Michael Servetus Unitarian SocietyMusic”) this month. On February 24th, both groups will gather for a brunch as we move into our Lodestone series. These sessions, which will take

February 2019

Volume 52 Issue 6

Michael Servetus

Unitarian Society

Fast Facts

Service Auction Early

Bird Edition

Deadline Feb 3

The 2019 Service

Auction will be held

on Feb 16 2019

Inside this issue

Service Auction

Reflections 2

Ministerrsquos

Message 3

DRE Digest

SoUUper Sunday 4

Presidentrsquos Letter 5

Leadership

Conversation News

from the Board

President

6

Hospitality

Guidelines 7

Womenrsquos Book

Group 8

Congregational

Forum Sunday

Evening Book Grp

9

Common Read

Congregational

Forum Worship

Theme

Reflection Third

Thursday

10

Day of Service

White Fragility 11

February Services 10

February Activities 11

Be prepared to blast off for the stars at this yearrsquos Service Auction as we start our journey

called Mission Possible Join us on February 16 2019 for this stellar event our largest

Fundraiser of the year

The best part of the evening is the fun laughs and comradery but the purpose is to raise

money for MSUS A successful Service Auction will launch us toward achieving our

mission You can purchase a variety of unique treasures and services in every price range

Therersquos something for everyone Childcare is provided

530 PM Doors open ndash Get a bidder number when you arrive at the welcome table

This is the time to place your bids on Silent Auction items and sign up for a Poster Party

600 PM Dinner - Suggested donation of $5

Menu

Lasagna

Vegetarian Gluten-free Onion free options available

Bread Gluten Free Bread

Salad

Assorted Desserts

700 PM Live Auction

915 PM Checkout and Payment Credit cards accepted

Donations are still needed Please submit them by February 3nd

Click HERE to for the donation form

Contact Ben Withhart or Laurie Young co-chairs with questions or if you can

help us before during or after the event

Letrsquos Reach

for the Stars

Service Auction February 16 530 PM

I wasnt even expecting

much interest frankly

because the cabin is four

hours away and the last leg

of transport is another two

miles by canoe Plus not

m a n y p e o p l e e n j o y

amenities that include an

open air pit toilet

To my surprise six people

which was the total number

of people we had agreed to

host signed up raising

some money for MSUS in

the process

Mid-summer we made the

drive to Ely and braved the

canoe trip and packed all

our water and food onto the

land and into the cabin

The things I most remember

are jumping off the rocks

and swimming in the

lake None of us were

young but we all enjoyed

ourselves like kids that

day Nobodys toes got

nibbled by northern pike and

nobody succumbed to

hypothermia that day in the

cold Northern Minnesota

water which was a plus

The camaraderie and good

natured joking was really

enjoyable Rofina and I

figured out that trip that

MSUS congregants are really

interesting people and

interested in us as people

Page 2 Michael Servetus Unitarian Society

Service Auction Reflections

Jane ShallowmdashService Auction 2017

2018 was our first service auction experience There was a lot of excitement

over the auction items many people enjoying time together and a good vibe

from all It waschaotic but in a good way Because there are a lot of people

and excitement it creates that chaotic environment Bidding on items for our

family was challenging given that we had never done that before so we werent

sure what to expect from some of the items Because of that we chose to be

more conservative with our bidding We wanted items that would bring our

whole family together with others in the congregation

Some of the experiences we purchased were

1 Horseback Riding this was an amazing experience for our whole family to

attend Each girl was given an adequate amount of time on the horse and

Marilyn was so great to work with We really enjoyed this auction item

2 Kayak trip on Elm Creek Originally this was purchased for David and I to do

but Gerald was so gracious and invited our whole family to

attend Unfortunately I was unable to go but David and the girls had a

blast and it was very memorable for them

3 Soup Dinner Katie and Bruce Johnson made a phenomenal dinner of

bread and soup They were also kind enough to invite our children to

attend and we are so grateful for that It was great to get to know a few

other members in a different environment

We are unsure what we will bid on this year but we hope there will be a few

more family friendly items that we can bring our kids to so that they can also

enjoy getting know members

Nicole LrsquoAlliermdashService Auction 2018

ldquoPower without love is

reckless and abusive and

love without power is

sentimental and anemic

Power at its best is love

implementing the demands

of justice and justice at its

best is power correcting

everything that stands

against loverdquo Dr Martin

Luther King Jr

As the January theme of

Justice crosses over to

Februaryrsquos theme of Love

Dr Martin Luther King Jrrsquos

quote about love and justice

calls us to the heart of

Unitarian Universalism Our

theology of love focuses on

agape love A UUA

curriculum on the topic of

love says ldquoAgape is defined

as an unselfish spiritual

non-sexual love for another

brotherly love or like the

l o v e G o d h a s f o r

humankindrdquo

ldquoOur Unitarian Universalist

theology of love has its roots

in Christian ideas of

u n i v e r s a l s a l v a t i o n

Universal salvation is based

on the belief that Gods love

for humankind is so great

that he sacrificed his son

Jesus Christ and this great

act alone saved all of us

from eternal damnation

This view contradicted

orthodox views that it was

predetermined that a small

number of people (the elect)

