Sunday Assembly, May 29 at 10:30 a.m. 

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons 

The famous Founding Atheist, Thomas Paine, once said "If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may live in peace." The existence of altruism, the willingness to face danger so that others may be safe, presents something of a puzzle for evolutionary theory, although sophisticated inheritance models demonstrate that it is actually rational at a certain genetic level. But what is it that makes us as individuals feel willing to lay down our comfort, our safety, and even our lives, in the service of those we love, or those we may not even know? We invite everyone to bring pictures of your loved ones who serve in the military, or as fire fighters or police officers, or of yourself, if you are a veteran or active in these services.

Forum: Growing Your Own Part 2  

June 5, 9:30 a.m.
Ethical Eating is a current Study-Action Issue of the UUA. In an effort to eat more food that is grown locally and organically, many UUs are interested in growing their own food. In May, our forum discussion focused largely on vegetable gardening. This week, Ray Schreurs will share his experience in growing and grafting apple trees. Ray and his wife, Le, have been gardening in Roseville since 1957 and have 2 apple trees in their yard. Ray also volunteers at the Gibbs Pioneer Museum where they grow 17 different Heritage apple varieties. The last 15-20 minutes of our discussion will be spent discussing ways that FUS gardeners might support each other's efforts - and share the bounty that results from those efforts - over the summer.

Assembly June 5, 10:30 a.m.
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons. It is said by some church growth experts that congregational identity is found not in elaborately crafted and voted mission statements, but rather in the song that members carry in their hearts. This may be literally a fragment of a song or hymn that describes how the members see themselves and their community, but it may also be a visual image, a picture or a metaphor, or a phrase of words that lingers in the memory. In order to move forward effectively into the future, our community must discern both the road we need to travel, and the song that will keep our hearts strong for the journey. We will welcome new members, as well as our next crop of chalice lighters, this morning. Next week's Assembly will meet in the Lower Assembly Hall for the start of our summer season.

Assembly June 12, 10:30 a.m. Upper Assembly Hall
Speaker:  Rev. Mark Kiyimba.

Rev. Kiyimba is the sole Unitarian Universalist minister in Uganda, where a pending bill before their parliament will make homosexuality punishable by death, and failing to report another's homosexuality a felony.  Rev. Kiyimba had to flee Uganda earlier this year due to police charges stemming from the fact that his church (our UU Church in Uganda) has sponsored two annual Standing on the Side of Love conferences, where pro-GLBT activists were able to connect and plan.  The church's home for AIDS orphans and their school for almost 400 village children are in danger because the combination of affirming homosexuality and running programs for children in Uganda puts anyone in jeopardy of being lynched by people who they believe are recruiting young people to be gay.  Rev. Kiyimba is being given sanctuary at the UU church in Tulsa at this time, and will be visiting the Twin Cities the weekend of June 11 - 12, hoping to raise awareness of the situation, and funds for his church, orphanage for children with AIDS, and his school, which will need financial support in his absence to survive. The antipathy toward homosexuality is not indigenous to African culture, but has been produced by western Christian missionary work. This will be a moving presentation by a little-known hero of our faith.

Many of the Northside residents who are newly homeless after the tornado are being housed temporarily in the Drake Hotel Shelter, 416 10th St. South.  They are in need of personal hygiene items; toothpaste and brushes, shampoo, soap, deoderant, etc.  You can drop them off at the shelter or at Gethsemane Episcopal Church, 905 4th Ave. South.  

Click here to get updated info about the recovery efforts after the tornado in north Minneapolis. 

Be a voice for the natural world...
Do you have a special connection-particularly in summer--to your backyard, a nearby park, the lakes or a garden?

The Seasonal Celebrations Team is seeking short written reflections about places close to home our members and friends love in summer. We will select a couple reflections to be presented at the Summer Solstice Celebration on June 21st. In 300-400 words, describe your treasured place. Youth submissions are also very much welcome. Send submissions to seasonalcelebrations@firstunitarian.org by June 12th.

Are you planning on attending the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association in Charlotte, North Carolina this June? If so, please contact Bruce Nelson about representing FUS and status as a delegate.

We really mean it! All of you have skills, talents and expertise in so many areas. FUS wants to know your areas of knowledge. Take a minute to fill out this quick survey so we can capture your talents. Brought to you by the Membership Committee and the FUS Board-appointed Leadership Development Task Group.