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September 6, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 36
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Staying Oriented in Challenging Times
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Rev. Justin Schroeder |
What is your North Star? What values guide you during difficult, unsettling times? What spiritual practices help you stay grounded when life churns with discomfort, uncertainty, and change?
We are living in tumultuous times; you read the headlines: because of human related carbon emissions, weather patterns are changing, ice is melting, storms are intensifying. Our democracy feels imperiled, as the United States of America seems to lurch and stagger about on the world stage, our moral compass confused and spinning. These are anxious, stress-filled times, and it is easy to fall into a reactive, defensive posture.
Which is why, in times like these, we need communities of hope, resistance, and vision. We need communities of faith, places that sustain our spirits, inspire us to act on the values we profess, and remind us that we are not alone. We need communities like First Universalist, places that shape us, and call us to welcome one another, to listen to voices at the margins, to work for justice, and to let hope and possibility, not fear, be our guide.
These are the reminders we so often need. And this is what our intergenerational Water Communion/Homecoming Service is about this Sunday (at 9:30 and 11:15). During our worship service,
we will sing, pray, and gather and merge the waters from the sacred and special places in our lives, as we reconnect with the power and promise of our faith, as we collectively name our North Stars, and the values that guide and sustain us.
Yes, these are troubling times; alone, change seems impossible. But together, in the Universalist Spirit of Love and Hope, we can shape change, in partnership with many others, as we build a more racially just and sustainable world.
We hope to see each and every one of you this Sunday, as we begin the church year together.
In faith,
Rev. Justin
P.S. Don't forget to bring a small amount of water from a sacred or special place in your life. And you are welcome to bring water that represents your sacred or special place.
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Return to Two Services this Sunday: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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Sunday, Sept. 9 at 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Water Communion Sunday
"Here. Now. Start."
Rev. Justin Schroeder
This Sunday, we return to two services and begin the new church year with our annual multigenerational Water Communion service.
Every time we gather for worship, we begin anew. We set intentions for the week and for our lives. We chart the course we hope to travel, as we become the people we long to be. During the week and during our lives, there is much that distracts, snags us, pulls us off course. Church and worship are a time to course correct.
On this intergenerational Water Communion/Homecoming Sunday, we will gather and merge the Waters from sacred places, as we reconnect with the story and power of this life-sustaining and life-giving resource. We will begin a new church year together. We will begin again in love.
Please bring a small jar of water from your home, your travels, your walks - any place that is sacred to you - for the Water Communion ritual and join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.
We'll enjoy music by the First Universalist Choir and Soul Band in worship this Sunday.
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| Soul Band Makes Its Debut in Worship this Sunday |
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The Soul Band rehearsing earlier this week.
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This Sunday, the newly-formed Soul Band will make its debut in worship! This group, assembled by Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, will accompany and inspire us in worship four or five times over this coming church year.
Led by Dean Magraw on guitar, the band includes our very own Franco Holder on piano, plus Twin Cities jazz musicians Miguel Hurtado on drums and Ted Olsen on upright bass. Rev. Ruth MacKenzie will be adding her beautiful voice into the mix this Sunday.
The Soul Band will accompany our hymns and the First Universalist Choir on this Water Communion Sunday. Musical selections have been made around the theme of water and the deep interconnection we have with one another and the earth, including Wade in the Water, Let the River Run (Carly Simon) and Shambala (Three Dog Night).
You're in for a TREAT in worship this Sunday!
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September Worship Theme:
Here...Now...Start
In the Buddhist tradition there is a concept called "maitri." Buddhist nun and writer Pema Chödrön calls it the basis of compassion and the seed of joy. Maitri is a sanskrit word meaning an unconditional friendship with oneself. We spend so much of our time wishing we were someplace other than where we are, wishing we were something other than what we are. What if we made a steadfast commitment to be in friendship with where, what, and how we are, right now? When we are not so preoccupied with getting rid of our "bad" traits, or denigrating our ways of being, perhaps we would be able to see our defense mechanisms more clearly, or the ways in which our negative beliefs about ourselves manifest in our lives. Perhaps, we would also see our wisdom, our bravery and our kindness. What if we said: "Here is where we are. Now is what we have. This is how we start."
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Sunday, Sept. 16, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Jen Crow
Worship Associate: Taylor Putz
First day of Religious Education
Recent Sermon Podcasts
September 2, 2018
"Seen and Heard"
Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer
August 26, 2018
"Finding Sanctuary"
Backpack Blessing Sunday
Rev. Jen Crow
August 19, 2018
"Emerging Gracefully"
Andrea Johnson
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Immigration Court Observer Info Session
Sunday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m.
The Advocates for Human Rights and the Immigrant Law Center at the University of Minnesota are seeking volunteers. Their Immigration Court Observer program adds transparency and tracks trends of those detained by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The detainees sit before Immigration Judges at the Whipple Federal Building four days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us as we grow the First Universalist Court Observers program. There are four "shifts" each court date lasting 1.5 hours, with two observers at each shift. You can volunteer to attend once, or weekly, or on a flexible basis. No immigration or legal experience is required. To learn more, join us for an information session this Sunday.
