Note: This week’s lead column is from Jane Baudelaire, the Chair of The Great Gathering. I’m grateful for her service to our church, and I found her words particularly moving. I’ll see many of you at The Great Gathering.   – Rev. Justin Schroeder

Read the full issue of the April 14 Weekly Liberal here.

My name is Jane Baudelaire and I’m a random congregant who happens to do some fundraising for our church. It’s one of the ways I give back. And when I say “our church” I don’t mean that same old pew I always sit in or the rickety pulpit or the world’s slowest elevator. I mean all of you – all of us. The people who stand on the side of love; who house the homeless; who march in the streets; who knit and cook and who show up again and again to give a voice to the hopeless and marginalized. read more

Join us Saturday night, January 31, 2015 for Winter Warm-up!

This is a live-music event featuring First UU’s own Rock Band.  We’ll have dancing and light appetizers with beverages, featuring beer from Lake Monster Brewery and wine from Hennepin Lake Liquors, available for purchase.    Dancing starts at 8pm.

Stop by on your way home from the Loppet and help warm-up the social hall at 2015’s first congregational fundraiser of the year!

Suggested donation for admission is $10-$20 but no one will be turned away based on ability to pay.  If your budget allows it, consider paying more to support others.  Visit this URL to buy your tickets in advance:http://winterwarmup.bpt.me/

Tickets are also available for purchase on Sundays in the Social Hall between services.

It’s an exciting time here at First Universalist Church!

We have many wonderful events, celebrations, and dedications taking place this weekend.  We hope you can join us!

House That Love Built Dedication (at build site)

Location: 3026 Morgan Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411

Date: 11/15/2014

Time: 10:00 AM

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.

Great Gathering: An Evening in Venice

Location: Social Hall

Date: 11/15/2014

Time: 5:30 –9:30

Come spend “An Evening in Venice”. We’ll have a fabulous Italian Dinner, Gatherings Great and Small to sign up for, a live auction, and a ‘duck pond’ for chances to win prizes. We are looking for great gathering donations, as well as items similar to the silent auction to be used as duck pond prizes– homebrew, cookies, peanut brittle, etc.

House That Love Built Dedication Celebration (at church)

Location: Social Hall

Date: 11/16/2014

Time: After both services

Please join us in the Social Hall after both services as we celebrate the completion and dedication of the House That Love Built and look toward our future partnership opportunities with Habitat for Humanity.

Music at First Universalist: Updates and Conversation 

Location: Sanctuary

Date: 11/16/2014

Time: 12:30 PM–1:30 PM

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

Cracking the Codes Film Viewing Part II 

Location: Cummins Room

Date: 11/16/2014

Time: 1:00 PM–2:30 PM

Created by Shakti Butler, “Cracking the Codes” examines the causes and consequences of systemic inequity. This film features moving stories from racial justice leaders including Amer Ahmed, Michael Benitez, Barbie-Danielle DeCarlo, Joy DeGruy, Peggy McIntosh, Rinku Sen, Tilman Smith and Tim Wise. Join us for part II of this film and a lively discussion. All are welcome, including those who have not seen Part I.

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 through Sunday, November 9th 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. 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”!

Wondering what we have for Great Gatherings?  Click here to see what is available!