 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
February 14, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 7
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
Thanks to the financial support of more than 700 families and individuals this year, we have been able to provide engaging, inclusive programming for more than 500 children and youth; our adult programs and worship services continue to challenge, comfort, and heal; and we've implemented an important recommendation of our Racial Justice Change Team and hired Rev. Karen Hutt.
We have also recently completed a successful capital campaign to ensure that the future we build is sustainable, financially and environmentally sound, and "Not for Ourselves Alone."
Together, members of our community have shown they are
All In!
In our last annual giving campaign, many of you made the decision to become Sustainers - making your annual financial support ongoing. A sustaining gift helps even out the budget, simplify the process of annual giving, and reduces the administrative burden on staff and volunteers. Thank you so much to our sustainers - we are grateful that we can count on your support as we budget and plan for the coming year!
For those who have not yet become sustaining givers, now is the time we ask for your renewed (or new!) financial commitment as we plan for our 2019-2020 fiscal year.
Annual gifts from 700+ households make up more than 80% of our annual budget. Every gift is crucial!
For instance, it takes:
- 196 donors each giving $85/month to fund our Religious Education program
- 140 donors giving $75/month to fund our justice work and Faithful Action efforts
- 90 donors giving $50/month to fund utilities
Of course, there are many more expenses than these. We're a 1,000-member church and it costs about $4.50 per day per person to keep the lights on and fund all we do.
We also ask that you please consider becoming a sustainer this year! Sustaining givers don't have to fill out a new giving card every year, and the church doesn't need to follow up with calls, emails, and letters. It's a win-win situation!
As we urge everyone to be All In this annual giving drive, we ask: can we count on your support with an ongoing contribution in an amount that works for you?
Pick up a yellow giving card at church, or set up a gift online. We want to hear from you by March 13!
With gratitude and love,
Rev. Justin Schroeder, Rev. Jen Crow, and your Annual Giving Team: Tim Gluszak, Elizabeth Short, Peter Kimball, and Diane Rose
|
|
|
| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Feb. 17, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"The Purpose-Driven Church, Part 2"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
In 2011, I preached a sermon called "The Purpose Driven Church." Now, eight years later, I'm preaching part 2, as we explore our theme of "Vision" and the deeper purposes of faith community. As Oscar Romero said, "A church that doesn't provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn't unsettle, a word of God that doesn't get under anyone's skin, a word of God that doesn't touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed - what gospel is that?" In this service, we'll explore our purpose, the power of an unsettling gospel, and where that is leading us.
We'll enjoy music by the Soul Band, including songs by the Black Eyed Peas, Stevie Wonder, and more!
Join us for youth-friendly* worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.
*Youth in 6th through 12th grades attend the service with their families.
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.
|
|
Sunday, Feb. 24, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rabbi Michael Latz
Music: First Universalist Choir
Sunday, March 3, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Jen Crow
Music: First Universalist Choir & Chalice Choir
Sunday, March 10, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Karen Hutt
Music: First Universalist Choir
|
|
|
|
|
February 10, 2019
"Wake Now Our Vision"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
February 3, 2019
"When Vision Fails"
written by Rev. Jen Crow;
delivered by Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
January 27, 2019
"Rama Who?"
Rev. Karen Hutt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Learn About the Minnesota End of Life Options Act: Presentation by Harlan Limpert
Thursday, Feb. 21, 7-8:30 p.m.
Learn more about the Minnesota End of Life Options Act in a presentation by Rev. Harlan Limpert. This proposed legislation is modeled on Oregon's Death With Dignity Act and would allow a mentally competent adult with a terminal illness the right to request from their doctor medication they would self-administer to end their life so they can die peacefully in their sleep. There is a very real possibility this legislation could pass this year! Rev. Limpert shares: "When my uncle took his own life due to extreme suffering towards the end of a long and difficult regimen for lung cancer, I knew I needed to be involved in efforts to reduce suffering at the end of life. In recent years my experience has inspired me to become involved with Compassion & Choices, an organization committed to improving care and expanding options at the end of life."
|
|
|
|
|
A Conversation with a Peacemaker:
Dr. John Davies
Friday, Feb. 22, 7-9 p.m.
The First U Peace Circle invites you to
a conversation with Dr. John Davies about his life as a peacemaker, the spiritual underpinnings of his work, and how we might all walk through the current time from a place of peace.
Dr. John Abd al-Qadir Davies
has led peace initiatives in over 30 countries, co-developed conflict and genocide early warning systems for the US government and international coalitions, and trained UN peacekeepers. He uses integrative mediation, spiritual practices and coaching methods to help individuals, couples, families, communities and organizations to walk through conflict situations, and leads classes, retreats and workshops for those seeking peace and reconciliation at all levels of life.
