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May 9, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 19
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| Coming of Age Ceremony & Celebration is May 11 at 3 p.m. |
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Rev. Ruth MacKenzie |
What do you think is the nature of being human?
What do you think happens when we die?
How has First Universalist Church shaped you as a person of faith?
What do you think God is or is not?
These are some of the questions that our 9th graders have grappled with throughout the year in Coming of Age class. Coming of Age is a beloved tradition in Unitarian Universalism. Instead of asking our youth to sign on to a particular creed or dogma, we charge them with discerning for themselves what they hold dear, using the 7 principles as a guide. To round out the Coming of Age experience, each student is asked to distill their core beliefs about life, God, and humanity into a personal statement of belief.
The year-long Coming of Age journey will culminate on Saturday, May 11 with a ceremony and worship service beginning at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary. At this ceremony, each youth will stand on the chancel and share their personal credo with family, friends, and community members. Coming of Age youth have put a great deal of time and thought into their statements. On May 11, our congregation has an opportunity to honor and celebrate the thoughtfulness of an incredible group of young people. All are welcome and warmly invited to attend.
A celebratory potluck reception in the Social Hall will directly follow the service on Saturday.
Some of our Coming of Age youth will also be sharing excerpts from their credos in worship this Sunday. I hope you'll join us this weekend to honor and appreciate the work our youth have done over the past year in their Coming of Age class.
In faith,
Rev. Ruth
The Coming of Age program is led by Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, program coordinator Emma Paskewitz, and a team of exceptional youth advisers.
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Sunday, May 12, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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Rev. Karen Hutt |
Rev. Karen Hutt
It starts early and remains complicated, lovely, weird, fun, scary and joyous. Our relationships with our mothers are at the root of our lives and they can not be ignored or celebrated lightly.
This service will also include our Child Dedication ceremony and credos from our Coming of Age class of 2019. Please join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.
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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
Sunday, June 2, 10 a.m.
Rev. Jen Crow and Rev. Justin Schroeder
Flower Communion Sunday
Multigenerational Worship
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May 5, 2019
"The Constant, Part 2"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
April 28, 2019
"Ours to Complete"
Rev. Jen Crow
Choir-led worship: Mozart's
Requiem
April 21, 2019
"Rise Up"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
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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 Rev. Justin's May 5 Sermon on the Podcast:
"The Constant, Part 2" |
Sermon recap by First U staff member Liz Farmer
 The threshold, the middle, the in-between, the gap: Synonyms for times in our lives when things feel disconnected or disordered. What may seem like negative space or wasted time is, upon reflection, abundant with "the constant." As Justin preaches in his sermon on May 5th to "close the gap," the foremost thought in our brains might be the financial "gap" at First U. And that is definitely important. However, what exists in that supposed "gap?" What are "the constants" here within this spiritual community? What is the meat (or tofu) of that sandwich, the middle of the story, the thing that connects from one point in time to the next? Rev. Justin encourages, "when you are confused, feel tossed about, or have questions that fling you through time and space, come sit in these pews surrounded by witnesses. Come touch the constant, which leads you to more life and love." Listen to the podcast here.
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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: Strokes
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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Film Screening:
Cesar Chavez
History Is Made One Step At A Time
Thursday, May 16, 6:30-9 p.m., Room 203
Sunday, May 19, 1-3:30 p.m., Room 200
Our Racial Justice Education Team (RJET) is hosting two screenings of this film, both of which will include facilitated discussion and light snacks. This film is a
biography of the civil-rights activist and labor organizer Cesar Chavez. Chronicling the birth of a modern American movement, Cesar Chavez tells the story of the famed civil rights leader and labor organizer torn between his duties as a husband and father and his commitment to securing a living wage for farm workers.
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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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Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, May 23, 10 a.m.
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park
(
map
)
Our next seniors hiking adventure will take us to the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. We'll begin our hike on the west side of the Mississippi River (please note the corrected address and map above!), cross the River on the walkway on top of the dam, then follow a loop trail on the east side of the river before returning to the west bank. We're planning an optional lunch at Leopold's Mississippi Gardens.
Please call Ward at (612) 823-2385 or email him at wmlyndall@gmail.com
, by Friday, May 17 to RSVP and discuss whether you would be able to drive a carpool or would prefer to ride with someone else. We'll organize carpools once we know how many hikers/drivers we'll have.
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Annual Meeting of the Membership
Sunday, June 2, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE: The Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held following our Flower Communion Service on Sunday, June 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This year our church business includes approval of the annual budget, the election of members to the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Nominating Committee, and more TBA. This is a time when we celebrate a successful year and conduct the business of this church that only church members can do. We need a quorum to conduct the meeting - please give us the gift of your time so that we may complete this work!
