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November 15, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 46
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"Perhaps the World Ends Here"
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Rev. Jen Crow writes:
As Thanksgiving approaches and our individual recognition, or non-recognition, of the holiday is upon us, I'm thinking of each of you in all of your particularity - each with your unique life-stories and the families you were born into or created. I'm thinking of you as you enter a time of solitude, chosen or unchosen, or as you enter a time of raucous togetherness. I'm thinking of our country and its false stories and the courage it takes from each of us to tell a new tale of deeper truth. Wherever you are, I am imagining you at the table that the poet describes, full of the sweetness and despair that comes with life, all of us together no matter what comes our way.
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Joy Harjo |
This poem comes from Joy Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke/Creek Nation:
Perhaps the World Ends Here
The world begins at a kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat to live.
The gifts of earth are brought and prepared, set on the table. So it has been since creation, and it will go on.
We chase chickens or dogs away from it. Babies teethe at the corners. They scrape their knees under it.
It is here that children are given instructions on what it means to be human...
At this table we gossip, recall enemies and the ghosts of lovers.
Our dreams drink coffee with us as they put their arms around our children. They laugh with us at our poor falling-down selves and as we put ourselves back together once again at the table.
This table has been a house in the rain, an umbrella in the sun.
Wars have begun and ended at this table. It is a place to hide in the shadow of terror. A place to celebrate the terrible victory.
We have given birth on this table, and have prepared our parents for burial here.
At this table we sing with joy, with sorrow. We pray of suffering and remorse. We give thanks.
Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite.
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Nov. 18, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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Rev. Jen Crow |
"Whole, Holy, and Worthy"
Rev. Jen Crow
Our Universalist faith is grounded in the belief that each and every person is born whole, holy, and worthy. This means that your dignity and worth (and everyone's dignity and worth) are non-negotiable. What does it mean for us to live into this truth individually and as a community?
Please join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.!
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Worship Theme: Non-negotiables
What cannot be bought or sold, traded or transferred in your life? What is sacred? What convictions are sunk deep in the heart of this faith community, like footings on which a foundation can be laid and a structure built? Many of our Unitarian and Universalist ancestral mothers and fathers sacrificed much for their convictions, their non-negotiables: that hell was a fiction, joy was our birthright, and justice was our calling so that heaven might take root on earth. Rev. David Bumbaugh says it this way: "If we are to be the religious movement some of us dreamed...if we are to respond to the needs of the world from a liberal religious basis, it is critical that we be able to address and answer three central questions: What do we believe? Whom do we serve? To whom or what are we responsible?" This month we ask ourselves: what are the non-negotiables to living a whole and holy life, as individuals and as a religious tradition?
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Sunday, Nov. 25, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Multigenerational Worship
Lead Minister: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Worship Associate: Juliet Ali-Caccamo
Recent Sermon Podcasts
November 11, 2018
"And Isn't That Enough?"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
November 4, 2018
"A Heart that Beats Loudly"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
October 28, 2018
"The Boundaries of Our Hearts"
Rev. Jen Crow
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Today is Give to the Max Day!
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 Today - Thursday, Nov. 15 - is Give to the Max Day! Last year on this day, Minnesotans gave $20.6 million in just 24 hours to more than 500 organizations across the state.
If you're participating in Give to the Max Day today, we encourage you to keep First Universalist in mind as you make gifts to organizations and causes you care about. For the 10th anniversary of Give to the Max Day this year, there are special prizes.
E
ach donation that First Universalist receives via GiveMN.org before midnight today gives us a chance at a Golden Ticket prize. Every 10 minutes, one Golden Ticket of $500 is being awarded through a random drawing of donations made. Could your gift be the one to win a Golden Ticket prize for First Universalist?
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Understanding Root Causes of Migration: "Harvest of Empire" Film & Discussion
Saturday, Nov. 17, 1-3:30 p.m.
Understanding the role of U.S. military interventions around the world is key to understanding migration. Join our Sanctuary and Resistance team, Asamblea de Derechos Civiles members and several compañeros who have migrated from Central America and Mexico to watch the 2012 film "Harvest of Empire." The film takes an unflinching look at the role of U.S. corporate and political interests in triggering the waves of migration. After the film we will hear directly from those who have migrated and discuss our roles in resisting the injustices in the immigration systems.
This will be an important opportunity to become more invested in our commitments spiritually, politically and financially to migration as a human right.
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Mni Ki Wakan World Indigenous Peoples Decade of Water Summit: Presenting Reflections on 2018 & Beyond
Sunday, Nov. 18, 1:15-2:15 p.m., Chalice Rm
Mni Ki Wakan (Water is Sacred)
is an indigenous youth-centered and indigenous peoples-oriented call for continued and deepened action. Our church has supported a group of local indigenous organizers in planning this initiative. As the world witnesses the deployment of passionate water protectors pushing divestment, direct action and related land initiatives across the globe, this summit brings together indigenous youth and others from around the world to work collectively for the health of water.
First Universalist hosted the first summit in 2017. Our church foundation awarded a grant to the group earlier this year. Learn what has been accomplished so far and what is planned for the future. W
e especially want to encourage our teens to think about joining in this work that is designed by and for youth.
Light food and beverages will be served.
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Senior High Pie Fundraiser
Sunday, Nov. 18 after both services
It's th
e week before
Thanksgiving which means it's time to eat yummy pies baked with love by the First Universalist Church Senior High youth group. Please come to the social hall after both services this Sunday, Nov. 18
to buy whole pies or pie slices. All of the money raised will go towards Senior High trips and towards helping our youth participate in Unitarian Universalist leadership programs.
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Young Adults Lunch
Sunday, Nov. 18, 12:45 p.m.
