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September 13, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 37
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Exploring Co-Location with Shir Tikvah
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Rev. Jen Crow |
Many of you are participating in our capital campaign, Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future, by giving of your resources as we strive to create a church home that better reflects our values and magnifies our mission. We've been dreaming about an updated worship space, with new carpet, fresh paint, an accessible chancel and assistive technology for those with hearing loss. We've learned that our Religious Education wing can support the addition of a third floor and we've sketched out ways to renovate our existing space to make better room for our children and youth, our small groups, and our offices. Tuckpointing work on the outside of our sanctuary building will begin any day, so that we can seal the envelope of our worship space and prevent further water damage now and in the future.
Your building team has been hard at work for over a year listening to your hopes, centering our values and our mission, and aligning what we want with our budget. During this time, we've also been in conversation with Shir Tikvah, the synagogue that purchased our old building over on 50th and Girard, our colleagues in faith and in our quest for justice, about sharing this space here at 34th and Dupont, together. We've been dreaming about what shared space would look and feel like, knowing that if we could make it work, not only would we grow in the depth of our relationship across congregations, but that we would magnify our missions, too, as we reduce our collective environmental footprint and share in the costs of maintaining this space.
Last month, your Board of Trustees shared their enthusiasm for the potential of this possibility, and directed the ministers to fully explore this co-location opportunity, knowing that it has the potential to help us better serve our mission and fulfill our financial obligations to the future. This means that we are putting our current plans for renovation and construction on pause as we engage in a fast-track feasibility discussion with Shir Tikvah. We are moving forward, committed to engaging with Shir Tikvah with open hearts and hard work to see if we can co-locate for the greater good of both congregations and our unique missions. I'm beginning to find myself saying that our inclusive vision of Not For Ourselves Alone might be completed Not By Ourselves Alone.
Co-location raises a number of questions that your church leadership is committed to answering, questions like: How is First Universalist's mission enhanced (or challenged) by co-location? Can co-location magnify the social-justice work of the two entities or does it cloud our work? How do we optimally deliver distinctively Unitarian Universalist spiritual formation opportunities to children, youth, and adults in a shared facility? What might be the legal and financial structure of the co-located entities of First Universalist and Shir Tikvah? These questions and more have been raised and we will, over the next few months, begin to answer them. The board and perhaps a half-dozen working groups will do our best to shape our responses and, working often with similar groups at Shir Tikvah, try to understand how co-located space could brighten our future. Given how fresh the decision to proceed in this good-faith exploration is, we have not yet designed the arc of and all the aspects of congregational engagement, but it will happen; we want to hear your questions, your excitement and your worries. And we hope you will share in our spirit of curiosity, possibility, and good faith discernment as we go forward.
In faith,
Rev. Jen
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Sept. 16, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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September worship theme: Here...Now...Start |
"Start in the Middle"
Rev. Jen Crow
Here in the middle of it all, we are called to do what we can with what we have, right where we are, to create the world we dream about. But the story does not start or end with us. Here in the middle, how can we know and do our particular part?
Religious Education (RE) classes for children and youth begin this Sunday! If your family is new to church and your kids are not yet registered for RE, be sure to check in at the Visiting Families Welcome Station in the atrium.
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September Worship Theme:
Here...Now...Start
In the Buddhist tradition there is a concept called "maitri." Buddhist nun and writer Pema Chödrön calls it the basis of compassion and the seed of joy. Maitri is a sanskrit word meaning an unconditional friendship with oneself. We spend so much of our time wishing we were someplace other than where we are, wishing we were something other than what we are. What if we made a steadfast commitment to be in friendship with where, what, and how we are, right now? When we are not so preoccupied with getting rid of our "bad" traits, or denigrating our ways of being, perhaps we would be able to see our defense mechanisms more clearly, or the ways in which our negative beliefs about ourselves manifest in our lives. Perhaps, we would also see our wisdom, our bravery and our kindness. What if we said: "Here is where we are. Now is what we have. This is how we start."
