First Universalist Church
November 6, 2014
Issue No. 6, Volume 1
In This Issue
Welcome!
The Weekly Liberal

The Weekly Liberal
is our new publication hybrid, combining the best features of the 'old' Weekly E-News and Liberal monthly newsletter.

The Weekly Liberal is the result of a variety of congregant feedback and staff research, in the hopes of bringing you relevant, informative, and inspiring content in a timely and vibrant format.  By combining these two former publications and creating a new, weekly digital newsletter, we save on paper consumption, staff and volunteer resources, and mailing costs, all while providing a weekly news and worship source that is also synced up with our other church publications.  If you have received this email in error, and do not wish to be on the mailing list for The Weekly Liberal, simply unsubscribe by clicking on the 'SafeUnsubscribe' link near the bottom of this email.

Any questions, comments, or feedback can be directed to Communications Manager Heidi Johnson at: [email protected]
Sunday Worship for November 9, 2014

Guest Minister Rev. Karen Hutt will be preaching "The Negro Problem: Remix 2.0" at both services. To view the Order of Service & Bulletin online, click here.

 

Rev. Karen Hutt has been a UU minister for 20 years. She attended Meadville/Lombard Theological School in Chicago and served as co-pastor of Church of the Open Door in Chicago for 8 years. Later she worked as a pediatric oncology/trauma chaplain at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Currently she is a Clinical Pastoral Educator at the University of Minnesota Medical Center where she trains seminarians and lay people in the arts of spiritual care. She also is a behavioral health chaplain in the Fairview Adolescent Dual Diagnosis Unit.

 

Service is at 9:30 and 11:15 AM. The church office is open from 8:00 AM--1:00 PM on Sundays.

Parking information, maps, and directions to First Universalist can be found by clicking here.
Did You Miss Last Sunday's Service?

We have podcasts available online of all of our sermons!  Here is a snapshot from Rev. Elaine's sermon this past Sunday--

The Transient and The 
Permanent

"During this precious lifetime, may we learn to stop our clinging to what will inevitably perish and, instead, to lavishly give away our love."

To listen to Rev. Elaine's November 2 sermon in its entirety, click here!

Children's Choir on November 2
November Worship Theme:

"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made"


In one of the most beautiful biblical passages, the psalmist states: "For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. (Ps 139: 13-14)" This month we recognize, accept and cherish that we have our being in a body, fearfully and wonderfully made. We age. We have limitations. We have gifts. We experience one another and ourselves in body and spirit. This month we explore our being in a body.

Resources from Rev. Ruth MacKenzie:

by Jon Kabat-Zinn 

Stress. It is everywhere around us. Even worse, it gets inside us: sapping our energy, undermining our health, and making us more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and disease. Now, based on Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn's renowned mindfulness-based stress reduction program, this groundbreaking book shows you how to use natural, medically proven methods to soothe and heal your body, mind, and spirit. 

by John Phillip Newell

Few issues have caused the church more difficulty through the ages than those surrounding the human body. Throughout much of Christian history, spiritual seekers have considered the body to be, at best, a hindrance to spiritual enlightenment, and, at worst, an enemy to be suppressed. Many of our contemporary negative preoccupations with physical appearance, image, and sexuality derive from this ancient and habitual denial of the notion that we were created in God's image.
In Echo of the Soul bestselling author J. Philip Newell finds that the human body, like creation, is actually the dwelling place of God. Using the Old Testament Wisdom literature, which informed Celtic spirituality's positive understanding of what it means to be human, Newell looks at each part of the body as a sacred text that reveals something of the Divine. Looking back to a time before Christians began to distrust their physicality, Newell shows that our most ancient texts challenge modern assumptions about love, beauty, sexuality, learning, wisdom, power, and responsibility, and bridges the body/spirit divide.

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.

Partnership with Habitat for Humanity 
in 2015
It would be hard to top The House that Love Built. It is inevitable that our relationship with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity will down-size in 2015. However the history of our partnership is long and First Universalists' commitment to Habitat is strong. Our 2015 partnership will have many opportunities for participation from our congregation.

