A recent service focused on the first of our Ends statements, “In our MSUS community, across all ages, we ground ourselves in ritual and practice that develop lives of meaning and purpose.” Each month, we will explore an Ends statement in order to bring them to life and reflect on them as a congregation. During that service Jess Hunt and Lisa Myers spoke of spiritual practice on a personal level. I chose to reflect on ritual and practice on a congregational level.

In her book, Radical Welcome: Embracing God, The Other, and the Spirit of Transformation, Stephanie Spellers speaks of the spiritual practice of radical

welcome. As a Christian, she speaks of God wanting us to experience metanoia which is a “deep, fundamental transformation inside us.” She goes on to say, “If our natural orientation, or certainly the orientation of our institutions, is resistant change and movement, then something has to give.”

The MSUS community is often cited for its warmth and welcome. Those who decide to stay, speak of being seen, easily finding ways to connect, and appreciating the authenticity of the congregants. We can celebrate this aspect of our community and recognize that we can go much further. During the series on

transgender inclusion in congregations, we discussed the culture of MSUS from the perspective of power and inclusion. What was named is that at MSUS there are obstacles for many congregants which make them feel intimidated by the loudest voices in the room and excluded from being fully included. What struck me and others in that conversation is that we have both internal and external work to do if we are to fully embrace radical welcome and evolve into a community that honors all who are a part of it.

Continued on Page 2

Moving Beyond Warmth and Welcome by Rev. Laura Smidzik

DRE Digest by Jess Hunt By the time this newsletter comes out we will have already held our congregational forum on Wrought Faith. I’d love to be able to bend back time and present a recap of the vibrant discussion that took place. I can’t do that. I can tell you, that as I’m preparing for my sermon

and our conversation following I know that this is going to be an amazing discussion. I know this topic is going to hit some strong chords with you all. I have seen amazing faith formation within the past few months here at MSUS and I see the community and love for everyone.

The theme this month is Deep Listening. Listening plays a fundamental role in the art of good communication. Without listening, the circle of communication would be incomplete. Deep listening is, well, it’s deeper.

Continued on Page 2

Page 1 Articles Continued 2

Intern Message, Small Groups on Deep Listening

and Discussion on Theology

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MUUSIC Notes, Blessing of the Animals 4

UU the Vote Update, Putting Out the Radical

Welcome Map

5

Women’s Book Group, Sunday Evening Book Club 6

October Worship Services, Small Group Spiritual

Direction

7

Inside this issue:

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Volume 54, Issue 2

October 2020

October Program Opportunities

Daily Lunch

Gathering for People Who Live Alone

Third Thursdays

MOMS Group

8

Saturday Coffee House and Storytelling 9

Letter From the Board of Trustees 10

Dismantling Racism, Radical Hospitality, Q&A with

Kari, Thank you

12

the real world. I want to be sure to support families as the primary religious educators. With that in mind I will be sharing articles, activities, and am available for discussion about what that means and how that looks for your family. I also want to nurture the family of MSUS. Look for some fun group activities that can be done from home!

The topics will include: how to listen to your heart and how that connects with our second principle; how to listen to Black, Indigenous and Peoples Of Color (BIPOC) voices (and how that connects to Anti-Racism and our 8th Principle); how to listen to nature and its connection to our Seventh Principle; and how to listen to our ancestors and how they connect to our second UU Source.

Did you register your children and youth for religious education yet? Make sure you’re all signed up so you don’t miss out on the surprises!

Click here for the Registration Form: https://forms.gle/V1pQiHuj84Dx7RCL6

It’s helping create a brave space that allows for sharing what is deep inside and yearning to be heard. This reminds me of Brené Brown’s Engaged Feedback list from Daring Greatly that helps us learn to listen to and not just hear each other. This type of communication builds strong relationships. It becomes a sacred art, as Kay Lindhal writes in The Sacred Art of Listening. She also describes three essential deep listening elements: silence, reflection, and presence.

For the month of October in Faith Formation we will be exploring how to get to know each other from a distance. I will be setting up some physically distanced activities both online and in

This month’s theme is deep listening. Deep listening requires an intentional presence— one that de-centers the self and lets go of one’s need to fix, dismiss, or refute the person who is speaking. It involves empathy, compassion, curiosity, and staying open to new learning.

