so the inn functioned as one. It was a place to tend to the physical body, and to gather one's spiritual resources for the continuing journey. When we hear the story of the Nativity, when an innkeeper provided a place for the Christ child to be born, perhaps we could imagine ourselves as the innkeeper, and our church as the inn, a place of respite and healing, a sanctuary. This is one of our strengths as a faith community. We are a sanctuary, a place one can go to find health, healing and community. When people ask, "What do you believe?" We might respond: "Come with me to a place on 34th and Dupont Avenue South. This is a place where people are nourished, where people begin ministries, where people invest in something beyond self interest, growing in community and ever widening circles of compassion." As writer and theologian Gary Gunderson writes: "I may have trouble articulating what I believe; it is easy to say where I believe." This month we explore the where of what we believe.

 

Our donation basket is by the elevator at church and will be there through the end of January. For more information and patterns, check out the Hats for the Homeless blog.

Pictured:  UUs gather at the yarn shop to count, sort, and deliver hats. From left to right:  Barb Melom, Dick Rueter, Bill Howard, Julie Howard.

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:

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!

Did you know that you can easily make a donation to the church through texting on your smartphone?  To make a donation to the offering plate, annual fund, or other fundraising effort via credit or debit card, use your smartphone to text firstuniv to 73256 . You'll receive a link to a secure form where you can enter your information.