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Sunday, Sept. 23, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Worship Associate: Pamela Reed
Music: Soul Band
Recent Sermon Podcasts
September 9, 2018
"Here. Now. Start."
Water Communion Sunday
Rev. Justin Schroeder
September 2, 2018
"Seen and Heard"
Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
August 26, 2018
"Finding Sanctuary"
Backpack Blessing Sunday
Rev. Jen Crow
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Artist's Reception with Barbara La Valleur
Sunday, Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Meet international photojournalist Barbara La Valleur at an artist's reception in the Social Hall after services this Sunday! Barbara's work is on view in the Social Hall through October 14 in an exhibit called ¡Hola, Cuba!, which features 60 photographs, taken in early 2018, depicting Cuban people, places and scenes in Havana and Matanzas, a city on the north coast known for its poets, culture, and Afro-Cuban folklore.
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Pathway to Membership
Tuesdays, Sept. 25 & Oct. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Is First Universalist feeling like your spiritual home? Join us for The Pathway to Membership, a class exploring Unitarian Universalism, the history and mission of this congregation, and the experience of membership. Participants are invited to share and reflect on their own spiritual journeys and values. We ask that all those who wish to become members take this class. We'd love to welcome you as a new member! To register, contact Sandy DiNanni at Sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.
Go for a hike with fellow seniors from First Universalist!
The group will meet at the Wood Lake Nature Center Visitor Center (
6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield MN 55423
) by 10 a.m. and
hike for about 1.5 hours, covering about 4 miles. The terrain is very flat and offers several cutoffs that will allow for shorter distance options, if preferred. The wetlands offer ample opportunities for viewing wildlife and diverse bird species.
The group will gather at Pizza Luce,
800 W, 66th St. in Richfield following the hike for convivial conversation, hydration and sustenance, for those so inclined.
RSVP: If you intend to participate please RSVP to Tom Saterstrom (
saterstromtom@yahoo.com
or cell: 952-239-3629)
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Waging Peace: Building Blocks in the Foundation for Peace with Paul K. Chappell
Thursday, Sept. 27, 7-9 p.m.
Paul K. Chappell will introduce the concept of Peace Literacy over the course of this two-hour forum, which is free and open to the public. Peace Literacy is a new paradigm for gaining a deep and practical understanding of extremism, trauma, and the nature of human happiness. To solve our national and global problems of the 21st century and beyond, we need a realistic and pragmatic model of the human condition that helps us understand our human needs and the tangles of trauma.
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Workshop with Paul K. Chappell:
"A New Peace Paradigm: Our Human Needs and the Tangles of Trauma"
Saturday, Sept. 29, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
In this workshop, international peace educator Paul K. Chappell will delve further into Peace Literacy by examining our human needs, trauma, aggression, and technology as they all relate to his vision of a new paradigm for peace.
The cost for the workshop is $40 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and a copy of one of Paul's books. A limited number of student scholarship tickets are available for $20.
Registration is required.
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Peace Literacy: A New Foundation for Racial Justice with Paul K. Chappell
Sunday, Sept. 30, 7-9 p.m.
Growing up a racial outcast in Alabama, the son of a half black and half white father and a Korean mother, Paul has worked through the trauma of racism & mistrust to hold a new vision for Racial Justice, which he'll share at this forum. He will also discuss technology's past, present, and future relationship with racism and racial justice, with an emphasis on emerging technologies.
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| Fall Circle Registration & Adult Programming |
One of the core spiritual practices of this community takes place in circles: groups of 8-10 committed participants who gather to reflect on their lives and contemplate our worship themes. Circle offerings this fall include 3-month and year-long Soul Matters Circles, Newcomer Circles, and a variety of Spiritual Deepening Circles.
Soul Matters is a small group curriculum that encourages participants to reflect more deeply on our monthly worship theme. Some of our Soul Matters Circles are open to all, and some are open to people who share a particular identity or experience.
