January Worship Theme: Loving |
This month, we are inspired by the work of Leslie Barlow, a young artist who has taken the art scene in the Twin Cities by storm. In her series of paintings called Loving, Ms. Barlow uses the Supreme Court ruling of 1967 against anti-miscegenation (or anti interracial marriage) laws, as the launching pad for her study of family, challenging perceived family normalcy and the lack of representation of diverse family dynamics. Her series invites us into the extraordinary of ordinary love in all different kinds and variety of families. This month we explore Loving. The people we love. The variety of families from which we were born, and the big-hearted call to Love found in the very DNA of our family of faith.
|
|
|
|
|
Faith Delegate/Caucus Training
Saturday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join with other Minnesotans of faith to transform our state politics in 2018.
ISAIAH
leaders and their partner organization, Faith in Minnesota, have come together to develop a 2018 Faith Agenda, which represents shared social justice values and proposed policy priorities.
The first step is faithful participation in our civic life through caucusing on Feb. 6. Join us for a Faith Delegate training on Jan. 13.
Faith Delegates are leaders who are committed to put racial and economic justice at the heart of our politics by bringing our faith agenda into public decisions through caucuses and party conventions in 2018. Learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
Young Adults Group: Service Project
Saturday, Jan. 13, noon-2 p.m.
Join up with other young people in their 20s and 30s to nurture the spirit, enjoy good company, and have fun! Join the group on Facebook for up-to-date information. The Young Adults group meets on Saturday, Jan. 13, noon-2 p.m. at church to work on a service project. Hang out with some great people, help around the facility with deep cleaning or painting, eat treats, and stick around to play some games! Come for a bit or stay the whole time. Contact Richard via email (RichardLopez229@gmail.com) with any questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Artist's Reception with Leslie Barlow
Sunday, Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Paintings by artist Leslie Barlow are on view in the sanctuary and social hall gallery January 7 through February 4. Leslie will be in the social hall to talk about her work after both services on Sunday, Jan. 14. Join us for an artist's reception to meet the artist and learn more about her and her work!
Using personal experiences as a mixed-race woman living in Minnesota as the foundation for her artwork, her paintings uplift marginalized stories and investigate the politics of representation, race, "otherness," and identity.
Learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daytime Connections:
Writing an Ethical Will
Thursday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Leaving an ethical will is a spiritual gift to others. It's also a gift to the writer who, in the midst of life, gets to clarify life values and lessons, allowing us to be known by others. We invite you to bring a personal notebook or journal for writing and a small keepsake to help spark life memories and insights. Led by First U member and legacy facilitator, Judy Young.
Program begins at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 1 p.m. A $5-10 donation for lunch is encouraged. Register by January 14 with Sandy at
sandy@firstuniv.org
or 612-825-1701.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Start 2018 on the right foot and break the cabin fever from our early January arctic cold snap by joining us for our next Senior hike!
Meet at Long Meadow Lake Unit/Bass Ponds at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge,
2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, 55425.
The group will hike for 1.5-2 hours depending on weather. The hiking route will offer cutoff opportunities to shorten the hike as desired. The route is fairly flat, but consider bringing hiking poles and ice spikes for your footwear to improve traction and safety. RSVP to Tom Saterstrom (cell: 952-239-3629 or saterstromtom@yahoo.com).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pathway to Membership Class
Tuesdays, Jan. 30 & Feb. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
If First Universalist is feeling like your spiritual home, if our mission moves you, then we hope you'll take part in the
Pathway to Membership
! Joining First Universalist is a symbolic, spiritual act of saying "yes" to growing your soul in this place, with these people, within our free faith tradition. This new member class is a great chance to build community, explore Unitarian Universalism and our church's unique history, and learn how to get involved. In the final session, participants are invited to sign the membership book and officially join the congregation.
This class is offered as a two-part series on
Tuesdays, Jan. 30 and Feb. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Sign up by emailing Sandy at
sandy@firstuniv.org
or calling 612-825-1701.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Universalist Foundation
Supports Immigration Justice Efforts |
On the evening of Friday, Jan. 5, the community of Oak Grove Mobile Home Park came together at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Brighton after a string of arrests and deportations.
One of the residents and community leaders, Sandra, stated, "The goal for this vigil is to come out of the shadows, tell our stories of abuse, denounce injustice and demand our rights as humans. We are demanding justice for the welfare of our children."
