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February 13, 2020 | Vol. 7 No. 7
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Yes, It's Really Happening!
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There's a growing realization accompanied by excitement that's been rippling through our community these past few weeks: the time to renovate is really almost here! As design development for renovations, funded by our 2017 capital campaign, continues to move forward, we wanted to share a few more things we know about the work on our building that will take place this summer.
The Religious Education wing, where our classrooms and offices are, will be thoroughly renovated, refreshing and rearranging the spaces to best meet our needs. Reallocating spaces in this wing will allow us to create classrooms that are appropriately sized for each age and grade in our Religious Education program, and which will also serve as more comfortable and welcoming spaces for adult programming and meetings. There will be fully renovated restrooms on both floors.
For the first time since we became a Sanctuary Congregation more than two years ago, we will also have a living space designed to house individuals and families at risk of deportation. In order for this work to happen, the Religious Education wing will be closed for construction May 18 through mid-September, re-opening in time for the start of the 2020-2021 Religious Education year.
Improvements to the sanctuary will include: new carpet, fresh paint, improved lighting, an accessible chancel, cutouts in the pews for more accessible seating, upgraded A/V, and a hearing loop - all things that will make the sanctuary feel more welcoming and be more accessible. The sanctuary side of the building will be closed for construction June 1 through early September, re-opening in time for Water Communion on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Many other practical and values-aligned improvements will also be included as part of the renovations. We'll be building with LEED standards and our environmental stewardship goals in mind, we'll create a new, central, accessible entrance,
leaking roofs will be fixed, and
we'll be able to make other critical repairs and upgrades including HVAC.
Please join us for a congregational meeting on Sunday, March 22 after the second service for an opportunity to learn about the work in more detail, view plans, and ask questions.
And yes, there will be church this summer! We will be moving worship, summer Religious Education, and office/operations offsite during this time - we are still working out details but should be able to share that information soon. Those who are leaders of groups and chairs of committees that regularly meet at church can expect to hear from Lucia Webb, our events coordinator, in the coming weeks. She'll have information and guidance about room availability as we get closer to renovations, alternative meeting spaces, and storage of items.
There will also be preparation work. By the end of this month, we expect to have a series of volunteer dates and projects that you can sign up to help with. March, April, and May will be busy and exciting months as we prepare to realize the vision we laid out when we launched our capital campaign, Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future, three years ago.
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Rev. Ruth MacKenzie |
Sunday, Feb. 16, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"When Things Fall Apart"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
At the heart of despair is a sense of alienation and meaninglessness. What is the alternative to despair when the flames of hate are fanned, when ecological realities are ignored, and suffering deepens? What are the practices of hope and transformation we can learn from each other? How do we lift our gaze and act for the future? How do we participate in hope that is real and faith that is relevant? This Sunday, join us at 9:30 or 11:15 as we explore the place of Universalism in the ongoing cycle of things falling apart and coming back together.
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Sunday, Feb. 23, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Kate Tucker, Rev. Meg Riley
Sunday, March 1, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Karen Hutt
Sunday, March 8, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Jen Crow
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"Got Idolatry?"
- Arif Mamdani
"Surviving the Wilderness" -
Eric Ward
"Living in the Layers"
- Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
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On the 2/9 Sunday Podcast:
"Got Idolatry?" - Arif Mamdani
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Sermon Summary & Reflections by Liz Farmer
Idolatry can be a heavy topic, theologically and spiritually. But could it also be playful? Fun, even? (Hear me out.) It's likely that many of our ideas about God(s) have been built up by humans, and much of what we idolize is not Godly. And, if we unpack some of our collective baggage, we might start to make real what we long for in our hearts. On this week's podcast, Arif Mamdani and Pastor Stephanie Vos invite us through story and inquiry to drop inadequate ideas about God in order to imagine and play in the possibility of the "the God you would like to believe in." Listen to the Sunday service podcast here.
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UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
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12-Step Spirituality
Saturday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m.-noon
12-Step Spirituality is designed for those actively working a 12 Step program, as well as those wanting to explore & deepen their spirituality through meditation.
