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January 17, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 3
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| Exciting Accomplishments, and More to Come |
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Rev. Jen Crow |
We did it! Your gifts to our capital campaign,
Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future
, allowed us to pay off our mortgage and become debt-free in 2018. And while we don't have a photo of the mortgage burning like we did in 1952 (see below...!), we're pretty proud of this accomplishment and all of you for your generosity. Thank you!!
There's so much more to come as your gifts to our capital campaign are put to good use, and we're delighted to have the mortgage paid off and the tuckpointing work on the sanctuary building complete as we consider next steps.
This Sunday, leadership from Shir Tikvah and First Universalist will meet to continue our conversations about co-locating at 3400 Dupont Avenue. As people of faith, we are called to live and act out of a prophetic imagination about what is possible as we strive to heal the world and build the Beloved Community. Given our current political climate, to even consider co-locating is a defiant act, an act that disrupts the dominant narratives of fear, division, and hyper-individualism, and dreams about new ways to model what we want to see and be in the world.
As we consider co-locating, the follow vision drives us:
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Disrupting White Supremacy:
White supremacy in America depends on three pillars: racism, anti-semitism, and Islamophobia. Partnering with Shir Tikvah would require First Universalist to be in faithful relationship across culture and religion with a Jewish community. In this relationship, we will learn, grow, and ally with our partners in disrupting white supremacy culture in all forms.
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Healing Justice Impact
: There is a long history of anti-semitism in the Twin Cities. Co-locating in a historic Synagogue invites us to name and revisit this history, to identify anti-semitism and white supremacy as it exists currently in Minneapolis, and to create a new story about how we (Unitarian Universalists and Jews) support and inspire each other. We will do this as we grow in our own unique religious identities, and work collectively and collaboratively toward the dismantling of white supremacy culture that harms us, our siblings, and the planet.
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Incubator Impact
: As a shared house of worship, 3400 Dupont becomes a new space, a learning incubator for the kind of "brave space," partnering, collaboration, and communication that is needed to meet the challenges we face in the 21st Century.
We look forward to sharing more about our co-location conversations and possible models at our upcoming State of the Church Meeting on Sunday, Feb. 10 following the second service. Please join us to learn more and hear about next steps in this visionary process.
In faith,
Rev. Jen
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Rev. Justin, Rev. Jen, and Board President Eric Cooperstein "celebrate" paying off the mortgage.
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Original image (at right): The Reverend Carl Olson, who served First Universalist Church between 1939 and 1963, along with trustees Rollin Andrews and Robert Pugh, preside over the burning of the mortgage after the church was able to get out of debt in 1952.
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Jan. 20, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Love Is Resistance"
Rev. Jen Crow
"All our bodies are fundamentally good and lovable (Rachel Martin)." What do you feel when you read this statement? What wells up in your consciousness, in your body? Does your breath come a little easier? Does your jaw relax? This Sunday we explore the goodness of our bodies no matter what shape, size or color, and the ways in which our bodies might teach us a deeper kind of interconnectedness and health.
January Worship Theme:
Our Beautiful Bodies
In one of the most beautiful biblical passages, the psalmist writes: "For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well." (Ps 139: 13-14) This month we recognize, accept and cherish that we have our being in a body, fearfully and wonderfully made. We grow. We age. We have gifts. We have limitations. We experience one another and ourselves in bodies that are beautiful and wondrous no matter their particular characteristics. This month we explore our being in a beautiful body.
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Sunday, Jan. 27, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Karen Hutt
Music: First Universalist Choir
Sunday, Feb. 3, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Jen Crow
Music: Chalice Choir (children's choir)
Sunday, Feb. 10, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Music: First Universalist Choir
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12-Step Spirituality:
Centering Prayer Meditation
Saturday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m.-noon, Social Hall
12-Step Spirituality meets one Saturday per month in the Social Hall at First Universalist 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.
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Lunch & Ice Skating with the First Universalist Young Adults Group
Meet in the social hall at 12:45 p.m.
or Loring Park at 2:30 p.m.
