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April 5, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 14
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Poor People's Campaign:
A National Call for Moral Revival
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Rev. Justin Schroeder
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In the final months of Dr. King's life, he was busy planning the Poor People's Campaign, a fight for economic justice for those living in poverty. Dr. King was certain that the resources existed to create a more just country and world, but that the forces of war, militarism, and racism were leading the country into moral bankruptcy.
The goal of this campaign is to unite tens of thousands of people across race, class, and faith, to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nation's distorted morality.
This campaign is calling for a season of non-violence, massive civil disobedience, and moral revival, to save the heart and soul of this democracy.
This Campaign begins on Monday, May 14, at the State Capitol, and will continue with actions each Monday through June 11, mirroring the length of the original campaign.
The vision is that across this land, beginning May 14, there will be simultaneous actions in every State, as thousands of people occupy the "People's House," (their State Capitols) and demand a moral revolution.
On Sunday, I
preached
that this campaign was an embodiment of the Easter message, the embodiment of a whole community coming together to say, "None of us are saved, until we're all saved. None of us are ok, until we're all ok." This campaign is the Easter message put into practice.
If you were not here on Sunday, and want to participate in the resumption of the Poor People's Campaign, please stop by the office, pick up and fill out a "Pledge of Support" card, and leave it at the front desk.
Together, we can help build the Beloved Community!
In faith,
Justin
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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| April Worship Theme: Forgiveness |
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, April 8, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Karen Hutt
Rev. Justin Schroeder
How is forgiveness related to keeping our "soul intact" despite the pain, hurt, and trauma we experience in this life? Join us as we dive deep into the landscape of forgiveness.
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Sunday, April 15, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Jen Crow
Recent Sermon Podcasts
April 1, 2018
"Resurrecting A Community"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
March 18, 2018
"Wrestling the Angel"
Rev. Jen Crow
March 11, 2018
"Body of Joy"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
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| April Worship Theme: Forgiveness |
Chief Seattle writes: "We are all children of the Great Spirit, we all belong to Mother Earth. Our planet is in great trouble and if we keep carrying old grudges and do not work together, we will all die." Forgiveness is a tricky business. It's about letting go of the past, and beginning again in love. It is not about forgetting the past, but more akin to infusing past wrongdoings, or wounds, with spiritual heat so that they transform into wisdom and have less control over our lives and our way forward. Forgiveness begins in discomfort but always leads to awakening. This is why forgiveness is addressed in every religious tradition. Forgiveness is a saving grace for us as individuals, for our communities, and our world.
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All In: Gathering in Gratitude
Wednesday, April 18, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a community dinner, fellowship, and family-friendly fun to celebrate being All In together - in gratitude for your generosity of time, money and spirit - and your timely response to our annual giving campaign!
A bouncy house and snacks begin at 4:30 p.m., and dinner will be served from 5:30-7 p.m.: enchiladas are on the menu, with a choice of chicken, cheese (vegetarian), or spinach/red sauce (vegan), accompanied by rice, beans, salad, dessert and beverages!
This event (which has been known as Pledge Day in years past) will be a great way to meet and connect with other members of the First Universalist community. This year, we're excited to use some of the lZl (Intentional Social Interaction) practices from Marnita's Table to help bring us closer as a community in a fun and relaxed setting.
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Clementine and Estela Serna |
Dinner will be prepared by Clementine and Estela Serna, owners/operators of El Norteño, 4000 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.
These two sisters decided on the name of their business because they came from northern Mexico (Chihuahua) to northern U.S. (Minneapolis) more than 20 years ago. Estela, the
cook, said she will be up very early that day, because she
only
serves fresh food prepared with fresh ingredients!
Please RSVP to help us plan and have enough food for everyone!
And be sure to get your response regarding your annual gift to us by
April 18
. This is really important in planning our annual budget, and will give you a chance in our drawing for cash prizes.
Thanks for being
All In!
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Artist's Reception with Quilter Gail Hanson
Sunday, April 8, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Meet Gail Hanson, maker of the quilts currently on display in the social hall, at an Artist's Reception after both services on Sunday, April 8. Gail has been quilting for almost 25 years, during which time she has made over 200 quilts. A selection of her quilts are in display in the Social Hall through April 22. Last Saturday Gail celebrated her 80th birthday in the social hall with family and friends. She has been a member of First Universalist for 49 years.
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Pathway to Membership
Sundays, April 8 and 15, 1-3 p.m.