would go to heaven and the

rest of humankind were

damned to hell This idea of

universal salvation has

evolved for Unitarian

Universalists and remnants

of this belief are still present

in our Principlesrdquo

Many speak of the two

primary opposing emotions

of love and fear Elisabeth

Kubler-Ross amp David Kessler

remind us that the duality is

really love OR fear because

one cannot feel the same

emotions simultaneously

One must choose love mdash

love of oneself neighbor

stranger and enemy I was

at a Sweet Honey In The

Rock concert the other night

and they spoke of how each

of us needs to generate love

and pass it on to one

another They spoke of this

specifically from the need of

our children and our

childrenrsquos children We can

feed them fear and

hopelessness But to lose

sight of what is hopeful and

the love that is expressed in

large and small ways daily

will literally starve us and

generations to come

Love does not mean being

naiumlve in the face of fear

hatred injustice abuse of

power etc Love recognizes

such things feels the weight

of reality Yet it chooses to

get up every day look for

ways that our love connects

to the other creates unity

ac ross d i v ides and

empowers a feisty impulse

to work for social change

The UUA President Rev

Susan F reder i ck -Gray

preached on loving onersquos

enemy in 2011 at a time

that the congregation she

served in Phoenix was

passionately and actively

engaged in justice work

around immigration She

says ldquoLearning to love onersquos

enemy is not about agreeing

or conceding It is actually

about creating new ground

redemptive ground on which

opposition or oppression

might be transformed

where change can really

happenrdquo

People across faiths speak

of this love and we all know

how hard it is to live it One

must decide to side with

love or relinquish their spirit

to hate and fear King said

ldquoTherersquos another reason why

you should love your

enemies and that is

because hate distorts the

personality of the hatersrdquo In

the current context of our

national politics can feel my

personality distorted by

emotions that I know are

literally shutting me down

making me want to retreat

d i s t r u s t i n g o t h e r s

overwhelmed by fear and

grief

Continued on Page 8

Page 3 Volume 1 Issue 1

Ministerrsquos Message by Rev Laura Smidzik

Choosing to Love


After an enjoyable run for

the first half of the church

year our Middle and High

School rooms will be moving

on from their respective

curriculums (ldquoThe Fifth

Dimensionrdquo and ldquoPrincipled

Musicrdquo) this month

On February 24th both

groups will gather for a

brunch as we move into our

Lodestone series These

sessions which will take us

to the close of this church

year will focus on helping

participants in developing a

d e e p e r U n i t a r i a n

Universalist identity as well

as focusing on some of lifersquos

biggest questions

It is my intention to lead the

majority of these sessions

as they mesh well with the

work I have been doing for

the credentialing program

That said I will need

volunteers who are willing to

work with our elementary

aged group as they continue

exploring a variety of themes

with their ldquoSpirit of

Adventurerdquo curriculum A

sign-up sheet is posted in

the social hall for that room

for the remainder of the

church year or I can be

reached at dremsuuorg

A free will donation will be

taken the proceeds of

which will go to the youth

fund This fund provides

financial assistance to

children and youth who wish

to attend regional and

n a t i o n a l U n i t a r i a n

Universalist programming

and has helped provide

opportunities for leadership

development and faith

formation

This month with our theme

of love wersquore inviting you to

share yours for our children

and youth by coming to our

ldquo S o U U p e r S u n d a y rdquo

fundraiser on Sunday

February 3rd after the

1030 AM service

There will be a variety of

hearty soups to warm your

heart and fill your stomach

along with some delicious

breads and desserts

DRE Digest by Anna Paquette

SoUUper Sunday

Spirit of LifemdashElementary Schedule

2172019 Building 23 - Jell-O

2242019 Building 24 - Frank Lloyd Wrightarchitect

332019 Building 25 - Frank Lloyd Wrightnature

3102019 WHOLE CONGREGATION WORSHIP

3172019 Building 27 - Daniel Chester French sculptor

3242019 Exploring 28 - Try Something New

3312019 Exploring 29 - Treasure Maps


I attended the January 20th

forum entitled ldquoWhatrsquos in a

Namerdquo It was a very

thought provoking discussion

so I want to summarize it in

my newsletter article this

month Thirty people

attended and had an

interest ing and l ively

discussion about our name

Michael Servetus Unitarian

Society

Is our name really important

After all as Shakespeare

said ldquoA rose by any other

name would smell as sweetrdquo

Our congregation by any

other name would be as

welcoming supportive and

committed to religious

education social action and

worship

Our name is very important

It summarizes our identity

Rev Laura described it as

the front door and threshold

for those who do not know

us It helps to communicate

to others what we believe

and value It gives an

important first impression

when people first meet us

And it helps people

searching for a church find

us on the internet

Questions addressing the

issue of our name include

What are the advantages of

our current name Are there

