November 9, 2017  |  Vol. 4 No. 45
Spiritual Soul Work for November
Rev. Justin Schroeder
QUESTIONS OF TRUST
During November, our Soul Matters small groups are doing a deep dive into the theme, "Sources of Trust," as they wrestle with questions meant to deepen their daily living.

These are some of the questions they are following:
  • "How is life calling you to trust enough to take a leap?"
  • "What did you learn in childhood about what could be trusted? How do these messages impact your living today?"
  • "Does your need to be in control impact your capacity for trust?
Which questions speak to you? Which questions lead you where you need to go as you give, receive, and grow in this faith community? Can you share these questions - and your responses - with a friend, a loved one, or fellow church members?

BUILDING THE WORLD WE DREAM OF
Every two years, we invite the congregation to participate in the "Holiday Giving Project." This Project invites all of us to consider cutting in half our holiday spending (on presents, decorations, etc.) and to give what we save to the recipient of the Holiday Giving Project. Four years ago, Habitat for Humanity was our Holiday Giving Recipient, two years ago it was Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, and this year it's Marnita's Table, an organization committed "to bringing people together across race, class, culture, and other means of self-identity to find common ground on important public policy issues." You'll learn more about Marnita's Table in the coming weeks, and we'll kick off our Holiday Giving Campaign on November 26. In the meantime, start the conversation with yourself, your family, or your partner: "What could we cut back on this year, in order to help create a more just world? How can we re-imagine the holidays and more faithfully live into them?" This is counter-cultural work, and it's at the center of what we're about as a faith community.

I'll see you in church,
Justin
SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

November Worship Theme: Sources of Trust
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 12, 9:30 & 11:15  a.m.
"An Honest Look"
Rev. Jen Crow
"Where do you put your trust?" - this is our guiding question this month.  Trust, for me, requires honesty, even when the honest truth is hard to hear or I wish it was different. Join us as we explore the truth of who we are and the world we live in; join us as we lean in to one another and the foundation of our faith; join us as we renew our strength so that we might build the world we dream about.
A Look Ahead

Sunday, Nov. 19, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Musical Guests: Give Get Sistet


Recent Sermon Podcasts
November 5, 2017
"Building Blocks of Life"
Rev. Justin Schroeder

October 29, 2017
Resisting White Supremacy Teach-In 2
"10 Commandments of 
Challenging White Supremacy"
Rev. Ashley Horan

October 22, 2017
"Being Hope"
Rev. Jen Crow
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
POSTPONED: Schematic Design Idea Review Meetings with the Architects
The November 15th and 19th congregational meetings with the architects to review design ideas for our renovations and construction have been postponed in order to explore a design direction that hadn't previously been thought possible.  Our architects need additional time to do research on the  existing structural system and conditions to determine what might be feasible. W e'd like  to  allow them time to fully explore this potentially advantageous possibility before presenting design options and our preferred direction for the congregation's review and consideration. The meetings will be rescheduled for some time in January - watch for new dates to be announced in the near future! 
Young Adults Pizza Lunch
Sunday, Nov. 12, 12:45 p.m. at Pizza Luce
J oin the First Universalist Young Adults group for lunch at Pizza Lucé on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 12:45 p.m. The group will walk over to Pizza Luce (at 32nd St. & Lyndale Ave. S.) from church after the second service (about 12:30 p.m.).  The First Universalist Young Adults group is for folks in their 20s and 30s who are interested in getting together for events and social activities.  Join the  First Universalist Young Adults group on Facebook  to connect!
Daytime Connections: Sharing Our Stories
Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.
Church elders share stories to remember who we are, share our wisdom and change the world. That's why there's a new initiative at church called "Collecting Our Legacy Stories" with a goal to hear and document all our stories (60 so far). Learn about the project from First U Daytimers, Janet Merrill, Dick Kain and Kathy Coskran.  Program begins at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 1 p.m. A $5-10 donation for lunch is encouraged. Registration is requested: contact Sandy at  sandy@firstuniv.org  or 612-825-1701.  Through  Daytime Connections , older adults at First Universalist empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives.
ART for Action:
Spiritual Practice Bracelet Making
Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-noon, Chalice Rm
You can make a difference in the lives of families who have been impacted by our broken immigration system! Come support the work of Sanctuary and Resistance and create beautiful Interfaith Spiritual Practice Bracelets, with a unique Sanctuary and Resistance charm. Children, adults, members and friends of all ages are welcome! The money we raise from all our ART for Action projects will be given directly to families and individuals impacted by our country's harmful immigration and detention policies and practices.  Bracelets will be sold every Sunday and at the Global Gift Fair. Please RSVP here so we have enough supplies! 
Bde Maka Ska Community Conversation: Diving Deep into the Story of Water
Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Like a stone tossed into water, the water's spirit sends energy out to its shores and beyond. What are we inspired to do for the lake and for life giving water the world over?
Please join us for the fourth community conversation inspired by the spirit of Mde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun) on Saturday, Nov. 18 in the Social Hall. Our goal is relatedness, the essential element of community, and ultimately the protection of water. "Mde Maka Ska: Diving Deep into the Story of Water" will include a short documentary about Mde Maka Ska Community Conversations and a tasty lunch. Let us know you're coming either with an email to Wakinyanl@yahoo.com or via Facebook. First U's Environmental Justice Team has been an ally of the Native American LaPointe family in organizing these conversations.
Robin DiAngelo Workshop Debrief
Sunday, Nov. 19, 1-2:30 p.m.
Those who attend Robin DiAngelo's workshop, "Seeing the Racial Water," at Unity Church-Unitarian on Saturday, Nov. 18 (more information about this First U sponsored event here) are encouraged to attend a de-brief the following day at First Universalist. We'll share what we learned, how we were challenged, and where we plan to go from here. Join us on Sunday, Nov. 19 in Room 203. Discussion will be led by Clemma Muller, Susan Schultz, and Lark Weller.
Global Gift Fair
Sunday, Nov. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
This year's Global Gift Fair will be held on 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. Read about this year's vendors here. Join us in this annual favorite!
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transitions in the Music Ministry at First Universalist
Dr. Jerrod Wendland
As we announced previously in the Liberal and on Sunday Nov. 5 in worship, Jerrod Wendland, our pianist, will be leaving at the end of November. We will miss Jerrod! We're grateful for the many gifts he's shared with us over these past three years and the variety of musical expression he's brought to life in our worship services. 