I think back on past years where Janice Sankot guided the Welcome Teams to pay attention to labeling and handling food in such a way that invited people with food allergies to join in fellowship. I think of consistent use of the microphone in the sanctuary and meetings so those among us who cannot hear are able to actively participate in services and conversations. I think of the use of closed caption on films, documentaries, and the transgender inclusion series which provided another access point for people in attendance. The Unitarian Universalist Minister’s Association (UUMA) just put out a question asking if congregations would

consider buying closed caption for use in their zoom account. I immediately said yes and am waiting to hear when we can buy in.

These steps are part of a larger awareness that comes from listening to and observing others in our community and finding solutions when they are available. In the months ahead we will reflect on practicing radical welcome as a congregation. We know that if we can continue to grow into the practice all of us will be impacted and potentially even transformed.

A faith community like MSUS should spark a deeper examination and reflection on that which is deep within each of us. It should challenge us to constantly explore if we are living up to being the congregation we aspire to be. And our faith calls us to go out beyond our walls with awareness of white supremacy and with humility. Reaching out and welcoming those we have yet to know and the beloveds who are marginalized.

As we focus on living into our mission, values, and Ends statements, my prayer is that we push ourselves beyond our daily comfort, take the risks we need to in order to be a relevant church in the future, and stay open to dialogue with one another so we can be the beloved community we long to be.

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DRE Digest Continued from Page 1

Moving Beyond Warmth and Welcome continued from Page 1

“Without listening, the circle of

communication would be

incomplete.”

M I CHA EL SE RV ET US U NI TA RIA N S OCI ET Y

V OLU ME 54 , IS SU E 2

How do we create authentic connections to one another? What does it mean to be a people of Deep Listening? Meeting together six times as a small group, we’ll be exploring these questions and more while developing a Spiritual Practice of Deep Listening through a series of outstanding exercises provided by Soul Matters.

Meetings will be held from 5:15-6:45pm on October 14 and 28, November 11 and 25, and December 9. (Start time is earlier in the evening due to Choir meeting at 7pm.) Please contact Lisa Myers at min-intern@msuu.org if you are interesting in joining.

As I compose this article it has been three weeks since my Ministerial Internship at MSUS began. Within that very short amount of time it has been a whirlwind of Zoom meetings, worship planning, homily writing, UU the Vote, Zoom talks on White Supremacy, Zoom talks about organizing for social justice action, planning upcoming Soul Matters small groups, more Zoom meetings, Zoom Lunch on Tuesdays, more Zoom meetings, and yes…even more Zoom meetings. This is a strange time to be navigating a brand new ministerial internship because we are living in the age of Zoom. Zoom is a blessing and curse in many ways. It can be exhausting being on Zoom meetings all day. But as I move through this initial time of hands-on education and practice of congregational ministry I am discovering the power that Zoom is granting us, or to put it much more accurately: The power of the Zoom Mute Button. That little mute button is a gift! Not because it gives me an “out” where I don’t have to

say anything in a meeting, which, let’s be honest, we all want that “out” sometimes. No, it’s not preventing me from speaking. What it is doing is allowing me to just listen. Even more so, that little Zoom Mute Button is gifting me time to engage and learn from this congregation through deeper listening.

Our theme for the month of October is Deep Listening, a spiritual practice that takes time and practice. (We’ll be engaging in that practice with our upcoming Soul Matters Small Group, more on that in another part of this newsletter.) Deep Listening goes deeper below the level of simply hearing sound or voice, it dives headlong into emotion. What others say affects us. We respond emotively to sounds we hear. Written language can have much deeper meaning than the words we see on the page. The Zoom Mute Button gives us the chance to listen, to absorb what is being said, to respond internally before making any sort of reply. Over these past weeks of getting to know you all as

congregation, mostly through Zoom, I have been listening to how you interact with one another. I am so deeply impressed by how much you care for one another. I don’t only hear it in your voices I very much feel it more deeply.

So, as we journey into the month of October together, let’s practice some deep listening. This is the time of year when nature seasonally changes…a great time to listen as migrations begin in earnest across the skies, leaves change to their brilliant colorful beauty before allowing the trees to let them go, and we feel the air around us begin to cool. We are also in a time of great unrest, of contention, of unsettledness, and worry. More than ever, we need to practice deep listening now. More than ever, we need to ground ourselves by doing whatever it is that grounds us. More than ever, we need to really see one another and be together as we can be. Let’s click on that Zoom Mute Button and listen deeply to one another, and then talk from our hearts. Peace to you all.

