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October 18, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 42
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Faith, Not Fear: Vote Your Values on Nov. 6
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Rev. Justin Schroeder
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We are living in a time of incredible upheaval, a time when short sighted and immediate political gains are prioritized over a healthy future and the wellbeing of future generations, a time when our President regularly uses language that disparages, disregards, and insults women and people of color, a time when the media is labeled "An Enemy of the People," and a time when scientists are clearer than ever that we must act now to avoid the worst of climate change.
We need political leaders who put people first, who engage community members in finding solutions, and who lead with an inclusive vision.
On November 6th, we have the opportunity to take our faith, not our fear, to the polls, to practice hope and possibility, rather than despair and resignation. As people of faith, we have the chance to vote our values, to vote for those candidates who offer a hope-filled vision for the future, who embody values of inclusion, respect, and racial and economic justice into their decision making and politics.
Of course, the races for Governor and Senate matter, but perhaps the most important races are local. As you vote your values of inclusion, of valuing immigrants, of racial and economic justice on Nov. 6, remember to flip the ballot over, paying particular attention to the local races, including Hennepin County Sheriff, Hennepin County Attorney, County Commissioners and the contested seat on the Minnesota Supreme Court. (If interested, the ISAIAH Voter Guide on some of these positions is available here
.)
T
he candidates running for these positions have very different visions for the County, from the ways immigrants are treated, to how best to address the racial disparities in the the County's criminal justice system.
Your vote matters. Your voting the whole ballot matters.
Starting locally, we can strive to build a Minneapolis that reflects our values and moves us toward the world we dream of.
I'll see you in church,
Justin
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Oct. 14, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink |
"Making Room"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
It's easy to talk a good talk about welcoming, hospitality, and inclusion at church. After all, this ancient practice still lives at the core of our tradition. However, the Rev. Karen Hering poses a good question, "Are we accountable to people we do not know?"
As we deal with the complications, hardships, and commitments of our lives from day to day, why should we prioritize welcoming the stranger? Is it possible to live a whole and wholesome life in the comfort of what/who we currently know? Join us for an exploration of hospitality, the stranger, our deepest yearnings, and the life-saving wisdom of Universalism.
Join us for youth-friendly worship (6th-12th grades attend the service) at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.!
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"Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:1-2)." One of the common messages of the world's religions is the practice of radical hospitality, to move beyond the inclination to distrust, and instead, welcome. When we extend a hand, when we hold curiosity and wonder in our exchanges, when we view one another as Thou, a whole and holy human being with dreams, loves, and agency, we make room for the divine to enter and be within our midst. As a church committed to racial justice, we name the frameworks that hinder belonging, constrict our humanity, and wound the soul. This month, we commit ourselves to welcoming in joy.
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Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"The Boundaries of Our Hearts"
Lead Minister: Rev. Jen Crow
Worship Associate: Emily Murphrey
Recent Sermon Podcasts
October 14, 2018
"Longing for Belonging"
Rev. Jen Crow
October 7, 2018
"This is Us: Mental Health Sunday"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
September 30, 2018
"This Is What Democracy Looks Like"
Rev. Karen Hutt
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New this Year: Young Adult Lunches on 1st & 3rd Sundays!
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Are you in your 20s or 30s? Join the First Universalist Young Adults group on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month for lunch and conversation after the 11:15 a.m. service. Our first lunch will take place this Sunday, Oct. 21. Meet at 12:45 p.m. at the information desk in the Social Hall before we head out. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how you can be involved with the young adult community, email Molly Work at mollywork88@gmail.com. Friends are always welcome!
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12-Step Spirituality:
Centering Prayer Meditation
Saturday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m.-noon, Social Hall
New this year at First Universalist! These drop-in sessions, offered monthly October through May, are 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 sharing on selected topics.
