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March 29, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 12
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Building Up: Schematic Design Unveiled
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Rev. Jen Crow opened the meeting with the architects on Sunday with some background on the project and exciting news! |
This past Sunday, our architectural team from Miller Dunwiddie shared the Schematic Design for our upcoming renovations and construction, made possible by our capital campaign, Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future.
Schematic design drawings are done in the initial phase of design - they are preliminary plans that illustrate what is possible for the new construction and renovations. Our architects say this means that we're about 15% of the way through the design process.
The big news: we've learned that our education wing was built to support a future third floor! This means that we're able to add the programming space we need without expanding our building footprint - meaning we will not lose parking or green space.
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Schematic design detail from the main floor.
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The ability to build up has allowed our architectural team to design even better solutions to our needs than we originally imagined. As you'll see in the schematic design, the central, Dupont Avenue atrium entrance gets extended to become more prominent, welcoming, and spacious. The staffed welcome/reception area is located just inside that entrance and is conveniently connected to the offices, which move to the first floor. The third floor adds much-needed space for programming (with Religious Education spaces occupying the second and third floors), and an extended staircase and elevator where the education wing connects to the original sanctuary building improves overall flow and allows us to make the balcony accessible. Many more planned improvements increase accessibility, flow, aesthetics, function, and our welcoming hospitality.
Major work will not begin until mid-2019, which gives our architects ample time for design development and gives us time to make plans for the transition.
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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| April Worship Theme: Forgiveness |
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, April 1, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Multigenerational Worship
"Resurrecting A Community"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Unitarian Universalists (and many religious traditions) don't see salvation in an individual or personal context. Salvation is understood in a communal context, i.e., what is it that saves us collectively? How might this same understanding be applied to the idea of "resurrection?" What if resurrection is less about an individual "returning to life" and more about a community (that once seemed dead) finding new life, vitality, and purpose? Come experience the power of collective resurrection!
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Sunday, April 8, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Karen Hutt and Rev. Justin Schroeder
"Your Soul is Intact"
How is forgiveness related to keeping our "soul intact" despite the pain, hurt, and trauma we experience in this life? Join us as we dive deep into the landscape of forgiveness.
Recent Sermon Podcasts
March 18, 2018
"Wrestling the Angel"
Rev. Jen Crow
March 11, 2018
"Body of Joy"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
March 4, 2018
"Finding Joy in Unexpected Places"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
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| April Worship Theme: Forgiveness |
Chief Seattle writes: "We are all children of the Great Spirit, we all belong to Mother Earth. Our planet is in great trouble and if we keep carrying old grudges and do not work together, we will all die." Forgiveness is a tricky business. It's about letting go of the past, and beginning again in love. It is not about forgetting the past, but more akin to infusing past wrongdoings, or wounds, with spiritual heat so that they transform into wisdom and have less control over our lives and our way forward. Forgiveness begins in discomfort but always leads to awakening. This is why forgiveness is addressed in every religious tradition. Forgiveness is a saving grace for us as individuals, for our communities, and our world.
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All In: Gathering in Gratitude
Wednesday, April 18, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a community dinner (we'll be serving enchiladas!), fellowship, and family-friendly fun to celebrate being All In together - in gratitude for your generosity of time, money and spirit - and your timely response to our annual giving campaign!
We will gather, using some of the lZl practices from Marnita's Table, for food and friendship. A bouncy house and snacks begin at 4:30 p.m. and dinner will be served from 5:30-7 p.m. On the menu: gluten-free enchiladas - choice of chicken, cheese (vegetarian), or spinach/red sauce (vegan), with rice, beans, salad, dessert and beverages!
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Clementine and Estela Serna |
Dinner will be prepared by Clementine and Estela Serna, owners/operators of El Norteño, 4000 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.
These two sisters decided on the name of their business because they came from northern Mexico (Chihuahua) to northern U.S. (Minneapolis) more than 20 years ago. They are very pleased we chose their small business for our event. Estela, the
cook, said she will be up very early that day, because she
only
serves fresh food prepared with fresh ingredients!
Please RSVP to help us plan and have enough food for everyone!
And be sure to get your response regarding your annual gift to us by
April 18
. This is really important in planning our annual budget, and will give you a chance in our drawing for cash prizes!
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Thanks for being All In-
Your 2018-2019 Annual Giving Team
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Artist's Reception with Quilter Gail Hanson
Sunday, April 8, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Meet First Universalist member Gail Hanson, maker of the quilts currently on display in the social hall, at an Artist's Reception after both services on Sunday, April 8. Gail has been quilting for almost 25 years, beginning with quilts for her family's log cabin. Since then, she has made over 200 quilts, distributed to family, friends and charities. A selection of her quilts are in display in the Social Hall from March 25 - April 22.
