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September 24, 2015 | Vol. 2 No. 30
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To Seek the Truth in Love...and to Help One Another
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Every time we gather for worship at church we should be
reminded of the biggest questions of our lives: What are we going to do with our one wild and precious life? How can we learn to love as deeply as possible? How might we live so that when it comes time to die we are not bitter and full of regret?
This past Sunday, these questions were alive in me. After the second service I watched the documentary, "Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard," which wrestles with these questions as it tells the story of a Unitarian Church and a Japanese school in the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima. As I looked around the room, I saw long time church member and leader, Nancy Atchison (who, along with others mentioned here, gave me permission to share this story). It was the first time Nancy had been back to church since her husband, Tom, had passed away in early August. Nancy had served as Tom's caretaker, and after Tom's death, Nancy had been clear that she wanted to return to her faith community, to be with her people. A friend had driven her to church that morning.
Seeing Nancy reminded me of her and Tom's deep commitment to peace and nonviolence, and I felt the presence of his spirit.
It reminded me that after Tom's memorial service, I joined a conversation between two long time church members - one who was just beginning her career, and one who was winding down her career. As we talked, I learned that the older woman had served as the younger woman's Coming of Age Mentor some years ago. Though the young woman didn't know Tom, her mentor had known and been shaped by Tom's commitment to peace and justice, and this commitment was clearly alive in this young woman as well.
In that moment, the past blended with the present, which blended into the future, and again, I felt the strength of this faith community. It's a strength that doesn't offer easy answers to life's troubling and beautiful questions, but it does offer rides, loving hands, open hearts, and kind companions for the journey. It's a strength that seeks "the truth in love...and helps one another."
This is the work and the root system of our church. Through the generations, we walk together, loving and helping one another, working for justice in the world.
I'll see you in church,
Justin
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Shizumi Shigeto Manale is a dancer, performing artist, choreographer, director, author and film producer born in Hiroshima and raised in Osaka, Japan. She is the producer of the documentary "Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard" that was screened at First Universalist this past Sunday. We were honored to have her as a guest in worship and at a special reception and film screening after the service.
Photo by Janet Mills
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Shizumi Shigeto Manale
Photo by Bob Friedman
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Worship this Sunday
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Sept. 27, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Restore, Reclaim, Remember"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
This Sunday, in the spirit of Yom Kippur - of reviewing and remembering the past in order to make amends and seek atonement - we deepen our exploration of remembering, and how remembering might help us reclaim and restore our collective humanity.
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September theme: Roots
Looking Ahead
Oct. 4, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Sharing Sunday
"Our Shared Roots"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
Oct. 11, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
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Miss a Past Sermon?
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Sept. 20, 2015
"Seeds of Hope"
Rev. Jen Crow
Sept. 13, 2015 "Climbing Down, Falling Up" Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Sept. 6, 2015 "There is Power in a Union: A Theology of Labor" Ashley Horan |
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| This Sunday is Sign Up Sunday |
Join us after both services this 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. 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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Daytime Connections: Lessons from Internment of Japanese Americans
Thursday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m.
Was U.S internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII justified? Panel members will tell stories about modern-day "internment" to help us reflect on the way we treat marginalized peoples living among us today.
Daytime Connections programs for older adults include
a presentation followed by a discussion and small meal ($5 donation is requested). RSVP to Sandy
at [email protected] or 612-825-1701.
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Racial Justice Video Discussion: "The Abolitionists"
Sunday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m.
"The Abolitionists" is from the acclaimed PBS series "American Experience." Abolitionist allies Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Beecher Stowe and others turned a despised fringe movement against chattel slavery into a force that literally changed the nation. Join us for a viewing of excerpts from this video, followed by discussion. Also offered Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.
This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
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Sabbath Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 11,
9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
When was the last time you really, truly rested on a Sunday? After multigenerational morning services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m., we invite people of all ages to spend the day at church resting, relaxing, playing and connecting. We'll enjoy a potluck lunch, community sing, concert by Lynn O'Brien, labyrinth walk, and more. We'll also rededicate the First Universalist labyrinth on this day in honor of its ten-year anniversary.
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| Introducing the Faithful Action Leadership Council |
The Faithful Action Leadership Council (FALC) is the newly formed body that will set the direction of faithful action ministries at First Universalist going forward. FALC will work through a racial justice lens, prioritize working through partnerships with community and internal groups, and balance advocacy and systemic change while attending to immediate needs. Lastly, FALC seeks to ensure a spiritual component in our social justice work.
