 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
March 7, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 10
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Is the 10th Time the Charm? |
 |
|
|
Rev. Justin Schroeder |
I can hardly believe it, but this is my 10th Annual Giving Drive! Over the years, the Annual Giving Team has had different messages and different themes. But whatever the theme, the underlying focus has been to raise the money necessary to live into our values and sustain and strengthen our ministry.
Last year, we moved toward a new model and message in our Annual Giving, which we called "All In." We wanted everyone to be
in
financially, to support our spiritual development programming, our faithful action efforts, our racial justice journey, and our dynamic Sunday worship. Over 700 individuals and couples responded with financial support and together, we have so much we can be proud of: without question, we have the largest Unitarian Universalist Children and Youth program in the country, serving hundreds of children and youth every Sunday; we regularly get questions about our racial justice efforts and support and advise congregations on their own racial justice journey; and as Jen Crow and I live into co-ministry, we are modeling a new, more equitable leadership paradigm in large church ministry.
The bottom line? It takes
all
of us, being
all in,
to make our ministry thrive!
This year, we're again asking everyone to be all in, as well as to be a sustaining giver (meaning your gift is ongoing), and to submit your giving intentions by Wednesday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m.!
Here's what I've learned after 10 years:
For some reason, it is a struggle for church members and friends make their annual giving commitments in a timely way.
I'm an optimist by nature, and I believe this is the year the vast majority of gifts will come in by Wednesday, March 13.
Please prove me right!
You can make your annual gift by mail, phone (612-825-1701), online, or in person.
We're counting on your timely support.
I trust that the 10th time is the charm!
With gratitude and love,
Justin
P.S. We know it's been hard to get to church with all the snow and ice. We get it. The guy in this video gets it. But please get your annual gift in - by mail, by phone, online, by carrier pigeon - by March 13. Thank you!
|
|
|
| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
|
|
|
Rev. Karen Hutt
|
Sunday, March 10, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"American Sacrifice"
Rev. Karen Hutt
Sacrifice is an evocative word. We have immediate images when we hear the word. What role has sacrifice played in creating value? What does sacrifice in our culture teach us about agency and destruction? How do we challenge the the doctrine of American sacrifice as people of faith?
Join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.!
|
| "Spring Forward" this Sunday, March 10 |
It may not feel like spring outside just yet... but Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 10, meaning that it's time to "spring forward"! Don't forget to set your clocks ahead by one hour before bed on Saturday.
|
|
Sunday, March 17, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Music: Lynn O'Brien
Sunday, March 24, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, UUA President
Music: Soul Band
Sunday, March 31, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Justin Schroeder
(with Me'Lea Connelly)
Music: Tyler Tracy
|
|
|
|
|
March 3, 2019
"Stretching the Circle"
Rev. Jen Crow
February 24, 2019
"What We Build Together"
Rabbi Michael Latz
February 17, 2019
"The Purpose-Driven Church, Part 2"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sermon Recap: Rev. Jen Crow's "Stretching the Circle" |
|
|
|
March Worship Theme: Sacrifice
|
Recap by First U staff member Liz Farmer
Our worship team chose "Sacrifice" as the theme for March, following February's worship theme of "Vision," on purpose. Choosing one particular vision means not choosing another one - and that can feel like a kind of sacrifice. In Universalism, nothing that anyone has or has not done is outside God's love. In her March 3 sermon, Rev. Jen Crow asks us how we might create a world (or house, church, family, or workplace) that reflects that belief and actually creates a beloved community of imperfect human beings. The "Vision" is not an instant, kumbaya moment. The "Vision" basically guarantees yourself some sacrifices: "I expect to self-compassionately give up my expectations for instant gratification, the desire to control my surroundings, and the chance to do what I might have otherwise done with that time." Rev. Jen prompts us to join her in reframing the word sacrifice to its root word: sacred. What is the particular, sacred work to be done as Unitarian Universalists in the context of 2019 realities? Can you set aside other visions for your life - remaining in isolation, having the answers, or perfecting the conversations - to spend time on your chosen, sacred work? What vision are you willing to set aside in order to follow the truest speakings of your heart? How might your vision expand? What might come forth? Listen to the podcast of Rev. Jen's March 3 sermon here.
|
Winter Parking Restrictions (Single Sided Parking) in Effect:
Please Consider Using Public Transit or Carpooling! |
Winter Parking Restrictions are now in effect in Minneapolis. Until April 1, parking is allowed on the ODD side of non-snow emergency routes only. This means no parking on the church's side of Dupont and nearby avenues, and no parking on the north side of 34th and nearby streets. Parking is allowed on both sides of snow emergency routes unless otherwise signed.
We strongly encourage you to use public transit, carpool, or use Lyft/Uber - especially on Sundays and when large events are happening. Metro Transit bus routes 4 and 6 both have stops just two to four short blocks (1/8 to 1/4 mile) from church. You can plan your trip here. If you do drive to Sunday services, plan for extra time to find parking, and expect to walk further than normal.
