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October
19 Assembly:
"Community
in Communities"
Speaker:
Tim Barger, Ministerial Intern
Upper Assembly Hall, 10:30 a.m.
When we hear, read, or talk about "the community," how often do we consider what makes up our communities and how we contribute to them? We are all members of many communities: those of neighborhoods, of associations such as FUS, of Internet groups and of friends. Think how central the concept of community is to humanism. Community is people being together, whether the community is global or in one room, and it includes aspects of family and ministry. When I speak of my church community, sometimes I have to specify that I mean FUS, my home congregation in Brooklyn, New York, the Unitarian Universalist movement or other religious freethinkers. Community is essential to religious life, not just in people's desire to be together in spiritual practice, but with the ideal of the beloved community. "Community in Communities" looks at how we live in countless circles of togetherness.
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UU Action
For October's Action of the Month, The UUA invites you to join UUs across the nation to Publish for Peace with Iran. Visit the Publish for Peace Campaign Headquarters - for tips, resources, and background information.
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Local Social Action Opportunities
Click here for a detailed listing of local social action opportunities gathered by our new Social Action Coordinator, Carol Koepp. |
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Who Deserves an Award?
Each year PSD honors the exceptional volunteers who keep UUism alive and well on the prairie. This year it could be someone from your congregation. To nominate someone, check out the award criteria and print out nomination forms which are available at Awards on the PSD Web site.
Who in your congregation deserves to be honored? |
| Book Chat
Sunday, October 19, 9:30 a.m. Lower Assembly Hall
FORUM: Book Chat: Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries, by Naomi Wolf
Discussion Host: Bill Weir
Plan to join us for a discussion of Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries. This book, by best-selling author Naomi Wolf, illustrates the breathtaking changes that can take place when ordinary citizens engage in the democratic system the way the founders intended, and tells how to use that system, right now, to change your life, your community, and, ultimately, the nation. All are welcome, whether you have read the book (which is available in the FUS bookstore) or not.
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Updates
and Reminders
Connections Breakfast:
For parents in grades K-3, please come to the Connections Breakfast on October 19 in the Dietrich room from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Childcare is available. This light breakfast will be a great chance to meet with others in your child's class and to talk about the goals of the RE program.
Gallery
On Sunday, October 19 through Sunday, November 23, view a watercolor exhibition by Sidney Rice and Tam Swallen.
Remember that you can forward the Unitarian FLASH to a friend at any time. Simply scroll to the bottom of each edition of the FLASH and click on the link called "forward email." Forwarding the FLASH will not add the recipient to any email lists, or allow entry of any spam into their inbox, but it will allow you to share the information in the FLASH you'd like them to see with just a quick click!
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.
Visitors 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 | |
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Greetings from Mount Curve! 
Community. This theme will be explored in upcoming Forums and Assemblies in October. Even Halloween, and the celebration of the Day of the Dead, can be experienced as a communing with our ancestors. Learn more about the UUA community through Heritage Suppers on October 19; join a Circle Supper group to connect with current members of the FUS community; learn about the FUS community at orientation sessions and consider membership at the society; join us for the Wednesday night Eat 'N' Meet dinners and programs, or the FUS Community Chorus. Communtiy opportunities abound at FUS. Take part! |
Learn More about FUS
Orientation Sessions and New Member Sunday
Fall new member orientation dates are Sunday October 26 and November 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Dietrich Room. New Member Sunday is November 23. We will be holding orientations for visitors who would like to know more about FUS, Unitarian Universalism, and our community. You do not need to RSVP, just show up. New Member Sunday will follow these meetings for those who would like to join our Society. We will also have two more orientation sessions scheduled in 2009, in February and May. If you know of visitors who may be interested in joining, please let them know and direct them to Teresa West, Membership Coordinator, for more information. |
Will the 2008 Election be Fair?
Sunday, October 19, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Fall MUUSJA Meeting. "Will the 2008 Election be Fair?" a 30  minute PBS documentary on challenges to an accurate, free and fair election in the U.S. Panel discussion & action steps to follow. Also, presentations from our issue working groups for 2008-2009 actions & goals. Beverages provided, please bring snacks to share! First Universalist Church Social Hall, 3400 Dupont Ave S., Minneapolis. FFI contact Ralph Wyman, 612-998-6624. |
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UU Parenting Resources
It's coming in on the cold wind--the case of the  gimmes that kids get beginning with Halloween and ending on New Year's. Start with Halloween. Great fun to get candy, but how about starting the tradition in your family beginning with Halloween to give to others? For Halloween, UNICEF is such a long-standing, fantastic way for children to collect for others when they have their hands out for candy. Talk to your Trick-or-Treaters about the importance of the UNICEF initiatives. It is never too early to make social change agents out of your children.
 The sixth and seventh graders will be giving out Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes to the lower grades on October 26.
