Race: The Power of an Illusion

Join us in the Cummins Room for drop-in screenings and discussions of this acclaimed series. This month, we will view the second chapter, which takes us back into history to discover the origins of the concept of race. All are welcome, regardless of whether you have seen the first chapter. Join us for one of these two showings:

Sunday, February 8 at 1:00pm

OR

Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00pm

For more information, contact Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink at Elaine@firstuniv.org.

Want to learn more about racial justice workshops, movie & book discussions, and circle groups offered here at First Universalist Church?

Click here to download the PDF of the 2015 Racial Justice Learning Opportunities calendar!

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.

Racial Justice as a Spiritual Imperative

THIS Sunday! 1:00-2:30PM

Cummins Room

What is the difference between “doing Racial Justice work” and “living a Racially Just life?” Join guest speaker Dr. Heather Hackman for an interactive 90-minute presentation about the deep connection of racial justice to our spirituallives, however we define that. Dr. Hackman will also address the personal and societal elements of race, racism and white privilege that prevent all of us (but mostly that keep white folks) from making that connection. You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to hear Dr. Hackman share from her own experience as a white person and academic study of issues of race, racism and whiteness as she leads the group through an exploration of the basic concepts of racial justice. Contact Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink at Elaine@firstuniv.org for more information. Please note that this is the same workshop that Dr. Hackman presented last year.

Universalism For Our Time: What Will Save Us?

A Conversation With Rev. Justin Schroeder, Senior Minister

Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 10:00am, Cummins Room

Universalism is a tradition with roots that go back centuries: from the 3rd century Greek philosopher Origen, to the Welshman John Relly in the 18th century, to the early years of the city of Minneapolis, our faith has responded to the prevailing questions of the day.

What gifts and challenges does Universalism bring to the conundrums of modern living? Join the Rev. Justin Schroeder, Senior Minister, for a lively discussion of our life-giving faith.

Many of you have asked for more information about the follow up meeting to the National Moment of Silence, announced from the pulpit last Sunday morning.

The meeting will take place at the Minneapolis Urban League this Thursday, August 21, from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. 

Minneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411

From the Minneapolis Urban League:

On Thursday August 14, hundredscame together in Minneapolis (one of 1219 vigils in 43 states) to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of those who killed by police violence. Every 28 hours, a Black man, woman, or child.is extra- judicially killed by by police, security guards and vigilantes. Most recently, this includes Michael Brown, Eric Garner, John Crawford, and Renisha McBride, and so many more.

This follow-up meeting will discuss next steps for action both locally and nationally. Police violence exists in a larger context of criminalization, which includes:

• Mass Imprisonment: The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with more than 2.3 in prisons and jails, many as the result of the War on Drugs. Another 7 million are on supervisor, either probation or parole.
• Collateral Consequences: Those with arrest or conviction records are hindered in pursuit of employment, voting rights, access to housing, education and economic assistance.
• School to Prison Pipeline: The process of suspending, expelling and arresting children at school via harsh zero tolerance policies and an increased presence of police in the hallways.

These issues and actions we can take as a community will be the focus of discussion as we continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Ferguson Missouri and victims of police violence.

Please invite others. Everyone is both welcome and needed to work for change.

Yesterday, Rev. Justin sent a message out to the congregation outlining a number of critical points relating to proposed budget for the 2014-2015 fiscal year.  To read this message in its entirety, click here.

First Universalist Housing Justice Update

Thanks to our members who participated in Housing Advocacy.  We leveraged our collective voices by joining Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity in support of the $100 million bonding bill at the State Legislature.  This bill would fund create new affordable housing and renovations, maintain supportive housing, and move people out of homelessness across Minnesota.  The need is great — over 600,000 Minnesotans pay more than 30% of their income for housing.  Over 14,000 Minnesotans are homeless on any given night; half are children and youth.  The lack of a stable, healthy home impacts children’s health, how well they do in school, and the stability of their family and neighborhood. Ultimately, our society pays the cost of this neglect when we ignore the cheaper, early, ethical interventions.

Housing Postcards, March 29:  Nearly 200 congregants signed 400 Housing Postcards after services.  Dressed in “Construction Gear”, they posed with their families and signed postcards that were delivered to State Legislators by Twin Cities Habitat.  The photos will make you smile, or even laugh!  Go to Twin Cities Habitat’s Facebook page to see the photos: https://www.facebook.com/tchabitat/photos_albums

Habitat on the Hill, April 8:  Thirteen congregants, including Rev. Jen Crow, were among 200 people advocating for affordable housing at the Capitol. Twin Cities Habitat leaders even gave a shout out to the House That Love Built and our church.  Participants heard from housing leaders and met with Legislators.  A bonus was a meeting with Governor Dayton, who supports affordable housing so all Minnesotans can have the opportunity to thrive.  It was a great day! Visit Twin Cities Habitat’s Facebook page to see more photos of the day.

Meet with Friends and Family, While Supporting Your Church!

Sign up for remaining ‘Mini Great Gatherings’!  Click here to check out the online catalog.  For additional questions, or to sign up/purchase tickets, please call or email either Brad (brad@firstuniv.org) or Bree (bree@firstuniv.org), or call 612.825.1701.

We have 19 different projects to choose from for people of all ages and abilities. Bring a donation or sign up to work on a project. You’ll make connections and your spirit will be renewed.   Click here to check out our ‘Day of Service’ website.