any downsides to it Would

there be any advantages to

changing the name If yes

what would they be

But we didnrsquot start the

discussion at the forum with

those questions Reverend

Laura posed some higher-

level bigger picture type of

questions to get the

conversation started The

purpose of these high-level

questions was to keep the

group from jumping right in

and wordsmithing a name

focusing on individual words

rather than focusing on what

we want the words of our

name to communicate to the

congregation and to others

The questions were

What were you seeking

when you came to

MSUS

What do you love about

this place (if the word

ldquoloverdquo is too strong

substitute ldquolikerdquo or ldquofind

attractiverdquo)

As a covenantal faith we

make promises as UU

c o n g r e g a t i o n s t o

promote and affirm our

principles What do you

personally promise to

each other To

newcomers

Think 5 years ahead of

today What do you

envision or hope for

What excites you about

our mission andor the

people who are part of

the congregation

What have you observed

about our name when

you talk about the

Society to others outside

the congregation How

do people respond to our

name Where does the

conversation lead you

Some expressed their

experience of telling others

they go to Michael Servetus

Unitarian Society They told

s tor ies of responses

including ldquoWho is Michael

Servetus What is Unitarian

Universalism What does

society meanrdquo Some

expressed concern about if

they would be welcomed into

a society which reminded

them of a social club If you

Google Michael Servetus you

learn about a 16th century

Christian martyr If you

Google Unitarianism you get

ldquoUnitarianism is a Christian

theological movement named

for its belief that the God in

Christianity is one person as

opposed to the trinity which

defines God as three persons

in one being the Father

Son and Holy Spirit

(Wikipedia) The word society

confuses people Whatrsquos a

society and how does it differ

from a church The name

also creates difficulties when

people are researching

Un i ta r i an U n i ve rsa l i s t

churches on the internet

One participant told the story

about how we did not show

up in her internet searches

for Unitarian Universalist

churches in the Twin Cities

when she was searching for

one close by online

There were some compelling

reasons for keeping our

name Several of our

founders expressed the

opin ion that Michael

Servetus is a good name for

us It connects us to our

history He had many

characteristics that UUs

identify with He was a

scientist he questioned he

was a rebel he shook things

up He portrayed the

characteristics that many

UUs value and have exhibited

throughout history Others

felt that he represented an

egotistical male who could

not stop himself from

consistently contacting John

Calvin his theological

nemesis and the one who

ultimately ordered his death

Continued on Page 7

Whatrsquos In A Name by Laurie Young

An MSUS Leadership Conversation for all of us

Saturday March 9

9 AM to Noon at MSUS Fellowship Hall

(Breakfast service starts at 845 AM)

We had a productive conversation in November about our new mission statement and how

to make that live in the work of MSUS We want to keep this conversation going

Three important themes of the many discussed were

How do we communicate an actively examined faith beyond the Sunday morning

service

How can our whole congregation all ages and all beliefs learn to challenge ourselves

with loving kindness to be our best selves

How can we reflect our values in community outreach (work for a flourishing world) in a

realistic and sustainable way

On March 9 we will focus on the stories we tell about MSUS and how these stories affect

both perception and action Your stories are important ndash please share them

Breakfast provided (but please let us know you are coming and if you have any food

restrictions) RSVP to Leslie Vissage at lviss2001yahoocom by Monday March 4

Need childcare Please contact Anna Paquette at dremsuuorg by FRIDAY MARCH 1 to

insure the availability of childcare

MSUS Leadership Conversations are open to all members and friends of MSUS and are

sponsored by the Leadership Development Committee

Please join ushellip

Page 6 Newsletter Title

Oh the Stories We Tell

How we describe MSUS to ourselves and others

News From the Board President

I want to let the congregation know that Santhi Muniandy-Deisch resigned from the

Board last month due to a change in life events which have impacted the amount of

time she can commit to the church We are sad to see her leave as she brought

valuable insights and information to Board discussions I wish her well and look

forward to working with her again in other MSUS endeavors in the future

Jane Shallow was elected by the Board to serve out Santhirsquos term which ends in May

Thanks to Jane for her willingness to step in We are fortunate to have her experience

and skills at the table Her vacancy on the Board will be filled at the Annual Meeting in

May

Laurie Young Board President

It is important we all pay attention to food

safety and allergies Here are some

Guidelines to follow

Please wash your hands before handling any

food

All dishes should be washed in hot soapy

water to remove allergens and gluten This is

standard protocol in the MSUS kitchen

Food Allergies (Labels can be found in the far

left drawer of the counter)