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Open Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, Sept. 13, 6:30-8 p.m.
Each month from September through May, we offer an Open Labyrinth Walk in the social hall from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. You are welcome to arrive any time between 6:30 and 8 p.m., depending on how long you wish to be on the Labyrinth. 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.
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| International Peace Educator Paul K. Chappell to Speak at First Universalist in Late September |
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West Point graduate, Iraq War veteran, and
former army
captain turned peace activist Paul K. Chappell believes strongly that peace is possible. This renowned author and international peace educator has the ability to inspire genuine hope, teaching skills that people can use to take action for peace.
The First Universalist Peace Circle is delighted to welcome Paul K. Chappell as the featured speaker at its 2nd Annual Elling Peace Forum this September! Chappell will speak on peace literacy and racial justice at two free events the evenings of Sept. 27 and 30, and will teach a one-day workshop on Sept. 29. These events are can't-miss opportunities for anyone interested in peace, social justice, and hope for progress in these challenging times.
Waging Peace: Building Blocks in the Foundation for Peace
Thursday, Sept. 27, 7-9 p.m.
Paul K. Chappell will introduce the concept of Peace Literacy over the course of a two-hour forum. Peace Literacy is a new paradigm for gaining a deep and practical understanding of extremism, trauma, and the nature of human happiness. To solve our national and global problems of the 21st century and beyond, we need a realistic and pragmatic model of the human condition that helps us understand our human needs and the tangles of trauma.
Sunday, Sept. 30, 7-9 p.m.
Growing up a racial outcast in Alabama, the son of a half black and half white father and a Korean mother, Paul has worked through the trauma of racism & mistrust to hold a new vision for Racial Justice, which he'll share at this forum. He will also discuss technology's past, present, and future relationship with racism and racial justice, with an emphasis on emerging technologies.
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JUST ANNOUNCED:
"A New Peace Paradigm: Our Human Needs and the
Tangles of Trauma" Workshop with Paul K. Chappell
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Join us for a one day workshop on Saturday, Sept. 29 (8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) with
international
peace educator Paul K. Chappell that will delve further into his concept of
Peace Literacy
by examining our human needs, trauma, aggression, and technology as they all relate to his vision of a new paradigm for peace.
In this workshop, Paul will examine the nature of aggression amongst humans, questioning the mythology around it, and exploring skills for managing aggression.
Participants will learn to understand our basic human needs in a different way - not as physical needs, but as psychological needs such as belonging and having a sense of purpose and meaning.
This workshop will also examine technology's role in our lives today. The modernization of technology has offered humans new ways to interact, play, and learn - but it has also introduced additional, sometimes anonymous, ways for people to channel their aggression. Paul emphasizes that we need to be educated about technology in order to live peacefully in our technologically complex world, and will share with participants an ethical and conceptual framework for responsible use of emerging technologies.
The cost for the workshop is $40 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and a copy of one of Paul's books. A limited number of student scholarship tickets are available for $20.
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The new church year is almost here and ushers are needed for Sunday services!
Ushering at First Universalist is a great way to meet others and help create a welcoming Sunday worship environment where people can connect, reflect and become inspired.
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| Share the Bounty: Feed the Hungry! |
It's peak time to be harvesting veggies from our gardens... and time to share!
Every fall we do a fresh vegetable collection at First Universalist for Joyce Food Shelf. On Sunday, Sept. 9, there will be empty baskets on the front steps of the church to be filled for delivery to Joyce Food Shelf on Monday morning. Our goal this year is to collect 200 pounds of fresh produce. You should see the smiles on the faces of the volunteers at the food shelf when they see the freshness of the vegetables! If you don't have a garden, Kingfield Farmer's Market is open on Sundays, and is located between 42nd and 43rd on Nicollet; a fun market to visit to shop for locally grown veggies and support local farmers. Volunteers will be on the front steps of the church from 9 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.
Let's fill those baskets and help feed our hungry neighbors.
Thank you for your kindness.
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| Fall Circle Registration Opens Tuesday |
One of the core spiritual practices of this community takes place in circles: groups of 8-10 committed participants who gather to reflect on their lives and contemplate our worship themes. Circle offerings this fall include 3-month and year-long Soul Matters Circles, Newcomer Circles, and a variety of Spiritual Deepening Circles. New this year is Beloved Conversations, a small group
curriculum for exploring the role of race/ethnicity in individual and congregational lives
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Descriptions, schedules, and registration will be available online beginning this Tuesday, Sept. 11 at firstucircles.weebly.com and registration will be open through Tuesday, Sept. 25.
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| ¡Hola Cuba!, Exhibit of Photos by Photojournalist Barbara La Valleur, On View in Social Hall |
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¡Hola, Cuba! is an exhibit featuring 60 photographs by international photojournalist Barbara La Valleur, on view in the Social Hall Sept. 2 through Oct. 14. There will be an Artist's Reception on Sunday, Sept. 16, from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Barbara La Valleur |
La Valleur culled her favorite photos for the exhibit from over 5,000, taken in early 2018, depicting Cuban people, places and scenes in Havana and Matanzas, a city on the north coast known for its poets, culture, and Afro-Cuban folklore.
