February 9, 2017  |  Vol. 4 No. 6
Spiritual Pit-Stops and Refueling Stations
Rev. Justin Schroeder
I recently came across this reading from Wendell Berry, a poet and author: "Much protest is naive; it expects quick, visible improvement and despairs and gives up when such improvement does not come. Protesters who hold out longer have perhaps understood that success is not the proper goal....Protest that endures, I think, is moved by a hope far more modest than that of public success: namely, the hope of preserving qualities in one's own heart and spirit that would be destroyed by acquiescence."

This quote is sustaining me today; it filled up my inner "gas tank," if you will. It's a reminder that we're in a long game and that by protesting, raising our voices, taking a moral stand, advocating, and working in solidarity with others, we preserve a piece of our own spirit, building a shield around our non-negotiable core convictions.

What "pit-stops" are you visiting? What is filling your tank up these days?

In addition to joining us for Sunday worship, here are additional opportunities to nourish your spirit and "top up your tank:"
  • Join us this Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m. for our Family Friendly Pancake Breakfast. I'll be helping to serve up pancakes. Food and fellowship is never a bad idea!
  • Following the breakfast, you can join thousands of neighbors and members of First Universalist at A Walk of Love for Immigrants and Refugees . The walk begins at noon and starts at City Hall. If you'd like to meet up with others from First Universalist, you can text or call Jeanne Guignon Peppel at 952-270-1931.
  • We are a congregation committed to racial justice and we invite you to deepen your understanding of race, racism, and whiteness. A Conversation for White People Newly Seeking to be Anti-Racist (led by my friend, Shari Seifert) is a great place to start, as is our own Racial Justice Workshop coming up in two weeks. (And if you identify as a Person of Color, you're invited to join our Circle for People of Color; learn more about all of our racial justice efforts here .)
Each of these gatherings provides an opportunity to expand your circle of connection, to sustain your spirit, and to act on your values. This is the recipe for the long haul struggle we're in.

I'll see you in church,
Justin
SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 12, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
New Member Sunday

"Poets, Prophets, and
the Apocalypse
(or: Using Your Moral Power)"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Poets and prophets use metaphor as a means to delve into the deeper meanings of sacred text and the sacred texts of our lives, using language that cuts through the finite to touch the infinite.

A Look Ahead
Sunday, Feb. 19, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Justin Schroeder

Recent Sermon Podcasts
February 5, 2017
"Meeting this Moment"
Rev. Jen Crow
January 29, 2017
"Prophetic Resistance"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
January 22, 2017
"Finding Our Way"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
February Worship Theme: Prophetic Imagination

