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September 26, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 39
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The Valuable Things We've Learned Exploring Co-Location
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Rev. Jen Crow |
This past year has been spent in deep discernment about the possibility of co-locating with Shir Tikvah at 3400 Dupont. It's been a year of inspiration, as we considered a bold move toward deep interfaith partnership, mutual congregational support in a challenging time for spiritual progressives, and greater environmental stewardship. Dozens of lay leaders and staff offered their expertise and time to research examples of successful co-location efforts, develop legal and financial models, facilitate congregation-wide communication and feedback opportunities, collaborate with our architects on building plans, and explore parking options.
This summer, we commissioned a co-location study from the architecture firm, Miller Dunwiddie, to establish our building's capacity, condition, re-use and program possibilities. We also asked the architects to provide us with firmer, contractor-estimated costs. We split the cost of this contract with Shir Tikvah, each paying $33,250 toward the $66,500 total.
At the end of the summer, it was clear that several challenges existed with co-location. Our congregation had expressed significant concern about co-location drawing us away from our mission, especially our racial justice efforts. Many were concerned about the complexity of two growing congregations sharing a building. We worried about the impact on the neighborhood and more difficulty with parking. Some worried that co-location was an idea being pushed through by our clergy without enough congregational input. A risk of congregational division was beginning to emerge.
When the architects completed their feasibility study at the end of the summer, another clear challenge emerged. The cost of creating the building we had dreamed about with Shir Tikvah came back much higher than either congregation anticipated. The design that did fall within our joint budget did not provide either congregation with enough of what they needed to proceed. With all of these challenges clearly laid out before us, the leadership of both congregations unanimously concluded that it was time to end the discernment period around co-location and proceed independently.
Throughout this process, we have learned a tremendous amount about our congregation, our leadership, and our building - all of which will be invaluable as we proceed with our own building project. Here are just a few of the things we learned:
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This congregation values a bold vision. Living into our vision of a racially just world matters to us and guides our decision-making.
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It takes courage to pause, to explore, and to make clear decisions.
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We yearn for deep relationships, and want to be allies and accomplices of those who are experiencing persecution and oppression.
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There is only one really good solution to our parking issues - and that is ride sharing.
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However rich our spiritual lives may be, we have real financial constraints.
We have learned and continue to learn so much from this co-location exploration effort. Thank you for engaging thoughtfully in this discernment with us - for showing up at congregational meetings and information sessions, for sharing your time and expertise, for making your voices heard as we came to this decision, together.
Going forward, we have great confidence in our ability to work with our architects, within our budget, to make changes to our building that fulfill the original promises of our capital campaign -
Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future
- focused on greater accessibility and hospitality, improved worship and religious education experiences, and tending to deferred maintenance.
Yours in gratitude,
Rev. Jen
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Sunday, Sept. 29, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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Rev. Karen Hutt |
"An Open Door"
Rev. Karen Hutt
This Sunday: a "Why Church?" case study by the Rev. Karen Hutt! Come journey back in time and hear a story about how a UU church was founded to serve the needs of those who wanted church, but were denied.
Join us on Sunday at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m. as we continue to explore "Why church?"
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On the Podcast: "Transmogrify(ing) Church"
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Sermon summary & reflections by Liz Farmer:
 Presto change-o! Bibbity-bobbity-boo!
Riddikulus!
As a culture, we are obsessed with change: We fear it, yet crave it. Politicians get elected promising it. Entire phrases of gibberish have been invented to invoke it. What if I told you that any old cardboard box could instantly produce the change you were looking for - in the world and in yourself?
Enter... the transmogrifier! As Calvin (from the classic Bill Waterson comic) explains above, you just set the dials and off you go! The first obvious question is: What would you put in the transmogrifier? Maybe you'd throw in global climate change, your judgments, or drivers who can't zipper merge. In his sermon, Arif Mamdani suggests homelessness, toxic masculinity, and racism, and sets the dial to comfortable
housing for all, nurturance, and a beloved community for the reconciliation of all our identities.
