 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
March 14, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 11
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| "We All Have a Limited Number of Choices in Our Lifetime - So Choose Carefully." |
 |
|
|
Rev. Jen Crow |
Several years ago, I was talking with a friend and she said something that has stuck with me ever since. "We all have a limited number of choices in our lifetime, so choose carefully," she said. In that moment, this statement elicited two simultaneous feelings in me: "duh, of course," and "holy cow, this changes everything!" When these two feelings come up together, I know I need to pay attention.
As a person in my early 30s at the time, the future felt pretty expansive. I didn't think much about the fact that my lifespan was (and is) actually limited, and I rarely took that knowledge one position further to acknowledge that the number of choices I had in front of me were limited. I knew that the big choices mattered - things like what job to go for and whether I got married or not and to whom - but this statement made me look at all of my choices differently. It meant that every choice mattered. It meant that it mattered if I gave my attention in those five minutes to my child or my iphone. It meant that it mattered if I called my mother today or tomorrow or next week. It meant that it mattered if I spoke up in that clothing store or at that PTA meeting when I saw racism in action. It meant that it mattered if I put my money toward supporting the institutions and efforts that were important to me. Each choice was part of a larger pattern that made up my life, and each choice was happening within a time-limited framework. My mother wasn't going to be alive forever, my kids weren't going to want to hang out with me forever, centuries old patterns of racism and white supremacy weren't going to change without me, and the institutions and efforts I cared about actually needed me if they were going to thrive. Each of my choices mattered.
This realization comes and goes for me as I get caught up in the swirl of my daily life and responsibilities - but that statement from my friend has stuck with me. We all have a limited number of choices in our lifetime, so choose carefully. It reminds me to be active in my choices - to be animated in our faith, as Rev. Hutt asked us to be last Sunday in her sermon. It tells me that this is the time, this is the moment, to make the choices that shape me and my life and this world into the larger pattern I long for.
As we consider the question of what sacrifice means to us this month as Unitarian Universalists, I wonder what choices we might make to lean even more fully into our faith and our core belief that each and every person belongs in the circle of humanity? I'd love to hear your answers.
In faith,
Rev. Jen
|
|
|
| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
|
|
|
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie |
Sunday, March 17, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Wisdom of Trees"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
What if sacrifice is more than a matter of giving something up? What if sacrifice moves us closer to what is essential, to what is holy, and whole? What if in the act of sacrifice we move into the great exchange, where giving becomes receiving, and offering transforms into blessing? What if the dynamics of sacrifice mean staying close to what is relevant and the real of reality? What if we quit paging through holy books, and asked the trees to school us in the sacred work of community and sacrifice?
Musical Guest: Lynn O'Brien
|
|
|
Lynn O'Brien
|
Our musical guest this Sunday is Lynn O'Brien. Lynn is an award-winning vocalist, songwriter and improviser with a powerful, dynamic voice and clear mission: to empower the soul. She has sung in our worship services and in different Coming of Age events. If you haven't heard her, you've been missing out! With many years of performance and recording experience under her belt, Lynn's music blends genres like folk, blues, jazz and R&B. Her authentic voice, presence, and improvisational, interactive performing style build an immediate connection with audiences of all sizes. Through the years, Lynn has performed internationally and collaborated with artists across various mediums, from belly dancers to Bobby McFerrin himself. She just launched her brand new album RISING, which features a full band, string and brass sections, and a choir. Listen here.
Join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.!
|
|
Sunday, March 24, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, President, Unitarian Universalist Association
Music: Soul Band
Sunday, March 31, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Justin Schroeder
(with Me'Lea Connelly)
Music: Tyler Tracy
Sunday, April 7, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
Music: Give Get Sistet
|
|
|
|
|
March 10, 2019
"American Sacrifice"
Rev. Karen Hutt
March 3, 2019
"Stretching the Circle"
Rev. Jen Crow
February 24, 2019
"What We Build Together"
Rabbi Michael Latz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sermon Recap: Rev. Karen Hutt's "American Sacrifice" |
|
|
|
March Worship Theme: Sacrifice
|
Recap by First U staff member Liz Farmer
When a government decides to build a highway through a forest, is the forest sacrificing itself for the greater good? When a mountain is destroyed for jobs in the mining sector, is the mountain sacrificing for a potentially better outcome? When we look closer, as Rev. Karen Hutt asks us to do in this past Sunday's sermon, we might start to wonder if our idea of "sacrifice" for the "collective good" has been masquerading as something more insidious. We might ask questions like, in our country, what of worth and who of worth is being sacrificed, and by whom? Listen to Rev. Karen Hutt's sermon here.
|
| Winter Parking Restrictions |
Winter Parking Restrictions are still in effect in Minneapolis. Until April 1 or further notice, 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 carpool or use alternate modes of transportation!
|
|
|
|
|
Co-location Listening Session for Congregants with Jewish Backgrounds
Sunday, March 17, 12:45 p.m., Room 204
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.
