June 15, 2015
Issue No. 22, Volume 2
In This Issue
Sunday Worship for June 21, 2015

Join Rev. Justin Schroeder for   "Five Star Shelter" this Sunday, June 21st.

For additional information, and to access the Sunday Order of Service online, be sure to check out our website.  The Order of Service is always posted online the Wednesday before the service!


 

Shelter is certainly four walls and a roof. But it is more than that, too. What kind of "shelter" truly allows children, adults and elders to thrive? On this Father Day's Sunday, we'll explore the kinds of "shelter" that we can offer one another that helps the human spirit survive and thrive.
 

A note on Sunday Service time: we now have one Sunday service at 10:00 AM for the summer months. During this time, we ask you to bring your own mug to the social hour after the service. This helps save on water, labor, and keeps the kitchen cool during the hot summer months. We look forward to seeing you at church!

 

Upcoming Worship
June 28th, 10:00 AM
Rev. Justin Schroeder

Selma: Voting Rights Then 
and Now 

In March of this year, several First Universalist members and staff traveled to Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March and the struggle for voting rights. Hear their stories and testimony, as we reflect on the ongoing struggle for voting rights 50 years later. 

Did You Miss a Sunday Sermon?
We have podcasts available online of all of our sermons!  

To listen to Rev. Jen Crow preach "United in Love" from May 31st, click here.

Weekly Liberal on Summer Break

 

Please note that the Weekly Liberal will be doing two SUMMER EDITIONS, starting with this very publication! For the months of June and July, the Weekly Liberal will be published once a month, on June 15 and July 15.  The regular 'weekly' publication schedule will resume on August 15th.


 

If you have news, information, pictures, or announcements that you would like to submit for publication in The Weekly Liberal, click HERE for the online submission form.

 

Please note that the deadline for the July 15 edition will be Monday, July 13, at 10:00 AM.


Summer Worship Theme:

Sources


 

Within the pores, and cracks of the earth fresh water gathers. Sometimes source water rises to the surface on its own accord. Sometimes you have to dig to find it.  In either case, water feeds the body and sustains the soul. So too, sources for our spiritual life act in much the same way, gathering in the pores and cracks of our lives. Sometimes, a source of strength is easy to access. Sometimes you have to dig to find the well of faith that will sustain. 


 

This summer we explore sources: sources of faith, love and hope.


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 ( sandy@firstuniv.org ) or (612) 825-1701. If you would like support, please contact Rev. Jen Crow ( jen@firstuniv.org or 825-1701) or any member of our Pastoral Care Team.

Save the Date: 
Lake Harriet Outdoor Worship & Picnic

Save the date for our summer worship service and picnic at the Lake Harriet Bandshell: 
Sunday, August 30 at 10AM!



We'll enjoy tunes from the Universal Rock Band, an inspiring message from Rev. Jen Crow, and a delicious potluck picnic together afterwards. We are looking for volunteers to offer a warm welcome as part of a Bandshell Hospitality Team.  

Please contact Sandy DiNanni at Sandy@firstuniv.org if you're able to lend a hand.

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

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 for the July 15 SUMMER LIBERAL edition is Monday, July 13 at 10AM.  

Would you like to join our mailing list?

Click here to receive
The Weekly Liberal from First Universalist Church in your inbox.

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!

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
justin@firstuniv.org

Minister of Program Life
Rev. Jen Crow
jen@firstuniv.org

Minister of Worship Arts and Coming of Age
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
ruth@firstuniv.org

Minister of Membership and Adult Ministries 
Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink
elaine@firstuniv.org

Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries
Lauren Wyeth
lauren@firstuniv.org

For additional staff contact information, click here.


The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by First Universalist Church staff. 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: communications@firstuniv.org.  
A Different Rhythm

 

By Rev. Justin Schroeder,
Senior Minister

With the birth of our 2nd son, Jesse Patrick, Juliana and I are discovering that our lives are moving in a different rhythm. There's more wonder and lots of gratitude (thanks to all of you who sent cards, prayers, and gifts). There's less sleep and a clear sense of what truly matters. Above all, we're adjusting to being a family of four.  


 
Summertime, too, can be a time of moving in a different rhythm. The days are longer. The pace of our lives can slow down. Gardens, trails, rivers, and lakes call for our attention.


 
As we begin the third year of our racial justice journey, we, too, as a faith community, are moving in a different rhythm, asking new questions about race, racism, and whiteness than we were just a few years ago. These questions are shaping our worship, our curricula, our justice ministries and the ways we partner with others in our community. Guided by our faith, we are beginning to see things differently, and consequently, we are beginning to act differently.  

Each of us moves on our own pace on this journey. There is no one right way to do this. This fall, we're offering another 24 hour racial justice training with Dr. Heather Hackman. You can apply online here to participate. In the fall, we'll be offering monthly book discussions, workshops, and justice opportunities connected to this work. Also, the Racial Justice Leadership Team is current recruiting new team members [for more information, see the article in this issue]. And if you have ideas for our racial justice work, please share them with me!

As you move through the seasons and rhythms of your life, may you know times of renewal, grace, insight, love, and alignment with your deepest values. May you be blessed and be a blessing.


 
I'll see you in church,

Justin 


 

(justin@firstuniv.org)


News & Announcements
Newcomer Circle:
July 9, 16, 23, and 30

 

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 Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 6:30-8:00pm. Registration is required; you can sign up at the Information table in the social hall or by emailing Sandy@firstuniv.org

Pizza Lunch--Every Sunday!

