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January 31, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 5
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| Though the Practice May Change, Our Vision Remains True |
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Rev. Jen Crow |
As the month turns into February, our worship theme turns, too - to Vision. And here's what I know about vision in my own life and in the life of our congregation: the core of what we believe in and what we are all about stays the same; it's the practice of how we live it out that changes over time. Let me give you an example.
Our capital campaign, Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future, launched in 2016 with a particular vision. We wanted to make our building into a more effective tool for our mission. We wanted it to be more welcoming, more accessible, more useful to our community, and more financially and environmentally sound. We wanted our building to reflect our commitments to racial and environmental justice, and we wanted to put our largest resource to the best possible use for not just ourselves, but for our community, too.
First, we imagined a new welcome and drop-off center toward the rear of the parking lot. Then, architectural review and more thought led us to imagine a more prominent, accessible, and welcoming Dupont Avenue entrance. Long-looked-for documentation showed that we could build up on the foundation of the Religious Education wing, and we imagined a new third floor full of classrooms and meeting spaces. Then, cost came in for a reality check, and we realized that a third floor was likely not within our reach - and its exit took with it a sense of possibility and openness.
Conversations with Shir Tikvah continued all along in the background, as the synergies and shared commitments of our two congregations came to light. Commitments to racial justice, disrupting white supremacy culture, environmental stewardship, and creating spaces that reflected our values and our dedication to the community were shared. The dreaming began again, this time in the shape of co-location, and our two congregations decided to spend September of 2018 through June of 2019 in a time of discernment: asking and answering hard questions about finance and structure and learning about each other's culture and commitments.
At the center of all of these changes has been our vision - a building that serves our mission. A building that is welcoming, accessible, useful to our community, and financially and environmentally sound and progressive. While the shape of our practice may shift and change, our vision from the beginning, and still, is to create a space that is not for ourselves alone.
May this vision guide us as the dreaming and the hard work of discernment continues.
In gratitude,
Rev. Jen
P.S. Please join us for our Annual State of the Church Meeting on
Sunday, Feb. 10 at 12:45 p.m. in the sanctuary to learn more about the potential of co-location here at 3400 Dupont Avenue with Shir Tikvah.
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Feb. 3, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"When Vision Fails"
Rev. Jen Crow
As we move into our new worship theme of "Vision," we'll consider all that our lofty goals and aspirations give to us, and what we can do when we lose our way. What happens when that clear idea of what was right comes into contact with the realities of our lives or the discomfort that moving toward our ideals might bring? How do we find our way again when we are lost?
Join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m. on this Sharing Sunday! Children in Pre-K through 5th Grade attend the first part of worship.
February Worship Theme: Vision
"What will mess you up most in life is the picture in your head of how it is supposed to be" (Author Unknown). It's not the place one usually starts when it comes to the topic of "vision." Most often, conversations about vision tell us to hold on tightly to our pictures of how it is supposed to be, not be suspicious of them. We're encouraged to "stay true to your vision." We're told, "Without vision, the people perish." We're warned that without a clear vision, we're vulnerable to whatever winds blow. And let's be clear: all of that is true. A clear vision anchors us. It gives us direction and hope. It is, indeed, a precious thing to which we should hold fast. But as our quote of the month makes clear, every vision distorts even as it clarifies. Knowing when to stay true to your vision and when to let go is a very tricky task. This month we explore vision - when to keep your vision front and center and when to de-center it and make room for others.
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Sunday, Feb. 10, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Music: First Universalist Choir
Sunday, Feb. 17, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Youth-friendly Worship
Lead Minister: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Music: Soul Band
Sunday, Feb. 24, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rabbi Michael Latz
Music: First Universalist Choir
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Newcomer Circle
Wednesdays, Feb. 6-27, 7-8:30 p.m.
Are you new to First Universalist? Whether you are a recent visitor or a new member, you're invited to join a Newcomer Circle. These four-
session gatherings of 6-10 newcomers offer a chance to get to know Unitarian Universalism, reflect on our spiritual journeys, and connect with other folks who are new to church. The next Newcomer Circle begins on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Sign up with Sandy at sandy@firstuniv.org.
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12-Step Spirituality:
Centering Prayer Meditation
Saturday, Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-noon, Social Hall
12-Step Spirituality meets one Saturday per month in the Social Hall at First Universalist and is designed for those actively working a 12 Step program, as well as those wanting to explore & deepen their spirituality through meditation. Each session includes Centering Prayer meditation instruction, two 20-minute Centering Prayer sessions, reading from 12 Step literature, and presenters sharing personal experiences and on selected topics. No registration necessary.
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State of the Church Meeting
Sunday, Feb. 10, 12:45 p.m.
