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January 5, 2017 | Vol. 4 No. 1
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Remembrance Sunday:
Creating an Altar of Memory Together |
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Rev. Justin Schroeder |
Nearly a thousand years ago, Judah Halevi, a Spanish Jewish physician, poet, and philosopher, wrote, "Tis a fearful thing to love what death can touch. To love, to hope, to dream, and oh, to lose."
This Sunday is "Remembrance Sunday," a time to reflect on our losses over the past year and to honor those who have died.
It is also an opportunity to mark other significant losses in our lives, such as a separation or divorce, saying goodbye to friends who've moved away, the passing of an animal companion, or the loss of a home, job, or familiar school community.
Join us on Sunday, Jan. 8 (services are at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.) for Remembrance Sunday. We'll enjoy music by Give Get Sistet and Dr. Jerrod Wendland.
You're invited to bring to the service a photo or memento
of loved ones, and together we'll build an altar in their memory.
Together, we will remember, name, and turn toward the New Year, knowing we are surrounded by a loving cloud of witnesses.
I'll see you in Church,
Justin
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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Sunday, Jan. 8, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Remembrance Sunday
Rev. Jen Crow
Remembrance Sunday is a time to reflect on our losses over the past year and to honor those we love who have died. It is also an opportunity to mark other significant losses in the life of your family, such as a separation or divorce, saying goodbye to friends who've moved away, the passing of an animal companion, or the loss of a home, job or familiar school community.
We'll enjoy music by Give Get Sistet. You're invited to bring a photo or memento of loved ones you are remembering to the sanctuary for our shared altar that Sunday morning.
All children and youth attend the first part of worship with their families before being excused to their Religious Education classes.
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Sunday, Jan. 15, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Dr. King Sunday
Youth-friendly worship
Rev. Justin Schroeder
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| January Worship Theme: Cloud of Witnesses |
Recent Sermon Podcasts
January 1, 2017
Singing Sunday
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
December 18, 2016
"With-ness"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
December 11, 2016
"Joy in the Midst of It All"
Rev. Justin Schroeder & Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
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| Musical Guests this Sunday: Give Get Sistet |
The
Give Get Sistet
is an expandable improvisational chorus of women based in the Twin Cities with ties around the world. Using a cappella singing and vocal improvisation, the
Give Get Sistet
entertains, educates and empowers audiences and communities from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures.
These women listen deeply and sing with great generosity and daring; the music they make is unlike any other ensemble you've heard. Learn more on their website.
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Newcomer Circle
Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18, 25, and Feb. 1,
7-8:30 p.m., Room 203
Are you new to First Universalist? Whether you are a recent visitor or a new member, you're invited to join a Newcomer Circle. These four-session gatherings of 6-10 newcomers offer a chance to explore core Unitarian Universalist values, reflect on our spiritual journeys, and connect with other folks who are new to church. As with all of our Circles, this group is grounded in attentive listening and open-hearted reflection. Registration is required; you can sign up at the Information table in the social hall, or by emailing Sandy@FirstUniv.org.
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"Doctrine of Discovery" Film Screening
Saturday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m., Cummins Room
Join us for a screening of the film, "The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code" with film director Sheldon Wolfchild of 38 Plus 2 Productions on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Cummins Room. The film tells the story of how little-known Vatican documents of the 15th century resulted in a tragic global momentum of domination and dehumanization, illustrating ways in which papal bulls and royal claims of Christian domination infuse our daily lives today.
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Daytime Connections: "Use It or Lose It"
Thursday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join us for a light-hearted approach to fitness hosted by Dennis Haskin with UU friends - Roberta Haskin, Peter May, Pat Gottschalk and Sal Valdovinos. Includes biking, yoga and weighted hula-hoops plus a pledge to take action!
$5-10 donation for lunch. To RSVP or resolve transportation issues, 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.
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Winter Warm-Up Dance Party
Saturday, Jan. 21, 7:30-10 p.m.
Join us Saturday night, Jan. 21, for our third annual Winter Warm-up! This is a live-music event perfect for dancing the night way. Beverages will be available for purchase; light snacks are included in the ticket price.
Come out and help warm-up the social hall at our first fundraiser of the year. Admission is $15 but no one will be turned away based on ability to pay, and if your budget allows it, consider paying more to support others. Tickets can be purchased in advance, but will also be available at the door.
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| "A Good Time for the Truth": Three Minnesotans of Color Share Their Stories on Friday, Jan. 27 |
Despite Minnesota's reputation as a national leader in progressive policies and its renown as a place to live "The Good Life," the state has some of the worst racial disparities in the country. Sun Yun Shin's book, "
A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota
," confronts these inherent contradictions and inequities through the voices of sixteen writers who explore and expose their lived realities as people of color in Minnesota.
Join us on
Friday, Jan. 27 starting at 6:45 p.m. as contributing authors Taiyon J. Coleman, Bao Phi, and Rodrigo Sanchez-Chavarria read from their personal essays and engage with audience members in a Question & Answer period. First Universalist member Lena K. Gardner is our host for the evening and will moderate the panel discussion.
Lena is a Collaborative Organizer with Black Lives Matter Minneapolis, the Unitarian Universalist Standing on the Side of Love campaign, and co-founder of the Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism organizing collective.
SCHEDULE:
6:45 p.m.: Beginning in Song
7-8 p.m.: Readings and Conversation with the Authors
8-8:30 p.m.: Q & A
Light refreshments will be served in the Social Hall following the Q&A.
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis is offering this event out of its commitment to racial justice through intensive education and training on the historical and current impacts of systemic racism and white privilege.
This event is free to the public and childcare is also provided with a minimum of seven days' notice. To request childcare, fill out the
online form.
