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June 8, 2017 | Vol. 4 No. 23
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| Meeting the Moment: Our Summer Preaching Series |
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Rev. Justin Schroeder |
Over the next three months, we have a great lineup of preachers, each speaking about how they are striving to "meet the moment" we're in; they will share insights, spiritual practices, and observations about how we can meet this moment with humility, courage, and compassion. Jen, Ruth, Elaine, Lauren, and I are all in the preaching mix, along with a number of guest preachers.
I'm delighted that my friend and colleague, Rabbi Michael Latz, is kicking off this sermon series this Sunday! Rabbi Latz and I have travelled to Israel and Palestine together, and it's a joy to share our space with Shir Tikvah for the High Holy Days. I can't wait to hear what Michael has to say to us.
I hope your summer months are times of deepening, times of joyful service, times of relationship building, times with family, and times of rest and renewal.
I hope you will invite a friend to join you at a summer service at First Universalist. Together, we can, and are, meeting this moment, and all of the potential and possibility that lives in it.
I'll see you in church,
Justin
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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Sunday, June 11,
10 a.m.
Meeting the Moment with Movement
Rabbi Michael Latz
Sometimes, the challenges we face can feel enormous and impossible to overcome. We feel small, helpless, and hopeless; nonetheless, drawing on faith, we meet the moment with movement, action, and determination.
This week's guest preacher, Rabbi Michael Latz, has been Shir Tikvah's Senior Rabbi since July 2009. He brings to the congregation boundless energy, heartfelt compassion, and commitment to fostering an authentic and engaging Jewish experience.
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Sunday, June 18, 10 a.m.
"She/He/They/We"
Rev. Karen Hering and
Catherine Charles Hammond
Recent Sermon Podcasts
June 4, 2017
"Rooted in Gratitude"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Listen to the podcast
May 28, 2017
"A New Ending"
Terri Burnor
May 21, 2017
Youth Sunday: "Indigo"
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Summer Worship Theme: Meeting the Moment
Sometimes it happens in a small room, when your mind quiets, and the rhythm of your breath begins to lead. Sometimes it happens in a conversation, when you take a leap of faith and step into a hard conversation. Sometimes it is that crazy notion that will not be pushed aside, and you make an about turn that leads into an unimaginable freshness of life and purpose. Sometimes it's showing up in the streets, in a rotunda, in a meeting, in covenantal community. Sometimes it's showing up for yourself. The religious life is meeting the moment over and over again. Join us this summer as ministers and speakers from all different walks of life and contexts tell of their spiritual grounding, and stories of meeting the moment.
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Sunday, June 11, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Room 203
Wellspring offers spiritual deepening within our UU tradition and is an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our faith through a year-long small group experience. You're invited to join us at an upcoming info session to learn more! (One additional session will be offered in July.) After a day-long opening retreat on August 26, Wellspring will meet every other week through May 2018. Attendance at an info session is required if you wish to participate next year. Learn more.
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Racial Justice and Our UU Faith Workshop
Saturdays, June 17 & 24, 9-11:30
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, June 17 & 24, from 9-11:30 a.m., led by Lark Weller and Brian Eshult.
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Gender 101: Fostering Justice, Equity, and Compassion for All Genders
Sunday, May 18, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Cummins Room
As the movement for transgender equity gains momentum and visibility, a multitude of new conversations about gender identity and diversity are beginning to unfold - with important implications for all those who strive to cultivate inclusive, respectful, and welcoming spaces. In this workshop, facilitated by Cat Hammond, we'll start with the basics and cover the terminology, concepts, and practices that are integral to today's rapidly evolving queer and trans movements. All are welcome to attend - from total novices to budding gender theorists - and will come away with a solid foundation of skills and knowledge to participate in the building of a safe, equitable world for people of all genders.
WORKSHOP LEADER: Catherine Charles Hammond is a Minneapolis-based writer, musician, and performer whose work exploring queer identity has been featured most recently in 20% Theatre Company's The Naked I, Fox Egg Gallery's OUTspoken, and Intermedia Arts' Queer Voices reading series. They have also provided staff trainings, consultation, and lectures as LGBTQ Community Liaison at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis.