Please join us for our annual State of the Church meeting after the second service on Sunday, Feb. 10 (12:45 p.m.). At this meeting, the Board of Trustees and Staff of the Church will share updates on where we've been and where we're going, including more details on the possibility of co-locating with Shir Tikvah. We'll also share a high-level mid-year budget update and a look at upcoming programs and events. We have so much to be proud of as a faith community, and big goals ahead!
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Open Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, Feb. 14, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
The labyrinth is a spiritual tool. It is a form of walking meditation that is a multicultural, ancient pattern.
First Universalist's labyrinth is located in the social hall. Each month from September through May, we offer an Open Labyrinth Walk on the second Thursday. You are welcome to arrive any time between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Walk at your own pace (allow at least 15 minutes minimum for a full fast walk).
A member of the Labyrinth Circle will be available to offer guidance. For more information, contact: Ann Hobbs, 763-546-3337 or
g.annhobbs@gmail.com
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Pathway to Membership
Sundays, Feb. 17 & 24, 1-3 p.m.
Is First Universalist feeling like your spiritual home? Join us for Pathway to Membership on Sundays, Feb. 17 & 24, 1-3 p.m.! This new member class explores 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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Daytime Connections:
Planning Your Own Memorial Service
Thursday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m.
Learn about planning your memorial service at February's Daytime Connections program on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. Rev. Ruth MacKenzie will facilitate, helping you identify the stories that are important, name what is meaningful, and plan the different elements of your own memorial service. Lunch follows at 1 p.m. (suggested donation: $5-15). Through Daytime Connections, older adults at First Universalist empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives. To register, contact Sandy DiNanni at sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Help Our Kids Help Folks Experiencing Homelessness
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With the bitter cold upon us, our PreK-5th graders' focus on Housing and Homelessness this Sunday, Feb. 3, is especially relevant. Please support them in their Faithful Action project by bringing a non-food item or two for our Supply Drive. There will be collection bins in the downstairs Religious Education hallway and the Chalice Room. Donated items will go directly to individuals experiencing homelessness and local agencies that serve them.
We are collecting these items only, this Sunday only: New wool socks (any size), warm gloves (any size), air-activated warmers for hands or toes, travel-size toiletries, small brushes, toothbrushes, lip balm, wet wipes (in smaller foil packs), and standard-size new or gently-used pillow cases. Thank you for supporting us and our neighbors!
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Handmade Truffles for Valentine's Day
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 You can purchase truffles - handmade by the youth of the First Universalist Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE) - in the Social Hall on Sundays, Feb. 3 and 10.
Twelve youth from our Church participate in this cultural exchange with twelve youth from Nicaragua. For two weeks, they stay in one another's homes and learn about one another's worlds. This summer, the Nicaraguan youth will come to Minnesota, and next summer our youth will go to Nicaragua. All proceeds from the truffle sale (and from the weekly egg roll sales) pay for the Nicaraguan youth travel expenses.
The truffles are three dollars each, $12 for a box of four, and $24 for a box of eight. Flavors include Orange Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Cappuccino and Sea Salt. Buy them for yourself or a Valentine or send a box to a student at Augsburg Fairview Academy. Include a personal note and YCE youth will deliver your gift of love and truffles to the students of Augsburg Fairview Academy. Support two faithful action programs at the same time!
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Common Ground & First Universalist Connection Meeting
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If
you attend both First Universalist Church and Common Ground Meditation Center
you're invited to join members
for a connection meeting this Sunday, Feb. 3, including a 15-minute sit followed by an opportunity for each person to talk about their spiritual practice. Meet in the Meditation Room at 12:30 p.m. (if church goes later, we will adapt)
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If you have any questions contact Chuck LeGros at Chuck@LeGrosScientific.com
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AUW Winter Event: Saturday, Feb. 9
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 The Association of Universalist Women (AUW) is hosting its annual Winter Event on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Universalist. All women are welcome to join AUW for an afternoon of appetizers, art, and community!
Learn more about AUW on their website at
www.auwfirstuniv.org
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Thanks for Donations for Augsburg Fairview Academy!
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Thanks to the many congregants who have generously donated food and winter clothing to the students of Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) - you make a difference!
First Universalist is the primary sponsor of Food and Clothing Closets at Augsburg Fairview Academy, a public charter high school located within two miles of church. The 100+ high school students come from diverse backgrounds including African American, Somali, and Native American. Many are homeless or marginally housed during the school year. We are experiencing a higher than typical need for food this year and your contributions of the following are gratefully received:
- Microwavable single serving dinners
- Snacks: granola bars, fruit cups, small packages of nuts or raisins, crackers
- Winter teen clothing: winter jackets, scarves, gloves and hats; hoodies, jeans (clothing in good repair, clean, and teen appropriate)
- Winter toiletries: chapstick and lotions, men's and women's deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, ethnic hair products, sanitary products, condoms
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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| 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 9
a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
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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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