Food Allergies can be life-threatening People

can become very ill or even die if we do not

properly label food or handle food properly

NEVER put gluten free products on the same

plate or on the same tray as items that have

gluten Always put gluten free items at the

opposite end (the coffee end) of the counter

from items with gluten

ALWAYS label items that have any nuts

chocolate or dairy in them Reminder White

chocolate is still chocolate you just cannot

see it as well as the dark chocolate Almond

or other nut extracts are nut products An

item can be gluten-free and still contain nuts

or chocolate Dairy can also be difficult to

see

ALWAYS wash your hands before handling

any food items that are gluten-free AND

AFTER handling items containing nuts or

chocolate For people with severe food

allergies even a trace of gluten nuts or

chocolate can have adverse

consequences

As a caring community we realize that

we have an obligation to label our food in

the same way the original manufacturer

does We see ourselves as a beloved

community and we certainly have a

culture that loves food We can live out

our values by making this central part of

our community accessible to all

Food Storage

There is a drawer in the refrigerator that

is labeled gluten free Items containing

gluten should be stored separately from

gluten-free items to avoid cross

contamination Leftover items should be

stored in the original containers if they

are left in the refrigerator so they can be

clearly labeled when they are put out

again

SUGGESTION When preparing or placing

items on the counter always handle the

gluten free items first Items with

chocolate or nuts should be handled last

Thank you for your diligence

Janice Sankot Hospitality Team Lead

Hospitality Guidelines

Allergies ColdFlu Season and Other Health Reminders


Here are some specific comments people made

about a name

It should include the word ldquochurchrdquo

Many in interfaith circles are recognizing that

the word church conveys a Catholic or

Protestant church The word ldquoCongregationrdquo

is preferred

It should describe what is unique about us

It should condense who we are in a small

number of words

With a potential move in our future it should

not include the name of a specific town

A few names were suggested

Unitarian Universalist Community Church

North Metro Unitarian Universalist

North community UU

After listening to the discussion I felt there were

compelling arguments on both sides of the

question of whether or not we should keep or

change our name But the purpose of the forum

was not to make any decisions or convince

people to keep or change name It began a

conversation and stimulated thought I look

forward to continuing the discussion

If you were unable to attend the forum and would

like to provide input contact me or Reverend

Laura

Presidentrsquos Letter Continued from Page 5

So I constantly look for

those who are defining a

new story Young and old

people of all races genders

religious backgrounds are

working right now to save

our planet connect our

lives create beauty through

the arts tell their truths

listen to each otherrsquos

stories advocate and

agitate for greater justice

The stories we tell ourselves

the messages we repeat in

our minds the judgment we

place on others occupies

spaces in our hearts minds

and bodies Every day I

choose to side with love

Some days I do better than

others Join me in doing the

same and be a beacon of

love hope and possibility in

this world

Ministerrsquos Message Continued from Page 3


The MSUS Womens Book Group is a gathering of female (identifying as femalefeminine

(LGBTQ+ inclusive)) MSUS members and friends who meet the first Saturday of each

month to discuss books written by female identified authors The group alternates

between fiction and non-fiction works recommended by one or more of the group

members Contact Lois Burnett (burnahangmailcom) to be added to the email list

Meetings are held at 930 AM in the Club Room at 20 Windsor Lane New Brighton MN

FEBRUARY MEETING February 2 2019

Fiction The All-Girl Filling Stationrsquos Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg

Treats provided by Marie Phillips

MARCH MEETING March 2 2019

Non Fiction Lab Girl by Hope Jahren

Treats provided by Jean Olsen

MSUS Womenrsquos Book Group

Service Auction

February 16

530 PM

Sunday Evening Book Club


For our February 10th meeting we have selected Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro The

meeting will be hosted by Doug and Michele (2468 North Hamline Roseville)

The short novel (288 pages) is an unforgettable edge-of-your-seat mystery that is at once

heartbreakingly tender and morally courageous about what it means to be human The story

takes place in Hailsham which seems like a pleasant English boarding school far from the

influences of the city Its students are well tended and supported trained in art and literature

and become just the sort of people the world wants them to be But curiously they are taught

nothing of the outside world and are allowed little contact with it Within the grounds of

Hailsham Kathy grows from schoolgirl to young woman but its only when she and her friends

Ruth and Tommy leave the safe grounds of the school (as they always knew they would) that

they realize the full truth of what Hailsham is Never Let Me Go breaks through the boundaries

of the literary novel It is a gripping mystery a beautiful love story and also a scathing critique of

human arrogance and a moral examination of how we treat the vulnerable and different in our

society In exploring the themes of memory and the impact of the past Ishiguro takes on the

idea of a possible future to create his most moving and powerful book to date Kazuo Ishiguro

received the 2017 Nobel Prize for literature

The March meeting will be held on March 10th where we will discuss the book Democracy in

Chains by Nancy MacLean It is an investigative report of the development of the Koch brothers

ideology and the network of organizations they support

February 10 2019 mdash715 PM

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Doug Root and Michele Wallacersquos home

