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September 10, 2015 | Vol. 2 No. 28
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| We've Been Waiting For You |
Dear Ones,
We are waiting for you. While many of you have been at church over the summer, attending inspiring and challenging worship services and making our church and our commitments come alive, we've missed the fullness of two Sunday services and classrooms packed with children and youth. We've missed Rev. Justin, who's been home with his family on paternity leave, and we are excited to welcome him back on Sunday.
Many of us have missed Rev. Kate Tucker, who retired in 2012 after serving our congregation for 15 years as the Associate Minister, and we are delighted to welcome her into her role as Minister Emerita on Sunday. As Kate will say to us this weekend, her role with us has changed since she retired 3 years ago. She will be with us from time to time, witnessing for peace and justice in the community, attending worship, and participating in major milestones in the life of our congregation. As Minister Emerita, Kate joins our beloved Minister Emeritus, Rev. John Cummins, in celebrating and supporting the ministers and the mission that our church has chosen, and we are excited that they will be with us in worship on Sunday.
What a joy it will be to be together again. We can't wait to see you on Sunday.
In gratitude,
Jen
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Water Communion + Two Services Resume Sunday
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This Sunday, we return to two services, at 9:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.On September 13 we mark the beginning of the church year with Water Communion Sunday. Please bring a small jar of water to either service for this beautiful multi-generational Sunday worship. Make sure to be in the sanctuary and seated before the start of the service in order to enjoy the opening processional and dancing!
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| Sunday Worship at First Universalist |
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Worship this Sunday
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Sept. 13, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Water Communion Sunday
Multigenerational Service (optional childcare for
ages 6mos-3yrs)
"Climbing Down
and Falling Up"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
In the spiritual journey, our sense of direction is not always accurate. On this Water Communion Sunday, we explore the spiritual directions of life, and celebrate our lives together with gathering water from up, down, and all around.
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September Worship theme: Roots
Looking Ahead
Sunday, Sept. 20, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Seeds of Hope"
Rev. Jen Crow
Sunday, Sept. 27, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Honoring Yom Kippur
Rev. Justin Schroeder
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Miss a Past Sermon?
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September 6, 2015
"There is Power in a Union: A Theology of Labor"
Ashley Horan
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 |
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| Sign Up Today: Fall Circle Registration Is Now Open |
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.
Curious about circles? Want to learn more? Join us for an information session this Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. in room 203.
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| Get Involved: Sign Up Sunday is Sept. 27 |
Join us on Sunday, Sept. 27 for Sign Up Sunday, an opportunity to learn more about the groups and committees at First Universalist. Information, friendly conversation, and sign up sheets will be available in the social hall after both services. With a variety of opportunities ranging from knitting, to delivering meals, to circle suppers, you will find great ways to get connected socially and contribute to the life of this vibrant community.
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| Bring a Gift of Produce for Joyce Foodshelf |
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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| Women's Ritual Circle Open to Newcomers this Fall |
Self-identified women who are interested in earth-based and pagan spirituality are welcome to attend the upcoming open rituals of the Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle. The circle is open to newcomers on Sunday, Sept. 27 in the Cummins Room (Full Moon in Aries); Monday, Oct. 13 in the Chalice Room (New Moon in Libra); and Tuesday, Oct. 27 in the Cummins Room (Full Moon in Taurus). There will be a commitment ritual on Wednesday, Nov. 11, after which the circle will close to new members until next fall. Ritual will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. Contact Beth at [email protected] for more information.
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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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"Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard" Reception & Film Screening
Sunday, Sept. 20, 12:15 p.m.
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 4 p.m.
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Daytime Connections: Lessons from Internment of Japanese Americans
Thursday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m.
Was U.S. internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II justified to protect Americans? How did this forced way of living affect Japanese-American children and families? Panel members will tell their own stories about modern-day "internment" to help us reflect on the way we treat marginalized peoples living among us today.
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| Sept. 19: "A Pete Seeger Songfest" with Jim Scott |
 Join us on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. for an evening of music performed by composer, guitarist and singer Jim Scott in memory of Pete Seeger.
Jim Scott was a good friend - and at times a concert co-performer - with American folk singer, political activist and author Pete Seeger. Jim will perform a number of Pete's songs, as well as his own, in this concert in memory of Pete. Sponsoring this event is the Faithful Action Ministry of First Universalist, which focuses in part on peace, racial justice, and environmental justice-causes to which Pete had dedicated his life.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $12 in advance, and $15 at the door. Purchase advance tickets online or make your reservations in the Social Hall on Sunday, Sept. 13.
For more than three decades, including a period as guitarist with the Paul Winter Consort, Jim Scott has made it his business to create and perform music that celebrates peace, justice and the earth. Jim's guitar skill and infectious manner brought Pete to call him "some kind of magician." Included in the playlist for this event will be Jim's composition, "We Are the Earth," which conveys the hopeful atmosphere of the Peoples' Climate March in New York in September of 2014. He sang this song on the march and produced this video from clips he took on his iPhone during the march.
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| Save the Date: Sabbath Sunday is October 11 |
When was the last time you really, truly rested on a Sunday? Set down your work, stepped away from computer and smartphone screens, and spent the day relaxing, playing, and connecting with family and friends?
People of all ages are invited to spend the morning and afternoon at church on Sunday, Oct. 11! After multigenerational services in the morning (9:30 and 11:15 a.m.), there will be opportunities to socialize and participate in a variety of activities and service projects. We'll enjoy a potluck lunch, a community sing, a concert by Ann Reed, and a labyrinth walk. We'll also rededicate the First Universalist Labyrinth on this day in honor of its 10 year anniversary. You can pick and choose which activities you and your family participate in - there will be spaces for open play and hanging out for all ages throughout the day in addition to organized activities. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends and make new connections within the First Universalist community! |
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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 7-9 p.m. and sings in worship twice a month. Email [email protected] for more information.
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Tobacco-Free Grounds
First Universalist Church grounds are now 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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"Freedom Daze"
Written by Aamera Siddiqui, Directed by Suzy Messerole 
"Freedom Daze," a new theatre production about Islamophobia, has been rehearsing at First Universalist Church since August and the production is funded in part by a grant from the First Universalist Foundation. Come see this powerful play that merges art and social justice at Intermedia Arts in early October!
In 1974, two young girls meet at a dinner party in Zambia. One girl would be sentenced to a life in solitary confinement, the other would become an artist diving into her story. "Freedom Daze" is a journey through the media maze of (mis)information and fear mongering that has created an enemy class of "them." Additional information is available on the Intermedia Arts website.Thursday, Oct. 1: Opening Night Reception, sliding scale ticket price*Friday & Saturday, Oct. 2 - 3: Post Show Discussions following the performanceTICKETS:$15 advance, student, senior | $18 at the door | $10/ticket for groups of 8+*Sliding scale Thursday, Oct. 1, $10 - 25612-871-4444 or www.intermediaarts.org
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| Resources & Contact Information |
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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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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
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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
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