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December 5, 2019 | Vol. 6 No. 49
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Something New Is About to Begin:
An Update on Renovation Plans from Rev. Jen Crow
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Rev. Jen Crow |
Do you ever find yourself thinking and planning and saving and daydreaming for so long about something that you wonder if it will ever actually happen? I'll admit that there have been days when I have wondered if our building renovation would ever actually happen. We've been thoughtful and methodical. We've taken in new information and explored new options. And this winter, we'll mark 3 years since the launch of our capital campaign,
Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future,
that raised $4.5 million to help our building better serve our mission and our community. Since that time, many of you have made and continue to make generous financial gifts to help us fulfill our vision of a stable financial future and a building that truly welcomes all.
During this time of discernment, we've paid off our mortgage and weighed our options. We continue to right size our expectations to meet our budget - and we are moving forward. In November, we hired an Owner's Representative - a project manager who works directly for us, advocating for our best interest with our future contractor and our present architect. As we do with every contract over $5,000, we used our vendor policy to guide our decision, ensuring our resources are spent in alignment with our values. I'm thrilled that our new Owner's Representative is Chelsea Waters from Watershed Partners. Chelsea recently brought Bethlehem Lutheran Church through several major building projects and she comes to us highly recommended for her efficiency, wisdom, and eye for cost-savings. It didn't hurt that Chelsea knows our space already, too, having grown up in our religious education program with first-hand experience of the shag carpet that used to grace our social hall.
We expect to hire a General Contractor within the next two weeks, and then move into a period of value engineering - which is a fancy way of saying that our Building Team will work closely with Chelsea, the contractor, and the architect to get as much of what we are hoping for as possible. We'll create a final draft of our plans, and if all goes well, we can expect to begin renovations before the end of June.
While things have moved slowly for some time, we are about to change gears. All of our imagining and planning is taking shape, and the speed is about to pick up. As we keep you informed about all that is coming, we will also be asking for your help. We'll be identifying tasks that we can do together - and asking you to pitch in. We'll need your good spirits and willingness to try new things as we make way for this long-awaited change. After a time of waiting, something new is about to begin.
In faith,
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Co-Minister
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Sunday, Dec. 8, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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Rev. Karen Hutt, Adjunct Minister |
"Home: A Philosophical Problem"
Rev. Karen Hutt
The greatest problems of philosophy are the most common and mundane aspects of everyday life. Why is the idea of home such a gripping metaphor that evokes deep desire, angst and comfort? Let's get past the platitudes and mind-numbing nostalgia about home and take a deep dive into the philosophical nature of home. Please, join us for worship at 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.!
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December Worship Theme: Home
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Home is more than a house. Home is more than a place.
Home is more than family. Home is more than a dream.
Home is some kind of alchemical experience of nurturing, warmth, place, and people. A true home is an experience of blessing and belonging, where we remember and are remembered among friends and family we can trust. Home is somewhere where we ease back into our own skin. In this month when home is evoked in advertisements and holiday cards to compel us to buy things, as if we can purchase this feeling of belonging and blessing, we explore the nature of home and how we might find and sustain it in our lives, and in the life of our community.
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On the Podcast: "I Will Light A Candle" - Arif Mamdani
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Sermon summary & reflections by Liz Farmer:
As someone who appreciates a good twinkle light year-round (I even have some hanging up in my workspace here), I especially appreciated Arif's reflection on one of the season's most ubiquitous symbols: lights. Whether they're on a wreath, a menorah, a string, or in a chalice, light is an adaptable symbol for many religions. In this diverse, non-credal congregation - in the very pews of First Universalist - there exists the opportunity to do what Arif calls "transreligious" work: connecting with people across religious and spiritual understandings. Listen to Arif's reflection here - and perhaps light a candle while you do.
