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June 25, 2020 | Vol. 7 No. 26
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This Sunday, we prepare to say goodbye to Rev. Ruth as she retires from First Universalist. I hope you'll join us in worship as we mark this significant transition in the life of our church. As with any transition, there are griefs and gratitudes, sadness and a preparation of the heart for the new, yet unknown future that will unfold. We need each other as we mark and move through the multiple transitions that are happening for so many of us. And we need to celebrate, too. I hope you'll swing by the church steps by bike, on foot, or in a car - wearing a mask and socially distanced - if you are able this Sunday between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and give Ruth a wave and an air high five as she embarks on this new adventure with all of our love.
Ruth has been a significant part of our ministry and leadership team at church, and with her retirement we'll be shifting responsibilities to other team members. Going forward, Rev. Justin will lead our worship team - coordinating the work of our musicians, staff, lay leaders and ministers - as we continue in Ruth's teachings creating engaging, relevant, and multifaceted worship services together. Over the summer, Rev. Karen will lead our ministry of pastoral care. If you or someone you know is experiencing a life transition, a crisis, or are simply in need of a little support and a listening ear - please reach out to Rev. Karen or any of our ministers or staff. We're in this life together and we need one another more than ever.
I will be taking some time for vacation and study leave in the month of July, and will be away from the church from Monday, June 29 through Sunday, Aug. 2. I'll continue to manage the building project, but otherwise all questions and concerns can be directed to Rev. Justin or any member of the staff leadership team (Arif, Lauren, Jenn Stromberg, Rev. Karen) while I am away.
And speaking of the building project - things are happening over at the church building! Asbestos and lead abatement have been completed and demolition has begun on the interior of the Religious Education wing. We're making space for:
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reconfigured rooms that better meet our needs
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new, more efficient heating and cooling and technology systems
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gender-neutral bathrooms that welcome everyone
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a multi-use room that has everything a family could need for an extended stay
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a new Cummins Room complete with its own accessible restroom and improved technology that can serve our whole community
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and a new accessible central entrance at the atrium
As the project proceeds, there will be opportunities for you to be a part of the renovations. In August, we'll be hosting two painting weekends where we'll be responsible for painting the new rooms in the education wing. After construction of the accessible ramp outside, we'll be asking for help with landscaping. And all along the way, we'll be sharing pictures so that everyone can see the transformation that is happening.
Exciting changes are afoot - and as with any change, let's take the time to mark what is ending so that we can share our gratitude for what was and turn and face the new beginnings with wide open hearts.
In gratitude,
Rev. Jen
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Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m.
MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
with Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Justin Schroeder, Arif Mamdani, Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Lauren Wyeth, Rev. Karen Hutt, Daryn Woodson, Michael Dotson, Adrian Ali-Caccamo, Franco Holder, Emma Paskewitz, Randy Buikema, and the First Universalist Choir.
Please join us for worship this Sunday at 10 a.m. This will be Rev. Ruth MacKenzie's last Sunday in worship with us. We'll honor Rev. Ruth and enjoy stories and beautiful music - including a new piece from the choir.
Connect to our live streamed worship:
To join by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the webinar ID.
AFTER WORSHIP:
~11 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour
After Sunday worship, join us for
virtual coffee hour for all identities (
Meeting ID: 212 168 092)
or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID when prompted.
~11 a.m. BIPOC Virtual Coffee Hour for those who are Black, Indigenous, Multiracial, POC
Join here (
Meeting ID: 825 3313 5300; Password: 982432
) or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and password when prompted.
Wednesday, July 1 at 7 p.m.
WORSHIP
This midweek worship experience for adults and older youth is a brief time (20-30 minutes) of connection, centering, and reflection, to help us find and keep our balance during this time of pandemic and physical distancing.
To join by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the webinar ID.
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Sunday, June 21: "Saying Goodbye" Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Reflections by Liz Farmer, Adult Ministries & Admin Assistant:
In physics and chemistry, the law of conservation of energy states that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant, it is said to be conserved over time. This law means that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; rather, it can only be transformed from one form to another. -
wikipedia
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Rev. Ruth MacKenzie |
As Rev. Ruth's retirement approaches, I've heard a couple people remark with a sigh, "there will be a Ruth-shaped hole in our congregation after she leaves." This past Sunday, Rev. Ruth spoke to exactly that sense of loss as she taught us about legacy. Real legacy, beyond plaques and name plates, is about energy. Using poetry by Mark Nepo, Rev. Ruth does not let us off the hook from our promises to one another, even in her forthcoming absence from First Universalist. Those who've experienced the evolution, activism, care, emotion, and beauty of Rev. Ruth right alongside her will likely carry memories of the wisdom in her sermons and her soulful singing voice. But carrying on her legacy- her energy- that will be so sorely missed...that's up to you. Will First Universalist continue as a box torn apart, a shell cracked open, a church with a minister-shaped cavity? Or will it live as Ruth's charge to you? What promises will you make to one another? What does your heart beat loudly for? How will you transfer Rev. Ruth's energy and passion into your own beautiful song? Listen to Rev. Ruth's final sermon as minister at First Universalist on the podcast or watch it on YouTube.
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CYCLE OF LIFE & CONGREGATIONAL CARE
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Cycle of Life from Sunday, June 21
We hold Byron Miller, Jennifer Weiss, and Marissa Miller-Weiss as they mourn the death of Bryon's mother Jeanette Miller. Jeanette passed away unexpectedly Thursday night at the age of 94. She attended First Universalist off and on since the mid-1980s. Prayers for comfort and strength are welcomed.