Feeling tired of the Minnesota winter? Embrace the season and join other young adults in their 20s and 30s for some skating fun on Sunday, Jan. 20. Gather with the group for lunch beforehand (meet at the social hall info desk at 12:45 p.m.) or meet us at Loring Park (1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55402) at 2:30 p.m. Skating on the rink is free and skates are available on a first-come first-served basis at the site. Email Gordon Loery at gloery945@gmail.com with questions.
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Immigrant Moral Witness, Moral Action: A Conversation with Local Leaders
Thursday, Jan. 24, 7-9 p.m.
Our Sanctuary & Resistance Team is pleased to welcome two local leaders to our series about ways to understand and provide effective support to local immigrants and refugees, their families, and communities:
Gerardo Guerrero Gomez, Mexico Consul General of the St. Paul Office, and
Michele Rivero, Director of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, City of Minneapolis.
These leaders
will describe the work of their offices, offer suggestions about additional effective actions we can take, and answer questions.
T
he event is free, but please RSVP here.
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Racial Justice & Our UU Faith Workshop
Saturday, Jan. 26, 1-5 p.m.
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. If you haven't taken this workshop yet, this is a great time to do so if a single-day workshop suits your schedule better! (Most-often, this is offered as a two-part workshop.) January's workshop will be led by Jared Cruz and Susan Schultz. To sign up, contact Sandy DiNanni at sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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"13th" Screening and Discussion
Sunday, Jan. 27, 1-3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 6:30-9 p.m.
What does the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865 have anything to do with today? Everything. The powerful and thought-provoking documentary "13th" analyzes the criminalization of African Americans, the U.S. prison boom, and their relationship to the abolishment of slavery via the 13th Amendment. Drop in to view and discuss this film on either date!
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Newcomer Circles
Wednesdays, Jan. 30 - Feb. 20, 2-3:30 p.m.
or Wednesdays, Feb. 6 - 27, 7-8:30 p.m.
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. The next two Newcomer Circles begin on Wednesday, Jan. 30 and Wednesday, Feb. 6. Sign up onlineat firstucircles.weebly.com.
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Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
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Join other First Universalist seniors for a hike along Minnehaha Creek on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m.
This volunteer-led hiking group organizes hikes at parks and along trails in the Twin Cities on the last Thursday of most months.
Mark your calendar and watch for more details in next week's Liberal!
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Church Office Closed Jan. 21 (all day), Jan. 23 (11:30-4)
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The church office and building will be closed all day on Monday, Jan. 21 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The church office will also be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a staff holiday party. Please plan accordingly, as there will be no access to the building during these times.
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Caring for One Another: Pastoral Visitors
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 Have you been told you're a good listener, or that talking with you has made a friend feel heard and cared for?
Please consider applying to be a Pastoral Visitor. Pastoral Visitors are a trained group of First Universalist congregants who provide confidential pastoral care to friends and members of the church. They visit people at homes, in hospitals, in hospice, or at the corner coffee shop - offering a compassionate presence to fellow congregants who are going through grief and loss, job transition, divorce, loneliness, stress from parenting, or loss of purpose. Pastoral Visitors also offer care during and after our worship services to those who are in need.
If you are looking for a way to provide deep and meaningful care to those around you, please fill out this form by Thursday, Jan. 31. We then ask that you meet with Rev. Ruth (Minister of Pastoral Care) for a short interview to make sure this is a good fit. She will contact you after receiving your application.
We hope you will consider this meaningful ministry in our congregation!
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Circle Registration Open Through Jan. 29
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Nurture your soul in community this winter by joining a Circle!
Circles are groups of 8-10 committed participants who gather for reflection, learning, and spiritual growth.
These groups are grounded in deep listening and open-hearted reflection. Each gathering offers an opportunity for deeper connection with our own inner truth, with other people, and with something greater than ourselves.
Soul Matters Circles use a small group curriculum that encourages participants to reflect more deeply on our monthly worship theme. Some groups are open to all, and some are for those with a shared identity or experience, such as our
People of Color and Indigenous People Circle, and a new circle this year for
People Living with Mental Illness that continues this winter/spring.
