 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
December 6, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 49
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Building Update: Dreaming in Multiple Iterations
|
 |
|
|
Rev. Jen Crow |
If there's one thing I've learned by leading our building project, it's not to get too attached to any particular idea or imagined future. A few months ago I sat down with a professional building project manager - someone who has seen hundreds of building renovation and construction projects through to completion. She shared an image with me that continues to help me loosen my mental grip on future outcomes, and it works not just on our building project here at First Universalist, but on any projected idea of what the future might look like.
The image is a circle with arrows pointing from one spot to another, and the arrow keeps going around, so that the trajectory from start to finish has you traveling the full circumference of the circle more than once. You begin with your hope for the future - for us, a fully renovated, debt-free, accessible and welcoming space for our congregation and the community. At the next stop along the circle, you imagine what that would look like with the help of some professionals. Next, you run into your constraints - budget, timing, the literal confines of the property with zoning ordinances and rules from the Historic Preservation Commission, etc. You imagine your future again. By now you've made your way one full loop around the circle, and you keep going.
You take your new imagined future, and again you move to the next place on the path where your constraints shape your possibilities. You imagine again. You decide on the direction you want to go. You begin the renovation (or the new direction in your life). Unforeseeable circumstances pop up and present new constraints. The new constraints shape what is possible. You imagine again. You adjust. You begin again. And you do this again, and again, and again.
Eventually, this project manager promised me, the project is complete and you get to live into the new future you've created a container for, but along the way, so much changes. And the new future you are living into is never exactly what you imagined. This sounds a whole lot like life, to me. Imagination, constraints, effort, hope, unforeseeable circumstances, imagination, effort, hope, constraints, beginning again - this is the work of the spiritual life as we strive again and again to better align our actions and our choices with our most deeply held values.
I'm so grateful to be in this community where we begin again, and again, and again. Read more about the many iterations of our building project and where we are now in detail here.
In faith,
Rev. Jen
|
|
|
| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Dec. 9, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
|
|
|
|
Rev. Karen Hutt |
"The Sanctuary Is Burning"
Rev. Karen Hutt
Sanctuary is a holy refuge, a place of worship, and a hiding place for migrants.
But what if you keep looking for sanctuary and you can't find it?
What if sanctuary is elusive to you? What if your sanctuary is on fire? Where do you go for safety?
Please join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.!
|
|
|
|
|
| "Coffee Klatch" by Ricardo Levins Morales. Image used with permission. |
In ancient times, finding an inn was more than finding a place to spend the night. Certainly, the inn was a place for the traveler to rest, but it also provided safety and healing to the wayfaring stranger. There were no hospitals in those times, so the inn functioned as one. It was a place to tend to the physical body, and to gather one's spiritual resources for the continuing journey. When we hear the story of the Nativity, when an innkeeper provided a place for the Christ child to be born, perhaps we could imagine ourselves as the innkeeper, and our church as the inn, a place of respite and healing, a sanctuary. This is one of our strengths as a faith community. We are a sanctuary, a place one can go to find health, healing and community. When people ask, "What do you believe?" We might respond: "Come with me to a place on 34th and Dupont Avenue South. This is a place where people are nourished, where people begin ministries, where people invest in something beyond self interest, growing in community and ever widening circles of compassion." As writer and theologian Gary Gunderson writes: "I may have trouble articulating what I believe; it is easy to say where I believe." This month we explore the where of what we believe.
|
|
|
|
|
The Visual Arts Committee has added holiday flourishes to our worship spaces for the month of December - with best wishes to the congregation.
A Look Ahead
Sunday, Dec. 16, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Choir-led Worship: Vivaldi's Gloria
Lead Minister: Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Recent Sermon Podcasts
December 2, 2018
"Finding Sanctuary in Each Other"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
November 25, 2018
"The Big Non-Negotiable"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
November 18, 2018
"Whole, Holy, and Worthy"
Rev. Jen Crow
November 11, 2018
"And Isn't That Enough?"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, Dec. 13, 6:30-8 p.m.
The labyrinth is a spiritual tool. It is a form of walking meditation that is a multicultural, ancient pattern. Labyrinth images are found on all continents and can be traced back 5,000 years.
First Universalist's labyrinth is located in the social hall. Arrive any time between 6:30 and 8 p.m. for this month's Open Labyrinth Walk. Walk at your own pace, and stay as long or short as you like. Allow at least 15 minutes minimum for a full fast walk.
