April 16, 2015
Issue No. 15, Volume 2
In This Issue
Sunday Worship for April 19, 2015
EARTH DAY SERVICE!

Join Rev. Justin Schroeder and Dr. Heather Hackman for   "A New Lens on Climate Change", this Sunday.

Special musical guest: Ellis Delaney

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

We know CO2 levels are higher than they have been in millions of years, and that monthly, we're setting new record high temperatures around the globe. Despite decades of solid science warning us of what's coming, we've been ineffective in addressing issues of climate change and disruption. Why is that? How might we, as people of faith, begin to change our practices and thinking about effective environmental and climate justice action? Join Rev. Justin Schroeder and Dr. Heather Hackman for this special Earth Day service.

 

Service is at 9:30 and 11:15 AM. 
 

Workshop with Dr. Hackman After Service:

 

Curious about the intersection between climate justice and racial justice? You don't want to miss this workshop! On Sunday, April 19th, starting at 12:45 p.m., Dr. Heather Hackman will be leading a 90 minute workshop exploring the ways that race and climate justice intersect. 

 


 

Dr. Hackman is a dynamic, engaging, and spiritually grounded speaker, and has been our trainer and coach as we've begun our racial justice journey. It's a pleasure to welcome her back to First Universalist! 

 

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

To listen to Rev. Ruth MacKenzie preach this past Sunday, click here.

Warriors of Compassion:

How did we end up in a world that nobody wants-overrun by greed, self-interest, and oppressive power-the very opposite of what we work for, what we pray for? What can we do? How can we be? Join us this Sunday to explore how we might harness a bodhisattva spirit, our compassionate warrior to realign our lives and attend to deep, transformative relationship.

Upcoming Worship

 

April 26

Youth Sunday

9:30 - 11:15am                     Worship:  High School Class

Meditations of Racial Justice


 
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 ( 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.

Upcoming Events
Friday, 4/17
Universalist Jazz Band 
Concert and Dance
7:30 PM, Social Hall

Sunday, 4/19
Climate Change and Racial 
Justice Workshop
Sanctuary, 12:45 PM

Tuesday, 4/21
Board of Trustees Meeting, 
6:30 PM, Chalice Room

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

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

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.

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
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 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: communications@firstuniv.org.  
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.

Calling for Worship Associate Applications 
By Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Minister of Worship Arts & Coming of Age

Do you love worship? Do you have a flair for writing stories or prose? Please consider applying to be a Worship Associate this year. Here's what Worship Associates say about being a part of this group....

I have been speaking in public since I was 12 years old. I do it professionally. But it was always about someone or something else. Being a Worship Associate has given me a chance to speak my truth, to be vulnerable, and to share my heart. (Ginger Murphrey)

More than anything else I've done at First Universalist, being part of the Worship Associates team made me feel a part of this church. (Marion Dane Bauer)

The worship associate circle expanded my soul in ways that I could not have imagined. Gathering with such a wonderful group has made me feel more connected to the church. 
(Benjamin Miles)

Worship Associates speak 2 or 3 times during the church year in our worship services, September - May. Associates and Rev. Ruth MacKenzie gather for two half day retreats to discuss themes for upcoming months, talk about writing for oration, review how to layout a manuscript and practice public speaking.

If this interests you:

* Write a 500 word piece about forgiveness.
* Submit your manuscript to Rev. Ruth MacKenzie at:      ruth@firstuniv.org 
* Deadline for submissions May 15, 2015.

The Worship Team will be choosing applicants representative of the multi-generational, multi-cultural congregation we are becoming.

Dr. Heather Hackman and Ellis Delaney This Sunday!

This Sunday, we welcome special guests Dr. Heather Hackman and Ellis Delaney at our Sunday worship services:

Dr. Heather Hackman has been teaching and training on social justice issues since 1992 and was a professor in the Department of Human Relations and Multicultural Education at St. Cloud State University in St Cloud, Minnesota for 12 years before she began focusing full time on consulting. She has taught courses in social justice and multicultural education (pre-service and in-service teachers), race and racism, heterosexism and homophobia, social justice education (higher education leadership), oppression and social change, sexism and gender oppression, class oppression, and Jewish oppression.