Day of Service
Saturday, March 14, 2015

First Universalist will provide work crews for three Habitat building sites on this day. This is a commitment of 45 volunteers (15 per site). We will also need volunteers to provide lunch for the workers at each site. Please contact Peter Styx via email at [email protected] or by phone at 952-210-8049 if you are interested.

August Work Week
(dates TBD)

During August work week First Universalist provides all the volunteers for a Habitat site for one week. This is a commitment of 75 volunteers (15 per day) as well as volunteers to provide lunch for each day. Please contact Geoff Lenox via email at [email protected] or by phone at 952-210-9869 if you are interested.

Habitat Neighborhood Family Partner Program

Neighborhood Family Partners (NFP) are trained by Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and matched to a new Habitat homeowner to partner with them during their first year of home-ownership. NFPs meet with the family four times in the first year in their home, once per season, and answer questionnaires prepared by Habitat. NFPs help new Habitat homeowners feel confident in their ability to answer these questions by being a resource and support. Several First Universalist congregants are NFPs. If you're interested in learning more, please contact Joan Naymark at [email protected]

Housing Advocacy

First Universalist addresses the critical need for adequate, affordable housing in many ways. One way we help is by working with other organizations to educate and advocate at the State Capitol for funding to construct affordable homes and rental units and provide services for the homeless In 2015, we will join Twin Cities Habitat and the Homes For All Coalition to urge the State Legislature to support affordable housing. Contact Joan Naymark who is coordinating our Housing Advocacy efforts. There are opportunities for families, children, and adults to participate in Housing Justice advocacy.
Upcoming Events

Saturday, 11/8
Razz Matazz Jazz Concert, 
7:30 PM, Sanctuary

Saturday, 11/15
House That Love Built Dedication, 10:00 AM, 3026 Morgan Ave. N.

Saturday, 11/15
The Great Gathering: An Evening in Venice, 5:30 PM, Social Hall

Sunday, 11/16
Cracking the Codes Part 2 Viewing, 1:00 PM, Cummins Room

Sunday, 11/16
Music at First Universalist: Updates and Conversation, 
12:30 PM, Sanctuary

 

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

 

 

Join the Conversation: Music at First U

 

Updates and Conversation

 

Sunday, Nov 16, at 12:30

Sanctuary

 

Wondering how our music program is moving forward? Wondering about directions? Want to throw out an idea or two? Join Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, on Sunday, Nov 16 at 12:30 after the second service. All are welcome!

 

 


 
Augsburg Fairview Academy
This year marks the third year of our First Universalist Church support and partnership with Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) as part of our racial justice and housing ministry. AFA is a public charter school which provides opportunity for students who have not been successful in the public school system to complete high school and prepare for college or other post-secondary education. The 175+ students are primarily African American, Native American, and Somali. Over 60% are homeless and others are marginally housed.

First Universalist provides staff and supplies for the Hope Food and Clothing Closets as well as academic assistants in the classroom. Our congregants generously donated 48 backpacks for students at the start of this school year.

Donations for the Hope Food Closet can be brought to the Hub on Sundays

Pick up a "shopping list" at the Hub.  Briefly,  we need snacks like granola bars and easy to prepare foods like single serving microwavable soups, mac and cheese, stews, and other meals. Toiletries needed include toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, and tampons (we have plenty of travel size shampoo, conditioner, lotion and soap).
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.
    

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2014-15 Annual Events

Our 2014-2015 schedule of Annual Events is available online!  The 2014 Fall worship schedule is also 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.
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 Operations
Diane Gavere

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].  
Next Up For 
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.

Up on deck, for next week:

~ Five Questions with Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink

~ Goodbye to 'Rise Up Singing'

~ Interview with Front Desk Volunteer Earl Stanhope

~ Connect With UU Wellspring

...and much more!

 
Serving the Love that Knows 
No Bounds
By Rev. Justin Schroeder, Senior Minister

This past Sunday at the 11:15 service, using the purified water we had gathered at our Water Communion Service from September, I said these words to three young children during our Child Dedication ceremony:

"We bless you with water: on your brow, on your lips, and on your hands - to dedicate your thoughts, your words, and your deeds to the service of that Love that knows no bounds."

