November 2, 2017  |  Vol. 4 No. 44
What Do You Trust? 
Rev. Justin Schroeder
It's good to be back in the office after a two month sabbatical! I am grateful for the time away and especially grateful for the staff who covered for me in my absence.

I am particularly delighted that our worship theme this month is "Sources of Trust." Through I didn't name it as such, it turns out that I spent a good deal of my sabbatical time exploring the question: "What do I trust?" There are many answers to this question, but the one that keeps rising to the surface is this:

Much of my work right now, as a 42 year old white male, is to learn to more deeply trust my body and its experiences in this world; I am learning to trust and listen to my emotions, my feelings, even my tears, in new and different ways. Sometimes this trust looks like simply crying when I am moved by a feeling or an experience. Instead of feeling constricted or holding back the tears, I let them come. Sometimes this trust looks like feeling something I haven't given myself permission to feel - but when I do feel it, uncomfortable as it is, I sense that things are shifting in my life and spirit is moving through me in new and vital ways. I find this to be especially true as I discover in my body what it means to be racialized as a "white" person, and all of the ways that has impacted me. So much of my life is often lived in my head; now, in addition to trusting my intellect, I'm learning to trust my body and its wisdom.

I'm curious: what do you trust most deeply? What are your sources of trust, of faith? How do you rebuild or restore trust when it has been broken?

During November, we'll be exploring these questions and many more in our worship services. Join us!

I'll see you in church,
Justin
SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

November Worship Theme: Sources of Trust
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 5, 9:30 & 11:15  a.m.
Sharing Sunday*
"Building Blocks of Life"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
We know that DNA is the essential building block for all of life. But more than just DNA is needed to build a fruitful, healthy, and vibrant human life. Trust is a critical building block, a foundation upon which we can build a life strong enough to carry us through heartbreak and setback. As we begin our "Sources of Trust" sermon series, we will wonder together: In what do you place your trust? What holds you when there seems to be nothing to hold on to? In a world that can feel untrustworthy, what are your sources of trust? *Children 4 years to 5th grade attend the first part of worship with their families.
A Look Ahead
Sunday, Nov. 12, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"An Honest Look"
Rev. Jen Crow

Sunday, Nov. 19, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Musical Guests: Give Get Sistet


Recent Sermon Podcasts
October 29, 2017
Resisting White Supremacy Teach-In 2
"10 Commandments of 
Challenging White Supremacy"
Rev. Ashley Horan

October 22, 2017
"Being Hope"
Rev. Jen Crow

October 15, 2017
"Luminous Depths"
Rev. Kate Tucker
Daylight Saving Time Ends This Sunday

Don't forget to "Fall Back" this weekend!  Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 a.m. 

Set your clocks back before bed on Saturday to get that extra hour of sleep and make sure you're not an hour early to church.  See you on Sunday!
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
Racial Justice and Our UU Faith Workshop
Sundays, Nov. 5 & 12, 12:30-3 p.m.
Racial Justice and Our UU Faith workshops are one way we put our commitment to anti-racism work into action, inviting participants to create a learning space together - with curiosity, compassion for ourselves and each other, and humility. Recognizing we have all been miseducated about race, we discuss the history and social creation of race in the USA, the power dynamics behind racism and privilege, and explore whiteness - all grounded in the fact that our Unitarian Universalist principles call on us to confront and redirect the trajectory of these histories directly.  This two-part workshop will be led by Susan Schultz and Pam Berry.  To register, email Sandy at Sandy@firstuniv.org.
Open Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, Nov. 9, 6:30-8 p.m.
Did you know that there is a labyrinth in our social hall? Each month from September through May, we offer an Open Labyrinth Walk from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. You are welcome to arrive any time between 6:30 and 8 p.m., depending on how long you wish to be on the Labyrinth. Walk at your own pace, and stay as long or short as you like. Allow at least 15 minutes for a full fast walk. A member of the Labyrinth Circle will be available to answer questions and offer guidance. For more information, contact: Ann Hobbs, 763-546-3337 or g.annhobbs@gmail.com.
Schematic Design Idea Review Meetings with the Architects
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 19, 12:45-2 p.m.
Join us for one of two opportunities to meet with our architects from Miller Dunwiddie and review schematic design ideas for our renovations and construction: Wednesday, Nov. 15 between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. or Sunday, Nov. 19 between 12:45 and 2 p.m. Arrive at any point within those time frames: the meetings will be conducted open-house style and the architects will offer a couple of short, informal presentations on the initial plans. Preliminary drawings of concept plan options will be mounted and available for your perusal and input.
Daytime Connections: Sharing Our Stories
Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.
Church elders share stories to remember who we are, share our wisdom and change the world. That's why there's a new initiative at church called "Collecting Our Legacy Stories" with a goal to hear and document all our stories (60 so far). Learn about the project from First U Daytimers, Janet Merrill, Dick Kain and Kathy Coskran.  Program begins at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 1 p.m. A $5-10 donation for lunch is encouraged. Registration is requested: contact Sandy at  sandy@firstuniv.org  or 612-825-1701.  Through  Daytime Connections , older adults at First Universalist empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Get Connected this Sunday: Complete Your Volunteer Profile and Participate in Our Raffle
We have just completed a capital campaign to make improvements to our church home; now we're about to initiate a "human capital campaign" to better support our mission by facilitating our congregants' desire to invest their time on issues that help them Give, Receive, and Grow. We will be kicking off this initiative on Sunday, Nov. 5 by asking you to complete a volunteer profile listing your passions, skills, and availability. 

