Upcoming Assemblies
March 9
"Of Price and Value"
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons
It is said that a cynic is one who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing, and we have an instinctive sense that values are different from prices. How is what we most value connected to what we are willing to pay for? How does what we are willing to pay for give shape to our lives and communities? And how can we make our money serve our truest values? Don't forget to change your clock for Daylight Savings Time, or we'll miss you this morning!
March 16
"Humanity's Child"
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons
These days, I picture the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem over a path strewn with palm leaves, with the disciples holding a banner proclaiming "Mission Accomplished." Days later, the prophet of peace died in agony at the hands of corrupt religious and military oppression. Five years ago, our nation launched a war that was meant to end in triumph, and today our young men and women continue to die-and live-in agony. The crucifixion is not a one-time event, but a story that we seem doomed to repeat again and again. On this Palm Sunday, what shall we make of this old image, so often reiterated?
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Updates
and Reminders
Parking at FUS
The Vineland Parking Ramp attached to Walker Art Center is available for FUS parking on Sundays. The cost is $1, and coupons for $1 are available in the FUS Office. Simply park your car in the ramp, remembering to bring your ticket with you as you leave the parking facility; come to FUS and stop by the office to pick up a coupon.
Electronic Versions of The First Unitarian Newsletter are available at the FUS website at www.firstunitariansociety.org. They are posted there each month. If you would like to stop receiving the printed version via postal mail and access the electronic version instead, simply contact the FUS Office with that request: 612-377-6608, or send an email request by clicking here.
Membership Orientation
If you are interested in learning more about the Society, contact Teresa West, Membership Director at 612-377-6608 ext. 104 or by clicking here. |
FUS Email Contacts
Phone: 612-377-6608
Fax: 612-377-2151 | |
Greetings from Mount Curve! 
This Sunday, March 2, is one of the spectacular Music Sunday programs offered by the First Unitarian Society throughout the year. The program this Sunday features works by Johann Vanhal, Gustave Mahler and Peteris Vasks.
The chorus will sing a cry for peace, Dona Nobis Pacem. They will make this appeal against the backdrop of 53 unadorned images of war. The goal is to provoke an urgent recognition of the need for social action through renewed vision and a united call for global healing. |
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Music Sunday! FUS Choir and Orchestra
March 2, 2008 - 10:30 a.m.
Gabriela and I are very excited about our March Music Sunday. This Sunday will be extraordinary in the sense that so many different people will be drawn together to create this memorable morning of music. We are thrilled to feature Colin Corner, a member of FUS, as he will play the Vanhal Concerto for double bass and orchestra. Colin, a member of the Minnesota Orchestra, has also generously given his time to the FUS orchestra and it is our absolute delight to hear him play this virtuosic work. It is somewhat rare to hear this magnificent instrument with all of its color and range played as a solo.
Mezzo-soprano Grace Echauri returns to the Society to sing Mahler's "Kindertotenlieder." Grace was featured as "The Best of 2007" in Mexico for her performance in the title role in the world premier of the opera "Frida" as well as her unforgettable performance of the Mahler Second Symphony. The "Kindertotenlieder" with poetry by Friedrich Rückert, is a collection of poems, from the perspective of a parent, about children who have died. Ruckert lost three children in his own life and his poetry reflects his profound grief and sorrow over his unspeakable loss.
The final piece, "Dona Nobis Pacem" by Latvian composer Peteris Vasks, is a desperate call for peace. This eastern European work features the strings of the orchestra as well as the chorus. Many congregations have been encouraged to present works that feature the "Dona Nobis Pacem" text. We are thrilled to join the call. This will be a morning not to be missed!
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March Forums
After a break in February, the FUS Forum program begins again on March 2 with the presentation "Making a Difference on Global Climate Change: Local Efforts and Policy Opportunities"
Presenter: Lisa Herschberger, Environmental Research Scientist and UU
The 2006 UU Statement of Conscience on the Threat of Global Warming/Climate Change is a call to action for individuals, congregations and the UUA. Many local organizations are working to reduce global warming: EJAM, MEP, CEM, MUUSJA,-the list goes on. Who are these groups and how are they approaching the problem? What policies are they recommending to reduce Minnesota's greenhouse gas emissions? Where are the opportunities for significant improvement?
Forum programs begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Lower Assembly Hall.
For information on the other March Forums check the FUS website calendar.
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Conversation with the Trustees - Music Consultant Report
March 16, 12:00 p.m. in the Chalice Room
Mark Slegers, UUA music consultant and music director at the Portland, Oregon UU church, visited FUS in November, spoke to members and staff, and conducted a forum during which he reviewed preliminary findings from music surveys completed by FUS members and friends.
We now have his report containing the findings and recommendations for improving our music program. A subcommittee of the Board of Trustees has reviewed the report as well as the surveys (which were redacted to keep names confidential).
During this Conversation with Trustees, board members will provide copies of the report, present the conclusions from the report and surveys, and propose an action plan for moving forward. Please come and join us. Refreshments will be served.
The report also will be posted to the FUS website. Check the FUS home page for the link.
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Alliance News
At our meeting, slated for Wednesday, March 5, we look forward to hearing Kim Pearson speak on pandemic influenza. The schedule is as follows:
Luncheon tickets sales: 10:45 a.m.
Program: 11:00 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00 p.m.
A short business meeting will follow lunch.
Please call Olive Sarkinen by Sunday, March 2 if you would like to attend.
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Did You Know... ?
You can make donations by credit card through a secure gateway on the FUS website. Just click the link to "Make your donation online" and you'll be directed to a special secure web page where you can choose the specific FUS or Foundation that you want to support. It's an easy and convenient way to support the work of your Society.
Items for consideration for The Unitarian FLASH may be submitted at any time. It is published on a somewhat flexible schedule, usually twice per month.
Submissions for all of these publications can be made by emailing them to Morgan Rock, Publications Coordinator or by clicking here. Please identify the publication and the date for which you'd like the submission considered.
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