2015-2016 Faithful Action Leadership Council members are: Rev. Justin Schroeder (co-chair), Joan Naymark (co-chair), Taylor Putz, Cindy Marsh, Emma Paskewitz, Kristin Siegesmund, Joan Patterson, Sarah Sheehan, Deb Soulen, Stan Sattinger, Matt Kresl, and Marjorie Herdes.
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| New Offering Option: Square Cash |
Don't carry cash or checks? You can now easily donate right from the pew using your phone!
First, download the Square Cash app ( iPhone or Android) for free. Then, set up your account - you'll need your debit card, on some phones you'll need to make up a $cashtag (your user name), and you'll choose to create either a personal or business account.
 Once your account is set up, simply: 1) Enter the amount you want to donate 2) Click "pay" 3) In the $cashtag space, enter $FirstUniv 4) In the For space, enter "offering plate" 5) Click "pay" Money from your bank account is deposited directly into First Universalist's account.
Offering Plate donations are tax deductible, and gifts made through Square Cash are recorded in our database.
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| Nominate an Offering Plate Recipient! |
Have you ever wondered how we select organizations to receive part of our offering plates? It starts with you. (Who? Me?) Yes, you! All the organizations that receive our offering plates are recommended by members and friends.
If there's a non-profit that you think should receive an offering plate, please fill out the short "Offering Plate" form and nominate them. You can find this form on our website, under the "Connections" tab, here. Invite your friends and family to nominate organizations as well!
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John Jensen Bids Farewell to Jazz Band
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For many years, the First Universalist Jazz Band was led by our beloved music director, John Jensen, who retired in 2014. The Jazz Band enhanced our worship, provided fun and dancing for the Valentine's Dance, and presented concerts. Last year, John continued to lead the band as a way of staying involved at First U, and flexing his big band muscles. Recently, John contacted the church to say that he will no longer be leading the jazz band. John dearly loves all the players, leading them into great performances, and some serious fun, but now he wants to focus solely on his St. Olaf work and personal performances. It was a great run, and John sends his best to First U.
At this point, we have no plans to reconfigure the jazz band for this year, but will keep our eye out for other instrumental opportunities for our members. Thank you John, and thanks to all the jazzers, inside and outside First Universalist Jazz Band.
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Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
Our thoughts and prayers are with:
Kirk Cozine, as he recovers from hip replacement surgery on Wednesday 9/23.
Karen Wille, who will have surgery on Monday to remove a salivary gland tumor.
Let Us Keep You in Our Thoughts and Prayers
If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, or celebrating a joy, please let us know. To be included in our Cycle of Life each Sunday in worship, contact Sandy DiNanni at [email protected] or 612-825-1701. If you would like support, contact Rev. Jen Crow at [email protected] or 612-825-1701 or any member of our Pastoral Care Team. |
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First Universalist Church in the News
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Comfort Shawls
Do you like to knit? For directions for the comfort shawls that we distribute to congregants in times of need, contact Pat Foulkes
at [email protected]. Or perhaps you know somebody who is in need of a Comfort Shawl? If so, contact Congregational Care co-chairs Kathy Urberg, [email protected], or Kathy Coskran, 612 202-9322 or [email protected] to let them know.
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Children's Choir Parent Meeting this Sunday, 9/27
On Sunday, Sept. 27, there will be a Children's Choir parent meeting in the Cummins Room from 10:45-11:10 a.m. Make sure your singer comes with you! Children's Choir rehearses weekly on Sundays from 10:45-11:10 a.m. and performs during both services on selected Sundays. Children in grades 1 through 5 are welcome to join!
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"Freedom Daze"
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Thursday, Oct. 1 - Saturday, Oct. 3
"Freedom Daze" is a new theatre production about Islamophobia, funded in part by a grant from the First Universalist Foundation and directed by First Universalist congregant Suzy Messerole. Tickets and information: www.intermediaarts.org
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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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| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
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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, information about publication deadlines, submission requirements, and policies can be found on our website.
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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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Join Our Mailing List
Subscribe to The Weekly Liberal here.
Sign up to receive our weekly Children Youth & Family Ministries news here.
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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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