If First Universalist is feeling like your spiritual home, then we hope you'll take part in the
Pathway to Membership! Joining First Universalist is a symbolic, spiritual act of saying "yes" to growing your soul in this place, with these people, within our free faith tradition. This new member class is a great chance to build community, explore Unitarian Universalism, and learn how to get involved.
This class is offered as a two-part series on
Sundays, April 8 & 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Sign up with Sandy at
sandy@firstuniv.org
or 612-825-1701.
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Open Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, April 12, 6:30-8 p.m., Social Hall
Each month from September through May, we offer an Open Labyrinth Walk on the second Thursday of the month. You are welcome to arrive any time between 6:30 and 8 p.m., depending on how long you wish to be on the Labyrinth. Walk at your own pace, and stay as long or short as you like. 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.
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Spring Forum on Immigration
Saturday, April 14, 6:30-8 p.m., Social Hall
First Universalist's Sanctuary & Resistance team and Project Minnesota/León (PML) are hosting a Spring Forum on Immigration and Sanctuary Churches & Cities. Join us for coffee, dessert and dialogue!
We will host two speakers:
Alison Griffith (pictured above), an immigration attorney at the Advocates for Human Rights, and Tammi Thompson, ISAIAH Sanctuary Church organizer.
This event is free and open to the public, but donations to support PML's work will be accepted. Find more information here or contact Emily at emily.mn.leon@gmail.com or Gordon at: gloery945@gmail.com.
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Legislative Action Gathering
Sunday, April 15, 3-4 p.m., Social Hall
First Universalist will host one of three Legislative Action gatherings on Sunday, April 15, 3-4 p.m., where we will: Meet with local legislators to tell them that affordable housing is a priority for us; voice our support for the push by the MN Homes for All Coalition to get $140 million in the state bonding bill (specifically designated for 4,600 affordable homes in MN); and put our collective energy and faith into action to help ensure all people have a home. This event is held in partnership with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. All collaborative congregations are invited to these gatherings. We'd love to have a great turnout from First U! Register here.
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Daytime Connections:
Less Clutter, More Life!
Thursday, April 19, 11 a.m., Social Hall
What can we do at the end of our one wild and crazy life to attend to our deepest longings? If reducing clutter comes to mind, you'd be right! It turns out that creating a serene space is an unexpected and powerful enabler of change. Learn the how-tos from Jill Freeman of Gentle Transitions, while enjoying funny stories and lessons from First U declutterers. Please bring a special object you may be ready to let go of.
Register by April 15
with Sandy at 612-825-1701 or
sandy@firstuniv.org
. $5-10 suggested donation for lunch. Through Daytime Connections, older adults empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives.
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Springtime Spiritual Deepening: Join a Soul Matters Group
Thursdays, April 19, 26, May 17, 31, June 14 and 28, 7-8:30 p.m.
Ready to deepen your experience of
Sunday
services? Bring our monthly worship themes into your everyday life by joining a Soul Matters group. This circle of 8-10 people, led by Jane Jordan, will reflect on themes of forgiveness, creativity, and more. The group meets on Thursdays, April 19, 26, May 17, 31, and June 14, 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Register here by April 10.
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All In: Sharing Why We Give
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McLean Cozine |
McLean Cozine writes:
"First Universalist Church has been a second home for me for much of my life. From first learning the rainbow path as a six year-old to receiving a beautiful pillow as a graduating senior, this community nurtured me every step of the way. First Universalist has helped me grow to be a more conscientious and caring person. Its mission of love and justice, particularly racial justice, has had an enormous impact on my life. Through action and outreach, First Universalist is making a difference in our communities and helping shape the future we want to live in. Giving supports this mission."
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Building Up: Schematic Design Unveiled
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Rev. Jen Crow opened the meeting with the architects on Sunday with some background on the project and exciting news! |
On Sunday, March 25, our architectural team from Miller Dunwiddie shared the Schematic Design for our upcoming renovations and construction, made possible by our capital campaign, Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future.
Schematic design drawings are done in the initial phase of design - they are preliminary plans that illustrate what is possible for the new construction and renovations.
The big news: we've learned that our education wing was built to support a future third floor! This means that we're able to add the programming space we need without expanding our building footprint - meaning we will not lose parking or green space.
The ability to build up has allowed our architectural team to design even better solutions to our needs than we originally imagined. In the schematic design, the Dupont Avenue atrium entrance gets extended to become more prominent and welcoming. The staffed welcome/reception area is located just inside that entrance and connected to the offices, which move to the first floor. The third floor adds much-needed space for programming, and an extended staircase and elevator where the education wing connects to the original sanctuary building improves flow and makes the balcony accessible. Many more planned improvements increase accessibility, flow, aesthetics, function, and our welcoming hospitality.
