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October 25, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 43
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My Heart is with My Transgender Friends, Family, Community
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Rev. Jen Crow |
I'm reeling again this week, as many of us are every week these days. In particular, I am feeling disheartened and angry as the current administration moves to eliminate protections for transgender individuals by attempting to erase their very existence. I am angry, and my heart is with my transgender friends and family and community.
And I remember.
I remember that according to the government, on paper, so many of us didn't use to exist at all. I remember when the indigenous peoples of this land were massacred - their killings justified by the fact that they were seen as animals, less than human, here only for the benefit of Europeans. I remember that there was a time when Black people did not count as citizens of this country and when they did count as people at all, it was as three-fifths of a human being. I remember that once upon a time, women were the property of men and not allowed to speak in public, with no voice and no vote. I remember in my own lifetime, the times when on paper, my family had no legal connection to one another. And I remember, that through it all, it never was the government or the paper that told the truth about who we were and who we are. We existed because of the dignity we demanded. We existed because of the relationships we built, piece by piece and day by day, sharing our humanity and vulnerability and strength with one another. Even when so many of us never existed in our full humanity according to our government, we were still here, fully human, whole and holy, and we will be here for one another now.
Our faith tells us that no one is outside of the circle of God's love and the wide embrace of this universe. May we continue to bring our voices to bear, creating this world of welcome where we reflect our worthiness and wholeness to one another in every interaction. May we build this place strong enough to endure the winds of change, even when those winds push against the core of our faith, that we might be a place of refuge and resistance, now and for the generations to come.
In faith,
Rev. Jen
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An Update on Our Capital Campaign
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A note from Rev. Jen Crow
Thanks to the generosity of your gifts to our capital campaign,
Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future,
I'm excited to report that we are making two big moves this fall. First, we are "sealing the envelope" of our sanctuary building, doing much needed masonry repair and tuckpointing work, as well as roofing repair to ensure that no more water leaks into the building, causing ongoing damage. Second,
we are paying off the mortgage!
Currently, we are in discussion with Shir Tikvah about the possibility of sharing our space at 3400 Dupont. As we take the time to thoughtfully and thoroughly engage in these conversations, it's important for us to continue doing all that we can to shore up the financial future of our congregation and take good care of the financial gifts you are giving to the church. To that end, your Board of Trustees has authorized the pay off of our mortgage and line of credit, totaling roughly $660,000. This will save us nearly $70,000 in interest and principal payments each year and will have a positive impact on our annual operating budget. We know that once our construction plans are finalized, we may decide to take out a new mortgage in the same or different amount as the one we are paying off. In the meantime, it is wonderful to not being paying the interest and principal on those loans. Thank you again for your financial generosity and for all of the ways that your gifts of time, talent, and treasure shore up this place to be a center of refuge and resistance now and for the generations to come.
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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"The Boundaries of Our Hearts"
Rev. Jen Crow
First Universalist is a multi-racial, multi-cultural, and intergenerational faith community of mutual caring and support where people bring all of who they are and welcome each other with joy. Our sense of who we are as a community of faith is ever expanding.
These words cast a vision of who we are and who we are becoming. Join us as we do the spiritual work of learning to expand the boundaries of our hearts and our community.
Join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.!
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"Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:1-2)." One of the common messages of the world's religions is the practice of radical hospitality, to move beyond the inclination to distrust, and instead, welcome. When we extend a hand, when we hold curiosity and wonder in our exchanges, when we view one another as Thou, a whole and holy human being with dreams, loves, and agency, we make room for the divine to enter and be within our midst. As a church committed to racial justice, we name the frameworks that hinder belonging, constrict our humanity, and wound the soul. This month, we commit ourselves to welcoming in joy.
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Sunday, Nov. 4, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Sharing Sunday, Child Dedication
Lead Minister: Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
First Universalist Choir, Chalice Choir
Recent Sermon Podcasts
October 21, 2018
"Making Room"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
October 14, 2018
"Longing for Belonging"
Rev. Jen Crow
October 7, 2018
"This is Us: Mental Health Sunday"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
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New this Year: Young Adult Lunches on 1st & 3rd Sundays!
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Are you in your 20s or 30s? Join the First Universalist Young Adults group on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month for lunch and conversation after the 11:15 a.m. service. In November, Young Adults lunches will take place on Sundays, Nov. 4 and 18. Meet at 12:45 p.m. at the information desk in the Social Hall before we head out. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how you can be involved with the young adult community, email Molly Work at mollywork88@gmail.com. Friends are always welcome!
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Racial Justice Education Team Potluck
Friday, Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m., Social Hall
Want to break bread with other church folks leaning into our racial justice work? Curious about the work we are doing, where we are headed this year or how you can get more involved?
The Racial Justice Education Team (RJET) invites you to a potluck dinner on Friday, Oct. 26. A brief program will begin by 6:30 p.m.
We are interested in engaging anyone who has expressed a passion for racial justice or attended racial justice workshops, book discussions or movies and may be ready to get even more involved. RSVP here and let us know what you plan to bring to share.
If you are not able to join us but would like to know more, please email
channingmckinley@gmail.com
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Young Families Halloween Party
Saturday, Oct. 27, 9-11 a.m.
Celebrate Halloween
with the littlest members of our church community! All families with children in 1st grade and younger are invited to attend. Older siblings are welcome, too!
Join us for games, music, crafts, and a Halloween costume parade. Enjoy a light breakfast and some coffee or cider, as well as some delicious seasonal treats.
RSVP here.
