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October 19, 2017 | Vol. 4 No. 42
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| Exploring Our Future with Shir Tikvah |
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Eric Cooperstein, Board of Trustees President |
As many congregants know, Shir Tikvah congregation uses our sanctuary each fall to hold worship services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Occasionally, Shir Tikvah also holds bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies when they expect attendance that exceeds the capacity of their own space at 50th St. and Girard. In fact, they are rapidly outgrowing their building.
The collegial relationship that has developed over the past few years between Rabbi Michael Latz and Rev. Justin Schroeder, including a trip to Israel and Palestine last year, has led to a discussion of what it might look like to explore sharing physical space with Shir Tikvah. This might begin with Shir Tikvah's more frequent use of our sanctuary or meeting space and perhaps evolve over several years into a more permanent financial arrangement. This could serve to both maximize the use of our building, support our annual budget, and offer the opportunities for spiritual growth that would accompany living in close community with a separate congregation.
For now, a small group of board members and staff from the two organizations have had a couple of meetings to start to explore these ideas in enough detail that they may, at some point, be presented to our congregation for further consideration. Keep your eye on the
Liberal for further developments next year.
Eric Cooperstein
President, First Universalist Board of Trustees
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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| October Worship Theme: Outsiders |
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 22, 9:30 & 11:15
a.m.
Youth-friendly worship (youth in 6th-12th grades attend worship with their families)
Rev. Jen Crow
We are living in tension. We are part of a faith that proclaims a love so big that no one is left outside the circle, and we live in a culture that challenges the worth and dignity of so many people. How can we live into our faith in this world in this moment? How can we be the hope that is needed right now?
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Sunday, Oct. 29, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Challenging White Supremacy Teach-In
Recent Sermon Podcasts
October 15, 2017
"Luminous Depths"
Rev. Kate Tucker
October 8. 2017
"I'm That, Too"
Rev. Jen Crow
Listen to the podcast
October 1, 2017
"This Is Us"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
September 24, 2017
"Stories of Intention"
Worship Associates
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Oct. 22 Faithful Action Partner Sunday:
Spotlight on Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light
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MNIPL works in partnership with faith communities to build transformative power and bring the lights of people's unique gifts to addressing the climate crisis.
Founded in 2004 and still growing with 9,000 individual members and more than 450 faith communities around the state, MNIPL brings together people of faith and provides the training, skills, and resources to nurture hope in their communities and to make a positive difference in addressing climate change.
Learn more about this organization and ways you can get involved this Sunday!
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Commitment to Peace Ceremony
Sunday, Oct. 22, 10:45 a.m.
The First Universalist Peace Site and garden will be rededicated this Sunday between services in
a 15-minute ceremony in the garden by the Dupont middle doors. The choir will open with a song and there will be guest speakers, music, a responsive reading and the addition of four languages - Somali, Hmong, Arabic and Hindi - to the existing Peace Pole. Each language declares "May Peace Prevail on Earth."
This event is sponsored by the First Universalist Peace Circle, which has defined Peace as the embodiment of Universal Love that calls us to cooperate, reconcile and work in harmony to promote the common good.
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Peace Panel II: Climate Change as an Avenue for Finding Common Ground with Others
Sunday, Oct. 22, 12:45 p.m.
While Forum I dealt with opportunities for collaboration among nations, Forum II will address how climate change might inspire individuals to work together across differences in race, religion, culture, and belief and unite in the face of adversity. We may all find ourselves adopting new patterns of behavior, including the willingness to relinquish privilege and advantage, as we jointly strive to restore stability to our climate. Panelists are:
Mindy Ahler
,
LeMoine LaPointe,
Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer
, and
Chante Wolf. This forum is free and open to the public.
More information.
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Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.
Join other First U seniors for a hike in
Crosby Farm Regional Park! The group will m
eet at the park shelter just past Watergate Marina (see
map) at 10 a.m.
The hike route will take us along the north bank of the Mississippi River and a floodplain lake called Crosby Lake. The group will hike about two hours; there are cutoffs that will allow for shorter hikes, if preferred.