Everyone who completes a Volunteer Profile either in paper form at church on Sunday or online will be entered into a raffle for tickets to the Penumbra and Mixed Blood Theatres. 

A photographer will also be on hand in the social hall after services to take photos for the online church directory - make sure you take advantage of this opportunity! 

We Invite You to Be More "Connected"
Increasingly in all parts of our life, we rely on the internet and social media to quickly and easily purchase items, connect with others, schedule events, answer questions, and more. In most parts of our life, we are connected!

In our "Connected Church" at My First U, you can now:
  • Access our church member directory (with individual photos included)
  • Check the church calendar for upcoming meetings
  • Request meeting space and see which spaces are available
  • Track your church involvement history (pledges, leadership, and group participation)
  • Indicate where you prefer to invest your volunteer time
  • Complete these transactions via an app on your smartphone
We Invite You to Share Your Volunteer Preferences
We often wish to invest our time on issues we feel passionate about; however, we often juggle a variety of challenges, and our available time for volunteering can be limited. Additionally, when time is available, it may only be when we have childcare, it may be just at night or on weekends, or it may only be in situations where an entire family can participate.  

Please take 5-10 minutes to complete either an online volunteer profile or a hard copy version in our Sunday Order of Service that lists your time constraints, the issues you feel passionate about, and the skills you prefer to utilize. This will enable you to more easily connect to opportunities that are personally satisfying, while also expanding the impact First Universalist has in our community. With this profile on file:
  • You can independently search online for church volunteer opportunities that match your availability, passion, and skills.
  • Volunteer leaders can reach out to you if your profile availability, passion, and skills match an upcoming volunteer opportunity.
  • You can edit your own profile any time your circumstances or preferences change.  
For questions visit our "Connected Church" table on Sundays in the Social Hall.
Pre-K through 5th Graders Learn About
Caring for Earth's Creatures (with Special Guests!)
After joining their families for the first part of worship this Sunday, Pre-K through 5th grade Religious Education classes will return to their classrooms for their second Justice  Sunday, focusing on the topic Caring for Earth's Creatures. Together, they will learn about how what we do can impact other living things, focusing on rescue dogs, and why it's important to show them care and consideration. 

Specifically, they will be learning about No Dog Left Behind (NDLB), a local non-profit, foster-based dog rescue. NDLB is run by volunteers and relies completely on donations. Volunteer foster families open their homes to dogs in need and provide love and care until dogs are adopted. NDLB rescue dogs come from overcrowded shelters, owner surrenders, and local animal control.  

PreK through 5th graders will also have special visitors to their classrooms. Rescue dogs from No Dog Left Behind that are available for adoption will be here! Each foster dog will be here with their foster parent and has been chosen to attend because they are good with people of all ages. The kids will have a chance to hear about each dog and to interact with the dogs if they want to.  

After the service, everyone is welcome to meet the dogs; they will be in the Chalice Room and in Rooms 105, 202, 204, and 208. Perhaps you will meet your newest family member!

Meera Kannan, our new Young Children's Program Assistant, is a Foster Coordinator with NDLB and would love to tell you more about the rescue and how you can help, whether by donating supplies or signing up to be a foster family. Also, Meera loves helping people find their new furry family member, so if you are looking to adopt, please reach out to her as well!
Marnita's Table: A Unique Approach to
Bridging Gaps Across Difference
"It was impossible to get a conversation going, everybody was talking too much." 
- Yogi Berra.
 
