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Minnesota Valley Unitarian
Universalist Fellowship
A liberal religious congregation in the Minneapolis area If the Menu on the Left Hasn't Appeared |
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SCHEDULE 2009-2010 Home | Calendar Updated July 20 2010 |
10:30 AM - Noon The “Parking Lot Sundays” of last summer were so well received that they will be continued and expanded on this summer. With the exception of June 27 and July 4 the church will be open from 10:30 am to noon each Sunday in June, July and August. Bring your preferred beverage, a lawn chair if possible, and join us during that hour and a half. If the weather is good, we will sit outside and enjoy nature. If the weather is not so good, we will sit inside. No sermon or rituals or Religious Education or nursery, just a chance to “socialize” and discuss whatever moves us. There will be paper, crayons, colored chalk, jump ropes and balls available for kids to use. Everyone is welcome. Come when you can. 
2009-2010 PAST SERVICES
David will lead our traditional water communion. Come with your summer stories and the water that represents your story. This is an Intergenerational Sunday so the children will join the adults; however, the usual nursery care will be available. Sunday, September 20, 2009, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden How Long is the Long Haul (pdf)
What kind of future are we building for? How far out there is the future? How about adding some zeros to our five year plans? Let’s say . . . three zeros. . . Join us after the service for an intergenerational welcoming potluck for our new minister, David Breeden. Second Sunday Sharing Collection: On the second Sunday of each month, all donations in the offering basket not specifically designated as pledge payments go to the charity or community cause of the month. Sunday, September 27, 2009, 10:30 AM Eleazar Fernandez "Fools for Life: Exorcising Idols of Death" Eleazar Fernandez is Professor of Constructive Theology at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Dr. Fernandez calls us to search ourselves as we work to understand our own meanings in life. Join us in the sanctuary at 11:40 am for a short intergenerational ceremony to re-dedicate MVUUF as a peace site.
When we debate moral issues it is not just the issue which is at stake but underlying assumptions about morality itself. Identifying these assumptions should help to inform the debate and may also help to keep it more civil. Rev. Frank Dreisbach, who has been a guest speaker at MVUUF for the past 30 years, is both a retired college professor and Methodist. Sunday, October 11, 2009, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden Association Sunday: Keeping the Center and Reaching Out (pdf) This Sunday, please join in the celebration of both Association Sunday and National Coming Out Day. The day will begin with Coffee with the Minister in the Fireside Room for anyone interested in coming by to chat at 9am, and continue with the service at 10:30. I hope to see you. Association Sunday celebrates the bigger picture of Unitarian Universalism, our association of congregations and our presence around the world. What is the non-negotiable core of our beliefs and how may we best articulate that in the world? Children start the morning in the sanctuary today before departing for classes. A Time For All Ages: The book selection is King and King by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland. to celebrate National Coming Out Day. Second Sunday Sharing Collection: On the second Sunday of each month, all donations in the offering basket not specifically designated as pledge payments go to the charity or community cause of the month. Sunday, October 18, 2009, 10:30 AM Jim Koppel, Director, Children's Defense Fund-MN Children's Sabbath This weekend has been designated national Children's Sabbath. Our speaker will give us a quick picture of how Minnesota children are doing, particularly those most vulnerable because of poverty, poor health or limited educational opportunities. Judith Anderson will lead the service. Fireside chat to follow. Sunday, October 25, 2009, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden Coming from Somewhere, Going to Somewhere (pdf) Though the United Nations began at a low point in human history, it started with high hopes. Why does the dream of a peaceful world still elude us?
Is health care a right or a privilege? Is it a commodity or a social good? Is it an individual or societal responsibility -- or both? The answers to these questions will say much about us as a society and have long-term implications for each of us. Dr. Ed Ehlinger is a physician and the Director and Chief Health Officer of the Boynton Health Service at the University of MN and an adjunct Associate Professor in the University's School of Public Health. Remember to set your clocks back one hour Saturday night or you will be very early to church. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep; you’ll need it come March 8! Sunday, November 8, 2009, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden The God Gene and the Good In Us (pdf) For some reason human beings have a spiritual dimension in addition to a physical self. Whatever might it be good for? Second Sunday Sharing Collection: On the second Sunday of each month, all donations in the offering basket not specifically designated as pledge payments go to the charity or community cause of the month. Sunday, November 15, 2009, 10:30 AM Andries Coetzee, Associat Pastor at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church “35W Is Just A Road” Fear and anxiety in today’s world tends to make us retreat to protect and shelter “our” interests. We tend to build our walls ever higher. But together we can overcome the increasing fear in our society Sunday, November 22, 2009, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden The Guest at Our Table and Angels Unaware (pdf) One of the defining aspects of who we are is who we choose to eat with. The very word “companion” has its roots in that choice. Sunday, November 29, 2009, 10:30 AM MVUUF members "My Religious Journey" Most of us did not start our lives as Unitarians. So how did we come to the conclusion that this was the religion that fits us best? Join us as members of the congregation share their story of their religious journey.
