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March 5, 2020 | Vol. 7 No. 10
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Self Care, Community Care, and COVID-19
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Dear First Universalist Community,
As we read and watch news about the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has spread to multiple countries including the United States, many of us are experiencing worry and concern. Some of us live with weakened immunity, and we all know and love people in "at-risk" groups. These are understandably frightening times.
While there are no confirmed cases in Minnesota as of this writing on March 5, we want to assure you that First Universalist leadership is paying close attention to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the MN Department of Health (MDH). As a place where people gather regularly in community, we take seriously our responsibility to stay informed and to take precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if and when necessary.
The Minnesota Department of Health has these recommendations posted on their
website
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Based on what we know now about COVID-19 and what is known about its spread, MDH is not issuing a recommendation at this time to cancel community events such as concerts, parties, or church gatherings.
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As always, we recommend that people stay home when sick, cover their cough, and practice good hand hygiene.
Small acts of self care and community care, when done with attention and intention, are a form of spiritual practice. Covering my cough becomes a way of acknowledging the web of life that connects me to all, acknowledging that life is fragile and precious. Washing my hands offers a pause in a busy day, a moment devoted to safeguarding the health and wellness of my own body and the bodies of others, known and unknown, who share and cross my path. Signing up to prepare and deliver meals to church folks who are ill is a way to express my compassion and give life to our covenant. Smiling in greeting, rather than touching a hand, allows us to share a glance that says: We are connected. We depend on one another. What we do matters.
Church will continue to hold Sunday services, religious education classes, and regular groups and meetings in the building so long as public health officials do not recommend against it. When at church, you'll find hand sanitizer available around the building - please make use of it! There are dispensers mounted in the upper and lower hallways of the education wing, in the social hall, in the sanctuary, and in the lower narthex outside of each coat closet.
We will continue to monitor the situation and the guidelines provided by health professionals and will adjust or cancel activities if that should become necessary.
Regardless of what unfolds and which avenues of communication we use, we will stay connected. Your ministers, church staff and religious community are here and available to provide companionship, pastoral care and practical support.
Please feel free to reach out to one of us if you have concerns, needs, or questions.
In faith,
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Lauren Wyeth, and Arif Mamdani
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Sunday, March 8, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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Rev. Jen Crow |
"A Time for Everything"
Rev. Jen Crow
At First Universalist, we promise to give, receive, and grow together. Sometimes though, we don't have a whole lot to give. What does it mean to engage in the spiritual practice of receiving? How can we lean into the strength of community, trusting that there is more than enough to go around, trusting that we will be held, and that there is so much to learn by receiving? Please join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15.
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Spring Forward! Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday
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Don't forget to spring forward! Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend, on Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m. Remember to set your clocks ahead by one hour before bed on Saturday so that you're not late to church this Sunday morning!
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Sunday, March 15, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs
Sunday, March 22, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Jen Crow and the LaPointe family
Sunday, March 29, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
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"Mine, Mine, Mine" - Rev. Karen Hutt
"Building Hope"
- Rev. Meg Riley, Rev. Kate Tucker, & Keven Ambrus
"When Things Fall Apart"
- Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
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On the Sunday Service Podcast:
"Mine, Mine, Mine" with Rev. Karen Hutt
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Sermon summary and reflections by Liz Farmer:
Unitarian Universalists share many values, some doubts, and certainly important historical figures like Ethelred Brown. It can be easy to stay at an intellectual or even technological level when we are sharing: photos of our pets, rides across town, Yelp reviews - the list goes on in 2020! What else should UUs be sharing? And why do adults shy away from sharing authentically? Authentic means not sugarcoating or changing the depth of our challenges. It means sharing what's hard to tell. It means that it's from the heart. Rev. Karen leaves us with some homework: However you can, share a part of your story that you haven't told yet. Stories have and are power. When we share our truth with trusted others, we allow ourselves and those who have graciously received it to choose what comes next.
Listen here.
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Building Hope: Why I Give
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By Peter Kimball, First Universalist Member and Member of the 2020-21 Annual Giving Team
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Peter and his family, pictured here with their Nicaraguan "sibling" through the Youth Cultural Exchange program. |
Over ten years ago, my wife Laura and I moved to Minneapolis with our children Sophia, Ariana and Alex. In looking for a liberal faith community, we quickly saw that First Universalist was a good fit for us. From small groups to racial justice workshops to Sunday worship to religious education, we have gained much from our First Universalist experience.
