First Unitarian Society
Announcements
Sunday, July 13, 2008
• Ministerial Relations Survey
Don’t forget to give feedback to Kendyl and the Ministerial Relations Committee by taking a few minutes to fill out the on-line survey. The survey can be accessed from the FUS home page (www.firstunitariansociety.org) or you can fill out a paper copy available in the office. Responses will be collected through early July.
• Thanks to Garden Volunteers
Have you noticed how beautiful the new planter and our gardens are this summer? And have you noticed all the shrubs are neatly trimmed? Thanks to the following hard-working volunteers who helped on May 10 and May 17.
Chris Bubser
Allan Callander
Eric Deiman & Rhett
Dan Hunt
Pat Morris
John Nordquist
Bill Ogren
Claire Olson
Tim Palmquist
Nell Robie
Ray Schreurs
Kristina Blomquist, garden designer,
and Chuck and Joyce Blomquist.
Please thank them when you see them!
• ReFirement Summer Book Club
This summer, the FUS ReFirement Group will have a series of book discussions, and we’d like you to join us. We are a group of women in our late 30s, 40s and 50s who meet to discuss issues of mid-life transition, balancing busy lives, and exploring the big question of “what’s next?” in a supportive, energetic, and fun environment. We are going into our third year as a group, and we’re planning a summer book series on these dates:
Sunday, June 29 at Wendy Andberg’s: Transitions, by William Bridges. The classic guide to dealing with planned and unplanned life changes, from letting go, to moving through the “wilderness”, to moving on with peace and confidence.
Friday, July 18, 6:00 p.m. at Deb Magnuson’s: You Can Heal Your Life, by Louise Hay. Years before The Secret, Louise Hay, now in her 80s, was sharing her message about the power of beliefs and the mind/body connection. Lose the woo-woo, keep the amazing power of the human mind and see what can happen.
Sunday, August 13, 5:00 p.m. at Melanie Jordan’s: How, Then, Shall We Live, by Wayne Muller. Connect to the human longing for inner wholeness and guidance to live a life of meaning, purpose, and grace. Muller is a beautiful writer (author of Sabbath, which would be another good book to read to prepare for this meeting) who asks us to ponder powerful questions about living intentionally.
If one or more of these dates work for you, and if these books sound interesting, please call or e-mail us for more information. Deb Magnuson, debbymagnuson@msn.com or Shelley Shreffler, shelley.shreffler@gmail.com.
• Summer Assemblies 2008 - Of, By and For the People
The Summer Assemblies Committee is organizing another exciting series of 13 summer services each one starting at 10:30 a.m. beginning June 8.
Please sign up to help! Here are the dates:
July 6; July 13; July 20; July 27
Aug. 3; Aug. 10; Aug. 17; Aug. 24; Aug. 31
Let us know the date or dates you would like to help and what you would like to do:
_____ greet people
_____ usher
_____ serve refreshments
_____ bring flowers
_____ play an instrument/sing
Indicate instrument: ________________
Note: Children and teens are welcome to volunteer!
Visit the 'Ask Me Table' to sign up or get more information. Thank you!
• Book/Movie Discussion Forums Coming in the Fall
On the third Sundays of each month next year, Forum time (9:30-10:15 a.m.) will be devoted to Book and Movie Discussion. This will be an opportunity to share thoughts on a wide variety of books and movies with the FUS community. If you have a book or movie suggestion and would be willing to lead a discussion, please contact Sue Tincher, phone is: 612-926-8692.
• From the FUS Social Action Committee
The Social Action Committee calls our attention to the following event.
Peace Island Conference: September 2-3
Hope in a Time of Crisis — A Solutions-driven Conference
At the time of the September 2008 Republican National Convention, Peace Island will convene this two-day conference at Concordia University, St. Paul, to promote and celebrate peace, justice, harmony, nonviolence, care of the earth, and a vision for a better world. Nationally known speakers have been invited to participate in panels and discussions relating to their field of expertise. Plenary sessions each day will be followed by breakout sessions where all attendees will contribute to the discussion and the solutions. Entertainment, films, and other discussions and presentations will be offered in between the sessions. And, a large gathering/break room “The Commons” will be available for organizations to have tables to display their information. Registration: $50 for the two days — EARLY BIRD: $45 if received by June 1. Official Sponsor: The Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers (MAP). For more information, see the flyers posted on the FUS bulletin boards and the conference website: www.peaceisland.us.
• Torture is a Moral Issue
Join many other UUs and people of faith in endorsing the Statement of Conscience available to sign in the Lower Assembly Hall at the Social Justice table - or online at:
Torture is a Moral Issue.
Go to: NRCAT, to learn what more we can do to change our federal government's action on torture.
FUS is a member of NRCAT - the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. For more info, contact Bill Weir, 763-568-7022.
• Do You Love To Be Warmly Greeted?
So do I! We would love to channel your welcoming personality and hospitable demeanor to help us volunteer, serve coffee and espresso, and usher on Sunday mornings. Grab a friend, your partner or spouse, your children, or sign up as an individual and we will partner you with others to be our welcoming face to members and visitors on Sunday morning. We are looking for summer assistance and for the coming program year starting in September. This is a great way to meet others in this community, especially if you are introverted, as it is a reason to talk to others! We will be offering a training session this fall to go over the basics. Please stop by the Ask Me Table to sign up, or contact me, Teresa West, phone is 612-377-6608 ext. 104. Thanks for volunteering!