Following the hike, we will gather at the
Highland Grill
.
RSVP to Tom Saterstrom (
saterstromtom@yahoo.com
or cell: 952-239-3629). Complete details.
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13th: A Documentary Screening in Two Parts
Sundays, Oct. 29 & Nov. 5, 1-3 p.m.
What does the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865 have to do with today? Everything. The powerful documentary "13th" analyzes the criminalization of African Americans, the U.S. prison boom, and their relationship to the abolishment of slavery via the 13th Amendment. Join us for a two-part screening and conversation in community.
Sundays, Oct. 29 & Nov. 5, 1-3 p.m. in the Cummins Room:
Led by Jeff Sylvestre and Margaret Manderfeld.
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Resisting White Supremacy Teach-In 2
Sunday, Oct. 29, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
First Universalist is joining hundreds of congregations in responding to a call to hold a second teach-in on racism and white supremacy during worship this month: #UUWhiteSupremacyTeachIn2. Our October 29 service will feature speakers from our congregation and a homily by Rev. Ashley Horan entitled "10 Commandments of Challenging White Supremacy." We encourage you to stay after worship for further reflection on the service in the social hall over treats. Following the first worship service, we'll have donuts for sale ($2 each), and after the second service, there will be bag lunches prepared by our very own Tina and Caitlin Bernett (with vegetarian and vegan sandwich options) available for purchase ($5).
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Let's Talk About White Fragility
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 7-8:30 p.m.
When white people experience racial stress, we often withdraw, defend, cry, argue, minimize, ignore, and in other ways push back: a response known as white fragility. This limits our capacity to bridge cross-racial divides and harms people of color. Join us for a conversation about "White Fragility," an essay by Dr. Robin DiAngelo. Please read the essay in advance; you can read it here.
First Universalist is co-sponsoring a workshop with Dr. Robin DiAngelo that will take place at Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul on Saturday, Nov. 18, 1-4 p.m. Learn more.
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Schematic Design Idea Review Meetings with the Architects
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Wednesday, Nov. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. and
Sunday, Nov. 19, 12:45-2 p.m.
In November, we'll be offering two opportunities for you to meet with our architects from Miller Dunwiddie and review
the process of the schematic design
ideas for our renovations and construction. Please put these dates in your calendar and plan to attend one: Wednesday, Nov. 15 between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 19 between 12:45 and 2 p.m. Arrive at any point within those time frames: the meetings will be conducted open-house style and the architects will offer several short, informal presentations on the initial plans.
Preliminary
drawings of
concept
plan options will be mounted and available for your perusal and input.
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Holiday Giving Project: Marnita's Table Welcomes All
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The shopping malls are already displaying Christmas decor, so perhaps you're already budgeting for winter holiday gift giving and entertaining. In 2016, the average American planned to spend $929 on holiday gifts.* (The 2017 survey isn't out yet, and remember, that's an average. The point is, Americans are exceedingly generous during the holidays.) Think what a positive impact even half of that amount could make if re-directed to charitable giving. And then multiply that generosity by hundreds of givers. That's what our biennial Holiday Giving project intends to do. Past projects raised substantial amounts for Habitat for Humanity (2013) and Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative (2015).
 With a focus on racial justice and community building, we've chosen
Marnita's Table as the recipient of the 2017 Holiday Giving project. Marnita's Table is a local organization that is dedicated to bridging gaps across difference by bringing people together for food and conversation. Using a framework called "Intentional Social Interaction" or IZI, Marnita's Table events are premised on inclusivity and radical hospitality - building relationships by welcoming voices that are not traditionally heard.
Watch for more information about Marnita's Table and the Holiday Giving project on the
church website, in future editions of
The Weekly Liberal, and at upcoming post-service social hours. If you have questions, contact the Holiday Giving team at
holidaygiving@firstuniv.org
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| Why Are Sandy, Karen, and Elaine Crying? |
You decide:
The sadness of understaffed usher and greeter teams.
OR
The overwhelming joy of so many Sunday hospitality volunteers!
