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October 3, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 40
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Introducing the Racial Justice Newsletter
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Rev. Justin Schroeder |
One of our bedtime rituals with our four-year-old, Jesse, is reading three books before he gets tucked into bed, hugged and kissed one last time, and blessed. Frequently, one of the "books" he chooses is a family photo album. The album contains pictures from the last fifteen years, so the conversation is often, "Who is this? Where was this?" and "Where am I?" As we move through the album, we're telling the story of our shared lives, even though Jesse is only four years into that story.
Flipping through this album reminds me how important is to create a shared story that begins to anchor our lives: "This is when mom and I moved to St Paul. This is your aunt and uncle. This is when your brother was born. This is when you were born, and that's your brother, holding you."
In much the same way, I'm delighted to announce the creation and the first edition of the
First Universalist Racial Justice Newsletter
! Part of this newsletter is a story about and a link to an
interactive timeline
of the racial justice work we've been doing at First Universalist for the past seven years. So whether you've been a part of this journey since the beginning, or joined the church three years ago, or just started attending, this timeline and newsletter are meant to orient you to our racial justice history, to the spiritual imperative of this work, to what we've done over the years, including concrete policies and programs that have changed as a result of our work.
Our goal is to honestly share what we've learned, to highlight the institutional teams and groups supporting our racial justice efforts (in addition to the staff and Board of Trustees), to communicate with the whole congregation in a meaningful way, and to help you find your place in our racial justice ministry.
I'll see you in church,
Rev. Justin
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Sunday, Oct. 6, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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October Worship Theme:
The Edges of Belonging |
Mental Health Sunday
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Secrets, shame, and stigma are not helpful when striving for wellness, health, and spiritual well-being. Though great strides have been made over the years, there is all too often a deafening silence around mental health challenges. At First Universalist Church, we aspire to be a place where we can bring our whole selves, as we are welcomed in joy.
For the past three years First Universalist Church has joined with other faith communities and organizations to
honor World Mental Health Day
on the first Sunday of October.
This coming Sunday - our third annual Mental Health Sunday - we tell stories, sing together, and participate in ritual that
holds all those
affected directly or indirectly by mental health conditions. This is a service in which we
speak openly about issues around mental health.
We know that despite the reach and prevalence of mental illness, stigma and misunderstanding are unfortunately widespread. Together, we make space for compassion, truth telling and our humanness.
This year we will hear from members Shawn Neel, Deborah Talen, and Renate Fiora, with a special story for children, who will be worshipping with us in the first part of the service.
Our Mental Health Sunday has been supported by many in our congregation, with special thanks to Martha Bird, and our Mental Health Connect Ambassadors, Peter Brower, Janet Houck and Michelle Tierny. (Scroll down for an article about Events and Resources related to mental health, compiled and shared by Martha Bird!) This service goes deep and wide. Don't miss it!
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On the Podcast: Rev. Karen's Sermon "An Open Door"
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Rev. Karen Hutt
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Sermon summary & reflections by Liz Farmer:
At First Universalist, we know the importance of stories: they have the power to connect, complexify, and humanize us. As a multiracial, multigenerational congregation with many white-bodied members, it is especially important to hear this sermon, knowing that white people have historically overlooked, ignored, or talked over stories that black, queer, and HIV+ folks tell of their own creativity, pain, and self-sufficiency. In this sermon, Rev. Karen tells us a vulnerable story that encompasses decades of her incredible career as a minister, teacher, business partner, and social worker. But it is not a self-centered story. It is about community. It is about the ways and the whys that people, despite - and because of - all obstacles, show up to church. Listen to Rev. Karen's Sept. 29 sermon here.
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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
Sunday, Oct. 27, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Karen Hutt
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Sept. 29, 2019
"An Open Door"
Rev. Karen Hutt
Sept. 22, 2019
"Transmogrify(ing) Church"
Arif Mamdani
Sept. 15, 2019
"Joining Our Wildernesses"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
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Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-noon, Social Hall
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. Each session includes Centering Prayer meditation instruction, Centering Prayer sessions, presentations, and readings from 12 Step literature.
www.12stepspirituality.org
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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.
Sign up here.
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Sundays, Oct. 6 & 20, 1-3 p.m.
Is First Universalist feeling like your spiritual home? This two-part 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.
Register here.
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Thursday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. (lunch at 1 p.m.)
Third Thursday programming for older adults starts up again this month! We'll discuss strategies families can use to decide how personal items get passed on. Having plans in place can help maintain family relations.
A $5-15 donation for lunch is encouraged. Register
HERE
or by calling 612-825-1701.
