October 1, 2015  |  Vol. 2 No. 31
Living in the Intersection...
As Unitarian Universalists, we proclaim that we are all love's 
Rev. Justin Schroeder
people, held by a love that will not let us go. As love's people, we welcome, affirm, and protect the light in each human heart; we listen deeply to where love is calling us next in our lives; and we act for justice in the world. These are our essential spiritual practices as we give, receive, and grow together. 

These practices are designed to help us live in the intersection of spiritual growth and social justice ministry. As various mentors have taught me, there is a vital dance between spiritual growth and justice work. They shape and inform one another. Nearly all spiritual leaders and traditions agree: our justice work is more effective when we are grounded spiritually, and we grow spiritually as we engage in justice work.

As I look at a few upcoming church events, I am proud of the work we are doing to provide regular opportunities to live in this intersection:
  • On Saturday, Oct. 3,  we begin our fourth 24-hour "Racial Justice" training with Dr. Heather Hackman. More than 30 people have signed up, including a number of youth! These trainings help equip us to act on our deepest values of faith and to see more clearly the dynamics of race, racism, and whiteness, as we work for racial justice.
  • On Wednesday, Oct. 7, First Universalist will host a Community Conversation about Mde/Bde Maka Ska (currently called Lake Calhoun), in an effort to connect with the spirit of the lake, through deep listening and conversations with our many neighbors.
  • On Sunday, Oct. 11, we're holding our first ever "Sabbath Sunday," a day of rest, renewal, spiritual practice, music, food and fellowship - a feast day for the spirit, if you will.
As we move into the fall, may you find ways to nurture your spirit and help heal our world.

I'll see you in church,
Justin
 
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Worship this Sunday
Oct. 4, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Sharing Sunday (children ages 4 years to 5th grade attend first part of service)

"Our Shared Roots"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
The word "humility" shares the same roots as the words "humus" and "human." What does our Universalist heritage have to tell us about what it means to be human and walk humbly in the world? How might our Unitarian forebears figure in?  Read more

Special Music: The OK Factor
October theme: Humility

Looking Ahead

Oct. 11, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Multigenerational Service
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie & Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink

Oct. 18, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Youth-friendly Worship
Rev. Justin Schroeder

Miss a Past Sermon?
Sept. 27, 2015
"Restore, Reclaim, Remember"
Rev. Justin Schroeder

Sept. 20, 2015
"Seeds of Hope"
Rev. Jen Crow

Sept. 13, 2015
"Climbing Down, Falling Up"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Twin Cities Marathon Road Closures and Traffic This Sunday
The Twin Cities Marathon and TC 10 Mile take place this Sunday, Oct. 4. Those planning to join us for worship may be impacted by road closures, which begin at 7:30 a.m. in St. Paul and 8 a.m. in Minneapolis. Because of the marathon route's proximity to First Universalist, street parking may be more difficult to find as well. We encourage you to look at the marathon and 10 mile course maps and plan your morning accordingly. See you in church!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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 feeding your spirit? We invite you to join us for a day to renew your spirit in community!
 
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. Participate in a variety of activities and opportunities to socialize: we'll enjoy a potluck lunch (please bring a dish to share!), a community sing, a concert by Lynn O'Brien, a labyrinth walk, and more. We'll also rededicate the First Universalist labyrinth on this day in honor of its ten-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 the schedule of organized activities, which runs from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax and spend quality time with family and friends and make new connections within the First Universalist community!