What is a prophet? A prophet is not a clairvoyant, or a psychic. A prophet is more akin to a namer; someone who is called to look and discern the what of "what is," and name it. The prophet is one who sees the patterns hidden in plain sight. Her measuring stick is not the GDP, but the health and well being of the whole. The prophet is in love with his people, all his people, the oppressed and the privileged. Still, a prophet's questions may feel pointed and abrupt. The prophet asks: Is your God big enough? Is your world picture big enough? A prophet calls forth imagination. This month we explore the imperative of imagination, name the prophets in our midst, and ask where we stand in prophetic imagination.
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
Pancakes & Cartoons
Saturday, Feb. 11, 8-10 a.m., Social Hall
Drop in for a pancake breakfast (gluten free option, too) and stay to hang out and watch classic cartoons! Connect with ministers and other First U members and friends. Members who are new in the past two years are especially encouraged to join us. This event is FREE and all ages are welcome!  Hosted by the First Universalist Pledge Team: Zack Steven, Jane Baudelaire & Jeanne Guignon Peppel.  NO Presentations or "Asks" - just pure fun on a mid-winter Saturday morning!  RSVP requested by this evening (Feb. 9) to Sandy at sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701. 
Informational Event:
Saving Energy and Money at Home
Saturday, Feb. 11, 9:30-10:30 a.m.,
Cummins Room
Learn how to save energy and money from an expert from the Center for Energy and Environment! If your home hasn't been evaluated or it's been 3-5 years since the last audit, we encourage you to sign up. An audit includes a visit by energy consultants who evaluate your home's energy use and recommend ways to save energy. They also install energy efficient products.  This event is sponsored by First U's Environmental Justice Committee. Bring a warm sweater to donate or swap! Register by emailing Betsy Allis at  erallis@aol.com . Or call Betsy with questions at 612-871-6946.
Using Your Moral Power
Sunday, Feb. 12, 1-2 p.m., Cummins Room
Feeling fired up and ready to act? If our current political climate is inspiring you to do something more, but you're unsure exactly how to act or where to put your energy, this hands-on introduction to citizen advocacy will leave you with actionable steps to make your voice heard.  Phone calls, personal letters and in-person visits can be a powerful influence on elected officials. This workshop will take the fear out of connecting with your representatives and embolden you with knowledge about when and how to reach out.  Led by Jeff Freeland Nelson, former federal lobbyist for American Public Media / Minnesota Public Radio and a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Book Discussion: The Underground Railroad
Monday, Feb. 13, 7-8:30 p.m., Cummins Rm
Colson Whitehead's "The Underground Railroad," one of the most acclaimed books of 2016, reimagines the Railroad as an actual labyrinth of tracks and tunnels running underground throughout the South, transporting escaped slaves North. The book has been described by readers as "brilliant," "chilling," "a great adventure story," and a "reanimation of American slave narratives." Join a guided discussion that explores the art and impact of this powerful book.  Listen to an MPR "Talking Volumes" interview with Colson Whitehead here . Please commit to reading the book if you plan to participate.
Daytime Connections: "The Conscious Aging Movement: Sage-ing"
Thursday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m.
A founder of the Conscious Aging movement proposed "a new model of late-life development called sage-ing, a process that enables older people to become spiritually radiant, physically vital, and socially responsible 'elders of the tribe.'" Join us to explore what sage-ing is all about.  Program begins at 11 a.m.; lunch at 1 p.m. A $5-10 donation is encouraged.  RSVP to Sandy DiNanni at sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.  Through  Daytime Connections , older adults empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives.
Workshop: Planning Your Own
Memorial Service
Sundays, Feb. 19 & 26, 1-2:30 p.m.
Give your loved ones a thoughtful gift: your wishes for your memorial service. In this two-session workshop, we will get acquainted with the theology and fundamental elements of a memorial service. After these two sessions (and a significant homework assignment in between), participants will have a plan for their memorial service that will bring peace of mind and open important dialogue with loved ones.  Register here.
Facilitator: Rev. Jen Crow is Executive Minister at First Universalist, where pastoral care is one of her primary responsibilities. Planning and leading memorial services is a great blessing and honor in her ministry.
Kinds of Light: COLOR 
Contemplative Evening Worship Service
Sunday, Feb. 19, 5:30 p.m.
"Kinds of Light: COLOR" is the third service in our 2016-17 Contemplative Evening Worship Series. Join us for a meditative hour of music and poetry for opening the heart and deepening the spirit. Dr. Jerrod Wendland writes: "A ray of light hits an object; it absorbs some frequencies, and reflects back those it cannot take in. Somehow, we've decided that the object "is" the frequencies it cannot absorb. Color is information, but often only about our own way of perceiving things. What does the color of an object really tell us? And what do we absorb from the world, and what do we reflect back at it - and which are we really?"
Senior Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m.
Meet in the parking lot at Boom Island
Join us for our next seniors hike! Meet at 10 a.m. at the Boom Island Parking Lot - on the east side of the Plymouth Ave Bridge turn south into the entrance to Boom Island Park.
This will be a level, 4-mile hike, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours, from Boom Island, around Nicollet Island to Main Street, to the Stone Arch Bridge for views of St Anthony Falls, the Mill Ruins and the closed Upper St Anthony Falls Locks, and back.  RSVP to Pete May, 952-200-4939 or  petemay09@gmail.com .
You're Invited: Capital Campaign Kick Off Party!
You're invited to celebrate the launch of First Universalist Church's capital campaign with a party for all ages! 

Please join us on Saturday, March 11, 5-11 p.m., for dinner & entertainment at Minneapolis Event Centers (212 2nd St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414) as we gather to celebrate all we've accomplished in the past and all that we envision for the future.  Special guests include Revs. John Cummins & Kate Tucker; and we'll enjoy live music by Ann Reed and GiveGetSistet.

It's FREE, family-friendly, and for everyone in our community. We want you with us!
  • Dinner will be provided (including gluten-free and vegetarian options); cash bar.
  • Free ride sign up will be available to make this event as accessible and easy to attend as possible for all.
  • Adults gather in the 1858 Grand Room for fellowship, dinner, music, and dancing.
  • There will be a separate, adjacent space for children and youth, with a kid-friendly buffet, free childcare for children up to age 5 until 9 p.m., and fun, supervised activities and games for school-aged children and youth until 10 p.m.
  • There will be no pledges solicited at this event; it'll be a time of celebration!
RSVP is requested by March 1. Register now!
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Immigration & Refugee Panels at First Universalist
"Build a wall." "Register Muslims." "Deport criminals." "Refuse more refugees."

These are the headlines that have dominated recent public discourse. But for immigrants and refugees residing in the U.S., these issues are just the most recent developments in a long struggle to live freely in a nation that has yet to provide liberty and justice for all.
 
As part of First Universalist's Sanctuary and Resistance movement, we invite you to listen and learn from some of our immigrant and refugee neighbors as they discuss their lived realities in our community and in our country. 

Immigration and Refugee Panels
Friday, Feb. 17 - 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 5 - 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Presented by members of Inquilinxs Unidxs Por Justicia and Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee(MIRAC)

These events are free and childcare is provided with a minimum of seven days' notice.
Fill out the online form.