A less obvious question is: do you realize you already have access to a transmogrifier? Learn where to find it by listening to Arif's Sept. 22 sermon
here
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Sunday, Oct. 6, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Mental Health Sunday
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Music: First Universalist Choir
Sunday, Oct. 13, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Jen Crow
Music: Soul Band
Sunday, Oct. 20, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Arif Mamdani
Music: First Universalist Choir
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Sept. 22, 2019
"Transmogrify(ing) Church"
Arif Mamdani
Sept. 15, 2019
"Joining Our Wildernesses"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Sept. 8, 2019
"Daring to Be Human Together"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
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Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-noon
12-Step Spirituality meets one Saturday per month (Oct.-May) in the Social Hall and is designed for those actively working a 12 Step program, as well as those wanting to explore & deepen their spirituality through meditation. Each session includes Centering Prayer meditation instruction, two 20-minute Centering Prayer sessions, reading from 12 Step literature, and presenters sharing personal experiences and on selected topics. No registration necessary.
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Sundays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 12:30-2 p.m.
If you're relatively new to First Universalist, we invite you to join a Newcomer Circle! These four-session gatherings of 6-10 newcomers offer a chance to get to know Unitarian Universalism, reflect on our spiritual journeys, and connect with other folks who are new to church.
The next Newcomer Circle is offered on
Sundays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 12:30-2 p.m.
, and will be led by George Dow. Sign up here.
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Sundays, Oct. 6 & 20, 1-3 p.m.
If First Universalist is feeling like your spiritual home, please join us for this new member class!
Joining First Universalist is a symbolic, spiritual act of saying "yes" to growing your soul in this place, with these people, within our free faith tradition. This new member class is a great chance to build community, explore Unitarian Universalism and our church's unique history, and learn how to get involved. In the final session, participants are invited to sign the membership book and officially join the congregation.
This two-part class is next offered on:
Sundays, Oct. 6 & 20, 1-3 p.m.
Register here.
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Thursday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.
Through Daytime Connections, older adults empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives. Let's discuss strategies families can use to decide how personal items - wedding photos, holiday decorations, fishing tackle - get passed on to other members of the family. Often it is the non-titled possessions that cause rifts. Having plans in place for those items can help maintain family relations. The University of Minnesota developed a workbook called Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate? that we will use as our guide.
Program at 11 a.m., lunch at 1 p.m. ($5-15 donation encouraged). Please register
HERE
or by calling 612-825-1701.
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Ushering at Church: Small Time Commitment, Big Impact
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 Do you find yourself asking how to serve our faith community with a busy schedule? Do you want to meet more people at First Universalist and expand your circle of friends? Do you wish you could make a difference at church? Ushering may be your ticket!
Ushering at our worship services is a small time commitment with a big impact. We need folks to hand out orders of service, prepare the chancel, take up the offering, and greet people. Please contact Karen Larson at karentischlerlarson@gmail.com, and start making a difference now. Ushering is easy, fun and so important!
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David Roth in Concert on October 6
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Submitted by Cheryl Ritenbaugh
In these chaotic times, have you been looking for a musical connection, wondering where is the music for the 21st century, like the music of Pete Seeger and Peter Paul and Mary in the mid-20th century? An answer to that search may be at hand.
Join us in welcoming David Roth, modern troubadour, to First Universalist on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. in the Cummins Room. He'll be bringing us his tender-hearted songs of peace, social justice, and caring for the earth. He is an amazing musician and prolific songwriter, with a gentle sense of humor. His songs have found their way to Carnegie Hall and Peter Paul and Mary performances, among other places.
First Universalist member Cheryl Ritenbaugh encountered him on the Oregon Coast and was deeply moved by his music. When she heard he was coming to Minnesota, she jumped at the chance to bring him to First Universalist and share him with us. The Environmental Justice Team and Peace Circle are sponsoring his first appearance in Minneapolis. Read more about him in the posters around the church and join us in welcoming him. Donations will be welcomed ($20 suggested). Come at 3:30 p.m. to share refreshments, then join us for an uplifting and authentic performance.