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Save the Date: Lake Harriet Bandshell Worship Service & Potluck
Join us for our annual outdoor worship service and potluck picnic at the Lake Harriet Bandshell on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m.! This will be our only service on this Sunday.
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| Annual Report Available Online |
 Our 2016-2017 Annual Report is now available online!
The annual report includes detailed information about the 2017-2018 operating budget, bios of candidates elected to the Board of Trustees, First Universalist Foundation Board and Nominating Committee, reports from Board President Eric Cooperstein, Board Treasurer Dick Niemiec, Senior Minister Rev. Justin Schroeder, the Foundation, and Association of Universalist Women, as well as a broad overview of the past year at church - in pictures and in words.
Read the Annual Report
here.
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| First Universalist Stories: Muriel Ambrus |
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Muriel Ambrus & family.
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Each week throughout the summer, we'll be featuring one or two stories submitted by members about what First Universalist Church means to them.
Muriel Ambrus, daughter of Keven and Jill Ambrus, shares:
"First Universalist Church is incredibly important to me. I feel at home there, and I have formed very strong relationships over years. I have met the people I consider to be my best friends at Church. I know the people there care for me.
"First Universalist Church encourages me to grow as a person both spiritually and morally. I really enjoyed the Coming of Age class which allowed me to evaluate my beliefs and the way they work in the world. I also participated in the Youth Cultural Exchange, which allowed me to spend two weeks in Nicaragua. Those two weeks were some of the best moments of my life. I spent the two weeks with fellow kids from church, who I grew very close with. We each stayed with a Nicaraguan host sibling, and learned much about the culture of Nicaragua, while also learning about myself and the values I have.
"I look forward to every Sunday, and being able to attend the high school class. I believe the Church has shaped the way I think about the world in a positive way. I'm extremely thankful to be able to attend Church and it has become a very important aspect of my life the past several years."
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Share Your Story and Get to Know Our Community!
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 Posters on our Testimonial Wall outside the social hall tell beautiful stories of members of our community and their relationship to church. We would love for your story to be represented! We are collecting stories to share with our beloved community here. Include a photo, and we can make a poster with your story to hang on our wall for all to see. Please join the fun - the more, the merrier! This is our home, this is our church, this is our community. We are so happy to have you here.
P.S.: Read all of the testimonials online
here!
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| Young Adults Summer Barbecue |
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Relax and connect with other folks in their 20s and 30s with a Sunday afternoon barbecue. We'll meet on Sunday, June 25 from 1-5 p.m. at the home of Margot Isman and Sebastian Anti in Northeast Minneapolis. Bring something to share and your ideas for future young adult activities. This will be a sober space; all are welcome!
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| Religious Education Registration Open for 2017-18 |
 From September through May, First Universalist Church offers Sunday morning childcare for children ages 6 months to 2 years, and Religious Education classes for preschool through high school. We are home to more than 500 children and youth!
There is no fee for Religious Education or childcare. Registration is now open online for the upcoming 2017-2018 church year.
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| Get Involved: Twin Cities Pride Festival and Parade |
 The Twin Cities Pride Festival and Ashley Rukes Memorial Pride Parade are right around the corner (June 23-25), and MUUSJA is looking to recruit you to be your fabulous, wonderful, inclusive, and welcoming self. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or as a straight/cis ally, you are welcome to join the Minnesotan UU contingent for the weekend.
Do you have a knack for creating some wild, wacky, and winsome outfits? Or maybe creating signs with deep and loving messages? The Pride Parade takes place on Sunday, June 25, starting at 11 a.m. MUUSJA is looking for a group of 50 who can beautifully represent the full affirmation and warm embrace that UUs in Minnesota have for all of our queer siblings and for families of all shapes and sizes. If you are interested in marching in the parade (or helping to make beautiful signs), email Jack Gaede at muusjaintern@gmail.com with subject line "Pride Parade."
Volunteers are also needed to staff the booth in Loring Park from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th. MUUSJA will provide resources and training to all booth volunteers. You are welcome to work just a one-hour shift, or you could even do three or four hours back-to-back! If you would like to volunteer to staff the booth, please email Jack Gaede at muusjaintern@gmail.com with subject line "Pride Booth."