A cursory look at the history of religion shows both great wisdom and dastardly charlatanism. What’s a poor seeker to do? Religious teachings have some answers! New Member Ingathering during the service. Sunday, December 13, 2009, 10:30 AM Sonja Johnston, Minister of Music Music Sunday Join the members of the congregation as they make music for one another. Great music, some laughs, and a few surprises! All ages in the congregation will perform. If you wish to participate, it’s not too early to start looking for music. Sonja Johnston, Minister of Music, is willing to accompany if needed. This is an Intergenerational Sunday so the children will join the adults; however, the usual nursery care will be available. Second Sunday Sharing Collection: On the second Sunday of each month, all donations in the offering basket not specifically designated as pledge payments go to the charity or community cause of the month. Sunday, December 20, 2009, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden Migrate, Hibernate, or Tolerate: Change and Its Discontents (pdf) Biologists say that living organisms have three ways of dealing with extreme temperatures. That may be true for human emotions as well. Thursday, December 24, 2009, 5:00 PM Rev. David Breeden “Christmas Eve at MVUUF” An all ages service based on the Polar Express. There will be a special collection on Christmas Eve for the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. Sunday, December 27, 2009 , 10:30 AM Fellowship Members "Winter Readings from the Congregation" ... and you can be part of the sharing ...
What is the number-one least used of all purchases? Health club memberships! What do our New Year Resolutions really say about us? Are we listening Sunday, January 10, 2010, 10:30 AM John Keller "Practical and Compassionate Immigration Policies" John Keller is Executive Director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM). What are some of the problems with current U.S. immigration policies? How do U.S. foreign policy and our economic system contribute to illegal immigration? What effects do immigrants have on our economy? What would comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform look like? Our speaker will help us begin to explore this timely, complex issue. Second Sunday Sharing Collection: On the second Sunday of each month, all donations in the offering basket not specifically designated as pledge payments go to the charity or community cause of the month. Sunday, January 17, 2010, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden Prophet, Priest, and Committee Member: Shared Ministry in the Unitarian Universalist Tradition (pdf) Yes, in Unitarian Universalist tradition we have a free pulpit and a free pew. And yes, as the cliché would have it, “freedom isn’t free.” So: how do we go about paying the cost of our free religious tradition? Sunday, January 24, 2010, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden The House of Realization: A Look at Sufi Mysticism (pdf) Our scheduled speaker for this Sunday has cancelled due to the expected bad weather. Rev. David Breeden has volunteered to search the sermon cellar, and, wiping away the dust and cobwebs, he will be talking about Sufism, the mystical offshoot of Islam. Bring your whirling dervish. Sunday, January 31, 2010, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden The Joys of Negative Thinking (pdf) Stopped clocks are right twice a day, but how often do pessimists and optimists see situations clearly?
Public service can both test and fulfill spiritual aspects of life. The 2008 U.S. Senate recount has many lessons worth exploring to further our understanding of faith in public service. Mark Ritchie thank you and contact information. Sunday, February 14, 2010, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden “Resurrecting the Feminine Divine (pdf)” What does it mean to conceptualize a god as male? Why have the various monothestic religions tended toward describing their deities as male? Second Sunday Sharing Collection: On the second Sunday of each month, all donations in the offering basket not specifically designated as pledge payments go to the charity or community cause of the month. Sunday, February 21, 2010, 10:30 AM Barbara Freese, Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) "The Fight Against Global Warming: A Policy Update" Barbara Freese will talk about our progress toward enacting policies to fight global warming, particularly the massive and controversial climate bill under consideration in Congress. She will answer questions like, “What is cap and trade, anyway?” and “Why is this battle so important?” Barbara Freese is a Clean Energy and Climate Policy Advocate for UCS. Sunday, February 28, 2010, 10:30 AM Senior High Religious Education Sunday Civility in our Current Society
The Bible is replete with anecdotes and parables about sowing. It looks like magic, the way a handful of seeds becomes a basket full or a few “loaves and fishes” feed a multitude. It is magic in a way—after all the hard work! Sunday, March 14, 2010, 10:30 AM Sonja Johnston, Minister of Music Music Sunday Join the members of the congregation as they make music for one another. Great music, some laughs, and a few surprises! All ages in the congregation will perform. This is an Intergenerational Sunday so the children will join the adults; however, the usual nursery care will be available. Second Sunday Sharing Collection: On the second Sunday of each month, all donations in the offering basket not specifically designated as pledge payments go to the charity or community cause of the month. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night or you will late to church. You'll get your hour of sleep back November. 1. Sunday, March 21, 2010, 10:30 AM David Schwartz, Ministerial Intern at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church “Grounded in Good Earth” Where do the roots of our theology lead? What ultimately grounds the things we believe in? How rational are we? And how much of our Faith is faith? Sunday, March 28, 2010, 10:30 AM (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Justice Sunday) Rev. David Breeden “Bending the Arc of Justice” Nineteenth Century Unitarian minister and abolitionist Theodore Parker said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Rev. Martin Luther King later adopted this phrase. The fact that a hundred and ten years separated Parker saying it and King repeating it demonstrates the fact: Justice has a long, slow arc. Might it also be wishful thinking? Join us after the service for a Soup And Bread Luncheon – Warm Up Your Tummies David Breeden’s Installation as our Settled Minister will be held this afternoon.