First Universalist Church will vote on a resolution to become a full sanctuary church on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the mid-year State of the Church meeting. Please consider attending one of these presentations to understand the full impact of sanctuary for those who may be directly affected by the current administration's immigration and refugee policies.
State of the Church Meeting & Sanctuary Church Vote
This year our annual State of the Church meeting, on  Sunday, Feb. 19 at 12:30 p.m, will also be conducted as a Special Meeting of the Members to consider a congregational resolution on becoming a Sanctuary Church. Formal notice of the Special Meeting with the text of a proposed resolution has been emailed to members. In addition, Rev. Schroeder and Board of Trustees President Eric Cooperstein will share updates on the work of our Church, the Church's mid-year budget, the capital campaign, and more! This meeting will be a time to celebrate shared accomplishments and breathe life into our vision of what we can accomplish together in the coming months. Mark your calendars to join us on  Feb. 19!
2017 AUW Speaker Series with Nancy Donoval
The Association of Universalist Women (AUW) invites you to join them for the first in their 2017 AUW Speaker Series:

Nancy Donoval presents:  "No Shame, No Silence: Speaking Up to Stop Sexual Violence"
Friday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. in the Cummins Room. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided.

Stories are the stuff of real life. They rise from a compelling human need to give voice, to name our experience so that we can understand it. Witty, fearless and open-hearted, Nancy Donoval invites audiences to  reduce  stigma, inspire hope and motivate  change .    

With 25 years experience as a professional storyteller, Nancy is a highly respected story coach. Her stories have been heard at the National Storytelling Festival, on Chicago and Minnesota Public Radio, and she does training on  sexual assault awareness & prevention on  college campuses nationally.  In  2010 she was a National Story Slam Champion. Bring your daughters, sons, and grandchildren (age appropriate) to hear Nancy's survivor story.
Final Sunday to View Mother/Daughter Art Exhibit
If you haven't had a chance to take in the art that's been on view in the social hall since early January, this coming Sunday, Feb. 12, is your last chance! Read more about this show.


Racial Justice & Our UU Faith Workshop
Join us for a workshop exploring a framework and tools for understanding race, racism, and whiteness and the spiritual imperative that drives our racial justice work.  This is a two-part workshop offered on Saturdays, Feb. 25 & March 4, from 9-11:30 a.m., and led by Channing McKinley and Emma Paskewitz. Also offered on Saturdays, April 22 & 29, 9-11:30 a.m.  To register, contact Sandy at  Sandy@firstuniv.org  or 612-825-1701. 
Valentine's Day Truffle Sale
The First Universalist Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE) is holding its annual truffle sale in the Social Hall on Sundays, Feb. 12 and 19! These gourmet truffles are handmade with fair trade chocolate by YCE youth and lovingly packaged in decorative gift boxes. 

New this Year: Send a box of truffles to a student at Augsburg Fairview Academy! Include a personal note if you wish, and the YCE youth will deliver your gift of love and truffles to the students. Support two First Universalist Faithful Action programs at the same time!

Flavors: Chocolate with Sea Salt, Mint, Chocolate Toffee and Cappuccino.
Cost: $2.50 each, $10 box of 4, $20 box of 8
Payment: Credit cards, debit cards, cash and check accepted.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
  House Concert with Patsy O'Brien & Dick Hensold
Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m. in Southwest Minneapolis

You're invited to a House Concert at First U member Joanna Lees' house in Southwest Minneapolis on Friday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7) with Patsy O'Brien & Dick Hensold. Wine, water and some delicious nibbles will be served at no further cost. A suggested donation of $20 is requested, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Reservations are required; for reservations and address, email dianeplantehere@yahoo.com.

This is a concert of traditional Celtic music, but with unique and innovative arrangements, including a variety of songs from Britain and Ireland, accompanied by guitar and Northumbrian smallpipes, or various whistles. As well as a broad range of styles of Celtic music, this program also features an impressive range of expression, from the jaunty and humorous to soulful, led by Patsy's warm and multi-hued baritone voice, Dick's variety of pipes and whistles, and the nimble instrumental virtuosity of both musicians. 

Patsy O'Brien, vocals, guitar. Patsy, from County Cork, is a traditional singer, and a superb traditional guitarist, with an eclectic technique that allows forays into different styles. 

Dick Hensold, Northumbrian smallpipes, Scottish reel pipes, whistles and recorder. Dick is an active composer, writing music in the traditional Celtic idiom, and pieces influenced by traditional contrapuntal techniques. He is the director of the First Universalist Folk Band.
NEWS IN BRIEF
  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: Pastoral Care Team
The Pastoral Care Team is a group of congregants who provide confidential pastoral care to friends and members in need of support. We visit people at homes, in hospitals, or at the corner coffee shop. Our goal is to offer compassionate presence to our fellow congregants in the knowledge that this too is a spiritual practice. If you are in need of a Pastoral Care team visit, contact Rev. Jen Crow at jen@firstuniv.org. Learn more 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.
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.
Monday-Thursday  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? 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 . 
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

Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.