Congregants coming from a Jewish background are invited to join us this Sunday for a special listening session to share thoughts and feelings that may be prompted by the possible co-location with Shir Tikvah. All sharing is welcome - hopes, wishes, apprehensions, concerns and feelings. The focus will be on listening rather than providing answers. The facilitator is Bonnie Gray, longtime member. You can also share your thoughts online at
tinyurl.com/colocationinput.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wellspring Information Session
Sunday, March 24, 1 p.m., Room 203
Wellspring is a uniquely Unitarian Universalist program of spiritual deepening that offers the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our faith through a year-long small group experience. It has five components: commitment to a daily spiritual practice, monthly spiritual direction, small group meetings, reading about the theological and historical foundations of our faith, and putting our faith into action. After a day-long opening retreat on August 24, 2019, Wellspring meets every other week through May 2020.
Attendance at an info session is required if you wish to participate in Wellspring. Questions? Email Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink at elaine@firstuniv.org.
|
|
|
|
|
Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, March 28, 10 a.m.
Meet at Como Park Butterfly Parking Lot
Now that spring is here (ha-ha!) the Senior Hiking season is ready to roll out once again! T
he group's first spring hike will be a scenic tour of several points of interest in Como Park in St. Paul. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Como Park Butterfly Parking Lot at 1237 Kaufman Dr. in St. Paul (map). We'll check out several notable sculptures as we take a leisurely walk around Lake Como. Those who are up for a bit more walking can stroll over to the Conservatory. Optional lunch afterwards at Gabe's in the Park on Lexington Ave. If you plan to join us, contact Ward at
wmlyndall@gmail.com
or 612-823-2385.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank You to Those Who Are ALL IN!
|
Thank you so much to everyone who made their annual financial commitment by the requested date of March 13 AND to the Sustainers whose gifts automatically renew!
By the end of the day yesterday, we had heard from 432 individuals/families, who have made financial commitments totaling $780,000 for the July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 fiscal year. More than $100,000 of those commitments came in yesterday alone.
We are truly grateful for your generous support of First Universalist and happy that so many of you were able to make it to Gathering in Gratitude yesterday. Check out photos from the event here - so many smiling faces!
We are still more than $350,000 in commitments short of what it takes to fund the work of this church over the course of a year. Your fellow church community members are counting on you to do your part to help our ministry thrive!
So, if you are one of the nearly 300 individuals/families that we have yet to hear from about plans for financial support next year, please be in touch! Give us a call (612-825-1701), fill out a yellow giving card next time you're at church, or set up your giving
online.
And the winners are...
We had a number of fabulous prizes to give away at Gathering in Gratitude this year! Everyone who made their financial commitment by March 13 - Sustainers included - was entered into the drawing.
Grand Prizes:
Tina & Caitlin Bernett - one year family membership to the American Swedish Institute plus a gift card to FIKA
Angie Robinson & Jim Kurkowski - one year family membership to the Walker Art Center plus a gift card to Esker Grove
Runners Up:
Pamela & Jim Balabuszko-Reay - Pat's Tap gift card
David Leppik & Jordan Wood - Gigi's Cafe gift card
Daniel & Sharon McLaughlin - Butter Bakery Cafe gift card
Eric Cooperstein & Katie Oberle - Bogart's Doughnuts gift card
|
|
Just Announced: Addressing the Climate Crisis -Discussion & Q&A with the Four Necessity Valve Turners
|
 On Feb. 4, 2019, four Catholic Workers took necessary, non-violent action to address the climate crisis by turning off the valves of Enbridge Energy oil pipelines.
This group, known as The Four Necessity Valve Turners, closed pipeline valves in northern Minnesota, citing the imminent and irreversible damage being done to the climate. The group acted in solidarity with the most vulnerable worldwide who suffer the greatest impact from climate change. The Four Necessity Valve Turners believe it is time to take personal responsibility for preventing the dangerous expansion of the oil industry, because governments and regulators have failed to do so.
The Four Necessity Valve Turners each feel personally called to step into responsibility by standing in the way of this deadly fossil fuel industry because the climate crisis is already underway and observable. Informed by their faith, their work with the marginalized, and their lives as farmers, the Four Necessity Valve Turners hope to protect a livable future.
You can hear from some of The Four Necessity Valve Turners in person at First Universalist Church on Wednesday, March 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Cummins Room. We'll watch a short segment of the video of their action, hear from action takers themselves and have time for a few questions and answers. All are welcome! We'll do a short passing of the hat at the event to help cover costs.
If you aren't able to make it in person but still want to find out more information or support The Four Necessity Valve Turners, please check out their website and their Facebook page. Find the Facebook event here.
|
|
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.
|
|
Andrea Johnson Ordination: Saturday, 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 says: "I have been a member of First Universalist Church for 17 years and hope to celebrate with a few of my fellow congregants!"
Andrea's ordination will take place at Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship,
10715 Zenith Avenue South,
Bloomington, MN 55431.
