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February 6, 2020 | Vol. 7 No. 6
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Ruth Reflects on Eric Ward's Workshop
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Rev. Ruth MacKenzie |
We are being shaped by so many things, evident, disguised, and illusory. Duh! To illustrate this last Sunday, guest speaker Eric Ward had three quarters of the two hundred or so attendees of his workshop raising their hands and thinking,
Denmark, kangaroo,
and
orange.
His point: Our perceptions are shaped and directed in a myriad of ways and none of us are as "woke" as we may think we are. There was something comforting in putting down my desire to be "informed," "awakened," and "woke," and simply listen.
Eric Ward is a
national expert on the relationship between hate violence and preserving democratic institutions, governance, and inclusive societies. His work has led him into the deep and intricate ways in which white nationalism
has made its way from the margins of American political life to its center, using
anti-semitism as its primary leverage point.
Last Sunday, our sanctuary was filled with friends from Shir Tikvah, other synagogues, community members, and First U congregants. It was a beautiful manifestation of communities coming together in solidarity and learning.
There is no way to summarize a two hour workshop so complex and enlivening in a few paragraphs, or describe its impact, but the things that are sticking with me are:
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Although we may know that
the country in which we exist is not post-racial, free or economically just, doesn't mean we understand the country that DOES exist. There are many forces at work.
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"Within social and economic justice movements committed to equality, we have not yet collectively come to terms with the centrality of antisemitism to White nationalist ideology, and until we do we will fail to understand this virulent form of racism rapidly growing in the U.S. today." (Eric Ward, "Skin in the Game")
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The call for smashing everything to the ground and starting over from scratch, (i.e. nihilism) espoused by both the right and the left is a rhetoric of privilege and arrogance.
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Our work is to live into a new manifestation of democracy where everyone has value.
A great article to read whether or not you attended the workshop is:
Skin in the Game
by Eric Ward.
Ward left us with a thought experiment: If you've ever wondered what you would be doing in the 1950s and 60s during the Civil Rights Movement, simply look at what you're doing right now. How are you showing up right now for issues of racial justice? How are you showing up in your work, on the street, in your family, with friends, and co-workers? The work of justice is now.
In faith,
Rev. Ruth
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Building Renovations Update:
March 22 Congregational Meeting
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Design development for our upcoming building renovations, funded by our 2017 capital campaign Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future is still underway. We are on track to have plans to share next month!
Please join us for a congregational meeting on Sunday, March 22 after the second service for an opportunity to learn what work will be happening in the building this summer, view plans, and ask questions.
Renovation work will begin on the Religious Education wing after May 17, which is the final day of RE for the 2019-20 year. Work will begin on the Sanctuary side of the building after Flower Communion Sunday and our Annual Meeting of the Membership on May 31. Renovations will be finished by mid-September in time for Water Communion and the start of Religious Education for 2020-21. We will be moving worship, summer Religious Education, and office/operations offsite during this time (location will be finalized and announced soon).
The latest information about the project can always be found
here
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No State of the Church Meeting this Sunday
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With both of our co-senior ministers currently away (Justin on sabbatical and Jen on medical leave), we will not be holding a 2020 "State of the Church" meeting as has been the custom in recent years. At the beginning of the church year, we had originally set that date as February 9.
Instead, we encourage everyone to join us on Sunday, March 22 after the second service (12:45 p.m.) for a congregational meeting about the building renovation plans. This meeting will provide a similar opportunity to hear directly from church leadership, focused on sharing information about the planned updates and improvements to our building.
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Arif Mamdani
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Sunday, Feb. 9, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Got Idolatry?"
Arif Mamdani
The energy of breaking down and building up is an important part of our UU theological legacy, and as we unpack what this means, we'll explore the idea of God and how we might relate to it in the world we live in today. This Sunday, join Arif Mamdani, Director of Membership and Adult Ministries, and Pastor Stephanie Vos as they help us enter more fully into February's theme of "Breaking Down and Building Up."