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All In: A Behind-the-Scenes Peek at Annual Giving
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Andrea Love, Finance Specialist |
Meet Andrea Love, Finance Specialist at First Universalist Church! Andrea is responsible for processing all of the annual gifts that we receive from members and friends, and is the go-to person for any questions you may have about giving.
When you turn in your Annual Giving card, Andrea is the one who receives it and enters your information into our system. When you set up your giving online, Andrea reviews what you've submitted. And when you have questions about your giving - you guessed it! - Andrea is the one to talk to.
Andrea welcomes you to call (612-825-1701 x100) or email (andrea@firstuniv.org) her if you have any questions about your annual giving. Want to change your gift amount or schedule? Call Andrea! Not sure what you are currently giving? Call Andrea! Want to make a stock donation? Have questions about how to set up your online giving? Want to know where you're at in fulfilling your commitment for the year? Need to change your payment method or set up your giving to automatically renew next year? That's right... call Andrea!
 Andrea also helps us keep track of our progress toward our goal during our Annual Giving Campaign. This year, our goal is 100% participation - All In! As of yesterday, we're 35% of the way to being All In - which means that so far more than 200 individuals and families have responded to let us know what they plan to give during the 2018-19 fiscal year, and we are still waiting to hear from more than 400 of you.
We're asking everyone to please respond by April 18 by completing the blue giving card you received in your annual giving packet or by setting up your giving online - and then join us for dinner and fun in community at our Gathering in Gratitude on Wednesday, April 18! (RSVP here)
Thank you for your generosity and support of our church community!
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Interested in Being a Delegate to the
2018 UUA General Assembly? |
General Assembly
(GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).
Part liberal religious meet-up, part UUA business meeting, GA is a jam-packed few days with amazing people, seminars, worship services, Robert's Rules, and even a dance or two.
Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process.
This year's conference is
Wednesday, June 20 to Sunday, June 24, 2018
in
Kansas City, Missouri, and online
.
Registration for each General Assembly (GA) generally opens on March 1, and pages are updated accordingly.
Anyone may attend GA. To attend as one of First Universalist Church's official 20 delegates, please talk to someone on the Nominating Committee or email
(
nomination@firstuniv.org
)
before June 1st.
You must be an active member. Delegates need to be officially approved by the congregation at our annual meeting.
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| Common Ground Meditation Center + First Universalist Connection Meeting |
If you attend both First Universalist and Common Ground Meditation Center please join us for a second informal gathering on Sunday, April 15. Meet in room 202 at 12:30 p.m. (if church goes late, we will adapt). We will start with a 15 minute sit, do introductions and talk about how our meditation practice influences our Unitarian Faith and vice versa. In addition, let's address how we might continue these meetings in the future.
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| Augsburg Fairview Academy Prom at First U: Donations Needed! |
Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) will hold their Prom in our Social Hall on Saturday, April 28, 7-10 p.m. We are pleased to offer our space again to AFA as one of our community partners and as part of our mission to make our building available to the community. Here's how you can help:
Donate teen appropriate prom dresses and men's suits
(small, medium, and large sizes). Please bring donations to the Hub on Sunday, April 15 or Sunday, April 22.
Donate home baked goodies (cookies and bars)
on Saturday, April 28. A dozen or two items will be fine so we get a variety. Bring items to the social hall on Saturday, April 28. Please let Cindy Marsh know what you will bring and she will confirm timing for drop off on Saturday:
cindy.marsh2588@gmail.com
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AFA is a public charter high school for students who have not been successful in the public schools. Many are homeless or marginally housed. The Prom is a "very big deal" to the students as they have few extracurricular activities. First U has supported AFA in various ways for the last five years including hosting last year's AFA prom which students said was the "best ever"!
Many thanks for your ongoing generosity and support!
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| Volunteers Needed for Boston-Bound Bake Sale! |
What? An EPIC church bake sale!
Why? To raise funds for First U youth traveling to Boston - It's the Boston Bound Bake Sale!
Really?
YES! The youth of our beloved church need our help and bake sales are AwEsOmE!
When? Sunday, April 29 between and after services in the Social Hall.
Bring your portioned and plated baked goods to the Social Hall by 10:30 a.m on 4/29.
Baking sugar free and/or gluten-free and/or vegan is encouraged if you're so inclined.
Don't bake? No problem, ask your favorite baker to do you a solid OR buy something - cheese sticks, fruit, etc. for those church members and friends who need to skip the sugar.
