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May 2, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 18
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| Welcoming Arif Mamdani as our new Director of Membership and Adult Ministries! |
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Arif Mamdani |
Rev. Jen Crow and Rev. Justin Schroeder are delighted to announce that Arif Mamdani will be our new Director of Membership and Adult Ministries. We believe that Arif is the perfect person to build on the already strong foundation that Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink build in her tenure with First Universalist.
Arif is a seasoned and entrepreneurial professional who brings over a decade of experience in non-profits, social justice organizations, and faith communities. He is a gifted facilitator, curriculum developer, organizer, preacher, and strategic thinker.
Later this week, Arif graduates from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. He currently serves as a ministerial consultant at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka. Prior to that, Arif served as the full time intern at Unity Unitarian Church in St. Paul, where he participated in the full breadth and depth of large church ministry. During his internship, he coached and supported the Men's Retreat Planning Team as they led their largest retreat to date, and he served on the Beloved Community Staff Team, supporting the racial justice programming in the church. Prior to his internship, Arif served as the Associate Director of the Kaleo Center for Faith, Justice and Social Transformation.
In our interview, we were impressed by Arif's thoughtfulness, his insightful questions, his deep curiosity, his open heart, and his obvious love of Unitarian Universalism.
Arif will begin in this position on August 1, and he'll be in the pulpit on August 11.
We hope you'll join us in welcoming him with open arms!
With care,
Jen and Justin
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Close the Gap: This Sunday, May 5!
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As Board President Eric Cooperstein shared in his April 23 letter to the congregation and as Rev. Jen Crow shared in her sermon on April 28, we recently learned that we will no longer be receiving our largest annual and capital gifts.
Due to this change, our
current (2018-19) annual operating budget
and next year's operating budget (2019-20) have
both lost gifts that are greater than what some of our full time employees are paid.
We are planning a "Close the Gap" special collection this Sunday, May 5, during both services. Generous congregants have pledged
$15,000 in matching money for this "Close the Gap" effort and we hope to make up the shortfall in this year's budget.
We are asking you to
give generously toward our current year's shortfall when we pass the offering plate on Sunday -- AND
consider increasing your giving for 2019-20 (or setting up your 2019-20 gift if you haven't already). On average, if each 2019-20 annual gift was increased by $60 - that's $5 a month - we'd make up the loss of this gift.
Though this is a challenging moment, with your support, we are confident that we will move ahead, stronger together than we are alone. See you in church this Sunday!
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Sunday, May 5, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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Rev. Justin Schroeder |
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Rev. Justin writes: Nearly 10 years ago, I preached a sermon on an episode of the show "Lost." The title of the Sermon was "The Constant." I was reminded of this sermon in a conversation with a congregant two weeks ago. It had stuck with him all these years.
As soon as he mentioned it, I also remembered the sermon, and thought, "as we begin our May exploration of 'Thresholds', let's explore what, if anything, remains as we cross the thresholds in our lives - from student to graduate, from single to married, from married to single, from well to ill, whatever it might be. Is there anything that remains constant in those threshold moments - those moments marked by a 'before' and an 'after?'"
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Sunday, May 12, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Karen Hutt
Child Dedication
Sunday, May 19, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Worship led by Senior High Youth
Youth Sunday
Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m.
Lead minister: Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Memorial Day Weekend
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April 28, 2019
"Ours to Complete"
Rev. Jen Crow
Choir-led worship: Mozart's
Requiem
April 21, 2019
"Rise Up"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
April 14, 2019
"Asking the Right Questions"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
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| May Worship Theme: Thresholds |
 The nature of thresholds is that there is one foot in what was, and one foot in what is to become. We may look back, wondering if this step is the right step. We may look forward with resolve and anticipation. The spiritual life is one in which being present to threshold moments is an opportunity in pausing, noticing, remembering, and dreaming. This month we practice suspending our wish to know, our penchant for planning, and surrender ourselves to the deep life of thresholds, of not knowing, and living into our bravery and our love.
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| Listen to the Sunday Service Podcast: Mozart's Requiem and Rev. Jen Crow's Message: "Ours to Complete" |
Sermon recap by First U staff member Liz Farmer
 As he was reaching a remarkable level of fame, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was also in debt. As his love for his work and family grew, he was gravely ill. Just as we dream of future possibilities for First U and our building, our budget will no longer enable us to grow as we'd envisioned. Poet Mark Nepo writes that, "Things are always falling apart and coming together at the same time." He continues, "when things fall apart, it's loud, and when they come together, it's quiet." As First U comes together to finish the work of contributing to and finalizing the budgets, it could be a quiet process, yes. Or, we could be loud about it - loud about the unity, fervor, commitment, and interdependence of this community. The financial impact of the losses is real, and the work is ours to complete. Both at the same time. Listen to First Universalist Choir perform Mozart's completed (but not by himself) Requiem, and Rev. Jen Crow's reflection on the work that is "Ours to Complete." Listen to the recording here.
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Open Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, May 9, 6:30-8 p.m.
The labyrinth is a spiritual tool. It is a form of walking meditation that is a multicultural, ancient pattern.
