January 12, 2017  |  Vol. 4 No. 2
Step Out of the Cold and Into Community
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
A place where you are known.
A place that values deep listening.
A place that invites you to respond to the big questions of our lives and of this historical moment.
 
This winter, step out of the cold and into a community of deep inquiry: join a circle!
 
In these times of so much change and uncertainty, we need each other and we need to locate our spiritual grounding. At First Universalist, we offer this through our circles, groups of 8-10 people who gather with a trained facilitator for deep listening and reflection from the heart. We offer a number of different opportunities. Which might be right for you?
  • Community Circles offer an opportunity to reflect more deeply on our monthly worship themes through reflecting on the sermons and readings from Sunday services. We offer groups that are open to everyone, as well as for shared identities, such as young adults, people of color, and parents.
  • Spiritual Deepening Circles explore a particular topic or spiritual practice together, such as Talking About Race and Racism With Kids and Chi-Gung.
  • Newcomer Circles offer an opportunity to learn more about our liberal faith tradition, reflect on our spiritual journeys, and connect with others who are also getting to know First Universalist.
  • Care Circles are small groups that gather with a trained leader for companionship and comfort during life's more challenging chapters. This winter, we are offering a grief group, caregivers group, and a workshop on planning your own memorial service.
Circle registration is open through Tuesday, Jan. 24. Space is limited. To register, head to http://firstucircles.weebly.com or sign up in the social hall this Sunday or on Sunday, Jan. 22. For more information, contact me, Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink, at Elaine@firstuniv.org.

I'll see you in Church,
Elaine
SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

Worship this Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 15, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Youth-friendly Worship*
"A Living Sanctuary"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
"Sanctuary" is a religious concept that goes all the way back to the Hebrew Scriptures. After leaving Egypt, the Hebrew people are instructed to create "sanctuary cities," cities of refuge, for those in need, for those being persecuted, and those without a safe home. In the 1980s many churches around the country, including First Universalist, became "Sanctuary Churches," offering protection to political refugees from Central America. We are living in a time when the idea of sanctuary is more important than ever, as many are feeling fearful and vulnerable. On this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday, we'll explore what it means for our faith community to be a living sanctuary.  
* 6th-12th grades attend the entire service.
P.S. There will be a surprise waiting for you on the chancel this Sunday!
A Look Ahead
Sunday, Jan. 22, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Finding Our Way"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink


Please note: the contemplative evening worship service that was scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 29 has been moved to Sunday, March 26. The next contemplative service is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 19.

Recent Sermon Podcasts
January 8, 2017
Remembrance Sunday
Rev. Jen Crow

January 1, 2017
Singing Sunday
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink

December 18, 2016
"With-ness"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Musical Guests this Sunday: Dean Magraw Band
Eric Kamau Gravatt and Dean Magraw
Join us this Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday with a message of hope and songs of resistance past and present. We will be blessed with the music of some world class musicians: Dean Magraw (guitar), Eric Kamau Gravatt (drummer), and James Anton (bass). Come and be a part of a Sunday in which we honor wisdom teachers of resistance and tell our own story of social justice past and future. 


Dean Magraw is a consummate guitarist, playing with wit and soulful abandon. A performer like no other, he is part-comedian, part-philosopher and all-around musical genius. Transcending genre, he has performed with a cornucopia of collaborators from jazz organist Jack McDuff to folk icon Greg Brown , traditional Irish supergroup Altan to classical violinist Nigel Kennedy.

Eric Kamau Gravatt is an American musician, educator and world-renowned drummer and percussionist. A Philadelphia native, he has played with world-class jazz artists and toured internationally since the 1970s. 