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Racial Justice and Our UU Faith
Saturdays, Oct. 27 & Nov. 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Racial Justice and Our UU Faith is a regularly offered workshop that we encourage every member of our congregation to take. Please join us for this interactive, reflective workshop exploring a framework and tools for understanding race, racism, and whiteness and the spiritual imperative that drives our racial justice work. It's a two-part workshop next offered on Saturdays, Oct. 27 & Nov. 3. There are still openings for this workshop! To register, contact Sandy at Sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Moral Witness at Immigration Court
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 7-9 p.m.
Join us for an evening of learning and reflection on the Immigration Court Observation Project, featuring Michele Garnett McKenzie, Deputy Director of The Advocates for Human Rights, and a panel of court observers.
Learn about the racist underpinnings of U.S. immigration policy and the role of court observers in bringing witness, transparency and accountability to immigration court.
FREE but please
RSVP
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Pathway to Membership Class
Sundays, Nov. 11 & 18, 1-3 p.m.
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Signing the membership book after participating in Pathway to Membership. |
Is First Universalist feeling like your spiritual home? Join us for The Pathway to Membership, a class exploring Unitarian Universalism, the history and mission of this congregation, and the experience of membership.
Participants are invited to share and reflect on their own spiritual journeys and values. We ask that all those who wish to become members take this two-part class. We'd love to welcome you as a new member!
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Friendly Faces Needed: Volunteer at the Office Reception Desk!
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Welcoming and hospitality is an important form of ministry at church - and not just on Sundays! Those who come to the office during the week are here for a wide variety of reasons - needing support from a minister, wanting to learn about our church, or asking practical questions.
We are currently seeking additional volunteers who can help us provide a welcoming and radically hospitable presence at our office reception desk during the week - answering questions and phone calls, buzzing people into the building, receiving them with kindness and empathy, and helping them get connected with what they've come to the office for.
Would you consider volunteering? We're looking for help Monday through Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and we are happy to be flexible to accommodate your schedule. Currently, most volunteers spend about three or four hours at the desk per shift. You are welcome to bring a book or your knitting, browse the internet, or engage in a quiet activity of your choosing during down time.
Two volunteer orientation sessions will be held soon: on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 1-3 p.m. and on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m.-noon.
If this sounds like a good fit for you and you have time to help, please let us know! Email Jenn Stromberg at
jenns@firstuniv.org with any questions and/or to indicate your interest.
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Peace Site Rededication Ceremony Last Sunday
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This past Sunday, the Peace Circle held a Rededication Ceremony of our Peace Site between worship services. The choir sang, Rev. Elaine spoke, a plaque was presented from World Citizen, and the history of our peace site was remembered. Thanks to congregant Bob Friedman for sharing these photos!
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Can We Be "All In" as Voters this Election Day?
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How does First Universalist stack up to the rest of Minnesota in voter turnout?
According to statistics gathered from the church and the Secretary of State's office, in the last midterm election (2014), between 60-70% of congregants at First Universalist voted in the election. While this is certainly better than the turnout for Minnesota as a whole (which was closer to 50% participation for that election), we're not yet at the level of being "all in."
Although we can't take for granted that everyone will vote, it's one important way to put our faith values into action. Together we grow towards a more just Minnesota for everyone!
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Nov. 4 Child Dedication: Sign Up by this Sunday
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 During the Child Dedication ritual, the congregation pledges itself to partner with and support parents and families in the religious upbringing of the child.
Child Dedications take place during Sunday worship services twice a year. During the 2018-2019 church year, they are on November 4 and May 12 at both services. Infants and children of members and those on the path to membership at First Universalist Church may be dedicated.
Learn more and sign up online here. The deadline to sign up is this Sunday, Oct. 28.
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Donations Needed for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA)
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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 including African American, Somali, and Native American. Many are homeless or marginally housed during the school year. We are experiencing a higher than typical need for food this year and your contributions of the following are gratefully received:
- Microwavable single serving dinners
- Snacks - granola bars, fruit cups, small packages of nuts or raisins, crackers
- Fall teen clothing - hoodies, jeans, fall jackets (clothing in good repair, clean, and teen appropriate)
- Toiletries: men and women's deodorant, tooth brushes and tooth paste, lip balm, ethnic hair products, sanitary products, condoms
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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| Volunteer for Twin Cities Habitat with a First U Crew |
First Universalist has two more Habitat for Humanity work days this fall/winter, and we still need a few more willing workers! The dates are Thursdays, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13, 8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The November build will be at the same house we worked on this summer in North Minneapolis. It is extremely likely that we will be working indoors.
Volunteers must be over sixteen years of age, and sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The work day is from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., and lunch will be provided. Worried that you don't know much about how to use tools? No worries! Your fellow volunteers and the site supervisor are there to help.
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Grief and Hope in Life's Intersections: Multiple Responses to Dying and Grieving People
Friday, Nov. 16, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Eagan Community Center
(1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121)
Minnesota Network of Hospice & Palliative Care invites you to the 2018 Fall Forum, "Grief and Hope in Life's Intersections: Multiple Responses to Dying and Grieving People" featuring Ted Bowman, MDiv. Dying and grieving, and caring for those experiencing death and loss, happen in the context of whole lives -- of patients and families, and of caregivers. This experiential workshop will be a day to explore the multiple responses to grief and loss and the many ways to support individuals and families. Whether you are involved in hospice, long term care, counseling, spiritual guidance, or caregiving of any type, we hope you will join us for this special day.
Cost: MNHPC Members: $120 for the first attendee; $110 for each additional attendee from an organization. Non-Members: $170 for the first attendee; $160 for each additional attendee from an organization.
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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
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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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit news!
Do you have an announcement that you'd like published in
The Weekly Liberal? Fill out our
online submission form. Edits for length and/or content may occur.
The Weekly Liberal
is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg. Past issues, deadlines, and policies can be found on our
website
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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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