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June 9, 2016 | Vol. 3 No. 23
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| | Rev. Justin Schroeder |
In these beautiful spring days, I like to wake up early, to greet the rising sun, to hear the birds singing, and to have time to center myself for the day. This morning, I woke up thinking of those who have died, who are no longer with us physically, yet surround us as beloved witnesses, encouraging us, whispering to us, and inviting us into lives of meaning and purpose. This morning, the words of the 13th-century theologian, scholar, and mystical Sufi poet, Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rumī (also simply known as Rumi), came to me:
"The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you Don't go back to sleep! You must ask for what you really want. Don't go back to sleep! People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch, The door is round and open Don't go back to sleep!"
There is much in the world that can lull us back to sleep, to a life where we only go through the motions of living. Addiction, overwork, the subtle lies of white supremacy, and a desire to numb out - all of these things can lull us back to sleep.
But if we can summon the strength to stay awake, to feel both the pain and the blessing of being alive, to know these things as part of being human - if we can ask for what we really want, and listen to the secrets that ride on the morning breeze - we might discover a connectedness and a source of nourishment that we had forgotten about.
In other words, if there is something waking up in you - a new feeling, a clarity about your life's direction, a deep knowing that you can no longer carry that heavy secret alone, don't go back to sleep. Stay awake. Stay connected. Ask for what you need. Reach out to those around you. Together, we will hold what we cannot hold alone. Together, we will stay awake to our lives, and all that is moving in them.
I'll see you in church,
Justin
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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Sunday, June 12, 10 a.m.
Summer RE begins (for children ages 6 months through entering 6th grade)
"From Prison to Protest"
Pastor Danny Givens, Jr.
Join us this Sunday for a personal story of adversity, reconciliation, and triumph through the work of social justice in marginalized communities. Pastor Danny Givens, Jr. is preaching. Read More
Pastor Danny Givens, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Above Every Name Ministries, a young cutting edge congregation in the Twin Cities that prides itself on being a "Church for the People." As an advocate for Racial/Social Justice surrounding the systemic issues Blacks & People of Color face on a daily basis, Pastor Danny devotes his time and energy to the #BlackLivesMatterMpls Movement in the role of Clergy Liaison. In addition to his BLM work, Pastor Danny is one of the Founding Members of Black Clergy United for Change, a collective of black clergy committed to the work of Racial Justice and Social Transformation in urban communities and abroad.
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Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m.
"The Hornet's Nest"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Music: Summer Choir
Summer Sundays at First Universalist!
Worship at 10 a.m.
Please Bring Your Own Mug to social hour after worship. This helps save on water and labor, and keeps the kitchen cooler during the summer.
Miss a Recent Sunday?
June 5, 2016
"The Stonecutters"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
May 29, 2016
"A Veteran's Memory,
A Civilian's Forgetfulness"
Patrick Dougherty
May 22, 2016
"You Can't Be Off the Hook
if You Keep it Real"
Rev. Karen Hutt
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Summer Worship Theme: Telling a New Story
At the intersection of what is holy, and what is human, is a willingness to change, to shed old habits, old ways of thinking, old frameworks, old skin, to cast off what no longer functions and dare to do a new thing, to tell a new story. This ability to change is at the heart of creation and creator. In the book of Isaiah, God says: "Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it?" In these summer months we will endeavor to be alert and present, to see and tell the new story emerging from within, among, and beyond.
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| UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS |
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Bdote Field Trip
Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bdote is a Dakota word meaning "where two waters come together." On June 11, join us for a visit to five Bdote sites in the Metro area that are culturally and historically significant for Dakota people, based on the Bdote Memory Map, while l earning from Dakota educators Ramona Kitto-Stately and Ethan Neerdaels. Cost: sliding scale, $20-50
Advance registration is required. Sign up here. For more info, visit our website.
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Artist's Reception for Dakota Hoska
Sunday, June 12, 11 a.m., Social Hall
Meet the artist! Please join us in the social hall after worship this Sunday for a reception for artist and First Universalist member Dakota Hoska, whose oil paintings are currently on display in the gallery space in the social hall. Learn more about Dakota, her work, and the exhibit (on view through July 3) on our website.
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Senior Nature Hike at Lebanon Hills Park
Tuesday, June 14, 9:30 a.m.