The organizing work for this community grew out of the Women and Youth Resistance Circles project, which is funded from a grant from The First Universalist Foundation. Immigrant women directly impacted by the terror of the immigration system came together in circle meetings to build power and take collective action against the injustice of a system that tears families apart. This case, which is one of so many, resulted in the detention of 13 people, and the deportation of 5, all from this park. The work of Sanctuary and Resistance is ongoing and the Oak Grove residents, New Brighton faith community, and community partners from Sembrando Poder, come together weekly to continue to fight together and heal together. The First Universalist community supports this ongoing struggle for justice. To support the work of Sanctuary and Resistance at First Universalist donate
here
. For questions about the Oak Grove struggle, contact Heidi Romanish:
hromanish@gmail.com.
|
Registration Now Open for
Winter Circles and Adult Programming |
 Enrich your spiritual life by joining a Circle and/or taking part in various learning opportunities at church this winter! Circles are groups of 8-10 committed participants who come together with a trained leader to nurture spiritual growth in community. Additionally, a wide variety of racial justice learning opportunities, from Spiritual Deepening Circles to workshops to book discussions and film screenings, are being offered this winter, as well as monthly programming for older adults (Daytime Connections) and young adults. Information about all of these offerings is now available online at firstuniversalistchurch.org and firstucircles.weebly.com and in Adult Programming Catalogs that are available to pick up at church. You may view a pdf of the catalog here. Registration for Circles is now open online at firstucircles.weebly.com through Sunday, Jan. 21.
|
| Leslie Barlow Art on View Jan. 7 - Feb. 4 |
Paintings by artist Leslie Barlow will be on display in the sanctuary and social hall gallery
January 7 - February 4
.
Primarily an oil painter, Leslie's work explores complex social issues like race, multiculturalism, "otherness," and identity
. She investigates these through the use of the personal, revealing her own experiences as a mixed-race woman living in Minnesota. Her works often depict family, friends, and people in her community to reflect the subtle and not-so-subtle integrations of these ideas into individual lives and identities.
Many of the paintings which are on display at our church are from Leslie's Loving series. These paintings have gained wide recognition. In 2017, Leslie received a Foundation Award in the Minnesota State Fair Juried Exhibition for a large oil painting from this series. She has appeared in TPT's Minnesota Original, on the Minnesota Monthly Magazine's list of "Best New Art 2016," and was selected as "Artist of the Year" for 2016 in City Pages. In 2016 she was commissioned by the Minnesota Vikings to create six portrait paintings of iconic Vikings players.
Leslie will be available to talk about her work after both services this Sunday, Jan. 14. Don't miss this opportunity to meet her and learn more!
|
|
This Sunday Only: Photography by Grace Teeters on View
|
Congregant Grace Teeters has a small photography exhibit, simply entitled "Women," on display in the social hall this Sunday, Jan. 14 only. T
he exhibit
is part of an IB Program independent study for Grace, who is a student at Central High in St. Paul. The project is also for her own personal expansion as an artist.
The display is a small selection of seven different women with stories they chose to share. She wanted to capture the raw expression of women in her photos, accompanied by any stories that they wanted to tell her.
She uses black and white film photography. The lack of color allows for a certain depth to be seen in the photos and aids in looking for real emotion.
|
| Time Sensitive Survey on Affordable Housing/Shelter and Racial Inequities |
A note from Joan Naymark from the Faithful Action Council:
We are excited that Governor Dayton created a Housing Task Force! This Task Force will make recommendations on homeownership, rental housing, and housing stability and opportunity in Minnesota. Please weigh in on the need for more affordable housing/shelter opportunities. This is our opportunity to address decades of racial bias in housing by completing this Task Force survey before January 17.
|
| Donations for Augsburg Fairview Academy |
Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) is a public charter high school offering a welcoming and supportive environment for students who have faced educational, economic, and racial barriers to achieve in the past. AFA is one of our six Faithful Action Community Partners, and First Universalist is the primary support for their Hope and Food Closets. Donations are needed throughout the school year.
Donations for Hope Clothing Closet:
men's and women's winter jackets (black or dark colors preferred, size M, L, X-L); winter hats, scarves, and gloves; hoodies; jeans for men and women; men's and women's underwear and socks. Clothing should be clean, teen appropriate, and in good repair.
