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September 1, 2016 | Vol. 3 No. 35
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| | Rev. Justin Schroeder |
This past Sunday, I preached a sermon called, "What I'm Learning from Donald Trump." Before the election, I'd love to preach a sermon called, "What I'm Learning from Hillary Clinton," because she, like Trump, is teaching me a great deal about the world, my faith, and how I wish to embody my deepest values. The sermon on Sunday wasn't an endorsement of either candidate for president; rather, I was exploring ways to make sense of the political climate we find ourselves in and how we might respond.
The larger point, of course, is that anyone, even those we least expect, can be our teachers. And it makes me wonder: who are your teachers right now and what are you learning from them? What are those around you learning from your words and actions? Who and what are you teaching?
Children can be our teachers. Our parents - living or dead - can be our teachers. Our fears can be our teachers. The racial justice learning we're engaging in as a church can be our teacher. Fellow congregants and strangers can be our teachers. If our hearts are open, we can find teachers everywhere.
In this season of your life, whatever that season is, I'd love to hear who your teachers are and what you're learning from them.
I'll see you in church,
Justin
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| SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH |
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Sunday, September 4, 10 a.m.
No Religious Education classes; childcare only
"The Grace Within the Waiting"
Shay MacKay
Transitions and change move us through liminality; sometimes this happens quickly, sometimes we can linger there for quite awhile. Join Shay MacKay in exploring the terrifying and exciting space between what has been and what will be - and how we can find both patience and grace within the waiting. Please join us for worship at 10 a.m.!
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Sunday, Sept. 11, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. (return to two services)
Water Communion
Multigenerational Worship
Recent Sermon Podcasts
August 28, 2016
"What I'm Learning from Donald Trump"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
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
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 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, 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!
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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.
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 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.
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 Senior Nature Hike
Tuesday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m.
Please note: meet at Lowry Nature Center in Carver Park Reserve, Victoria, MN
Join First U seniors for a hiking outing on Tuesday, Sept. 13! We will enjoy the dedicated hiking trails of Carver Park Reserve, located near Victoria about 45 minutes west of Minneapolis. We will gather outside the Lowry Nature Center at 10 a.m. Directions to the Lowry Nature Center and maps of the hiking trails can be found here.
We will hike through mixed hardwood forests and beside numerous lakes and wetlands. Trails are wide on either grass or wood chip surfaces. The full route will be about 2 hours (6 miles) with numerous options to shorten the length if you should prefer a shorter hike. Following our hike, for those interested, we will gather at the Victoria House Restaurant in Victoria for sustenance, hydration and to chat.
Join us now before you'll need to apply multiple layers for warmth, as we'll continue hiking throughout the winter! See the above photo of intrepid First U hikers near the Bush Lake Ski Jump in Bloomington during our February 2016 outing at Hyland Park Reserve.
Please RSVP to Tom Saterstrom if you plan on participating: [email protected] or 952-239-3629 (cell).
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| 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!
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| Parking Lot Update: Silva Cells Support Tree Growth |
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| | Silva cells in our newly-resurfaced parking lot will help the trees we plant grow strong. |
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 systems for stormwater management. Since work began on the project a couple of weeks ago, something new has been happening each week!
One exciting addition this week are the silva cells, structures that go under the pavement to help support tree growth and increase the amount of rainwater that flows into the ground. Because the soil under a parking lot needs to be compacted to support the asphalt, there is not a lot of room for the water and oxygen that trees need to live. Silva cells provide a structure to support the weight of the asphalt while leaving room for less condensed soil which gives root systems access to water and oxygen. This means the new trees we plant in the center of our parking lot will have a good chance to grow strong and survive. Stormwater will also be captured at the base of the trees and flow down through the soil in the silva cells.
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By Thursday this week, crews were close to finishing putting the silva cells in the ground.
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You can see the plans and learn more on our website.
As a reminder, 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.
Volunteer valet parking, by pre-arrangement, 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.
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The First Universalist Knitting Community Circle will resume meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. This is an informal, friendly group that you can drop in on when the timing works for you. We will be meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Questions? Contact Valerie Garber at [email protected] or 651-224-2334.
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| 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.
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| Last Chance to View the Peace Poster Exhibit |
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.
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| Spots Available in the Curling Great Gathering |
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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.
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 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).
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| 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!
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Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care
Our thoughts are with Adele Hersey as she recovers from a fall. Cards are welcome to:
Adele Hersey, Lyngblomsten, 1415 Almond Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
Our thoughts are with Rev. Jen Crow, her partner Loretta, and children, Henry and Kate, for a speedy recovery from a house fire caused by lightning early this week. Notes and cards of support would offer great comfort, as would gift cards for the family to use at Wild Rumpus Book Store, Punch Pizza (the kids' favorite) or Target.
Jen Crow and family, c/o First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Ave. S., Mpls. 55408
If you missed our email with this news from earlier this week, you can read it here.
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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Congregational Care: Caring CornerWrite 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.
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Planned GivingPlease 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.
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Church Office and Building Closed Monday, Sept. 5
Please note that the church office as well as the building will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day.
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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 AmazonSmile! AmazonSmile 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! |
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2016 Convocation of Unitarian Universalist Studies: "Beyond Boundaries: Controversies, Frontiers, and Growth in Unitarian Universalism"
October 27-30, 2016 in Minneapolis/St. Paul
"Beyond Boundaries: Controversies, Frontiers, and Growth in Unitarian Universalism" will be a rich gathering of ministers, scholars, students, and all others who cherish the history, heritage, and future of Unitarian Universalism. During the 2016 Convocation of Unitarian Universalist Studies, participants will present papers, panels/workshops, performances, exhibits/posters, as well as an award-winning sermon and hymn. Details and registration information can be found online at: uuconvo.org.
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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
The office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day.
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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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