October 6, 2016  |  Vol. 3 No. 40
The Power of Place
Rev. Justin Schroeder
This past weekend, I was in Fort Collins, CO, where I delivered the "Charge to the Congregation" for a colleague's installation as Sr. Minister of Foothills Unitarian Church. I have known this congregation since I was 11 years old; I came of age in this congregation, spoke from the pulpit on Youth Sunday, and later, during college, was hired as the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Coordinator of Foothills. It was a profound experience to return to this faith community, this place that shaped me and set in motion the arc of my life's calling, and to charge them to live ever more faithfully into their mission and vision.

Though I left Foothills Unitarian Church in 2001, that place still holds great power in my life. Our stories are forever intertwined.

In the fall of 2009, my life and the life of First Universalist began to weave together as I began my ministry with you. This faith community, and all that happens at 3400 Dupont and beyond, has deeply shaped me, as we give, receive, and grow together.

As you know, we are on the edge of the next chapter of our shared ministry, as we move toward a capital campaign, preparing to truly make 3400 Dupont our home, a place that is warm, welcoming, accessible, and better facilitates our life-changing ministry and justice commitments.  

Please plan to attend one of the upcoming Focus Groups , so we can shape our future together, and make this place - First Universalist - even more vibrant and vital in our own lives and in the life of our community.

I'll see you in church,
Justin

P.S. Focus Groups coming up this week are (no sign-up required):

Sunday, Oct. 9 at 10:45 a.m., Arches Room
Sunday, Oct. 9, 12:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Thursday, Oct. 13, noon, Cummins Room
Saturday, Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m. Cummins Room
Sunday, Oct. 16, 8:15 a.m. Cummins Room
Sunday, Oct. 16, 10:45 a.m. Arches Room
Sunday, Oct. 16, 12:30 p.m. Sanctuary

SUNDAY WORSHIP AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
Worship this Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 9, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"The Story of Place"
 
Rev. Justin Schroeder
We are in the middle of the Jewish High Holy Days, with Rosh Hashanah behind us, and Yom Kippur just in front of us. Yom Kippur is a time of repentance and atonement, of making amends with those we have hurt. How might our understanding of this Holy Day and this practice deepen, as we seek to understand the place and the land we live on, as it relates to an indigenous population?
Music: First Universalist Choir

Sunday traffic alert: the Twin Cities Marathon begins at 8 a.m. this Sunday, Oct. 9. Check the route map to see if this might impact your drive/ride to church.
A Look Ahead
Sunday, Oct. 16, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. 
Rev. Jen Crow

Recent Sermon Podcasts
October 2, 2016
"One Bed, Please"
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
September 25, 2016
"Invited In"
Rev. Jen Crow
September 18, 2016
"Invited In"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
September 11, 2016
"Ollie-Ollie-In-Come-Free"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
October Worship Theme: The Whole Story
Our lives are not just made up of stories; they are also made by stories. Indeed, who of us hasn't felt controlled by a story? Stuck in a story? Hopeless about the way our story will end up?  

A friend tells me that her family "clings to the story about how I'm the clumsy one." I've never seen my friend trip, not once. Or drop a thing, ever. And yet, somehow, when she goes home, she spills coffee on at least one outfit, stubs at least one toe and stumbles down at least one step. The power of story! This month, we endeavor to tell whole stories, the stories that shape us, the stories that stand in our way, the stories that create openings for something new whether in our racial justice work or in our personal lives! Whole stories matter.
ON THE CALENDAR
"A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota" Book Discussion
Thursday, Oct. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.
In this provocative book, sixteen of Minnesota's best writers provide a range of perspectives on what it is like to live as a person of color in Minnesota. They give readers the gift of touching another human being's inner reality, behind masks and politeness. In preparation, please read pages 3-79. (Opportunities to discuss other portions of the book will be offered on future dates.) RSVPs are appreciated to Sandy at sandy@firstuniv.org, but drop-ins are welcome! Learn more.
"Mirrors of Privilege" Film Showing & Discussion (part 1)
Thursday, Oct. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.
This groundbreaking film features stories from white men and women on overcoming unconscious racism and entitlement. Join us for a viewing of the film followed by a discussion facilitated by Susan Schultz and Susan Hoffman.  This is a drop-in, two-part showing. Part 1 will be shown on Thursday, Oct. 13 (7-8:30 p.m.) and Part 2 will be shown on Thursday, Oct. 20 ( 7-8:30 p.m.).
 

