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February 23, 2017 | Vol. 4 No. 8
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Kicking Off Our Capital Campaign with a Party on March 11
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Campaign Steering Committee
Co-Chairs Sofi Ali and Dan Berg |
Dear Church,
Our Capital Campaign Kickoff Party is happening at Minneapolis Event Centers on Saturday, March 11 from 5-11 p.m. - just a little more than two weeks from now - and we want you to join us!
Get the real low-down on the party below and register today.
Myth: it costs money to attend
Truth: It is FREE, just RSVP by March 1 HERE!
Myth: we are spending $100,000 on the party (yes, this is a rumor we've actually heard!)
Truth: we are spending a small fraction of that number and it is within the approved campaign budget.
Myth: it is only for adults
Truth: It is for everyone; there are kids activities, childcare, and cool areas for teens to hang out.
Myth: you will be asked for your campaign pledge at the party
Truth: No, no soliciting allowed!
So what is going to happen at this party and why are we even having a party?
This is a chance for our congregation to be together in one space and celebrate our common values and hopes for the future. The location is fabulous!
- We will: have food, entertainment and each other.
- We will: have performances by Ann Reed and Give Get Sistet
- We will: be joined by Reverends Emeriti Kate Tucker and John Cummins
- We will: reveal at the party how much has been raised in phase one of the campaign.
The Capital Campaign Steering Committee is very excited for this celebratory evening and for you to join us; in the end, it has always been and always will be the people at First Universalist that make this our spiritual home.
We hope we will see you at this fun, free, fabulous, festive event.
Sofi Ali and Dan Berg,
Co-chairs, First Universalist Church Capital Campaign
Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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Sunday, Feb. 26, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"The Day of Religion"
Imam Makram El-Amin
Our guest preacher is Makram El-Amin, imam at Masjid An-Nur in Minneapolis. Imam Makram El-Amin's commitment to service and civic leadership has made him a pillar in the Minneapolis community. As imam of the historic Masjid An-Nur, he's led a growing, culturally diverse congregation in his hometown to the forefront of interfaith dialogue and neighborhood outreach.
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Sunday, March 5, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Sharing Sunday
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Recent Sermon Podcasts
February 19, 2017
"The Way It Is"
Rev. Jen Crow
February 12, 2017
"Poets, Prophets, and the Apocalypse (Or: Using Your Moral Power)"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
February 5, 2017
"Meeting this Moment"
Rev. Jen Crow
January 29, 2017
"Prophetic Resistance"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
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This Tuesday, Feb. 28: Moving Through Heavy-Heartedness: a Ritual to Name, Transform, and Hope
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Need help finding clarity and a way forward in this new political landscape?
These troubling times have most of us feeling some kind of heavy-heartedness, which makes seeing the way forward difficult. We know our nervous systems react to tumult and trauma with alarm and anxiety, or depression and hopelessness. But there is a third way, a middle zone which is called the zone of connection, or the window of tolerance. Here we are able to feel what we feel, staying connected and conscious, and move forward with resilience and resolve.
Join us
Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. as we come together as people of faith, using our principles and connection with each other to help us develop the window of tolerance, and move into our lives with open hearts.
Our ritual/service will be led by church members, Patrick Dougherty, Bobby Gillespie, Richard Spratt, Patsy Egan, Revs. Justin Schroeder and Ruth MacKenzie, Jerrod Wendland, Franco Holder, and members of the First Universalist Choir.
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Artist's Reception for Richard Birger
Sunday, Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
This Sunday, we'll host a reception for photographer Richard Birger, whose work is currently on display in the social hall. About the exhibit, the artist says:
"As I was assembling this exhibit, it occurred to me that if there is a theme emerging it seems to be about engagement or conflict. Many of the images are from recent political demonstrations here in Minnesota, while other images are from my career in natural resource management. Part seems to be about the complexities of people versus people, the other part is about the intricacies of people and nature." Learn more.
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Immigration & Refugee Panel
Sunday, March 5, 1-2:30 p.m.
As part of our 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.
Presented by members of Inquilinxs Unidxs Por Justicia and Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC).
This event is free and childcare is provided with a minimum of seven days' notice. To request childcare, fill out the
online form
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A Good Time for the Truth Book Discussion
Thursday, March 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
In this provocative book, sixteen writers provide a range of perspectives on what it is like to live as a person of color in Minnesota. They bring us generously into experiences that we must understand if we are to come together in real relationships. The discussion will cover all essays in the book "
A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota."
This is a drop-in event, and discussion will be led by Suzanne Hay and Margaret Manderfield.
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Marital First Responders Training
Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Do people confide in you? Marital First Responders is a training program for natural confidants who want to get better at helping friends and family members who confide in them about relationship problems. The training will help you be more intentional, confident, and effective when others come to you for support and perspective on relationship struggles. Trainer Bill Doherty, Ph.D., is a University of Minnesota Professor, marriage therapist, long-term Unitarian-Universalist, and co-founder with his daughter Elizabeth Doherty Thomas of The Doherty Relationship Institute. A light lunch will be offered with a suggested $5 donation. More information.
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RSVP Now to our Capital Campaign Kickoff Party!
You're invited to celebrate the launch of First Universalist Church's capital campaign with a party for all ages on Saturday, March 11!
It's FREE, family-friendly, and for everyone in our community. We want you with us!
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 the Revs. John Cummins & Kate Tucker; and we'll enjoy live music by Ann Reed and GiveGetSistet.
- 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!
