July 28, 2016  |  Vol. 3 No. 30
SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m.
"Broken Open" 
Elaine Aron Tenbrink
Elizabeth Lesser writes, "How ironic that the difficult times we fear might ruin us are the very ones that can break us open and help us blossom into who we were meant to be." Join us for worship this Sunday at 10 a.m. as we explore the ways that difficult times can invite us into new growth. Read More   

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.
A Look Ahead
Sunday, August 7, 10 a.m. 
"What You Can, Where You Are, With What You Have"
Rev. Ashley Horan

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 24, 2016
"Telling a New Story After Prison"
Arif Mamdani and Thomas Wright
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
UPCOMING EVENTS, PROGRAMS & CLASSES
Senior Nature Hike
Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 10 a.m.
Meet at Eastman Nature Center within Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove

Join other First Universalist Seniors on Tuesday, Aug. 9 for a hike in another of Minnesota's beautiful parks: Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. Meet at the Eastman Nature Center on the west side of the Reserve. (Please note: it is not accessed through the main entrance, which is on the south side of the Reserve.)

The hike will last about two hours on trails that pass through heavy woods and open prairie. The terrain is uneven in some places. Hiking poles and sturdy footwear will improve stability. Bring a water bottle or your preferred beverage. After the hike, the group will gather at Dehn's Country Manor for lunch.

RSVP to Lisa and Eric Berglund at 763-559-0330 or [email protected].
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.
Community Circles Logo
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!
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.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.

During the weeks this work is taking place, the parking lot will not be available to park in. 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.
Your Invitation to Sing in Summer Choir
The Summer Choir will be singing in services again on 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]
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. 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.
* 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.
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!
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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Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
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Contact Us
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
For staff contact information, please visit our Ministers and Staff page.
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408

612-825-1701

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