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Sunday, Dec. 15, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Choir-led Worship
Sunday, Dec. 22, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Rev. Jen Crow
Sunday, Dec. 29, 10 a.m. only
Rev. Karen Hutt
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"I Will Light a Candle" -
Arif Mamdani
"Radical Welcome"
- Rev. Jen Crow
"Holiday Giving: Reimagining Joy & Justice "
- Rev. Justin Schroeder, Holiday Giving Team
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Next Sunday, Dec. 15: Choir & Orchestra Lead Worship with a Performance of
Fantasia on Christmas Carols
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On Sunday, Dec. 15 at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m., the First Universalist Choir and Orchestra, directed by Dr. Randal Buikema, will lead worship with a performance of Ralph Vaughan William's
Fantasia on Christmas Carols
. The 1912 work consists of English folk songs interspersed with orchestral Christmas Carols. The libretto has been reimagined and rewritten by church and choir member Shelley des Islets.
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Draw the New Day Near: Notes from the Lyricist
by Shelley des Islets
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Shelley des Islets |
I accepted the call to re-imagine the text for Ralph Vaughan Williams'
Fantasia on Christmas Carols just a few days following the unexpected, tragic death of our son, Taylor. Perhaps it would help ground my suddenly untethered spirit. Only a few weeks later, I was in Florida providing comfort care to my mother in her final days, a period of indefinite waiting in which I began to consider the new text.
As I sat with and cared for my mother, time lost its hold on me and I was no longer waiting. I was simply present. I felt a singular knowing of the light and love that connects us all. I felt the tragedy of one death unwind itself to weave the peace of this coming death, and the two became one. In that oneness, I found the themes I wanted to explore in the new text: we move apart from one another as a function of our minds when ruled by our egos, and we view the world as a place to control. We come together when we release control and recognize the light and love that connects us all, and thus we change the world. This is the idea behind the Christian story of disobedience (separation from the divine), redeemed by a child divinely conceived and given to humankind as a guide back to paradise. Falling in love is a reminder that we are one. Forming a family is a reminder that we are one. The birth of a child allows us to feel our spark of connection once again.
My wife suggested I research Advent, which yielded much of the basis of the text. Advent is not just a time of waiting, the UU Rev. Robin Tanner suggests. "I don't believe that Advent is a season of waiting passively. Instead, this time in the Christian story is about expectation -radical expectations that undo the status quo..." The bible provided this guidance: "You know the time has come for you to wake! Cast off the works of darkness and put on armor of light" [Romans 13], and "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with the worries of life when the time of your action is required" [Luke 21]. In
The Overstory by Richard Powers, the people learn from the trees that "control kills - connection heals." Writer Anne Lamott waited at the end of an internet rabbit hole to give me this: "When everything is falling apart around us, something new and beautiful is likely trying to get itself born."
The result of my research and my journey of waiting in presence will be sung on December 15th by the choir and printed in the Order of Service. I hope to join my light with yours to draw the New Day near!
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UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
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12-Step Spirituality:
Centering Prayer Meditation
Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-noon
12-Step Spirituality meets one Saturday per month (Oct.-May) in the Social Hall and 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, two 20-minute Centering Prayer sessions, reading from 12 Step literature, and presenters sharing on selected topics. No registration necessary.
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The Ordination of Sara Smalley
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
You are joyfully invited to attend the ordination of Sara Smalley into the Unitarian Universalist ministry. This is an opportunity to celebrate with Sara the transformative call she has felt most of her life as well as to embrace our UU history and theology. Whether you already know Sara or are meeting her for the first time as we ordain her, your presence is a gift and an opportunity. RSVP: tinyurl.com/sarasordination
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Holiday Giving Family Activities & Toy Swap
Sunday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.,
Social Hall & Room 102
Explore a variety of stations in the social hall to help your family identify the values you want to put at the center of your seasonal celebrations. Hands-on activities for all ages will spark fruitful family conversations! Parents are also invited to participate in a Toy Swap. Donations of gently-used toys, games, and books can be dropped off in Room 102 between 8 a.m. and noon; please only donate items that you would feel good about wrapping and giving your own child. Self-serve "shopping" (parents only) will be open 9 a.m.-1:15 p.m. See complete information and guidelines here.