A member of the Labyrinth Circle will be available to answer questions and offer guidance. For more information, contact: Ann Hobbs, 763-546-3337 or
g.annhobbs@gmail.com
.
|
|
|
|
|
Choir-led Worship
Sunday, Dec. 16, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
On Dec. 16, the First Universalist Choir, directed by Dr. Randal Buikema, will lead worship services with a performance of Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi. Hidden inside this seasonal classic is a story of sanctuary. Vivaldi wrote Gloria for Ospedale della Pieta', a charitable institution established in the 14th century to house and care for orphaned and abandoned children. To support its mission of providing sanctuary for children, the Pieta' formed a girls orchestra and choir, which became well known throughout Europe. Their most famous teacher and concert master was Vivaldi. You might say that he wrote Gloria to provide sanctuary for forgotten children. Please join us for this beautiful and joyous work as we tell stories of sanctuary.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daytime Connections: Lifelong Learning
Thursday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m.
Feeling the need for a little mental stimulation? A representative from Osher LifeLong Learning Institute (OLLI) will lead December's program, sharing information about the 300 noncredit courses, variety of interest groups, national and international trips, and volunteer opportunities offered by OLLI. Learn how some folks have continued to expand their horizons since retiring and share your own insights.
To register, contact Sandy DiNanni at sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
Lunch is
provided at the end of programs; we suggest a sliding scale contribution of $5 to $15.
|
|
|
|
|
Winter Solstice Celebration
Friday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. (7 p.m. doors)
Celebrate the longest night of the year and rejoice in the returning of the sun at our 38th annual Winter Solstice Celebration. The ritual begins at 7:30 p.m., and the sanctuary doors open at 7 p.m.
The ritual celebration includes chants, solstice heritage and wisdom, a call to the directions, time spent in the darkness, music, and celebrating the returning of light. Children are welcome to participate, but be aware that we will spend 12 minutes in complete darkness, accompanied only by the drum beat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Pageants
Sunday, Dec. 23 & Monday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.
Our annual Christmas Pageant is a beautiful telling of an ancient story. It is a tale of hope and hospitality, a reminder that every child is born a redeemer, a story that speaks to us all of what it means to be a seeker, a star, a wise one, a wanderer. The Pageant is held twice; on Sunday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. each day. Optional childcare is available during the Dec. 23 performance if requested online 7 days in advance.
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Monday, Dec. 24, 9:30 p.m.
The Candlelight Service at First Universalist is a time of mindfulness, meaning making and music. This service is a weaving of scripture readings, poems, musical offerings, silence, and lighting our hearts and spirit with the candlelight and hope.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have You Met Our Green Team?
|
 Thank you, Green Team!
Youth volunteers from our congregation have been at waste stations in our Social Hall on Sundays to assist us in the correct disposal of our compost, recycling and waste. Have you noticed them? They wear green bandanas and have been quite helpful.
If other youth in 2nd through 5th grades are interested in joining the Green Team, please contact Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries Lauren Wyeth at
lauren@firstuniv.org.
|
 UUs have been knitting hats for the homeless and those in need for the past ten years. Our hats are distributed to neighborhood schools and social service agencies working with those in need. As our circle of knitters has grown, so have the requests for donations. It is not too late to pick up your knitting needles and make a few hats! If you're not a knitter, consider purchasing some hats or donating clean and gently used hats. This year we have received many requests for hats/mittens for elementary school kids. This is our greatest need.
Our donation basket is by the elevator at church and will be there through the end of January. For more information and patterns, check out the
Hats for the Homeless blog.
Pictured:
UUs gather at the yarn shop to count, sort, and deliver hats. From left to right:
Barb Melom, Dick Rueter, Bill Howard, Julie Howard.
|
|
Poinsettias for Those Who Have Experienced a Loss
|
 The holidays can be a time of challenge when you've experienced a significant loss during the year. Every year the church's Congregational Care Team acknowledges the loss of family members with the gift of a poinsettia. This is how we express our care, and spiritual companionship with those in the valley of grief.
If you have lost a loved one this year, please go to the narthex and pick up your poinsettia after services this Sunday, Dec. 9. The Congregational Care Team has been following the mention of losses in the Cycle of Life announcements, so there will be a plant waiting for you.
|
|
Remembrance Sunday is January 6
|
Remembrance Sunday is an annual service that is a time to remember and reflect on our losses over the past year and to honor those we love who have died. This service can also be a time to mark other significant losses in the life of your family, such as a separation or divorce, saying goodbye to friends who've moved away, or any number of other things.
