Minnesota Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
A liberal religious congregation  in the Minneapolis area

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MEETINGS, CLASSES, and EVENTS
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Updated September 2  2010
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Regular Schedule During the Year
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WOMEN'S GROUP                                                                                                                Delores Roeder, Brenda Daly, Co-Chairs
Saturday, October 2, 2010,  10:30 AM
(Regularly meets first Saturday of the month
We have great programs planned through June, and we welcome both new and returning members.
Please join us!
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WOMEN'S BOOK GROUP
Ruth Keely – Book Club Coordinator
Thursday, September 9, 2010, 10:30 AM, Senior High Room
(Regularly meets second Thursday of the month)
In September Women’s Book Group will be discussing The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.  I

f you have ever wondered why some people are successful and others with apparently similar talent are not, this is the book for you.  According to Gladwell, the lives of outliers – those people whose achievements fall outside normal experience – follow a peculiar and unexpected logic. It matters where and when you were born, and so does your family, your culture, or your class. 

An interesting, non-fiction book, that will make us think about success in a different way. Monica Williams will lead the discussion.

All are welcome even if you have never been there before.

 
Book List for 2010-2011
July 8  - Homer and Langley by E. L. Doctorow
August 12 – The People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
September 9 – Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
October 14 – Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
November 11 – Haunted Ground by Erin
December 9 – Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
January 13 – Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay
February 10 – The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo by Steig Larson
March 10 – Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz
April 14 – Olive Ketteridge by Elia Strout
May 12 – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
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Past Reading Lists:
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
MEN'S GROUP
Bill McMartin, Coordinator
Thursday   2010  Dinner at 6:30 PM , Speaker at 7:15 PM
(Regularly meets the second Thursday of the month)
The Men's Group will resume in October 2010.
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BRIDGE GROUP
Barbara Hanson, Coordinator
Saturday,September 18, 2010, 1:00 PM
(Regularly meets third Saturday of the month)
The Bridge Group meets the third Saturday afternoon of each month for a few hours of bridge. We would welcome new players, beginners to expert!  If you are interested, please contact Barbara Hanson
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EVENING BOOK CLUB
Joyce McMartin, Coordinator
Tuesday,September 21, 2010,  7:00 PM, Fireside Room      Current Selections   
(Regularly meets on the third Tuesday of the month)
The Evening Book Group has chosen its next few selections.  We will discuss The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution and the Birth of America by Steven Johnson on September 21.
 
New List  
    On October 26th (Please note the change from our regular third Tuesday), the choice is American Pastoral by Philip Roth

    On November 16th, The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Graham

    On December 21st,  The Falling Man by Don Delillo

    On January 18th, America’s Constitution: A Biography by Akhil Reed Amar

    On February 15th, White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

    On March 15th, Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism by Susan Jacoby
   
Please note that we have had to change the date of the October meeting to the fourth Tuesday. 

The only requirement to join is that you have read, or attempted to read, the monthly selection. Feel free to join us for any or all months. We welcome newcomers! Questions? Call Joyce McMartin at 952-942-7143 or email at joyce.mcmartin@earthlink.net.
 
Past Selections:
September 15, 2009:  Meeting cancelled.  The book will be discussed in March.
October 20, 2009 Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay.
November 17th, Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
December 15, 2009 The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope
January 19, 2010 American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer  by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin.
February 16, 2010 Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith.
March 16, 2010  Animal Spirits: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy, and Why It Matters for Global Capitalism by George A. Akerlof and Robert J. Shiller.
April 20, 2010   Deaf Sentence by David Lodge
May 18, 2010  What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures by Malcolm Gladwell
June 15, 2010  The Light of Evening by Edna O’Brien
July 20, 2010  The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care by T. R. Reid
August 17, 2010  Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis
September 21, 2010  The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution and the Birth of America by Steven Johnson
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Selections We've Read in the Past
ADULT EDUCATION  MOVIE NIGHT
John Peloquin, Coordinator
Saturday, September 18, 2010, 7:00 PM, Social Hall
(Meets monthly on the third Saturday of the month.)
The movie will be INVICTUS.  The IMDB gives the following brief synopsis:  Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. 

