 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
April 4, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 14
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Unitarian Universalist Holy Week and Easter Celebration |
 |
|
|
Rev. Justin Schroeder |
Every year, the staff Worship Team at First Universalist wonders: What do we do with Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter)? And what do we do with Easter itself? Though many Unitarian Universalists don't usually identify as Christian, these are our roots, and the archetypal story of hope, death, and new life, is powerful and transformative. Don't get me wrong, we always celebrate Easter, and the rebirth of hope; we lift up the idea that "resurrection" can happen in this lifetime; we point to the distinct possibility that one might die as an individual and rise again (live on) as, and through, a community.
As the staff Worship Team talked through the arc of the Easter story, we reflected that too often we try to fit that cycle of hope, loss, and new hope into a 20 minute sermon on Easter!
This year we're taking a different approach. We invite you to walk with us on an Easter journey. Our intention is to hold three services that create an arc, a movement from hope to grief and despair, to new hope. On Sunday, April 14 (Palm Sunday, Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem), we'll hold the idea of promise, the hope that something better is about to emerge. On Friday, April 19, in a 7 p.m. Good Friday service, we will sit with the losses that have shaped us, the deaths, big and small, that are just a part of who and what we are. In our Easter service on Sunday, April 21, we will celebrate the reality that new life is possible, that resurrection is a practice, and hope abides even now. We're inviting you to attend all three of these services. Easter isn't a stand alone experience. It is only in the larger context that each component of this spiritual journey makes sense.
Join us this year, as we ground these three services in our Unitarian Universalist identity, and let your spirit move through this ancient and archetypal story. Let the resurrection/new life message of Easter live in a new way in you!
With love and care,
Rev. Justin
|
|
|
Sunday, April 7, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
|
|
|
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink |
"The Third Body"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
"Our promises transform us. Being unwavering in our commitment may feel static, but it will shape us. Transformation will happen." - The Third Body, by Robert Bly.
Join us this Sunday for Elaine's final sermon as minister at First Universalist. We'll explore the theme of promises and the way that they transform us.
Give Get Sistet will be our musical guests!
|
| April Worship Theme: Promise |
|
|
|
April Worship Theme: Promise |
Theologian and philosopher Martin Buber called humans "promise-making, promise-keeping, promise-breaking, promise-renewing creatures." We have bonds to which we want to remain true, ideals that are important to us, creative ventures that enliven us, personal goals that inspire us, practices of faith in meditation or out in the street that keep us in rhythm with what is holy. As beautiful as we may be, we are also broken. This land of "the free and the brave" has made and broken promises a thousand times over. This month, we explore the nature of promise, what keeps us true, where to go or what to hold onto when we fail, or the community fails in its promise? How do we renew our promises, and begin again, in love?
|
|
Sunday, April 14, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Sunday, April 21, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Multigenerational Worship; Easter Sunday
Music: Soul Band
Sunday, April 28, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Jen Crow
Choir-led Worship
Mozart's Requiem
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2019
"It Takes a Village"
Me'Lea Connelly
Listen to the podcast
March 24, 2019
"Called to Beloved Community"
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
March 17, 2019
"Wisdom of Trees"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Me'Lea Connelly: "It Takes a Village" |
|
|
|
Me'Lea Connelly |
Sermon recap by First U staff member Liz Farmer
Have you ever had an ah-ha moment that inspired an immediate and major life change? In the days after Mike Brown was killed, Me'Lea Connelly gathered with other activists at the Mall of America holding Black Lives Matter signs. Being seen in that way led her to leave her job: she went from running a large security firm to leading the effort to start a black-led financial institution in North Minneapolis. That institution is called Village Financial, and is the result of years of planning, organizing, fundraising, and promoting by black organizers around the city. In this sermon, hear Me'Lea's story of undeniable black power. First U members are invited to participate as economic allies, to honor those who have come before us, and to activate our vision of racial justice.
Listen to Me'Lea Connelly'
s March 31 message here.
|
|
Co-Location Listening & Information Sessions
|
Please join us for one of several listening and information sessions about potential co-location with Shir Tikvah.
First Universalist
is currently in a period of discernment to determine whether co-location with Shir Tikvah is the right path for us as we continue in the planning process for our building project with funds raised by our recent capital campaign.
We strongly encourage every member to attend one of these sessions in order to be informed and have a chance to share input.
