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April 27, 2017 | Vol. 4 No. 17
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Resisting White Supremacy: A Teach-In
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"Because white men cannot police their imagination, black men are dying."
-Claudia Rankine, Citizen: An American Lyric
A note from Rev. Ruth MacKenzie on this Sunday's worship services:
A few weeks ago, I went to see the last show of
Citizen: An American Lyric
, presented by Frank Theatre. My friend, and Frank Theatre director, Wendy Knox emailed me, saying, "This one is one you got to make." I snagged one of the few remaining tickets -- and was I glad I did! I walked out of the theater stunned, crying, grateful, and alive with Claudia Rankine's poetry, her social analysis of race, racism, and whiteness, and the power of theater to change us.
This coming Sunday, our #UUWhiteSupremacyTeachIn will feature excerpts from Citizen, performed by members of the Frank Theatre cast, and the music of Give Get Sistet. Both of these art organizations devote their work to social transformation through artistry. Our teach-in will be one in which we take on the hard but important topics of whiteness and racism which shape and divide us. Our service will not be a finger wagging lecture, but one in which we invite each and all to venture into artistic meditations in music and narrative on what white supremacy means, and ground our aspirational wants for beloved community by acknowledging and understanding the reality of how things are now.
James Baldwin taught us this: "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." This is our charge this coming Sunday: to face what is. Friends, this Sunday is one you got to make.
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| Schedule Your Capital Campaign Visit! |
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On April 27, Rev. Justin Schroeder and capital campaign consultant Skip Schlafer added two more squares (each representing $100,000) to our progress chart.
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As of April 27, we have received $4,681,370 in pledges toward our capital campaign, Not for Ourselves Alone, Building an Inclusive Future. Thank you to all who have so generously given thus far!
The momentum behind our campaign is building. We are working to set up visits with every First Universalist member, knowing that having personal conversations about the vision for our future is key to the success of the campaign.
We want to make these visits as easy as possible for everyone to schedule. If you haven't already had a visit and made your capital and annual pledges, please fill out this form to request a visit and let us know what days and times work best for you. You can schedule a visit before or after Sunday services, or let us know which days of the week and times work best for you. We'll connect you with a visitor - a fellow church member and campaign volunteer - to find a time that works for both of you. Thank you!
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| Thank You for a Successful and Fun Pledge Day! |
Our third annual Pledge Day drew more than 200 members and friends for an evening celebration of our community that included dinner catered by The Sioux Chef, a bouncy house for the kids, bingo for all ages, music, and good conversation. Check out our
Facebook page for photos from the evening.
Thank you to everyone who submitted their annual pledge on or prior to Pledge Day! Those who haven't pledged yet will be invited to make their annual pledge during a capital campaign visit in the coming weeks. Your annual pledge provides crucial support to the church - 80% of our operating budget is funded by annual pledges! Please see the article above for details on how to set up a campaign visit. Thank you!
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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Sunday, April 30, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Resisting White Supremacy:
A Teach-In
Rev. Justin Schroeder, Rev. Jen Crow, Michael Dotson, Lauren Wyeth
This Sunday
, First Universalist will join more than 600 Unitarian Universalist congregations/communities in shifting our regularly scheduled Sunday morning worship to participate in a teach-in on racism and white supremacy, known as #UUWhiteSupremacyTeachIn. This call to action comes from a growing network led by UUs of color and white UUs working together.
Our service will feature an excerpt from the powerful work Citizen: An American Lyric written by author Claudia Rankine and presented by actors of Frank Theater as well as the voices of Give Get Sistet.
This is a youth-friendly worship service. Read more about the national movement
here
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Sunday, May 7, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Chichester Psalms, First Universalist Choir
Recent Sermon Podcasts
April 23, 2017
"The White Trash Among Us"
Rev. Karen Hutt
April 16, 2017
"Resurrection 2.0"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
April 9, 2017
"The Growing Edge"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
April 2, 2017
"Seeking Transformation?"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Listen to the podcast
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Congregational Budget Meetings
Sunday, April 30, 12:30 p.m.
