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October 8, 2015 | Vol. 2 No. 32
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Hungry for Rest and Renewal?
Join Us for Sabbath Sunday on October 11 |
In the Hebrew scriptures, the story of creation ends with rest and
appreciation - a sabbath day. The message is clear: the world will survive for one day without "God" creating or doing anything.
The teaching here is less about God and more about sabbath - the importance of sabbath, and the fact that sabbath is a part of the very order of the universe.
But in our go-go social-media-driven, twenty-four-hour news culture, resting can be difficult.
Author John Ortberg tells the story of moving to Chicago and calling a friend for some spiritual direction. Ortberg says, "I described the pace at which things tend to move in my current setting. I told him about the rhythms of our family life and about the present condition of my heart, as best I could discern it. What did I need to do, I asked him, to be spiritually healthy?"
There was a long pause.
"You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life," he said at last.
There was another long pause.
"Okay, I've written that one down," Ortberg told him, a little impatiently. "That's a good one. Now what else is there?" Ortberg was busy and he had many things to do, and he was anxious to cram as many units of spiritual wisdom into the least amount of time possible.
Another long pause.
"There is nothing else," Ortberg's friend told him. "You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life."
Friends, on October 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., we are intentionally creating a multi-generational space to ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives. We will slow down, eat together (bring a dish to share), rest together, engage in spiritual practices together, listen to music together, and worship together. People of all ages will rest and renew their spirits together on Sabbath Sunday.
I'll see you there. Justin
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST |
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Worship this Sunday
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Oct. 11, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Sabbath Sunday
Multigenerational Service (ages 4 years and up attend entire service)
On this Sabbath Sunday, we worship with music, balloons, story, and finger labyrinths to find our way back to ourselves.
Wisdom Stories:
"Story of the River"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
"Taxi Driver Wisdom" Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
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October theme: Humility
Looking Ahead
Oct. 18, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Youth-friendly Worship
"Choices, Choices, Choices"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Oct. 25, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Nurture Your Spirit,
Heal the World"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
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Miss a Past Sermon?
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Oct. 4, 2015
"Our Shared Roots"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
Sept. 27, 2015
"Restore, Reclaim, Remember"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Sept. 20, 2015 "Seeds of Hope" Rev. Jen Crow |
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This Sunday is Sabbath Sunday:
A Day to Renew Your Spirit in Community |
  We invite you to join us this Sunday, Oct. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., for a day to renew your spirit in community! 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?
After multigenerational worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m., 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 in honor of its ten-year anniversary.
Pick and choose which activities you participate in - there will be spaces for open play and hanging out for all ages in addition to the schedule of organized activities. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, spend quality time together, and make new connections within the First Universalist community! *Food for the potluck lunch can be dropped off in the Social Hall before either service. View and Download the Schedule of Activities |
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Oct. 15 Daytime Connections:
Peacemaking in the Aftermath of Hiroshima
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Church member Caren Stelson will share stories of courage by peacemakers after the bombings of Japan. Church members Welcome Jerde and Stephen Mosborg will share their stories of personal transformation after extreme losses.
Through Daytime Connections, older adults empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives.
Programs include a presentation, discussion and small meal (a $5 donation is requested for the meal). RSVP to Sandy DiNanni at [email protected] or 612-825-1701.
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Racial Justice Video Discussion: "The Abolitionists"
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 Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. This is a drop-in program (no registration required).
Read more
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The Pathway to Membership
Oct. 18 & 25, 1-4 p.m.
Have you found your spiritual home at First Universalist?
Join us for The Pathway to Membership class, which explores the history of this faith tradition and this congregation, our racial justice commitment, and the experience of membership. The Pathway to Membership is required for joining the church. Our next class is a two-session experience on Sundays, Oct. 18 and 25. To sign up, contact Sandy at [email protected] or 612-825-1701. Childcare is available with at least 7 days advance notice.
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Racial Justice and Our UU Faith Workshop
Saturday, Oct. 24,
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
We hope that all First Universalist members and friends will join us for this interactive workshop exploring a framework and tools for understanding race, racism, and whiteness and the spiritual imperative that drives our racial justice work. This is a distilled experience of the 24-hour training offered by Dr. Heather Hackman.
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October 25 Faithful Action Fair:
Get to Know the Participating Organizations (Part 1)
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Learn how you can get involved!
 On Sunday, Oct. 25, you're invited to our first Faithful Action Fair to celebrate the new Faithful Action Leadership Council, meet with community social justice organizations, and learn about justice initiatives at First Universalist. Representatives from participating groups will be on hand after both services (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) to share information and invite you to sign up for a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Who will be there?