All are invited and welcome to attend, discussion follows the movie.  Question contact John Peloquin  John17780@charter.net or 952 200 1846.
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MEN'S POKER GROUP
Jerry Gilliand, Coordinator
Friday, September 10, 2010 7:00 PM
(Regularly meets 2nd Friday of the month)
The Men's Poker Group  is a low-stakes poker group that is currently welcoming men who would like to be called to substitute or who have a large enough group (5) to form a second table.
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STITCHIN' WITCHES
Kathy Eager, Coordinator
 
Saturday,September 25, 2010, 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
No meeting in July or August.
(Regularly meets 4th Saturday of the month)
Sewers, knitters, crafters, bring your projects and yourselves.  We are a "loose knit" group of UUs who  love to sew and knit, No agenda,  just fun.. We all work on our individual projects and help each other.  With a few hundred years of combined experience, we get all the stitching problems figured out.

Come to learn: yes, we can teach you how to sew and knit.  Come to be inspired: and finish any projects you have lying about.  Come to chat: the conversations are sparkling.    

Contact  Kathy Eager for more info  or just show up.
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MVUUF ANNUAL  MEETING of MEMBERSHIP
Monica Williams, Fellowship Chair
Sunday, May 16,  2010, 11:40 AM, Sanctuary
The Annual Meeting is held each May.  The purpose of the Meeting is to
  • Elect successors for officers and board members whose terms expire at the end of the fiscal year.
  • Approve the budget for the next church year.
  • Elect the nominating committee for the next church year
  • Act on any proposed amendments to the Bylaws.
  • Reports on activities and financial condition of the Fellowship.
  • Other business as needed.
A 30% quorum is required.  Every member of record, verified by our Treasurer, Jerry Gilliand and our Membership Chair, Nancy Buckman, will be able to vote. Please see Jerry or Nancy if you have a question on your status.
 
The 2008 meeting minutes were not approved last year, so this year we will ask you to look over two years of minutes and notify our Board Secretary, David Olson, with any corrections as soon as possible so that we may have corrected minutes for a quick vote that day.
 
In order to be “green” we will be projecting the agenda and items up for a vote on a screen at the meeting. No paper copies will be available. Please review your electronic copies ahead of time. Paper copies will be provided by the Office for those without email. If you have any questions please see any Board member for clarification.

If you have trouble opening any documents, please contact Kathy Park at knpark@comcast.net for help. 

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RELIGION, ETHICS AND IDEAS
John Peloquin, Coordinator
Sunday, September 19,  2010 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
(Usually meets on the third Sunday of the month.)
Do Animals have Rights?
 Our question will be “Do Animals have Rights? There is no assigned or recommended reading; there are numerous sources on the internet.

All are invited and welcome to attend.  Questions contact John Peloquin John17780@charter.net, 952 200 1846, 952 892 5011. 
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Sunday Morning  Discussion and Learning
CIRCLE SUPPERS
Mary Ann Dean, Coordinator
Saturday, March 13, 2010, 6:30 PM
In Members' Homes
Have you tried our Circle Suppers?  If you are new to the Fellowship – or feel a bit out of touch – or would just like to be in the company of fellow UUs, give it a try.  Where else can you enjoy a five course meal by contributing just one item?? 

Sign up sheet for the events are in the lower foyer. Try it, you'll like it!
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PATHWAYS TO MEMBERSHIP SERIES  (formerly called the Newcomer Orientation Series)
Nancy Buckman,  Membership Chair
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
  Introduction to Uunitarian Universalism  and History
Sunday, October 24, 2010   Getting to Know One Another    
Sunday, November 21, 2010  Nuts & Bolts Of Membership

Join us if you are interested in membership or you are already a member and are interested in the topic.

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NEW MEMBER INGATHERING
Nancy Buckman, Membership Chair
Sunday, December 5, 2010,  During the Service
New members are welcomed to the Fellowship during Ingatherings. 
This ceremony gives the members of the Fellowship the opportunity to acknowledge publicly and welcome new members.
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FUNDRAISER  LUNCHEON FOR UNITARIAN  UNIVERSALIST SERVICE COMMITTEE   (UUSC)
Sunday, November 15,  2009, 11:30 AM (Right after the service)
MVUUF children and youth from first to twelfth grade work together to raise money for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) with this luncheon.

