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August 30, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 35
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| A Peace Movement for Our Times |
By Alan Sroufe, member of the First Universalist Peace Circle
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Alan Sroufe |
I was a peace activist in the late 1960s. There were countless demonstrations in San Francisco where I was living. At a large gathering on the Berkeley campus, we all sang along with Country Joe and the Fish (One two three four, what are we fightin' for). After coming to Minnesota I wore a peace medallion teaching my classes at the University and joined Gene McCarthy and a throng of students in shutting down Washington Avenue. They were activist times, and no doubt protests had a lot to do with ending the Viet Nam war.
Lately, like others in the First Universalist Peace Circle, I've been seeking a new peace movement, one that would be effective now - one that would be devoted to achieving peace rather than only protesting war. And we have found it in the program led by Paul K. Chappell. Paul is a tri-racial West Point grad, ex-army captain who has drawn from his history in a violent family and the war in Iraq to formulate a dynamic program for resolving conflict and promoting peace. He argues that if we put as much energy into developing strategies for peace (become "peace literate") it is fully possible that peace can be achieved. We are pleased to bring him from California to First Universalist for two free programs the evenings of Sept. 27 and 30. Come join us and be inspired!
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Worship this Sunday, Sept. 2 at 10 a.m.
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Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer |
Sunday, Sept. 2 at 10 a.m.
"Seen and Heard"
Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
What if we all spent some time listening to our neighbors who seem so different from us? The illusion that we are separate would disappear. There would be no us and them, there would be only us!
Our guest speaker this Sunday is Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Executive Director of City House.
City House offers spiritual listening to members of our community who feel unseen and unheard. Deep listening and presence are in short supply in our society, especially with those experiencing difficult times in their lives. City House also offers trainings and retreats that focus on honing deep listening skills and on being fully present.
Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Executive Director of
City House, has worked with Central Lutheran Church, the Episcopal Church in Minnesota (formerly know as the diocese) and St. Stephen's Human Services. His wife, Liv, is the smart one. She is a Professor of Education at St. Kate's. Along with their two children (Vera and Raphy) they enjoy the great outdoors as much as possible and the great indoors when necessary. Rolf is an avid (but slow) trail runner and gardener.
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Summer Worship Theme: Emergence
Our work in community, our efforts in justice making, and patterns of right relationship emerge in the dance between freedom (our own creativity) and faithful following (our commitment to our neighbors, community). Together we create patterns of love and justice. This summer we ask: what makes something emerge? How and when do we lead? How and when do we follow? Where and how do we place our attention? What is emerging?
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Sunday, Sept. 9, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Water Communion Sunday
Rev. Justin Schroeder, Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink, and Rev. Karen Hutt
Recent Sermon Podcasts
August 26, 2018
"Finding Sanctuary"
Backpack Blessing Sunday
Rev. Jen Crow
August 19, 2018
"Emerging Gracefully"
Andrea Johnson
August 5, 2018
"Centering De-centering"
Arif Mamdani
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Immigration Court Observer Info Session
Sunday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m.
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 (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The detainees sit before Immigration Judges at the Whipple Federal Building four days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us as we grow the First Universalist Court Observers program. There are four "shifts" each court date lasting 1.5 hours, with two observers at each shift. You can volunteer to attend once, or weekly, or on a flexible basis. No immigration or legal experience is required. To learn more, join us for an information session between church services on Sept. 9.
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Water Communion Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 9, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Water is a gift. It replenishes and sustains our lives. Sunday, Sept. 9 is Water Communion Sunday. This is a day on which we celebrate the many rivers, eddies and waterways of our life experiences, converging in our sanctuary every Sunday forming a river of faith. We embody this truth by bringing water from our homes, our travels, our walks, and our bike paths and combine them during the service in a ritual called Water Communion.
Please bring a small jar of water to either service (9:30 or 11:15 a.m.) on Sunday, Sept. 9 for the beginning of our church year, in this beautiful multi-generational Sunday service.
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| International Peace Educator Paul K. Chappell to Speak at First Universalist in Late September |
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West Point graduate, Iraq War veteran, and
former army
captain turned peace activist Paul K. Chappell believes strongly that peace is possible. This renowned author and international peace educator has the ability to inspire genuine hope, teaching skills that people can use to take action for peace.