Augsburg Fairview Academy, Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, EMERGE, Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Simpson Housing Services, Youth Cultural Exchange, First Universalist Foundation, Community Investment Team, Racial Justice Leadership Team, Holiday Giving Team, Environmental Justice Team.
This week, we want to highlight five of the organizations that will be represented at the Faithful Action Fair. Look for information about the others in the October 15 & 22 issues of The Weekly Liberal.
Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) Young adults from diverse communities who face educational barriers to achievement in traditional schools are welcomed into AFA, a charter school that prepares them for college, career, and life.
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative's Families Moving Forward program provides temporary housing for families experiencing homelessness. More than 60 congregations in the Twin Cities rotate weekly to create shelter space at their sites, providing a safe place to sleep, meals, and the kindness and compassion of the congregation's volunteers.
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative's Beacon Citizens are volunteers who advocate for public policies and funding that make it easier to create affordable housing and support people experiencing homelessness in order to end homelessness.
MERGE helps people facing significant obstacles redefine themselves. Every year, they help thousands of adults and youth access jobs, financial coaching, supportive housing, and other key services, along pathways to brighter futures.
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light believes the active care of creation is integral to spiritual life and social justice. MNIPL brings Minnesota's faith communities together within the growing climate justice movement.
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| Opportunities with Augsburg Fairview Academy |
First Universalist is beginning our fourth year of partnership with Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA). Young adults from diverse communities who face educational barriers to achievement in traditional schools are welcomed into AFA, a charter school that prepares them for college, career and life. AFA provides an intense program of rigorous study in a teen- and family-friendly atmosphere. Dedicated, talented staff use positive, strength-based approaches to help them succeed. The 140+ students come from diverse backgrounds including African American, Somali, and Native American. Many are homeless or marginally housed during the school year. Here's how you can help:
Volunteers are needed in the Food Closet on weekday afternoons, Monday - Thursday, 2:30-3:45 p.m. If interested, please contact Barb Sindelar at 612-824-3677 or [email protected] or Sandy DiNanni at [email protected].
Donations for the Hope Food Closet: Desired items include single serving microwavable soups, mac and cheese, stews, and snacks like fruit cups, granola bars, nuts or cracker and cheese packages. Toiletries needed include toothpaste and toothbrushes, men's and women's deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, lotions, and tampons (note: we don't need travel size items).
Donations for Hope Clothing Closet: backpacks (black or dark colors), hoodies, t-shirts, skinny jeans for men and women, men's and women's underwear and socks, and fall jackets. Clothing should be clean and in good repair.
Bring items to the Hub on Sundays. Thank you for your generosity!
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Front Desk Volunteer Needed
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| | Earl Stanhope is one of several volunteers who serves as part of our reception team. |
The first impression many visitors get of our church is from the smiling faces they see when they walk into our office. We're looking for a friendly and reliable volunteer to join our reception team on Tuesday afternoons, starting Oct. 13. The shift time is noon to 4 p.m.
Represent First Universalist by greeting visitors, answering phones, monitoring doors and helping out with projects, all while spending time in a vibrant and welcoming office environment. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more, please contact Chelsea Bertsch, Administrative Assistant, at 612-825-1701 or [email protected].
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Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
Our thoughts and prayers are with:
Shirley Olson, who has entered hospice care at home.
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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Women's Ritual Circle
Self-identified women who are interested in earth-based and pagan spirituality are welcome to attend upcoming open rituals of the Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle. The circle is open to newcomers on Monday, Oct. 12 in the Chalice Room (New Moon in Libra) and Tuesday, Oct. 27 in the Cummins Room (Full Moon in Taurus). Ritual begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. More information is available on our website.
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New Baby Welcome
New Having a baby? Want to help welcome a new baby? Contact Ann Terlizzi at 612-728-7232 or [email protected] or Jody Beresford at 952-828-9977 or [email protected], co-chairs of our new baby welcome team.
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Planned Giving at First Universalist
Peg Meier of the Planned Giving Committee says:
If First Universalist means much to you and you want to help the church stay strong, please consider naming it in your will or estate plan. Interested? See a minister or the church's financial administrator. And thanks!
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| Special Offer: First Universalist Choir in Guthrie's "The Events" |
 The First Universalist Choir has been selected to perform on October 30 and November 1 in the Guthrie Theater's production of "The Events," which tells the story of a choir director who survived a mass shooting incident.
While the production staff and actors are imported from the UK, a different local choir has been chosen for each performance. Half of the First Universalist Choir will perform on Oct. 30 (7:30 p.m.) and the other half on Nov. 1 (7 p.m.).
Discounted tickets (50% off) for these two performances are available to our members and friends by calling the Guthrie box office (612-377-2224) and mentioning "choirs."
Details & Ticket Information |
| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
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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, 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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