The Religious Education program at First Universalist shines particularly bright for us. RE has provided a second home for our children, offering a place of love, friendship and acceptance while demanding in return an open mind and a commitment to each other. This fall, Sophia, our 15 year old, completed her journey with the Coming of Age program traveling with 28 other youth to Boston to learn about Unitarian Universalism's roots. Our 13 year old, Ari, is deeply immersed in Our Whole Lives (OWLs), a comprehensive sex education curriculum. Our 10 year old, Alex, is completing the fourth grade curriculum, which addresses tough issues, such as money, death and neurodiversity.
For Laura and me, the church's commitment to racial justice work has informed, inspired and challenged us. This important discussion on race is shaping how we go about our lives and how we do our work, in education and in law.
In many ways, First Universalist has given us much and now we want to give back. This is why we give.
- Peter Kimball
Our Annual Giving Drive - Feb. 23 through March 22 - is how the church checks in with the more than 800 households whose financial support accounts for about 80% of the church's annual budget of $1.6M.
This spring, we are asking our community, including our sustaining givers, to consider an increase to their giving as we head into a year of significant and exciting changes. Current supporters received information in the mail last week. Anyone who didn't receive a packet in the mail can pick one up in the narthex just outside of the sanctuary. Thank you - the work of this church would not be possible without the financial support of members and friends!
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UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
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Change Your Kitchen to Help the Climate
Saturday, March 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon
The Environmental Justice Team (EJT) invites you to join them in finding new ways to undertake the spiritual act of protecting the Earth. In this workshop, learn about r
educing your carbon footprint by adopting a plant rich diet and reducing food waste (smart planning to organics recycling).
Leaders:
Suzanne Sorensen (RD, nutrition counselor), Angela Wyatt (climate activist), and EJT members Betsy Allis and Susan Keller. Register here.
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Artist's Reception with Gordon Coons
Sunday, March 8, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
An exhibit of artwork by Gordon Coons is on view in the social hall through March 29. Gordon Coons paints in the Ojibwa Woodland style and creates fumage (smoke art) by burning cedar which he embellishes with 24-karat gold leaf, in addition to printing with linoleum block. There will be an artist's reception this Sunday after both services - please stop by the social hall to meet Gordon!
He will have additional smaller items for sale.
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Caregiver Support Circle (drop-in)
Thursday, March 12, 4-5:30 p.m., Room 203
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie leads a monthly group for caregivers where we can bring the joys, hurts, and discoveries of what it is to walk a spiritual path of caring for a loved one. This group meets next on
Thursday, March 12
from 4-5:30 p.m. No sign up needed; just drop in!
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Better Angels Skills Workshop
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m.-noon
In our current polarized political environment, many people avoid or dread political conversations with friends or family. In this Better Angels workshop, you will learn skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of the relationship.
Better Angels
is a national nonprofit that has developed and pioneered concrete, structured practices for dialogue across political divides.
Register here.
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Daytime Connections
Thursday, March 19, 10:45 a.m.
How can music and movement liven us up and put us in touch with our deepest feelings and most precious memories? Join us at Daytime Connections for a session of fun, rhythm, and a bit of singing. You'll even learn some neuroscience!
Arrive at 10:45 a.m. for sign in and coffee.
Program begins at 11 a.m. and is followed by lunch at 1 p.m.
Register here.
Through Daytime Connections, older adults empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives.
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Make Your Yard Work for the Climate
Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m.-noon
Learn practical tips to help your yard sequester carbon, nurture pollinators, and bring back native species, along with the science behind it. Bee lawns, native lawns, rain gardens; the Minnesota Lawns to Legumes initiative. Start planning for spring as you hear from experts and church members with experience.
Leaders:
Bob Dahm (owner of Organic Bob's), Jennifer Ehlert (landscape designer and project manager at MetroBlooms), and Environmental Justice team members Steve Merrill and Cheryl Ritenbaugh.