As a congregation, we also dedicated ourselves to the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of these children and their parents. These ceremonies remind me all how much we need one another; life is not a "do it yourself" project. We cannot "give, receive, and grow into Love's people" on our own. We need one another, and we need the Spirit of Life.

I am especially thrilled that these children are growing up in a faith community committed to racial justice. And no matter where you are on this journey, there are places for you to plug in and deepen your understanding of race, racism, and whiteness, and how our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us into this work. This upcoming Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 1p.m., we're offering a four hour Racial Justice Workshop at First Universalist. Everyone is welcome! Or, if you're looking for an adventure across the river, the Rev. Mark Morrison Reed, the foremost scholar of African-American Unitarian Universalist history, and author of Selma Awakening, will speak at Unity Church Unitarian in St. Paul, from 9 a.m. to noon. You can't go wrong with either of these opportunities!

Yours in faith,

Justin


PS - This Sunday, don't forget to purchase your tickets for our annual Fun-raising event, "A Night In Venice." We'll have food, dancing, games, Great Gatherings to sign up for, and a live auction. The party is November 15, from 5:30 to 9:30.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ready-Set-Bid!

By Pam Vincent

The annual auction is coming up fast--Saturday, Nov 15, 5:30 to 9:30 pm in the Social Hall. The line up includes a terrific catered Italian feast (gluten free options available), great gatherings to purchase, live auction , and the duckpond--buy a duck for $20--and if you're lucky (getting an odd number!) you win the corresponding prize: wine, a massage, maybe a dedicated parking spot for a month!. We'll have entertainment from our own Universal Harmony, and our great DJ Sacha is back for an encore engagement. Tickets available Sunday in the Social Hall, or at the door for a slightly higher price. Child care available for $5. We can take cash, checks or credit cards. Got an idea for a great gathering? Submit your form no later than Nov 9 to Pam Vincent or Jane Baudelaire: [email protected] or [email protected]. We are also seeking donations for the duck pond prizes- suggested worth at least $25.00- could be a gift card, a service, or an actual item.

See you in "Venice"!

House That Love Built Dedication Ceremony
By Rev. Jen Crow, Minister of Program Life

It's finally here! Join us on Saturday, November 15th at 10am at 3026 Morgan Avenue N. in Minneapolis for the dedication of the House that Love Built. Last year, we came together as a church community to raise $60,000 to become the primary financial sponsor of a home with Habitat for Humanity. We claimed the true meaning of the winter holidays, we got creative, and together we raised well over $100,000 to build this home. So many of us were involved - change collectors, wreath sellers, chutney makers and buyers, wall framers, financial supporters, and lunch makers of all ages helped build this house - and this fall, before we arrive at another winter holiday season, Mai Kee Lee and her 5 children will move in to the House that Love Built. 

Come see the House that Love Built and meet Mai Kee. Come celebrate the power of love to support a family, re-build a neighborhood, stabilize a community, and create a brighter future. Please join us, one and all, on Saturday, November 15th at 10am at 3026 Morgan Avenue N., wearing your yellow First Universalist t-shirts if you have one, to celebrate this day. And please join us the next day, Sunday, November 16 at church after both services as we continue to celebrate and look toward our future partnership opportunities with Habitat for Humanity. There's room for all of us as we bring our faith to life in the world--in our partnership with Habitat for Humanity, in our work at Augsburg Fairview Academy, in our growing relationship with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. Join us at this dedication for a powerful reminder of what we can do when we work together in love.

News and Announcements
Open Labyrinth Walk

Thursday, November 13th 6:30-8:00pm

What a beautiful autumn we've had!  As the days get darker earlier, come walk the beautiful labyrinth and prepare for the upcoming hectic time of year with some time of quiet reflection.  All are welcome!!