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Pathway to Membership
Sundays, April 8 and 15, 1-3 p.m.
If First Universalist is feeling like your spiritual home, then we hope you'll take part in the
Pathway to Membership! Joining First Universalist is a symbolic, spiritual act of saying "yes" to growing your soul in this place, with these people, within our free faith tradition. This new member class is a great chance to build community, explore Unitarian Universalism, and learn how to get involved.
This class is offered as a two-part series on
Sundays, April 8 & 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Sign up with Sandy at
sandy@firstuniv.org
or 612-825-1701.
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Spring Forum on Immigration
Saturday, April 14, 6:30-8 p.m., Social Hall
First Universalist's Sanctuary & Resistance team and Project Minnesota/León (PML) are hosting a Spring Forum on Immigration and Sanctuary Churches & Cities. Join us for coffee, dessert and dialogue on Saturday, April 14, 6:30-8 p.m.
We will host two speakers:
Alison Griffith (pictured above), an immigration attorney at the Advocates for Human Rights who handles asylum cases, and Tammi Thompson, ISAIAH Sanctuary Church organizer.
This event is free and open to the public, but donations to support PML's community development work will be accepted.
Find more information
here
or contact Emily at
emily.mn.leon@gmail.com
or Gordon at:
gloery945@gmail.com
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Legislative Action Gathering
Sunday, April 15, 3-4 p.m., Social Hall
First Universalist will host one of three Legislative Action gatherings on Sunday, April 15, 3-4 p.m., where we will:
Meet with local legislators to tell them that affordable housing is a priority for us; v
oice our support for the push by the MN Homes for All Coalition to get $140 million in the state bonding bill (specifically designated for 4,600 affordable homes in MN); and p
ut our collective energy and faith into action to help ensure all people have a home.
This event is held in partnership with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. All collaborative congregations are invited to these gatherings. We'd love to have a great turnout from First U!
Register here.
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Springtime Spiritual Deepening: Join a Soul Matters Group
Thursdays, April 19, 26, May 17, 31, June 14 and 28, 7-8:30 p.m.
Ready to deepen your experience of
Sunday
services? Bring our monthly worship themes into your everyday life by joining a Soul Matters group. This circle of 8-10 people, led by Jane Jordan, will reflect on themes of forgiveness, creativity, and more. The group meets on Thursdays, April 19, 26, May 17, 31, and June 14, 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Register here by April 10.
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| First U Youth Leading the Way |
Ben Jaeger and Adrian Ali-Caccamo, 11th graders who attend First Universalist, have been leading the way in getting gun legislation passed in Minnesota. The two spoke at a press conference at the Minnesota State Capitol on Monday, March 26, at which DFL state senators announced a plan to address gun violence. Adrian is the second speaker to address the audience in this clip, and both Ben and Adrian respond to reporters' questions toward the end (beginning about 23 minutes in).
Watch the video of the press conference
here
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 Unitarian Universalists across the country participated in the March for Our Lives on Saturday, March 24. Many youth and adults from First Universalist took part in the march in St. Paul, including Rev. Elaine and baby Micah, Rev. Ruth and her spouse Rebecca, and Rev. Jen and son Henry (pictured at right).
The UU World reported on UU students marching both in Washington, D.C., and around the country. One of our youth, Zoe Christiansen, was quoted in this article:
Zoe Christiansen, 17, a member of First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, Minnesota, did not make it to the march in Washington. But she has been busy nevertheless. Christiansen is one of four co-leaders of
Students Demand Action MN, a student-initiated group that is lobbying Minnesota politicians to change existing gun laws.
Christiansen was at the Minnesota State Capitol twice in the week before the March for Our Lives, once to participate in a die-in with thirty other high school students in front of the Minnesota House of Representatives. She expected to be back at the Capitol the week after the marches as well.
"I want to be the change and to keep the momentum going," she said.
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All In: Sharing Why We Give
First U Member Suzy Messerole |
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Suzy Messerole and family |
First Universalist member
Suzy Messerole writes:
My First Universalist is a place of joy. I spend a lot of time at the church. The church has generously opened its doors to the social justice arts organizations I work with, so I am often at the church rehearsing, as well as coming on Sunday mornings for worship.