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Sunday, Feb. 16, 12:45 p.m.
Are you in your 20s or 30s? Join the First Universalist Young Adults group for lunch and conversation on the 3rd Sunday of every month. The group gathers next to the info desk in the Social Hall after the second service, and leaves for a nearby lunch spot around 12:45 p.m. Email Gordon Loery at
gloery945@gmail.com with questions.
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"Prepare to Take Direct Political Action for the Climate" EJT Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7-9 p.m.
One week before the 2020 caucuses, join a discussion of tactics and a wide variety of climate resolutions: 100% Campaign, Green New Deal, Carbon Fee and Dividend, ISAIAH. Learn the nuts and bolts of precinct caucus actions and holding representatives accountable. Leaders: Mark Bohnhorst (EJT, MNIPL activist), Alix Dvorak (EJT, Climate Reality Project Ambassador), Susan Keller (EJT, member of Isaiah), Rick Gravrok (EJT, climate activist) Register here.
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Daytime Connections: Nutrition
Thursday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m.
Have you tried to get the most out of your personal nutrition but feel frustrated? Are you looking for tips to stay a healthy eater? Join Daytime Connections on Thursday, Feb. 20 beginning at 10:45 a.m. for a presentation by a registered dietitian from Lifesp*rk on healthy nutrition. Presentation will include fun facts, games and fun knowledge for all. Lunch follows at 1 p.m. Please register using this form.
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Pathway to Membership Class
Thursdays, Feb. 20 & 27, 6-8 p.m.
Is First Universalist feeling like your spiritual home? Join us for our next Pathway to Membership class to explore Unitarian Universalism, the history and mission of this congregation, and the experience of membership. Participants are invited to share and reflect on their own spiritual journeys and values. We ask that all those who wish to become members take this class. We'd love to welcome you as a new member! Register here.
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Better Angels Skills Workshop
Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m.-noon
In our current polarized political environment, many people avoid or even dread political conversations with friends or family members whose politics differ from their own. In this interactive 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. Sponsored by the First Universalist Church Peace Circle. Also offered March 14. Register here.
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Gender: Beyond the Binary (class)
Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m.-noon
Some people fit into their assigned female or male role easily, others struggle, and a courageous few refuse the assignment. There are two choices at birth, female or male. But could there be more, possibly a constellation of gender options? What might a gender continuum look like?
In this class, led by Forrest Mainville, we'll gather to define gender and discuss ways our birth assignment has impacted us. There will be opportunities to ask questions and share personal stories.
Register here.
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The Condor & The Eagle (film)
Sunday, March 1, 1-2:30 p.m.
Four Indigenous environmental leaders embark on an extraordinary trans-continental adventure from the Boreal forest to deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle to unite the peoples of North and South America and deepen the meaning of "Climate Justice." "The Condor & The Eagle" offers a glimpse into a developing spiritual renaissance as the four protagonists learn from each other's long legacy of resistance to colonialism and its extractive economy.
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Nominating Committee Recruiting
Candidates for Leadership Positions
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The Nominating Committee is now recruiting candidates for leadership positions on the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Nominating Committee for the 2020-2021 church year. It's an exciting and important time to serve as we continue to build on the positive energy of our congregation! Serving on one of these bodies enables you to represent other church members to ensure that the church moves forward in step with congregational wishes. Members have unique opportunities to collaborate with our ministers and other lay leaders to advance the church's mission!
Below are brief descriptions of the different positions:
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 First Universalist Foundation Board: Board members serve as stewards of the Foundation endowment. The solicit grant applications, review applications, and select grantees to be awarded funding. 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 either nominating yourself 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.
Thanks for your attention to this opportunity to serve this congregation!
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Final Sunday: "Karibu Tanzania" Mosaic Exhibit
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 This Sunday is the last day to view "Karibu Tanzania" in the Social Hall. The exhibit by Debbie Cash is a collection of mosaic art pieces and photos featuring animals, people, and landscapes encountered during two trips to Tanzania, in 2016 and 2018.
If you haven't had the chance to view Debbie's work, please stop by the social hall before or after services this Sunday!
