 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
June 1, 2017 | Vol. 4 No. 22
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Overflowing with Gratitude
(and Next Steps with Masjid An-Nur) |
 |
|
|
Rev. Justin Schroeder |
When I come to church these days, I find my heart overflowing with gratitude. Gratitude for the church members and friends who turned our classrooms into bedrooms for the four families we're hosting as part of Families Moving Forward. Gratitude for all working on our Capital Campaign, having heart-to-heart conversations with members and friends about the future of the church. Gratitude for those who serve on our Pastoral Care Team, and care for one another. Gratitude for our Youth and the messages and song they have shared with us these past Sundays.
This Sunday, at our Annual Flower Communion Service, we will celebrate and recognize all of the people who help the ministry of First Universalist flourish! We will thank our Religious Education teachers, our Faithful Action leaders and participants, our Elected Leaders, our Hospitality Teams, our Worship Associates, our Circle Facilitators, our various committees and teams, and hundreds of other people who week after week, show up with love and humility to serve one another and our larger community. If you have served the church in any capacity this past year, you will be recognized and thanked this Sunday! Please plan to join us for this service of gratitude and community, and then stay afterwards for the Annual Meeting, which begins at 11:30 a.m.
Speaking of gratitude, I am thankful for the deepening and growing relationship between Masjid An-Nur (Mosque of Light) and First Universalist. Several months ago, 25 members and friends of First Universalist attended a Friday prayer service at the Mosque. Now, during the month of Ramadan, we have been invited to an Iftar meal (the meal that breaks the fast at the end of the day) at the Mosque on Tuesday, June 20, at 8 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please register
here
. We'll gather at 8 p.m. at the Mosque for prayer and conversation, and then break fast and share a meal together at 9:03 p.m. I hope you'll attend.
Amidst the heartbreak and injustices of the world, there is much to be grateful for; so much is in bud.
I'll see you in church,
Justin
|
|
|
| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
|
Sunday, June 4,
10 a.m.
Appreciation & Flower Sunday
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Flower Communion is an annual ritual that celebrates beauty, human uniqueness, diversity, and community.
It was created in 1923 by Unitarian minister Norbert Capek of Prague, Czechoslovakia, who turned to the countryside for elements of a communion which would be genuine to his congregation. Everyone brought a flower, which were all arranged in bouquets signifying that when individual gifts and lives are gathered together in faith, a holy community of beauty and transformative power is made real.
This year we celebrate Flower Communion, and we will take time to give thanks and recognize all the many different ways each of you have lent your gifts to the bouquet of church life.
Please bring a flower or two for Sunday's service and a sense of appreciation as we take time to honor the many acts of integrity, service, and joy that go on in our church every day.
|
|
|
|
|
 A Look Ahead
Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m.
Worship led by Rabbi Michael Latz
Recent Sermon Podcasts
May 28, 2017
"A New Ending"
Terri Burnor
May 21, 2017
Youth Sunday: "Indigo"
May 14, 2017
"Love Is the Thing"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Meeting of the Membership is this Sunday, June 4, 11:30 a.m.
Please plan to attend our Annual Meeting this Sunday, June 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This year our church business is limited to approval of the annual budget and the election of members to the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Nominating Committee. This is a time when we celebrate a successful year and conduct the business of this church that only church members can do. We need a quorum to conduct the meeting - please give us the gift of your time so that we may complete this work! View the agenda, slate of candidates, and proposed operating budget here.
|
|
Sunday, June 11, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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 distilled experience of the 24-hour training offered by Dr. Heather Hackman.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Save the Date: Lake Harriet Bandshell Worship Service & Potluck
Mark your calendar for Sunday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. and join us for our annual outdoor worship service and potluck picnic at the Lake Harriet Bandshell! This will be our only service on this Sunday.
|
| 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.
|
|
Augsburg Fairview Academy: Volunteer Opportunity
|
We are seeking volunteers to support the Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) Clothing Closet beginning in the fall of 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!
|
|
Share Your Story and Get to Know Our Community!
|
 Have you noticed our Testimonial Wall outside the social hall? We have been collecting testimonials from our members on their relationship to First Universalist. Perhaps you have seen the posters we've created and placed around the church? Those posters have been collecting on the Testimonial Wall, and that collection is telling the beautiful story of our congregation. 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!
|
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.
|
|
Camp UniStar at Risk: MN350 Information Meeting on Line 3, a New Tar Sands Oil Pipeline Proposal
|
On Sunday, June 4, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
an informational meeting will be held by MN350 on the Enbridge Energy proposal to install Line 3, a new tar-sands oil pipeline, through the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The meeting will be held at 2104 Stevens Ave. S. in Minneapolis.
The presentation will outline the proposal, its impacts, and how you can get involved in pushing back! RSVP and invite friends on Facebook.
The new Line 3 is of special concern to First Universalist members, as it is the proposed replacement of the aging and deteriorating old Line 3, which runs beneath Cass Lake, where Camp UniStar is located.
It would not actually be a replacement at all, as Enbridge would disturb pristine fresh water and wild rice territory with a new pipeline while abandoning the old line in place with no proposed cleanup.
You will learn about the schedule of 22 upcoming public meetings that include
Cass Lake on June 7 and St. Paul on June 13.
The Environmental Justice Team hopes you will attend to better understand how we can act to secure the best possible outcomes for UniStar, indigenous peoples, and the environment.
Need childcare? School-age kids are welcome at the MN350 Climate Action Kids meeting in the same building.
|
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day,
we have one worship service at
10 a.m.
In the summer months,
Sunday morning childcare and Religious Education classes are offered 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.
|
|
Habitat for Humanity Summer Work Week Registration Open
|
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 through 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.
Hope to see you this summer!
|
|
Attend UUA General Assembly In Person or Online
|
 The Fifth Principle of the Unitarian Universalist Association states we agree on "the use of the democratic process within our congregations." Here's an opportunity to act on that principle: Represent our church at the UUA General Assembly (GA) meeting the weekend of June 24 in New Orleans.
While part of what happens at GA is important association business - this year is a UUA President election year - by no means is GA all about work. It's also a UUA exhibition and conference. There are hundreds of inspiring workshops, worship services, vendors, and social events crowded into the schedule.
Full conference information is available at
www.uua.org/ga. Conference registration and travel expenses are not sponsored by the church, but note that there is an option to attend online as an "off-site" delegate or participant.
Anyone can attend GA, but if you want to be able to vote on UUA business you need to be a delegate. Our delegation must be approved by a vote at our annual meeting on June 4.
If you wish to nominate yourself to be a delegate, please contact Nominating Committee Chair Doug Smalley as soon as possible at 651-955-8899 or
douglas.smalley@gmail.com
.
|
|
|
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: 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.
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
