 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
March 22, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 12
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Cookies... and Sharing Progress on Our Construction and Renovation Plans this Sunday!
|
 |
|
|
Rev. Jen Crow |
This past Sunday, many of you heard me share a poem by Richard Schiffman, titled, "Smart Cookie." In this poem, the author tells us, with humor, to stop looking for some other cookie or some other life, but to focus on the cookie on our plate, to live the life we have. It can be hard advice to hear, but somehow he delivers it in a way that we can stomach. He writes:
"The fortune that you seek is in another cookie, was my fortune. So I'll be equally frank - the wisdom that you covet is in another poem. The life that you desire is in a different universe. The cookie you are craving is in another jar. The jar is buried somewhere in Tennessee. Don't even think of searching for it....Don't even think of eating that cookie. Be a smart cookie - eat what's on your plate, not in some jar in Tennessee. That's my wisdom for today, though I know it's not what you were looking for."
|
|
|
This Sunday - see what our architects are proposing for improvements to our spaces!
|
Several years ago, we decided that this building, this physical place and space, was our cookie. As a growing congregation with a growing presence in our city, we knew we needed a space that was more welcoming and accessible to all people, more accommodating to community groups that needed a place to gather and plan. We knew we needed more space for religious education for our children and youth and for our small groups, and we knew that there was basic maintenance that we had been neglecting. With all of these needs and hopes, we evaluated our options. We could move to a different space within or beyond the city limits, or we could stay put and invest in this space, bringing it closer to serving the hopes and needs of our church and of our community.
When we weighed all of the options, we decided to stay put, and this building became our cookie. And like all cookies - or buildings or lives - this cookie is a bit of a mixed bag. This building contains its own particular gifts and challenges, and each of us has our own hopes for what this building can be and how it might enable our faith to come even more alive in this world. After multiple listening sessions with the congregation as a whole, and many one-on-one opportunities where we've heard your hopes and feedback, the Building Team is moving forward with our architects developing plans for our upcoming construction and renovation. We hope you'll join us this Sunday, March 25 at 12:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary to learn more about the direction we're heading, and to learn more about the gifts and challenges of this cookie that is on our plate.
In gratitude,
Rev. Jen
|
|
|
| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
|
|
|
| Artists-in-Residence Give Get Sistet |
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, March 25, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Finding Joy in the Narrow Places"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
In this slushy, muddy, cloudy turning from winter to spring, how might we "practice" joy? What lifelines are available to us during times of spiritual deadness and exhaustion? Join us for a morning of reflection and joyful singing with Give Get Sistet.
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, April 1, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Easter Sunday, Multigenerational Worship
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Recent Sermon Podcasts
March 18, 2018
"Wrestling the Angel"
Rev. Jen Crow
March 11, 2018
"Body of Joy"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
March 4, 2018
"Finding Joy in Unexpected Places"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Congregational Meeting with the Architects
Sunday, March 25, 12:45 p.m.
After taking additional time to explore a design direction that hadn't previously been thought possible, we are excited to invite you to our rescheduled congregational meeting with the architects to review design ideas for our renovations and construction. Please join us for this meeting in the sanctuary after the second service - the meeting will begin with short presentation by the architects, who will share the preferred design direction, followed by time for questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Workshop: The Aging Brain and Maintaining a Meaningful Life
Sunday, March 25, 1-2:30 p.m.
Maintaining a meaningful life is a powerful antidote to an aging brain.
This workshop is for anyone who is interested in gaining a better understanding of the cognitive changes that may occur as the brain ages and strategies for continuing a rich and meaningful life even in the midst of this challenge. Presented by Carol Stephens, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Read more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering in Gratitude:
Community Dinner & Family-Friendly Fellowship
Wednesday, April 18, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a community enchilada dinner, fellowship, and family-friendly fun (including a bouncy house!) in celebration of our community, and in gratitude for your generosity and timely response to our annual giving campaign! All gifts AND responses will be entered into a drawing that evening for one of several cash gift cards. If you haven't responded before April 18, bring your completed giving card to the event to receive your entry into the drawing. Annual giving packets (with cards) that weren't picked up will be mailed tomorrow, so watch for yours early next week!
|
Springtime Spiritual Deepening: Join a Soul Matters Group
Thursdays, April 19, 26, May 17, 31, June 14 and 28, 7-8:30 p.m.
Ready to deepen your experience of
Sunday
services? Bring our monthly worship themes into your everyday life by joining a Soul Matters group. This circle of 8-10 people, led by Jane Jordan, will reflect on themes of forgiveness, creativity, and more. The group meets on Thursdays, April 19, 26, May 17, 31, and June 14, 28 from 7-8:30pm. All are welcome.
