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August 6, 2020 | Vol. 7 No. 32
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A One-Week Hiatus Before Launching into Fall
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Rev. Justin Schroeder
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As you read about in last week's Liberal, we are accepting that we're in this Covid-19 reality for the long haul, preparing to lead virtual worship and virtual church programming through at least the spring of 2021, and perhaps even longer. As a whole staff team, part of the preparation for the year to come means catching our breath, and ensuring that we have some sustained down time before we really dig into the new church year and continue to imagine and roll out programming that helps us meet this moment - and the needs of our congregation - in a virtual space.
To that end, church will be "closed" for one week plus Labor Day, Aug. 31 through Sept. 7, to allow for a break for staff after what has been an unusually intense several months.
On the Sunday that falls during this time - Sunday, Sept. 6 - we invite you to take a virtual "road trip" and visit one of our neighboring congregations, or a congregation you've always wanted to check out, for worship. We've connected with our colleagues at First Unitarian Society, White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, and Unity-Unitarian Church and they've already extended a warm welcome to join them for worship on Sunday, Sept. 6. We'll share more information about connecting to these worship services closer to that date.
While our church staff won't be leading worship (Wednesday or Sunday) or programs, responding to email, or attending meetings during the week between Aug. 31 and Sept. 7, we will still be available to you for any urgent pastoral care needs you may be experiencing. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you are in crisis or struggling in any way: call the church office at 612-825-1701 and follow the prompts for "pastoral care" to be connected to a minister.
We'll be back after Labor Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and will "see" you again for worship as we launch the new church year on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m.
Of course, there's lots in store for the rest of the month of August before we even get to the week before Labor Day - we'll enjoy new choral pieces in Sunday services, we'll creatively adapt Backpack Blessing Sunday for the virtual world, and we'll welcome three new worship leaders to the team - keep reading to learn more about them!
In faith,
Justin
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Welcoming New Staff: Julica, Barrington and Aimee
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Welcome Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Barrington Walker, and Aimee K. Bryant!
We are delighted to have Julica, Barrington and Aimee joining our staff. They all began on August 1 and are spending the first few weeks of this month getting (virtually) oriented to First Universalist. Soon, you'll begin to see them in worship and other online offerings. With their arrival, our staff team is shifting and changing once again. We're so excited about the ways we will shape, influence, and change one another and the church. We've been waiting for them for a long time, and we're ready to get to work together!
We've invited each of them to share a bit about themselves and who they are.
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Aimee K. Bryant
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Aimee K. Bryant, Artist in Residence, is an actor, vocalist, and teaching artist whose artistic practice is rooted in soul music. joy, and a rigorous curiosity about the way things are. Her mission is to use performance as a tool for self-reflection, individual and collective healing, liberation and transformation. She also identifies as a mother, roller skater, Buddhist, Detroiter, bicyclist, and foodie. Aimee has sung and performed many times at First Universalist over the years, both as an individual and with Give Get Sistet. Aimee will be our Artist In Residence this year, working 20 hours a month, and sharing her song and story telling in our worship services.
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| | | Barrington Walker | |
Barrington Walker, Cummins Ministerial Intern, writes: Greetings First Universalist Church! I hope this message finds you well. It is an honor to be joining your ministerial community this year, and to be working together for a united cause! I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to the states when I was around 1 year of age. I spent most of my adolescent years in Newark, NJ, before moving to Hartford, CT, where I graduated from High School. Prior to my first college experience, I spent a lot of time pondering the mystery of life, trying to understand what it means to be alive and in this world. My curiosity led me to study Psychology at the University of Phoenix Online in my undergraduate studies, and pick up Divinity in my master's program from Starr King School for the Ministry, to include the metaphysical aspects of the human experience which were not present in my undergraduate studies. I have spent the majority of my life as a companion to many along their life's journey, assisting them to get to their destination in one fashion or another. This has culminated into my development as a Holistic Life Coach. In my practice I work with Physical, Psychological, & Metaphysical tools to facilitate habit change towards the actualization of a Holistic Life Experience for those I companion.
I answered the call for the internship at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis this year because of the distinct call for the focus on counteracting Supremacy, especially in regards to Black Lives and other communities being oppressed. As a leader, I believe it is very important to focus on the issues that are causing the deficiencies in people's ability to live a Holistic Life, as it pertains to each person as an individual. My life and life experiences thus far are a result of the inequalities of life experience, and the struggles of my people, as a result of Supremacy at large. It is unfortunate to say that my experience of this life is that of struggle and hardship, at the hands of another, and the only experience I believe will be present for my people and I in this world, in my lifetime. From the moment I was born, till this very moment, life has been nothing but an endless journey of fighting to survive. In the development of my ministry, I aim to engage with the world as authentically as possible, and stand as a Leader of Change & Transformation for the benefit of those who may not be able to do so, who have suffered at the hands of Supremacy for far too long. May the Universe be with you!!!