Ellis Delaney is a member of First Universalist Church, with her partner Terri and daughter Ruby. A winner of several awards and honors, Ellis has been recognized both for her songwriting skills as well as her engaging performances. Many folk festivals have "audience choice" awards, and Ellis has claimed those honors at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Moab Folk Festival, and Sisters Folk Festival. She also won the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Contest in 2013, the Midwest Mountain Stage New Song Contest (US) in 2011 and the award for the Just Plain Folks (International) Best Female Singer Songwriter Album in 2009.

News & Announcements
Racial Justice and Our UU Faith

Saturdays, April 18 & 25 
10am-12pm,  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 Sandy@Firstuniv.org
YCE Book, CD, DVD, and Video Game Sale


The Youth Cultural Exchange CD, DVD, Video Game & Book Sale fundraiser will take place April 19 and 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.

FREE Jazz Band Concert

April 17th, 7:30 PM, Social Hall


Come join us at a FREE jazz band gig in the Social Hall on Friday, April 17th from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. John Jensen and the Jazz Band will be playing 30s and 40s ballads and swing music perfect for dancing and/or listening.
 

No RSVP needed to come enjoy fabulous music! Dance or just enjoy the jazz! Have a blast with your community! 


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 Student Walkout and Rally
WHEN: Friday, May 1, 12:00pm
WHERE: Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 4055 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis.

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:
Artist Reception in Social Hall  This Sunday
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. These artists will be available to talk with you about their artwork and have additional items for sale on Sunday, April 19, after both service.
To accompany her work, Erin (McClennahan) Mason will also be selling salsa, pickles and jams which are pictured in her art work.

Be a Housing Advocate

By Joan Naymark,
Housing Advocacy Coordinator for First U

Roughly 14,000 people are homeless on any given night in Minnesota. First Universalist is partnering with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative to improve Minnesota's affordable housing stock and supportive services. Beacon Citizens are in the midst of their 2015 "Believe in Home" Legislative Campaign. The Homes for All legislative agenda asks the State of Minnesota to commit $39 million more than it does now to support affordable housing financing and operations, as well as the services that help people escape homelessness.

Beacon Citizens are connecting with the importance of home as a foundation of stable lives and stable communities. Let's be part of achieving their goal - to engage 3,000 Beacon Citizens and 30 congregations. First Universalist is a Beacon congregation and a "Families Moving Forward" host site this fall.

Here is a starting point: Using this simple online form, you can endorse this year's effort by providing your name, address, email address and a statement that begins with "Home is ..." and ends with "I believe in home." It is very easy, very fast, and very meaningful.

Beacon staff will connect names and addresses to state legislators, and will use the "Home is..." statements to create stunning visuals for use in our advocacy and within our congregations. They will deliver the statements to elected officials, so your individual statement takes on even more power when collected with those of others in our congregation and House or Senate district.

It's simple and powerful. Let's add our voice to this important effort.

The Pathway to Membership

 

Feeling like First Universalist could be your spiritual home? 


Join us for The Pathway to Membership, which invites you into an exploration of Unitarian Universalism, the history of this congregation, our racial justice commitment, and the experience of membership. The Pathway to Membership is required for joining the church. Our next Pathway to Membership class is a two-session experience on Sundays, April 19 and 26 from 1-4pm


To sign up, contact the Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink at Elaine@Firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701x124. 

 

Climate Justice Month and the Unitarian Universalist Assocation

From the Unitarian Universalist Association:

 

"Climate justice is a moral issue. Climate change is all too real, and affects disadvantaged people disproportionately...Our Earth and all its people require us to come together across faith lines and political parties to make the changes needed now." - Terasa Cooley, program and strategy officer of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Read more about the UUA's efforts during Climate Justice Month by clicking here!