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September 3, 2015 | Vol. 2 No. 27
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Let the bubble break - that was the message of our worship service last Sunday at Lake Harriet. Let the bubble of your spiritual practice break all over your life. Let the bubble of the illusion of our separation from each other and the earth break all over your life. Let the bubble of false truths, of ignorance and misinformation, of the perceived supremacy of any one group at the cost of another break all over your life. Let the bubble of unconditional, boundless, transformative love that is the foundation of our Universalist faith break all over your life. This is the spiritual challenge that our church community puts before us.
As we head into Labor Day weekend and so many changes herald the turn of the season, I wish for you one more summer moment of peace and connection, one more moment of awareness of the sacrifices of those who have come before us working for justice. I hope for all of us that we might keep on finding and creating small bubbles of awareness and gratitude, no matter what the season might be. I hope that we will open our eyes to the beauty and wonder and broken-ness of our world, and that love might lead our actions and our thoughts. I hope that the illusion of separation might disappear, and that the bubble of unconditional, transformative love that is the center of our faith might break all over your life.
In gratitude, Jen
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Thanks to all who joined us at the Lake Harriet Bandshell on Sunday, Aug. 30 for our outdoor worship service and potluck picnic! | |
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Bubbles added an element of fun to the service! More photos from Sunday can be found on First Universalist's Facebook page. |
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| Sunday Worship at First Universalist |
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Worship this Sunday
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Sept. 6, 10 a.m.
"'There is Power in a Union:' A Theology of Labor"
Ashley Horan
This Labor Day weekend, we will look at the ways in which the history - and the present - of the labor movement in the United States can teach us about collective liberation, racial justice, interdependence, and this-worldly universal salvation. Read more.
No RE classes this Sunday. Childcare is available for ages 6 mos - 5th gr.
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Worship theme: Roots
Looking Ahead:
Sunday, Sept. 13, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Multigenerational Service (optional childcare for ages 6mos-3yrs)
"Climbing Down and
Falling Up"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
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Miss a Past Sermon?
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August 30, 2015
"Let the Bubble Break"
Rev. Jen Crow
August 23, 2015 "We're Gonna Need a Bigger Tree" (wisdom story) Lauren Wyeth "Walking Willingly" (homily) Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
August 16, 2015 "Falling into Questions" Rev. K.P. Hong |
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Water Communion Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 13, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Water is a gift. It replenishes and sustains our lives. On Water Communion Sunday, we bring water from our homes, our travels, our walks, our bike paths, and combine them in a ritual called Water Communion.
Please bring a small jar of water on Sunday the 13th for the beginning of our church year, in this multi-generational Sunday service.
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"A Pete Seeger Songfest" with Jim Scott
Join us for an evening of music performed by Jim Scott in memory of American folk singer, political activist and author Pete Seeger. Jim Scott was a good friend, and at times a concert co-performer, with Pete. In this concert at First Universalist, Jim will perform a number of Pete's songs, as well as his own. Admission: $12 advance, $15 at the door.
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"Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard" Reception & Film Screening
Sunday, Sept. 20, 12:15pm
Join us for a special reception and screening of the inspiring documentary film "Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard" with the director and producer present. A second screening will be offered at 4pm.
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| Grow Your Soul in Community: Circle Registration Begins Sunday, Sept. 6! |
Circles are groups of 8-10 committed participants who come together with a trained leader to nurture spiritual growth in community. These groups are grounded in the spiritual practices of deep listening and open-hearted reflection. Each gathering offers an opportunity for deeper connection: connecting with our own inner truth, connecting with other people, and connecting with something greater than ourselves.
View all of our offerings, including schedules and descriptions, here.
Which circle might be right for you?
Community Circles offer an opportunity to reflect more deeply on our Sunday services and monthly worship themes.
Spiritual Deepening Circles gather for in-depth study of a particular topic or spiritual practice, such as Conscious Aging, Listening to the Soul Through Poetry and Examining Whiteness.
Newcomer Circles offer an opportunity to learn more about our liberal faith tradition and connect with others who are getting to know First Universalist.
Care Circles offer participants support and encouragement during a particularly challenging period of their lives.
Childcare is available free of charge for circles (and all church programming) by submitting this online form 7 days in advance.
Our Adult Programs Catalog, which contains Fall Circle information as well as updates on all of our adult learning and spiritual growth opportunities, is now available online.
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| Religious Education Classes Begin Sept. 20 |
From September through May, First Universalist Church offers Religious Education classes for children and youth in preschool through high school. We are home to nearly 300 families and close to 500 children and youth!
Pre-registration is required for returning families, and classes begin Sunday, Sept. 20. There is no fee for our Religious Education classes. Learn more and register online.
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| Bring a Gift of Produce for Joyce Foodshelf |
We have come to the culmination of the summer! This is a great time to gather up some of nature's bounty and share it with others who are less fortunate.
This year, First Universalist is sponsoring two Sunday collections of produce to benefit Joyce Food Shelf. Bring fresh produce before either service on Sundays, Sept. 13 and 20. We will have a table set up on the front steps of the church (weather permitting, otherwise in the social hall) to receive your contributions. Produce does not need to be home grown. Feel free to shop at a farmer's market, grocery store or co-op or to accept some vegetables from one of your desperate gardener friends. Volunteers will weigh our combined donations and deliver them to the Joyce Food Shelf and possibly others if we get a bumper crop of donations.
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Now is a Great Time to
Join the Choir!
The First Universalist Choir is open to anyone who has a love for singing and wishes to participate during worship services. Prior experience and ability to read music are helpful but not necessary. The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings 7-9pm and sings in worship twice a month. Email [email protected] for more information.
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Tobacco-Free Grounds
Starting in September, First Universalist Church grounds will be tobacco-free. We ask that you please refrain from smoking on church grounds, including in our parking lot and near entrances. This change was prompted by licensing requirements for Temple Israel's Early Childhood Center, which is using our lower level classroom spaces this year. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Amazon Smile
Do you ever shop on Amazon? Did you know you can support First Universalist when you do?
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to First Universalist when you shop on AmazonSmile. It's the same Amazon - products and prices - except that First Universalist benefits when you shop! Learn more | |
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Laura Smidzik Ordination
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Saturday, Sept. 19, 2 p.m.
Laura served as our ministerial intern during the 2012-13 church year, and several of our ministers will be participating in the service. For childcare, contact [email protected] by Sept. 12. |
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Ashley Horan Ordination
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Saturday, Oct. 3, 2 p.m.
Ashley Horan is the Executive Director of MUUSJA, the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance.
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Pastoral Care
Let Us Keep You In Our Thoughts & PrayersIf you are experiencing a crisis or transition, or celebrating a joy, please let us know.
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Contact Us
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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit news!
Do you have an announcement or photo that you would like published in The Weekly Liberal? Please fill out our online submission form. Edits for length and/or content may occur.
The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg. Past issues, i nformation about publication deadlines, submission requirements, and policies can be found on our website.
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Church Office Hours
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
Closed Monday, Sept. 6 (Labor Day)
Join Our Mailing List
Subscribe to The Weekly Liberal by clicking here. Receive our weekly Children Youth & Family Ministries news by signing up here. |
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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
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