The First Universalist Peace Circle is delighted to welcome Paul K. Chappell as the featured speaker at its 2nd Annual Elling Peace Forum this September! Chappell will speak on peace literacy and racial justice at two free events the evenings of Sept. 27 and 30, and will teach a one-day workshop on Sept. 29 (watch for details about the workshop in next week's Liberal). These events are can't-miss opportunities for anyone interested in peace, social justice, and hope for progress in these challenging times.
Waging Peace: Building Blocks in the Foundation for Peace
Thursday, Sept. 27, 7-9 p.m.
Paul K. Chappell will introduce the concept of peace literacy over the course of a two-hour forum. Peace Literacy is a new paradigm for gaining a deep and practical understanding of extremism, trauma, and the nature of human happiness. To solve our national and global problems of the 21st century and beyond, we need a realistic and pragmatic model of the human condition that helps us understand our human needs and the tangles of trauma.
Sunday, Sept. 30, 7-9 p.m.
Growing up a racial outcast in Alabama, the son of a half black and half white father and a Korean mother, Paul has worked through the trauma of racism & mistrust to hold a new vision for Racial Justice, which he'll share at this forum. He will also discuss technology's past, present, and future relationship with racism and racial justice, with an emphasis on emerging technologies.
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| ¡Hola Cuba!, Exhibit of Photos by Photojournalist Barbara La Valleur, Opens this Sunday |
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¡Hola, Cuba! is an exhibit featuring 60 photographs by international photojournalist Barbara La Valleur, on view in the Social Hall Sept. 2 through Oct. 14. There will be an Artist's Reception on Sunday, Sept. 16, from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Barbara La Valleur |
La Valleur culled her favorite photos for the exhibit from over 5,000, taken in early 2018, depicting Cuban people, places and scenes in Havana and Matanzas, a city on the north coast known for its poets, culture, and Afro-Cuban folklore.
In a colorful series of canvas prints, ubiquitous American cars from the 1950s and 1960s that serve as today's Havana taxis are highlighted next to a grouping of clothesline photographs hung cleverly on an actual clothesline.
Fidel Castro images are featured on a billboard as well as a striking image juxtaposed with a José Martí portrait. A sampling of images of Cuban people provides a window into the daily lives of the people on this Caribbean island.
Another series spotlights Callejon de Hamel, a popular two-block alley resplendent with funky murals, playful sculptures and artfully hung bathtubs which serve as canvases as well as seating objects, the work of Salvador González Escalona, a well-known Cuban Muralist and his artist friends.
La Valleur, a native of Ashby and Battle Lake, was the first person to major in Mass Communications at Minnesota State University, Moorhead. She worked at The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, Carib Magazine in the US Virgin Islands, the Daily News of Wahpeton-Breckenridge before moving to Europe for 20 years. She lived in England for over two years before moving to Germany for 18 years where she also freelanced full-time for seven German newspapers. She currently lives in Edina with her husband.
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| Share the Bounty: Feed the Hungry! |
It's peak time to be harvesting veggies from our gardens... and time to share!
Every fall we do a fresh vegetable collection at First Universalist for Joyce Food Shelf. On Sunday, Sept. 9, there will be empty baskets on the front steps of the church to be filled for delivery to Joyce Food Shelf on Monday morning. Our goal this year is to collect 200 pounds of fresh produce. You should see the smiles on the faces of the volunteers at the food shelf when they see the freshness of the vegetables! If you don't have a garden, Kingfield Farmer's Market is open on Sundays, and is located between 42nd and 43rd on Nicollet; a fun market to visit to shop for locally grown veggies and support local farmers. Volunteers will be on the front steps of the church from 9 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.
Let's fill those baskets and help feed our hungry neighbors.
Thank you for your kindness.
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| Donations Welcome for Augsburg Fairview Academy |
First Universalist is beginning our 7th year of community partnership with Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA). Young adults from diverse communities who face educational barriers to achievement are welcomed into AFA, a charter school that prepares them for college, career and life. AFA provides an intense program of rigorous study in a teen- and family-friendly atmosphere. Dedicated, talented staff use positive, strength-based approaches to help them succeed.
The 125+ students come from diverse backgrounds including African American, Somali, and Native American. Many are homeless or marginally housed during the school year. Here's how you can help:
We will start our fall donations for the Hope Food and Clothing Closets with:
- Toiletries: men and women's deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, ethnic hair products, sanitary products.