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Congregational Meeting: Presentation of Renovation Plans
Sunday, March 22, 12:45 p.m.
Please join us on Sunday, March 22 after the second service for an opportunity to view renovation plans, learn about what work will be completed in our building over the summer, and ask questions. The upcoming building renovations are being funded by our 2017 capital campaign Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future, which raised $4.5 million to improve our church's accessibility, hospitality, welcoming presence, and education & meeting spaces; allow us to address deferred maintenance; and improve the worship experience through enhancements to the sanctuary. If you need childcare, please submit a request no later than March 15: firstuniversalistchurch.org/childcare/
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Gathering in Gratitude
Wednesday, March 25, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for dinner, fellowship, and family-friendly fun in celebration of our community and in gratitude for your generosity and timely response to our annual giving campaign! Find details about this year's Annual Giving Drive here, make or increase your 2020-21 commitment by March 22, and then join us to celebrate! RSVP here.
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Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m.-noon
Feeling overwhelmed, distressed about climate change? Feeling the need to connect with other people in spiritual practices that build resilience and hope? Come, spend a morning with other congregants to share our gratitude and pain for the state of the planet, to open awareness to new perspectives, and to become more hopeful.
Facilitated by Environmental Justice team members Betsy Allis and Roberta Haskin.
Learn more and sign up here.
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Featured Weekly Stories of Our Church Elders
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Submitted by Hal Schroer
In last Sunday's sermon, Rev. Karen Hutt spoke eloquently about the importance of sharing our story. As Church elders, we strive to share our life experiences with each other and to pass our wisdom on to the next generations.
Theologian Richard Rohr once said "Wisdom is not the result of mental effort. It cannot be gained through intellectual study. Even life experiences do not make us wise if we don't process them humbly and consciously.
Wisdom is a way of being - a way of being whole and fully open to a knowing beyond rational thought alone. This is at the center of our authentic spirituality."
Daytime Connections is planning a "This is our Legacy" program for Thursday, May 7 to share our stories and to honor our nearly 100 storytellers. In the Social Hall for each of the next 10 weeks, we will be highlighting two of these stories to provide a sampling of this church resource.
Although all stories can generally be found in a binder in the library, check out the social hall exhibit each week to read the stories of: Barbara Kellett, Ben Cooper (March 1); Julie Howard, John Jensen (March 8); Kathy Urberg, Geoff Lenox (March 15); Pat Gottschalk, Tom Saterstrom (March 22); Marion Dane Bauer, Dick Rueter (March 29); Karin Wille, Dennis Haskin (April 5); Peggy Leppik, Dan Berg (April 12); Cathy Manning, Howard Hobbs (April 19); Kathy Coskran, David Bach (April 26); Becky Shockley, Stuart Hanson (May 3).
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Writing Postcards for Housing Change with Beacon
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Submitted by Autumn Huiras
Too many Minnesotans pay more than they can afford on housing, and many thousands cannot afford decent housing at all. We don't have to be researchers to know that decent housing greatly improves people's health, leads to greater safety, more success in education, increased employment opportunity, and much more. (Although the research on all this is plentiful.)
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, one of our Faithful Action partners, is asking us to speak out for change to the housing system, so it works for everyone. Beacon recently introduced groundbreaking legislation to fix Minnesota's housing system so that everyone who qualifies for housing assistance receives it. This seems so simple, but today,
only a tiny fraction of those who qualify for housing support receive it
. The legislation includes:
- Asking for 500 million in housing bonding money to help build affordable housing
- Legislation to increase funding for family supportive housing (housing for families that also provides on-site basic services like job search resources and health counseling)
- Legislation to create a state-wide MN rent subsidy so that all who qualify for help with rent receive it.
Postcards will be in pews during services on March 15. We are asking you to complete two postcards if possible - one for your MN Representative, and one for your MN Senator - in support of Beacon's proposed housing legislation. Write in your name and home address where indicated, and a 1-3 sentence message of support.
Completed postcards may be placed in either the offering basket, or into a basket just outside the sanctuary. Volunteers will use your address to look up and fill in your MN Representative or Senator and their address, so please write very legibly. We will affix a stamp and mail it.