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Did You Know? 
By Bree Mattson

Did you know that you can reserve space for your meeting or event online? It's a simple and easy way to make sure that your group gets on our church calendar and that space is reserved and ready for your meeting. Visit http://firstuniversalistchurch.org/space-request-form/, fill out the form and wait for a confirmation from one of our reservations team members. 

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Set At Liberty: Faith, Race and the Sin of Mass Incarceration

By Arif Mamdani

Registration is open for the Kaleo Center for Faith, Justice & Social Transformation's Fall Faith Summit:

"To Set at Liberty: Faith, Race and the Sin of Mass Incarceration" is a collaborative effort led by the Kaleo Center to ignite, convene and equip 250 activists, community members, and faith leaders to understand and lead their congregations and communities in addressing the racialized systems that prohibit African Americans from living productive and healthy lives. The event will address mass incarceration as a human rights issue and give attention to public policies of school suspensions, private prisons, restoring voter rights and explore proven juvenile detention alternatives. Most importantly we will provide participants with the theological, analytical and practical skills to be powerful and sustained agents of change. Registration and more info at: http://www.kaleo.center/setatliberty

The Selma Awakening at Unity-Unitarian 
 
By Rev Elaine Aron Tenbrink, 
Minister of Membership & Adult Ministries

Our friends at Unity-Church Unitarian are sponsoring a conversation with Rev. Dr. Mark Morrison-Reed this weekend. This should be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history of race within Unitarian Universalism and about our involvement in the march from Selma to Montgomery 50 years ago. The Rev. Dr. Morrison-Reed is not only a scholar, but a great speaker--this is sure to be an engaging morning. I hope you can be there!

--------------------------------------------------------------

The Samuel Morgan Forum and Beloved Conversations presents
Step by Step: The Selma Awakening at Unity-Unitarian
8:30 a.m.: Refreshments
9:00 a.m. -Noon: Forum

This coming March will mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the march from Selma to Montgomery-a turning point in the Civil Rights movement and the struggle for the right to vote. With voting rights once again under attack in many states and with racialized mass incarceration continuing to undermine communities of color, the time is right to recover the story of Selma and in particular of Unitarian Universalism's response to Dr. King's call.

Mark Morrison-ReedThe Rev. Dr. Mark Morrison-Reed is the preeminent scholar of race and racism within the Unitarian Universalist movement. His newly published book, The Selma Awakening, is a deeply moving, troubling, and inspiring glimpse into one of the defining moments of the 20th century for us and for the nation.

This forum will feature a lecture by Dr. Morrison-Reed, small group conversations about how the Selma story informs and invigorates present day anti-racist activism, and a presentation on the possibility of a Beloved Conversations pilgrimage to Birmingham and Selma to join Unitarian Universalists, and many others from across the nation, on the anniversary weekend. 

Daytime Connections
Exploring the Differences in our Values and Priorities at Mid-life vs Later-life

Thursday, November 20, 
11:00am-12:30pm, Chalice Room

This interactive session will engage us in an individual reflection and a group discussion about where our values have changed as we move from mid-life to later life. It is based on the research of local psychologist and author Trish Herbert in her workbook titled "Journeywell" - A Guide to Quality Aging". This session will focus mostly on change, not loss.

After the presentation, join us for lunch at 12:30pm. A $5 donation for lunch is appreciated. For more information, contact Hal Schroer at [email protected] or 763-595-9515.

To RSVP, contact Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink at [email protected]
 
or 612-825-1701 x124.

Features
Streamlining Church Communications

By Heidi Johnson, 
Communications Manager

One of my goals this past year, as I stepped into this communications position, has been to truly streamline our church communications, and make each and every one of them more effective in their form and function. But it is also important to me to do this purposefully, and carefully, as I know that many folks have strong ties to certain publications, communication styles, and information systems here at First U. With that being said, part of this process will be keeping the congregation informed every step of the way, as we go through these changes together.

Over the past few months, we have really taken the time to assess the way that we communicate--and the channels that we use TO communicate--here at the church. One of these changes has been the implementation of The Weekly Liberal. We have received very positive feedback, so far, on this "new" publication! The Weekly Liberal is published every Thursday digitally, but hard copies are also made and placed in the church office, in addition to the many copies that are made available on Sundays, at both services. The Weekly Liberal is our weekly news and information source, full of pictures, vibrant content, and clickable links...it is what you are reading right now!