Marnita's Table, the nonprofit organization selected as the recipient of our 2017 Holiday Giving project, has a unique approach to bridging the barriers between people and fostering authentic conversation. It starts with food - lots of it. Over a shared meal, conversation naturally flows more freely. 

But there's much more to the "intentional social interactions" that are the core of the organization's work. As Marnita's Table declares on its website:

We bring people together across race, class, culture, and other means of self-identity to find common ground on important public policy issues. We create spaces for the unheard to find voice and foster connections across systems to better respond to inequities across healthcare, education, and social justice by providing the tools and environment for people to connect and collaborate more effectively across difference. Importantly, this means that we seek to ensure that ALL stakeholders are included in the conversations that affect them. There's always room for another seat at the table.

Since 2005 Marnita's Table has reached almost 40,000 people, catalyzing new relationships and driving positive social change. In 2018 there will be opportunities for First Universalist members to participate in events and training led by Marnita's Table. In particular, our gift will help support DecisionPoint! 2018, a day-long "unconference" that will bring together faith communities, law enforcement, legal professionals, social workers, youth, and families for a deep dive into the criminal justice system and issues that affect youth directly.

Watch for more information about Marnita's Table and the Holiday Giving project on the church website, in future editions of The Weekly Liberal, and at upcoming post-service social hours. If you have questions, contact the Holiday Giving team at holidaygiving@firstuniv.org .
Habitat for Humanity Work Days: Nov. 9 & Dec. 14
First Universalist has two more Habitat for Humanity work days this fall/winter, and we'd love to have you on the crew! The dates are Thursday,  Nov. 9   and  Thursday,  Dec. 14.  

Volunteers must be at least sixteen years of age, and sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The work day is from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., and lunch will be provided. 

Worried that you don't know much about building and using tools? No worries! Your fellow volunteers and the Habitat site supervisor are there to help you. 
First Universalist Young Adults Group: Pizza Lunch
Join the First Universalist Young Adults group for lunch at Pizza Lucé on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 12:45 p.m. The group will walk over to Pizza Luce (at 32nd St. & Lyndale Ave. S.) from church after the second service (about 12:30 p.m.). 

The First Universalist Young Adults group is for folks roughly 18 to 35 who are interested in getting together for events and social activities. 

First U Co-Sponsoring "Seeing the Racial Water" with Dr. Robin DiAngelo, 11/18 at Unity Church-Unitarian
First Universalist is co-sponsoring a workshop with Dr. Robin DiAngelo that will take place at Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul on Saturday, Nov. 18, 1-4 p.m. Dr. DiAngelo will describe the way race shapes the lives of white people, explain what makes racism so hard for white people to see, and identify common white racial patterns that prevent us from moving towards greater racial equity. Although the focus is on white racial identity development, people of color may also find the analysis valuable as it is one that is rarely affirmed or provided in mainstream society. Join the Facebook event for this workshop here.

Dr. Robin DiAngelo is a two-time winner of the Student's Choice Award for Educator of the Year from the University of Washington. Her scholarship is in White Racial Identity and Race Relations. She has numerous publications and books, including, "What Does it Mean to be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy." Her work on White Fragility has influenced the national dialogue on race and been featured in Alternet, Salon, NPR, PBS, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, and Colorlines.

Thanks to sponsors, THIS EVENT IS FREE! Sponsors include Unity Church-Unitarian, First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, White Bear UU Church, United Theological Seminary, Kaleo Center, and MUUSJA.
NEWS IN BRIEF      
Global Gift Fair to Be Held on Sunday, Nov. 26
This year's Global Gift Fair will be held on Sunday, Nov. 26 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Social Hall. As in the past, we have invited the participation of those organizations/vendors with which we have deep connections. This is your chance to one-stop shop for gifts that are reasonably priced and whose profits benefit our larger community. Read about this year's vendors here. Join us in this annual favorite!
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.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
In This Place: What Makes a Place Holy?
Oct. 27 - Dec. 3, 2017, The Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, Wisc. 

In This Place is a multi-faceted exhibition exploring the question "What makes a place holy?" Its focus is on the lands of the Qur'an, the Torah, and the Bible, from ancient times to the present, and on the multiplicity of ways people experience these places as holy. The artists come from three religious traditions: Hend Al-Mansour is Muslim, Susan Armington is Christian, and Sylvia Horwitz is Jewish. Learn more about the exhibit and related programming here.
RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION
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Church Office Hours
Sundays  8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday-Thursday  8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
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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
For staff contact information, please visit our Ministers and Staff page.
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408

612-825-1701

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