Cost is $6 a person or $15 for a family.
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SECRET FRIENDS
Jan Fitzgerald, Director of Religious Education
Sunday,  February  , 2011, 8:45 AM, Secret Friends Breakfast
Secret Friends is an annual event where adults and children get to know one another.  All adults and children (age 5 and older) in the Fellowship are encouraged to sign up.
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THEATER HAPPENINGS
Jean Danko, Coordinator
Theater is an MVUUF mail list  to be used as a forum both to get groups together to see a play or just to let others know about a great play you’ve seen that they might enjoy.  If you would like to receive emails about future performances, send an email to webmaster and ask to be put on the Theater mail list.
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RUMMAGE SALE 2010
Karen Olson, Janet Stevens,  Sale Coordinators
Leslie Swenson, Volunteer Coordinator
RUMMAGE SALE PARENT/ KID CO-OP DAY.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 9 AM to NOON. 
We need parents to help with pricing and organizing the children's toys, games, etc.   You will also share some of your time doing child care.  There is a sign-up sheet downstairs.  Questions? See Leslie Swenson, Sale Volunteer Coordinator



All You Need to Know About the 2010 MVUUF Rummage Sale


When:
Thursday, August 5, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, August 6, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, August 7, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Set Up: July 26 - August 4
Clean Up: Saturday, August 7, 11:00 AM

Donating: Donating: Items can be dropped off during set up July 26 - 30 and on    
  Tuesday, June 8 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
  Thursday, June 10 from 10:00 - 1:00 PM
  Wednesday, June 23 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
  Wednesday, July 7 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
  Tuesday, July 20 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Items of greatest need:
Your salable stuff and your TIME!  Leslie Swenson will be organizing volunteers for this sale. In addition to setting up, working the sale and cleaning up, you can also volunteer to feed the workers.

Think you item is valuable? Let us know! We often list more valuable items on ebay to get top dollar!

Please help us by washing, dusting or cleaning your donations.  Large items are welcome, but please be willing to pick them up if they don’t sell.

    * Please donate CLEAN, working items.  Furniture and exercise equipment often sells well, but because it’s so costly to dispose of, unsold, large items will have to go back to the original owner to save MVUUF from disposal costs. You are welcome to make a poster with photos of large items that you’d like to sell.

Need ideas?  Here are some items that sell well:
  • Antiques, collectibles and vintage items
  • Kids’ stuff: clothes, toys, games, books
  • Holiday items
  • Household/kitchen items and equipment
  • Dishes and glassware
  • Games, books, CDs, tapes and  videos
  • Men’s and women’s clothing and accessories - shoes must be new or in like new condition
  • Craft supplies and Office supplies
  • Bed, bath and decorating items
  • Electronics - must be operable!
  • Sporting goods
  • Tools, gadgets and other “guy stuff”

    We can NOT accept the following items:
  • out dated baby car seats,cribs or play pens
  • large appliances
  • lumber, sheet rock, shingles, etc.
  • tires or propane tanks
  • hazardous materials
Not sure about something? Contact  us!
Karen Olson, 952-888-6527, luvzcatz@comcast.net or
Janet Stevens, 952-888-6577, jastevens1@comcast.net
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SUMMER GOLF
Darrell Eager, Kathy Eager, Coordinators
Sundays, June 13, 2010 - Sunday, September 5, 2010. 8:00 AM
Birnamwood Golf Course. 12424 Parkwood Drive in Burnsville
Summer golf is not just for our founding members.  Anyone who has driven by a course and heard a whisper of  “UU, UU, Ui.”  Is destined to join the MVUUF golfers at Birmanwood golf course in Burnsville summer Sunday’s at 8:00 a.m.  This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with yourself, your spouse, or your child, not to mention connecting with your inner par.  All members, families, or friends and skill levels are welcome. 

The award winning Birnamwood golf course s located at .  Cost is $13.25  a round, $107 for a 10 round pass, and $204 for a 20 round pass.  Riding cart is $10.50.

Chat with one of our golf ambassadors, designated by the golf token on their nametag, to find out more of this summer activity and then sign up.  Contact Darrell or Kathy Eager with any questions.
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ANNUAL PICNIC - END OF YEAR 
Bill Lochen, Activites Chair
Sunday, June  , 2011, NOON - 5:00 PM
Moir Park, 10320 Morgan Ave. South in Bloomington - MAP
Join your fellow MVUUF members, families and friends for a fun day at Moir Park.
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Directions to Moir Park

THE BIG EVENT!  - Because of extra Minister of Music responsibilities with the cabaret/auction and the composing of a piece for David Breeden's installation,  the “Big Event” will not be held in spring, 2010.  It’s only a one-time elimination and we promise it will be back next year.
Sonja Johnston, Minister of Music
Saturday,   2010

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SCRABBLE GROUP
Helen Hyman,  Coordinator

Saturday, September 11,  2010, 1:00PM – 3:00 PM
(Regularly meets second Saturday of the month)
We will not be playing Scrabble in June, July aand August. 
We will resume playing Scrabble on September 11 and would love to have you come.  We have two  Scrabble games (which were donated by Phyllis Fairman and Jane Sterhn) and one of our best players, Karen Wolf, usually brings her game, so we  could accommodate 12 players comfortably.  Usually we have about half that number, or less.