Please note: this group meets offsite at the Lebanon Hills Park Visitor Center in Eagan
Join other First U seniors for a nature hike at Lebanon Hills Park in Eagan. The planned hiking route is on well-established wooded trails of varied terrain. It is somewhat longer and more rigorous than previous hikes and will last about 2.5 hours. Meet inside the Lebanon Hills Park Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m.; the group will head out no later than 9:40 a.m. RSVP to Tom Saterstrom at [email protected] or 952-239-3629.
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Worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell
Sunday, August 14, 10 a.m.
Join us for an energizing worship service and potluck picnic at the Lake Harriet Bandshell on Sunday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m.!
We'll enjoy tunes from the band A Ghost Revival, an inspiring message from one of our ministers, and a potluck picnic afterwards. This will be our only worship service on Sunday, Aug. 14. This is part of an annual outdoor worship series at the bandshell with about 15 congregations participating. Watch for more information later this summer.
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| Update to New Lend-A-Hand Volunteer Opportunity |
Lend-A-Hand is an opportunity to help care for our building and grounds as part of a volunteer team. In coordination with our facilities staff, this team undertakes various projects to continue keeping our church clean, orderly and attractive. It's a chance to help our church, complete satisfying projects, and get to know others in our community.
Beginning on Thursday, July 14 Lend-A-Hand will meet on the second Thursday of the month through the end of 2016. (This is a change from the original announcement, which stated that this group would meet on third Thursdays.) Volunteers will gather at 8:30 a.m. for bagels, juice and coffee and will end their activities by noon. Each Lend-A-Hand activity has slots for 12 volunteers. If you are willing to be a part of the first Lend-A-Hand volunteer group on Thursday, July 14 (8:30 a.m.-noon), please email Sandy at [email protected] to sign up. Thank you!
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| Annual Report Available Online |
The annual report includes detailed information about the 2016-2017 operating budget, bios of candidates elected to the Board of Trustees, First Universalist Foundation Board and Nominating Committee, reports from Board President Cindy Marsh, Board Treasurer Dick Niemiec, Senior Minister Rev. Justin Schroeder, the Foundation, and the AUW, and a broad overview of the past year at church- in pictures and in words.
Read the Annual Report here.
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| Your Invitation to Sing in Summer Choir |
 Do you like to sing? Have you thought about being in a choir, but you can't make an extended commitment? Summer Choir may be just right for you!
The Summer Choir is scheduled to sing in services on June 19, July 24 and August 21. Rehearsals are at 9 a.m. on the day of the service. Yes, only one rehearsal on the day of the service! Music is easy enough to learn in the 45 minute rehearsal. All are welcome! If you have any questions, contact [email protected].
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| Summer RE Begins this Sunday, June 12 |
 On Summer Sundays, we have a single worship service at 10 a.m., and childcare and Religious Education classes are offered from 10-11 a.m. for children ages 6 months up through those entering 6th grade in the Fall, beginning June 12. Adult staff and trained youth from the congregation provide care and guidance as we enjoy a more relaxed pace and focus on building community with one another. Kids close in age are grouped together as follows: Nursery (6-17 months); Preschool (18 months to 3 years); Young Children (4 years through entering 1st grade); and Elementary-Age Kids (entering 2nd-6th grade).
Our youngest congregants spend the morning in bright, happy spaces with plenty to explore, in the care of paid adult and youth staff, playing and making friends of all ages. Preschoolers begin their morning with a circle, songs, and picture books, then have plenty of time to play.
Each Sunday morning, preK and older kids explore this summer's theme: Telling a New Story. We come together for a brief time of worship, welcoming one another into the circle and learning about someone who is writing a new story by "doing good" in the world. Then we dive into hands-on projects and crafts inspired by their example. If weather permits, you'll definitely find many of us out on the playground for part of the hour.
No need to register in advance; please join us as often as you're able! If you will be visiting for the first time, please find helpful tips for visitors here.
Summer Sundays Religious Education kicks off June 12 and runs through the end of August. We look forward to seeing you at church!
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| Get Outside and Spread the Word! |
 The Twin Cities Pride Festival is a great opportunity to engage a diverse, receptive audience about Unitarian Universalism. If you have a couple of hours to talk theology, social justice, and more, please join members of UU congregations from across the metro area at our booth in Loring Park on June 25-26. Contact Rev. Jim Foti, Assistant Minister of First Unitarian Society (and a First Universalist member), at [email protected] to sign up.