2468 North Hamline

Roseville MN

Congregational Forum Covenant Overview February 17 2019 1200 noon -100 pm in the Fellowship Hall

Kathy Burek will provide an overview of covenant in the UU tradition

and help us consider its purpose We will be revisiting our

congregational covenant this spring and this is the launch of the

conversation Look for future announcements about a Saturday

retreat later in the church year


February 21 2019

1100 am to 100 pm

Join us for a one hour program

with time for small group

discussion followed by a simple

lunch Sign up in the Social Hall

or you can email Laura at

revlauramsuuorg or call her

at 763-710-0435

Third Thursdays A

daytime group for

60+

Our Next Steps Weekend is over If you saw the schedule that hung in the Social Hall

heard and read the announcements joined in the congregational meal with Mark or

met with him as part of a team or committee you know this was a complicated

weekend to assemble and manage What you did not see was the months leading up

to his visit and the spreadsheets of important congregational documents he wanted

Katie Johnson was the driving force behind all of the planning and logistics With her

hard work the weekend was an amazing success and ran without a glitch If you have

a chance to say thank you to her please do

Thanks to Katie Johnson

UUA Common Read Discussions Coming Soon

Tuesdays February 12 and 26 from 700-900 pm

Fellowship Hall

Each year the Unitarian Universalist Association selects a common

read across all congregations The book chosen for 2018-2019 is

Justice on Earth People of Faith Working at the Intersections of

Race Class and the Environment available at the UUA Bookstore

for $1800 (wwwuuabookstoreorg) Please see Rev Laura if you

need the church to purchase one for you in order to participate

Listen to January 20 sermon on line to hear more about

environmental justice and the book

Reflections on this Monthrsquos

Worship Theme Love Circle of Reflection with Rev Laura

Thursday February 28 Fellowship Hall

Each person will have time to share as we explore love

as something that informs our lives Come with your own

thoughts andor use Karen Heringrsquos book Writing to

Wake the Soul to prompt your thinking See Rev Laura

or Beth Hughes HItomi to purchase a copy for $1000


Another Successful Day Of Service

This year our day of service was scheduled to coincide with Martin

Luther King Jr Day We had a good turnout with volunteers at three

different locations

Several folks helped to clean the Hope 4 Youth offices (see picture)

and it was greatly appreciated Leslie Vissage and Lois Burnett went

to Feed My Starving Children in Coon Rapids and packed food for

various missions Still others helped at Janiece Duffyrsquos Memorial

Service

Thank you to all who participated in these events Your efforts are so

much needed and appreciated

MSUS volunteers at Hope 4 Youth Tom Treuenfels Brian Hill Charlotte H Katie

Johnson Byron Johnson Steve Shager Hailey S Olivia Z Linda Smidzik Rofina

Madaba Lutta Jack H Laura Shimelphenig Andrea Zander

White Fragility Why Itrsquos So Hard for White

People to Talk About Racism March 5 amp 26 700 PM to 900 PM

Black Lives UU named this book as one of the critical texts for

congregations to read and discuss A deepening and richness

comes from being in conversation with others Join those of us

who will be reading it for the first time and some who read this for

a book group outside of the church Buy your book early so you can

read all of it before we come together Available at local

bookstores and online


Music Notes from Bruce Van Bronkhorst

Our church is alive with the sound of music We are preparing for special music the Delphi Concert

Saturday March 16 and the Spring Concert Saturday May 18 All our music groups are learning new

music As each concert approaches you will hear more details but for now - be prepared to hear lots of

music at MSUS weekends and evenings

And you are invited to perform with our music groups We need more mens voices for the choir If you

have been thinking about possibly joining the choir we would LOVE to have you come The band would

also welcome any instrumentalists - we include orchestra instruments in our band not just the

traditional band instruments So If you play a band or orchestra instrument we invite you to sit in with

us And the string bluegrass group also welcomes interested musicians so talk with Bob Marks if you

are interested

MSUSs fearless director

Bruce Van Bronkhorst

Dismantling Systemic White Supremacy by Sharon Dittmar Congregational Life Consultant

ldquoIntersectionalityrdquo is a word I often see these days In fact ldquoIntersectionalitiesrdquo is the title of our April 2019

Regional Assembly in St Louis MO (httpswwwuuaorgmidamericara) The theory and word were added to

feminist theory in 1989 by Professor Kimberleacute Crenshaw civil rights activist academic lawyer and critical race

theorist

Some people mistakenly believe that ldquointersectionalityrdquo only refers to the intersection of the multiple identities that

every person carries According to Crenshaw this is an incomplete understanding of her theory which instead

addresses how specific identities compound to disempower people due to accepted (and often unseen) systems of

power at work in society When Crenshaw introduced the term she had in mind black women who are often

disproportionality underemployed underpaid abused silenced and discriminated against in a variety of ways that

society condones and then ignores (and at higher rates than their white female peers or black male peers)

