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January 16, 2020 | Vol. 7 No. 3
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Rev. Jen's Upcoming Medical Leave
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Rev. Jen Crow |
The new year is off to a great start at church, with all of us settling in to our new or additional roles while Rev. Justin is away on sabbatical. The building project is moving forward, and we will be sharing more details and drawings in the upcoming weeks. It is exciting, after all this waiting, to begin to see all that will be possible. I can't wait to experience the many ways that changes to our physical space will expand our vision and ministry.
And I wanted to let you know that I will be away from church for several weeks, starting January 29. I need to have surgery to address some symptoms that I have lived with for a long time that have gotten worse in recent months. The good news is that this surgery will bring me better health, energy, and comfort and no further treatment should be necessary. I am in excellent health and I expect everything to go well. I'm lucky to have close friends coming into town to help take care of me and my family during those first weeks after surgery, and my local clergy colleagues are circling round, as well.
I know this is a less than ideal time for me to be away from church, and I am confident that Rev. Ruth, Arif, and Lauren - along with our very capable board and staff - will be able to lead the church in my absence. I expect to be available for limited consultation with staff and the Board after the first few weeks of recovery, and we are hard at work preparing for my time away. Here are a few of the things we have in place:
Rev. Ruth and Arif will be leading worship through February and early March, and we have some powerful guest speakers, too. On February 2, we'll welcome Eric Ward, a nationally known speaker on white nationalism, antisemitism and racism. On February 23, Revs. Meg Riley and Kate Tucker will be preaching along with board member and treasurer, Keven Ambrus. I will return to the pulpit on March 8.
Rev. Ruth, Lauren, and Arif will lead the full staff team. Jenn Stromberg, Brad Schmidt, and Tracy Van Epps will lead our Operations Team, ensuring the smooth functioning of our front office and building. Our building project is in the very capable hands of our Owner's Representative, General Contractor, Architects, and Building Team. I trust the team to make good decisions, and to postpone decisions that need my input for a few weeks.
As we put plans in place for my short absence, I am doing my best to do all the things I so often suggest that others might do - care for their bodies, rely on others, and trust in the abundance of the community. You may be wondering what you can do to help out, and if so, here are three suggestions:
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Sign up to usher and greet at Sunday services. A warm and abundant welcome is an embodied way to care for each other.
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When the annual giving team asks you to confirm, or increase, or make your financial gift to the operating budget in February, respond as soon as you are able. You will save our leaders time and energy when they receive your financial commitments early or on time.
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Join a team to help clean out, pack up, and prepare our building for upcoming renovations. This preparation will take many hands, and we will need your help.
I have absolute trust in our staff and board to keep the church running smoothly and moving forward toward our vision and mission in my absence. I am also looking forward to more energy and better health. Our church is strong and healthy, and we've got this, together.
In gratitude,
Rev. Jen
Co-Senior Minister
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Sunday, Jan. 19, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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January worship theme:
Your Life As Sacred Text
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"Radical Imagination"
Rev. Jen Crow
On this Dr. King Sunday, join us at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m. for a Wisdom Story, anthem with guest musicians, and a sermon from Rev. Jen Crow. This is a Sharing Sunday and a Youth-Friendly Sunday, which means that 6th grade and older stay for the entire service, and PreK-5th graders attend the first part of the service with their families before being excused to their Religious Education classes.
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Sunday, Jan. 26, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Sunday, Feb. 2, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Eric Ward
Sunday, Feb. 9, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Arif Mamdani
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"Reading the Story of Your Life"
- Arif Mamdani
"Remembrance Sunday: The Cure for Sorrow"
- Rev. Jen Crow
"Ending a Decade"
- Rev. Karen Hutt
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On the 1/12 Sunday Podcast:
"Reading the Story of Your Life" - Arif Mamdani
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Arif Mamdani |
Sermon Summary & Reflections by Liz Farmer
You may be busy "writing" the story of your life: recording the highs, the lows, and maybe even some of the doldrums in photographs, journals, or memories. But have you ever stopped to read it? If you're wondering what that means, how to do it, or why, you're in the right place. I find that, especially in the world of spiritual practices, meditation, or prayer, it's much easier to talk and read about practices than it is to actually practice. So if you identify with this holy struggle, I (and the impending snow storm) invite you to slow down and follow along with the sacred reading practices in the podcast. I could tell you about what I heard, but that would be antithetical to the point of Arif's sermon. It would be like doing your homework for you - without knowing the material in the first place. Practice reading the story of your life, here.