We hold Bob Friedman and his family in our hearts. Bob's step mother of 54 years Marj Friedman, died peacefully at age 98.
Her compassion, generosity and wisdom will be missed.
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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; contact Rev. Karen Hutt at
revkarenhutt@gmail.com. If you would like support, call the office at 612-825-1701 and follow the prompts for pastoral care on the recording.
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Celebrating Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
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 Rev. Ruth MacKenzie's varied and dynamic ministry has been a profound gift to the entire congregation. Now, as she prepares to retire, it is time to celebrate her launch into a new life with all the energy and love she has brought to us over the last 10 years.
We don't want Ruth to leave without a truly good goodbye. Here's how you can participate:
SPECIAL DONATION:
Consider making a special financial donation to a retirement gift fund for Ruth. We have a *surprise* gift idea for Ruth, but no church budget, so we need one-time, specially designated donations.
These are free will, as the spirit moves you, and not tax deductible as they are separate from ongoing church support. Electronic gifts can be made here. Checks may be sent to the church with "Ruth's Gift" in the memo line.
LETTERS/NOTES/CARDS: Ruth would love to have letters and cards from congregants, actual items she can hold and re-read. Mail notes to the church marked Attn: Celebrating Ruth.
SHORT VIDEOS: You can record a short video on a phone or your computer with your own personal goodbye to Ruth. We will edit the videos together into a longer piece for her. Please send your video (no more than 30 seconds long) to
emma@firstuniv.org by Friday, June 26.
Join us for two events this weekend!
CHALK ART FOR REV. RUTH:
"In art as in love, instinct is enough" - Anatole France. Prepare to share your love for Rev. Ruth this Saturday, June 27 through chalk art
! Follow your instinct, bring a mask and speak from your heart by leaving words, phrases, or drawings for Rev. Ruth on the stairs and sidewalks surrounding First Universalist. Please be mindful and practice social distancing. Come on out to First Universalist Saturday, June 27 any time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and share your love and well wishes for Rev. Ruth! Chalk will be provided.
WAVE GOODBYE TO REV. RUTH: After Rev. Ruth's final worship service with us on
Sunday, June 28, she'll be on the front steps of the church from
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Congregants are welcome to drive, walk, or ride by and wave goodbye to Rev. Ruth as we send her off into retirement with love and gratitude. There will also be a box on the curb for you to drop off a card or a favorite poem that you'd like to share with Ruth.
With gratitude for all Ruth has given us,
The Celebrating Ruth Team:
Daryn Woodson, Michael Dotson, Adrian Ali-Caccamo, Janet Merrill, Marion Dane Bauer, Eric Cooperstein, and Emma Paskewitz
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Virtual Gatherings for Adults
Tuesday, June 30 at 8 a.m.
Begin your week with spiritual grounding and sustenance, taking time to connect with your breath, your heart, your woundedness and your joy, in this half hour interactive session in which we check in and engage with a spiritual practice.
Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m.
The Young Adults group (for those in their 20s and 30s) is gathering on a weekly basis. Connect with fellow First U young adults after Wednesday worship for conversation and fun.
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Virtual Gatherings for Children, Youth & Families
SUNDAY (
June 28,
July 12,
July 26,
Aug. 9,
Aug. 23)
1:30 p.m. BIPOC/Multiracial Youth Group with
Daryn, Sarah, and youth leaders, for youth who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color and/or multiracial. Email Lauren at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to the group.
TUESDAY
8 p.m.
Single Parents Gathering with Rev. Sara Smalley - Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. (Meeting ID:
984 9990 9070;
Password: connection)
THURSDAY
8:15 p.m.
Parents of Babies and Preschoolers (ages 0-4 years) with Lauren - Parents/guardians of little ones gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. (Meeting ID: 273-644-536
; Password: 446240)
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Association of Universalist Women Social Hour
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AUW members are staying connected via a weekly Zoom Happy Hour.
Meeting ID: 834 7301 7986
Password: 557571
Phone number: 312-626-6799
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12 Step Spirituality Workshops, which had been hosted at First Universalist one Saturday per month, continue every Saturday on Zoom through October. All people interested in the 12 steps are welcome. The workshop includes meditation, centering prayer meditation instructions, short talks, small groups and more. Join here at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. The meeting ID is 392-510-399. Visit www.12stepspirituality.org for more details. If you have questions call Dick Y. at 952-893-1188.
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We offer several options for making donations online, whether it's a contribution toward the offering plate or your annual or capital gift.
Text to Give
To make a donation via credit card, use your smartphone to text "
firstuniv" (without quotes) to the number
73256. You'll receive a link to a secure form where you can enter your information. Select the appropriate fund from the dropdown menu.
Square Cash
Make a contribution using a debit card via the Square Cash app. Download this free app (
iPhone or
Android) and set up your account - you'll need your debit card and a $cashtag (user name). Then:
- Enter the amount you want to donate
- Click "pay"
- In the $cashtag space, enter $FirstUniv
- In the For space, let us know what it's for - Sunday offering plate? Your annual gift?
- Click "pay"
ACS (our online giving system)
Make a one-time gift using the secure form located on our website
here. Make sure that you've selected the correct fund (such as offering plate) if it's not an annual gift.
It's also okay to mail checks to the church, even though the office is closed. We are still receiving mail, though we are only collecting it once per week. It will likely take us longer than normal to process check payments, but you are welcome to send checks if you prefer!
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A Quick Guide on Where to Direct Commonly Asked Questions:
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Join Our Mailing List
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The Weekly Liberal
here.
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here.
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Church Office Hours
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The church office is closed until further notice.
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
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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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