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Sunday, Feb. 16, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
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
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"Surviving the Wilderness" -
Eric Ward
"Living in the Layers"
- Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
"Radical Imagination" -
Rev. Jen Crow
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On the 2/2 Sunday Podcast:
"Surviving the Wilderness" - Eric Ward
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Eric Ward |
Sermon Summary & Reflections by Liz Farmer
While in the Twin Cities this past weekend, guest speaker Eric Ward also spoke at two synagogues in town. He shared that the assigned Torah readings for the week are from the book of Exodus, and cover the end of the plagues. Realizing what's happening around them as the last plagues come, the hearts of the pharaoh and his advisors harden, and they refuse to liberate their people from suffering. Eric wonders about this "hardening of the heart" in our own time and context: what does that mean, especially as we enter a period of liberation? It is easy to talk about others' hardening of hearts, especially current national leaders', but it's harder to look in the mirror and acknowledge our own. One hardened heart can harden many more, including those committed to love and justice.
This week's podcast includes both the 9:30 and 11:15 sermons, as they include some different details about how to not only survive, but soften and engage with, a wilderness of hardened hearts. Listen to the Sunday Service podcast here.
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February Worship Theme: Breaking Down & Building Up
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 What we know about this life is that it is transitory: everything is falling apart and coming back together in some related but different configuration, all at the same time, over and over again. We are part and parcel of an ever-creating creation. What helps us navigate this journey of life's breaking down and building up? Do we hide in a shell, wary of what's out there, or what's next? Or do we venture out into the vulnerability and creativity of this flowing life, leaving the shell by the shoreline? Are there currents and patterns that are reliable and trustworthy in an ever-changing world? This month, we explore the dynamics of this impermanent life, and the bonds of community and faith that keep us strong and supple for what's ahead. "For each generation, the challenge is the same:" writes Mark Nepo, "How to leave our shell, and to help each other live once out of their shell."
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UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
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Caregiver Support Circle
Thursday, Feb. 13, 4-5:30 p.m.
The path of caregiving is profoundly spiritual.
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie leads this drop-in group
for caregivers where we can bring the joys, the hurts, the challenges and discoveries of what it is to walk a path of caring for a loved one, and to hold our tears and laughter as we learn to be loved.
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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.
Learn more:
www.12stepspirituality.org
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Young Adults Lunch Group
Sunday, Feb. 16, 12:45 p.m.
Are you in your 20s or 30s? Join the First Universalist Young Adults group on February 16 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! The group gathers next to the info desk in the Social Hall at the end of the second service, and then leaves for a nearby lunch destination 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)
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Daytime Connections: Nutrition
Thursday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m. program begins
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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 After two successful and stimulating workshops in the fall, "Better Angels" is returning to present a series of programs February 22, March 19, and April 25. Better Angels is a national non-profit that has pioneered concrete, structured practices for dialogue across political divides. The program is in wide practice, even making inroads with politicians.
The February and March programs are conversation skills workshops that will provide effective tools for talking with those whose views are contrary to one's own, be they friends, family or strangers.
You will "learn skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground and affirm the importance of maintaining relationships." Both are free and open to all. Come help make our community a leader in civil dialogue.
The April program has a special format, involving an equal number of conservative ("Reds") and liberal ("Blues") attendees. Attendance will be limited to 16 "Reds" and 16 "Blues." Because we have so many "blues" at First Universalist, priority will be given to those who register with a partner from the other group. Such partnering is necessary so all will feel comfortable attending. Whether you are a Red or Blue, this is a unique opportunity to bring a family member or friend of a different persuasion. No one is put on the spot in these programs. Each side will engage in deep listening to the other. They are truly designed to be comfortable and educational for all.
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Handmade Truffles for Valentine's Day
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Handmade truffles will be available for purchase at church again this Sunday, Feb. 9! 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. Pick some up for yourself or a Valentine!
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Need a New Name Tag? Order One Here!
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We have received numerous inquiries about member name tags lately, and we're happy to share that we now have a new ordering system in place.
All new members receive their first name tag as a gift from from the church as part of the official membership process, which includes attending a Pathway to Membership class and signing the membership book.
Anyone wishing to order a replacement name tag (or an initial name tag for anyone who is not officially a member), may do so by filling out this Name Tag Order Form. There is a requested donation of $7 for a pin-back name tag, and $8 for a magnet-back name tag.
All name tags are white with black ink and the UU chalice logo. For any special name tag requests (heritage circle members, board of trustees members, etc.), please contact Liz Farmer, Admin. and Adult Ministries Assistant, at liz@firstuniv.org
Make a donation for your name tag here. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and use the drop-down menu to choose "donation." Write "name tag" in the memo line. Thank you!
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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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