For those with limited mobility, we have a relatively new designated handicapped drop-off zone and handicapped parking spots (Sundays only) on 34th Street that may be especially helpful during this time!
|
|
|
|
|
12-Step Spirituality:
Centering Prayer Meditation
Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m.-noon
12-Step Spirituality meets one Saturday per month in the Social Hall 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Co-location Update Session
Sunday, March 10, 12:45 p.m.
We are currently in a period of focused discernment to determine whether co-location with Shir Tikvah is the right path for us as we continue in the planning process for our building project with funds raised by our recent capital campaign. An update session will be held after the second service on March 10. Please join us to learn more! You can share your thoughts and ask questions about co-location online at tinyurl.com/colocationinput.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering in Gratitude Dinner
Wednesday, March 13, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Please join us for dinner (we'll be serving enchiladas prepared by El Norteño), and an evening of fun and fellowship!
This event has become a highlight of the year - an opportunity to enjoy a meal and connect with fellow members.
It's also our way of saying THANK YOU for your generosity and for responding to our annual giving campaign (setting up your 2019-20 giving
online
or filling out and returning your yellow giving card) by March 13.
If you're a sustainer, we've already counted you "in" - please come and celebrate with us! Plus, everyone who has set up their giving by March 13 (including sustainers) will be entered to win some great prizes, including museum memberships and gift cards to local restaurants. RSVP here
|
|
|
|
|
Open Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, March 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. You are welcome to arrive any time between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., depending on how long you wish to be on the Labyrinth; allow at least 15 minutes minimum for a full fast walk.
A member of the Labyrinth Circle will be available to answer questions and offer guidance. For more information, contact: Ann Hobbs, 763-546-3337 or
g.annhobbs@gmail.com
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Racial Justice & Our UU Faith Workshop
Saturdays, March 16 & 23, 9-11:30 a.m.
(postponed; originally began March 9)
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, led by Channing McKinley and Jeff Sylvestre. To sign up, contact Sandy DiNanni at sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
|
|
|
|
|
Daytime Connections:
Palliative Care: What You May Not Know
Thursday, March 21, 11 a.m.
Palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach to specialized medical and nursing care for people with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, physical and mental stress at any stage of illness. Internationally recognized expert Dr. Drew Rosielle will present an overview of recent developments in palliative care, explain the differences between palliative and hospice care, and share how one finds palliative care when needed.
To register,
contact Sandy DiNanni at
sandy@firstuniv.org
or 612-825-1701.
Lunches are provided at the end of Daytime Connections programs; we suggest a sliding scale contribution of $5 to $15.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It's simple: First Universalist Church would not exist without the collective generosity of this community. It's time; we're asking you to be "All In" by Wednesday, March 13!
Every year, we rely on 700+ contributing individuals/families to support our ministry - and we ask you to let us know your giving plans
in March for our coming fiscal year, which begins July 1.
83% of the church's $1.6M operating budget comes from the financial support of members and friends.
In 2018, 250 of you became
SUSTAINERS - making your gift ongoing. That means we've already counted you "in" and you don't need to fill out a new giving card! Thank you!
That leaves 450 people that we need to hear from during this drive. As of today, we've heard from just over 75 of you, for a total of
326 individuals and families who are "in" thus far.
Please help us wrap up our 2019-2020 Annual Giving Drive on time by turning in your giving card, setting up your giving
online, or by calling the church at 612-825-1701 on or before Wednesday, March 13!
Everyone who has set up their giving - including sustainers - by March 13 will be entered to win one of several prizes at Gathering in Gratitude on March 13! (
RSVP here if you haven't already.)
Grand prizes include family memberships to the Walker Art Center and American Swedish Institute, plus gift cards to their respective restaurants (Esker Grove and Fika)!
|
|
All In 2019-2020: Why I Give
|
 By Keven Ambrus
Our family got involved at First Universalist about 14 years ago, and my focus has shifted over that time from our kids, to community, to spirituality. I have been able to bring my perspective as an African American in an interracial marriage, as well as my work in finance and with nonprofits, to my involvement.
When we first started coming to church, we were living in Rogers. There didn't seem to be a lot of people there who looked like us or thought like us. I wanted to introduce diversity to my daughters Muriel and Leila, who are now 18 and 14.
Today, I'm on the Board of Directors Finance Committee, and I want to have a little more impact. I have been on the capital campaign fundraising committee, the committee working on how that money will be spent, and the committee in conversation with the Shir Tikvah congregation about co-location. This is not just about sharing physical space, but about what we share spiritually. I have been able to be a messenger and shed light on our church's financial opportunities and choices.