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Peace Site Rededication Ceremony
Sunday, Oct. 21, 10:45 a.m., Peace Garden
The First Universalist Peace Circle invites you to join them in front of the church, by the Peace Garden, this Sunday morning at 10:45 a.m. for a 15 minute Rededication Ceremony of the First Universalist Peace Site. After the first service, follow the singing of the choir and the inflated globe -- for a joyful moment to celebrate the possibility of Peace.
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Film Discussion: "Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible"
Sunday, Oct. 21, 1-2:45 p.m.
OR Tuesday, Oct. 23, 7-8:45 p.m.
This groundbreaking film features stories from white men and women on overcoming unconscious racism and entitlement. After viewing the film, discussion will be facilitated by Polly Talen. Light lunch provided on Sunday, Oct. 21. This is a drop-in event; bring a friend!
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Newcomer Circles
Wednesdays, Oct. 24, 31, Nov. 7 & 14,
2-4 p.m. with Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
OR
Thursdays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8 & 15,
7-8:30 p.m. with Jane Jordan
Are you new to First Universalist? Whether you are a recent visitor or a new member, you're invited to join a Newcomer Circle. These four-session gatherings of 6-10 newcomers offer a chance to get to know Unitarian Universalism, reflect on our spiritual journeys, and connect with other folks who are new to church. To register, contact Sandy DiNanni at Sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.
Please note: meet at Lakewood Cemetery
Join other seniors for our second annual hike through Lakewood Cemetery at
3600 Hennepin Ave. S. in Minneapolis!
Meet in front of the cemetery administration building, just inside the 36th St. entrance, at 10 a.m.
Lakewood Cemetery has more than eight miles of interconnected roadways on the 250 acre grounds. We will walk for up to two hours. After the hike, the group will gather at a local eating spot to be determined by the group.
To RSVP contact Dick Kern (
KernwatchMN@aol.com
, cell 651-206-6822)
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Racial Justice Education Team Potluck
Friday, Oct. 26,6-8 p.m., Social Hall
Want to break bread with other church folks leaning into our racial justice work? Curious about the work we are doing, where we are headed this year or how you can get more involved?
The Racial Justice Education Team (RJET) invites you to a potluck dinner on Friday, Oct. 26. A brief program will begin by 6:30 p.m.
We are interested in engaging anyone who has expressed a passion for racial justice or attended racial justice workshops, book discussions or movies and may be ready to get even more involved. RSVP here and let us know what you plan to bring to share.
If you are not able to join us but would like to know more, please email
channingmckinley@gmail.com
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Young Families Halloween Party
Saturday, Oct. 26, 9-11 a.m.
Celebrate Halloween with the littlest members of our church community! All families with children in 1st grade and younger are invited to attend. Older siblings are welcome, too! Join us for games, music, crafts, and a Halloween costume parade. Enjoy a light breakfast and some coffee or cider, as well as some delicious seasonal treats. RSVP here.
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Racial Justice and Our UU Faith
Saturdays, Oct. 27 & Nov. 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Racial Justice and Our UU Faith is a regularly offered workshop that we encourage every member of our congregation to take. Please join us for this interactive, reflective workshop exploring a framework and tools for understanding race, racism, and whiteness and the spiritual imperative that drives our racial justice work. It's a two-part workshop next offered on Saturdays, Oct. 27 & Nov. 3. To register, contact Sandy at Sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Moral Witness at Immigration Court
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 7-9 p.m.
Join us for an evening of learning and reflection on the Immigration Court Observation Project, featuring Michele Garnett McKenzie, Deputy Director of The Advocates for Human Rights, and a panel of court observers.
Learn about the racist underpinnings of U.S. immigration policy, the impetus for the court observation program and how it has evolved, and the role of court observers in bringing witness, transparency and accountability to immigration court. Reflect on what we have learned, and how we have been impacted, and how we can organize for change.
All are welcome! FREE but please RSVP.
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New Art Exhibit: Quilts by Ruthann Wood
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 A new exhibit of colorful quilts by Ruthann Wood is on view in the social hall gallery space now through Nov. 25. Two her her quilts are also hanging in the sanctuary during this time.