First Universalist's labyrinth is located in the social hall. We offer an Open Labyrinth Walk on the second Thursday of the month September through May. Walk at your own pace, and stay as long or short as you like. Allow at least 15 minutes for a full fast walk.
A member of the Labyrinth Circle will be available to offer guidance. For more information, contact: Ann Hobbs, 763-546-3337 or
g.annhobbs@gmail.com
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12-Step Spirituality
Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m.-noon
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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Daytime Connections
Thursday, May 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Donna Lindsay, Neuroscience Clinical Nurse Specialist from Hennepin County Stroke Center will discuss stroke risk factors and how to reduce them. Just as importantly, we will learn how to recognize when someone is having a stroke and what we should do to help them. She will give us an overview of what a stroke is and the emergency treatments available if someone gets to the hospital fast enough.
To register,
contact Sandy DiNanni at
sandy@firstuniv.org
or 612-825-1701.
Lunch
is provided at 1 p.m.; we suggest a sliding scale contribution of $5 to $15 (more if you can, less if you can't).
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Final Co-location Info & Listening Session
Sunday, May 19, 12:45-2:30 p.m.
As we explore whether co-location with Shir Tikvah at 3400 Dupont is the right path for us, we have been asking that all members attend a Co-location Information & Listening Session. The last session will take place on Sunday, May 19. This is your opportunity to learn about what either path will mean for the future of First Universalist, and to participate in the decision-making process. Ultimately, members will be making the decision about co-locating or not, via congregational vote later in 2019, so it's important to be informed! We want as many voices as possible to be part of this conversation. Learn more.
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Calling for Worship Associates for 2019-2020
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Worship Associates open our worship services every Sunday with stories that move us. Each associate seats the worship theme in the particular of their own life, grounding each service in the reality of lived experience. Our worship services are rich with stories: a cowardly lion finding courage in community, a truth left unsaid, a mother who hears the most tender words from her adult son from his hospital bed.
Do you love worship? Are you a good storyteller? Do you have a flair for writing? Please consider applying to be a Worship Associate this year.
Worship Associates speak 2 or 3 times during the church year in our worship services, September through May. Associates and Rev. Ruth MacKenzie gather during the year to discuss themes for upcoming months, talk about writing for oration, review how to layout a manuscript and practice public speaking.
This opportunity in lay leadership requires that you attend church regularly, that you are comfortable speaking in front of people, available to meet 2 times during the church year for two Worship Associates Retreats, and you are willing to engage in the creative endeavor of crafting worship. If this interests you please:
We will hold Worship Retreats on
Sunday, Aug. 25, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 2, 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
You must be able to attend the Worship Retreats in order to be considered.
The Worship Team will be choosing applicants that represent the multi-generational, multicultural, multi-racial congregation we are becoming.
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New Art Exhibit in the Social Hall
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 "Three Generations Capturing the Moment" explores the natural world and is an ode to Preben Mosborg who had the only exhibit in his lifetime in our social hall in 2006. The current exhibit includes many of Preben's photos and poems along with photos and artwork by son, Steven, and granddaughter, Amanda Grace.
Steven and Amanda will be available to discuss their work in the Social Hall after both services on Sunday, May 5, and you are encouraged to stay for the opening reception from 1-3 p.m. The photos will be on exhibit May 5 - July 7.
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Celebrating Elaine: Following Love's Call
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Our "Celebrating Elaine" Team shares:
 As you now know, the Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink will be stepping away from her ministry at First Universalist on June 2. We want to be sure that her incredible contributions to our community, and her decision to make a life-giving transformation to "where love is calling her next," are celebrated in joy and indicate our community's love for her. To do that, we need YOUR help. Please participate in some or all of the following ways:
JUNE 2 CELEBRATION: Join us in the social hall for a celebration between the service and the Annual Meeting. There will be: Elaine!! Cake! Music! Festivities!
LETTERS/NOTES/CARDS: El
aine would love to have letters, notes, and cards from congregants, including the children - actual items she can hold and re-read. Drop notes in the keepsake box available in the church office Monday through Thursday and available in the Hub in the Social Hall on Sundays. You may also mail cards to the church Attn: "Celebrating Elaine." They will all be blessed and presented to Elaine on June 2.
E-NOTES: If you prefer, you may submit notes and photos electronically by emailing them to Channing at
channingmckinley@gmail.com. They will be collected and presented to Elaine on June 2 as well.
SPECIAL DONATION:
Consider making a special financial donation to a "gift fund." We have some fun ideas for gifts to Elaine from the congregation, but no church budget. The gifts we select will be inspired by what we know of Elaine and what she is dreaming into: nurturing her creativity; deepening her connection to beauty in the arts; and cherishing special experiences with her family. To make any of these possible, we need one-time, specially designated donations. These are free will (as the spirit moves you) not tax deductible donations - separate from ongoing church support. It would be helpful to have them by May 15. Electronic gifts can be made online here. C
hecks may be sent or delivered to the church with "Elaine's Gift" on the memo line.
In love, with love,
The "Celebrating Elaine" team:
Bette DeMars, George Dow, Ginny McAninch, Channing McKinley, Jeff Sylvestre, Lucy Swift
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May Child Dedication: Sign Ups Due May 5
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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. Infants and children of members and those on the path to membership at First Universalist Church may be dedicated.