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Rev. Barbara Kellett Retiring from Ministry
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Rev. Barbara Kellett was ordained by First Universalist Church in 2002 and remained in affiliation throughout her career in ministry. Her community ministry took form in a wide variety of ways. She is grateful for your support of her work. Now at the tender age of 75, Barbara is announcing her full retirement from ministry.
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From the "We Got This" Department
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A Note from Arif Mamdani:
Hey First Universalist - you all have been particularly amazing these last several weeks in coming forward to help out in the many ways help has been needed, and I'm landing in your inbox today to let you know that there's another way we could use some assistance:
Aj Williams, who staffs the reception desk evenings during the week and on Sundays, is going to be out a few Sundays, and we would LOVE if a few of you were willing to jump in and work a shift at the desk.
Basically, it involves being at the info desk in the social hall before the first service, and after the 1st and 2nd services. While there, you'll answer questions from folks that come to the desk, and/or help them connect with the person who has what they're looking for or can help them with what they need. This is a GREAT volunteer position for someone who's familiar with the church and has been connected here for a while. We don't expect that you'll know everything there is to know - none of us do - just that you'll be there, be friendly, and do your best to help folks get what they need.
If this sounds like you, here are the dates we're looking at:
February 16
March 15
March 22
If you're interested in signing up or have questions, please contact Jenn Stromberg -
jenns@firstuniv.org.
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Discussing Jon Meacham's "The Soul of America"
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 Congregants Pat Gottschalk, Jim Ramnaraine and Joan Patterson invite others to join them for a discussion of the book
The SOUL of AMERICA
by Jon Meacham on
Tuesday, Feb. 18
at 1 p.m. in the Church Library.
They write: "The three of us recently met to discuss Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. We enjoyed our time together so much that we wanted to continue an informal discussion of other stimulating books. We have just chosen The Soul of America, and we want to invite others at First Universalist to join us for a discussion of this thoughtful and hopeful historical perspective on some of the challenging times in the past that we have overcome. Maybe this is just what you need right now - something to generate hope amidst so many discouraging events domestically and globally. If you have questions, contact Joan at jasu@umn.edu."
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Camp Unistar Registration Opens
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BELONGING at Camp...CHERISHING the Island...INSPIRING ACTION IN THE WORLD
Camp UniStar, in its 59th year, is for UU individuals, families and other like-minded people who would enjoy the magic of a week on an island in a pristine northern Minnesota lake. The lake provides abundant water activities; the forest trails attract wildlife, birds and hikers; sunrises and sunsets invite meditation.
For more info come visit the table in the Social Hall, or visit www.CampUniStar.org to see photos and register online. ALL ARE WELCOME!
There are daily programs for adults; staff led children's programming; healthy and hearty meals included. Whether it be quiet evenings by a fire with a book, jigsaw puzzling or awesome star gazing, a week at Camp UniStar will provide new friendships and lifelong memories. It's time to relax on Star Island.
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Extended: Handmade Truffle Fundraiser for YCE
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Handmade truffles will be available for purchase at church again this Sunday, Feb. 16! The truffles are made with organic, fair-trade chocolate by the youth of the First Universalist Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE).
Twelve youth from our Church participate in this cultural exchange with twelve youth from Nicaragua. For two weeks, they stay in one another's homes and learn about one another's worlds. Last summer the Nicaraguan youth came to Minnesota, and this summer our youth will go to Nicaragua. All proceeds from the truffle sale (and from the weekly egg roll sales) pay for the Nicaraguan youth travel expenses.
The truffles are three dollars each, $12 for a box of four, and $24 for a box of eight. Flavors include Orange Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Cappuccino and Sea Salt.
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Ellis Delaney (photo by Terri Delaney) |
Ellis Delaney "Ordinary Love" Concert
Friday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m.
The Cedar Cultural Center
Ellis Delaney, local performing songwriter who is also a member of First Universalist, is releasing her 10th album. She will be performing at the Cedar Cultural Center along with the wonderful duo The OK Factor. She sings about love and hope as well as exploring how we can work for more justice and a peaceful world.
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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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