Ruthann Wood learned how to sew garments from her mother at an early age, but didn't discover the world of quilting until 2014. Inspired by something she saw in a magazine, she borrowed a sewing machine and by trial and error managed to sew together a quilt that still hangs in her mother's living room!
Mostly self-taught, Ruthann delights in playing with bold color combinations, putting a new twist on old patterns and techniques, and using recycled fabrics - old shower curtains, drapes, sheets, cloth napkins, and clothing regularly find a new use in her creations.
When not quilting, Ruthann works full-time in Medical Education at Park Nicollet, and travels as much as possible. She also dabbles in other fiber arts such as weaving, needlework and felting.
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Donations Needed for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA)
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First Universalist is the primary sponsor of Food and Clothing Closets at Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA), 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
- Fall teen clothing - hoodies, jeans, fall jackets (clothing in good repair, clean, and teen appropriate)
- Toiletries: men and women's deodorant, tooth brushes and tooth paste, lip balm, 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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Environmental Justice Team News:
What is Green or Blue or Gray?
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The Environmental Justice team has been working on updating our recycling, compost and trash collection efforts. We not only have newly painted large bins with improved signage in the Social Hall area but have also been awarded a $5,450.00 grant by Hennepin County! This grant will fund new containers for the sanctuary, classrooms, kitchen and the outside of the building.
Part of the project includes educating members and visitors on how to sort their waste. We are recruiting youth volunteers (aka The Green Team who will be wearing green bandanas) to guide people in the sorting of items for disposal. We are also in communication about these updates with the internal and external groups who use our building. Tableware and utensils that are used should be either washable or compostable. All of these efforts align with our status of being a 'Green Sanctuary' church.
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Child Dedication: Sign Up Now Open for Nov. 4
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 During the Child Dedication ritual, the congregation pledges itself to partner with and support parents and families in the religious upbringing of the child.
Child Dedications take place during Sunday worship services twice a year. During the 2018-2019 church year, they are on November 4 and May 12 at both services. Infants and children of members and those on the path to membership at First Universalist Church may be dedicated.
Learn more and sign up online here.
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Are you or someone you know a caregiver? First Universalist has a
Caregiver Support Group that meets once a month. Explore your experience, your questions, your joys and frustrations, and deepen your spiritual resources with those who share a similar experience. The group has a facilitator who has over 20 years experience leading caregiver groups. If you would like more information, contact Anne Frenchick tedanne@pro-ns.net.
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| Volunteer for TC Habitat with a First U Crew this Fall |
First Universalist has two more Habitat for Humanity work days this fall/winter, and we'd love to have you on the crew! Upcoming dates are Thursdays, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13. Both are tentatively scheduled at Minneapolis sites.
Volunteers must be over sixteen years of age, and sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The work day is from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., and lunch will be provided. Worried that you don't know much about how to use tools? No worries! Your fellow volunteers and the site supervisor are there to help.
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Grief and Hope in Life's Intersections: Multiple Responses to Dying and Grieving People
Friday, Nov. 16, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Eagan Community Center
(1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121)
Minnesota Network of Hospice & Palliative Care invites you to the 2018 Fall Forum, "Grief and Hope in Life's Intersections: Multiple Responses to Dying and Grieving People" featuring Ted Bowman, MDiv. Dying and grieving, and caring for those experiencing death and loss, happen in the context of whole lives -- of patients and families, and of caregivers. This experiential workshop will be a day to explore the multiple responses to grief and loss and the many ways to support individuals and families. Whether you are involved in hospice, long term care, counseling, spiritual guidance, or caregiving of any type, we hope you will join us for this special day.
Cost: MNHPC Members: $120 for the first attendee; $110 for each additional attendee from an organization. Non-Members: $170 for the first attendee; $160 for each additional attendee from an organization.
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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
Subscribe to
The Weekly Liberal
here.
Sign up to receive our weekly Children Youth & Family Ministries news
here.
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Church Office Hours
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Sundays 9
a.m.-1 p.m.
Mondays-Thursdays
8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
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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
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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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