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July 7, 2016 | Vol. 3 No. 27
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| Shocked. Enraged. Grieving. Heartbroken. |
By Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
Shocked. Enraged. Grieving. Heartbroken.
Like many of you today, I've been moving through a range of strong emotions after learning of Philando Castile's murder by police in Falcon Heights last night. His girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, and her four-year-old daughter, Dae'Anna, witnessed his death by gunshot after they were pulled over for a broken taillight. This horror stunned me, coming just the day after Alton Sterling was murdered by police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
In the company of fellow members of our congregation, I brought my broken heart to the rally at the Governor's Residence in St. Paul today. Through powerful personal stories, prayer, and impassioned calls to action, the gathered community grieved, raged, and organized.
How many more shootings will it take? How many more videos? How many more children must be traumatized by violence?
The time to start believing what we're seeing is now.
Now is the time to work together to end the ongoing police violence against people of color, especially African American men.
Now is the time to collectively dismantle the systemic racism that hurts us all.
And this is OUR system to change.
In the words of Pastor Danny Givens, "There is no such thing as other people's children."
Tonight, along with the Rev. Jen Crow and a good number of First Universalist members, I will bring my broken heart to JJ Hill Montessori Magnet School (998 Selby Ave in St. Paul) at 5:30 p.m. for a vigil in the school's garden area. I would love to see you there.
This Sunday, I will bring my broken heart to church at 10 a.m.
A final thought: In the wake of these disturbing events, I couldn't be more grateful to be in community with you.
Our church is an anchor in my life, a place where we can openly name hard truths, navigate toward greater love and justice together, and ask ourselves - really ask ourselves - where love is calling us next.
My life is more aligned with my values because I am a part of this community. Thank you.
In Gratitude, in Love, and in the Struggle,
Elaine
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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Sunday, July 10, 10 a.m.
"Choosing Hope"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
In these complicated times, how might we resist cynicism and authentically cultivate hope? Join us as we welcome our Nicaraguan friends through the Youth Cultural Exchange program and explore the origins of an authentic, grounded hopefulness in this multi-lingual service. Read More
Musical Guest
Carnage the Executioner (Terrell Woods) is widely recognized for his lyrical dexterity and uncanny knack for composing musical symphonies with his mouth through human beat boxing. He teaches private and group beat boxing lessons to youth in community and school settings, covering the fundamentals of beat boxing while adding in components of basic rhyme/rap-writing structure. Carnage graduated from Hamline University, where he received a B.A. in Psychology. Today, he is not only a father, but is also a freelance social worker, mentor, community volunteer, motivational speaker and counselor to youth and adults in Minneapolis. "A lot of kids have feelings of hopelessness; I set an example that you can make a difference in your own life and make it better with lots of determination, regardless of how negative your surroundings are. I feel I have a responsibility to give something positive back to the community that helped me become the man that I am today."
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Sunday, July 17, 10 a.m.
"Suffering: Lessons from Chaplaincy and the Book of Job"
Andrea Johnson
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?
July 3, 2016
"Draw the Circle Wide"
Terri Burnor
June 26, 2016
"A New Story of Race"
Karin Wille
June 19, 2016
"A Gentle, Angry People"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
June 12, 2016
"From Prison to Protest"
Pastor Danny Givens, Jr.
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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Wellspring Info Sessions
Sunday, July 10, 11:30 a.m. or
Thursday, July 14, 7 p.m.
Wellspring offers spiritual deepening within our UU tradition and an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our faith through a year-long small group experience. There are five components: commitment to a daily spiritual practice, monthly spiritual direction, small group meetings, reading about the theological and historical foundations of our faith, and putting our faith into action. After a day-long opening retreat on Sept. 17, Wellspring will meet every other week through May 2017. Attendance at an info session is required if you wish to participate in Wellspring next year.
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Gun Violence Prevention Discussion
Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 p.m.
You are invited to join a discussion about gun violence prevention. Learn about the work Moms Demand Action is doing in Minnesota and find out how you can get involved. Hosted by congregants Jane Baudelaire and Janet Merrill, this discussion will take place in the Cummins Room on Tuesday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m. Questions? Please contact Janet at 612-354-2743.
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"Selma" Screening & Panel Discussion
Wednesday, July 20, 7 p.m.
Please note: this event takes place at Lake Harriet United Methodist Church
First Universalist Church is proud to co-sponsor Lake Harriet United Methodist Church's screening of the film "Selma: The Bridge to the Ballot," followed by a panel discussion on the erosion of voting rights in the United States. The film will be introduced by Richard Cohen, President of the Southern Poverty Law Center (which produced the film), and the panel will include attorney Pam Horowitz, former MN Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, and Congressman Keith Ellison. We hope to spark a conversation about this important and timely issue, as well as inspire civic engagement during this important election season. Child care will be provided. Lake Harriet UMC is located at 4901 Chowen Ave. S. The event is free but attendees are requested to RSVP here.
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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, worship led by Rev. Justin Schroeder and Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, 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.
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| International Peace Poster Exhibit On View July 10 |
 The posters on display in the social hall starting this Sunday, July 10 are from countries all over the world. They speak of peace through a language which we all understand - the language of art.
Wit Ylitalo was a peace activist from Madison, Wisconsin who, with her friends, Mary Cunningham and Donna Fuelleman, had a life-long concern for world peace. These three women for peace collected peace posters over a number of years. Their grass roots effort was a heartfelt and meaningful attempt to further impress upon others that the rest of the world is also concerned for the need of peace on this earth and good will toward all. The poster exhibit was initially sponsored by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. The exhibit will be on display at First Universalist through September 4.
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| Could You Lend-A-Hand at Church on July 14? |
We're still looking for more volunteers to be part of the July Lend-A-Hand group!
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. 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 would like 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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| Habitat Summer Work Week August 15-19 |
 First Universalist is sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity Summer Work Week, Monday, Aug. 15 through Friday, Aug. 19. The work day is from 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. and we need to provide 15-18 volunteers per day. Volunteers must be 16 years or older and 16 and 17 year olds must be with an adult (18 or over). All you need to bring is yourself and your willingness to work. All tools will be provided and lunch will be provided by other First U volunteers (any takers?). Ask anyone who has worked at a Habitat site - the benefits are many.
* Instruction for each job will be provided.
* You will be paired with more experienced volunteers.
* You are never asked to do anything you are uncomfortable doing.
* Learn a skill useful to home ownership.
* Have a great bonding experience with other First U volunteers.
* Satisfaction of a job well done.
* Most important - help to provide the path to home ownership for a deserving family and all the benefits they accrue from that.
Our work site is new construction at 2441 16th Avenue South in Minneapolis. We'll be working in the early stages of the build. Hope to see you there. Sign up here.
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Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
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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Caring Corner
 Write a note to a congregant who could use support! There are cards available in the library, which is located off of the Social Hall. You are welcome to stop by and write a card at any time. Just leave it in the basket and the church will mail it for you.
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Planned Giving
You are putting your values and resources into action while you're living. But where do you want your funds to go when you're gone? If you want to consider including First Universalist Church in your will or estate plan, please talk to a minister or the church's financial administrator for guidance. If you've already made the church a beneficiary, please let the office know. When you fill out an easy planned-giving form, it will ensure your wishes are honored.
- Peg Meier of the Planned Giving Committee
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| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
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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
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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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Weekly Liberal Submissions
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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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