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| Sanctuary Church Resolution Passes at 2/19 Meeting |
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An emphatic, unanimous vote "yes." Photo by Harlan Limpert.
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On Sunday, Feb. 19, at our annual State of the Church meeting (which was also conducted as a Special Meeting of the Members; see the letter from Board President Eric Cooperstein here), our church unanimously passed a resolution for a radical vision of sanctuary - declaring our intention to be a Sanctuary Church, acting to support and protect those who are increasingly targeted because of their marginalized status in the U.S. The text of the resolution can be read in full here. This commitment to Sanctuary and Resistance is a powerful and tangible way to act out our faith and Stand on the Side of Love.
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| Nominating Committee Recruiting Applicants for Church Leadership Positions |
The Nominating Committee is actively recruiting candidates for leadership positions on the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Nominating Committee itself for the next church year. We believe the congregation is full of untapped talent and we encourage people to step forward and share their skills!
Now is an exciting and important time to serve as we continue to build on the positive energy and growth of our congregation. Serving on one of these bodies provides unique opportunities to deepen and enrich your personal connection to the church while broadening your circle of relationships within our spiritual community. Committee members have unique opportunities to collaborate with our passionate ministers and lay leaders to advance the mission of the church.
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: Board members serve as the stewards of our Foundation endowment. Members screen and select grant requests to non-profit organizations.
Nominating Committee: Committee members screen and recommend candidates to the congregation for vacant positions on the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, and Nominating Committee.
Requirements: To qualify for any of these positions, you must be a member in good standing of the church. Elections occur at the Annual Meeting on June 4.
The application deadline is April 2, 2017. Applications should be submitted to nomination@firstuniv.org.
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| Sign Up for Habitat Build Dates in March and April |
First Universalist has two remaining Habitat for Humanity work days this spring, and we'd love to have you on the crew! The dates are Thursday, March 9 and Thursday, April 13. Our March work site is in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis and in April we'll be in North Minneapolis
Sign-up for one or both days
here.
Volunteers must be over 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 how to use tools? No worries! Your fellow volunteers and the Habitat site supervisor are there to help you.
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| First Universalist to be CSA Pickup Site Again in 2017 |
Sogn Valley Farm offers weekly deliveries of fresh, organic vegetables through its CSA (community supported agriculture) program. For a second year, CSA shares can be picked up at First Universalist Church on Wednesdays from
3-8 p.m.
! And for those who don't live near the church, there are also Twin Cities drop sites in Richfield, Plymouth, Eagan, and St. Paul.
Summer Share begins the week of June 5 and runs through early October (18 weeks), and costs $550 for a full share or $325 for a half share. Fall Share begins in early October and continues through the week of Thanksgiving (7 weeks), and is priced at $225. Along with each box, you'll receive a newsletter with updates from the farm, descriptions of box contents, and a recipe that uses some of the items in the box. You'll also be invited down to the farm for gatherings in the spring and fall.
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| Lend-a-Hand Meets Next Thursday, March 2 |
Lend-A-Hand is an opportunity to help care for our building and grounds as part of a volunteer team, meeting on first Thursdays. In coordination with our facilities staff, this team undertakes various projects to keep our church clean, orderly and attractive.
Volunteers gather at 9:30 a.m. and end their activities by noon. Each Lend-A-Hand activity has slots for 12 volunteers. If you would like to participate, please email Sandy at
sandy@firstuniv.org to sign up. Thank you!
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| Hosting Families Moving Forward in 2017 |
Members and friends of First Universalist will once again host homeless families in our building through Beacon's Families Moving Forward program. The need for congregations willing and able to host is even greater this year, so we have committed to host for three weeks. We made that commitment, confident of the incredible generosity and heart of our congregation.
Our hosting dates for 2017 are: May 28 - June 3, Aug. 20 - 26, and
Aug. 27 - Sept. 2 (we will hope to house the same families for this two week period).
Please mark your calendars and look for opportunities to sign up starting in April. We need approximately 100 volunteers per week to coordinate, cook, play with children, sleep over, set up and break down the rooms. This is a fantastic opportunity for families with kids K-12.
To borrow a phrase from Geoff Lenox -- "This is what we do!"
- Your current coordinators, David Caccamo and Peg Mitchell
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| Donations for Augsburg Fairview Academy |
Your continued food and clothing donations are essential to help supply the Hope Food & Clothing Closets at Augsburg Fairview Academy. Here is what is most needed right now:
Donations for Hope Clothing Closet: Men's socks and underwear (t-shirts and briefs) - size M and L, men's jeans (size 30, 31 and 32), and women's underwear (size M and L). Wish list: basketball shorts. Always desired: hoodies; jeans for men and women (all sizes). Clothing should be clean, teen appropriate and in good repair. Dark colors preferred.
Donations for the Hope Food Closet: single serving microwavable soups, mac and cheese, stews, and dinners; snacks like fruit cups, granola bars, or nuts. Ethnic hair products are particularly desired (go to the ethnic products aisles at stores; brands include Jam and Edge Control). Other needed toiletries include lotions, chapstick, men's and women's deodorant, and condoms (note: we don't need travel size items).
Bring items to the Hub on Sundays or drop off during the week at the shelves labeled for AFA by the 34th Street entrance. Thank you for your generosity!
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Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
We hold in our thoughts and prayers:
The family of member Larry Pinsonneault, who died last week. A memorial service will be held at church on
Saturday, Feb. 25, at 1 p.m
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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: 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.
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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
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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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