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. Join the group for lunch this Sunday - meet at 12:45 p.m. at the info desk in the Social Hall before heading out. Email Molly Work at
mollywork88@gmail.com
with questions.
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Global Gift Fair
Sunday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The six vendors at this year's Global Gift Fair all represent local, sustainable and affordable products that make perfect gifts. Your purchases will provide support to local organizations that help people all over the world. The atmosphere will be welcoming and kind - the antithesis
of Black Friday - and you will meet some of the people who actually made the product you purchase. What could be better than that? The vendors will be: Books for Bassodawish (Welcome Jerde), Frybread Love (Gayle), Mano a Mano (Polly Hudson and Barb Benner), Under One Roof (Joyce Goebel volunteers there), Tibet Gifts (a perennial favorite) and Honor The Earth (White Earth Reservation).
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Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.
Meet at Cedar Lake Point Beach parking lot
What could be more invigorating than a brisk fall hike through the woods with a group of congenial First U companions? That's the plan for our next Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections, Thursday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.
Meet at the Cedar Lake Point Beach parking lot at 2100 Cedar Lake Parkway. This mostly-level hike will take a bit less than two hours, with shorter options available. Wear appropriate shoes for dirt trail walking. On the route we'll check out nearby Brownie Lake, as well as "Hidden Beach" on Cedar Lake.
After the hike, there will be an optional lunch at Milda's Cafe at Glenwood Ave. and N. Logan.
Please let us know if you'll be joining us by contacting Ward Lyndall at (612) 823-2385 or
wmlyndall@gmail.com
. Non-seniors are welcome too!
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Welcoming New Staff: Lucia Webb and Liz Farmer
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We are pleased to welcome two new members to the church staff! Liz Farmer (liz@firstuniv.org) is our new Administrative Assistant, and Lucia Webb (lucia@firstuniv.org) has joined us as Events Coordinator, responsible for scheduling activities in the church building and coordinating set up details. Chelsea Bertsch, who has been our Administrative Assistant for the past four years, will soon be transitioning into the position of Membership Data Coordinator. We'll share more about our new staff members and changes to the office staff structure in next week's newsletter!
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Now in its 10th year, First Universalist knitters are asked to donate beautiful knit caps to Hats for the Homeless to sustain our tradition of bringing warmth and love to our less fortunate neighbors. Barb Melom and Pat Gottschalk have already begun distribution to shelters, schools and community resources. Donated hats and scarves can be brought to our collection basket near the elevator in the atrium, or they can be given to Sandy DiNanni at the hub on Sundays. Learn more on the Hats for the Homeless blog!
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Join the Racial Justice Education Team
for the Play "Freedom Daze" on Saturday, Dec. 1
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The Racial Justice Education Team invites you to attend the production of Exposed Brick Theatre's FREEDOM DAZE, on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Church members will be attending together, and participating in the post-show discussion with the writer & performers. This show is written by Aamera Siddiqui, directed by church member Suzy Messerole and funded, in part, by the First Universalist Foundation.
The Muslim ban didn't happen overnight. Its seeds were planted long before 45 or 9/11. Freedom Daze is a journey through the media maze of (mis)information and indoctrination that has led to the creation of an enemy class of "them." Using a multi-media approach and weaving together multiple storylines, the play follows an artist's quest to discover how a childhood acquaintance, "The Girl in the Yellow Dress" came to be sentenced to a life in solitary confinement. In a world of "They hate freedom," "If you see something, say something," and "The Terror Alert is"... where can one find the truth? The show is recommended for ages 13 & up. The play includes themes of sexual violence and torture.
LOCATION:
Southern Theater, 1420 S. Washington Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454
TICKETS:
$20 in advance | $24 at the door | $12 students & seniors 65+
Church member Eric Richards will be at the theater to greet you that evening. You may contact him ahead of time for any questions (or to let him know to look for you) at
erichard_hr@yahoo.com.
FOLLOW UP CONVERSATION:
Eric Richards and Suzy Messerole will be hosting a follow up discussion for those interesting in diving further into the questions asked by the play. Follow up conversation is optional, and will be held Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 7 - 8 p.m. at the church.
Can't attend on Saturday, Dec. 1, but interested in the play? The show runs Nov. 29 - Dec. 9.
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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
- Clothing - hoodies, jeans, fall jackets (clothing in good repair, clean, 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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Living with Gun Violence - How do we Respond?
Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 at 7 p.m.
First Unitarian Society, 900 Mt Curve Ave, Minneapolis
Presented by Interfaith Alliance for Gun Safety First Unitarian Society with co-sponsor Protect Minnesota. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; light refreshments at 6 p.m.
Speakers include:
Farji Shaheer: Director, Next Step Program A hospital-based violence intervention program at HCMC. NSP helps young adult victims of gun violence turn their lives around by interrupting the cycle of community violence and empowering young people to change.
Matt Lassegard: Patrol Deputy Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. How Law Enforcement Officers deal with the Gun Culture Law Enforcement for 19 years Currently Patrols northern Ramsey County suburban cities. Has worked in the county Jail, Court System, and 8 years on patrol. National gun safety issues, MN permit to carry laws, and general Law Enforcement perceptions of Gun Laws and the 2nd amendment.
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Readings & Remembrances: Examining Loss, Expanding Empathy
Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 at 7 p.m.
First Unitarian Society, 900 Mt Curve Ave, Minneapolis
During this season of gatherings and celebration, please pause with us for four candlelight readings examining personal experience with loss by local authors, Lorissa Gottschalk, JoAnn Campbell-Rice, Jessica Matson, and Reverend Kelli Clement.
This evening includes readings, moments of silence, and time to name loved ones who are passed, lost, or suffering. Join us as we explore the depths of our human experience and expand our empathy for one another and ourselves.
This event is free and open to the public.
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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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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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