August 25, 2016  |  Vol. 3 No. 34
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Our son couldn't stop talking about the experience he had in church this past Sunday. "Confetti!" he said. "Everywhere! In my hair, in my clothes. My backpack. Everywhere!"

Truth be told, four days after the service, we have little pieces of confetti in our home -- in the kitchen, by the shoes, pieces by the stairs. And I've seen lots of little confetti around church, too.

I love these little confetti pieces - these symbols of our love - that we blessed and showered our children and adults with this past Sunday (if you missed the service, you can listen here!), as we reminded them that we - and our love - are with them all the time, even when we're not physically present.

Confetti. Everywhere. Little reminders that we are loved, even when we are away from those who love us.

As we move toward fall and the new church year, may we be like these little confetti pieces, bringing compassion, love, and joy to all those around us. May our little acts of kindness shower the world with our "confetti love."

I'll see you - and some confetti, I'm sure - in church!

Blessings,
Justin

SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, August 28, 10 a.m.
"What I'm Learning from Donald Trump"
 
Rev. Justin Schroeder
We're experiencing a political season unlike anything we've experienced in recent memory, and more seems to be at stake than ever before. What can we, as people of faith, learn from this moment? What practices can guide us? What new insights can help us build the world we dream of, as we live in right relationship with our fellow human beings, and the planet itself?
Please join us for worship at 10 a.m.!
A Look Ahead
Sunday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. 
Labor Day Weekend
"Caught in the In-Between"
Shay McKay

Summer Sundays at First Universalist!
Worship at 10 a.m.

Recent Sermon Podcasts
August 21, 2016
"Confetti" (Backpack Blessing Sunday)
Lauren Wyeth
August 7, 2016
"What You Can, Where You Are, With What You Have"
Rev. Ashley Horan
July 31, 2016
"Broken Open"
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
ON THE CALENDAR
Lend-A-Hand
Thursday, Sept. 8, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Lend-A-Hand is an opportunity to help care for our building and grounds as part of a volunteer team. Cleaning activities might include dusting, sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming. Volunteers might help tidy the sanctuary, social hall, library, or other spaces, or help fix things: replace light bulbs, patch/paint walls, etc. Volunteers gather at 8:30 a.m. for bagels, juice and coffee and end their activities by noon. Lend-A-Hand will meet again on Thursday, Sept. 8. If you can help, please email Sandy at [email protected] to sign up. Thank you!
Open Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, Sept. 8, 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the Social Hall
Each month from September through May, the Labyrinth Circle offers an open labyrinth walk from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. You are welcome to arrive any time between 6:30 and 8 p.m. depending on how long you wish to be on the labyrinth. A member of the Labyrinth Circle will be available to answer questions and offer guidance. Find more information about the Labyrinth at First Universalist on our website.
Water Communion Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 11, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Water is a gift. It replenishes and sustains our lives. Sunday, Sept. 11 is Water Communion Sunday. This is a day on which we celebrate the many rivers, eddies and waterways of our life experiences, converging in our sanctuary every Sunday forming a river of faith. We embody this truth by bringing water from our homes, our travels, our walks, and our bike paths - and combine them during the service in a ritual called Water Communion.

Please bring a small jar of water to either service (9:30 or 11:15 a.m.) on Sunday, Sept. 11 for the beginning of our church year, in this beautiful multi-generational Sunday service.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcing "Love Rocks: Party in the Parking Lot!" 
First Universalist Church is excited to host an outdoor community event in our newly-resurfaced, environmentally-friendly parking lot on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.There will be live music, food trucks, a bounce house and general fun times with fellow congregants and our neighboring community. Performers include: Ron Parker, folk band members, Alan Ware and David Lauth, Ellis, and A Ghost Revival. This family-friendly event is free (food available for purchase), though donations will gladly be accepted to help cover costs. Mark your calendar now and don't miss this fun fall event!
Progress on the Parking Lot + Sunday Valet Parking
The early stages of landscaping work began on Thursday, Aug. 25.
Much has happened in our parking lot over the past week! Since our last update, the asphalt has been removed from our parking lot, and crews have done the excavation work necessary to prepare for the environmentally friendly features that will be added. The landscapers arrived today to begin their work. 

Earlier this year, First Universalist Church was awarded a grant from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization  to make environmentally sustainable improvements to our parking lot in addition to an already-planned resurfacing project. Plans include trees, rain gardens and other stormwater management techniques.

Work began last week and is projected to last several weeks. The parking lot is not available to park in while this work is taking place, so allow extra time to find street parking, especially on Sundays. 

You can see the plans and learn more on our website and of course watch for updates here! 