Open Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:30-8 p.m.
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 our Labyrinth on our  website.
The Pathway to Membership 
Mondays, Oct. 17 & 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Feeling like First Universalist could be your spiritual home? Join us for The Pathway to Membership, a class exploring Unitarian Universalism, the history and mission of this congregation, and the experience of membership. Participants are invited to share and reflect on their own spiritual journeys and values. We ask that all those who wish to become members take this class. We'd love to welcome you as a new member!
To register, please contact Sandy DiNanni, at  Sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Oct. 9 Featured Partner: Simpson Housing Services
This Sunday, Oct. 9, we are looking forward to featuring the work of Simpson Housing Services, one of our seven Faithful Action Partners, during and after services.
 
Simpson Housing Services works to house, support and advocate for people experiencing homelessness. They provide shelter services for 44 men and 22 women and help individuals and families experiencing homelessness move into stable housing through rental subsidies and supportive services. 

Families in their housing programs can participate in Children and Youth Services Programs designed to help break the generational cycle of poverty and homelessness. These services include, Early Childhood Development, Educational Advocacy and Mentoring and Youth Development Programs. 

Volunteers are major contributors to Simpson Housing Services. More than 37,000 hours were volunteered in 2014, the equivalent of 18 full-time staff. This Sunday at church, you'll have the opportunity to learn about available volunteer opportunities with Simpson, as well as more about the work of the organization itself.
Contemplative Evening Worship Series Begins  
with "Glow" on Sunday, October 16
There are many ways of approaching the spiritual: through words, through music, through silent meditation. First Universalist is pleased to announce a special series of four evening services that combine music, words, and meditation in order to reach a level of spiritual understanding different from what you'll find in a typical worship service. For this year's Contemplative Worship series, Kinds of Light, we are exploring the spirit through a scientific understanding of the universe, specifically through the physical properties of Light.

The first service of this series, on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 5:30 p.m., is called  Glow. Any physical body, given sufficient energy, will radiate light and heat. We feel the sun's warmth and see its light, but what about the light we can't see - rocks glowing deep within the Earth, or the warmth of the human heart? When we close our eyes to the light without, can we feel the glow of an inner light? This inner light is expressed through the bright, ringing tones of the trumpet and the warm harmonies of the piano, played by Dean Heller and worship leader Jerrod Wendland. The Rev. Ruth MacKenzie will deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves through poems and readings, and lead the audience in silent meditation.

Jerrod Wendland, who has been the pianist and a worship leader at First Universalist for two years, is excited to introduce our audience to contemporary music by Jennifer Higdon, Somei Satoh, and Karen Tanaka (among others), music that is warm and radiant but that also invites contemplation of our lives' journey. Dean Heller is a distinguished performer, serving as principal trumpet in the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis, and has been a faculty member at St. Joseph's School in St. Paul for over twenty years.

What is Light? Light is Seeing, Light is Feeling, Light is Knowing, Light is Being. A constant in the universe and in our daily lives, this year's series of four contemplative services will guide us through a meditation on these four aspects of light. Join us at dusk for a combination of music, poetry, and silent meditation that feeds the mind, the ear, and the heart. Contemplative Evening Services will be held on Sundays, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Jan. 29, and Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
Daytime Connections:
Beyond Politics... What Holds Us Together?
Daytime Connections launches a new season of its Third Thursday programming on October 20 with "Beyond Politics...What Holds Us Together?"

Join us at 11 a.m. to hear a panel of our church millennials and elders share their perspectives, challenges, and hopes for the future as we confront this "raging river of change" that has engulfed us during this electoral season. Rev. Ashley Horan will facilitate this discussion as we consider several questions, such as, "If we reimagined hope together, what would it look like?"

The program begins at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 1 p.m. A $5 donation is encouraged for lunch.  Registration is requested for lunch planning: contact Sandy DiNanni at sandy@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.