Crenshaw is an exceptional speaker and teacher If you are interested in learning more about ldquointersectionalityrdquo

watch Crenshawrsquos Keynote Address to the Women of the World Festival in 2016 httpswwwyoutubecomwatch

v=-DW4HLgYPlA Many thanks to Reverend Jennifer Nordstrom who suggests the video in her essay in the UUA

Common Read Justice on Earth People of Faith Working at the Intersections of Race Class and the

Environment httpswwwuuabookstoreorgSearchaspxk=justice+on+earth

MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love

February 3 2019 Second Nature

Speaker Rev Karen Hering Special Music Ed BurekmdashSaxophone

Service Leader Rev Laura Smidzik Hospitality Nicole LAllier and Jenn Grilliotrsquos Team

How do we learn to let our hearts lead in responding to climate change and the suffering it causes What will

become ldquosecond naturerdquo to us if love leads the way Rev Karen Hering is consulting literary minister and

author of Writing to Wake the Soul Her new book Living in the Between a thresholderrsquos guide to personal and

global change is expected in late 2019 Visit wwwkarenheringcom

February 10 2019 Whole Congregation Worship Our Fifth UU Principle

Speakers Rev Laura Smidzik and Anna Paquette Special Music Revolving Doors

Service Leader Isabella Saldana Haworth Hospitality Elizabeth Strootmanrsquos Team

Our Fifth UU Principle is the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our

congregations and in society at large What is the history of this principle and why is it important to us as

Unitarian Universalists We will explore this question and come to it from multiple perspectives Whole

congregation worship services are intentionally inclusive of and welcoming to our whole congregation no

matter what your age

February 17 2019 Choosing Love

Speaker Rev Laura Smidzik Special Music MSUS Band

Service Leader Kathy Burek Hospitality Marie Phillipsrsquo Team

Karen Hering from Writing to Wake the Soul says ldquoIt takes time to choose love Whether itrsquos choosing to love

after wersquove suffered personal loss or making time for loved ones at home and afar or taking time for a loving

response to those we barely know love requires that we pause long enough to let our hearts catch up with

our hurrying feetrdquo We will slow down together and explore what choosing love looks like in our lives

February 24 2019 Considering God

Speaker Rev Laura Smidzik Special Music David Lauth - vocalguitar

Service Leader Leslie Vissage Hospitality Laurie Youngrsquos Team

This is a sermon guided by the winner of the ldquochoose a sermonrdquo at the 2018 Service Auction Inspired by the

questions and pondering of Gerald Wichmann Rev Laura will explore rational and spiritual questions about

