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November 24, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 47
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Rev. Jen Crow
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As many of you know, our Operations Manager of five years, Bree Mattson, left our staff team for a position at Friends of the Boundary Waters a little over a month ago. With Bree's departure, which came close on the heels of Finance Assistant Andrea Love's departure a few weeks prior, we took some time to assess the work flow and needs of our office and congregation. We recognized three areas that we hope to address:
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Improved use of our database, including everything from data entry to future registration for religious education and small groups
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Cross-training among office staff, especially in the area of finance
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Creating a greater sense of welcome for those who come to the office, including increased support for our front desk volunteers
With the input of the full staff team and many of our lay leaders, we decided to create a new staff structure in the office to better meet these needs. Instead of hiring a new Operations Manager, Brad Schmidt, Finance Manager, and Jenn Stromberg, Communications Manager, have both taken on increased leadership and supervisory responsibilities, co-leading our Operations Team. We made changes to the two vacant positions, hired two new people, and transitioned one current staff member into a new position.
Membership Data Coordinator: Chelsea Bertsch
Chelsea has moved into this new role from her previous position at the front desk. In this role, she manages all member/congregant data in the church's database (ACS), and receives and enters annual gifts.
Administrative Assistant: Liz Farmer
Liz's main role at First Universalist is to provide a welcoming and informed presence at the Church Office front desk. She also coordinates the volunteer receptionists who take on that role while she works on administrative tasks that keep the office organized and running smoothly. An educator and continuous learner at heart, she earned her B.A. in Global Studies (with minors in French, Graphic Design, and Race & Ethnicity in the U.S.), spent several years in the arts education/non-profit/youth studies realm, and received her M.Ed. in Social Studies Education at the University of Minnesota. She's glad that her absolutely perfect pets, Ava and Stella, will be inducted on to The List of Staff Cats.
Events Coordinator: Lucia Webb
As events coordinator, Lucia is responsible for scheduling all of the meetings and events that happen at church, processing facilities/set up requests, and communicating all of that information to our facilities staff. She is looking forward to working with the community to figure out how to best use the significant resource that is the building. Lucia is excited to join the team at First Universalist and is inspired by the social justice work that is being done by the congregation! Lucia grew up in Portland, Oregon, with her parents, older brother, and a rotating cast of Great Danes. She moved to Minnesota to study at Carleton College in 2012, and graduated in 2016 with a double major in Dance and American Studies. Lucia continues to pursue dance and choreography, and is interested in the ways in which art can create clarity, confusion, and community. Lucia loves to collect and propagate tropical plants, bake chocolate chip cookies, birdwatch, and scuba dive.
Welcome, Liz and Lucia! We'll share photos of our new staff members in next week's newsletter so that you can put names to faces. Read about all of our ministers and staff here.
Please give everyone a warm welcome and be patient with us as we transition to this new structure. We're looking forward to being able to better serve the church's needs and support our bold visionary goals!
In faith,
Rev. Jen Crow
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Nov. 25, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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Rev. Justin Schroeder |
"The Big Non-Negotiable"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
All month we've been exploring the non-negotiables in our lives. We end this month's theme by turning to "The Big Non-Negotiable," that thing that every human being shares as an ultimate non-negotiable, no matter age, gender, race, culture, class, religion, or education. On this Sunday, facing our own mortality, we will fully immerse ourselves in the present moment of life.
This Sunday is a multigenerational worship service; children in Pre-K and up attend services with their families.
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, Dec. 2, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
"Finding Sanctuary in Each Other"
Recent Sermon Podcasts
November 18, 2018
"Whole, Holy, and Worthy"
Rev. Jen Crow
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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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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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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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 9
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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