By Lauren Wyeth,
Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries

Stop by the social hall after worship any Sunday this summer for a quick, easy, affordable lunch! Just $5 suggested donation for pizza, fresh fruit salad and cake, or $2 per item. Your donation will help send our Coming of Age graduates on their Boston pilgrimage in the fall.


Habitat for Humanity Work Week in August

By Geoffrey Lenox

This year our Habitat Work Week is August 3-7. The work site is at 2719 Irving Ave North, Minneapolis and we will be working in the 4th week of a 10 week build schedule. We could use 15 volunteers per day for a 5 day work week. The workday is from 8:15 am to 4:00 pm daily. Y ou do not need to be skilled at the building trades to work at a Habitat site. All tools will be provided and any direction you need will be provided as well. Ask anyone who has volunteered for Habitat and they will tell you what a positive and satisfying experience it is!

So go to the following link and sign up for a day or several days and enjoy the camaraderie of new made friends, working on a worthwhile project for deserving recipients. That is the Habitat experience.

http://firstuniv.weebly.com/habitat-for-humanity-sign-up.html

Your Invitation to Sing in Summer Choir

Do you like to sing?  Have you thought about being in a choir, but you can't make an extended commitment?  Summer Choir may be just right for you.  The Summer Choir is scheduled to sing July 12 and August 23.  Rehearsals are at 9:00 a.m. on the day of the service.  Yes, only one rehearsal on the day of the service.  Music is easy enough to learn in the 45 minute rehearsal.  All are welcome!!  If you have any questions, contact: randy@firstuniv.org


Features
Faithful Action Updates

By Rev. Jen Crow,
Minister of Program Life

Over this past church year, I've had the privilege of working with a dedicated group of lay leaders and our Social Work Intern to restructure and formalize the processes of our Faithful Action Ministry. In particular, we focused on articulating and systematizing our analysis of race, racism and whiteness in all that we do and on ensuring that as many of our Faithful Action efforts as possible involve all members of the congregation. This work has been a labor of love, informed by our shared experiences, the congregation's strategic plan, and multiple study groups from year's past. We believe that our new structure will provide opportunities for shared leadership, deep partnerships with organizations in our community, continued examination and action based on our racial justice learning, and meaningful opportunities for all to be involved.

Take a look at our Guiding Principles, our new Faithful Action Leadership Council structure, and how we select and work with Partners in the community. Apply to join the leadership of the Faithful Action Leadership Council, and take a look at how you might suggest and lead a Partnership.

As the ministerial leadership of our Faithful Action Ministry transitions from me to our Senior Minister, Rev. Justin in the upcoming church year, we trust that this new structure will offer the transparency, accountability, and meaningful and effective ways to put our faith into action in the world that we long for. We welcome your feedback and your involvement as we live into and adjust these new structures together.

In faith,

Rev. Jen Crow and the 2014-15 Faithful Action Leadership Team - Cindy Marsh, Kayci Rush, Joan Naymark, Judy Broad, Judy Goebel, Deborah Allen, Oyewole Dosumu, Marjorie Herdes

Join us on our  Racial Justice Journey!

By the Racial Justice Leadership Team

You're invited to apply to participate in the next 24 hour racial justice training led by Dr.Heather Hackman this fall!  D
r. Hackman's approach is multi-faceted, and provides a foundation for shifting our entire "lens" toward racial justice, as we understand the ways that race, racism, and whiteness work in the world around us. 


We'll be partnering with members from Judson Memorial Baptist Church in this training, as they deepen their commitment to becoming a faith community committed to racial justice. There is room for 30 First Universalist participants in this training, and we expect these spots to fill up fast.

Here are the Details:

* The trainings are scheduled for Saturdays, Oct 3rd, November 7th, and November 21rd from 8:00 to 4:00 p.m.

* Participants are expected to attend all three trainings and to stay for the entire length of the session. Meals will be provided.

* To apply for this training, please answer the following questions, and send your response to the church's Administrative Assistant, Chelsea Bertsch, at Chelsea@firstuniv.org:

o Your name
o Your contact Info (address, phone, email)
o Your racial identity
o Why do you want to do this training?
o How does your faith inform your desire to do this work?
o Why is racial justice training important to First Universalist?

We hope you will consider joining us on this journey!

Sincerely,
The Racial Justice Leadership Team
 


Diane von Arx Calligraphy
Exhibit in  Social Hall

By Bette DeMars

Making letters, in expressive and informative ways, is Diane von Arx's passion. She takes great pleasure in collaborating with, and expanding upon, the words of others by offering visual enhancement to echo the author's message. She has also authored poetry which is included in her body of works. Her tools are an extension of her mind, body and soul. Designing is truly a joy and a challenge, whether for function or aesthetic purposes. She sees the process of calligraphic mark making as a performance art and believes the power of 'the written words as art' crosses all disciplines. It's a fantastic journey which she is happy to share with our congregation.

Diane has exhibited her work in many locations throughout Minnesota and other states. In 2004-5 she was part of an artistic team creating "Special Treatment" Illuminations for the Saint John's Bible project. Diane designs and produces many original recognition documents and gift pieces including names and wedding testaments. BorderGraphics , a branch of her studio, is an exciting new adventure which showcases her lettering on walls and furniture. Diane's work is on display in the social hall July 19 - August 23. For examples of her work see www.dianevonarx.com

Diane will be available to talk about her work at a reception Sunday, July 26 after the service.

DEATH   CAFE

 

Wednesday, June 17, 7:00pm, Library

Led by Rev. Justin Schroeder and Colleen McCann

 

An evening of tea, cake, and honest, open discussion about death and dying.  Our aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) lives. Come and share about how death has touched your life. Please drop in; no registration required.