Jim Anton is an award winning bassist, composer and educator living in the Twin Cities. He is currently touring with A&M recording artist Jonny Lang. He has also performed and recorded with Peter Ostrushko, Steve Tibbetts, The Jayhawks, John Gorka, Mandy Moore, and Har Mar Superstar. Jim has shared the stage playing bass with Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Indigo Girls, and Paul Westerberg, among many others.
January Worship Theme: Cloud of Witnesses
"Do you see what this means- surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, such a community of ancestors that have paved the way, cheering us on? It means we better get on with it. Strip down. Throw off every burden. No extra spiritual fat, that keeps us from moving (Hebrews 12:1)." Ancestors bless and burden us with legacy. They tell us why we are here and why being here right now matters. In this month, we explore where we come from, whose are we, and where we find ourselves in the sacred arc of history.
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
"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. 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.
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.
MN Women's March Poster Making Party
Thursday, Jan. 19, 5-7:30 p.m.
Get ready for the Minnesota (or D.C.) March! Join us in the Social Hall on  Thursday, Jan. 19 to make posters for the march. We'll have some poster board and markers. Stop in to make a poster or stay for a bit of food. Volunteers are bringing something to keep your energy up. Poster making supplies and more food are always welcome, but we want to make this easy. Just want to sit and knit a hat for the march? Come on down too! 
Winter Warm-Up Dance Party
Saturday, Jan. 21, 7:30-10 p.m.
  Join us 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. 
Senior Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.
Meet at: Longfellow Grill (map)
Join us on the next Senior Nature Hike for an opportunity to catch some great winter views of the Mississippi River canyon. We'll hike for approximately two hours along West and East River Parkways and over both the Marshall Avenue and Ford Avenue bridges. This will be more of an urban rather than our usual woodsy hike this month as we seek less icy conditions under foot.  For those  so inclined we will meet at the Longfellow Grill  for warmth, hydration, sustenance, and convivial conversation  after we hike. T o participate, RSVP to Tom Saterstrom:  saterstromtom@yahoo.com or
 952-239-3629.
A Good Time for the Truth: 3 Minnesotans of Color Share Their Stories
Friday, Jan. 27, 6:45 p.m.
Despite Minnesota's reputation as a national leader in progressive policies, it has some of the worst racial disparities in the country.
Contributing authors of  " A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota " Taiyon J. Coleman, Bao Phi, and Rodrigo Sanchez-Chavarria will read from their personal essays and engage with audience members in a Q&A period. First Universalist member Lena K. Gardner is our host for the evening and will moderate the panel discussion.  This event is free and childcare is provided with a minimum of seven days' notice. Request childcare here. Find complete event details on our website.
Co-sponsored by White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, MUUSJA, and the Kaleo Center.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank You to Our Lend-A-Hand Volunteers
Last week, our Lend A Hand volunteer group put together new signs for the parking lot. The signs designate our parking lot for use by people with limited mobility, small children and visitors so that our church is welcoming and accessible to all  on Sunday  mornings. Thank you to Lend A Hand for all their help with this and many other projects! 

Lend A Hand is a group of volunteers who help care for our building and grounds. They meet the first  Thursday of each month from  9:30 a.m. to noon. Please email Sandy at  sandy@firstuniv.org if you'd like to sign up to help!
Visionary Goals Refresh
In 2012, as part of the development of the Church's governance documents, the Board adopted four Visionary Goals as the focal points for the execution of our mission and vision. From these Visionary Goals, the Board also adopted a strategic plan. This fall the Board reviewed the Visionary Goals based on the results of the annual congregational survey and the Rainbow Research report on racial justice work at First Universalist. At its October meeting, the Board approved draft revisions to the Visionary Goals, to be made available to the congregation for consideration and comment. The Board will consider all comments and approval of the revised goals at its first meeting after the State of the Church meeting (likely in February). The draft revised Visionary Goals may be found on our website. Comments may be sent to boardchair@firstuniv.org
Artists' Reception this Sunday
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. Learn more about the exhibit and the artists on our website. There will be an Artists' Reception in the Social Hall after services this Sunday, Jan. 15.

Jenna and Sue are inviting people to add names of women who have inspired and nurtured them to an installation in their 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.
First Universalist Foundation
Seeks Nominations for Grant Requests

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.
Habitat Build Dates for Winter 2017
Come help us and see how rewarding it is to help a family find the stability of home! 

First Universalist supports monthly single day build events for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity the second Thursday of each month.

Upcoming build dates are: February 9 and March 9. 
You can sign up at the Information Kiosk in the social hall after any service or online
Donating Sunday Flowers
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. 

Check your 2017 calendar and contact Visual Arts Flower Chair Dick Rueter at dick.rueter49@usinternet.com to reserve your date.
NEWS IN BRIEF
  Church Office Closed Monday, Jan. 16
Please note that the church office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 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 Care Team.
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
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
  Pottery and Ceramic Artists: A Call for Bowls
Donation of food-safe, handmade bowls can help local youth. Donated bowls will be filled with soup at Kingfield Neighborhood Association's annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on Feb. 9 to benefit Nicollet Square - a safe, affordable, and supportive housing option for youth (16-21) who have experienced homelessness or aged out of foster care. 

Donations can be dropped off at the ColorWheel Gallery on 319 W. 46th St., Mpls (46th and Grand) before Feb. 1. Contact Tammy Ortegon (612-823-5693) for hours. Include business cards or other ways for us to promote your art at this event.  Need more info or for us to pick up larger donation? Contact Sarah Linnes-Robinson, sarah@kingfield.org , 612-791-7081.  Thank you!   - Kingfield Neighborhood Association ( www.kingfield.org)
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
Closed Monday, Jan. 16
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The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg. Past issues, publication 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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