We are a congregation full of differing theologies and ideas on spirituality that we don’t always have the time or space to talk about with one another.

Let us come together to listen to one another, to learn from one another, and to dive deeply into what theology and spiritual life means to Unitarian Universalists.

Please join us for some deep listening and discussion of where we land theologically in the world!

Monday October 26, 7-8:30pm. Please contact Lisa Myers at min-intern@msuu.org if you are interested in joining. To provide for deeper discussion, space will be limited to 8 people.

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Exploring Deep Listening

Ministerial Intern Message by Lisa Myers

A Unitarian Universalist Discussion on Theology

Be the Best - or - Give Your Best Effort: the Difference Between Professional and Amateur Music Groups.

At MSUS, we are not a group of highly trained professional musicians (watch it - - no wise cracks!!). Some of our musicians are highly trained, but most are amateurs. And some have very little previous experience in performing in a group. So how would the expectations of our musicians differ from a professional group such as the Minnesota Orchestra, or the Dale Warland Singers, or groups that perform at Crooners?

If our musicians were all paid professionals such as the above groups, their mind set would be “Be the best” because that is what they are paid to be. That is their job and most of them practice four or more hours a day. Many perform in other professional ensembles and teach very advanced private students. They are paid, and are expected to be the best.

In the middle, between the top professionals and amateurs are the groups led by professionals with paid section leaders. The rest of the members make the group through tryouts. The top community bands, choirs and some of the largest churches fall into this middle category. Forty some years ago I tried out for and sang in the Bach Society Chorus. We were performing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Minneapolis Symphony (now the Minnesota Orchestra). Because of the expectations of the groups, all of us worked at being the best. Now, when I

sing with the Northwest Singing Seniors, (all amateurs, many are choir members at their churches) the expectation is to give our best effort. And we have fun because we aren’t under a lot of pressure to be the best. This doesn’t mean amateur groups don’t put in a lot of effort! We take pride in what we do and we want to do well, but we know our voices and musical abilities are limited compared to professionals. So we try to keep realistic expectations of what we can do.

At MSUS we are amateurs. We perform for the joy of it. We perform to share our joy with each other and with the MSUS community. We gather to rehearse for the social aspect of seeing each other and giving our best effort. Some days our best effort may be reduced due to events in our lives, or being over worked, having a sore throat, or getting over an injury. Professionals have honed their craft and are trained to be able to perform through less than great days and conditions. They take professional care of their bodies to ensure that they can perform when they are supposed to. That is their job - to do the best no matter what.

Professional performers, and many large churches, have professional technology and trained technicians available to help with their performances. So far, our MSUS music program works with a few microphones, an amp and speakers. In my previous article, I wrote that the tech team, the music team and I are learning what equipment is needed and how to use it. This is not just for the music

program, but also to also have quality sound production for our services on ZOOM. Before long, I hope to start virtual performances for special music.

Prior to this year’s UUA General Assembly (GA), a virtual choir of around 100 UU musicians put together two songs for the GA. I sat in on the ZOOM rehearsals to learn how it was done. I won’t go into the technical aspects of how it was done, that would take a page all by itself, and you really don’t want to know all that, but I enjoyed attending the virtual rehearsals and getting ideas to use with all the MSUS groups.

Will we need to prepare to record 100 voices? No! But we will be able to work with the great musicians we have at MSUS! Will we have the same results as the professionals. No. As MSUS’s paid professional, even I make mistakes (yes, I admit I’m not perfect!!). But as a professional I do try to be the best and do the best. I also make sure I give my best effort no matter how I feel, broken bones and all. And that best effort is what our musicians give at MSUS.

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MSUS MUUSIC NOTES by Bruce Van Bronkhorst

M I CHA EL SE RV ET US U NI TA RIA N S OCI ET Y

Saturday, October 3, 3:00 pm

We rely on the companionship of our pets more than ever during this time of physical distancing. The Blessing of the Animals service is a way to honor the animals (and reptiles) in our lives. Past services have brought such joy as we gather to see each

Blessing of the Animals

other’s pets and acknowledge the gifts they bring to our lives. This year we have a unique opportunity to include animals that have no interest in being brought to church and sitting in a circle with others! We look forward to seeing you and your pet/s on October 3rd on Zoom.