RSVP on Facebook here.
|
|
Hymn Leaders Wanted: Audition this Sunday, March 17!
|
 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.
|
|
Youth Cultural Exchange Media Sale This Sunday
|
For the next two Sundays, March 17 and 24, Youth Cultural Exchange will be hosting the annual media sale. Used books, music, DVDs will be on sale in the social hall. This year we're also selling puzzles and board games.
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 2019.
|
|
First Universalist is a Waxwing Farm CSA Pickup Location
|
|
When the farm we've hosted a CSA drop site in previous years (Sogn Valley Farm) decided to discontinue their CSA program after last season, they recommended their friends at Waxwing Farm in Webster, MN.
We are pleased to share that First Universalist will be a pick up location for CSA shares from Waxwing Farm this year!
 CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. By purchasing a CSA share, you are helping to directly support the farm. Your up-front investment provides a reliable market for the farm's produce and allows them to purchase supplies and make equipment repairs early in the year. In exchange, you receive weekly boxes of the freshest, most delicious produce available. You also get to stay connected to the farm through newsletters and opportunities for farm visits. You get the satisfaction of knowing that your investment is contributing to a stronger local economy and a more sustainable food system.
The Waxwing Farm CSA season runs from early-June to mid-October. Waxwing CSA shares consist of a 3/4 bushel box containing 8 to 12 different vegetables that change with the seasons. Each box is enough for a family of four or a vegetable loving couple to go through in a week. There are two different share sizes and three delivery options, and CSA deliveries are made on Wednesdays.
If First Universalist is a convenient Wednesday pickup location for you, please consider signing up for a CSA share from Waxwing Farm! Learn more about the farm, the CSA program, and sign up for a share at waxwingfarm.com.
|
|
Mni Ki Wakan World Water Day March 22
|
 Indigenous peoples, youth, and allies are uniting from across the land of water known as Mnisota to honor the sacredness of water.
Join the Mni Ki Wakan community on Friday, March 22, 6-9 p.m. at First Universalist Church for World Water Day, an event co-sponsored by the church's Environmental Justice Team.
Learn more about Mni Ki Wakan pre-summit events in New York and the third Mni Ki Wakan: World Indigenous Peoples Decade of Water Summit on August 13-15, 2019 at
mnikiwakan.org.
|
|
ART for Action: Mosaic Mandala
|
 Join First Universalist members Debbie Cash and Denise Konen for a mosaic art session to help raise money for First Universalist's Sanctuary and Resistance fund. The session will take place at Mosaic on a Stick, 1564 Lafond Avenue (on Snelling north of University) in St. Paul on Saturday, March 30 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Create a beautiful 4.5" mandala mosaic using colored glass. Learn the basics of mandala design, how to use glass-cutting tools and grout your finished piece (after drying).
Artist Debbie Cash will teach mosaic art skills, and Denise Konen will share what immigrants in the Twin Cities are facing and why we started the Sanctuary and Resistance Immigrant Fund.
Suggested donation is $50-$75. All funds (minus the cost of materials) help immigrants with legal assistance, housing costs and other needs when they are detained.
Class size limited to 15. Contact Denise Konen,
denise@netgains.net to attend and/or to carpool from the church. Arrive early to see the amazing studio and artists at work! Art instruction begins at 2:30 p.m.
|
|
Final Sunday of Robyn Beth Priestly Art Exhibit
|
 If you haven't had a chance to check out the current art exhibit in the Social Hall, which features hand-painted mixed-media block prints by artist Robyn Beth Priestly, be sure to do so this Sunday, March 17, which is the final day of the exhibit.
The artist says: "Creating artwork that promotes environmental stewardship while also expressing our connections to nature through art is my heart's work."
|
|
Spring Donations for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA)
|
Thanks to the many congregants who have generously donated food and winter clothing to AFA (Augsburg Fairview Academy) - you make a difference!
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. Students have specifically requested the following:
- Microwavable single serving dinners - especially chili
- Clothing Closet: all sizes of men and women's khakis and dress pants suitable for interviewing and work; leggings and tights; hoodies;
- Winter toiletries: chapstick and lotions are still in high demand along with men and women's deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, ethnic hair products, sanitary products, condoms
Bring items to the Information Desk on Sundays or drop off during the week at the shelves labeled for AFA by the 34th Street entrance.
Thank you for your generosity!
|
|
AUW Women's Spring Retreat: Register Now!
|
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; Talent Show; Mining Our Childhood; Astronomy; Basketry; and MORE!
TALENT SHOW:
There will be a talent show again this year, hosted by the mysterious and ever-surprising Rebecca Larrabee. Talent show questions - contact Rebecca at rlarrabee212@msn.com.
|
|
|
| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
Are you responsible for reserving meeting space for a church committee you serve on? Are you a volunteer planning a church-sponsored event?
Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and setup requests must be communicated to Events Coordinator Lucia Webb in advance.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