Register here by April 10.
|
All In: Sharing Why We Give
First U Members Dick Rueter and Ray Dillon |
First Universalist members
Dick Rueter and Ray Dillon write:
|
|
|
Ray Dillon and Dick Rueter |
We love everything about First Universalist, but we're going to mention the sermons first. Over and over, we have been stirred to our core, informed by poets and stories we would never have heard of anywhere else, and called to a more adventurous and active pushing of our own boundaries. It's marvelous to think that the whole congregation is experiencing the same sermons and is responding in similar ways.
The other part that stands out for us is the people. You have welcomed us whole-heartedly into the life of the church and into your own lives. You have shared your painful insights and bared your souls in calls to worship, in spiritual practice circles, and in frank conversations. You inspire us. Together we are all building the trusted community, the only force that can make a significant impact in this world.
We can see the difference that First Universalist has made in our lives. We blush to say it, but we can tell that we are more awake than we were two years ago. We think you probably are, too. This church has been a great gift to us, so it's natural to want to give back. Standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, we want to be the shoulders for the people who come after.
|
| UU Youth Participating in March for Our Lives 3/24 |
|
|
|
Sign for the march made by one of our youth. |
This Saturday March 24, our Senior High youth will participate in the March for Our Lives to advocate for stronger gun laws. The march will begin at Harriet Island in Saint Paul and end at the capitol building.
Senior High youth and families recently received an email with information about where Unitarian Universalist youth in the Twin Cities will be meeting prior to the march.
We would love to see the faces of adult allies along the march route or at the capitol for the rally following the march!
|
| Calling All Graduating Seniors! |
First Universalist wants to recognize and support all our graduating seniors as they leave high school and enter into a new chapter in their lives.
There are several special events coming up in April and May, including a two-session Graduating Senior Community Circle, a Senior Brunch and Bridging Ritual that families are invited to attend, and a simple moment of recognition in front of the congregation during the Youth Sunday service.
Please take a look at the details and sign up for one, two, or all three opportunities here:
Graduating Senior Recognition Events
|
|
New Art Exhibit: Quilts by Gail Hanson
|
 On display in the Social Hall from March 25 - April 22 is a selection of quilts by First Universalist member Gail Hanson. Gail has been quilting for almost 25 years, beginning with quilts for their then-recently-built log cabin. Since then, she has made over 200 quilts, distributed to family, friends and charities. Gail will be available to talk about her work after both services at an Artist's Reception on Sunday, April 8.
|
| First Universalist Church Needs You! |
The Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for leadership positions on the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board for the next church year. Our congregation is full of untapped talent and wisdom. We encourage you to step forward at this exciting time as we continue to build on the positive energy and growth of our congregation. You will have unique opportunities to deepen and enrich your personal connection to the church while broadening your circle of relationships within our spiritual community.
|
|
|
Christa Anders |
Leadership Spotlight on Christa Anders
When asked what she enjoys about being in a leadership role at church, Christa Anders says:
"I am in my second term as Secretary for the Board of Trustees. I like to think that by capturing the discussions and decisions of the Board meetings that I am like a policy governance Mary Oliver. OK, just kidding!
I enjoy this work because I am surrounded by deeply thoughtful and insightful people who believe, like me, that the seemingly mundane and nitty-gritty work of monitoring our Governance Policy Handbook, approving a budget and working together with the ministers of First Universalist is, indeed, holy work."
Apply to be on the Board of Trustees or Foundation Board!
Board of Trustees: Trustees partner with the congregation and professional staff in shaping the vision and long-term goals of the church. They articulate these aspirations through policy and collaborate with the Senior Minister to see they are fulfilled.
Foundation Board:
The Foundation Board supports and awards grants to exciting nonprofit organizations whose values and efforts dovetail with our church's values of racial justice and progressive social change.
Requirements, Application and Information: To qualify for any of these positions, you must be a member in good standing of the church. Elections occur at the Annual Meeting in June. Go
online to view more detailed position descriptions and apply.
Applications are due April 2.
Contact the Nominating Committee to learn more:
nomination@firstuniv.org.
|
Looking for a way to be involved at church but don't have time for a big commitment? Join the Sunday usher team!
Openings:
1st Sundays of the month (both services),
3rd Sundays (late service), and
4th Sundays (early service).
|
|
Forum on Immigration & Sanctuary Churches and Cities
|
First Universalist's Sanctuary & Resistance team and Project Minnesota/León (PML) are hosting a Spring Forum on Immigration and Sanctuary Churches & Cities. Join us for coffee, dessert and dialogue on Saturday, April 14, 6:30-8 p.m. at First Universalist Church.