V OLU ME 54 , IS SU E 2

PUTTING OUT THE RADICAL WELCOME MAT

A forum on building a practice of radical hospitality for one another and for all who enter our doors

Two virtual sessions (attend one)

Saturday, October 24, 10:00 to 11:30 AM

Sunday, October 25, Noon to 1:30 PM

Hosted by the MSUS Board of Trustees

In our MSUS community across all ages we build authentic connections across lines of difference and provide radical hospitality for all. (From the MSUS Vision)

The board has lifted up this end statement as a 2020-21 priority. Please join in important conversations about living into our vision on the following dates:

On October 24 and 25 we’ll be exploring the idea of radical hospitality with 2 identical sessions of a virtual forum called “Putting out the Radical Welcome Mat”. (Details below)

On November 21 there will be a virtual congregational meeting to discuss how building authentic connections and practicing radical hospitality might shape decisions about our physical home. We’ll consider a plan to define our space needs and explore the feasibility of meeting those needs at Oakley Drive.

Please plan to attend one of the forums on October 24/25 as well as the congregational meeting on November 21!

On the evening of September 23, UU the Vote held “Gather the Spirit”, an event that celebrated the efforts of so many thousands of volunteers across the country to get people registered and ready to vote in the November election. With your help through phone calls, texting, postcard and letter writing… 1,370,052 unregistered or disenfranchised voters were reached! That’s not a typo. 1,370,052!! This far exceeded the goal of 1 million, and now we have a new goal of reaching 2 million by Election Day. We surpassed our goal in Minnesota with MSUS volunteers writing almost 2,000 postcards and participating in national phone banks.

As good as all this feels, your help is still needed! There are many opportunities to reach voters before November 3. Please see how to help below, and be sure to join UU the Vote for Harvest the Power Week of Action, October 21-27 to deepen our organizing for the work ahead and beyond Election Day. Our work is not done on Nov. 3. To give your pledge to action, go to https://uuthe.vote/pledge-love and watch for new events scheduled for October.

Phone Banking: If you are interested in participating in the national phone banks you can find upcoming opportunities and links to sign up at either https://www.muusja.org/events-

calendar/ or https://www.uuthevote.org/phone-banking/. We’ll be calling Wisconsin voters on Oct 7 and 21 at 6pm CT; Florida voters on Oct 27 at 5pm CT; and the last big phone banking push to both Wisconsin and Florida on Nov 2 at 5pm CT.

Text Banking: We have text banking opportunities every Tuesday and Thursday! Click on https://www.muusja.org/events-calendar/ to sign up for a date and time that is convenient for you. Training is provided before you jump into action.

Letter Writing: There are still opportunities to reach under-represented voters through the Letter Writing campaign! Please visit https://votefwd.org/UU for more information and links to sign up to write. You can also find more information and a sample letter at https://www.muusja.org/just-the-faqs-maam/, just click on the link in the second paragraph of the blog. MUUSJA can provide materials, including postage, for you or if you have printing capability you can print at home.

Register or sign up to help in any area, please let either Kathy Burek (kburek@comcast.net) or Lisa Myers (min-intern@msuu.org) know so we can keep track of MSUS’s involvement.

We thank you again for your hard work, dedication and commitment towards making this election a fair and just election!

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PUTTING OUT THE RADICAL WELCOME MAT

UU The Vote Update

October Book : An Indigenous Poeples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunber-Ortiz Published in 2014. 236 pages. Dunbar-Ortiz adroitly challenges the founding myth of the United States and shows how policy against the Indigenous peoples was colonialist and designed to seize the territories of the original inhabitants, displacing or eliminating them. And as Dunbar-Ortiz reveals, this policy was praised in popular culture, through writers like James Fenimore Cooper and Walt Whitman, and in the highest offices of government and the military. Shockingly, as the genocidal policy reached its zenith under President Andrew Jackson, its ruthlessness was best articulated by US

Army general Thomas S. Jesup, who, in 1836, wrote of the Seminoles: “The country can be rid of them only by exterminating them.”

We have not selected books for the November or December meetings, so plan to suggest books at the October meeting.

We met by Zoom on Sunday evening to discuss Two Old Women by Velma Wallis Published in 1993. In general, we found this tale, based on an Athabascan Indian legend, inspirational and compelling. Velma Wallis depicts a landscape and way of life that are at once merciless and starkly beautiful. In her old women, she has created two heroines of steely determination whose story of betrayal, friendship, community, and forgiveness speaks straight to the heart with clarity, sweetness, and wisdom. Highly recommended.