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Caregivers Support Circle
Thursday, Dec. 12, 4-5:30 p.m., Room 203
When the poet Mary Oliver was asked what she had done with her life, she was quoted as saying, "I learned how to love and be loved." The path of caregiving is a journey in which we learn to love and learn how to be loved and nurtured in order to sustain our spirits and our bodies. It 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.
This group meets: Thursdays, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 12, April 9 & May 14.
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Better Angels Workshop led by Bill Doherty
"Families & Politics: How to Talk with
Loved Ones on the Other Side"
Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-noon
Join the First Universalist Peace Circle for a workshop led by Better Angels co-founder Bill Doherty, called: "Families & Politics: How to Talk with Loved Ones on the Other Side." Family relationships are becoming casualties of our toxic political environment. For those looking to preserve important family bonds while still being true to their values and political beliefs, this workshop will offer insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging, as well as strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive way. There is no charge to attend. Register here.
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Sanctuary & Resistance Art for Action:
Make Your Own Spiritual Practice Bracelet
Sunday, Dec. 15, 1:30-4 p.m.
Learn how to create a spiritual practice bracelet, either for yourself or as a gift. Drink warm cider, eat some cookies, and choose from an array of beads and gemstones to create your own piece of wearable art while supporting those who are directly affected by unjust U.S. immigration laws and policies.
For a suggested donation of $20, you will receive all materials and instruction, as well as instructions for using the bracelet as part of a mindfulness meditation practice.
All proceeds go to First Universalist's Sanctuary & Resistance fund.
Donations can be made at any time at
tinyurl.com/1U-immigrantfund
.
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Daytime Connections:
Reimagining the Holidays
Thursday, Dec. 19, 10:45 a.m.
At this month's third Thursday program, we'll talk about how our Holidays have been re-imagined through group discussion and bag skits. Come ready to share and have fun. The second part of the program will be a white elephant exchange with a small item. Please bring a wrapped inexpensive white elephant gift. Arrive at 10:45 a.m.; program begins at 11 a.m. and is followed by lunch ($5-15 donation encouraged) at 1 p.m. Please register here by Monday, Dec. 16.
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Winter Solstice Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 21
5:30-6:45 p.m. labyrinth open
7 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. ritual
Celebrate the longest night of the year and rejoice in the returning of the sun at our 39th annual Winter Solstice Celebration. The ritual begins at 7:30 p.m., and the sanctuary doors open at 7 p.m. The ritual celebration includes chants, solstice heritage and wisdom, a call to the directions, time spent in the darkness, music, and celebrating the returning of light.
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Christmas Pageants
Sunday, Dec. 22 & Tuesday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.
Our annual Christmas Pageant is a beautiful telling of an ancient story. It is a tale of hope and hospitality, a reminder that every child is born a redeemer, a story that speaks to us all of what it means to be a seeker, a star, a wise one, a wanderer.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 9:30 p.m.
The Candlelight Service at First Universalist is a time of mindfulness, meaning making and music. This service is a weaving of scripture readings, poems, musical offerings, silence, and lighting our hearts and spirit with the candlelight and hope.
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Remembering Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones
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The holidays can be a time of challenge when you've experienced a significant loss during the year. Every year the church's Congregational Care Team acknowledges the loss of family members with the gift of a poinsettia. This is how we express our care, and spiritual companionship with those in the valley of grief.
If you have lost a loved one this year, please go to the narthex and pick up your poinsettia after services this Sunday, Dec. 8.
The Congregational Care Team has been following the mention of losses in the Cycle of Life announcements, so there will be a plant waiting for you.
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Volunteers Needed: Families Moving Forward
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We continue to have a strong group of volunteers for hosting Families Moving Forward families over the holidays, Dec. 22 through Jan. 4. Thank you, thank you.
But, there is still a need for more help!
Please visit our
volunteer sign up page
to see if you can fill any of the available spots. Especially check out New Year's Eve Day. We need you!
Meanwhile, do you have?