The Order of Service/Bulletin is next on deck to be clarified and streamlined, and I will be collaborating with Justin and Jen on this project over the next 2-3 weeks. "The Bulletin"--as we know it right now--is changing. We are moving towards "The Bulletin" to be a worship and welcoming resource for congregants and visitors alike. This publication will consist of the worship service, additional worship materials (such as song lyrics), a welcome section for visitors, information about ongoing programs and pastoral care, and our commitment to racial justice. Both the Order of Service and Weekly Liberal will be available every Sunday, side-by-side, at both services. But both publications will have a distinct purpose, which we are now in the process of defining and creating.

I will be sure to keep you posted as we move forward on this!  Keep your eyes peeled for the next edition of The Weekly Liberal, where I will talk more at length about what these changes mean.  In the meantime, should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected] or call the office at 612-825-1701.

Annual Winter Solstice

 

Once again, we will honor and celebrate the turning of the year, during the longest nights in December.  Our Solstice ritual this year is Friday, Dec 19 (please note the date change). The evening features chants, a story that leads us into darkness, time spent in the dark, and celebrates the return of the light.

 

Nominations Needed

By Gil Wahl, member of the Community Investment Team


First Universalist Church gives away a sizable chunk of our Sunday offerings to non-profit organizations that do community based work. We believe that "We all do better when we all do better" (Paul Wellstone).

To continue funding important social justice work, the Community Investment Team needs your help. If you know of an organization that is doing love's work in the world, please make them a recipient nominee.

It's easy! Click here to fill out the form and send. It really can be that easy to make a difference in the world! 

We want to hear from you!

The Community Investment Team
(Umesh Berry, Andrea Brown, Ed Cerier, Gil Wahl)

 

     


Exciting, New Volunteer Opportunity for 2015

By Heidi Johnson, Communications Manager

Do you have experience with graphic design, and the Adobe Creative Suite (In Design, Photoshop, etc.?)  Do you have a creative, collaborative spirit, and are able to volunteer a set amount of time on a weekly basis?

If so, this might be the volunteer opportunity for YOU!  We are looking for a very special volunteer to share their talents on a very special task: designing and editing the weekly Sunday Order of Service.

Right now, we are merely exploring the potentials and possibilities of such a position, and are just putting feelers out there to see if anybody would be interested..so here are the details:

* Experience with graphic design, in particular the Adobe Creative Suite, would be a must (we design and produce the OOS via InDesign software)

* An approximately 4 hour weekly commitment, on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM--3:00 PM, would be required.  You would work closely alongside Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Minister of Worship Arts, and Heidi Johnson, Communications Manager, to design and produce the Order of Service every Wednesday for the following Sunday service

* We would love for this person to be actually IN the office during this time, working alongside both Rev. Ruth and Heidi, as much collaboration and idea-sharing takes place during the process

If you think you might be interested in this position, please email Communications Manager Heidi Johnson at [email protected] with your questions, comments, or indication of interest.  This volunteer position would begin in January 2015.  Thank you!

Get To Know Your First U Staff!  
 Five Questions with Paula Goldade

Every few weeks, we will be featuring a staff member in this section answering a few questions about their job (and a few fun questions, too!)

Tell us a about your job.  What do you do here at First Universalist Church?

I am the program assistant for the Families of Young Children in RE.  I help get things set up for the birth through 1st grade classrooms each Sunday: curriculum, coordinate volunteers, work with high school youth childcare providers, problem solve kinks, make coffee :)

What are some things that you enjoy about working at First U?

I really enjoy the people!  This community continues to amaze me daily with it's depth, caring and passion for spreading love.

Where is your favorite place to be in the world?

Walking on a sunny beach by the ocean

What are your top three favorite movies?

When Harry Met Sally, E.T. and Frances Ha

And lastly, If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To fly!


How Do We Ask For Support?