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Donations for Augsburg Fairview Academy Prom
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The AFA Prom will be held in our Social Hall on Saturday, May 18. Donations of dresses (long and short, all sizes) and men's suits and dress shirts (all sizes) are welcome.
Bring items to the Information Desk on Sundays. You may drop off clothing during the week; bring clothing on hangers to the coat room at the right of the stairs or neatly folded on the shelves labeled for AFA by the 34th Street entrance.
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, and many are homeless or marginally housed during the school year.
Items for the Food Closet and Clothing Closet continue to be needed through the end of May. Thanks to the many congregants who have generously donated food and clothing to AFA - you make a difference!
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AUW Spring Fling is May 4
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 All women of the church are invited to the Association of Universalist Women's 2019 Spring Fling on Saturday, May 4 from 5-7:30 p.m. in the Social Hall. We'll celebrate the year, greet old and new friends, eat good food, elect our new leaders, and be entertained by Mary Elias.
Clara Barton Sisterhood Awards will be given to Marion Dane Bauer and Pat Gottschalk. The award is given to women who have turned 80 this year and who have contributed in meaningful ways to AUW, to First Universalist and to their communities and the world beyond. Please join us in honoring them.
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First Universalist / Common Ground Connection Meeting
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 If you attend First Universalist Church and Common Ground Meditation Center please join us on Sunday, May 5 for a 15 minute sit followed by an opportunity for each person to talk about their spiritual practice. Meet the Meditation Room at 12:30 p.m. (if church goes later, meet 5 minutes after the Service). If you have any questions contact Chuck LeGros at Chuck@LeGrosScientific.com
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The Wisdom of Our Seniors
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Over the past three years, a group of volunteers led by Hal Schroer have assembled over 110 life stories of seniors as a way to share the wisdom from their life experiences.
These stories focus on an individual's: r
eligious journey to and involvement at First Universalist,
life experiences,
c
ore values, and w
hat they're most proud of.
Stories have been organized around shared life experiences. One can search for individuals who:
- Worked in 18 separate professional categories
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Survived the loss of a spouse or child
- Were pioneers in overcoming gender role expectations
- Survived a life-threatening illness, or are currently living with a chronic illness
- Experienced the Vietnam War as a formative step in their life
- Directly witnessed racism during the formative civil rights era
- Worked for women's equality during its early stages
Visit the church library
to learn more and read the stories!
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May is National Mental Health Month
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National Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness. In honor of this, each issue of the Liberal in May will feature an article from NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness ) to help enlighten us about mental health-related issues. First Universalist Church partners with more than ten other area churches as a member of Mental Health Connect.
The following article is from NAMI's blog:
"5 Films that Address Mental Health"
By Matthew Boyle | Dec. 19, 2018
Depicting mental illness on screen is not always easy. For some directors, the temptation to embellish or exaggerate symptoms of mental illness for the sake of entertainment leads to inaccurate and sometimes offensive portrayals that only serve to strengthen stereotypes. Luckily with film and television doing a better job of highlighting the importance of mental health, more and more filmmakers are making an effort to display the truth about mental illness on-screen. Here are five films that address mental health in a thought provoking and appropriate way:
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Habitat for Humanity Summer Work Week: Sign Up Now!
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Please join in First Universalist's Habitat for Humanity Summer Work Week, June 24-28, and help a hardworking family in our community achieve the joy and stability of homeownership.
Volunteers must be at least 16, and 16- and 17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The work day is from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., in Richfield, and lunch will be provided.
Many hands make light work - and they make for a fun work site, too!
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Seeking Delegates to the UUA General Assembly 2019
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General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Anyone may attend; congregations must certify annually to send voting delegates. General Assembly 2019 will take place in Spokane, WA, (and online) June 19-23.
If you wish 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 by May 27
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In order to be a delegate, you must be an active member of First Universalist Church.
Delegates need to be officially approved by the congregation at our annual meeting on June 2.
Registration info and more is available here.
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You're Invited to the Ordination of Jack Gaede
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Former member Jack Gaede is about to be ordained and become Rev. Jack Gaede, and he's also being installed as an Assistant Minister at the White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church in Mahtomedi, MN, on Saturday, May 18 at 3 p.m. He would love to extend an invitation to all of you who have gotten to know him and who have supported him through his years in ministerial formation. Here's a note from him:
"Hello, dearest members of First Universalist! You are cordially invited to a special ceremony marking my ordination AND the installation of my colleague (Rev. Sara Goodman) and myself as Assistant Ministers at WBUUC. There will be a reception to follow. If you CAN make it to the reception, please RSVP to me at
jgaede@wbuuc.org. It would be so good to see you. We are hoping that we will be able to videotape the service for those of you who can't attend but who want to watch at a later date.
With warmth and gratitude,
jack gaede"
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Space Reservations for Meetings and Events
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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 requests must be communicated to Events Coordinator Lucia Webb.
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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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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!
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Contact Us
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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.,
Minneapolis, MN 55408
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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
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