Thursday, April 11, 10 a.m.-noon (hosted by Daytime Connections and open to ALL)
Monday, April 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 25, 7-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 1-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8, 7:45-9 p.m. for the Choir
Sunday, May 19, 1-2:30 p.m.
|
|
|
Artists' Reception with
Janet Houck and Fiona Payne
Sunday, April 7, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Meet the artists! Work by mosaic artist Janet Houck and paper quilling artist Fiona Payne is currently on view in the Social Hall (through April 28). Janet and Fiona will be in the social hall for an artists' reception on Sunday, April 7 after both services. Read more about the artists and their work here.
|
|
|
|
|
Open Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, April 11, 6:30-8 p.m.
The labyrinth is a spiritual tool; a form of walking meditation that is a multicultural, ancient pattern. First Universalist's labyrinth is located in the social hall. From September through May, we offer an Open Labyrinth Walk from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. You're invited to walk at your own pace, and stay as long or short as you like. Labyrinth Circle members are available to answer questions and offer guidance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12-Step Spirituality
Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.-noon
12-Step Spirituality meets one Saturday per month in the Social Hall 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Pathway to Membership Class
Saturday, April 13, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Have you been considering membership? Our next new member class on April 13 will be the last class we offer until Fall. Becoming a member 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.
To register, contact Sandy at
Sandy@firstuniv.org
or 612-825-1701.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daytime Connections
Thursday, April 18, 11 a.m.; lunch at 1 p.m.
As we anticipate spring, how can we prepare ourselves to experience nature's rebirth? Can we find it in thoughts of garden strolls, our inside potted plants, our gardens or walks through our neighborhoods? Join us as we cultivate gardens in our minds and in the earth. We will receive tips on finding nature spaces and cultivating our own gardens - small or large. Program at 11 a.m.; lunch at 1 p.m. (suggested donation: $5-15).
To register,
contact Sandy DiNanni at
sandy@firstuniv.org
or 612-825-1701.
|
|
|
|
|
On April 19, known as Good Friday by our Christian cousins, we will gather to hold and remember losses in a ritual in which we name the forces of crucifixion that we contend with all the time, collectively and individually.
This will be a service of singing, silence, naming, storytelling, and beauty.
Join Rev. Justin Schroeder, Rev. Ruth MacKenzie and Pastor Stephanie Voss for this counter cultural service of being with our sorrows, our endings, so that we might better understand the hints of resurrection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News from Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
|
 Church members and sustaining friends received a letter in the mail in late March with a note from Rev. Elaine as well as one from Revs. Jen and Justin. We wanted to share this news in The Weekly Liberal as well for those who may not have heard yet.
In her March 19, 2019 letter, Rev. Elaine writes:
Dear Members and Friends,
Serving you as minister for nearly six years has been one of the most enriching, inspiring, and joyful experiences of my life. It is with profound gratitude and a heavy heart that I share with you that I am choosing to step away from my ministry at First Universalist after our annual meeting on June 2. I feel an irresistible call to be more present with my family during this chapter of life with two young children (ages 1 and 7). So irresistible, in fact, that I would leave the best job I've ever had-my ministry with you.
Rev. Elaine will be preaching this coming Sunday, April 7. Though she'll be on the chancel again in services between now and June 2, this Sunday will be her last sermon here in her role as Minister. We hope you'll be able to join us for worship!
|
|
Annual Giving Update: 80% In - Can We Count on You?
|
Your fellow church community members are counting on you to do your part to help our ministry thrive!
I
f you are one of the nearly 200 individuals/families that we have yet to hear from about plans for financial support next year, please be in touch. Give us a call (612-825-1701), fill out a yellow giving card next time you're at church, or set up your giving
online
.
|
|
Apply to Serve on the Holiday Giving Team
|
The 2019 Holiday Giving Team is currently accepting applications for new team members. Do you like giving away money to local organizations doing work aligned with our Unitarian Universalist values? Are you interested in living in the intersection of generosity and spiritual growth? If so, please apply to serve on the Holiday Giving Team! Families and youth are particularly encouraged to apply.
The team, working closely with Rev. Justin Schroeder and our Faithful Action Council, will select a local organization to be our 2019 Holiday Giving Recipient. (Every other year, we invite the entire congregation to cut back on their holiday spending, and we pool those collected savings together to make a generous holiday gift to our chosen recipient.) The Holiday Giving Team will begin its work this spring, selecting a recipient in the early fall. The ideal recipient will operate with a racial justice lens, and be an organization that our entire congregation can get behind and support.
Past Holiday Giving recipients include Habitat for Humanity (2013), Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative (2015), and Marnita's Table (2017.)
|
|
Security Update: New and Improved Keypad System
|
We will be installing a new keypad system at the parking lot door next week. The keypad system allows staff to grant access to the building outside of regular office hours (Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.) when needed.