I love the church at night. The kids from the daycare who haven't yet been picked up running around playing games in the Chalice room, congregants coming in for meetings or for circles, the choir filling up the whole place with beautiful music every Wednesday night. I see our values of being a welcoming congregation put into action every time a new artist rehearses at the church. "Wow - your church is amazing" is a statement I hear a lot.
Don't get me wrong - I love Sunday mornings too, being asked to think about where love is calling me next, being refreshed and renewed with messages of hope and universal love, being challenged to see the realities of white supremacy and renewing my commitment to dismantle it.
I give to First Universalist Church because I believe in its message, its ministers and staff and this community. I believe in our collective power to create a world far better than the one we have right now. I believe in us.
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| Volunteers Needed for Boston-Bound Bake Sale! |
What? An EPIC church bake sale!
Why? To raise funds for First U youth traveling to Boston - It's the Boston Bound Bake Sale!
Really?
YES! The youth of our beloved church need our help and bake sales are AwEsOmE!
When? Sunday, April 29 between and after services in the Social Hall.
Bring your portioned and plated baked goods to the Social Hall by 10:30 a.m on 4/29.
**Baking sugar free and/or gluten-free and/or grain free and/or vegan is also encouraged if you're so inclined.
Don't bake? No problem, ask your favorite baker to do you a solid OR buy something - cheese sticks, fruit, etc. for those church members and friends who need to skip the sugar.
Commit and forget? No problem, be a buyer on April 29th.
Want to volunteer to help price and sell? No problem. You can also volunteer to staff the table and hawk the goodies with organizer Jane Baudelaire. OR just BUY for your loved ones, grand-kids, nice neighbors or Aunt Millie - she misses you!
AND - tell all your friends; many hands make light work!
Please contact Jane Baudelaire at
jane.baudelaire@gmail.com or 414-550-5869 (call or text is fine) to volunteer to bake or staff the event.
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Board of Trustee and Foundation Board
Applications Due Monday, April 2 |
The Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for leadership positions on the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board. We encourage you to step forward to volunteer your time and talent at this exciting time as we continue to build on the positive energy and growth of our congregation. You will have unique opportunities to deepen and enrich your personal connection to the church while broadening your circle of relationships within our spiritual community.
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Greg Hoelzer |
Leadership Spotlight on Greg Hoelzer
When asked what he enjoys about being in a leadership role at church, Greg Hoelzer, who is on the Nominating Committee, says:
"I really enjoy working to help draw in new individuals in our congregation that haven't been in leadership at the church. It's more important than ever recruit leaders with diverse backgrounds and perspectives."
Join the Board of Trustees or Foundation Board!
Board of Trustees: Trustees partner with the congregation and professional staff in shaping the vision and long-term goals of the church. They articulate these aspirations through policy and collaborate with the Senior Minister to see they are fulfilled.
Foundation Board:
The Foundation Board supports and awards grants to exciting nonprofit organizations whose values and efforts dovetail with our church's values of racial justice and progressive social change.
Requirements, Application and Information: To qualify for any of these positions, you must be a member in good standing of the church. Elections occur at the Annual Meeting in June. Go
online to view more detailed position descriptions and apply.
Applications are due April 2.
Contact the Nominating Committee to learn more:
nomination@firstuniv.org.
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| Tomorrow: Support Planned Parenthood |
Every year on Good Friday, thousands of anti-Planned Parenthood protesters descend on the Planned Parenthood at Vandalia St. in St. Paul.
They can have their protest. We're going to have a rally!
Join Planned Parenthood supporters at 10 a.m. to stand in solidarity and celebration as we proudly show the world that Planned Parenthood is here for good.
The Association of Universalist Women has organized a bus to take people to the rally on Friday, March 30.
The bus will load at 9:15 a.m. at the First Universalist Church parking lot
and take participants to Planned Parenthood in Saint Paul. Parking around the clinic is very limited.
We will reload the bus at 12:30 p.m. to return to First Universalist.
It is FREE to ride the bus and t
here is no sign-up. Just show up before 9:15 a.m. on March 30!
For more info, contact Val Garber, 651-224-2334, or
valeriejgarber@yahoo.com.
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| Calling All Graduating Seniors! |
First Universalist wants to recognize and support all our graduating seniors as they leave high school and enter into a new chapter in their lives.
There are several special events coming up in April and May, including a two-session Graduating Senior Community Circle, a Senior Brunch and Bridging Ritual that families are invited to attend, and a simple moment of recognition in front of the congregation during the Youth Sunday service.
Please take a look at the details and sign up for one, two, or all three opportunities here:
Graduating Senior Recognition Events
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Daytime Connections: Less Clutter, More Life!