Franco Holder
November 26th will be Jerrod's last Sunday with us. During the service, he'll be playing piano duets with congregants. If you're interested in playing with Jerrod, please reach out to him at jerrod@firstuniv.org.

Beginning in December, Franco Holder, who has played in our services a number of times over the years (often with Jerrod), will begin as our new pianist. We're delighted Franco is joining First Universalist and we hope you'll join us in warmly welcoming him when he begins.
Opportunity to Learn About Marnita's Table Nov. 15
Are you wondering how Marnita's Table, our church's chosen Holiday Giving recipient, achieves its goal of increasing equality across differences and deepening cross-cultural competencies? Would you like to learn about their experience engineering model called "Intentional Social Interaction" (IZI) and experience firsthand their vision of radical hospitality?   

Up to 15 seats have been reserved for First Universalist members at Marnita's Table's next training session on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice Street, Center for Equity and Culture Room 1620, St. Paul, MN 55117. At this session, you will:
  • Play with and eat delicious food and beverage while thinking deeply about the practical logistics of consistently creating an authentically welcoming environment;
  • Learn the 5 foundational roots and 20 touchpoints of IZI;
  • Practice inclusive tools to facilitate individuals across difference;
  • Receive access to exclusive Marnita's Table tools that will help you host your own personal IZIs; and
  • Explore practices to engage under-represented or under-resourced individuals.

Space is limited, so sign up soon using this online form , or email holidaygiving@firstuniv.org to sign up or seek more information. 


 

The biennial Holiday Giving project encourages families and individuals to re-direct a meaningful amount of their holiday spending to a worthy organization selected by the church. Marnita's Table amplifies our church's inclusive and anti-racist values in the community by facilitating authentic conversation to bridge differences. Instructions for how to donate will be coming soon. If you have questions, please visit the Holiday Giving table during the post-Sunday service social hour or email holidaygiving@firstuniv.org .
Complete Your Volunteer Profile for a Chance to Win Theater Tickets!
Last Sunday, we kicked off our "Human Capital Campaign" to make it easier to support our Church's mission, and to facilitate congregants' desires to invest time on issues that help us Give, Receive, and Grow. 

Everyone who completes their "Volunteer Profile" by Nov. 15 will be entered into a drawing for tickets to the Penumbra and Mixed Blood theaters!

Although we wish to invest our time on issues we feel passionate about, we often juggle a variety of challenges, and our available time for volunteering can be limited. Additionally when time is available, it may only be when we have childcare, it may be at night or on weekends, or it may only be in situations where an entire family can participate. Our church software now makes it easier to support issues you feel passionate about while also working within your real-world constraints.

So far, 150 individuals have completed their volunteer profiles; and they are now entered into the drawing for theater tickets. You have until Nov. 15th to be entered in the drawing, and you can submit your profile in one of the following ways. Please take 5 minutes to either:
  1. Fill out and drop off your completed profile at the "Connected Table" on Sunday in the Social Hall.
  2. If you have a church User ID and password, go to "MyFirstU/Profile/Serving" and fill out the profile online.
  3. If you need some help either logging into the "MyFirstU" website or completing the online profile please contact Larry at larry.gottschalk@yahoo.com.
  4. If you're not coming to a service on Sunday but want to fill out a hard copy of the profile, send an email request to Hal at halschroer@gmail.com
Help Us Recycle and Compost at Church!
Please help us be good stewards of the environment here at church by sorting your waste! In many places around the building, we have sets of three containers: recycling, organics, and trash. Do you know what goes where?

Recycling
Orders of Service can be recycled at the back of the sanctuary; look for the baskets labeled recycling. Please recycle plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and recyclable paper in recycling bins.  Recycling Guide

Organics/Compost
The main waste containers in all of our bathrooms are for organics composting for paper towels. There are also small bins available to throw away anything that isn't compostable, such as diapers.  Food waste, soiled paper napkins, wood stir sticks, egg roll paper dish and paper sauce containers should be put in the organics containers. The plastic around the egg rolls and the juice cups with a wax lining need to be put in trash.  Organics Recycling Guide

If you're not sure which container to put something in, check the signage by each container, ask friends at church or at the Sunday environmental information table (Earth Flag on table). Thanks to all who recycle and compost!
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. 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 MUUSJA.
NEWS IN BRIEF      
Save the Date: 37th Annual Winter Solstice
This will be the thirty-seventh year that First Universalist will honor the longest night of the year, joyously celebrating both going into the dark and the return of the sun! Join us on Thursday, Dec. 21 as we observe another turning of the year. The evening includes a 12-minute period of darkness, so consider if your children will be comfortable during that time. As always, we will move through the evening with beautiful music, participation for all ages, and sharing of joy and light. Want to become involved? Contact Leslie at  lajohnson3@yahoo.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 Visitors 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
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Church Office Hours
Sundays  8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday-Thursday  8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
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Contact Us
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
For staff contact information, please visit our Ministers and Staff page.
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408

612-825-1701

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