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Celebrating Sandy with an Aloha Luau on Oct. 27
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 Sandy DiNanni invites you to celebrate her 18 wonderful years with you here at church! (If you missed it, read her retirement announcement
here.)
Join us in the social hall on Sunday, Oct. 27 after the second service for an Aloha Luau (honoring Sandy's Hawaiian heritage)! Please bring a simple food item/dish to share. Beverages will be provided.
Many of you have asked about cards and gifts.
Cards for Sandy can be placed in the special keepsake box that is available in the Social Hall on Sundays and in the office during the week (please do not enclose cash/gift cards/checks). Those wishing to make a contribution to a gift fund for Sandy's retirement may do so here or by delivering/mailing a check to the church office made out to First Universalist Church with "Sandy Gift" in the memo line.
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by Sandy DiNanni
How would you like to be called "the loving face of First Universalist?" It could happen, if you'd volunteer to be a member of our fabulous Welcome Teams on Sunday morning. It's a ministry of radical hospitality, greeting members, friends, and visitors to the church, and chatting with newcomers at coffee. It's not hard... you only serve once a month (except for a one-time 5th Sunday of the month during the year). You volunteer with the nicest people each time, acquiring your Welcome Team colleagues as special new friends... and your job is to show the world the welcoming face of Love's People at First Universalist Church!
Here's a note from former church Trustee Jill Braithwaite:
"Being part of a Welcome Team is definitely one of my favorite ways to volunteer at church. It's super simple to do - you just show up 45 minutes before the service, check in with your team and choose your post, and then you get to be the warm, friendly face of First Universalist. It takes courage to visit a church for the first time, and we all know how bad it feels to be in a new place that is not friendly. So it's a great privilege to be part of helping create a positive experience for visitors."
If the concept of exhibiting the welcoming spirit of First Universalist Church appeals to you, please email
Arif@firstuniv.org
to be put on a Welcome Team. We know you'll love it!
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Brave Connections: Interrupting Bias & Systemic Racism
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"Brave Connections: Interrupting Systemic Bias & Racism" is a
practice and reflection circle beginning Tuesday, Oct. 15 that is designed to help you learn how to listen closely and respond clearly to relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers who say or do something that is biased. In situations concerning race, good people can do things that have harmful impact and perpetuate a racist system. We will share an open-hearted approach for speaking up with directness and respect. We will focus on impact, not intent; compassion, not calling out. Articles and videos will help guide us in our work. We will practice and reflect in the circle and in our lives.
Schedule: Tuesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12 & 19, 7-8:30 p.m.
Leaders: Jeff Sylvestre is committed to facilitating groups that explore race, racism, and whiteness. He runs a media production company that helps people explore a range of justice issues. Denise Konen is a Licensed Parent Educator, anti-racist organizer, and facilitator of "Talking About Race and Racism With Kids" workshops.
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New Exhibit: If You Only Knew
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 In the exhibit If You Only Knew, fine art photographer and author Barb Kellogg has created an authentic and powerful collection of interviews and photographs that relay the humanity of mental illness...and subtly reveal the importance of being seen and heard. The exhibit creates a bridge of understanding between those living with and without mental illness, increases awareness about the experience of mental illness, and ultimately, humanizes it.
Barb Kellogg, an award-winning fine art nature photographer, became an accidental author when she pursued the creation of the photo essay If You Only Knew. An example of life coming full circle, her current passion for photography merged with her past education in psychology and human development. Her artistic journey has evolved to create photographic imagery that is about something, not of something, often asking herself "what do I want this image to feel like?" Photography gives her the freedom to express emotions, much like an actor in a play, finding it liberating and therapeutic to create images that span the emotional spectrum. Barb and her husband live in Avon, Minnesota. You can see more of Barb Kellogg's photography on her website
. The book If You Only Knew expands on this exhibit, featuring more interviews and photographs. It is scheduled to publish in December 2019.
Barb's work is on display in the Social Hall this Sunday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 24. She will be available to talk about her work on Sunday, Oct. 20 after both services.
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Mental Health Sunday: Resources & Events
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For the past three years, First Universalist Church has joined with other faith communities and organizations to honor World Mental Health Day on the first Sunday of October.
Our Mental Health Sunday has been supported by many in our congregation over the years with special thanks to Martha Bird and our Mental Health Connect Ambassadors, Peter Brower, Janet Houck, and Michelle Tierny.
First Universalist member Martha Bird shares these resources:
1) Mental Illness Awareness Week Panel Discussion with NAMI Minnesota, Oct. 8, 2019 at 7 p.m. at Magers and Quinn Booksellers more info
2) inVISIBLE Art Exhibit, Oct. 10-12, 2019 at Circa Gallery; UCare Health Plan and CIRCA Gallery partner to spread awareness of issues related to mental wellness, with submissions from 25 artists. Martha Bird's sculpture, "Taken," is displayed.