We will Zoom in again on October 11th at 7:15 p.m.

The MSUS Women's Book Group is a gathering of female (identifying as female/feminine (LGBTQ+ inclusive)) MSUS members and friends who meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss books written by female iden-tified authors. The group alternates between fiction and non-fiction works recommended by one or more of the group members. Contact Pat Ferrian (ferri004@gmail.com) to be added to the email list.

Meetings are held online via ZOOM at 9:30AM to 11:30AM. Unless otherwise noted, use the On Line worship link (Green Button) on the MSUU.org home page.

OCTOBER 3rd 2020 MEETING:

Fiction. A Secret History of Witches, by Louisa Morgan

Treats on your own in your home!

November 7th 2020 MEETING:

Non-Fiction. Educated, by Tara Westover

Treats on your own in your home!

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Sunday Evening Book Club by Doug Root

MSUS Women’s Book Group by Pat Ferrian

M I CHA EL SE RV ET US U NI TA RIA N S OCI ET Y

All services will be held in the MSUS Zoom room.

Saturday, October 3, 3:00 pm

Blessing of the Animals, Rev. Laura Smidzik and Lisa Myers

See Page 4 for Details. We look forward to seeing you and your pet/s on October 3rd on Zoom.

Sunday, October 4, 10:30 am

UU the Vote Service, Lisa Myers (host)

In these midst of global pandemic, rising authoritarianism, and uprising, lives hang in the balance and the future of democracy is on the line. In response, Unitarian Universalists are answering the call of our faith, building powerful partnerships to mobilize our communities to #VoteLove and #DefeatHate in the 2020 elections. Join UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray, the UU the Vote team, and a lineup of powerful, prophetic UU voices as we explore the intersections of faith, justice, and democracy in this collective virtual service.

Sunday, October 11, 10:30 am

How Deep Listening is Transforming Unitarian Universalism, Rev. Laura Smidzik, Service Leader Katie Johnson

The publication, “Widening the Circle of Concern” came out in June 2020. A group of devoted Unitarian Universalists were charged with conducting an audit of the power structures and analyze systemic racism and white supremacy culture with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). This group is called the Commission on Institutional Change. More than 1,100 UUs participated in individual interviews, focus groups, or submitted testimony. If this service description sounds a bit dry and intellectual, don’t worry. Rev. Laura will bring this work to life and offer images of what lies ahead for our faith.

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Create A Loving Community of Intentional Care and Support for One Another, Rev. Laura Smidzik, Lisa Myers, Jess Hunt

On the third Sunday of every month we will spend time with one of our new vision statements. On this Sunday we will explore how together we at MSUS “Create A Loving Community of Intentional Care and Support for One Another.”

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Service of Grief and Remembrance, Rev. Laura and Lisa Myers. Service Leader, Michelle Jarvie

Each year, we will hold the last Sunday in October to honor those we grieve and remember. This year we ask that you send a photo of your loved one/s who have died recently or in the past so we can create a slide show during the service. Please include their name, your name, and a description. of how you remember them. Send photos to Michelle Jarvie at memdavis@gmail.com.

practice deep listening, silence, and what Spiritual Direction trainer, Phil Lund, calls “sharing and responding to one another about how ‘that transcending mystery and wonder’ is moving in their lives. This is a structured, facilitated group for those who want to explore their spiritual lives with others. Space is limited, contact Rev. Laura if you’d like to join. Participants must commit to all of the five sessions.

October – Early December

Every other Wednesday, 5:15-6:45 pm (Meeting early evening because choir starts at 7:00 pm). Wednesday, Oct. 21, Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Dec. 2, and Dec 16th

Rev. Laura piloted a small group several years ago. She plans on offering a spiritual direction group several times this year, depending on interest. Groups are traditionally made up of 4-5 people who will gather twice a month to

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October Worship Services

Small Group Spiritual Direction Offered by Rev Laura

V OLU ME 54 , IS SU E 2

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MSUS October Events

M I CHA EL SE RV ET US U NI TA RIA N S OCI ET Y

Exploring Deep Listening, Starting October 14, 5:15—6:45 PM, See Page 3

A Unitarian Universalist Discussion on Theology, October 26, 7:00—8:30 PM, See Page 3