This is the introductory evening for a weekend workshop at Sufi Center Minnesota
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I Am Not Your Negro" Film Screening
Sunday, Feb. 24, 1-3:30 p.m. in Room 203
Thursday, Feb. 28, 6:30-9 p.m. in Room 200
Join us for a screening of the film "I Am Not Your Negro" with facilitators from our Racial Justice Education Team. "This terrific movie is based on author James Baldwin's unfinished novel recounting the lives and successive assassinations of his friends Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Framing the unfinished work as a radical narration about race in America, Director Raoul Peck matches Baldwin's lyrical rhetoric with rich archival footage of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, and connects these historical struggles for justice and equality to the present-day movements that have taken shape in response to the killings of young African-American men." - from the "I Am Not Your Negro" Education Guide
|
|
|
|
|
Racial Justice & Our UU Faith Workshop
Saturdays, March 9 & 16, 9-11:30 a.m.
Join us for an interactive, reflective workshop exploring a framework and tools for understanding race, racism, and whiteness and the spiritual imperative that drives our racial justice work. We offer this workshop several times each year and encourage every member of our community to participate. This is a two-part workshop, offered on March 9 and 16, led by Channing McKinley and Jeff Sylvestre. To sign up, contact Sandy DiNanni at sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post-State of the Church Meeting Update on the Possibility of Co-location with Shir Tikvah
|
This past Sunday, Feb. 10, at our annual State of the Church meeting, the Board of Trustees and staff shared information about the possibility of co-location with Shir Tikvah, which is currently being explored by both of our congregations.
In the coming months, there will be a number of opportunities for your input and participation in this conversation. In June, assuming there is congregational support and we've resolved the remaining financial and legal questions, we'll vote on this decision.
We strongly encourage every member to attend a listening session.
We will hold an
update session on Sunday, March 10 after the 2nd service, and more detailed
information and listening sessions on the following dates:
Thursday, April 11, 10 a.m.-noon, hosted by Daytime Connections
Monday, April 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 25, 7-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 1-2:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 19, 1-2:30 p.m.
If you couldn't join us at the State of the Church meeting, there is more detailed information available in these two documents:
|
|
All In 2019-2020: Why I Give
|
I came to First Universalist in my early 70s, in search of an environment in which I could develop a coherent religious belief system. That's what I was looking for, but I found much more...primarily through what was then called "small groups," now known as community circles.
In the small group environment I learned to think with my heart as well as my head. In the group atmosphere of intimacy, honesty, and trust, I was often surprised by what came out of my mouth! I found treasured friendships. And, particularly through Wellspring, I came to a coherent, ever deepening set of religious beliefs.
It's also important to me that First Universalist represents my values in the larger community, both through the community partnerships and through its wide-ranging social justice efforts...especially since I am no longer able to do many of these things myself. Incidentally, our ministers frequently point out that sustained social action is almost impossible without the strength that comes from spiritual beliefs and practices. It's all about balance.
Attendance at Sunday morning services is a non-negotiable for me...and almost invariably a challenging and rewarding experience. I love the music. I love the sermons. I love the chalice lighters. I am never, ever sorry that I came.
I am so grateful that I made the leap to First Universalist Church!
|
|
New Exhibit: Work by Robyn Beth Priestly
|
Artwork by Robyn Beth Priestly will be on view in the social hall Feb. 17 through March 17.
The artist says: "I am concerned with our personal connections to the natural world, and often find inspiration in our national, regional and local parks. We are often so isolated from nature in our busy urban lives that parks, scientific and natural areas (SNAs), recreation areas, and wilderness areas provide various ways for us to learn, revive our spirits, or just relax and experience the natural world. Parks are not only important for us as humans, but also provide vital places for endangered and threatened animals, plants and ecosystems to survive, and hopefully, thrive.
"My commitment is to create awareness about natural systems, biodiversity, and endangered native species. I'm interested in exploring these systems, and learning how they affect our native plants, birds and animals in Minnesota and throughout the country.
"The pieces are one-color linoleum block prints that are printed on paper, dried and mounted on archival boards. Then I hand-paint each print, so each one actually ends up being an original artwork, rather than a numbered edition. I do a lot of research for accuracy, take photos and make sketches before each piece is created, and I limit the number I make from each block.
"I like to think of my pieces as not only one artist's reaction to observation and research, but also a piece of a greater whole, a chapter in a story that the viewer can also add chapters. But not all the pieces are serious, I try to create pieces that will speak to a variety of ages and interests!"
|
|
AUW Women's Spring Retreat
|
AUW Women's Spring Retreat
Telling Our Stories Anew: What is needed now?
April 12-15, 2019 (Friday - Monday)
Last year's unexpected snow storm gave some of us the opportunity to stay a THIRD night, and we loved it. Therefore, this year there will be an option to stay over Sunday night.
WHO
: Keynote, ceremonies, and presentations by Rev. Kelli Clement and Rev. Karen Hutt
WHERE
: Koinonia Retreat Center, South Haven
WORKSHOPS
: Nature Hikes; Healing Touch; Writing Memoirs; Meditation: Why and How; Poetry Out Loud; What Are You Reading; Creation Station; board games; lakeside sauna; and MORE!
|
| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 9
a.m.-1 p.m.
Mondays-Thursdays 9
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? 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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