3) The 19th Annual Conference on Mental Health, October 20 at Temple Israel; featuring a nationally known jazz musician living with Schizophrenia more info
4) Artability Art Show & Sale - Oct. 25-27, 2019 at The Show Gallery in St. Paul featuring art by people living with a mental illness
more info
5) Vail Place Storytelling around Mental Health - Feb. 12, 2020 at the Minnesota History Center more info
6) Make It OK Program - online personal video stories, podcasts, and Take Action toolkits that can be ordered to help challenge mental health stigma. Martha takes the pledge cards with her when she does presentations about the benefits of making and creating with one's hands for mental wellness more info
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Update About First Universalist and Village Financial
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By Rev. Justin Schroeder
This past week, you may have read an article in the Star Tribune about Village Financial (a Black Owned Credit Union, set to open later this year or next year), alleged misconduct by their Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, and their removal from the organization. Specific details were not shared in the article, and they both claim the charges are without merit. A number of you have reached out to me, asking about this story and our relationship with Village Financial. Earlier this year, the Executive Director of Village Financial spoke at First Universalist.
During and after the service, church members were invited to pledge their support to Village Financial. Nearly 100 church members, including me, pledged their support in the form of a commitment to moving some of their checking or savings to Village Financial when it opened. No money has been given outright to Village Financial.
We probably won't know the full story behind these allegations, as there are legal and HR issues that prevent us from knowing all of what has happened. This may feel unsatisfying; it's easy to fill in a gap like this with negative stories. In fact, the culture of whiteness often predisposes us to fill in these gaps of not knowing in ways that are damaging and painful for communities of color.
It's also important for us to remember that First Universalist is a diverse, multi-cultural community, and that this story impacts people in a variety of ways. As Village Financial made clear in an email to their supporters, the plan is still to open a Black Owned Credit Union in North Minneapolis. As a faith community, we remain committed to supporting black-led organizations and black leadership.
If you have questions, or would just like to talk this through, please reach out to me.
In faith,
Justin
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Supporting Immigrant Rights:
Volunteer as an Immigration Court Observer
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By Joan Naymark
The headlines call to us - parents separated from their children, families seeking asylum from violence, and people being deported for minor infractions after being picked up by ICE. It's a daily barrage - what can be done?
The Advocates for Human Rights and the Immigrant Law Center at the University of Minnesota are seeking volunteers. The Immigration Court Observer program adds transparency and tracks trends of those detained by ICE - the Immigration and Customs Enforcement branch of the Department of Homeland Security. The detainees, dressed in orange jumpsuits with handcuffs and ankle shackles, come before Immigration Judges at the Fort Snelling Federal Building four days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They come from many nations and are now detained in Minnesota county jails. The detainees have many things to manage - family and money issues, language barriers, bureaucracy and culture differences, safety concerns. Immigration Court is very efficient and focuses on only the legal proceedings which are confusing, especially to those without legal representation. In 1.5 hour "shifts," observers record the facts of the proceedings and watch to ensure basic human rights are met.
Join First Universalist Court Observers.
Many of us have been doing this work for over a year, and several are regular observers. You can volunteer to attend court just once, or weekly, or on a flexible basis. Two observers attend each shift. No immigration or legal experience is required. We invite you to join an upcoming Court date to learn more, to observe and take in what's happening in human terms.
You can learn more here, as well as register and sign up for a shift. Contact Joan Naymark for more information and/or to join First Univiversalist Observer gatherings:
jnaymark@gmail.com
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Be Alert: Email Phishing Scams Targeting Churches
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In recent months, churches across the country have been targets of email phishing scams, in which scammers pretending to be ministers ask congregants (via email) to purchase gift cards for a worthy cause. A handful of First Universalist staff and members have received such phishing emails as recently as this past weekend. We can assure you that nothing has been hacked, but please be aware of this trend and don't fall for a phishing scam! If you receive an email that looks like it's from one of our ministers but seems suspicious, it probably is.
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David Roth in Concert on October 6
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Join us in welcoming David Roth to First Universalist this 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.
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. The Environmental Justice Team and Peace Circle are sponsoring his first appearance in Minneapolis.Donations will be welcomed ($20 suggested). Come at 3:30 p.m. to share refreshments before the performance.
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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. door. Thank you for the donations of school supplies/clothing; we are now focusing on food items, toiletries, and men's underwear.
Desired items: men's underwear and socks, (all sizes including L/XL); food items such as microwavable single serving meals, fruit cups, and granola bars; men's and woman's deodorant; toothpaste and toothbrushes; 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.
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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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