God and Godrsquos existence

February 2019 Services

A Member of the Unitarian Universalist

Association of Congregations

As Unitarian Universalists we challenge ourselves to be

OPEN loving and inclusive

INSPIRED by many sources of wisdom

COMMITTED agents of compassion service justice and joy

SEEKERS at all ages engaged in questioning and learning

The Mission of the MSUS community (of all ages) is to celebrate

an actively examined faith challenging one another with loving

kindness to be our best selves and work for a flourishing world

W E rsquoRE ON THE W EB WWW MSUU ORG

Michael Servetus Unitarian Society

6565 Oakley Drive NE

Fridley MN 55432

Submissions for the Newsletter need to

be emailed to officemsuuorg

Deadline for March Newsletter is noon

February 20 2019

Announcements for Order of Service

need to be emailed to officemsuuorg

no later than Thursday evening if a late

breaking event causes you to miss the

deadline hand your legibly written

announcement to the Service Leader no

later than 845 am

Follow us on

Facebook and Twitter

2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees

President Laures Young Trustees Ed Burek

Vice-President Lynne Schuman Lois Burnett

Treasurer Ben Stelmach Santhi Muniandy

Andrea Zander

Recording Secretary Janice Vassar Non-Board Position

Minister

Rev Laura Smidzik RevLauramsuuorg

Office hours are flexible to meet the needs of the community

Please call 763-710-0435 or email to schedule an appointment For

pastoral care emergencies call 763-710-0435 at any time

Office Administrator Bookkeeper

Elizabeth Hughes Hitomi officemsuuorg

Office hours are most WedsmdashFridaymdash12 - 4 pm If assistance is needed

outside these hours please email officemsuuorg In building emergencies

please call 763-334-3212 and immediate services will be provided

Director of Religious Education

Anna Paquette DREmsuuorg

Please contact Anna by email for an appointment

Music Director

Bruce Van Bronkhorst musicmsuuorg

Please contact Bruce by email for an appointment

The monthly calendar is located

on the MSUS webpage The cal-

endar changes daily as in the

normal course of church busi-

ness To obtain the most up-to-

date information on what is hap-

pening at the church please click

on the MSUS church calendar link

or go to httpwwwmsuuorg

services-events-calendar

February Activity Calendar

Building Use

Community UsemdashTax Class Feb 1

Outside RentalmdashFeb 2 All Day

Community UsemdashTax Preparation

Mondays 500 PM

Member Rental Sundays 1130 AM

Regular Meetings

Action amp Justice Team Feb 5 630 PM

Leadership Development Feb 5 700 PM

Sunday Services Team Feb 7 700 PM

Finance Committee Feb 8 900 AM

Momrsquos Group Feb 10 1130 AM

MSUS Board of Trustee Meeting Feb 19

700 PM

Building amp Grounds Feb 26 700 PM

Newsletter Deadline

Feb 20 February Articles

Worship Services are held weekly on

Sunday mornings at 900 and 1030 AM

Events and Opportunities

SoUUper Sunday Feb 3 1130 AM

UUA Common Read - Justice on Earth

Feb 12 amp 26 700 PM

Service Auction Set-Up Feb 15 All Day

Service Auction Feb 16 530 PM

Congregational Forum Feb 17 Noon

Third Thursday for those 60+

Feb 21 1100 AM

Painting Day with Building amp Grounds

Feb 23 900 AM

Speaker Series Feb 24 1230 PM

Reflections on this Monthrsquos Worship Theme

Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events

Womenrsquos Book Group Feb 2 930 AM

Sun Night Book Group Feb 10 715 PM

Committee on Ministry Feb 13 700 PM

Music Team Feb 21 700 PM

Music Rehearsals

Wednesdays Choir 700 PM

Thursdays String Band 730 PM

Sundays Band Practice 830 AM

(Feb 3 amp 17)

Sundays Delphi Jazz 300 PM

PLEASE NOTE Rehearsals

may change at the discretion

of the Director Please contact

Bruce for updated information

I wasnt even expecting

much interest frankly

because the cabin is four

hours away and the last leg

of transport is another two

miles by canoe Plus not

m a n y p e o p l e e n j o y

amenities that include an

open air pit toilet

To my surprise six people

which was the total number

of people we had agreed to

host signed up raising

some money for MSUS in

the process

Mid-summer we made the

drive to Ely and braved the

canoe trip and packed all

our water and food onto the

land and into the cabin

The things I most remember

are jumping off the rocks

and swimming in the

lake None of us were

young but we all enjoyed

ourselves like kids that

day Nobodys toes got

nibbled by northern pike and

nobody succumbed to

hypothermia that day in the

cold Northern Minnesota

water which was a plus

The camaraderie and good

natured joking was really

enjoyable Rofina and I

figured out that trip that

MSUS congregants are really

interesting people and

interested in us as people


Service Auction Reflections

Jane ShallowmdashService Auction 2017

2018 was our first service auction experience There was a lot of excitement

over the auction items many people enjoying time together and a good vibe

from all It waschaotic but in a good way Because there are a lot of people

and excitement it creates that chaotic environment Bidding on items for our

family was challenging given that we had never done that before so we werent

sure what to expect from some of the items Because of that we chose to be

more conservative with our bidding We wanted items that would bring our

whole family together with others in the congregation

Some of the experiences we purchased were

1 Horseback Riding this was an amazing experience for our whole family to

attend Each girl was given an adequate amount of time on the horse and

Marilyn was so great to work with We really enjoyed this auction item

2 Kayak trip on Elm Creek Originally this was purchased for David and I to do

but Gerald was so gracious and invited our whole family to

attend Unfortunately I was unable to go but David and the girls had a

blast and it was very memorable for them

3 Soup Dinner Katie and Bruce Johnson made a phenomenal dinner of

bread and soup They were also kind enough to invite our children to

attend and we are so grateful for that It was great to get to know a few

other members in a different environment

We are unsure what we will bid on this year but we hope there will be a few

more family friendly items that we can bring our kids to so that they can also

enjoy getting know members

Nicole LrsquoAlliermdashService Auction 2018











Luther King Jr









agape love A UUA







humankindrdquo












































feed them fear and






generations to come






























happenrdquo









enemies and that is











grief

Continued on Page 8



Choosing to Love





















biggest questions






























formation








1030 AM service





breads and desserts


SoUUper Sunday
















month Thirty people

attended and had an




Society










worship











And it helps people


us on the internet








what would they be

















The questions were


when you came to

MSUS





attractiverdquo)


make promises as UU





each other To

newcomers


today What do you





the congregation


about our name when

you talk about the




name Where does the


























Son and Holy Spirit















one close by online



name Several of our





history He had many





up He portrayed the











Continued on Page 7



Saturday March 9







service


























May






food





















see







consequences









Food Storage









again











about a name





is preferred



number of words






North community UU











Laura

























this world
















Service Auction

February 16

530 PM

























2468 North Hamline

Roseville MN








February 21 2019

1100 am to 100 pm







at 763-710-0435

Third Thursdays A

daytime group for

60+












Fellowship Hall





















different locations





Service


























are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)
















