 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
January 24, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 4
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
Rev. Justin Schroeder |
Mary Oliver, of beloved memory, wrote these words:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
I wonder: do you remember what you had for breakfast? Can you recall how it tasted? Do you know where that breakfast came from, who handled it before it arrived in front of you, where it was grown and harvested, packed and shipped? What about the bowl, plate, or cup in front of you? The silverware? Where did it come from? Was it made by hand or machine, and who handled it before it came to be with you?
The other day, I followed this practice with a bowl of steel cut oats, milk, maple syrup and cinnamon, and found myself traveling around the country and the world before I took a bite. I reflected on the sun and rain (water) it took to nourish the oats, the maple tree, the cinnamon tree. It changed my breakfast experience for the better. I was eating - experiencing - a small miracle.
I wonder: what have you been paying attention to? Your food? Your body? The often invisible culture of your family, friends, and community? What are you noticing and how is it astonishing you with its beauty and brokenness? What can you tell about it?
As you read this, I invite you to pause for a moment. What do you notice in your body? Are you hungry, lonely, curious, excited, anxious? What do you hear around you? Airplanes, voices, cars, birds? What do you smell?
This spiritual practice of paying attention, being astonished, and telling about it, is, in many ways, what our Circles and Small Groups are about. I hope you will consider joining a
Soul Matters, Spiritual Deepening, or Newcomers Circle
, and dive into this practice. Your own life, the lives of others, and even the world itself, will be become new again, holy, miraculous, a blessed gift. Join a Circle, be astonished, tell about it!
I'll see you in church,
Justin
|
|
|
| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
|
|
|
Rev. Karen Hutt
|
Sunday, Jan. 27, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Rama Who?"
Rev. Karen Hutt
Our bodies ain't what they used to be. Our bodies have a history of collective change. Our bodies are the repositories of science in motion. Our bodies are an amazing biological story of adaptation. Come and celebrate human potential while taking a deep dive off the cliff of mystery and change.
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.
|
|
Sunday, Feb. 3, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Sharing Sunday
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
Sunday, Feb. 17, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Youth-friendly Worship
Lead Minister: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Music: Soul Band
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Immigrant Moral Witness, Moral Action: A Conversation with Local Leaders
Tonight! 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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"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!
|
|
|
|
|
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 online at firstucircles.weebly.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m.
Join other seniors for a several-mile hike along Minnehaha Creek in south Minneapolis.
Meet at the west corner of Cedar Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway. (Parking is available along E Minnehaha Pkwy adjacent to 17th & 18th Aves.) Minnehaha Creek flows 22 miles from Lake Minnetonka to Minnehaha Falls, winding through tranquil woodlands, expansive wetlands, dense urban landscapes, neighborhoods and scenic parkland. The meandering creek and parkland is a beautiful place to explore all seasons of the year.
RSVP to Dick Kern at
KernwatchMN@aol.com
or 651-206-6822.
|
|
|
|
|
12-Step Spirituality:
Centering Prayer Meditation
Saturday, Feb. 9, 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leadership Workshop with Shir Tikvah
|
|
|
|
Shir Tikvah and First Universalist clergy address members of both congregations at a leadership retreat on Jan. 20.
|
By Cindy Marsh, Board of Trustees
Last Sunday leadership from Shir Tikvah and First Universalist met to continue our conversations about co-locating at 3400 Dupont Avenue. More than 50 people attended a workshop focused on building shared vision, deepening relationships, and increasing understanding. Energy, engagement and enthusiasm were palpable in the packed Cummins Room.
Our respective clergy (Rabbi Michael Latz, Rev. Justin Schroeder, Rev. Jen Crow, Rabbi Arielle Rosenberg, Rabbi Debra Rappaport, and Rev. Ruth MacKenzie) shared their dreams for what co-location could mean. They presented a powerful vision about new ways to model what we want to be in the world driven by environmental stewardship, disrupting white supremacy in all its forms, healing justice, financial stability, and becoming a learning incubator for partnering, collaboration and communication. Rev. Jen Crow outlined this vision in detail in the
January 17 Liberal.
Beth Zemsky, a well-respected local consultant who specializes in intercultural organization development, facilitated an interactive session on culture. Beth is a Shir Tikvah member who has also worked extensively as a consultant to the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association). Beth pointed out that our conversation about co-location is both interfaith and intercultural. While we have many similarities in our traditions, there are also important cultural differences. We need to develop empathy and understanding of the other while maintaining our own identity and values.
The group found much resonance and power in the vision; yet felt it important to retain our individual religious identities and cultures. We left with a deep sense of optimism, many questions, and a hunger to learn more about each other as we continue to explore what we can be together.
In addition to dreaming and visioning, we have chartered a Financial and Legal Team to explore possible financial models and legal structures required to make co-location happen. This team consists of members from both Shir Tikvah and First Universalist with relevant financial, legal, and business expertise.
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 about next steps and opportunities for congregational engagement to come.
|
|
Caring for One Another: Pastoral Visitors
|
 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!
|
|
First Universalist Foundation: Grant Nominations Due Jan. 31!
|
|
|
|
The 2018-19 Foundation Board: (front, L to R) Rochelle Hammer, Secretary, Chris Bremer, Jill Andersen; (back, L to R) Dennis Haskin, Channing McKinley, Anne McBean, Suzan Klein, Chair, Ginny Halloran, John Bringewatt.
|
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.
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.
|
|
Circle Registration Open Through Jan. 29
|
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.
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 are open to all, and some are for those with a shared identity or experience.
O
f special note this winter, we're offering two Soul Matters circles for parents.
Spiritual Deepening Circles are small groups that meet to explore a particular topic or spiritual practice together. Two of these Circles offered this winter are:
Parenting For Racial Justice, which builds participants' capacity for talking with children and youth about race, racism, and whiteness in ways that are supportive, grounded in the realities of the world, and hopeful; and
Soulful Separations, which invites people who are navigating the end of a committed relationship to explore this journey of separation in an intentional, soulful manner.
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.
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. 27. For more information, contact Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink at
Elaine@firstuniv.org.
|
|
Handmade Truffles for Valentine's Day
|
 You can purchase truffles - handmade by the youth of the First Universalist Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE) - in the Social Hall on Sundays, Jan. 27, Feb. 3 and 10.
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 summer, the Nicaraguan youth will come to Minnesota, and next summer our youth will go to Nicaragua. All proceeds from the truffle sale (and from the weekly egg roll sales) pay for the Nicaraguan youth travel expenses.
The truffles are three dollars each, $12 for a box of four, and $24 for a box of eight. Flavors include Orange Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Cappuccino and Sea Salt. Buy them for yourself or a Valentine or send a box to a student at Augsburg Fairview Academy. Include a personal note and YCE youth will deliver your gift of love and truffles to the students of Augsburg Fairview Academy. Support two faithful action programs at the same time!
|
|
AUW Winter Event: Saturday, Feb. 9
|
 The Association of Universalist Women (AUW) is hosting its annual Winter Event on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Universalist. All women are welcome to join AUW for an afternoon of appetizers, art, and community!
Learn more about AUW on their website at
www.auwfirstuniv.org
|
|
Lost & Found: Are You Missing Something?
|
 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.
|
|
Thanks for Donations for Augsburg Fairview Academy!
|
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!
|
|
|
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.
|
| 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
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