Through  Daytime Connections, older adults empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives.
Two Sundays Left to View "Meditative Art: Yantras"
Currently on exhibit in the Social Hall is "Meditative Art: Yantras," featuring the work of artist Chanti Tacoronte-Perez. The exhibit is on view through Sunday, Oct. 16.
 
"Yantras are visual tools that serve either as centering devices or as symbolic compositions of the energy patterns of a deity seen by Tantric seers in their visions." -Harish Johari
 
The word yantra in Sanskrit means tool, machine or instrument. Yantras are usually geometric diagrams, made of a small dot (bindu) surrounded by circles, triangles, and squares, each having symbolic meaning. These shapes come together to form the pattern of the divine.
 
Chanti's passion is to inspire students to rediscover their creative self through personal inquiry, ritual, sangha and sadhana. She has been studying and teaching yoga in the Sri Viddya linage since 2005. Last year she completed her Masters degree at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Humanities with an emphasis on Depth Psychology. Chanti believes that creativity is one of the most essential tools in guiding students towards living a joyous and purposeful life. 

The exhibit can be viewed on Sundays before and after worship services. Contact Bette DeMars at jbdemars2@gmail.com with any questions.
Child Dedication Sign Up Now Open
Unitarian Universalists believe that every child brings new life and hope into the world.
 
The next Child Dedication will take place on Sunday, Nov. 6 at both services. During the Child Dedication ritual, the congregation pledges itself to partner with and support parents and families in the religious upbringing of the child. Child Dedications take place during Sunday worship services twice a year, in May and November.
 
Infants and children of members and those on the path to membership at First Universalist Church may be dedicated. If your family would like to participate in a Child Dedication ceremony, please sign up by filling out and submitting the  Child Dedication Form. Forms are due to the church office no later than one week before the service (Oct. 30). Please complete a separate form for each child being dedicated.
 
Questions? Contact Lauren Wyeth, Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries, at 612-825-1701 x111 or  lauren@firstuniv.org.
Donations for AFA Hope Food & Clothing Closets
First Universalist is beginning our fifth year of partnership with Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA). Young adults from diverse communities who face educational barriers to achievement in traditional schools are welcomed into AFA, a charter school that prepares them for college, career and life. The 125+ students come from diverse backgrounds including African American, Somali, and Native American. Many are homeless or marginally housed during the school year.  

The Hope Food and Clothing Closets were developed by AFA students in a class on leadership and organization development; they chose this project to meet their needs and to provide hope. First Universalist is the primary contributor to the Hope Food and Clothing Closets.
 
Volunteers are needed to distribute snacks in the afternoon and to staff the Food Closet after school. Time commitment is 2:30 - 4 p.m. one day a week, Monday through Thursday (or two times a month). If interested, please contact: cindy.marsh2588@gmail.com.  

Donations for the Hope Food Closet: Desired items include single serving microwavable soups, mac and cheese, stews, and snacks like fruit cups, granola bars, nuts or cracker and cheese packages. Toiletries needed include toothpaste and toothbrushes, men's and women's deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, lotions, condoms, and tampons (note: we don't need travel size items). 

Donations for Hope Clothing Closet: backpacks (black or dark colors), hoodies; t-shirts;  skinny jeans for men and women; men's and women's underwear and socks; fall jackets.  Clothing should be clean, teen appropriate and in good repair.

Bring items to the Hub on Sundays or drop off during the week at the shelves labeled for AFA by the 34th Street entrance. Thank you for your generosity!
CYCLE OF LIFE & PASTORAL CARE
  Cycle of Life and Pastoral Care

A memorial service for Adele Hersey will be held at church on Friday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m.

A memorial service for Mary Djerf will be held at church on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m.

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 sandy@firstuniv.org 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.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Michael Servetus Unitarian Society of Fridley, Minn., invites you to:
Honoring the Past, Creating the Future
The Installation of Rev. Laura Smidzik
Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
The service will be held at: 
First Unitarian Society, 900 Mt. Curve, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Please leave time for potential construction and parking.  A reception will follow the service.  Clergy and seminarians are welcome to process (gather at 1:30 p.m.).
RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION
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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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