 

By Rich Jaegar, Pledge Team Chair

 

Our church's mission and vision is powerful and our impact in the community outside our walls is growing. Consider that we played a significant role in the passing of gay marriage laws of today, we housed a family that needed a home, we are helping homeless youth get an education, we are taking on the issues of racial injustice with so much more being planned. Thank you for supporting this important work in the world. You are making this happen because of your financial support. It is important to finance this work, but how do we ask you to support this?

Sometimes it is hard to find the right balance, when we know that oftentimes people don't contribute to charitable causes without being asked, and that asking too frequently can be frustrating. Please talk to or email myself, Marcia or Zack with your thoughts on where that balance is.
 

Richard Jaegar, Pledge Team Chair

[email protected]

 

Holiday Wreaths For Sale

By Kris Hoffwomyn


 

Last year, my daughters and I sold forty beautiful wreaths to raise money for the House that Love Built. Thanks to your purchases we raised almost $500 last year. We hope to do the same this year but the proceeds will go directly back to the church into the operating fund.

 

All sales must be pre-paid and pre-ordered, so that we are not left with unsold products. The wreath prices are the same as last year $25 or $30. We began taking orders Sunday October 26 and will continue for three weeks until the cutoff date of November 9th. We will be in the social hall between services and after the late service to answer questions and take your orders. 


We will bring your wreath to church and have it available for you to pick up at the same times on November 30 and December 6th. This year we are also offering wreaths or centerpieces to be shipped if you would like to send something to a loved one. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we can offer the wreaths at cost; let me know either via email or in person and we will make those arrangements.


Kris Hoffwomyn and daughters Lilly and Kate Pfandler
[email protected]

 

Ending Homelessness Together:
Luncheon on Wednesday, November 12th

By Tammy Thaler

First Universalist is exploring a relationship with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. Please join us for the Beacon Ending Homelessness Together luncheon on Wednesday November 12th at noon at the Minneapolis Convention Center. There is no cost to attend the luncheon. However, it is Beacon's hope that guests will be inspired to make a donation. 

Beacon is committed to ending homelessness. Through their partnership with 50 different congregations, they currently house nearly 800 people in nearly 500 homes, about half of which offer supportive services. There are currently four housing developments in the planning phase for youth, families, and individuals whose backgrounds present challenges to housing stability. Let's help Beacon reach their goal of 1,000 homes by 2020! 

Reserve your place at the First Universalist table by November 3rd by emailing Tammy Thaler at [email protected] or by phone at 612-353-7533. Additionally, let us know if you would like to take part in a tour of Nicollet Square, Beacon's housing complex for formerly homeless youth and those exiting the foster care system. Let's end homelessness together!

 

Guatemalan Rainbows: 
Photography and Textiles By Richard Nelson

Art Exhibit in Social Hall October 19 - November 23
(note: this is our last exhibit in the social hall until the new year!)

This vibrant and informative exhibit provides a window into the world of the indigenous Maya of highland Guatemala and their weaving traditions. The photography is an ethnographic and aesthetic documentation of 40 years of travel, research and collecting of textiles and traditional clothing in the highlands of Guatemala. Like so much else in the Maya world, back-strap weaving is not simply a relic from the past but a living skill, responding to new ideas and recreated with each generation.


Richard is an artist, photographer, collector of Maya textiles and graduate of graphic design. His passion for back-strap woven textiles began in 1973 while studying photography in Tlaxiaco, Mexico through the University of Minnesota studio arts program. At a Saturday market in a small village he saw Mixtec women dressed in the same brightly brocaded clothing they had worn for centuries. 


 


 

Richard spent 23 years as a designer and photo stylist for Macy's Marshall Field's, and Dayton's and is now a free-lance photo-stylist for Target and other companies. He consults, teaches and exhibits at local colleges and libraries and leads Maya weaving and textile tours to Guatemala through locally-based Art Workshops in Guatemala.


 

Visit Richard's website here: http://www.richardnelsondesign.com
 

First Universalist Church
3400 Dupont Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN, 55408
612-825-1701