So please come and try us out.  Some of us are relaxed players and some are more serious aboiut it.  You could choose your own niche.
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GREAT DECISIONS
Ruth Keely, Adult Education Chair and Barb Gilliand,  Social Justice Chair

Tuesday, September 21,  6:30-8:00 at Fire Station #1
Wednesdays, October 20, October 27, November 3, 2010, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM


Adult Education and Social Justice are again combining to bring you and the community the second annual Great Decision Series.

This year we are partnering with Bloomington Human Rights Commission to share in the promotion of the series.  They are presenting Peace Building and Conflict Resolution on Tuesday, September 21.  It is open to the public and more information is on the Adult Religious Education board downstairs.

We are starting October 20th with a three-week series.

On October 20 Jay Shahidi, originally from Iran and a board member of the American Refugee Committee, will speak about the Persian Gulf.

On October 27 Richard Bohr, Professor of History and Director of Asian Studies at the College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University, will speak about US-China Relations.

On November 3 George Welles will speak about Global Crime. Mr. Welles works with the leadership of Fortune 500 companies and senior federal executives on issues relating to national security.

The program had excellent feedback when we ran it last year and we are hoping to make it even more successful this year.
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BOOK DISCUSSION  WITH THE MINISTER
Rev. David Breeden, Facilitator
Thursday, January 7, January 21, February 4, February 25 (Note change of date), , March 4, March 18, April 1, 2010,  7:00 – 9:00 PM
(Meets every other Thursday through April 1 )
Book discussion  continues with Doubt: A History by Jennifer Michael Hecht..

If you can’t make it to these Thursday discussions with David , you can still participate.  Go to David's  MVUUF blog where he will post the subject for each session ahead of time, and you can comment. Click on the Adult Education tab.   If you have  trouble finding the blog, get help from Web Coordinator

Does one of your resolutions involve deepening your spiritual life? If so, you’re in luck: our next adult religous education class considers the marvelous book called Doubt.

Contrary to what the title may indicate, the book is NOT a manual for becoming a fiery skeptic. Instead, Jennifer Michael Hecht argues that religious thinking has been deepened through time by doubters. On that list she includes the Buddha, heretic in the Hindu tradition, and Jesus, a Jewish thinker intent upon softening the image of YAHWEH.

Hecht says,
 Faced with two contradictory truths—that of the human world and that of the universe—religious virtuosos have all suggested some kind of reconciliation. They all say the schism is illusory, either because the universe is really possessed of human attributes and only looks chaotic, uncaring, and without direction, or because our sense of meaning is ridiculous, and we ought to train ourselves away from our willfulness and our struggle to invent, succeed, and sustain. Most prophets, preachers, and seers have made use of both these ideas.
For those who can’t make it to our evening discussions, we will be setting up a blog for discussion of the book. Stay tuned.

And, go here if you would like to take the “Scale of Doubt Quiz .   It’s fun and thought-provoking. This site also includes the “Speaking of Faith” interview with the author of Doubt.

Sign up downstairs.  Doubt, is now on sale at the book cart.  See Nancy Buckman if you are interested in a copy.
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MVUUF Book Discussion Blog
WOMEN'S SPIRITUAL RETREAT
Kathy Allen, Anne Peek, Facilitators
The MVUUF Annual Weekend Women’s Spiritual Retreat will be taking a break this fall as the survey we conducted last winter indicated that most respondents were in favor of taking a year off.  Concerns about the economic climate and the desire to become acquainted with our new settled minister were the predominant reasons.

The survey also indicated that a shorter version of the Women’s Retreat might be a good substitute for this year.    SO..... what shall we do instead to feed our souls,  to connect with what gives us meaning and helps us come alive,  to have fun and enjoy the company of other women? 