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| | | Julica Hermann de la Fuente & family | |
Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Ministries, writes: Hello First U! I am so excited to be joining your ministerial staff and community and to bring my passion for justice and education to our collective efforts. I come to you in the last steps of the journey towards ordination as a Unitarian Universalist minister, having recently completed an internship at the UU Ministers Association. I was born and raised in Mexico City, and found my commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression when I came to college at the University of Michigan, and then stayed. In addition to a Lay Community Ministry degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School, I also hold a Master's in Social Work and all-but-dissertation doctorate in Sociology from the University of Michigan, and am certified as a master life coach. When not on shift for the resistance, you will find me making costumes for my two daughters Aliana and Sofia, enjoying the company of my husband Michael, looking for more excuses to frost fancy cakes, and reading optimistic sci-fi and fantasy possibilities of a just and equitable universe. I look forward to sharing more stories about my family and how my vocational path has helped me hone my commitment to justice and change, and to get to know your stories as well. I'm thrilled about the good work we will be doing together!
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Sunday, August 9 at 10 a.m.
MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
"Poetry and Presence"
Arif Mamdani, Seth Matz
What does presence have to do with poetry? Where are we when we say "Here We Are"? What do the poetic forms of haiku, American sentences, and dekazz have to do with the pandemic? On Sunday, join Seth Matz and Arif Mamdani as they help us travel with these questions through music, story, and word as we continue to explore this summer's theme: "Here We Are."
Seth and Arif will be joined by Julica Hermann de la Fuente and Barrington Walker at the start of worship, so come meet the newest members of the team (don't be late)! And, bring some paper and something to write with so you can join the poetic fun and add your words to the space we create when we come together. See you this Sunday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m.
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
ORDER OF SERVICE:
Welcome
Chalice Lighting
Story: Seth Matz
Music: The OK Factor covering Pharrell Williams' "Happy"
Prayer: Arif and Seth
Music: "Spirit of Life"
Message: Arif Mamdani
Offertory: Franco Holder
Closing Words
"Go Now in Peace"
AFTER WORSHIP:
~11 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour
After Sunday worship, join us for virtual coffee hour for all identities ( Meeting ID: 212 168 092 Passcode: 383174) or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and passcode when prompted.
~11 a.m. BIPOC Virtual Coffee Hour for those who are Black, Indigenous, Multiracial, POC
Join here ( Meeting ID: 825 3313 5300; Password: 982432) or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and password when prompted.
Wednesday, August 12 at 7 p.m. WORSHIP Rev. Karen Hutt This midweek worship experience for adults and older youth is a brief time (20-30 minutes) of connection, centering, and reflection, to help us find and keep our balance during this time of pandemic and physical distancing.
To join by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the webinar ID.
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"Through It" - Rev. Justin Schroeder
Sunday, August 2 Worship Recording
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| | Mabel led us in the words for lighting the chalice this past Sunday. |
August 2 sermon summary and reflections by Liz Farmer:
We're goin' on a bear hunt, gonna catch a big one We're not scared, we're not scared. [arrives at scary, murky, intimidating thing or experience]
Can't go under it. Can't go over it. Oh no... We gotta go through it.
You may have heard this refrain of the popular children's story, We're Goin' on a Bear Hunt. Children's stories contain wisdom for all ages, however -- and this story is no different. While the characters in the book face such obstacles as tall reeds of grass, mud flats, and snowstorms, our current unknowns involve more than weather. Try as we might to argue with reality or change our situations with a temporary quick fix, our current reality is here, and so are we. Here we are. We can't go under the coronavirus; we can't go over dismantling white supremacy culture and ending state violence. We can't avoid grief, action, asking for help, a difficult conversation, or any situation we'd like to. For the record, it's ok to be scared. But we must go through it - together.
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CYCLE OF LIFE & CONGREGATIONAL 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; contact Rev. Karen Hutt at revkarenhutt@gmail.com. If you would like support, call the office at 612-825-1701 and follow the prompts for pastoral care on the recording. |
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Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees will meet on August 13, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. to continue working on a draft of a racial justice resolution for presentation to the congregation. This meeting will be held on Zoom here.
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"Defund the Police: What Comes Next?" Circle
Two Sundays ago, 35 people attended the "Defund Police: What Comes After?" webinar by Reclaim the Block and Black Visions Collective. As a group, we listened and learned together and have a lot more to learn and discuss! You're invited to join Denise Konen and Bianca Zick, white anti-racist facilitators and activists, for a 'Defund the Police' circle to keep learning.