Volunteer valet parking will be available on Sundays, Sept. 4, 11 and 18 for those with limited mobility. Contact Sandy at [email protected] for more information. A drop zone on Dupont Avenue for people with limited mobility is also available.
Now is a Great Time to Join the Choir!
The First Universalist Choir, which is now gearing up for the start of the church year, is open to anyone who has a love for singing and wishes to participate in this ensemble during worship services. Prior experience and ability to read music are helpful but not necessary. The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. and sings in worship two times a month. Email [email protected] for more information.
Thank You for a Successful Habitat Work Week
Friday's crew of volunteers from First Universalist. Thanks to Polly Talen for the photo!
Thank you to all those who participated in Habitat Work Week last week! The first day, the house our volunteers worked on was merely a foundation with a capped first floor. By the end of the day on Friday, the framing and flooring was complete to the second floor - quite an accomplishment! First Universalist volunteers provided more than 600 person/hours of labor and accomplished many tasks. To name just a few:
  • Raised exterior walls for the first floor with sheathing and insulation
  • Raised interior walls for the first floor
  • Completed trusses for the second floor
  • Completed stairs to second floor. 
  • Completed sub-flooring for second floor.
  • Moved and leveled 10 cubic yards of gravel in the basement
This fall a deserving family will receive this house and it will have a huge impact on their future lives. We should all be proud of the part we play in that success. This is the work of our church!

You can view more photos on our Facebook page here and here.  
Peace Poster Exhibit on View Through Sept. 4
The posters currently on display in the social hall are from countries all over the world. They speak of peace through a language which we all understand - the language of art. Wit Ylitalo, a peace activist from Madison, Wisconsin, along with her friends Mary Cunningham and Donna Fuelleman collected peace posters over a number of years.  The exhibit will be on display at First Universalist through September 4.
Spots Available in the Curling Great Gathering
Come to a Great Gathering Fundraiser for First Universalist Church with Sean Brown and Denise Konen on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.!

Learn how to curl at a beautiful state-of-the art indoor curling arena - the Four Seasons Curling Club in Blaine! You will get instruction on how to deliver the stone, how to sweep, and basic strategy. Sean Brown and other experienced Curlers, including Rick Schuster from First Universalist, will be your coaches! 

Have fun with other UUs while getting in touch with your inner Olympian! Invite friends and extended family, too. Adults and children twelve and older are welcome to participate. There is lots of room left in this Great Gathering and all the money goes to the church. There is an adjoining restaurant with a view of the ice, Sticks and Stones, for those who just want to watch, eat, or socialize during or afterward. Denise will hang out and watch with the younger kids and others who aren't curling. Last year many folks from First U tried it for the first time and loved it! 

Call Denise Konen at 952-836-4917 or email at [email protected] for more info. Register by sending the names of those who will be curling to Chelsea - [email protected] and send her a check or bring cash to the office. First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55408. Cost: $15 per person or $40 per family (children over 12).
Simpson Housing Seeks Mentors and Tutors
Simpson Housing Services, a local nonprofit which provides housing and support to people experiencing homelessness (and one of our official Faithful Action Partners), is looking for caring adults committed to making a difference in the lives of children and youth. There are volunteer opportunities available for those interested in being a tutor or mentor. Simpson seeks to build on the inherent potential of our youth through caring relationships as well as academic support. 

An informational session will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15, from 5:30-7 p.m. To register to attend, go to Simpson's Volunteer Calendar and follow the calendar link for the Sept. 15 session. You may also contact Christina Giese at: [email protected] or 612-455-0859.
Donations of Supplies Needed for AFA Students
School supplies are needed for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) high school students. First Universalist Church supports AFA as part of our faithful action ministry. We're collecting donations of the following supplies: spiral bound notebooks (not 3 ring binders), pencils, pens, backpacks (black or dark colors), and pocket folders. 

AFA would also appreciate, for those parents cleaning out teens' closets as they have grown or are going away to college, some gently used teen appropriate clothes that might be shared with the AFA clothing closet. Bring your donations to the social hall on Sundays or drop them off during the week on the shelf labeled AFA by the 34th Street entrance. Thank you!
NEWS IN BRIEF
 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.
Congregational Care: 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. Learn more about Congregational Care.
Planned Giving
Please let us know when you designate First Universalist Church as a beneficiary in your will or estate plan so we can thank you for your generous commitment and welcome you to the Heritage Circle. The church office and the Planned Giving Committee can help you. Learn more.
 Support First Universalist When You Shop on Amazon Smile
Did you know that you can support First Universalist Church when you shop on Amazon? Just make sure to sign in through AmazonSmileAmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know - same products, same prices, same service - except that it donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to First Universalist Church of Minneapolis!
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
MUUSJA Seeking Nominations for Justice Awards
Do you know an unsung individual or group who is working tirelessly for justice? The Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA) is collecting nominations for its annual justice awards. Awards will be given to a youth group, congregation, lay leader, and minister who are unleashing courageous leadership and collective power of Minnesota UUs to build a just and loving world.

Complete this nomination form by Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016. Award recipients will be announced at MUUSJA's celebration and fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 29. You can RSVP here.
RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION
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Church Office Hours
Sundays 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
The office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day.
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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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