Want to volunteer to help price and sell? No problem. You can also volunteer to staff the table and hawk the goodies with organizer Jane Baudelaire. OR just BUY for your loved ones, grand-kids, nice neighbors or Aunt Millie - she misses you!
Please contact Jane Baudelaire at
jane.baudelaire@gmail.com or 414-550-5869 (call or text is fine) to volunteer to bake or staff the event.
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Book, CD and DVD Sale - Seeking Donations!
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Please consider supporting the Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE) program by donating your used media items.
Drop off your donations of gently-used books, CDs, and DVDs in the social hall April 8 or April 15. The sale will be the last two Sundays in April.
What is YCE? Youth Cultural Exchange is an incredible First Universalist tradition. 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 past July, our youth traveled to Nicaragua and now this July we will host their Nicaraguan siblings. Your donations and purchases will help us bring the twelve Nicaraguan host siblings to Minnesota for two weeks in summer of 2018.
All the proceeds from the media sale are used to help cover scholarships for First U YCE youth and to pay for the Nicaraguan youth to fly here this summer. For their part, the Nicaraguan youth commit to working 100 hours in their community.
Have a large number of items to donate and would like to arrange a time for pick-up?
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| Habitat on the Hill: April 26 |
The mission of First Universalist Community Partner Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities area and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. Join Rev. Justin and other First U Housing advocates at the Capitol to speak out for affordable housing in Minnesota. We'd like to bring a large group from First Universalist.
It's easy, interesting, and full of good community.
 When
: Thursday, April 26, 2018. 8:30 a.m. until early afternoon.
What: Our annual advocacy event - come show your support for housing! Advocacy training, materials, and lunch provided.
Where: MN State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155
Who: All Habitat Advocates who want to disrupt the systemic racial bias in affordable housing. That's us!
RSVP: Contact Joan Naymark (jnaymark@gmail.com)
to indicate that you'll be part of our church group and please r
egister online with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity here.
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| Simpson Housing Needs Mentors |
Simpson Housing Services, our community partner and a local nonprofit which provides housing and support to people experiencing homelessness, is looking for caring adults committed to making a difference in the lives of children and youth. Simpson seeks to build on the inherent potential of our youth through exploration, connection, and support. They are currently recruiting for mentors for 5th-8th grade students. Informational sessions will be held on: Sunday, April 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m., and Monday, April 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
RSVP here or contact Charlotte Kinzley at ckinzley@simpsonhousing.org or 612-455-0850.
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Telling Our Stories, Building Our Power Trainings
Sunday, April 8, 12:30-6 p.m. and Sunday, May 20, 12:30-6 p.m.
United Theological Seminary, 3000 5th St NW, New Brighton, MN
The Kaleo Center invites you to
explore the stories we tell, the complexities of our identities, communities, and histories within those stories, and how we can strategically interact with media in movement moments to build solidarity.
You can attend either or both trainings. The two trainings are different and build on one another, but neither requires the other. The trainings are free, we'll have lots of yummy food, and kids are welcome to join you informally in the space.
The training team is made up of
Kandace Montgomery (Black Lives Matter National Network, Black Visions Collective), Eleonore Wesserle (LineBreak Media), Caitlin Breedlove (Auburn), Liz Loeb (Kaleo Center) and Ashley Harness (Lyndale UCC).
The Trainings will have caucus space for folks of color and Native people led by trainers of color, resources for people who experience the world as white, and time in mixed space to learn honestly in a model of solidarity. Register here.
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The Hilarious Wold of Depression with John Moe
Monday, April 9 - light supper at 5:45 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
4100 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis
Depression is an incredibly common and isolating disease experienced by millions, yet often stigmatized by society. The Hilarious World of Depression is a podcast with a series of frank, moving, and, yes, funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with this disease, hosted by veteran humorist and public radio host John Moe. More info.
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Mental Health in Literature
Tuesday, April 10 - 1 p.m.
Trinity Church,
322 2nd Street in Excelsior, MN
The Mental Health Initiative at Trinity Church in Excelsior will be hosting an afternoon with three nationally known authors whose works touch on mental illness. Join the discussion and meet the authors - Sandra Allen, Marya Hornbacher, and Andy Steiner. Please RSVP by calling 952-474-5263 or via email.
Sandra Allen is on her national book tour for A Kind of Miraculous Paradise. This is a story about her uncle's struggle with schizophrenia. Marya Hornbacher is a Minnesota Book Award Winner. She has written several bestselling books, all relating to mental health. Andy Steiner is an award-winning journalist and writer. Her most recent book project is How to Survive: The Extraordinary Resilience of Ordinary People.
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| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
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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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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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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
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mondays-Thursdays
8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
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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
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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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