Donations for Hope Food Closet:
single serving microwavable soups, mac & cheese, stews; fruit cups (mandarins are favorite); granola bars; trail mix; nuts. Toiletries: toothpaste and toothbrushes; men's and women's deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner; lotions; chapstick; condoms; sanitary products. Ethnic hair products highly desired.
Bring items to the information desk in the social hall on Sundays or leave them on the shelves labeled AFA by 34th St. entrance. Thank you for your generosity!
|
| Rumi and Islam: Insights for Our Time |
|
|
|
Dr. Alan Godlas
|
You are invited to a free special presentation by Dr. Alan Godlas, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Georgia and a lifelong practitioner of Islamic Sufism, on Friday, Jan. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Cummins Room at First Universalist Church. Dr. Godlas speaks and translates poetry and writings from the original Arabic, Persian, and Turkish. In his teaching, he combines his knowledge of religion and spirituality with humor, compassion, commitment to Unity, and deep gratitude in order to further our understanding of ourselves as humans and as spiritual beings who are beloved by the One who created and sustains us. He is also known by his Sufi name, 'Abd al-Haqq,' meaning Servant of the Truth.
First Universalist Church is hosting this Friday evening program, which is
jointly sponsored by the Minnesota Shadhiliyya Sufi Community and the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning at the University of St. Thomas. This presentation is the prelude to a weekend-long workshop, January 20-21, at Sufi Center Minnesota in Bloomington, entitled "Rumi and Finding Spiritual Guidance in Dystopian America." All are invited! Details about the Friday presentation and weekend workshop is available at www.suficentermn.org.
The Minnesota Shadhiliyya Sufi Community invites you to join us as we walk the Sufi way of spiritual realization. Our teachings consist of centuries old formulas for helping the wayfarer travel through the stations of the self, the heart, the soul and the secret. All are welcome regardless of race, color or religion. Sufism is a path of attraction, not conversion. Come and find out whether the attraction of your heart is calling you.
|
|
|
| Church Office Closed January 15 |
Please note that the church office and building will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
|
|
Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
|
Let Us Keep You in Our Thoughts and Prayers
If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, or celebrating a joy, please let us know. To be included in our Cycle of Life each Sunday in worship, contact Sandy DiNanni at
sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701. If you would like support, call the office at 612-825-1701 or contact any member of our
Pastoral Visitors Team.
|
|
Congregational Care: Caring Corner
Write a note to a congregant who could use support! There are cards available in the library, which is located off of the Social Hall. You are welcome to stop by and write a card at any time. Just leave it in the basket and the church will mail it for you. Learn more about congregational care on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
Planned Giving & the Heritage Circle
Please let us know
when you designate First Universalist Church as a beneficiary in your will or estate plan so we can thank you for your generous commitment and welcome you to the Heritage Circle. The church office and the Planned Giving Committee can help you. Learn more on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Building Heart Connections: Unity Church Men's Retreat
Saturday, Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul
The Unity Men's Retreat, "Building Heart Connections," will explore some of the emotional and spiritual opportunities our lives give us to exercise courage in building and maintaining relationships with ourselves and with others in our lives.
Jose Santos, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Metropolitan State University, will begin the conversation at this day-long men's retreat by speaking on his research and exploration of what it means to be male in today's society. Those ideas will be expanded upon through your choice of four workshops exploring specific aspects of this journey: Courageous Communications, Shame and Blame, Intimacy, and Spiritual Practice.
The retreat will wrap up with an intergenerational panel of men providing their perspectives on what it means to be male in today's world.
Arif Mamdani, a First U member who is currently doing his ministerial internship at Unity, is one of the organizers of the Men's Retreat.
Get complete details and registration information
here
.
|
Mental Health Mondays
Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community host a monthly mental health presentation with varying topics/speakers on the second Monday of every month. A light supper is served at 5:45 p.m. followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend! No registration necessary. More info.
|
| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
|
|
Join Our Mailing List
Subscribe to
The Weekly Liberal
here.
Sign up to receive our weekly Children Youth & Family Ministries news
here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Church Office Hours
|
Sundays
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays
10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tuesdays 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
Closed Monday, Jan. 15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit news!
Do you have an announcement that you'd like published in
The Weekly Liberal? Fill out our
online submission form. Edits for length and/or content may occur.
The Weekly Liberal
is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg. Past issues, deadlines, and policies can be found on our
website
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contact Us
|
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