And, o
f special note this winter, we're offering two Soul Matters circles for parents. This winter's groups require no special preparation beyond showing up ready to listen and reflect. However, you can go deeper with each month's theme with our Soul Matters packet. This collection of resources, which includes poems, questions for contemplation, spiritual exercises, articles, and more, helps ground you in our monthly theme as you meet with your group and attend services throughout the month.
Spiritual Deepening Circles are small groups that meet to explore a particular topic or spiritual practice together.
This winter, Rev. Karen Hutt is leading a circle called "Have I Got a Story for You. It's Called My Life." There are three circles with a racial justice focus, including "Parenting for Racial Justice," "Brave Connections: Interrupting Bias and Systemic Racism," and a book study of
White Birch, Red Hawthorn: A Memoir by Nora Murphy. Other circle topics currently include: Soulful Separation, Storytelling, Meditation, Chi-Gung, and Peace.
If you are relatively new to the First Universalist community,
Newcomer Circles offer a great way to connect with other folks who are new to church and become better acquainted with our community while reflecting on your spiritual journey.
You can learn about all of our Circle offerings and other upcoming adult programming in our
Winter 2019 Adult Programming Catalog. Copies of the catalog will also be available to pick up at church this Sunday.
Circle registration is open now through Tuesday, Jan. 29. To learn more and register, head to
firstucircles.weebly.com or sign up in the social hall on Sunday, Jan. 20 or 27. For more information, contact Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink at
Elaine@firstuniv.org.
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Lost & Found: Are You Missing Something?
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 Our Lost & Found cabinet is overflowing with items left behind after worship and other happenings at church ... might one of them belong to you?
The lost and found cabinet is located in lower narthex coat closet (the one closer to the women's restroom). It is full of water bottles and travel coffee mugs, clothing items, accessories, and more. Next time you're at church, please check this cabinet to see if there is something that belongs to you! We'll be cleaning it out at the end of January and donating any unclaimed items.
We have a separate lost and found bin for smaller and more valuable items such as jewelry and electronics. There is currently a set of keys, an iphone, a few watches, several pairs of glasses, and some jewelry in the lost and found bin that is located in the church office. There are also a few photos that were left after Remembrance Sunday earlier this month. If you suspect that one of these items might be yours, or if you're missing something smaller/more valuable that you might have left at church, please call the church office with a description of the item you lost: 612-825-1701 Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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First Universalist Foundation Accepting Grant Nominations
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The First Universalist Foundation Board is beginning its 2019 granting season and wants to hear from congregants about which organizations would be good candidates for a grant. At this time, the Foundation is particularly interested in organizations that address human rights at risk. The Foundation is also interested in organizations whose leadership includes people of color, women and other underrepresented groups. Historically, most grants have been in the $5,000 range, with a few larger ones.
Members of the Foundation Board will be in the
Social Hall on Sunday, Jan. 20 after services to answers questions and share about the work of the First Universalist Foundation. They welcome you to stop by their table to learn more!
Nominations are being accepted until January 31, so please nominate away! If you have questions, email the First Universalist Foundation Board at
foundation@firstuniv.org or call Channing McKinley at 651-204-0245.
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Habitat for Humanity 2019 Winter Work Days
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First Universalist has two Habitat for Humanity work days coming up and we'd love to have you on the crew on Thursday, Feb. 14 or March 14.
Volunteers must be at least 16, 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 building and using tools? No worries! Your fellow volunteers and the Habitat site supervisor are there to help you.
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Thanks for Donations for Augsburg Fairview Academy!
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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:
- Microwavable single serving dinners
- Snacks: granola bars, fruit cups, small packages of nuts or raisins, crackers
- Winter teen clothing: winter jackets, scarves, gloves and hats; hoodies, jeans (clothing in good repair, clean, and teen appropriate)
- Winter toiletries: chapstick and lotions, men's and women's deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, 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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Beacon Congregation Convening
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m., Bet Shalom Congregation in Hopkins
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative invites First Universalist members to a January 29, Congregation Convening, where they hope Governor-elect Walz will be attending to hear that quality, affordable homes are a priority for congregations. Learn more and register
here.
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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 9
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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