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July 21, 2016 | Vol. 3 No. 29
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| July 10 Worship Service Featured in Video by Local Hip Hop Artist Carnage the Executioner |
 Adding artistry, heart, and truth-telling to our July 10 service was our special musical guest, the lyrically dexterous beat boxer and rapper Terrell Woods a.k.a. Carnage the Executioner.
That Sunday, we gathered to bear witness to the week's tragedies and remember who we are called to be as a people anchored by love and justice.
Following the service, Carnage the Executioner created a fantastic video featuring footage, audio, and still images from the service, including portions from his performance and Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink's sermon, " Choosing Hope."
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| Work on the Parking Lot Set to Begin Soon |
Work on the parking lot, which includes replacing the asphalt and making environmentally sustainable improvements, is set to begin within the next couple of weeks and will be finished by the end of the summer.
During the weeks this work is taking place, the parking lot will not be available to park in. This could affect Sunday parking as soon as Sunday, July 31. People with limited mobility can use the drop-off zone (marked by handicap signs) on Dupont Ave. in front of the Atrium door. Keep an eye on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FirstUniv) for the latest information.
For more information, read the announcement about the grant we were awarded for the environmentally sustainable portion of the parking lot project here.
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m.
"Telling A New Story After Prison"
Arif Mamdani and Thomas Wright
What's it like to tell a new story after leaving prison and returning to society? Narrative therapy uses the language of "thick descriptor" or "thickening the story" to encourage us to see that a single story doesn't do justice to the complexity of our world. This Sunday, we'll attempt to thicken our narrative on prison and what it means to tell a new story after incarceration, while hearing from someone who's in the middle of telling a new story after prison. Read More
Arif Mamdani is a member of First Universalist. He is enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree program at United Theological Seminary and is pursuing fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Arif is employed as an Associate Director with the Kaleo Center for Faith, Justice & Social Transformation, and lives in St. Paul with his wife Channing McKinley and their daughters Satya and Rasana.
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Thomas Wright describes his life today as "from reckless to redeemed: a new life after 40 plus years of a distorted worldview that has been transformed by faith in Christ." He has worked in real estate and construction, and is currently exploring opportunities to use his life experience and re-entry experience to start faith-grounded supportive housing centers for men and women leaving prison.
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Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m.
"Broken Open"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
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.
Recent Sunday Sermon Podcasts
July 17, 2016
"Suffering and Ambiguity: Lessons from Chaplaincy and the Book of Job"
Andrea Johnson
July 10, 2016
"Choosing Hope"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
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
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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 & CLASSES |
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 Lake Harriet Worship & Potluck Picnic
Sunday, Aug. 14 at 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. - a cherished annual tradition!
We'll enjoy tunes from the band A Ghost Revival, worship led by Rev. Justin and Rev. Ruth, and a delicious potluck picnic together afterwards. Please note: this will be our only worship service on Sunday, Aug. 14.
Please bring a dish and/or beverage to share, as well as chairs or blankets to sit on. Bring plates, cups and eating utensils for everyone in your party. The picnic will take place on the park hill across the street from the bandshell.
If you have a yellow "Standing on the Side of Love" t-shirt, please wear it! Sunglasses and/or hats are recommended for your comfort. There is limited free parking near the bandshell. Parking pay stations and meters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This is part of an annual outdoor worship series at the Lake Harriet bandshell with about 15 neighborhood congregations participating. Learn more.
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Newcomer Circle
Tuesdays, Aug. 16, 23, 30 & Sept. 6,
7-8:30 p.m.
Are you new to First Universalist? Whether you are a recent visitor or a new member, you're invited to join a Newcomer Circle. These four-session gatherings of 6-10 newcomers offer a chance to explore core Unitarian Universalist values, reflect on our spiritual journeys, and connect with other folks who are new to church.
Registration is required; you can sign up at the Information table in the social hall or by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you!
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The Pathway to Membership
Thursdays, Aug. 25 & Sept. 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Feeling like First Universalist could be your spiritual home? Join us for a class exploring Unitarian Universalism, the history and mission of this congregation, and the experience of membership. Participants meet with ministers, lay leaders, and are invited to share and reflect on their own spiritual journeys and values. We ask that all those who wish to become members of First Universalist take this class, which is offered as a two-part series. To register, contact Sandy at [email protected] or 612-825-1701. Childcare is available free of charge with at least seven days advance notice.
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| Your Invitation to Sing in Summer Choir |
 The Summer Choir will be singing in services again on Sunday, July 24 and Sunday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. If you like to sing but can't make an extended commitment to choir, this is a perfect opportunity for you! There is just one 45-minute rehearsal at 9 a.m. on the day of the service. All are welcome! If you have any questions, contact Dr. Randal Buikema at [email protected].
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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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| Call for Volunteers for Lend-A-Hand in August |
Lend-A-Hand is a new volunteer opportunity to help care for our building and grounds as part of a volunteer team, meeting on second Thursdays, July through December 2016. In coordination with our facilities staff, this team undertakes various projects to keep our church clean, orderly and attractive.
Cleaning activities might include dusting, sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming. Volunteers might help tidy the sanctuary, social hall, library, entryway, or other spaces, or help fix things: replace light bulbs, repair window openers, patch/paint walls, etc.
Volunteers gather at 8:30 a.m. for bagels, juice and coffee and end their activities by noon. Each Lend-A-Hand activity has slots for 12 volunteers.
Lend-A-Hand will meet again on Thursday, Aug. 11, 8:30 a.m. to noon. If you can help out that day, please email Sandy at [email protected] to sign up. Thank you!
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| RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION |
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, call the office at 612-825-1701 or contact any member of our Pastoral Care Team. |
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Join Our Mailing List
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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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