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Senior High Youth Unveil Beautiful New Mural
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 Stop by the atrium this Sunday to see the mural that the Senior High youth designed and painted. Jennifer Anderson, our mural artist, led us in creating a beautiful mural about the networks and connections present in our lives. You will find stars, trees, roots, and images that represent important themes and moments in our youth program at First Universalist. Our Senior High youth are very proud of their mural and we are glad to share it with our congregation.
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Summer Learning & Spiritual Deepening for Adults
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Stay connected at church this summer! We're offering a variety of opportunities for learning and spiritual deepening in community. We hope you'll join us!
This summer's Soul Matters Circles will delve into the following topics:
1. Thick Stories 2. Success & Failure 3. Calling 4. Trust 5. Teachers & Guides 6. Endings.
We're also offering three Newcomer Circles and a couple of Spiritual Deepening Circles, along with a Racial Justice workshop, Pathway to Membership class, and film screenings hosted by our Racial Justice Education Team. Details about non-circle programming can be found here.
Find details and register for Summer Circles online at firstucircles.weebly.com or in the Social Hall on Sunday, May 12 or 19. Registration is open through Tuesday, May 21.
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Celebrating Our Green Team
Our Environmental Justice Team reports:
On April 28 we were pleased to offer a small 'thank you' to our youth Green Team for helping us with our recycling efforts this past year!
By encouraging all of us to dispose of our trash, recyclables and compostables correctly you have contributed to our commitment to be a Green Sanctuary congregation.
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New First Universalist Church Banner for Processing at General Assembly
Our Visual Arts Committee reports:
The Visual Arts Committee, with coordination by Janet Mills and Bette DeMars, had this colorful banner created for First Universalist Church to use at General Assembly and in other parades.
Thank you to Janet and Bette for their beautiful work!
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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.
JUNE 2 CELEBRATION: Join us in the social hall for a celebration between the service and the Annual Meeting.
LETTERS/NOTES/CARDS: El
aine would love to have letters, notes, and cards from congregants. 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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Worship Associate Applications Due May 13
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Worship Associates open our worship services every Sunday with stories that move us. They each speak 2 or 3 times during the church year in our worship services, and gather with Rev. Ruth MacKenzie during the year to discuss themes for upcoming months, talk about writing for oration, review how to layout a manuscript and practice public speaking.
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.
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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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.
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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:
"You Don't Look Like You Have Depression"
By Brittany Kinsella | Dec. 19, 2018
Every ninety days, I need a refill. I have to sit in the waiting room and check off whether or not I am sleeping or eating or feeling irritable. Every time I need a refill on my antidepressant, since I was nineteen years old, a receptionist has handed me this short questionnaire before I see the doctor.
It's usually pretty mundane. I give her my last name, she passes me the paper, and I quietly take a seat. I work through the standard questions on depression and hand it back to her. I play a game on my phone until the doctor calls me in. Until recently, this interaction has always been the same back and forth between us. But a few weeks ago, a receptionist I wasn't as familiar with broke the script we usually follow.
Like always, I smiled when I approached the front desk, ever polite despite wanting to be elsewhere. I saw the questionnaire next to the receptionist, the section I was supposed to complete already highlighted. Upon hearing my last name, a confused look took over her face, and she eyed me up and down.
"Depression?" She asked, handing me the clipboard. "You don't look like you have that."
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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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Become a Penpal with People in Immigration Detention in MN
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Conversations with Friends (CWF) invites English and Spanish speakers (22 years old and older) to become pen pals with people being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in MN county jails. CWF letter writers commit to writing a weekly letter until their pen pal is released or, more likely, deported. Attendees will also be trained to visit so that if/when we receive approval to visit at the Sherburne County Jail, they can participate if interested.
This is an opportunity to live our values by accompanying those experiencing tremendously challenging times. Our brothers and sisters in ICE detention are suffering from isolation, uncertainty and/or fear as they face deportation and, as a consequence, likely permanent separation from their spouses, children, relatives, and friends. They have lived and worked in the U.S. for a median of about fifteen years, many as long as twenty and even thirty years. Through our work they come to know that we in the community truly care; they are not abandoned, not alone.
Training is Saturday, May 25, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., next to the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. For more details and to register, please email Steve Kraemer, Director, at
CWFconversationswithfriends@gmail.com. For basic questions, contact First U member Joan Naymark, who coordinates First Universalist Immigration Court Observer volunteers:
jnaymark@gmail.com.
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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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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
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!
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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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