April 23, 2015
Issue No. 16, Volume 2
In This Issue
Sunday Worship for April 26, 2015
YOUTH SUNDAY

Join Rev. Ruth MacKenzie and the High School Class for   "Youth Sunday" on April 26th.

Special musical guests:
Joan Griffith and Claire Altendahl

For additional information, and to access the Sunday Order of Service online, click here .


 

This Sunday is our annual youth led worship. Our youth will take on the spiritual imperative of racial justice. They will be talking about their experience marching across the bridge in Selma, driving without a license, and asking where do we go from here. This is always a lively, and spirited worship service. This Sunday, we also recognize our seniors who will be crossing the threshold into adulthood, whether starting a new job, or going to college. Don't miss this Sunday!
 

 

Service is at 9:30 and 11:15 AM. 
 

 

Did You Miss Last Sunday's Service?
We have podcasts available online of all of our sermons!  

To listen to Rev. Justin Schroeder preach this past Sunday, click here.

A New Lens on Climate Justice:

"I rattled off facts about climate change; I ranted and raved and got angry, before I could really get to what was on my heart that day, eight years ago, which was confusion, grief, and sadness. You see, my wife, Juliana, and I had been talking about having children, and I was struggling. The more I read about the state of the planet, the more I wondered, is it even responsible to bring a child into this world?"

Upcoming Worship

 

May 3

Sharing Sunday 
 
9:30 - 11:15am

Worship: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Music: First Universalist Choir singing Schicksalslied by Brahms

May 10

9:30 - 11:15am

Worship: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Music: First Universalist Folk Band
 


April Worship Theme:

The Big Questions

(photo credit: Peter Tandlund)

Church is one place where we ask the big questions. We venture into the unknowable, the big questions with curiosity, and humility because we know ourselves as marvelous, and a spec of dust, all in the same breath of being. Join us this month when we delve into the big questions: 

 

What is the nature of being human? 

 

Why is there so much despair? 

 

What is holy? 

 

What is wholeness? 

 

Is there evil? 

 

What is this wondrous thing called life?


Worship Resources
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

by Atul Gawande

How do we live well even in our dying? How can modern  medicine aid the body and the human spirit? What is a good death?



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. If you'd like to be included in our Cycle of Life each Sunday in worship, please contact Sandy DiNanni at ( [email protected] ) or (612) 825-1701. If you would like support, please contact Rev. Jen Crow ( [email protected] or 825-1701) or any member of our Pastoral Care Team.

Upcoming Events
Sunday, 4/26
Direct Action Training, 
Chalice Room, 1:00 PM

Wednesday, 4/29
Budget Hearing Meeting, 
Cummins Room, 6:00 PM

Wednesday, 4/29
Budget Hearing Meeting
Cummins Room, 6:00 PM

Sunday, 5/3
ACS Basics Training Session, Chalice Room, 1:00 PM

Sunday, 5/3
Budget Hearing Meeting, Sanctuary, 12:45 PM

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For more information about events at First Universalist, check out our website by clicking here! 

 

To view the online space-use calendar, click here.

 
Do you have news, information, an announcement, a photo, or an article that you would like to see published in  The Weekly Liberal ?

Click here to fill out our online submission form!  Please note that edits for length and/or content may occur.

The deadline for submission is always Tuesday at 10:00 AM.  The Weekly Liberal is published Thursday afternoon.

Would you like to join our mailing list?

Click here to receive
The Weekly Liberal from First Universalist Church in your inbox every Thursday!

If you have limited access to email/internet and would like to be on our hard copy mailing list, contact the church office at 612-825-1701 and ask to speak to Chelsea, our Administrative Assistant.

News for Families:

Would you like to sign up for the Children, Youth, & Family Ministries Weekly E-News? 
Click here to sign up online!

2014-15 Annual Events

Our 2014-2015 schedule of Annual Events is available online!  

Online SPRING Worship Schedule

The 2014-2015 Spring worship schedule is now included in this document. Click here to view.