Resources mentioned in Arif's Jan. 12 sermon:
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UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
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Tonight's Board Meeting Is OFFSITE
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A note from Board President Bryana French
Dear Congregants:
The Board of Trustees is having a longer retreat style meeting in January and will be held offsite on Thursday, Jan. 16 as a result. This longer meeting will be spent engaging in intentional planning for the upcoming church transitions with Rev. Justin's Sabbatical, Rev. Ruth's retirement, and the building renovations. Please contact Board President, Bryana French, for details if you plan to observe the meeting: boardchair@firstuniv.org
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CANCELLED: 12-Step Spirituality this Saturday
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12-Step Spirituality: Centering Prayer Meditation that was scheduled to take place this Saturday, Jan. 18 has been cancelled due to the winter storm that is expected to impact the Twin Cities this weekend. For more information or to sign up for their emails, visit
www.12stepspirituality.org.
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Please join Shir Tikvah, Temple Israel, and First Universalist Church as we welcome Eric Ward back to the Twin Cities for a series of programs on the relationship between antisemitism, white nationalism and how these forces will be at play in the upcoming presidential election campaign.
On Sunday, Feb. 2, Eric Ward will offer a two-hour workshop for community organizers, justice organizations, and people of faith at First Universalist Church. A national expert on the relationship between hate, violence, and preserving democratic institutions, governance, and inclusive societies, Eric brings nearly 30 years of expertise in community organizing and philanthropy to his role as Western States Center's Executive Director.
This workshop will focus on the relationship between white supremacy, white nationalism and antisemitism with an emphasis on how the dynamics of antisemitism are likely to play out in the environment of the upcoming presidential election and its aftermath. We'll look at likely scenarios and how we might respond. We'll also make space for people to build relationships and a shared analysis of the ways that white nationalism and white supremacy use racism and antisemitism as tools to keep our movements divided. Given the rhetoric we have seen and will likely continue to see as the election draws nearer, it's imperative that we increase our capacity to recognize white nationalism and antisemitism when we see it, and learn tools to counter it.
A taco bar lunch for a $10 suggested donation will be available for workshop attendees prior to the workshop beginning at 12:15 p.m.; if you are interested in partaking, please indicate so on the registration form above.
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Young Adults Lunch
Sunday, Jan. 19, 12:45 p.m.
Are you in your 20s or 30s? Join the First Universalist Young Adults group on Sunday, Jan. 19 for the next group lunch! The group meets for lunch and conversation after the 11:15 a.m. service on the 3rd Sunday of every month. This is a casual "come when you can" social opportunity - no sign up required! Meet at 12:45 p.m. at the info desk in the Social Hall before heading out to a nearby lunch destination. Email Gordon Loery at
gloery945@gmail.com
with questions.
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Artist's Reception with Debbie Cash
Sunday, Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Meet artist Debbie Cash in the social hall between/after services on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Her mosaic and photography exhibit "Karibu Tanzania" is a collection of mosaic art pieces and photos featuring animals, people and landscapes encountered during two trips to Tanzania, in 2016 and 2018. The exhibit is on view in the social hall through Feb. 16.
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Film Screening: "Black Panther"
Sunday, Jan. 26, 1-3:30 p.m. or
Thursday, Jan. 30, 6:30-9 p.m.
"Black Panther" elevates superhero cinema to thrilling new heights. The movie follows T'Challa who, after the events of "Captain America: Civil War," returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take his place as King. With superb acting by a star studded cast of African American actors, the movie breaks stereotypes about African culture. Join our Racial Justice Education Team in the Cummins Room for one of two drop-in screenings. Light snacks will be provided.
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Film Screening: "Chasing Coral"
Thursday, Feb. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. A team of divers, photographers and scientists set out on an ocean adventure to discover why. Oceans have been warming more rapidly since the 1980s, and a two-degree increase is fatal for coral. The film makes the point that 93% of the rise in temperatures is absorbed by the oceans, so while climate change deniers debate changes on the earth's surface and atmosphere, the seas are where most damage is being done.
This is a drop-in, family friendly (ages 8+) event, hosted by members of the Environmental Justice Team.
