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July 5, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 27
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Supporting Immigrant Rights:
Volunteer as an Immigration Court Observer |
By Joan Naymark, Justin Schroeder, and Denise Konen
The headlines call to us - parents separated from their children, families seeking asylum from violence, and people being deported for minor infractions after being picked up by ICE. It's a daily barrage - what can be done?
The Advocates for Human Rights and the Immigrant Law Center at the University of Minnesota are seeking volunteers. Their Immigration Court Observer program adds transparency and tracks trends of those detained by ICE - the Immigration and Customs Enforcement branch of the Department of Homeland Security. The detainees, dressed in orange jumpsuits with handcuffs and ankle shackles, who come from many nations, sit before Immigration Judges at the Whipple Federal Building four days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This week, we witnessed those seeking bonds for release until their removal court appearance, others who had no attorney or representation, and others who would be deported at the end of the day. Some had the opportunity to fill out forms seeking asylum in the next two weeks. The Immigration Court is very efficient. The detainees often have many things to manage - family issues, money issues, language issues, bureaucracy and culture issues, and safety issues. We recorded the facts of the proceedings and that information was shared with the Human Rights team watching to make sure that basic rights, including respect, are granted.
Join us as we grow the First Universalist Court Observers program.
There are four "shifts" each court date lasting 1.5 hours. You can volunteer to attend once, or weekly, or on a flexible basis. There are two observers at each shift, but this is mostly a do-it-yourself or in small groups program. No immigration or legal experience is required.
We invite you to join us at an upcoming Court date to learn more, to observe and take in what's happening in human terms
. It is heartbreaking, but profound. It's an opportunity to share your heartbeat and affirmation of our shared humanity by sitting silently in the courtroom, using our middle class documented bodies to observe, and bear witness to the proceedings, nodding with a smile as the detainees enter and exit behind the vault door.
Do you want to learn more? Watch for information sessions following church services on July 22, August 19, and September 9. If you're ready now, contact Joan Naymark ([email protected]) to join her at one of her weekly court observation sessions.
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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| Summer Worship Theme: Emergence |
Worship this Sunday
Jack Gaede
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, it becomes essential to have open and honest discussions about consent, sexuality, and relationships. Every culture has specific (usually implicit) codes for dating, sex, and intimacy, and these codes are changing and adapting. Our lives also are an ever-evolving journey of awakenings, and we regularly emerge into new ways of being as do our partners, family, and friends. How do we realize and express these emerging desires in mature and healthy ways?
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Sunday, July 15, 10 a.m.
"No Going Back"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
First Universalist Summer Choir
Summer Sundays at Church
During the summer, we invite everyone to our single 10 a.m. service each Sunday.
Childcare and Religious Education classes are available for children 6 months through entering 6th grade in the fall.
Recent Sermon Podcasts
July 1, 2018
"The 18" Pilgrimage"
Pastor Danny Givens, Jr.
June 17, 2018
"Behind the Wall"
Rev. Karen Hutt
June 10, 2018
"Endless Emergence"
Lena K. Gardner
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Wellspring Info Session
Sunday, July 8, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Join us for our final informational session to learn about Wellspring at First Universalist! UU Wellspring is a program of distinctly Unitarian Universalist spiritual development, offering the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our faith through a year-long small group experience. The program will begin with a retreat for all participants on Saturday, Aug. 25, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join us for an upcoming info session to learn more! The final info session will be offered on Sunday, July 8 at 11:30 a.m. Come early at 11:15 a.m. for snacks and socializing!
Attendance at one session is required if you wish to participate for the first time in Wellspring in 2018-2019.
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Lake Harriet Worship Service and Potluck
Lake Harriet Bandshell
Join us for an energizing worship service and potluck picnic at the Lake Harriet Bandshell!
We'll enjoy music, an inspiring message from Rev. Elaine, and a delicious potluck picnic together afterwards. For the picnic, p
lease bring a dish and/or beverage to share, as well as chairs or blankets to sit on, and plates, cups and eating utensils for everyone in your party.
This is part of an annual outdoor worship series at the Lake Harriet bandshell with about 15 neighborhood congregations participating.
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Sing with the Summer Choir on Sunday, July 15!
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Do you like to sing? Have you thought about being in a choir, but you can't make an extended commitment? Summer Choir may be just right for you! The Summer Choir sings on third Sundays of the Summer months (July 15 and Aug. 19). Join us! Rehearsals are at 9 a.m. on the day of the service, and services begin at 10 a.m. Yes, only one rehearsal on the day of the service! Music is easy enough to learn in the 45 minute rehearsal. All are welcome! If you have any questions, contact [email protected].
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Habitat for Humanity Summer Work Week
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Interested in joining the crew for our Habitat for Humanity Summer Work Week? Our build site is in North Minneapolis in the Jordan neighborhood this year, and we'll have volunteers working every day the week of July 30. The work day is from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., and lunch will be provided.
While volunteer spots are almost full for the week (July 30 - Aug. 3), a few have opened up due to cancellations. We currently have one volunteer slot available on Monday, one on Tuesday, one on Thursday, and two on Friday.
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Youth Art Show:
Projects from Religious Education Classes
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 During Religious Education classes this year, children from Preschool through 7th grade spent time creating beautiful art related to their Sunday lessons. A variety of their projects from this past year are now on display in the Social Hall through August 26.
We invite you to enjoy viewing and learning about their work - and to see how much children have to teach the world about love and kindness!
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Mni Ki Wakan
(Water Is Sacred) Pre-Summit Fundraiser
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 Hau Mitakuyapi, dear friends, relatives, supporters, allies, and organizations: you are cordially invited to the Mni Ki Wakan (Water is Sacred): Pre-Summit Fundraiser at First Universalist Church on Wednesday, July 25, 6-9 p.m., in support of the upcoming second annual Mni Ki Wakan: World Indigenous Peoples' Decade of Water Summit on August 8 & 9.
The Mni Ki Wakan: Water Summit will convene indigenous peoples and youth from the world community around water.
The pre-summit Fundraiser on July 25 will feature indigenous guest speakers, artists, and presentations from co-conveners of the water summit. Learn more.
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The Environmental Justice Team Invites You
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Save-the-Dates, please, for these Environmental Justice-related events!
Workshop, "Capturing Atmospheric Carbon in the Soil: What's possible? How would it affect our climate and our food?"
Wednesday, Aug. 8, 6-9 p.m., at First Universalist Church
co-sponsored by MN350, Citizens' Climate Lobby, and
Gustavus Adolphus College
Mni Ki Wakan World Indigenous Peoples' Decade of Water Summit
Wednesday, Aug. 8 & Thursday, Aug. 9, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., at Neighborhood House, St. Paul.
On-site start-up celebration: initial operation of the Twin Cities Phase 1 UU Community Solar Garden
Saturday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-noon - Highway 24 near Clear Lake, Sherburne County
Bus transportation may become available if interest is sufficient!
If you have questions about any of these events, contact Ray Goebel at [email protected].
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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
[email protected] 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
8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
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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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