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 If you long to attend to what you really love in your waning years, but can't muster the drive, try decluttering. It turns out that creating a serene space is an unexpected and powerful enabler of change. Get clarity, ideas and motivation from Daytime Connection's first program on the subject on Thursday, April 19 at 11 a.m. in the Social Hall. Our speaker is longtime decluttering coach and public speaker, Jill Freeman, from Gentle Transitions, the city's original senior move manager. She'll cover topics like when and where to get started, identifying a workable approach, and letting go. We'll also hear funny stories and important lessons from members of our decluttering action/support circle. Program includes onsite goal setting, an excellent resource list that includes distribution ideas, and a chance to sign up for the D-C Action Circle. Please bring a special object that you're prepared to let go of. And get ready to change your life! Register
by April 15
with Sandy at 612-825-1701 or
sandy@firstuniv.org
. $5-10 suggested donation to cover the cost of lunch. Through Daytime Connections, older adults at First Universalist Church empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives.
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Book, CD and DVD Sale - Seeking Donations!
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Please consider supporting the Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE) program by donating your used media items.
Drop off your donations of gently-used books, CDs, and DVDs in the social hall April 8 or April 15. The sale will be the last two Sundays in April.
What is YCE? Youth Cultural Exchange is an incredible First Universalist tradition. 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 past July, our youth traveled to Nicaragua and now this July we will host their Nicaraguan siblings. Your donations and purchases will help us bring the twelve Nicaraguan host siblings to Minnesota for two weeks in summer of 2018.
All the proceeds from the media sale are used to help cover scholarships for First U YCE youth and to pay for the Nicaraguan youth to fly here this summer. For their part, the Nicaraguan youth commit to working 100 hours in their community.
Have a large number of items to donate and would like to arrange a time for pick-up?
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Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat
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he AUW (Association of Universalist Women) Spring Retreat will be held April 13-15 at Koinonia Retreat Center in South Haven, MN. The Retreat theme is "Living Our Values" and keynote speaker is Rev. Kelli Clement! For information about the sessions and to register, visit the AUW website.
You can also register in person at the AUW kiosk in the Social Hall after services. Questions? Contact Janet Merrill at 612-354-2743 or
janetmerrill@comcast.net
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Looking for a way to be involved at church but don't have time for a big commitment? Join the Sunday usher team!
We have openings on the
1st Sunday of the month (both services),
3rd Sundays (late service), and
4th Sundays (early service).
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| Common Ground Meditation Center + First Universalist Connection Meeting |
If you attend both First Universalist and Common Ground Meditation Center please join us for a second informal gathering on Sunday, April 15. Meet in room 202 at 12:30 p.m. (if church goes late, we will adapt). We will start with a 15 minute sit, do introductions and talk about how our meditation practice influences our Unitarian Faith and vice versa. In addition, let's address how we might continue these meetings in the future.
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| Habitat on the Hill: April 26 |
The mission of First Universalist Community Partner Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities area and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. Join Rev. Justin and other First U Housing advocates at the Capitol to speak out for affordable housing in Minnesota. We'd like to bring a large group from First Universalist to this annual event.
It's easy, interesting, and full of good community.
When
: Thursday, April 26, 2018. 8:30 a.m. until early afternoon.
What: Our annual advocacy event - come show your support for housing! Advocacy training, materials, and lunch provided.
Where: MN State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155
Who: All Habitat Advocates who want to disrupt the systemic racial bias in affordable housing. That's us!
RSVP: Contact Joan Naymark (jnaymark@gmail.com)
to indicate that you'll be part of our church group and please r
egister online with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity here.
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| Simpson Housing Needs Mentors |
Simpson Housing Services, our community partner and a local nonprofit which provides housing and support to people experiencing homelessness, is looking for caring adults committed to making a difference in the lives of children and youth. Simpson seeks to build on the inherent potential of our youth through exploration, connection, and support. They are currently recruiting for mentors for 5th-8th grade students. Informational sessions will be held on: Sunday, April 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m., and Monday, April 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
RSVP here or contact Charlotte Kinzley at ckinzley@simpsonhousing.org or 612-455-0850.
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The Hilarious Wold of Depression with John Moe
Monday, April 9 - light supper at 5:45 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
4100 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis
Depression is an incredibly common and isolating disease experienced by millions, yet often stigmatized by society. The Hilarious World of Depression is a podcast with a series of frank, moving, and, yes, funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with this disease, hosted by veteran humorist and public radio host John Moe. More info.
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| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
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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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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
8 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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