Connect With First U

    
 

Church Office Hours
Sunday 
8:00 AM-1:00 PM

Monday 
8:30 AM-8:00 PM

Tuesday 
8:30 AM-8:00 PM

Wednesday 
8:30 AM-8:00 PM

Thursday 
8:30 AM-8:00 PM

The church office is closed Fridays and Saturdays.  You can reach the office by dialing: 612-825-1701.

Senior Minister
Rev. Justin Schroeder

Minister of Program Life
Rev. Jen Crow

Minister of Worship Arts and Coming of Age
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie

Minister of Membership and Adult Ministries 
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink

Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries
Lauren Wyeth

For additional staff contact information, click here.

The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Heidi Johnson. To submit an article or announcement for publication in  The Weekly Liberal , please fill out the online submission form here

Please note that edits for content and/or length may occur. Additional information about publication deadlines, submission requirements, and policies can be found in the communications section of our website.  

Any questions, comments, or concerns about  The Weekly Liberal or church communications in general can be directed to: [email protected].  
A Note About
The Weekly Liberal

As you might have noticed, we rotate news and feature articles in and out of the Weekly Liberal via one week, two week, and one month cycles, depending on the content.  While we always provide new & updated content in every edition, we also cycle in important pieces that run multiple times (usually twice) to ensure that members and friends of First Universalist have the opportunity to view this information.

Joyfully Unsettled
By Rev. Justin Schroeder, Senior Minister

Lately, when people ask me, "How are you?", I've responded,  "I'm feeling unsettled." And with good reason: the life that Juliana, Tucker, and I have created over the past 6 years is about to be upended, re-imagined, and re-created as we welcome our newest family member into the world in mid-May.  Woven into these unsettled feelings is this truth, as well: I can't wait to hold this tiny being in my arms.  There are tears of joy when I think of Tucker meeting his sibling. And, like all parents, I wonder: how are we going to manage this?   


Isn't this the movement of life? Holding on and letting go? Finding moments of joy and peace in the unsettledness that exists in relationships, in parenting, in walking a spiritual path? Practicing compassion for self and others in the midst of it all?


So how am I? I'm joyfully unsettled, and learning to rest in that paradoxical, real place.

 

How are you?


As we live into the big questions and decisions of life, may we learn to dance with the joy and the unsettledness we discover there.


 

I'll see you in church,

Justin


Newcomer Circle

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. 

Our next Newcomer Circle runs on  Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 from 7:00-8:30 PM. Registration is required; you can sign up at the Information table in the social hall or by emailing [email protected]

News & Announcements
Racial Justice and Our UU Faith

Saturday, April 25 
10am-12 PM,  Cummins Room
Led by Clemma Muller and Richard Spratt

This engaging, interactive workshop offers tools for understanding race, racism, and whiteness and how our faith calls us to racial justice work. This is a distilled experience of the 24-hour training offered by Dr. Heather Hackman, our racial justice consultant. RSVP to Sandy DiNanni at [email protected]
YCE Book, CD, DVD, and Video Game Sale

The last day for The Youth Cultural Exchange CD, DVD, Video Game & Book Sale fundraiser will take place April 26 after both services in the church social hall.

This summer, twelve First Universalist 8th and 9th grade youth will travel to Nicaragua, where they will live with local families to gain cultural understanding and forge lasting cross-cultural friendships.


Your purchases will help us bring twelve Nicaraguan host siblings to Minnesota for two weeks in 2016.

Thank you for your support!

First Universalist Church Youth Cultural Exchange
Child Dedication


Sunday, May 10:

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.

Babies 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 the upcoming Child Dedication ceremony on May 10, please sign up online before May 1.

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Welcome Baby Team

By Ann Terlizzi,
Member of the Welcome Baby Team

If you are looking for an easy & rewarding way to get connected with the First Universalist community, please join the Welcome Baby Team! We work to welcome our newest little members and offer support to their amazing parents in the form of a meal and short respite visit.. If you have a few extra hours a year to share with one or two new families please join us! Email or call for more information or to be added to the list of volunteers. 

Are you are expecting a new baby to join your family and thinking, yes! I would love to be connected to a volunteer!? Please let us know and we would be happy to reach out a few weeks after baby arrives with a friendly visitor and meal. No pressure, no commitments, just love and support! Email or call for more information: 
Contact: Ann Terlizzi 612-616-3932 [email protected] Jody Beresford 612-669-9977 [email protected]

Are You a Professional Fundraiser? A Development Director?