- Microwavable single serving dinners
- Backpacks (black or dark colors preferred)
- Fall teen clothing - hoodies, jeans, fall jackets (clothing in good repair, clean, and teen appropriate)
- School Supplies: 3 ring notebooks, pocket folders, pens and pencils
Bring items to the Hub on Sundays or drop off during the week at the shelves labeled for AFA by the 34th Street entrance.
Thank you for your generosity!
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Choir Members Share Why They Love Choir!
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The First Universalist Choir is now gearing up for the start of the church year! The choir is open to anyone who has a love for singing and wishes to participate in this ensemble during worship services.
The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. and sings in worship two times a month. Rehearsals have just begun. Email randy@firstuniv.org for more information. New members are welcome!
Here's what choir members have to say about why they sing in the choir:
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It is a joy to sing and heartwarming to share the power of my voice with others.
I sing as artistic expression, and Randy guides and pulls me to a level of artistry I never thought possible." -
Weld Ransom
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Ann Kay singing to her two-week-old granddaughter
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"I
feel better when I sing. Many research studies have shown that singing enhances brain de
velopment, vitality, mood (by increasing oxytocin and pumping endorphins), and well-being. In one study, choral singers reported a greater sense of well-being than team sports players!" -
Ann Kay
"In a nutshell....Randy and his leadership are the reasons I sing in the choir! I enjoy his humor, his enthusiasm, his wide ranging musical taste and how he brings out the best in us - it's a great learning opportunity!"
- Joanna Lees
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Video from Aug. 8 Panel on Regenerative Agriculture
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"Soil, Food & Climate: What's The Connection?" was a panel discussion on regenerative agriculture that was held at First Universalist on August 8. Organized by the church's Environmental Justice Team and co-sponsored by MN350 and Citizen's Climate Lobby, the event was a great success, drawing an audience of 123 people!
The event brought together a panel of experts to talk about enlightened farming practices to help solve the climate crisis by storing carbon in the soil, which also improves soil health, produces more nutritious food, and preserves water resources. If implemented at scale, these practices hold the promise of not only slowing but also reducing present-day and future net atmospheric carbon concentrations.
A video recording was made of the event, and is now available to watch online here. |
Women's Ritual Circle Open to Newcomers this Fall
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| Women (cis, trans, or otherwise) interested in earth-based and pagan spirituality are invited to the upcoming open rituals of the Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle. This circle is open to newcomers on Sunday, Sept. 9 (Cummins Room); Monday, Sept. 24 (Classroom 200); Monday, Oct. 8 (Classroom 200); and Wednesday, Oct. 24 (Classroom 200). For women who choose to join, there will be a commitment ritual on Wednesday, Nov. 7 in Classroom 200, after which the circle will close to new members until next fall. Ritual begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. Contact Beth at belovedporcupine@gmail.com for more information. Additional details are available on our website. |
Church Office and Building Closed on Labor Day
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| The church office and building will be closed on Labor Day - Monday, Sept. 3, 2018. |
Save the Date: UU Community Solar Garden Celebration
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| Save the date - Sunday, Sept. 16, 2-5 p.m. - for an on-site celebration of initial operation of the Twin Cities UU Community Solar Garden. The Environmental Justice Group at First Universalist will charter a bus for the occasion. Look for more details in next week's issue of The Liberal. |
Save the Date: Dr. Solveig Brown to Present "All On One Plate: Cultural Expectations on American Mothers"
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Come learn about the latest research on everything today's parents have to deal with, such as: safety; managing screen time; curbing entitlement; keeping kids healthy; promoting achievement; work-life balance; and so much more.
On Saturday, Oct. 6 from 10-11:30 a.m., Dr. Solveig Brown will give a presentation at church, sponsored by Congregational Care's Welcome New Child Team, that is primarily aimed at parents of young children, birth to age 5. Dr. Solveig Brown is the author of "All On One Plate: Cultural Expectations on American Mothers," an anthropological study of 140 mothers who share the highs and lows of their parenting, relationships, work experiences, and dealing with feelings of pressure and guilt as they manage everything on their plate.
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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
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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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
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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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The Weekly Liberal
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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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