& Tuesday, May 2, 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Trustees will share a draft budget at Congregational Budget Meetings on Sunday, April 30 at 12:30 p.m. in the Chalice Room and Tuesday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cummins Room. After a presentation of the budget and its rationale, there will be an opportunity for questions. The board will prepare a final version of the budget for presentation to the Congregation at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 4 at 11:30 a.m.
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Lend-A-Hand
Thursday, May 4, 9:30 a.m.-noon
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. If you would like to participate, please email Sandy at sandy@firstuniv.org to sign up. Thank you!
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Choir-led Worship:
Leonard Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms"
Sunday, May 7, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
On Sunday, May 7, the First Universalist Choir and Orchestra will be leading worship, performing "Chichester Psalms" by Leonard Bernstein. Please join us for this special, music-filled worship service at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.
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Daytime Connections:
Learn About Community-Led Initiatives Transforming North Minneapolis
Thursday, May 18, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
In a bus trip though North Minneapolis, led by Mike Wynne, CEO and president of EMERGE (a First U Faithful Action partner), we'll visit vibrant and diverse community groups and learn how we can be strong advocates in supporting their initiatives. Our visit ends with lunch from Breaking Bread Café. Learn more.
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| Calling All Graduating Seniors! |
We want to recognize you for all of your accomplishments and support you as you make your next steps into the world. There are two upcoming events that the Senior High class would like to invite you to.
On
Sunday, May 14 at 10 a.m. we will hold a brunch and bridging ritual for all graduating seniors and their families. We will meet in the Cummins Room. Please RSVP by sending an email to Emma Paskewitz (
emma@firstuniv.org) with the number of family members who will be attending.
Youth
Sunday is on
May 21. We will recognize all graduating seniors during both services. Please RSVP by sending an email to Emma Paskewitz (
emma@firstuniv.org) by
May 15 with the name of the graduating senior and which service(s) they will attend.
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Nancy Atchison has been involved in every aspect of church life at First Universalist, from volunteering in the church nursery shortly after she and her husband Tom joined the church in 1964, to six years on the church Board of Trustees (three as president), chairing the canvass, serving on the Prairie Star District Board (as president for five years and twenty years on the District Extension Committee) - and much more.
Nancy modestly says she has been well-nourished by First Universalist and the church has certainly been well-supported, inspired, and nourished by her. Her long connection and many gifts have moved us to celebrate all First Universalist congregants on their 90th birthdays beginning with hers on Sunday, May 7, 2017.
Here's the plan:
Please mail or drop off at church a birthday card for Nancy on or before
May 7
. (There will be a basket in the church library for the cards - and blank cards available there.)
She will be in the Social Hall after the
11:15
service on
Sunday, May 7
- stop at her table to wish her happy birthday.
So, don't be shy! Help us celebrate Nancy and let the church know when your 90th birthday is approaching with a note to Sandy (sandy@firstuniv.org). We want to celebrate each of you on your 90th birthday as part of the First Universalist story.
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| Child Dedication: Sign Up by May 5 |
Unitarian Universalists believe that every child brings new life and hope into the world.
The next Child Dedication will take place on
Sunday, May 14 at both services. During the Child Dedication ritual, the congregation pledges itself to partner with and support parents and families in the religious upbringing of the child. Child Dedications take place during
Sunday worship services twice a year, in May and November.
Infants and children of members and those on the path to membership at First Universalist may be dedicated. If your family would like to participate in the upcoming Child Dedication, sign up by filling out the
Child Dedication form online here by
Friday, May 5.
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| International Workers' Day: May 1 |
Another Opportunity to Stand on the Side of Love
We're looking forward to seeing many UUs supporting MIRAC (Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee) on Monday, May 1 as we rally and march to protect immigrant rights.
It's not too late to sign up at SignUp Genius.