We will host two speakers:
Alison Griffith, an immigration attorney at the Advocates for Human Rights who handles asylum cases, and Tammi Thompson, ISAIAH Sanctuary Church organizer.
This event is free and open to the public, but donations to support PML's community development work will be accepted.
Find more information
here
or contact Emily at
emily.mn.leon@gmail.com
or Gordon at:
gloery945@gmail.com
.
To learn more about the reasons people emigrate from Central America, and about sanctuary churches and cities, consider traveling to Nicaragua this summer with Rev. Ralph Baumgartner, Lutheran pastor and PML Board member. Details at: www.mn-leon.org.
|
|
Legislative Action Gathering: One Powerful Hour
|
First Universalist will host one of three Legislative Action gatherings on Sunday, April 15, 3-4 p.m., where we will:
- Meet with local legislators to tell them that affordable housing is a priority for us
- Voice our support for the push by the MN Homes for All Coalition to get $140 million in the state bonding bill (specifically designated for 4,600 affordable homes in MN)
- Put our collective energy and faith into action to help ensure all people have a home
 This event is held in partnership with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. All collaborative congregations are invited to these gatherings. We'd love to have a great turnout from First Universalist members. Register
here.
April 15 doesn't work? Consider joining one of the other Legislative Action gatherings in Plymouth (April 10) or Chaska, (April 22).
More information.
|
|
Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat
|
T
he AUW (Association of Universalist Women) Spring Retreat is April 13-15. It will be held at Koinonia Retreat Center in South Haven, MN. The Retreat theme is "Living Our Values" and keynote speaker is Rev. Kelli Clement! For information about the sessions and to register, visit the AUW website.
You can also register in person at the AUW kiosk in the Social Hall after each service. NEW THIS YEAR at the Retreat - a Talent Show! Those not performing can play a supportive role as an enthusiastic audience member. If you have questions, contact Janet Merrill at 612-354-2743 or janetmerrill@comcast.net.
|
| Support Planned Parenthood on Good Friday |
Every year on Good Friday, thousands of anti-Planned Parenthood protesters descend on the Planned Parenthood clinic at Vandalia St. in St. Paul.
They can have their protest. We're going to have a rally!
Join Planned Parenthood supporters beginning at 10 a.m. to stand in solidarity and celebration as we proudly show the world that Planned Parenthood is here for good.
The Association of Universalist Women has organized a bus to take people to the rally on Friday, March 30.
The bus will load at 9:15 a.m. at the First Universalist Church parking lot
and take participants to Planned Parenthood in Saint Paul. Parking around the clinic is very limited.
We will reload the bus at 12:30 p.m. to return to First Universalist.
It is FREE to ride the bus and t
here is no sign-up. Just show up before 9:15 a.m. on March 30!
For more info, contact Val Garber, 651-224-2334, or
valeriejgarber@yahoo.com.
|
|
Simpson Housing Services Needs Tutors and Mentors
|
Simpson Housing, one of our Faithful Action Partners, has a need for mentors for middle school students and reading tutors for elementary school students. These kids are the children of families involved in Simpson Housing's subsidized housing programs. Simpson realizes that routes out of poverty involve stable housing, education and caring adults in children's lives. If you would be interested in volunteering in either of these programs or simply want to learn more about them, Simpson is offering an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. RSVP for this meeting and fill out a volunteer application here!
|
| Common Ground Meditation Center + First Universalist Connection Meeting |
If you attend both First Universalist and Common Ground Meditation Center please join us for a second informal gathering on Sunday, April 15. Meet in room 202 at 12:30 p.m. (if church goes late, we will adapt). We will start with a 15 minute sit, do introductions and talk about how our meditation practice influences our Unitarian Faith and vice versa. In addition, let's address how we might continue these meetings in the future.
|
|
|
Arts/Literary Trip to Nicaragua this summer
Do you love art, literature, poetry and writing? Join UU Literary Minister Rev. Karen Hering on an Arts/Literary trip to Nicaragua this summer! The trip will include time for reflection and writing - writers and non-writers are welcome. Project Minnesota/León is organizing the trip (this non-profit has facilitated our church's Youth Cultural Exchange for over 15 years).
Experience Nicaraguan arts, literature, history, music, food, and daily life in the city of León, the nation's intellectual center. Visit the birthplace of world-renowned poet Ruben Dario, the father of Modernism (a Spanish language literary and cultural movement) and enjoy activities at the Festival Azul Dario, celebrating his life and work. Together, we will wonder about the many ways the arts help us to understand who we are and provide bridges connecting cultures and people. For more information, visit: mn-leon.org/. Registration due April 11.
If you have questions or want to register, contact: emily.mn.leon@gmail.com.
|
|
|
| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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-Thursdays
8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