Putting out the Radical Welcome Mat, October 24 & 25, Tames Vary, See Page 5

Dismantling Racism and White Supremacy, October 7 & 8, 6:00—7:30 PM, See Page 11

Small Group Spiritual Direction Offered by Rev. Laura, Starting October 21, 5:15—6:45 PM, See Page 7

The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality, October 12, 7—8:30 PM, See Page 11

Religious Community is Not Enough, October 5, 7—8:30 PM, See Page 11

Q & A with Kari, October 22, 7—8:30 PM, See Page 11

Program Opportunities

Daily Lunch Gatherings with Rev. Laura and Congregants

Monday—Friday from 12 noon—1:00 pm

We usually have 5-8 people gather, eat lunch, and check in on how our days are going. It is a wonderful informal way to get to know each other, laugh, and find human connection beyond our individual homes. All are welcome anytime. Pop in for a few moments or stay for the whole hour.

Third Thursdays (A Gathering for 60+ers)

Third Thursdays (A Gathering for 60+ers)

11:00 am—12 noon Conversation, 12:00—1:00 pm all are invited to join the regular daily lunch group

Although a zoom gathering is not the same as being in person and sharing a potluck, we still had a meaningful gathering in September. Come for the conversation and join the daily lunch time which is open to all or just come for the first hour. Even though we are on zoom, it is good to be together!

Gathering for People Who Live Alone

Every other Thursday night from 5:30—6:30 pm, October 1, 15, and 29th

Join our gatherings for people who live alone and would like to connect with others. Facilitated by Rev. Laura.

Every other Thursday from 7:00—8:30 pm October 1, 15, and 29th

The MOMS Group is a collective of mothers with children ranging from teenagers to infants, providing support and care to one another in times of need. The group is facilitated by Rev. Laura. All are welcome.

MSUS MOMS Group

Saturday Night Coffee House

All Saturday nights except the second Saturday of the month 6:30 pm

Do you miss going out on Saturday nights and find the weekends a little bleak? Give the MSUS Coffee House a try! Everyone is welcome to participate as a performer or audience member. If you’d like to share a song, skit, scene of a play, poetry or prose reading send Chad an email at chadasnyder@gmail.com and he will get you on the list. Performers of all levels and ages are always encouraged and applauded!

Second Saturday Storytelling Night on the Theme of Deep Listening

October 10, 2020 at 6:30 pm

Have you ever listened to a person, the still voice inside, the sounds of nature, or a musical piece and been changed or impacted? Have you experienced having someone listen deeply to you? This will be our second storytelling evening and you won’t want to miss it! Last month Janice Sankot, Lynne Shuman, Beth Strootman, and Andrea Zander shared their stories around the theme of renewal and new beginnings. Contact Chad Snyder or Rev. Laura Smidzik if you’d like to tell a story on October 10th.

Read what Beth and Janice have to say about the experience of being storytellers:

“I have been participating in the Saturday night Coffee House since spring. I try to recite (or badly sing) songs that are timely and reflect current events. When I heard that “Renewal” was the topic for September’s Second Saturday Night, I knew that rain would be the perfect topic for me to talk about. I was inspired by my memories of rain in Iowa and the contrast with Cincinnati rain. I found the perfect song to go with the reflection, Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love a Rainy Night.” With the memories, the song, and my feelings about the renewing power of rain the story came together. Although there is an element of vulnerability about my experience, I also felt empowered to have my voice and thoughts shared with others.” —Janice Sankot

“We are so lucky at MSUS. We’ve always had many kinds of opportunities to participate, to express ourselves and even just simply to be present as our authentic, true selves in a safe and caring place. Well... now we have a new kind of opportunity in the storytelling hour of our Saturday night coffeehouse.

Having participated now in the first ‘episode’ of this story hour, I feel compelled to encourage everyone to take part in this novel way of being in community together. I found it to be a joyful and profound privilege to be able to speak from the heart and share deeply felt memories, knowing that I was in a safe place with people I cared about.

The act of looking back or maybe it’s looking inward in the present and then finding the words to tell a story about that is an affirming exercise for the writer and a generous act of sharing with your friends in our beloved community. I know I, for one, am anxiously looking forward to hearing our Dear Ones’ stories and I’m anticipating heartfelt and maybe surprising tales, joyful even LOL humor and deeply moving memories. Check out the themes and look inward for that story we’d all love to hear from you.” —Fondly, Beth Strootman

Worship, Small Group, and Storytelling Themes for 2020-2021

September: Renewal

October: Deep Listening

November: Healing

December: Stillness

January: Imagination

February: Beloved Community

March: Commitment

April: Becoming

May: Story

June: Play

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MSUS October Events

V OLU ME 54 , IS SU E 2

“Radical welcoming extends beyond simply letting folks in the door. It also means that the congregation is willing to be changed by those who come in.” (Rev. Lisa Presley, MidAmerica Region)

In our MSUS community across all ages we build authentic connections across lines of difference and provide radical hospitality for all.