The new technology comes with improved features that add flexibility and convenience, while helping us keep the church building even more secure.
I
f you have any questions about this change, please reach out to Lucia Webb at lucia@firstuniv.org.
|
|
Calling All Graduating Seniors!
|
|
|
|
Senior High Youth; Youth Sunday 2018 |
We want 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 May at church, 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 online for one, two, or all three opportunities.
|
|
Common Ground Meditation Center +
First Universalist Connection Meeting
|
Sunday, April 7, 12:30 -1:30 p.m., Meditation Room
If you attend both First Universalist Church and Common Ground Meditation Center please join us 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, we will adapt). If you have any questions contact Chuck LeGros at Chuck@LeGrosScientific.com
|
|
Peace Circle Event: Climate Change & Nuclear Weapons
|
The
First Universalist Peace Circle invites you to: "Climate Change and Nuclear Weapons:
These Threats to Humanity Can Be Solved - and the time to act is Now!" on
Saturday, April 6,
9:30-11:30 a.m. in Room 201.
Join Timmon Wallis, PhD and Vicki Elson, MA of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). Timmon and Vicki will talk about their involvement with the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which won ICAN the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, and about the work they are doing now to promote the conversion of nuclear war preparations into a national plan for addressing climate change.
|
|
Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
|
Join fellow First Universalist seniors for a hike on Thursday, April 25 at 10 a.m. This month's Senior Hike will actually be more of a gentle stroll through the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden at Wirth Park. We're hearing that the park is wet and muddy at the moment but it will dry out nicely before we hit the trail at 10 a.m. on April 25. The garden is located on Theodore Wirth Parkway, between I-394 and Glenwood Ave. Parking is at a metered lot. Three lunch options are: Milda's on Glenwood, and Breaking Bread or Sammy's Avenue Eatery on West Broadway. Vote for your choice when you RSVP to Dick Kern at KernwatchMN@aol.com. Will the beautiful Red Trilliums still be in bloom? The Marsh Marigolds? Join us and find out. This park is partly hilly so bring your hiking poles if you use them.
|
|
Join First U Members at Habitat on the Hill April 29
|
Each year, a group from First Universalist travels to St. Paul to join others from around the state to advocate for affordable housing and to eliminate homelessness as part of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's annual Habitat on the Hill Day. Twin Cities Habitat is one of our six Faithful Action partners. We build houses with Habitat, but we also play a meaningful role in legislative advocacy. It is a meaningful day on so many levels -learn, laugh, be inspired, and join a small group to tell your elected officials about why affordable housing makes a difference for kids, families, and communities.
Minnesota has among the largest racial homeowner and wealth gaps in the nation. We can do something by asking that our state do its part to address decades of systemic racial bias by funding affordable housing and housing services across the state. Join Rev. Justin and others from our congregation for this annual Day on the Hill starting at 9 am. Lunch is provided. Questions? Contact Joan Naymark at jnaymark@gmail.com.
Ready to sign up? Register here and send an email to Joan so we know who is attending from First Universalist. Car pooling can be arranged. Find the Facebook event here.
Our Religious Education kids wrote advocacy postcards to Gov. Walz in February. One child said it best: "It is important to me that everyone I know and don't know has a safe place to live! Please support homes for all on your budget."
|
|
First Universalist is a Waxwing Farm CSA Pickup Location
|
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. By purchasing a CSA share, you are helping to directly support the farm and contributing to a stronger local economy and a more sustainable food system.
The Waxwing Farm CSA season runs from early-June to mid-October. Waxwing CSA shares consist of a 3/4 bushel box containing 8 to 12 different vegetables that change with the seasons. There are two different share sizes, and CSA deliveries are made on Wednesdays.
If First Universalist is a convenient Wednesday pickup location for you, consider signing up for a CSA share from Waxwing Farm! Learn more about the farm, the CSA program, and sign up at waxwingfarm.com.
|
|
Spring Donations for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA)
|
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 and many are homeless or marginally housed during the school year. Students have specifically requested the following:
- Microwavable single serving dinners - especially chili
- Clothing: all sizes of men and women's khakis and dress pants suitable for interviewing and work; leggings and tights; hoodies;
- Winter toiletries: chapstick and lotions, men and women's deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, ethnic hair products, sanitary products, condoms
Bring items to the Information Desk on Sundays or drop off during the week at the shelves labeled for AFA by the 34th Street entrance.
Thank you for your generosity!
|
|
Space Reservations for Meetings and Events
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contact Us
|
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.,
Minneapolis, MN 55408
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