In a colorful series of canvas prints, ubiquitous American cars from the 1950s and 1960s that serve as today's Havana taxis are highlighted next to a grouping of clothesline photographs hung cleverly on an actual clothesline.
Fidel Castro images are featured on a billboard as well as a striking image juxtaposed with a José Martí portrait. A sampling of images of Cuban people provides a window into the daily lives of the people on this Caribbean island.
La Valleur, a native of Ashby and Battle Lake, was the first person to major in Mass Communications at Minnesota State University, Moorhead. She worked at The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, Carib Magazine in the US Virgin Islands, the Daily News of Wahpeton-Breckenridge before moving to Europe for 20 years. She lived in England for over two years before moving to Germany for 18 years where she also freelanced full-time for seven German newspapers. She currently lives in Edina with her husband.
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| Donations Welcome for Augsburg Fairview Academy |
First Universalist is beginning our 7th year of community partnership with Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA). Young adults from diverse communities who face educational barriers to achievement are welcomed into AFA, a charter school that prepares them for college, career and life. AFA provides an intense program of rigorous study in a teen- and family-friendly atmosphere. Dedicated, talented staff use positive, strength-based approaches to help them succeed.
The 125+ students come from diverse backgrounds including African American, Somali, and Native American. Many are homeless or marginally housed during the school year. Here's how you can help:
We will start our fall donations for the Hope Food and Clothing Closets with:
- Toiletries: men and women's deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, ethnic hair products, sanitary products.
- Microwavable single serving dinners
- Backpacks (black or dark colors preferred)
- Fall teen clothing - hoodies, jeans, fall jackets (clothing in good repair, clean, and teen appropriate)
- School Supplies: 3 ring notebooks, pocket folders, pens and pencils
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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Choir Members Share Why They Love Choir!
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The First Universalist Choir welcomes new members as we start the church year! The choir is open to anyone who has a love for singing and wishes to participate in this ensemble during worship services.
The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. and sings in worship two times a month. Rehearsals have just begun. Email randy@firstuniv.org for more information.
Here's what choir members have to say about why they sing in the choir:
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Dick and Ray singing with the choir - at their recent wedding! |
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We will never stop singing in the choir because it moves us, it brings us closer to each other and to our choir friends, and we love contributing to the worship experience of the Sunday service. It's not just the words and the notes, you see, it's the meanings and emotions and the breathing together." -
Ray Dillon and Dick Rueter
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I sing in the First Universalist choir because it is a pleasure to do so. The choir is a congenial group, Randy Buikema is a gifted and fun director, and it is meaningful to participate in the service. It's satisfying, sometimes thrilling, to perform a piece of music that at first looked daunting. Randy is masterful at working with a mixed group of singers, some very experienced and others, like me, with limited choral experience. He invites all of us to develop our singing and to connect with one another." -
Susan Schultz
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Look What UUs Have Done with the Sun: A Solar Garden!
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Our Environmental Justice Team will celebrate the just-opened UU Community Solar Garden near Clearwater, MN, with a group visit on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m.
Join us on the bus leaving from the First Universalist's parking lot at 2 p.m.
More than 100 UU households from First Universalist Church, First Unitarian Society, and Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship have subscribed to become a member of this 25-acre solar garden.
Meet management staff from Cypress Creek Renewables and CleanChoice Energy, the Garden owners, J. Drake Hamilton of Fresh Energy, and Kelli Clement, FUS Social Justice Minister. Local elected officials have also been invited. Don't miss the opportunity to see what UUs have done to increase support for renewable energy and the low-carbon economy while fighting climate change and reducing our electric bills. Opportunities to join a Community Solar Garden will also be available. RSVP with the number of people in your party who wish to ride the bus (capacity 50) to
elwood39@gmail.com.
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Beacon Congregational Convening: Sept. 13
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The 80+ congregations which make up Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative will come together Thursday, Sept. 13, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in Edina for the fourth Congregational Convening, and you're invited!
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative is one of our Faithful Action Community Partners and the organization behind Families Moving Forward.
Congregational Convenings are learning and advocacy events. We will learn and provide input as Beacon outlines its current campaigns and upcoming actions to help end homelessness and increase affordable housing in Minnesota, focusing on the metro area.
Notably, Beacon recently announced a campaign to establish a new funding source in Minnesota that would provide families with rental subsidies so they can
afford
housing. It's an aggressive but doable goal, and will be a main focus of the Convening.
We're hoping to bring 15 folks from First Universalist to the Convening. Please consider attending this 1.5 hour event to help make our congregational voice heard on this issue!
We will have a First Universalist table reserved at the Convening. If you are interested and able to attend, please register
here.
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Women's Ritual Circle Open to Newcomers 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. This circle is open to newcomers on Sunday, Sept. 9 (Cummins Room); Monday, Sept. 24 (Classroom 200); Monday, Oct. 8 (Classroom 200); and Wednesday, Oct. 24 (Classroom 200). For women who choose to join, there will be a commitment ritual on Wednesday, Nov. 7 in Classroom 200, 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. Additional details are available on our website. |
| 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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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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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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