We will work together to uncover where our ideas of police come from, share our questions, worries, hopes, and/or concerns about defunding the police, and explore together the experiences of places and organizations that are having success in their efforts to reimagine and remake policing.
This circle will be held via Zoom on Thursdays, Aug. 13, 20, 27 and Sept. 3, 6:30-8 p.m. Plan to attend all sessions, the first in particular. And, we understand that things come up!
This circle is designed for people who identify as white. If you are Black, Indigenous or a person of color and are interested, please contact Denise Konen.
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Virtual Gatherings for Adults
Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 8 a.m.
Begin your week with spiritual grounding and sustenance, taking time to connect with your breath, your heart, your woundedness and your joy, in this half hour interactive session in which we check in and engage with a spiritual practice.
Third Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Next meeting: August 19)
The Young Adults group (for those in their 20s and 30s) is now gathering on a monthly basis. Connect with fellow First U young adults after Wednesday worship on the third Wednesday of the month for conversation and fun.
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Virtual Gatherings for Children, Youth & Families
SUNDAY (Aug. 9)
1:30 p.m. BIPOC/Multiracial Youth Group with Daryn, Sarah, and youth leaders, for youth who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color and/or multiracial. Email Lauren at
TUESDAY
8 p.m. Single Parents Gathering with Rev. Sara Smalley - Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Sara to be connected to the group at smalley.sara@gmail.com.
THURSDAY
8:15 p.m. Parents of Babies and Preschoolers (ages 0-4 years) with Lauren - Parents/guardians of little ones gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. (Meeting ID: 273-644-536 ; Password: 446240)
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Association of Universalist Women Social Hour
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AUW members are staying connected via a weekly Zoom Happy Hour.
Meeting ID: 834 7301 7986
Password: 557571
Phone number: 312-626-6799
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12 Step Spirituality Workshops, which had been hosted at First Universalist one Saturday per month, continue every Saturday on Zoom through October. All people interested in the 12 steps are welcome. The workshop includes meditation, centering prayer meditation instructions, short talks, small groups and more. Join here at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. The meeting ID is 392-510-399. Visit www.12stepspirituality.org for more details. If you have questions call Dick Y. at 952-893-1188.
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Invitation from Environmental Justice Team Member Mark Bohnhorst
Virtual Program: Presidential Election Reform - 2020 and Beyond Thursday, Aug. 13, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. (CST) Program description and Registration here
Longtime Environmental Justice Team member Mark Bohnhorst has been doubling as an advocate for reforming the Electoral College. Mark believes passionately that the currents of racial justice, electoral justice and climate justice are part of the same river, through which at least five of the seven UU principles flow. See this January 2019 post on the MNIPL Sacred Action Blog.
For several months, Mark has been organizing the August 13 program: Presidential Election Reform - 2020 and Beyond. This program begins by centering on race:
Session One 12:30 p.m. - Race and the Electoral College: Origins of the electoral college, preservation by white supremacist regimes, and continuing structural racial injustice inherent in the electoral college. Session One is headlined by Harvard historian Alex Keyssar, author of the just released book, Why do We Still Have the Electoral College? and NYT editorial board member and author Jesse Wegman, Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College.
Other sessions in the program include a focus on two powerful ways to reform the electoral college: the new Voter Choice Ballot Proposal and the Interstate Compact. Presenters include former Vice President Mondale, Secretary of State Steve Simon, leaders of the two leading national groups pushing for Electoral College reform, and Mark Bohnhorst.
Co-hosts include Minnesota Citizens for Clean Elections and the Minnesota Unitarian-Universalist Social Justice Alliance. The program will be recorded and archived.
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We offer several options for making donations online, whether it's a contribution toward the offering plate or your annual or capital gift.
Text to Give
To make a donation via credit card, use your smartphone to text "firstuniv" (without quotes) to the number 73256. You'll receive a link to a secure form where you can enter your information. Select the appropriate fund from the dropdown menu.
Square Cash Make a contribution using a debit card via the Square Cash app. Download this free app ( iPhone or Android) and set up your account - you'll need your debit card and a $cashtag (user name).
ACS (our online giving system) Make a one-time gift using the secure form located on our website here. Make sure that you've selected the correct fund (such as offering plate) if it's not an annual gift.
It's also okay to mail checks to the church, even though the office is closed. We are still receiving mail, though we are only collecting it once per week. It will likely take us longer than normal to process check payments, but you are welcome to send checks if you prefer!
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A Quick Guide on Where to Direct Commonly Asked Questions:
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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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The church office is closed until further notice.
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
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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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