If so, we want your input! The Program Team of First Universalist is in the early stages of creating a development and fundraising plan for 2015-2016 and beyond. Interested? Please connect with Rev. Justin Schroeder at 612-825-1701 x 102, or [email protected]





Features
Black Lives Matter:
Preparation, Action, Reflection


Join us in a three-part journey of preparation, action, and reflection as we stand with Black Lives Matter Minneapolis for justice and equity in our schools and in our country. 

Youth  welcome!

Prepare
WHAT: Direct Action Training with Liz Loeb and Lena K. Gardner. Learn how to peacefully and faithfully participate in direct action.
WHEN: Sunday, April 26, 1:30-4:00pm
WHERE: Chalice Room, at First Universalist Church

Act
WHAT: Black Lives Matter Direct Action
WHEN: Friday, May 1

8:30 AM: Court Solidarity Rally (7009 York Ave S, Edina)

10:30 AM: Students Across the Twin Cities Walk Out

12:00 PM: Rally & May Day BBQ (King Park: 2055 Nicollet Ave)

2:30 PM: International Worker's Day March (Nicollet Ave & Lake St)


Reflect
WHAT: Reflection and De-Brief with Liz Loeb, Lena K. Gardner, and Rev. Justin Schroeder
WHEN: Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00pm
WHERE: Chalice Room, First Universalist Church

Although not required, you can RSVP on Facebook by clicking here. Help us spread the word by sharing this event on your Facebook page!

Capturing Nature:
Art Exhibit in Social Hall
By Bette DeMars

Three artists, - Erin Mason, Jo Ann Musumeci, and Jill Ewald - are all interested in capturing nature in their art work. They are displaying their work at First Universalist in the Social Hall April 5 - May 17. 


Each has a very different approach to visualizing their love of nature. 

How Can the Church's New Database Make Life Easier?

Stop by the Table in the Social Hall

On Sundays, April 26 and May 3, church member Ron Parker and membership staff Sandy DiNanni will be in the social hall after each service providing basic information about ACS. However, if you're looking for a more comprehensive overview, join us for the...

ACS Basics Workshop
Sunday, May 3 at 1:00pm in the Chalice Room

Access our member directory on your smartphone.
Update your contact information in a few simple clicks.
Pledge and donate online.

These are some of the features of our great new database, ACS. Learn about the basic features of ACS with our Office and Events Manager, Bree Mattson, and our Assistant Finance Administrator, Brad Schmidt at this beginner's workshop.

Augsburg Fairview Academy:
Donations needed for Hope Food and Clothing Closets

By Cindy Marsh


 
Desired food and toiletry items include: single serving microwavable soups, mac and cheese, and stews; snacks: fruit cups, granola bars or cracker and cheese packages; chapstick, toothpaste and toothbrushes, men's and women's deodorant, and tampons (we don't need travel size items).  


Needed clothing items include: Spring items like men and women's windbreakers, hoodies, t-shirts and jeans. Clothing should be clean and in good condition; keep in mind AFA students desire clothes that teens like and typically prefer dark colors. Men and women's socks, men's medium and small briefs are also needed.

Bring items to the Hub on Sundays or leave in the cupboard marked AFA in the Welcome Center. Thank you for your generosity!
 

 

Immigration Justice Author Margaret Regan at Unity Church-Unitarian

 

Detained and Deported: Stories of Immigrant Families Under Fire
Wednesday, April 29 at 7:15 PM

Unity Church-Unitarian (733 Portland Avenue, St. Paul 55104)


The Death of Josseline, Ms. Regan's highly acclaimed first Beacon Press book, was chosen as the Unitarian Universalist Common Read. Josseline is about the dangerous journey to get into the U.S. undocumented. Detained and Deported is about the heartbreaking and authentic stories of what happens to people once they get here, raise families, and become part of communities but who are not documented. Come hear Arizona journalist Margaret Regan talk about her important work for immigration justice.


 

This event is FREE!