You're invited to bring a photo or memento of a loved one(s) you are remembering to the sanctuary for our shared altar on Sunday, Jan. 6.
|
|
Nicaraguan Youth Visit:
Seeking Donations of Winter Wear
|
 Youth Cultural Exchange families will be hosting their Nicaraguan siblings this holiday season! They were not able to come this summer because of political unrest in the country, but fortunately we've been able to rearrange travel plans. Since none of the Nicaraguans will be prepared for the winter weather, we're asking for winter clothing donations for them to use. If you have gear such as coats, snow pants, scarves, hats, mittens, or boots that aren't being used anymore and especially something that might fit someone in middle-high school, we'd love to have them. Anything that we can't use will be donated to Augsburg Fairview Academy, as well as the clothes after we're done with them.
Clothing will be collected Sundays, Dec. 9 and 16 in the social hall. If you have any questions, email yce@firstuniv.org. Thanks for helping us give a warm welcome to our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters!
|
|
Thanks for Donations for Augsburg Fairview Academy!
|
Thanks to the many congregants who have generously donated food and winter clothing to the students of Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) - you make a difference!
First Universalist is the primary sponsor of Food and Clothing Closets at Augsburg Fairview Academy, 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
- Winter teen clothing: winter jackets, scarves, gloves and hats; hoodies, jeans (clothing in good repair, clean, and teen appropriate)
- Winter toiletries: chapstick and lotions are in high demand along with men's and women's deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, 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!
|
Are you or someone you know a caregiver? First Universalist has a Caregiver Support Group that meets once a month. Explore your experience, your questions, your joys and frustrations, and deepen your spiritual resources with those who share a similar experience. The group has a facilitator who has over 20 years experience leading caregiver groups. If you would like more information, contact Anne Frenchick tedanne@pro-ns.net.
|
Did you know that you can easily make a donation to the church through texting on your smartphone?
To make a donation to the offering plate, annual fund, or other fundraising effort via credit or debit card, use your smartphone to text
firstuniv
to
73256
. You'll receive a link to a secure form where you can enter your information.
|
|
Beacon Collecting Donations to Support People Moving Out of Franklin/Hiawatha Encampment
|
Many people in Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative congregations have asked how they can respond to the immediate needs of people living at the Franklin/Hiawatha Encampment. Here's one great way: provide household goods for people moving from the encampment into American House or other housing coordinated by partner Avivo. Beacon needs help to assemble and donate "sets" for 50 individuals and will be collecting items Dec. 9 - March 10.
Items accepted include:
pots and pans (
gently used or new), s
mall sets of dishes (plates, mugs, bowls, cups, etc,
gently used or new),
utensils (silverware, cooking utensils -
gently used or new), p
illows (
new), b
lankets (
gently used or new), t
owels
(gently used or new), t
win long
sheets (gently used or new), r
adios (
gently used), new h
ygiene items (deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush), new c
leaning supplies (toilet brush and cleaner, sponges, cleanser, etc).
NO other items accepted.
Mayflower Church in Minneapolis has graciously agreed to receive, sort, and prepare the donations for pick-up. When you're ready to deliver, please
bring donations to: Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd.,
Minneapolis, MN 55419.
Donations can be delivered on Sundays from 12:30 - 2 p.m. (except for Dec. 23).
Please email Belle Scott (bellebscott@gmail.com) or Susan Lampe (sslampe68@gmail.com) at Mayflower in advance to schedule your delivery time.
Other days and times can be arranged if necessary by contacting Susan or Belle.
Want to donate money instead? Donations earmarked for 'American House Closet' will be accepted by Beacon. Mail your check to:
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative,
2610 University Ave W, Suite 100,
St. Paul, MN 55114.
Thank you for your generous support as we assist people moving out of the encampment as they establish a new home! For more information on how Beacon is creating homes, sheltering families, and impacting policy, visit
www.beaconinterfaith.org/advocate
|
|
|
| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
|
Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
|
We will celebrate the life of member
Janice Archerd Anderson, wife of Larry Anderson, on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m.
There will be time for gathering and fellowship at 1 p.m., with a celebration of life at 2 p.m. in the Cummins Room.
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join Our Mailing List
Subscribe to
The Weekly Liberal
here.
Sign up to receive our weekly Children Youth & Family Ministries news
here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Church Office Hours
|
Sundays 9
a.m.-1 p.m.
Mondays-Thursdays 9
a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contact Us
|
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