This fall, we find ourselves without enough ushers and greeters on Sunday mornings. Unfortunately, this means that we aren't consistently able to offer the kind of warm welcome that lives at the heart of our mission.
This year, could you volunteer at one Sunday service a month as an usher or a greeter?
To help you in your discernment, we've created this helpful FAQ:
I've heard that these are the most difficult, stressful volunteer jobs at church.
Actually, they're some of the easiest! All you have to do is show up a little early and stay a little late for one service, once a month. Responsibilities include smiling, saying "Hello," and a few simple tasks. If anyone has questions you can't answer, just refer them to Sandy DiNanni.
What's the difference between ushering and greeting?
Ushering = Handing out programs, simple set-up tasks for worship, and taking the collection.
Greeting = Welcoming people at the doors and in social hall, welcoming new families, staffing coffee stations in social hall
Sorry, I only do volunteering that involves a free t-shirt.
Every greeter on our Welcome Teams receives a free First Universalist t-shirt.
I hate it when people choose my schedule for me.
No worries! You get to choose which Sunday of the month and which service will work best for you.
Will I have a chance to meet people and feel more connected?
Absolutely.
How do I sign up?
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| First U Co-Sponsoring "Seeing the Racial Water" with Dr. Robin DiAngelo, 11/18 at Unity Church-Unitarian |
First Universalist is co-sponsoring a workshop with Dr. Robin DiAngelo that will take place at Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul on Saturday, Nov. 18, 1-4 p.m. Dr. DiAngelo will describe the way race shapes the lives of white people, explain what makes racism so hard for white people to see, and identify common white racial patterns that prevent us from moving towards greater racial equity. Although the focus is on white racial identity development, people of color may also find the analysis valuable as it is one that is rarely affirmed or provided in mainstream society. Join the Facebook event for this workshop here.
Dr. Robin DiAngelo is a two-time winner of the Student's Choice Award for Educator of the Year from the University of Washington. Her scholarship is in White Racial Identity and Race Relations. In addition to her academic work, Dr. DiAngelo was appointed to co-design the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative Training. She has numerous publications and books, including, "What Does it Mean to be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy." Her work on White Fragility has influenced the national dialogue on race and been featured in Alternet, Salon, NPR, PBS, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, and Colorlines.
Thanks to sponsors, THIS EVENT IS FREE! Sponsors include Unity Church-Unitarian, First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, White Bear UU Church, United Theological Seminary, Kaleo Center, and the Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance.
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| Nov. 5 Child Dedication: Sign Up By Oct. 29 |
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. During the 2017-2018 church year, Child Dedication Rituals will be held on Sundays,
November 5
and
May 13
at both services. Infants and children of members and those on the path to membership at First Universalist Church may be dedicated. Learn more and
sign up online here
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| Racial Justice and Our UU Faith Workshops |
By Lark Weller and Brian Eshult
"Racial Justice and our UU Faith" workshops are one way we put our commitment to anti-racism work into action together. These participatory workshops invite congregants to create a learning space together - with curiosity, compassion for ourselves and each other, and humility. Recognizing we have all been miseducated about race, we discuss the history and social creation of race in the USA, the power dynamics behind racism and privilege, and explore whiteness - all grounded in the fact that our Unitarian Universalist principles call on us to confront and redirect the trajectory of these histories directly.
As facilitators of these workshops, we have seen the power in creating a space for us to process and feel the impacts of white supremacy culture in a compassionate way - connected to others in community. We also know that creating a common foundation and language for our congregation's anti-racism work helps us build meaningful change more effectively.
We hope you will join us. We are each an essential part of this journey toward justice.
Upcoming Workshops this Fall:
Saturdays, Oct. 28 & Nov. 4, 9-11:30 a.m., led by Brian Eshult & Lark Weller
Sundays, Nov. 5 & 12, 12:30-3 p.m., led by Susan Schultz & Pam Berry
Saturdays, Dec. 2 & 9, 9-11:30 a.m., led by Channing McKinley, Jeff Sylvestre & Emma Paskewitz
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| Art for Action: Sanctuary and Resistance |
Children, adults, members and friends of all ages are welcome to make prayer bead bracelets with members of our Sanctuary and Resistance team on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Cummins Room.