Luther King Jr









agape love A UUA







humankindrdquo












































feed them fear and






generations to come






























happenrdquo









enemies and that is











grief

Continued on Page 8



Choosing to Love





















biggest questions






























formation








1030 AM service





breads and desserts


SoUUper Sunday
















month Thirty people

attended and had an




Society










worship











And it helps people


us on the internet








what would they be

















The questions were


when you came to

MSUS





attractiverdquo)


make promises as UU





each other To

newcomers


today What do you





the congregation


about our name when

you talk about the




name Where does the


























Son and Holy Spirit















one close by online



name Several of our





history He had many





up He portrayed the











Continued on Page 7



Saturday March 9







service


























May






food





















see







consequences









Food Storage









again











about a name





is preferred



number of words






North community UU











Laura

























this world
















Service Auction

February 16

530 PM

























2468 North Hamline

Roseville MN








February 21 2019

1100 am to 100 pm







at 763-710-0435

Third Thursdays A

daytime group for

60+












Fellowship Hall





















different locations





Service


























are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)


























biggest questions






























formation








1030 AM service





breads and desserts


SoUUper Sunday
















month Thirty people

attended and had an




Society










worship











And it helps people


us on the internet








what would they be

















The questions were


when you came to

MSUS





attractiverdquo)


make promises as UU





each other To

newcomers


today What do you





the congregation


about our name when

you talk about the




name Where does the


























Son and Holy Spirit















one close by online



name Several of our





history He had many





up He portrayed the











Continued on Page 7



Saturday March 9







service


























May






food





















see







consequences









Food Storage









again











about a name





is preferred



number of words






North community UU











Laura

























this world
















Service Auction

February 16

530 PM

























2468 North Hamline

Roseville MN








February 21 2019

1100 am to 100 pm







at 763-710-0435

Third Thursdays A

daytime group for

60+












Fellowship Hall





















different locations





Service


























are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)













month Thirty people

attended and had an




Society










worship











And it helps people


us on the internet








what would they be

















The questions were


when you came to

MSUS





attractiverdquo)


make promises as UU





each other To

newcomers


today What do you





the congregation


about our name when

you talk about the




name Where does the


























Son and Holy Spirit















one close by online



name Several of our





history He had many





up He portrayed the











Continued on Page 7



Saturday March 9







service


























May






food





















see







consequences









Food Storage









again











about a name





is preferred



number of words






North community UU











Laura

























this world
















Service Auction

February 16

530 PM

























2468 North Hamline

Roseville MN








February 21 2019

1100 am to 100 pm







at 763-710-0435

Third Thursdays A

daytime group for

60+












Fellowship Hall





















different locations





Service


























are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)







Saturday March 9







service


























May






food





















see







consequences









Food Storage









again











about a name





is preferred



number of words






North community UU











Laura

























this world
















Service Auction

February 16

530 PM

























2468 North Hamline

Roseville MN








February 21 2019

1100 am to 100 pm







at 763-710-0435

Third Thursdays A

daytime group for

60+












Fellowship Hall





















different locations





Service


























are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)










food





















see







consequences









Food Storage









again











about a name





is preferred



number of words






North community UU











Laura

























this world
















Service Auction

February 16

530 PM

























2468 North Hamline

Roseville MN








February 21 2019

1100 am to 100 pm







at 763-710-0435

Third Thursdays A

daytime group for

60+












Fellowship Hall





















different locations





Service


























are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)





























this world
















Service Auction

February 16

530 PM

























2468 North Hamline

Roseville MN








February 21 2019

1100 am to 100 pm







at 763-710-0435

Third Thursdays A

daytime group for

60+












Fellowship Hall





















different locations





Service


























are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)






























2468 North Hamline

Roseville MN








February 21 2019

1100 am to 100 pm







at 763-710-0435

Third Thursdays A

daytime group for

60+












Fellowship Hall





















different locations





Service


























are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)







February 21 2019

1100 am to 100 pm







at 763-710-0435

Third Thursdays A

daytime group for

60+












Fellowship Hall





















different locations





Service


























are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)










different locations





Service


























are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)

















are interested







theorist












MidAmerica Regional

Assembly 2019

April 5mdash7

St Louis Missouri


Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)







Theme Love











































Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)



















Fridley MN 55432




February 20 2019







later than 845 am

Follow us on


2018mdash19

Board of

Trustees




Andrea Zander


Minister













Music Director














Building Use




Mondays 500 PM


Regular Meetings







700 PM


Newsletter Deadline












Feb 21 1100 AM


Feb 23 900 AM



Feb 28 700 PM

Offsite MSUS Events





Music Rehearsals




(Feb 3 amp 17)






Michael Servetus Unitarian SocietyMusic”) this month. On February 24th, both groups will gather for a brunch as we move into our Lodestone series. These sessions, which will take

Documents