- A few extra ornaments to decorate our tree
- A set of lights for the tree
- Gently used toys or games
- Cookie cutters
- Cookie decorations
- Gingerbread house decorations (small candy canes, life savers, animal crackers, etc.)
- The comics and other colored magazines, etc. to use as wrapping paper
- A waffle iron not in use
- Pancake griddle
- Gift cards (e.g. $5) for coffee shops, fast food, groceries, etc.
- DVDs - especially appropriate for families and favorite Christmas movies
We are collecting any of the above following services on December 8 and 15. Look for the box marked FMF in the Social Hall. Please mark any items you want returned. They will be available for pick up on Sunday, Jan. 5. Your shared generosity will bring the social hall alive during these two weeks.
If you are unavailable during hosting weeks, but want to help prepare gingerbread or cookie dough, let us know. Drop an email to
pegmitch16@gmail.com
or text 612-280-6119.
Learn more about Beacon's Families Moving Forward program
here.
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Donations Needed for Augsburg Fairview Academy
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 During the school year, we collect donations for the Food and Clothing Closets at Augsburg Fairview Academy, one of our six Faithful Action partners.
Most needed items for Hope Clothing Closet: warm gloves and texting gloves for men and women, warm socks for men and women, teen appropriate winter jackets (dark colors preferred). Clothing should appeal to teens, be appropriate for the season (please, no summer clothes now) and be in good repair: clean, no broken zippers, no tears.
Most needed items for Hope Food Closet: winter toiletries such as chapstick and lotion; single serve microwavable meals like chili and stew.
Please bring items to the Info Center in the Social Hall on Sunday or leave on the shelves for AFA by the 34th St. entrance.
Thank you for your generosity!
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Hats for the Homeless: Give the Gift of Warmth
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Now in its 11th year, the The Hats for the Homeless project calls on First Universalist knitters to knit beautiful hats to sustain our tradition of bringing warmth and love to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. We need hats for school aged children, women, and men. Donated hats, scarves, and mittens will be distributed to schools, shelters, and community resources. If you are not a knitter, purchased items are appreciated too.
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Caucus for Climate 2020: Planning Meeting
December 14, 2-5 p.m. in the Social Hall at First Universalist
 Climate organizer Teo Vero, working with MN350, invites you to a meeting he is hosting at First Universalist to prepare for the 2020 caucus in February. He writes: This is where we try to fight for Grandmother Earth: Unci Maka by stopping the Global Climate Change Crisis. We need at least 10,000 relatives to meet across Minnesota on 25FEB2020 to Caucus for Climate 2020 with the help of MN350.org. Each person is called a Climate Delegate and we have to prepare each other to choose policy makers (politicians) who are fundamentally focused on stopping the Global Climate Change Crisis: The Existential Threat.
The goal is to have 10,000 Climate Delegates Caucus in Minnesota. We have to act together to demonstrate the breadth and depth that exists for Equitable and Economic solutions while protecting Grandmother Earth by electing like minded policy makers/politicians/state and national legislatures.
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Heart to Heart Couples Retreat
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Heart to Heart Couples Enrichment Weekend
January 10, 2020
Heart to Heart is a retreat for committed couples, married or unmarried, straight or queer. It is designed to enrich intimacy in your relationship by emphasizing personal reflection and communication and is led by a
team of three experienced Heart to Heart volunteer couples. These couples give a series of presentations describing their own couple's journey, offering insight into long-term committed relationships. Participating couples are offered opportunities for personal reflection and communication with their partner on an array of subjects key to relationships. Participants are not asked to do any sharing with the larger group.
The retreat is held at Koinonia Retreat Center in South Haven, Minn. The cost for the weekend, including housing and meals, is $425 per couple. Limited partial scholarships are available.
To register, or for more information on scholarships, meals or accommodations, visit our web site at
hearttoheartmn.org
or contact us by email at
h2hretreat@gmail.com
. Space is limited to 15 couples.
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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
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The Weekly Liberal
here.
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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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