The return of warmth, light, and fertility to the earth has given birth to some of humankind’s most important festivals. And it’s not just yearly, this lesson in hope. Sunday, April 11, 2010, 10:30 AM Frank Dreisbach "Those Environmentalists" "Those Environmentalists" are sometimes misunderstood, both by their critics and their admirers. Not all environmentalists are cut from the same cloth. Our discussion will attempt to show that environmentalists vary and that their variety merits examination." Second Sunday Sharing Collection: On the second Sunday of each month, all donations in the offering basket not specifically designated as pledge payments go to the charity or community cause of the month. Sunday, April 18, 2010, 10:30 AM (Earth Day Celebration) Rev. David Breeden “The Symmetry of Fear” Fear may be the quickest motivator, but hasn’t it gotten a bit out of hand in public discourse? Franklin Roosevelt may still have it right—fear itself is the problem. Sunday, April 25, 2010, 10:30 AM Rev. David Breeden Kathy Park, service auction winner, decides the topic! She has asked David to prepare a sermon based on the book The View from the Center of the Universe by Joel R. Primack and Nancy Ellen Abrams. Information on the authors is available at Discovering our Extraordinary Place in the Cosmos. Links to retailers for the paperback are at the bottom of that page.
When Shan families can no longer survive in Myanmar, where homes are burned and rice confiscated, they flee to Thailand. A school to teach the young who live in the migrant camps has been established there Bernice Johnson works in Thailand with the Shan refugees from Burma. She has written a book The Shan: Refugees Without a Camp. Sunday, May 9, 2010, 10:30 AM (Mother's Day) Rev. David Breeden Happy 200th, Margaret Fuller!” Margaret Fuller was one of the great Nineteenth Century Unitarians, even though, in her own time, even the most forward thinking tended to avoid her. Why was she such a dangerous lady? Second Sunday Sharing Collection: On the second Sunday of each month, all donations in the offering basket not specifically designated as pledge payments go to the charity or community cause of the month. Sunday, May 16, 2010, 10:30 AM (Annual Meeting Sunday) Rev. David Breeden “Air Castles and Firm Foundations” Henry David Thoreau pointed out that castles should be in the air—as long as they have firm foundations. It takes bravery to dream. New Member Ingathering during the service. Sunday, May 23, 2010, 10:30 AM Jan Fitzgerald, Director of Religious Education Religious Education Sunday Religious Education (RE) Sunday is a celebration of everything that has gone on throughout the church year. There are delightful presentations, words of wisdom from our seniors, and recognition of everyone who has helped with the RE program this year. Seven seniors will give their credos next Sunday. Come and hear the beliefs that they have developed through the years. Join us in honoring our graduating seniors Sunday, May 30, 2010, 10:30 AM Laura Jensen "Perspectives from a Lesbian Educator" Laura Jensen has been a high school English teacher and advisor for Gay Straight Alliances for the past nine years; she has also worked as an adjunct instructor in the Education Department at the College of St. Scholastica for the past three years. In addition to her work in schools, Laura spent two years working with a community-based LGBT youth organization in Duluth. Laura received her B.A. in English Literature from Bethel College, her Post-baccalaureate degree in Secondary Education from Augsburg College and her M.Ed from the College of St. Scholastica. Laura lives in Duluth with her partner and daughter.
Join us for our last formal service of the year by celebrating Flower Communion Sunday, a ritual begun in Eastern Europe. Please bring a flower to be shared with others. This is an intergenerational service so each member of your family should bring a flower to share. The usual nursery care will be available. Pot luck picnic at Moir Park to follow.
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