Spiritual Deepening Circles are groups that explore a topic or spiritual practice together. As our commitment to racial justice guides us into deeper hospitality and relationship, all of our Spiritual Deepening Circles this fall offer opportunities for mindfulness, embodiment, and interpersonal connection.
Newcomer Circles offer a chance to get to know Unitarian Universalism, reflect on our spiritual journeys, and connect with other folks who are new to church.
Descriptions, schedules, and registration are available online at firstucircles.weebly.com and registration will be open through Tuesday, Sept. 25.
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Beloved Conversations:
Meditations on Race and Ethnicity |
A curriculum for exploring the role of race/ethnicity in individual and congregational lives
 This fall/winter, First Universalist will be piloting Beloved Conversations, a teaching and learning curriculum that holds both the tensions and joys of an intentional multicultural community. Beloved Conversations creates a learning laboratory for how to live healthily in a multi-racial, multicultural, theologically diverse community, and how to use those learnings to work for a racially just world, both within and beyond the congregation. Beloved Conversations is geared towards people who have already done some grounding in their own racial identity and learning around systems of racism and oppression.
There is a required 1.5-day opening retreat for all participants, on Friday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 13, followed by an eight-session group beginning in late October or November. Details and registration are available here, and sign up is open through Tuesday, Sept. 25.
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| Opportunities for Young Adults this Fall |
We have some great opportunities to be in community with other folks in their 20s and 30s at First Universalist this fall!
Young Adults Fall Potluck
Sunday, Oct. 7, Cummins Room,
12:45 p.m.:set-up, 1 p.m. feasting begins!
Join us for good food, a chance to meet other young adults, and an opportunity to dream together about what we might do together this year. Bagels and coffee will be provided. Bring something yummy to share, some good ideas, and a smile. We'll be glad to see you!
Soul Matters Circles are small groups that gather to reflect on our monthly worship themes. Registration is open through Sept. 25 (and these groups tend to fill quickly!)
Register for Soul Matters here.
3-month group:
Tuesdays, Oct. 9, 23, Nov. 6, 13, Dec. 4 & 11, 7-8:30 p.m.
Year-long, monthly group:
Mondays, Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 18, April 15, May 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Coming Up: Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education for Young Adults
Our Whole Lives provides a framework and tools for discussing and learning about sexuality, bodies, health, identity, relationships, and more. The curriculum is inclusive for all gender identities and sexual orientations. Schedule and registration coming later this fall - email Sandy DiNanni at Sandy@firstuniv.org to be notified. Facilitated by Magi Korder and Nancy Sims. Feel free to reach out to Nancy for more information at nasims75@gmail.com.
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| Common Ground Meditation Center + First Universalist Connection Meeting this Sunday |
If you attend both First Universalist Church and Common Ground Meditation Center please join us this Sunday, Sept. 16 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to discuss what we appreciate in each spiritual practice, where we see opportunities that each community could share with the other and how this would look in action. Meet the Meditation Room at 12:30 p.m. (if church goes late, we will adapt). We will start with a 15 minute sit followed by discussion. If you have any questions contact Chuck LeGros at Chuck@LeGrosScientific.com
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Visit the UU Community Solar Garden this Sunday
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Our Environmental Justice Team will celebrate the just-opened UU Community Solar Garden near Clearwater, MN, with a group visit on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m.
Join us on the bus leaving from the First Universalist's parking lot at 2 p.m.
More than 100 UU households from First Universalist Church, First Unitarian Society, and Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship have subscribed to become a member of this 25-acre solar garden.
Meet management staff from Cypress Creek Renewables and CleanChoice Energy, the Garden owners, J. Drake Hamilton of Fresh Energy, and Kelli Clement, FUS Social Justice Minister. Local elected officials have also been invited. Don't miss the opportunity to see what UUs have done to increase support for renewable energy and the low-carbon economy while fighting climate change and reducing our electric bills. Opportunities to join a Community Solar Garden will also be available. RSVP with the number of people in your party who wish to ride the bus (capacity 50) to
elwood39@gmail.com
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| Volunteer for TC Habitat with a First U Crew this Fall |
First Universalist has three Habitat for Humanity work days this fall/winter, and we'd love to have you join us on the crew! The dates are Thursdays, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13. All builds are tentatively scheduled at Minneapolis sites.