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Join Us as We Explore 12-Step Spirituality
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Submitted by Dick Young
My name is Dick Young, a member of First Universalist Church, and I am one of the members of a 12 step spirituality team. We have a team of 8 and we are all open to all people, especially 12-step people who want to go deeper with their spirituality. Our team has people experienced in AA, Al-Anon, ACOA, Coda, OA and more. We focus on the 11th step, (Sought through prayer and meditation ....) of the 12 step program, teach meditation, do meditation, have 2 talks and then break into small groups. These monthly workshops start on the first Saturday of October and they go from 9 a.m. to noon.
We have been doing these workshops for over 8 years now and there is nothing like being in a group in silence to find out who you are. Lives have been totally transformed from practicing Centering Prayer Meditation which is the primary form of meditation that we use. We also have taught Buddhist and Hindu meditation. The workshop explores our higher power and/ or the God of your understanding. The 2 talks are based on our journeys in our respective 12 step programs as we work with the other 11 steps. Visit 12stepspirituality.org for more information and to listen to past talks.
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Updated: Augsburg Fairview Academy Donation Needs
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During the school year, we collect donations for the Food and Clothing Closets
at Augsburg Fairview Academy.
Bring items to the Info Center in the Social Hall on Sunday or leave on the shelves for AFA by the 34th St. entrance. Thank you for the donations of school supplies and clothing; we are now focusing on food items, toiletries, and men's underwear.
Desired items include: men's underwear and socks, (all sizes including L and XL); food items including microwavable single serving meals, fruit cups, and granola bars; men's and woman's deodorant; toothpaste and tooth brushes; and regular size shampoo and conditioner.
Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) is a public charter high school which serves a diverse student body; most come from low income backgrounds and many have been homeless or marginally housed. AFA is a long-standing First Universalist community partner; we stock the Hope Clothing and Food Closets to provide support to these determined students. AFA is our neighbor, located on 25th and Columbus Ave. South, just two miles from Church.
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2019-2020 Circle Suppers: Kickoff Potluck is Nov. 2
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Welcome to Circle Suppers if you're looking for a way to get to know other folks in our church! These intimate gatherings are a recipe for good food and conversation while enjoying the camaraderie of other First Universalist members. They've been going on for 40 years! We meet in each other's homes for dinner on the first Saturday of each month from December to March. Participants are asked to host one time. These are adults only gatherings for couples and singles.
Dinners are potluck, hosts provide the main entre.
Kick-Off Potluck/Happy Hour: Saturday, Nov. 2
Circle Suppers: Saturdays, Dec. 7, Jan. 4, Feb. 1 and March 7
To sign up/ask questions, contact church member / Circle Supper coordinator Colleen Cavell at cavell.colleen@gmail.com or 612-323-4486.
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Association of Universalist Women Fall Kick-Off Event
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 Fall is around the corner and the Association of Universalist Women's (AUW) Fall Kickoff will be on Saturday, Sept. 28 in the Social Hall at First Universalist. The AUW Board has planned a tasty, fun, social, and energizing evening for you.
Gather at 5 p.m. to check in, reconnect, and pay annual membership dues. There will be a catered meal, a preview of fall activities, and dancing led by Kairos Alive! dance organization.
Dinner is complimentary for those who pay AUW membership dues on or before 9/28. Cost for dinner is $10 for non-members. You can pay your membership dues at the Fall Kickoff or online with a credit card on the AUW website after 9/28.
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Women's Ritual Circle: Open Rituals this Fall
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Women (cis, trans, or otherwise) interested in earth-based and pagan spirituality are invited to the upcoming open rituals of the Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle. The circle is open to newcomers on Saturday, Sept. 28 (Cummins Room); Sunday, Oct.13 (Cummins Room); and Sunday, Oct. 27 (Cummins Room). For women who choose to join, there will be a commitment ritual on Tuesday, Nov. 12 in Classroom 202, after which the circle will close to new members until next fall. Ritual begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. Contact Beth at belovedporcupine@gmail.com for more 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 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
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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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