View the Schedule of Activities
Racial Justice Video Discussion: "The Abolitionists"
Sunday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. 
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
How did the fringe movement to abolish slavery become a force that changed a nation? Join us for an engaging viewing and discussion of "The Abolitionists," part of the acclaimed PBS series "American Experience." Led by Suzanne Hay, Kayci Rush, and Rev. Justin Schroeder, this gathering will meet in the Cummins Room this Sunday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. or on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. This is a drop-in program (no registration required).
Read more
A Community Conversation: Connecting with the Spirit of the Lake
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6-9 p.m.
Please join us in the Social Hall for an energizing and participatory community conversation about Bde/Mde Maka Ska (currently called Lake Calhoun). Help us collectively reflect on the gifts this significant body of water has contributed to generation upon generation of people and the meaning-filled relationships which continue to be cultivated from its presence. Explore with us the hopes and dreams of restoring the name Bde/Mde Maka Ska to its original stature. Envision big and bold hopes and dreams, and a more valuable and vital future, through positive and generative dialogue.
Daytime Connections: Peacemaking in the Aftermath of Hiroshima
Thursday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m.
The bombing of Hiroshima was devastating, but it led to several courageous examples of peacemaking from those wounded by this horrific event. Church members Welcome Jerde and Stephen Mosborg will share stories of personal transformation after loss and Caren Stelson will share stories of healing after war.
Daytime Connections programs include a presentation, discussion and small meal (a $5 donation is requested for the meal). RSVP: [email protected] or 612-825-1701.
Faithful Action Fair October 25
Learn how you can get involved! On Sunday, Oct. 25, you're invited to our first Faithful Action Fair to celebrate the newly formed Faithful Action Leadership Council, meet with community social justice organizations, and learn about social and racial justice initiatives at First Universalist. Representatives from each participating organization will be on hand after both services (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) to share information about their work and invite you to sign up for a variety of volunteer opportunities.
 
Who will be there?

The Faithful Action Leadership Council (FALC) is the newly formed body that will set the direction of faithful action ministries at First Universalist, balancing our efforts for systemic change and serving immediate needs. The council works through a racial justice lens and is made up of representatives from the Board of Trustees, First Universalist Foundation, the Racial Justice Leadership Team, lay leadership of each partnership, advocacy coordinators, and an active liaison to MUUSJA. 
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Get the Church Directory and Calendar on Your Smartphone
Imagine: With a few simple taps on your phone, you could...
  • Call, text, or email your friends from church
  • Check the church calendar
  • Make a financial gift
This is now available for members and friends of First Universalist through the Church Life app. Follow the instructions on our website to set up an account and get the app, or head to the social hall after the services this Sunday to learn more and get help downloading the app.
Feeling Like First Universalist is Your Spiritual Home?
Join us for The Pathway to Membership, a class that invites you into an exploration of Unitarian Universalism, the history of this congregation, our racial justice commitment, and the experience of membership. The Pathway to Membership is required for joining the church. Our next Pathway to Membership class is a two-session experience on Sundays, October 18 and 25 from 1-4 p.m.
 
To sign up, contact Sandy DiNanni at [email protected] or 612-825-1701
 
Childcare is available with at least 7 days advance notice by filling out this form.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
Our thoughts and prayers are with:
Bob & Mary DeBruin & their family as Bob continues to recover from a sudden cardiac arrest 
Cherie Anderson on the death of her father, David Walter Anderson
Melody Werner, as she mourns the death of her brother-in-law and as she celebrates the adoption of her 6 year-old granddaughter.  

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.
"Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard"
An exhibition of children's drawings that inspired the film "Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard" is on view in the Social Hall until October 25. Read the Star Tribune feature, Hiroshima Children's Drawings Tell a Story of Hope, on the film and exhibits at First Universalist and Landmark Center. If you missed the screening we hosted, Landmark Center is offering Saturday screenings through October 24
Meal Support
New baby? Illness? Accident? Let us know if you or somebody in our community would like us to create a meal train for you.  Meal trains typically run two to six weeks depending on need and give congregants a way to help. Contact Kathy Urberg
 at [email protected] for more information.

Planned Giving at First Universalist
Peg Meier of the Planned Giving Committee says: 
A development officer for a major Minnesota non-profit organization recently told me the Number One reason why members hadn't put the organization in their wills: "Nobody ever asked me." We're asking you.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
"Freedom Daze"
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
Ashley Horan Ordination
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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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
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Monday-Thursday
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Closed Fridays and Saturdays
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408

612-825-1701

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