In turn, the church has been like a beacon for me. It's a reminder, shining light on the things I should do without making me follow specific directions. It keeps me thinking about what's important.
|
|
Seeking Candidates for Church Leadership Positions
|
The Nominating Committee is now recruiting candidates for leadership positions on the
Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Nominating Committee itself for the next church year. We believe the congregation is full of untapped talent and we encourage people to step forward and share their skills.
Now is an exciting and important time to serve as we continue to build on the positive energy and growth of our congregation. Serving on one of these bodies provides unique opportunities to deepen and enrich your personal connection to the church while broadening your circle of relationships within our spiritual community. Committee members have unique opportunities to collaborate with our passionate ministers and lay leaders to advance the mission of the church.
To qualify for any of these positions, you must be a member in good standing of the church. Elections occur at the Annual Meeting on June 2.
|
|
Donations Requested for YCE Media Sale
|
Please consider supporting the Youth Cultural Exchange program by donating your used media items. Drop off your Books, CDs, DVDs, Vinyl, Puzzles and Games (with all pieces) in the social hall on Sunday, March 10.
This summer twelve youth from Nicaragua will travel to Minnesota and stay with First Universalist families to gain cultural understanding and forge lasting cross-cultural friendships. Your donations and purchases will help us bring the twelve Nicaraguan host siblings to Minnesota for two weeks in 2018.
Have a large number of items to donate and would like to arrange a time for pick-up? Questions? Contact Tim Grafe at 612-720-1220 or tgrafe@gmail.com.
|
|
Singers Needed for Leading Hymns
|
 Do you have a strong voice? Do you sing in the choir? Have you had some musical training or sing in other settings? Our worship team is looking for 10 to 15 strong singers willing to lead the congregation in hymn singing two or three Sundays each month. This will be an auditioned group who will lead the congregation in small groups of three or four singers on any given Sunday. Each singer needs to have a strong sense of pitch, rhythm, and presence. A group audition will be held Sunday, March 17 at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Our Hymn Singers will be trained in a workshop with Rev. Ruth on a Sunday afternoon to be decided. We hope to begin mid April. So if you're interested, and/or excited, and/or a little nervous, give it a shot. Please fill out this
Hymn Leading Application and you will be contacted for the audition.
|
|
Andrea Johnson Ordination: March 16
|
You're invited to First Universalist member
Andrea Johnson's ordination into the Unitarian Universalist ministry on
Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m., with a reception following.
Andrea's ordination will take place at Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship,
10715 Zenith Avenue South,
Bloomington, MN 55431.
|
|
Trauma and Healing: Monday Night Mental Health
|
Monday, March 11 is Monday Night Mental Health,
a speaker series on Trauma and Healing
presented by Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community, and all are welcome to attend. This event takes place at: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55409.
The talk is called Trauma Presentation in Adults, Children and Adolescents
. Symptoms and how trauma presentation differs depending on the developmental level of the individual.
Speaker: Bret Schneider, Ph.D. from Minnetonka Counseling Center
A light supper will be served at 5:45 p.m. The program runs from 6:30 - 8 p.m. and 1.5 hours CEU are available for mental health professionals and students.
The event is free. However, a free-will offering is appreciated for the meal. All are welcome!
The Monday Night Mental Health Ministry is designed to support through resources, education, and social interaction for people living with mental illness, their families and friends, and professionals working in the mental health field.
|
|
Save the Date: Mni Ki Wakan World Water Day March 22
|
Save-the-Date: Mni Ki Wakan World Water Day, March 22, 2019, 6-9 p.m., First Universalist Social Hall. Indigenous peoples, youth, and allies will unite from across the land of water known as MNISOTA to honor the sacredness of Water.
|
|
AUW Women's Spring Retreat
|
AUW Women's Spring Retreat:
Telling Our Stories Anew: What is needed now?
April 12-15, 2019 (This year there is an option to stay over Sunday night.)
 The Association of Universalist Women is hosting their annual Women's Spring Retreat April 12 through 15 this year.
Register
by March 15
to claim a spot before registration opens beyond First Universalist. Deadline for registration is March 31
:
www.auwfirstuniv.org
WHO
: Keynote, ceremonies, and presentations by Rev. Kelli Clement and Rev. Karen Hutt
WHERE
: Koinonia Retreat Center, South Haven
WORKSHOPS
: Nature walks; What Are You Reading?; Classical Stretch; Lobbying 101; Healing Touch; Meditation: Why and How; Poetry Out Loud; Saturday evening dance; movies; labyrinth; singing around the bonfire; sauna; and MORE!
TALENT SHOW:
There will be a talent show again this year. It was a great hit last year!
|
|
Space Reservations at Church: New Procedures!
|
Are you responsible for reserving meeting space for a church committee you serve on? Are you a volunteer planning a church-sponsored event?
Our Events Coordinator, Lucia Webb, has set up a new way to request rooms online, and with it, a few new policies to clarify how to best share our space.
The First Universalist facilities are an important resource for both the congregation and the wider community. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and setup requests must be communicated to Lucia in advance.
|
| 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
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
