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October 11, 2018 | Vol. 5 No. 41
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Imagination as a Strategy
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Rev. Jen Crow |
Last Sunday I had the privilege of leading worship at Unity Church-Unitarian over in St. Paul. I missed being with all of you, and I was grateful for the opportunity to be of service to the congregation and the ministers who formed me during my internship 16 years ago. It felt good to go back, and good to be with people I loved and who loved me after such a difficult week in our national discourse and decision making.
As I got ready to get up into the pulpit, Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs shared about an upcoming event at the church focused on vision and imagination. He shared a quote from one of their church members, Bill Doherty, that went like this: "Outrage is not a strategy, but imagination is." This phrase has stuck with me, and I'm relying on it pretty heavily these days as I try to figure out who I am called to be and what I am called to do in this particular moment in time.
I know there is a place for outrage, for grief, for rage and disappointment and discouragement - and I know how important it is to let whatever feelings we are having flow through our bodies and our spirits unimpeded by judgment. And I know that it is tempting for me to stay in rage and despair and discouragement too long, inadvertently giving up my power and creativity along the way. So I'm pushing myself these days to use my imagination. To imagine winning. To remember that another world is possible, as the author and activist Aurora Levins Morales writes in her blog post, titled, V'ahavta
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I'm trying to push myself and my thinking out of the boxes that usually hold me captive, allowing my imagination to fly for even a moment before the practical considerations come in and shut it all down. And I'm feeling grateful for the imagination and creativity we are living into with our physical space at church as we:
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Re-imagine what and who our building is for
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Live into our commitment as a sanctuary church and a resource for the larger community
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Work with Shir Tikvah to imagine what it would mean to share this space at 3400 Dupont
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Serve as a safe and welcoming home for Southside Child Development Center
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Dream of the ways our space can more fully reflect our values and help us to welcome all of who we are and who we can be, in joy.
Being a part of this community draws out the best in me, and I hope in you, too. Let us imagine winning. Let us remember that another world is possible. And may our imaginations come to life as we respond to the joy and challenge of this time.
In gratitude,
Rev. Jen
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
Sunday, Oct. 14, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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"Longing for Belonging"
Rev. Jen Crow
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Ellis Delaney will be our musical guest in worship this Sunday.
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One of the most important and powerful longings of the human heart is for belonging. More important even than food or shelter, belonging can offer us a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection that can sustain us no matter what ups and downs life may throw our way. Come explore what it might mean to honor that human longing for belonging, for ourselves and each other.
This Sunday, we'll be joined by guest musician Ellis.
Please join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.!
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October Worship Theme:
Welcoming in Joy
"Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:1-2)." One of the common messages of the world's religions is the practice of radical hospitality, to move beyond the natural inclination to distrust, and instead, welcome. When we extend a hand on a Sunday morning, when we hold curiosity and wonder in our exchanges, when we view one another as Thou, a whole and holy human being with dreams, loves, and agency, we make room for the divine to enter and be within our midst. As a church committed to racial justice, we name the frameworks that hinder belonging, that constrict our humanity, and wound the soul. This month, we affirm and welcome the light in each human heart and commit ourselves to welcoming in joy.
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Sunday, Oct. 21, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Lead Minister: Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
First Universalist Choir
Recent Sermon Podcasts
October 7, 2018
"This is Us: Mental Health Sunday"
podcast will be available next week
September 30, 2018
"This Is What Democracy Looks Like"
Rev. Karen Hutt
September 23, 2018
"Loving and Loathing a Miracle"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
September 16, 2018
"Start in the Middle"
Rev. Jen Crow
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This Sunday, Oct. 14: "Voting Our Values"
County Sheriff and County Attorney Voter Information Session
20-Minute Presentations immediately following both services in the
Sanctuary
The 1st U Voter Engagement team, along with the Sanctuary & Resistance Committee, invite you to join us for a brief, 20-minute voter education/engagement presentation in the sanctuary
immediately following
both the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. services. This is in collaboration with ISAIAH's interfaith efforts to connect our faith values with our civic and social justice actions (Click here to view the ISAIAH "Claiming Our Voices Faith Agenda"
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It is critical that we, as Sanctuary church members, understand the direct
impact of local elections
on our immigrant friends and neighbors. Together we will deepen our understanding of the role and
power
that the
Sheriff and County Attorney have regarding the
systems of immigration and incarceration
and how they could lead to build a justice system grounded in inclusion and human dignity. We will also share some simple ways each of us can take action about these important races before the November 6 election, including the importance of registering and committing to VOTE, educating ourselves and others about the numerous local candidates on the back of the ballot, and reminding all to
"Flip The Ballot"
when we vote!
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Daytime Connections: How to Cook a Wolf
Thursday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.
At 11 a.m. every third Thursday, October through May, Daytime Connections offers a two-hour program on a topic specially geared towards older adults, followed by lunch. This month, learn how to reduce or eliminate "the wolf of fear"! Motivational speaker Jennifer Fernjack will share how emotional grit helped her conquer the biggest challenge of her life. RSVP to Sandy at sandy@firstuniv.org
or 612-825-1701. A donation of $5-15 for lunch is suggested. Find complete program details here.
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12-Step Spirituality:
Centering Prayer Meditation
Saturday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m.-noon, Social Hall
New this year at First Universalist! These drop-in sessions, offered monthly October through May, are 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 sharing on selected topics.
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Film Discussion: "Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible"
Sunday, Oct. 21, 1-2:45 p.m.
OR Tuesday, Oct. 23, 7-8:45 p.m.
This groundbreaking film features stories from white men and women on overcoming unconscious racism and entitlement. After viewing the film, discussion will be facilitated by Polly Talen. Light lunch provided on Sunday, Oct. 21. This is a drop-in event; bring a friend!