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| Racial Justice Leadership Changes |
Exciting changes are underway to create an even more effective leadership structure for our racial justice work. The current Racial Justice Leadership Team (RJLT) will morph into two new teams:
- The first will be a Racial Justice Change Team that will serve as a committee of the Board of Trustees. This Change Team will give our racial justice work the structural authority it needs to effectively review institutional racism and white supremacy culture as it lives in the work of our church. The Racial Justice Change Team will develop, implement, and monitor a process to set clear standards and accountability for our commitment to racial justice at all levels of the organization. This will involve reviewing our mission, visionary goals, policies, procedures, budgets, board agreements, and more. It is expected that the membership will be made up of Board members, members from the current RJLT, and other interested congregational members. Given the wide ranging scope of the work to be done, it is expected that additional volunteers will be needed to serve on working groups yet to be identified.
- The second group will be a Racial Justice Education Team made up of congregational members and friends committed to ensuring high quality training, programming and coaching in service to the Church's racial justice education commitment. This team is an expansion of a team already working to offer trainings, guest speakers/panel discussions, and book/movie discussions. The Racial Justice Education Team will work closely with the staff to help ensure all programming and faithful action efforts of the church are done with a racial justice lens.
Church members and friends interested in leading the racial justice work of the church are encouraged to apply to join one of these teams. To let us know of your interest please fill out the form here.
Thanks to the current members of the RJLT (Brian Eshult, Bryana French, Fawzia Khan, Channing McKinley, Kristen Mengelkoch, Ben Miles, Lillie Pang, Emma Paskewitz, Rev. Justin Schroeder, Richard Spratt and Polly Talen) who worked in partnership with the Board of Trustees on these changes.
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Augsburg Fairview Academy: Volunteer Opportunity
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We are seeking volunteers to support the Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) Clothing Closet beginning in fall 2017. Duties involve bringing our donations from church to AFA, organizing the closet, keeping track of what is needed, and helping with special clothing drives like winter coats. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, contact Cindy Marsh at
cindy.marsh2588@gmail.com
or 612-377-6789. Many thanks to Joyce Case and Rita Franchett who staffed the Clothing Closet for five years - it is a fun job, just ask them!
Food and Clothing donations are not needed until fall. School is out June 8 and there is no summer session at AFA. Thank you for your generosity throughout the school year!
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Your Invitation to Sing in Summer Choir
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Do you like to sing? Have you thought about being in choir, but can't make an extended commitment? Summer Choir may be just right for you! The Summer Choir is scheduled to sing in services on June 18, July 9, and August 27. Rehearsals are at 9 a.m. on the day of the service, and services begin at 10 a.m. Music is easy enough to learn in the 45 minute rehearsal. All are welcome! If you have any questions, contact randy@firstuniv.org.
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In the summer months,
Sunday
morning childcare and Religious Education classes are offered during our 10 a.m. worship service for children ages 6 months through those entering 6th grade in the Fall.
There is no pre-registration required for Summer Sundays -- simply sign your child in at the classroom.
- Babies, ages 6-17 months, Room 102
- Toddler/Preschool, ages 18 months-3 years, Room 100
- Children ages 4 years through kids entering 1st grade, Room 104
- Kids entering 2nd-6th grade, Chalice Room
- Youth entering 7th-12th grade, attend service with family
More information about Summer Sundays is online here.
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Habitat for Humanity Summer Work Week Registration Open
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One of the best weeks of the whole year is just around the corner - First Universalist's Habitat for Humanity summer work week! Our week is Monday, Aug. 14 - Friday, Aug. 18
. Our site is in North Minneapolis.
Please consider joining in. We need 60 volunteers in all (12 per day). 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 our Habitat site supervisor will help you.
To sign up, go to the link below and register for one day, multiple days or the whole week.
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Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
Our hearts are broken with
John Welsh
as he grieves the sudden death of
Tom Carrillo
, his partner of 33 years.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 13 at 3 p.m. here at First Universalist Church.
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
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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