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February 7, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 6
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| Join Us for the State of the Church Meeting this Sunday |
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Rev. Jen Crow |
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Rev. Justin Schroeder |
As was shared last Sunday in our worship service, First Universalist Church and Shir Tikvah Congregation are taking the time period of September 2018 though June 2019 as a time of discernment and exploration about what co-locating at 3400 Dupont Ave might look like, and how it might help each congregation live more fully into their mission and vision.
These conversations have been rich, honest, and deeply invigorating. Our Racial Justice Change Team, a Board-appointed team, recently shared a memo with the Board of Trustees, indicating its support for these efforts and the idea of co-locating, recognizing it helps us live more fully into our Visionary Goals.
Many church leaders and staff have been working on this effort, and at our State of the Church meeting this Sunday, Feb. 10 at 12:45 p.m., we'll share what we've learned, where we are at in the process, and answer your questions. If we do co-locate, it will shape and change and make history for both First Universalist and Shir Tikvah. 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 for this effort and we've resolved the remaining financial and legal questions, we'll vote on this decision.
This Sunday, come learn more about the possibility of co-locating with Shir Tikvah, and where we are at in this process. Everyone is needed and welcome!
In faith,
Jen and Justin
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Feb. 10, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Wake Now Our Vision"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Meditation has taught me that each breath is new and unique, and worthy of my full attention. My Unitarian Universalist faith teaches me that this is true for each interaction with another human being. When I am deeply attentive, not assuming I know what my breath or the person in front of me is going to do, I open up to the holy, to the possible. All of a sudden, my assumptions, "shoulds," and expectations are sidelined, and a wide open horizon unfolds in front of me, a whole new vision of what could be. What happens when we, as community, practice putting down our assumptions, "shoulds," and expectations?Does a whole new vision wake up in us?
Join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.!
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. 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
Sunday, March 3, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Jen Crow
Music: First Universalist Choir & Chalice Choir
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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
January 20, 2019
"Love Is Resistance"
Rev. Jen Crow
Listen to the podcast
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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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"The Human Element" Film Screening
Saturday, Feb. 9, 7-9 p.m., Social Hall
MN350, Vote-Climate and Organizing for Action MN invite you to a showing of the film THE HUMAN ELEMENT in conjunction with the Minnesota Green New Deal Week of Action and the 100% Campaign. Co-hosted by the First U Environmental Justice Team.
The film highlights Americans on the frontlines of climate change, inspiring us to re-evaluate our relationship with the natural world and become active in the move away from fossil fuels to an all-new, 100%-clean, renewable-energy future. In this riveting and visually rich drama, we follow environmental photographer James Balog as he explores the impacts of wildfires, hurricanes, sea-level rise, and our changing air.
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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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Learn More About the Minnesota End of Life Options Act
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Rev. Harlan Limpert
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By Rev. Harlan Limpert
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. I've done so in my work as a hospital chaplain and in various forms of ministry, both formal and informal.
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.
Soon our Minnesota legislature will consider a proposal to enact an Oregon-type law that 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!
Would you like to learn more about this proposed legislation? And would you like to learn more about how you can take control of your health care decisions at the end of life?
If so, join me on Thursday, Feb. 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Cummins Room for an overview of this issue and ways to become involved if you desire.
And if you'd like to learn more, even before the gathering, read my Commentary printed in the Star Tribune recently.
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A Conversation with a Peacemaker: Dr. John Davies
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 The First Universalist Peace Circle invites you to
a conversation on Friday, Feb. 22, 7-9 p.m. 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 is Visiting Associate Professor and Co-Director of Partners in Peacebuilding at the University of Maryland's Center for International Development and Conflict Management. He is also the co-founder of the Masters in Peacemaking Program at the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism, and Director of the Living Peace Program at the Farm of Peace.
He has led peace initiatives in over 30 countries around the world, co-developed conflict and genocide early warning systems for the US government and international coalitions, and trained UN peacekeepers from many countries. 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 Feb. 24-25, 2018, at Sufi Center Minnesota. To learn more about the weekend workshop, go to
www.suficentermn.org.
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Final Sunday: Handmade Truffles for Valentine's Day
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 Purchase truffles - handmade by the youth of the First Universalist Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE) - in the Social Hall this Sunday, Feb. 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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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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AUW Women's Spring Retreat
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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
: Featuring 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!
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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
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here.
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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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Weekly Liberal Submissions
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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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