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Newcomer Circles
Wednesdays, Oct. 24, 31, Nov. 7 & 14,
2-4 p.m. with Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
OR
(NEW) Thursdays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8 & 15, 7-8:30 p.m. with Jane Jordan
Are you new to First Universalist? Whether you are a recent visitor or a new member, you're invited 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. To register, contact Sandy DiNanni at Sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701
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Seniors Hike with Daytime Connections
Thursday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.
Please note: meet at Lakewood Cemetery
Join other seniors for our second annual hike through Lakewood Cemetery at
3600 Hennepin Ave. S. in Minneapolis!
Meet in front of the cemetery administration building, just inside the 36th St. entrance, at 10 a.m.
Lakewood Cemetery has more than eight miles of interconnected roadways on the 250 acre grounds. We will walk for up to two hours. After the hike, the group will gather at a local eating spot to be determined by the group.
To RSVP contact Dick Kern (
KernwatchMN@aol.com
, cell 651-206-6822)
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Racial Justice and Our UU Faith
Saturdays, Oct. 27 & Nov. 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Racial Justice and Our UU Faith is a regularly offered workshop that we encourage every member of our congregation to take. Please join us for this interactive, reflective workshop exploring a framework and tools for understanding race, racism, and whiteness and the spiritual imperative that drives our racial justice work. It's a two-part workshop next offered on Saturdays, Oct. 27 & Nov. 3. To register, contact Sandy at Sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Young Families Halloween Party
Saturday, Oct. 27, 9-11 a.m.
Celebrate Halloween with the littlest members of our church community! All families with children in 1st grade and younger are invited to attend. Older siblings are welcome, too!
Join us for games, music, crafts, and a Halloween costume parade. Enjoy a light breakfast and some coffee or cider, as well as some delicious seasonal treats.
RSVP here.
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Moral Witness at Immigration Court
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 7-9 p.m.
Join us for an evening of learning and reflection on the Immigration Court Observation Project, featuring Michele Garnett McKenzie, Deputy Director of The Advocates for Human Rights, and a panel of court observers.
Learn about the racist underpinnings of U.S. immigration policy, the impetus for the court observation program and how it has evolved, and the role of court observers in bringing witness, transparency and accountability to immigration court.
Reflect on what we have learned, and how we have been impacted, and how we can organize for change. All are welcome!
FREE but please RSVP.
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New this Year: Young Adult Lunches on 1st & 3rd Sundays!
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Are you in your 20s or 30s? Join the First Universalist Young Adults group on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month for lunch and conversation after the 11:15 a.m. service. Our first lunch will take place on Sunday, Oct. 21. Meet at 12:45 p.m. at the information desk in the Social Hall before we head out. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how you can be involved with the young adult community, email Molly Work at mollywork88@gmail.com. Friends are always welcome!
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| Art Sale this Sunday, Oct. 14 |
Submitted by the Visual Arts Committee
Great stuff at rock bottom prices!
In an effort to follow the practice of the three R's...Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...the Visual Arts Committee is offering you an opportunity to purchase fabrics, vases, holiday décor, art prints and more from our collection.
Stop by the social hall stage before or after services on Sunday, Oct. 14. Cash or checks only.
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Environmental Justice Team News:
What is Green or Blue or Gray?
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The Environmental Justice team has been working on updating our recycling, compost and trash collection efforts. We not only have newly painted large bins with improved signage in the Social Hall area but have also been awarded a $5,450.00 grant by Hennepin County! This grant will fund new containers for the sanctuary, classrooms, kitchen and the outside of the building.
Part of the project includes educating members and visitors on how to sort their waste. We are recruiting youth volunteers (aka The Green Team who will be wearing green bandanas) to guide people in the sorting of items for disposal. We are also in communication about these updates with the internal and external groups who use our building. Tableware and utensils that are used should be either washable or compostable. All of these efforts align with our status of being a 'Green Sanctuary' church.
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Child Dedication: Sign Up Now Open for Nov. 4
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 During the Child Dedication ritual, the congregation pledges itself to partner with and support parents and families in the religious upbringing of the child.
Child Dedications take place during Sunday worship services twice a year. During the 2018-2019 church year, they are on November 4 and May 12 at both services. Infants and children of members and those on the path to membership at First Universalist Church may be dedicated.
Learn more and sign up online here.
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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.
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| Volunteer for TC Habitat with a First U Crew this Fall |
First Universalist has three Habitat for Humanity work days this fall/winter, and we'd love to have you join us on the crew! Upcoming build dates are Thursdays, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13. All are tentatively scheduled at Minneapolis sites.
Volunteers must be over sixteen years of age, and sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The work day is from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m., and lunch will be provided. Worried that you don't know much about how to use tools? No worries! Your fellow volunteers and the site supervisor are there to help.
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Grief and Hope in Life's Intersections: Multiple Responses to Dying and Grieving People
Friday, Nov. 16, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Eagan Community Center
(1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121)
Minnesota Network of Hospice & Palliative Care invites you to the 2018 Fall Forum, "Grief and Hope in Life's Intersections: Multiple Responses to Dying and Grieving People" featuring Ted Bowman, MDiv. Dying and grieving, and caring for those experiencing death and loss, happen in the context of whole lives -- of patients and families, and of caregivers. This experiential workshop will be a day to explore the multiple responses to grief and loss and the many ways to support individuals and families. Whether you are involved in hospice, long term care, counseling, spiritual guidance, or caregiving of any type, we hope you will join us for this special day.
Cost: MNHPC Members: $120 for the first attendee; $110 for each additional attendee from an organization. Non-Members: $170 for the first attendee; $160 for each additional attendee from an organization.
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| 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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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.
Mondays-Thursdays
8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
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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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