I know this congregation of over 1,000 believes in racial justice, and in the worth and dignity of every single person; one of the many reasons I love our faith and congregation. We've been presented with an easy, simple way to flex our collective power to create an urgent community call (a firm demand!) for a housing system that works for everyone. Please join us in helping us bring housing justice to our beloved, interdependent community!
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Young Adults Lunch on Sunday, March 15
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Are you in your 20s or 30s? Join the First Universalist Young Adults group on March 15th for the next group lunch! Join us for lunch and conversation after the 11:15 a.m. service on the 3rd Sunday of every month. This is a casual "come when you can" social opportunity - no sign up required! We'll be gathering at the info desk in the Social Hall at the end of the second service, and then will be heading out around 12:45. Email Gordon Loery at gloery945@gmail.com with questions. Gordon can also be reached at 203-417-1981.
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Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
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Submitted by Ward Lyndall
OK Seniors - Winter is over! Time to dig out your hiking shoes and GET OUTSIDE!! At the next Seniors Hike on Thursday, March 26 at 10 a.m., we'll begin at the south beach of Lake Harriet; park along Lake Harriet Parkway as close to the beach as you can get. From there we'll explore along Minnehaha Creek, staying well above the water level. We'll swing by Shir Tikvah, which will be our summer worship home base. Downstream a few blocks, we'll cross the creek on the Bryant Ave. footbridge. From there we'll head west past Burroughs school and Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church to Morgan Ave and back to our parking place on Lake Harriet Parkway. The hike should be less than an hour and a half. In this part of South Minneapolis we have many lunch options including Broders, The Malt Shop, and several others. We'll be expecting YOU now that spring is here (well, almost). Call Ward at (612) 823-2385 with any questions or concerns.
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Spring Donations for Augsburg Fairview Academy
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We are now accepting spring clothing for the Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) Hope Clothing Closet (clothes should be teen appropriate, clean, and in good repair). Items needed for all genders are lighter weight jackets, hoodies, new socks, and casual pants suitable for work, and leggings for women. Toiletries and food items (snacks and single serve microwavable meals) are always needed for the Food Closet. Bring items to the Hub on Sundays or leave on the shelves marked AFA by the 34th St. entrance. The AFA Prom will be held again in our social hall on April 25; prom dresses and clothes will be accepted beginning Sunday, March 29 (please, no earlier as storage is an issue). Please bring prom dresses and clothes on hangers and hang in the coat closet on the south side of the narthex.
Thank you for your generosity!
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Leadership Position Applications Due Tuesday, March 17
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 The Nominating Committee is recruiting candidates for leadership positions on the Board of Trustees and the Nominating Committee for the 2020-2021 church year.
If you would consider serving on either of these bodies beginning in July 2020, please submit an
application
by Tuesday, March 17.
Member of the Board of Trustees: Trustees partner with the congregation and professional staff in shaping the vision and long-term goals of the church. They articulate these aspirations through policy and collaborate with the Senior Co-ministers to see they are fulfilled. A fuller description of the position is
here.
Member of Nominating Committee: Committee members screen and recommend candidates to the congregation for vacant positions on the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Nominating Committee. A fuller description of the position is
here.
Requirements: You must be a member in good standing of the church. Elections occur at the Annual Meeting on May 31.
Please consider applying or encouraging a fellow church member to apply for this important work.
Fill out the application form
here.
Applications are due by Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
If you have questions or would like more information, please ema
il
nomination@firstuniv.org or contact any Nominating Committee member: Janet Avery (Chair), Pat Gottschalk, Greg Hoelzer, Cathy Manning, Sharon Ramirez, or Jim Ramnaraine.
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Reimagining Reproductive Justice: Workshop with Erin Maye Quade and UnRestrict MN
Wednesday, March 25 , 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Former candidate for lieutenant governor and all around rock-star
Erin Maye Quade will be joining Kaleo Center for its
March KaleoExpress workshop to talk about what we can do to take reproductive justice back in our state. Along with an amazing group of organizers and community members, Erin has been helping to lead the
UnRestrict MN campaign - a statewide public engagement campaign created to ensure that all of us have access to the reproductive health care we need.
Free and open to all. More detailed information can be found here. Register here.
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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
We encourage you to submit news!
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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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