MIRAC is an immigrant rights organization fighting for legalization for all, an end to all anti-immigrant laws, and full equality in all areas of life.
As a faith community committed to racial equity, this is an opportunity to stand as allies with people living in heightened fear following the 2016 election.
Stop by the Social Hall on Sunday to find out more about the march and rally and to get the latest information on other ways to support our immigrant population in this critical time. We would also love to share our update on what is happening since we voted unanimously to become a Sanctuary church.
The day begins at 3 p.m. at East Phillips Park, followed by a March at 4:30 p.m., and a final rally at the Federal Building at 6:30 p.m. So even if your schedule demands that you work that day, your support will still be welcome at the final rally (4th
and 4th
in downtown Mpls.)
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Youth Cultural Exchange Book/CD/DVD/Video Game Sale
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Come support Youth Cultural Exchange by purchasing gently-used Books, CDs, DVDs and Video Games at our sale in the social hall on Sunday,
April 30.
This summer, twelve First Universalist 8th and 9th grade youth will travel to Nicaragua where they will live with local families to gain cultural understanding and forge lasting cross-cultural friendships. Your donations and purchases will help us bring the twelve Nicaraguan host siblings to Minnesota for two weeks in 2018.
Thank you for your support!
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| AUW 2017 Women's Speaker Series: Final Event |
The Association of Universalist Women (AUW) invites you to join them on
Saturday, April 29,
8:30 a.m.-noon
in the Social Hall to hear from two speakers will share personal stories of domestic abuse and what they are doing to stop the violence.
Joan Hicks Boone, a member of the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), will speak at 9 a.m.
Joan's talk will offer a brief overview of
NOW,
discuss specific
safety and legislative concerns related to domestic violence, and
conclude
with action items that can be taken on an individual or global basis in
the area of domestic violence.
F
arhio Khalif established the Voice of East African Women organization and secured legislative funding for a domestic abuse shelter in St. Paul for East African women.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., Farhio will share her story of growing up in Somalia and her emigration
journey. She will also provide a window into the challenges faced by
Somali immigrant women
in Minnesota and what she is doing to make a difference.
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Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) Prom at First U
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AFA will hold their Prom in our Social Hall on Saturday, April 29, 6-10 p.m. We are pleased to offer our space to AFA as one of our community partners and as part of our mission to make our building available to the community. Here's how you can help:
Donations of baked goods (cupcakes requested) on Saturday, April 29 may be dropped off
between 5 and 6 p.m. in the Social Hall or
between 1 and 3 p.m. when the hall is being decorated. The parking lot doors and the atrium entrance will be open in the afternoon. Many thanks to those who have volunteered to bring baked goods!
Help AFA staff decorate the social hall on
Saturday, April 29, 1-3 p.m. Please let Cindy Marsh know if you are able to help:
cindy.marsh2588@gmail.com.
AFA is a public charter high school for students who have not been successful in the public schools. Many are homeless or marginally housed. The Prom is a "very big deal" to the students as they have so few extracurricular activities. First U has supported AFA in various ways for the last five years.
Many thanks for your ongoing generosity and support!
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Exposed Brick Theatre presents an evening of original work created and performed by youth. Inspired by the Special Administrative Measures law - a little known process that allows prisoners to be labeled a "S.A.M.'s prisoner" and become subject to extreme isolation - the play is a series of original pieces about how racism, Islamophobia and xenophobia impact and support the prison industrial complex. From the use of solitary confinement with youth to the impact of incarceration on families to stories of resistance and revolt, youth are giving voice to the need for change. This production is supported by a grant from the First Universalist Foundation.
Performances: Friday, May 5 & Saturday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Phoenix Theatre, 2605 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408
No Reservations Required. Suggested Donation $5 - $10. For more information, visit: www.exposedbricktheatre.org or call Suzy Messerole at 612-720-4852.
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Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
Please keep Kay Johnson, Leslie Colerin's mother, in your thoughts and prayers. She is back in the hospital and has been struggling with many health issues these last weeks.
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: 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.
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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
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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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