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 the Habitat site supervisor are there to help.
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Join the First Universalist Choir!
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The First Universalist Choir welcomes new members as we start the church year! The choir is open to anyone who has a love for singing and wishes to participate in this ensemble during worship services.
The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. and sings in worship two times a month. Rehearsals have just begun. Email randy@firstuniv.org for more information.
Here's what choir members have to say about why they sing in the choir:
"I've been attending First U since the early 90s, but my involvement in church went to a much deeper level when I joined the choir 5 years ago. I asked a choir member friend about joining, and she said "no matter what kind of mood I'm in when I go to practice, I always come out in a good mood." That's true for me. It's a really nice group of people, and we sing an interesting variety of music. It has been a privilege to work with Randy and our talented pianists, including our terrific Franco. Join us!" -
Valerie Garber
"Randy's midwifery skills augmented with his nonverbal directing delivers great music and joyful singers." -
Dinah Patrykus
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Are you looking for a way to get to know other members in our church? Circle Suppers are a great way to do so!
These intimate gatherings are a recipe for good conversation and good food while enjoying the camaraderie of other First U members.
We meet in each other's homes for dinner on the first Saturday of each month from December to March. Participants are asked to host one time during those four months. These are adults only gatherings for couples and singles. Dinners are potluck, hosts provide the main entree. They determine the number of guests they can accommodate, usually 6 people, sometimes more. There is an Alternate List for those who cannot host.
You must sign up in advance to participate. You can do this at church on Sign Up Sunday on Sept. 23 (after both services) or by emailing Colleen Cavell at
cavell.colleen@gmail.com.
There is a Kick-Off Potluck in the Social Hall at church on Saturday, Nov. 10, and the Circle Suppers themselves are on
Saturdays, Dec. 1
, Jan. 5
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Feb. 2,
and March 2.
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Women's Ritual Circle Open to Newcomers this Fall
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| Women (cis, trans, or otherwise) interested in earth-based and pagan spirituality are invited to the upcoming open rituals of the Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle. This circle is open to newcomers on Monday, Sept. 24 (Classroom 200); Monday, Oct. 8 (Classroom 200); and Wednesday, Oct. 24 (Classroom 200). For women who choose to join, there will be a commitment ritual on Wednesday, Nov. 7 in Classroom 200, after which the circle will close to new members until next fall. Ritual begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. Contact Beth at belovedporcupine@gmail.com for more information. Additional details are available on our website. |
| Donations Welcome for Augsburg Fairview Academy |
First Universalist is beginning our 7th year of community partnership with Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA). Young adults from diverse communities who face educational barriers to achievement are welcomed into AFA, a charter school that prepares them for college, career and life. AFA provides an intense program of rigorous study in a teen- and family-friendly atmosphere. Dedicated, talented staff use positive, strength-based approaches to help them succeed.
The 125+ students come from diverse backgrounds including African American, Somali, and Native American. Many are homeless or marginally housed during the school year. Here's how you can help:
We will start our fall donations for the Hope Food and Clothing Closets with:
- Toiletries: men and women's deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, ethnic hair products, sanitary products.
- Microwavable single serving dinners
- Backpacks (black or dark colors preferred)
- Fall teen clothing - hoodies, jeans, fall jackets (in good repair, clean, teen appropriate)
- School Supplies: 3 ring notebooks, pocket folders, pens and pencils
Bring items to the Hub on Sundays or drop off during the week at the shelves labeled for AFA by the 34th Street entrance.
Thank you for your generosity!
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Weaving Wellness: Art, Community, and Mental Health Resilience
Exhibit Dates Sept. 25 - Dec. 15, 2018
Minnesota History Center,
345 W. Kellogg Blvd.,
St . Paul, MN 55102
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| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
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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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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 9
a.m.-1 p.m.
Mondays-Thursdays
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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