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Spots Left in 'Cohousing Tour & Dinner' Great Gathering 6/12
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 Submitted by Rick Gravrok
There is more room for folks to attend the Great Gathering event titled: "CoHousing - Experience Community Living - 1st in Minnesota, 5th in USA."
On Sunday, June 12, there will be a 5 p.m. tour (In & Outdoors) of first cohousing community in the Midwest. Dinner will be provided (bring a beverage to share) and there will be a talking circle about living in co-housing ("co" is short for collaborative).
Location: 2925 Monterey Ave., St. Louis Park (find a map here)
Suggested price per person: $20/adult, $5/child under 13, call re: childcare. Make checks out to First Universalist Church and put Great Gathering in the Memo line.
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Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
We hold in our thoughts and prayers:
Beloved church member Pam Vincent, who passed away Thursday night, June 2. Pam was a long time member of this church, and was involved in so many areas over the years - on the Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee, Visual Arts Committee, Worship Associates, Association of Unitarian Women (AUW), choir, Solstice Coordinator, and more. A memorial service for Pam will be held on Saturday, June 25 at 2 p.m. at church.
We celebrate with:
Bill Lewis and Lynda Borjesson, who enthusiastically welcomed Bill's first grandchild, Benjamin Charles Lewis, into this world. Benjamin was born May 21 in Boston to Bill's son Adam and Katie Lewis. Bill was in Boston for the birth and is there for an extended time providing support for the new parents and for Adam as he undergoes treatment for recently diagnosed testicular cancer. Benjamin's discovery of his new world goes well and Adam's treatment results to date have been extremely encouraging. Bill walks the six blocks from Adam's Boston home to Theodore Parker UU Church for Sunday services and to experience their warm UU community. He sends his regards to everyone at First Universalist Church.
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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Augsburg Fairview Academy: School is Out! Donations Suspended for the Summer
The last day of school at Augsburg Fairview Academy was June 3. We will not collect food and clothing during the summer months, and will start up again in early September. Thank you for your amazing generosity throughout the school year!
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Religious Education Enrollment
for 2016-2017 is Now Open
Children, youth and families are at the heart of the ministry of First Universalist, and our Religious Education program for children and youth is one of the largest among UU churches worldwide. Enrollment is now open for the 2016-2017 church year, which begins in September. Class descriptions and registration form are available online.
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Chancel Flowers
Would you like to deliver flowers to a congregant experiencing loss, recovering from an illness, in a nursing home, or in need of a spot of beauty? Contact Mary Ellison at 612-250-2998 or [email protected]. If you want to donate flowers for a Sunday service, contact Marjie Smith at [email protected].
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Planned Giving
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!
- Peg Meier of the Planned Giving Committee
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First Universalist's Rev. Ruth MacKenzie Performs in Musical Concert
"Nature Creature" June 10 - 19 at Open Eye Theatre
 "Nature Creature" is a song cycle that is the perfect marriage of pop, jazz, and art song. Composer Elizabeth Alexander has set to music the writings of Louise Erdrich, A. R. Ammons and other fabulous poets with passion and skill.
The vocalist in the trio of performers, Ruth MacKenzie sings songs about the necessity of play, the worth of a meadow, the solace of an apple tree when life comes crashing down.
The beauty and complexity of being alive are woven into the sensuous fabric of "Nature Creature." This compelling new vocal work embraces our brief, glorious time on earth, with all its discovery, contradiction, heartbreak and joy.
"Nature Creature" will be performed by pianist (and composer) Elizabeth Alexander, vocalist Ruth MacKenzie, and cellist Jacqueline Ultan at Open Eye Theatre in Minneapolis in June. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on June 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 and 19. Details and ticket information can be found here.
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Joyce Uptown Food Shelf Volunteer Opportunities
 The Joyce Uptown Food Shelf is in need of a few volunteers!
The Joyce Food Shelf distributes food to those in need, with respect and dignity, as an expression of the love of God. The food shelf has a place for you to serve and meet the food needs of neighbors in our community.
- Pick-up food donations every Monday at 10 a.m. from the Wedge Co-op (1 hour). Heavy lifting required.
- Receive deliveries at the food shelf on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. or Thursdays at 9 a.m. (1 hour). Heavy lifting required.
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Church Office Hours
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Sundays 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
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The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg. Past issues, publication deadlines, 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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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
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