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Cummins Ministerial Internship Resumes in 2020-21
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We are thrilled to announce that the Cummins Internship, named in honor of Rev. John Cummins, our Minister Emeritus, and his wife, Dru, will resume this fall.
Over the past two years, we reimagined this ministerial internship as a tool to help better support Unitarian Universalist ministers who are Black, people of color, or Indigenous people.
First Universalist has been a teaching congregation for generations, and we look forward to returning to our commitment to mentoring the next generation of ministers with a racial justice lens and awareness.
Our faith tradition has a history that we are trying to bend, in our lifetime, toward justice and equity.
This weekend, we will welcome Barrington Lloyd Walker, Jr., to First Universalist. Barrington is a recent graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, and will join us in August as our Cummins Ministerial Intern. Join us in worship on Sunday to meet Barrington and welcome him to our community.
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Foundation Grant Nominations Accepted though Jan. 28
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The 2019-2020 Foundation Board: front row: Ginny Halloran, Roberta Haskin, Anne McBean, Jill Anderson; back row: Jared Cruz, Suzan Klein (Chair), John Bringewatt, Rochelle Hammer. Not Pictured: Leila Ambrus |
The First Universalist Foundation Board is beginning its 2020 granting season and wants to hear from congregants about which organizations would be good candidates for a grant.
The Foundation Board is particularly interested in organizations that address human rights at risk, racial justice and climate justice. The Foundation seeks organizations whose leadership includes people of color, women and other underrepresented groups. Historically, most grants have ranged from $5,000 to $20,000.
Please give some thought to local organization(s) that might be good candidates for a Foundation grant and nominate them by filling out the application form here!
Nominations will be accepted until January 28. This is a great opportunity to support groups working on social justice issues. Last year the Board received 24 nominations from congregants and awarded $100,000 in grants to 11 great organizations.
If you have questions, email the First Universalist Foundation Board at
foundation@firstuniv.org.
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Discussing Jon Meacham's "The Soul of America"
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 Congregants Pat Gottschalk, Jim Ramnaraine and Joan Patterson invite others from First Universalist to join them for a discussion of the book
The SOUL of AMERICA
by Jon Meacham on
Tuesday, Feb. 18
at 1 p.m. in the Church Library.
They write: "The three of us recently met to discuss Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. We enjoyed our time together so much that we wanted to continue an informal discussion of other stimulating books. We have just chosen The Soul of America, and we want to invite others at First Universalist to join us for a discussion of this thoughtful and hopeful historical perspective on some of the challenging times in the past that we have overcome. Maybe this is just what you need right now - something to generate hope amidst so many discouraging events domestically and globally. We look forward to seeing you on the 18th. If you have questions, contact Joan at jasu@umn.edu."
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Flower Arranging Opportunity
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If you enjoy Sunday flower arrangements, have a bit of creativity, and would like an enjoyable way to contribute to our congregation, consider arranging Sunday flowers.
Visual Arts members will be happy to assist you the first time or two as you select and arrange flowers from places like Trader Joes, Bachman's, Lund's, or Koehler and Dramm (a floral wholesaler.)
If you're interested or would like more information contact Flower Chair
Ruthann Wood at
woodruthann@gmail.com
or 612-759-1793.
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First Universalist Hosting ASDIC's Upcoming
Anti Racism Study Dialogue Circle
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 First Universalist Church is hosting a winter/spring 2020 Antiracism Study Dialogue Circle, organized by ASDIC.
Antiracism Study Dialogue Circles are designed to provide you with an in
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depth experience to better understand the ways race and racism operate in all of our lives. They will give you greater clarity of thinking, strength of relationship, and effectiveness of action in addressing systemic racism.
The guiding text is
The White Racial Frame
, by Joe R. Feagin, with additional readings provided. Each week the group will gather to create a safe place for risk
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taking, community formation, and acting with care and confidence. The experience includes readings and videos, large and small group discussions, the sharing of personal stories, and practicing skills to show up and speak up when racism occurs.
Dates and Time: Ten evenings January 27-April 6, 2020 (with no meeting February 17), with Circle session from 5:15-8:45 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.
Cost is
$
415 with pay
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as
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able fee structure. No one turned away for lack of funds and no profit is made from community circles.
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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 Rev. Ruth MacKenzie at
ruth@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. If you call outside of office open hours, follow the prompts for pastoral care on the recording.
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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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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.
Monday - Thursday
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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