Books will be available for purchase at the event.
This event is co-sponsored by White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, and the Kaleo Center.
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Take the Bus with Us to the
Women's March in Minnesota on January 21 |
On Saturday, Jan. 21, the day after the inauguration, we've arranged for buses to take a group to St. Paul for the Women's March in Minnesota!
Meet at First Universalist Church at 8:45 a.m. We'll g
ather in the sanctuary for singing, introductions, and important information. Buses will leave from the First Universalist Church parking lot at 9:45 a.m., and will arrive at St. Paul College by 10:30 a.m., where we'll gather with other UUs and march to the Minnesota State Capitol together.
All are welcome, including people of all gender identities and children.
Suggested donation: $10 per individual, $20 per family. Larger donations welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds. To reserve your seat on the bus, please register through the Eventbrite page here.
As Unitarian Universalists, we believe in the power of love, the imperative to dismantle systems of oppression, the worth and dignity of every human being, and our fundamental interconnection with all existence. In support of these values
, we join with our siblings from around the state to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore. The March will send a bold message to our new government on their first day in office, and to the world, that women's rights are human rights.
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| Sign Up for Circles Beginning Sunday, Jan. 8 |
 This winter, we invite you to grow your soul and find your community within the larger community here at church by joining a circle. Whether you're ready to engage in a spiritual practice or deepen your racial justice work, there is something for you!
Circles are groups of 8-10 committed participants who come together with a trained leader to nurture spiritual growth in community. These groups are grounded in the spiritual practices of deep listening and
open-hearted reflection.
Don't miss your chance to sign up!
Registration will be open from
January 8-24 online at
firstucircles.weebly.com
and on Sundays,
January 8, 15, and 22 in the Social Hall.
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"Mama, Can You Make Me Cocoa & Apple Slices"
A Mother/Daughter Art Show Jan. 1 - Feb. 12 |
A new mother/daughter art show on view in the Social Hall through Feb. 12 features the work of two artists: Sue Peploe and her daughter Jenna Courtney. There will be an Artists' Reception in the Social Hall after services on Sunday, Jan. 15.
Artist Sue Peploe says: "Cocoa and apple slices is a tradition we've kept since Jen was a child. The making of it is a symbol of our relationship. Nurturing each other is not always easy but I realize more and more it's what keeps Jen and I close. On an even larger level than cups of cocoa, Jen and I have become kindred spirits through the practice of art making. Jen has seen me making art since she was young and recently she graduated from Luther with a Fine Art/Art Education degree. A common theme Jen and I have expressed in art is the nurturing power of women. We want to dedicate our show to honoring past and present women in our lives. Our hope is that we can support each other through these difficult times. We want to also invite you to share stories, poems, and images of women that inspire and nurture you."
Jenna and Sue are inviting people to add names of women who have inspired and nurtured them to an installation in their Mother/Daughter show. There will be leaves in a basket to write names to add to willow and osier branches to honor women in our lives. This is also meant to be a way to support each other on the upcoming Women's Marches being held throughout the country the day after the inauguration of our next president.
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First Universalist Foundation
Seeks Nominations for Grant Requests
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The First Universalist Foundation Board is currently accepting nominations from congregants and senior high youth. If you are engaged with a non-profit doing work that fits our mission, we hope you will consider leading up a nomination! At this time, we are particularly interested in proposals that address human rights at risk. We are also interested in organizations whose leadership includes people of color, women, or other underrepresented groups.
Mission Statement: First Universalist Foundation acts as a catalyst for social change by promoting and supporting the development of emerging leaders, youth, young adults, and/or disenfranchised communities through monetary grants to nonprofits working in those communities.
Giving Criteria: The Foundation will place a high priority on projects that :
1) demonstrate the potential to ameliorate one or more causes of injustice,
2) work to engage emerging leaders, youth, young adults, and / or disenfranchised communities in the work of social change, 3) have goals, a plan to achieve them, and a commitment to measure success for the purpose of improvement, and 4) are focused on the Twin Cities community.
Learn more about the foundation.
To submit a nomination, please fill out the online Nomination Form.
The nomination deadline is January 31, 2017.
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| Habitat Build Dates for Winter 2017 |
First Universalist is supporting three single day build events for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity this winter. They are the second Thursday of each month, January through March.
Those dates are: January 12, February 9, and March 9, 2017.
You can sign up at the Information Kiosk in the social hall after any service or online.
Come help us and see how rewarding it is to help a family find the stability of home!
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 If you have a special occasion or individual you would like to honor, consider donating a Sunday flower arrangement.
A Visual Arts Member will consult with you, arrange your flowers, and the flowers will be yours after the services.
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Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
Our hearts are with the friends and family of Peg Peterson, whose memorial service will be held at church on Saturday,
Jan.7 at 11 a.m
. Peg is the daughter of long-time church member, Jean Peterson.
Our hearts are with Tina Wade and her family on the death of Tina's father,
Alfred Eugene Wade.
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 Care Team.
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Congregational Care: Need a Ride?
Need a Ride? We can help with at least two weeks' notice. Contact Anne McBean at 612-388-0660 or mcbea001@yahoo.com if you need help with a ride or would like to offer a ride to a congregant. Learn more about Congregational care on our website.
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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.
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| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
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Join Our Mailing List
Subscribe to
The Weekly Liberal
here.
Sign up to receive our weekly Children Youth & Family Ministries news
here.
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Church Office Hours
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Sundays
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
Closed Monday, Jan. 16
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit news!
Do you have an announcement that you'd like published in
The Weekly Liberal? Please 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, publication deadlines, and policies can be found on our
website
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Contact Us
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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
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