Watch your email over the coming weeks (paper copies will also be available) for a short survey about possible women’s gatherings this year. Please take a moment to complete and return, even if all you do is check the box that says “not interested.”  We would greatly appreciate your input to help us offer what you most crave, in a way that is easiest for you to participate.  Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Please take a moment to complete and return, even if all you do is check the box that says “not interested.”  We would greatly
appreciate your input to help us offer what you most crave, in a way that is easiest for you to participate.  Thank you for your thoughts.
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GUIDED MEDITATION
Kathy Allen, Facilitator
Fridays,  June 18, July 2 and July 9, 2010, 12:15 - 12:45 PM , Fireside Room .
These are the  final guided meditation sessions for this church year

Sessions will resume in September.  No experience is needed and everyone is welcome.
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FAMILY HALLOWEEN PARTY
Jan Fitzgerald, Director of Religious Education
Sunday, October , 2010, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
There will be pumpkin carving, costumes, fun and games.
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SUNDAY MORNING DISCUSSION & LEARNING
Rev. David Breeden, Minister
Sundays,  September - May, 2010, 9:00 AM, Fireside Room
Will resume beginning September 12.

First Sundays:  Caffeine with the Minister.
Second Sundays: Studies in World Scriptures 
Third Sundays: Religion, Ethics, and Ideas
Fourth Sundays:  Pathways to Membership
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SERVICE AUCTION AND CHOIR CABARET
Jean Danko, Coordinator
Karen Olson, Karen Schaub, Don Park, Jane Stull, Walt Stull, Bill Lochen,  and Bobbie Gish
We Pitched in to Hit the High Note
By now you may have heard that our Service Auction netted over $8300! 

It was due to an impressive combination – we had a great committee, wonderful food, beautiful/fun music, and your participation to make an extra-successful event.  Special thanks to auction committee members Karen Olson, Karen Schaub, Don Park, Walt and Jane Stull and Bobbie Gish for many hours of planning and execution. 

Also big thanks to David McGovern and chief helper Lori Lundborg for the delicious food and Sonja Johnston and the music committee for entertainment.  Nancy Buckman and Beth Smith helped in the kitchen along with Ginny Christenson, Mark Proctor and Lynn McPherson. Judith Anderson and Dave Rosewall made great auctioneers and many others helped with set-up, clean-up and final accounting. 

Plans are in the works for next year’s auction and we’d love to have your ideas and help.   Please consider joining us. Top of Page
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More Details of the Auction Schedule

FINAL Auction Booklet (revised 2/1/2010)

Absentee Bidding
By Email
By Paper


WRITING GROUP
  Rev. David Breeden, Facilitator

First and Third Tuesdays of the month, 10:00 AM  (See calendar)
The Writing Group will be meeting during the summer.
Are you a writer? Would you like to share your writing? If you answered “yes” you might enjoy coming to an informal writing group..

All are welcome.  No sign-up needed. 
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TAKING HEART
Mary Ann Dean, Chair, Green Sanctuary Committee
Tuesday, June 29, ,2010,  6:30  - 8:30 PM, Social Hall
Oak Grove Presbyterian Church at 2200 W. Old Shakopee Road
This program is designed to bring Christians (and UUs) and Muslims together for dialogue and a fun time.

For more information and to RSVP contact Gail Anderson at the Minnesota Council of Churches, gail.anderson@mnchurches.org, or 612-230-3210.

(Stay tuned—on July 17th in Moir Park, Taking Heart will sponsor a cricket event. Don’t know how to play? Here’s your chance to learn.)
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DADS DO BREALFAST
Dads Mess Up The Kitchen Action Group or D.M.U.T.K.A.G:  Bill Lochen, Jay Crashell, Raj Sethuraju, Jessie Longley and Bill Lochen
Sunday, May , 2011, 9:00 AM
Get ready folks for the popular Dads do Breakfast!! .
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YOUNG ADULT GROUP
Jill Carlson, Coordinator
Saturday, September 11, 2010, 7:30 PM
(Regularly meets second Saturday of the month)
Please join the MVUUF Young Adult group  for an Italian dinner (catered by Buca) and wine bar. Food and drink will be provided at the church; all MVUUF friends and members between the ages of 21 and 40 are welcome to participate. Vegetarian offerings will be served.

If you would like a Facebook invite please see Jill Carlson for more details at jcarlson27@gmail.com or 952-892-0683. RSVP preferred by September 10th.

Watch for information forth coming about a trip in October to the Soap Factory for an intense Halloween experience.
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SPIRITUALITY STUDY GROUP
Rev. David Breeden, Facilitatior
Thursdays, October 7 & 21, November 4 & 18, December 2 &16, 2010, 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM
Additional information to come.
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