RSVP for the event.
You can make a difference in the lives of families and children who have been impacted by our broken immigration system! Come help us create prayer bead bracelets to sell to raise money to support people harmed by our policies and deportation practices.
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| Join the Lend-A-Hand Group on Thursday, Nov. 2! |
Could you join the
Lend
-A-
Hand
group
on Thursday
morning,
Nov. 2
, from
9:30 to noon
, to work on any fix-up projects at First Universalist Church?
It's a handy, high spirited group of folks who come once a month to church on the first
Thursday, to fix up, mail, sort, paint, clean up, or whatever jobs need doing to keep the church running smoothly, efficiently, and beautifully!
If you're available, please email Sandy at
sandy@firstuniv.org or call Monday through
Thursday between 3 and 8 p.m. We hope to see you there!
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October Board Meeting Materials
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First Universalist's Board of Trustees generally meets the third Thursday of every month, except for July. The October meeting was rescheduled and took place last week.
The October 2017 Board Packet is available
here
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Environmental Justice Team Gathering to Honor Joy Throm
Saturday, Oct. 29, 2-5 p.m. in the Social Hall at church
The Environmental Justice Team is hosting a celebration for First U member Joy Throm on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the social hall. After decades of service to the church, the environment, and the arts, congregants and friends of
Joy will gather to w
ish her the best on her upcoming travel adventures! The hosts ask that you b
ring a light appetizer (finger foods) and/or beverage to share and c
onsider staying after the gathering to help with clean-up.
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| Global Gift Fair to Be Held on Sunday, Nov. 26 |
This year's Global Gift Fair will be held on Sunday, Nov. 26 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Social Hall. As in the past, we have invited the participation of those organizations/vendors with which we have deep connections. This is your chance to one-stop shop for gifts that are reasonably priced and whose profits benefit our larger community. Join us in this annual favorite!
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Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
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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 Visitors 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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Community Discussion of Police Violence
Following Justine Damond's Kiling
Monday, Oct. 30, 7-8:30 p.m. at Lake Harriet United Methodist Church
You are invited to a community discussion organized by Justice for Justine Damond Ruszczyk. A panel moderated by Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel and Rev. Ashley Harness will share experiences and discuss the effects of police violence in our neighborhoods. Panelists include Dr. Jason Sole, President of the Minneapolis NAACP, Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of Minneapolis CAIR, and neighbors of Justine Damond.
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House Concert with Patsy O'Brien and Dick Hensold
Saturday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. in St. Paul
You are invited to a house concert with Patsy O'Brien & Dick Hensold on Saint Paul's West Side on Sunday, Nov. 5th at 2 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.). Dick Hensold is the director of the First Universalist Folk Band. Patsy O'Brien, from County Cork, is a fine traditional singer of both Irish and Scottish songs, and a superb guitarist for traditional music, but with an eclectic technique that allows forays into many different styles. He is also an awarded songwriter. You can get more information, performer biographies, and reserve tickets here. The concert hosts are taking reservations via their online ticketing system, and seats are limited, so be sure to reserve early! More details about the concert and location will be sent to those who have made reservations. The suggested donation is $20 at the door.
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Quaker Songwriter/Activist Carrie Newcomer to Perform Concert
Saturday, Nov. 11 at Hamline Church United Methodist in St. Paul
 Carrie Newcomer will be performing a very special concert at Hamline Church United Methodist in St. Paul, MN on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.
Carrie is a singer-songwriter and social justice advocate who weaves her progressive spirituality into her lyrics and music. Barbara Kingsolver wrote, "Carrie Newcomer is much more than a musician. She's a poet, storyteller, snake-charmer, good neighbor, friend and lover, minister of the wide-eyed gospel of hope and grace."
For more information about Carrie Newcomer, visit:
www.carrienewcomer.com
. Get info about the concert and purchase tickets here.
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| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
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Join Our Mailing List
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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? 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, 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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