Parents of children in the Nursery and Preschool rooms: Remember, when we have a fire drill, your young children will be taken out of the building with adults who have instructions on just where to go and what to do. DO NOT GO TO THE CLASSROOMS IN CASE OF A FIRE (OR A DRILL) TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD!
- Jan Devor, FUS Director of Religious Education |
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Eat 'N' Meet
Eat 'N' Meet is a delicious program for the heart, mind and body. What more could you need? Join us on these Wednesday evenings this fall at 5:45 p.m. in the Lower Assembly Hall for some yummy eats and fabulous company. Then, if you are so moved-and can still move after your sumptuous feast-at 7:00 p.m. move upstairs to the Dietrich Room for the evening's free program. Attend one, or attend them all. Bring a friend-or more! All are welcome! Essential Facts:
* A vegetarian option is always served at each dinner. * Suggested donations rates for Eat' N' Meet dinners are: adults $7, children $5, with a maximum of $15 per family. * Childcare is provided free on-site. * The programs are free and open to all. Here's a taste of what's cooking at Eat' N' Meet this fall.
October 22
Menu: Thai
Program: Adventures in Tanzania by Elizabeth Hutchinson
Lizz Hutchinson, a public health graduate student, spent eight weeks in the Summer of 2008 living in Northern Tanzania, volunteering with a child survival public health program and also having adventures on safari and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Come learn more about health problems and programs in Tanzania and see photos of the trip!
October 29
Menu: Lasagnas and salad
Program: How's life treating you? by Gary Blegstad
The media has been filled with news of foreclosures, bankruptcies, job loss. Many of us are used to thinking of that happening to "other people" and ask questions about what to do; what public policies do we need to work on changing? We focus on the Big Picture. One of our members, during a 1-1 conversation last spring, said, It's fine to work on big issues like homelessness and poverty, etc., but what about us regular guys who lose jobs, face illness with little or no insurance, can't sell a house in this market? Who supports us? This Eat 'n' Meet discussion will give members an opportunity to talk about how these difficult economic times are affecting them, their families, neighbors, co-workers.
Eat great food. Meet great people. |
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Sign up for Circle Suppers in October Circle Suppers are events that bring members together to share an evening of good food and lively conversation in the homes of the Circle "hosts."
Each month (from January to April) there is a slightly different Circle. The month's hosts contact the members of their circle to arrange for a date and time for the "supper." The host provides the entree, with the guests bringing an appetizer a vegetable or salad, a dessert, and sometimes a beverage or bread. Generally the Supper is at the home of the host, but the host can also reserve the Dietrich Room (at FUS) for the supper.
Circle Suppers are an opportunity to meet new friends and get to know more FUS members through an evening of stimulating conversation and fun. Sign up in October at the Sign Up table near the Ask ME table. Questions? Talk with Adele Hansen or Barb Watts. | |
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You're Invited
Join us for these great events!
- Ceremony for Grieving and Healing, Sunday, October 19, Noon, Sir Isaac Newton Room. The loss of a loved one is a part of the life cycle, but our culture tends to leave little space for grieving or remembering those who have died. FUS holds a special, short service for those who are grieving the third Sunday of each month. At each service, participants will light a candle in honor of their lost loved one, read and hear words of comfort and hope, and be in silent company with others who have suffered a loss. For more information or to volunteer to help, call Rev. Kendyl Gibbons at 612 377-6608, ext. 116.
- Sunday, October 19 FORUM - Book Chat: Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries, by Naomi Wolf. Discussion host: Bill Weir. 9:30 a.m. Lower Assembly Hall
- Sunday, October 19 ASSEMBLY: "Community in Communities." Speaker: Tim Barger, Ministerial Intern. 10:30 a.m. Upper Assembly Hall
- Wednesday, October 22, Eat 'N' Meet: 5:45 p.m. Thai dinner in the Lower Assembly Hall followed by a free program on "Adventures in Tanzania" led by Elizabeth Hutchinson.
- Sunday, October 26 FORUM: "Building community and a greener lifestyle: Introduction to Cohousing Communities." Leader: Joelyn Malone, Cohousing Advocates and Monterey Cohousing Community. 9:30 a.m. Lower Assembly Hall.
- Sunday, October 26 ASSEMBLY: "Are We There Yet?" Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons. In 1948, the United Nations proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Sixty years and 18 years later, respectively, how might we measure the progress that has been made toward implementing these hopes?
- Wednesday, October 29, Eat 'N' Meet. 5:45 p.m. Lasagnas and salad dinner in the Lower Assembly Hall followed by a free program on "How's life treating you?" by Gary Blegstad.
- Music Sunday, A requiem will be performed by the FUS Chorus and Orchestra for Day of the Dead at Assembly, Sunday, November 2, 10:30 a.m.
- For an updated list of events at FUS visit the calendar.
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