At our August retreat, the board selected this end statement from our Vision as a priority for this church year. Making this real means appreciating the strong connections we already have and opening ourselves to building authentic connections with others who may bring varied gifts to our community. The challenge is to understand what it means to provide radical hospitality to all who come through our door, whether that door is actual or virtual.

Rev. Stephanie Spellers of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston describes invitation, inclusion and radical welcome as different ways of welcoming all who enter. In her book, Radical Welcome, she describes how the practice of invitation or inclusion or radical welcome leads to very different experiences for visitors and for members of the congregation.

The central message of invitation is: “Come join our community, and share our cultural values and heritage.” The

result may be “healthy numbers… But the institution and its members are overwhelmingly monocultural” and will tend to attract others who are like them.

The message of inclusion is: “Help us be diverse.” This leads to a “revolving door with people coming from the margins, only to stay on the fringes or leave. The institutional structure remains monocultural, with some pockets of difference.”

The message of radical welcome is: “Bring your culture, your voice, your whole authentic self – we want to engage in a truly mutual relationship.” The result of this can be “a transformed and transforming community with open doors and open hearts. Different groups share power and shape identity, leadership, worship, ministries and commitment to mission.”

Moving from a practice of invitation to one of radical welcome will take intention, insight and genuine effort.

What do people see when they come into our physical space? What dominant culture is evident? If someone (member or visitor) is not part of that culture, will they feel unwelcome? If someone is differently abled, will the space allow them equal access?

Will we meet differences with respect and interest? Is everyone’s story listened to with open hearts? Are the gifts of others valued even if those gifts are very different from our own?

What are the unconscious messages built into the MSUS leadership structures that demonstrate what MSUS values? Who holds power? Who influences decisions? Do all people feel they have a voice and can help direct the future of the congregation? Is the congregation open to discomfort?

The staff and board will be offering programs and a Congregational Forum in October to help us dig deeper into these questions. Our MSUS Vision calls us to move towards a practice of radical hospitality where we can sincerely say that all are welcome here in their whole authentic selves as part of a healthy transforming and growing community.

May it be so.

Warmly, Lynne and Katie President and Vice President, MSUS Board

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LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES by Lynne Schuman and Katie Johnson

“Bring your culture, your voice, your

whole authentic self – we want to

engage in a truly mutual relationship.”

M I CHA EL SE RV ET US U NI TA RIA N S OCI ET Y

The MSUS Board usually meets monthly via Zoom from September – June. Check the MSUS calendar to confirm the date and time for a given month. Board meetings are normally open to MSUS members. Questions? Please contact any current Board member.

“If your congregation defines its purpose as a religious or spiritu-al community, it is time to think bigger.” Tom Schade challenges us to develop the habits of our liberal faith within and beyond our congregations. We will reflect on the UU World article “Religious Community is Not Enough” (available online) and ex-plore how thinking of a much bigger purpose could transform ourselves and the congregation.

David Rynick says, “Welcoming people to our congregations isn’t a duty; it’s a way to encounter the mystery and wonder of life.” We ask you to read the 3-page article in the UU World titled, “The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality” (available online). Rev. Laura will guide a conversation about hospitality that goes far beyond a hospitality team or greeters at the door.

“The Call Within: Dismantling Racism from the Inside Out,” Online gathering

Wednesday, October 7th and Thursday, October 8th, 6:00-7:30 pm (Registration Required)

This gathering is hosted by The Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Ph.D. who is Senior Minister of Middle Collegiate Church. Rev. Lewis is an activist, preacher, author, and fierce advocate for racial equality, economic justice, and LGBTQ

equality. Middle Collegiate Church is known among UUs for hosting the annual Revolutionary Love Conference. Indigenous authors and leaders Kaitlin Curtice and Mark Charles will guide the conversation Wednesday. On Thursday, author and activist V, formerly Eve Ensler, will be a guest. There is suggested preparation for this gathering. This is a two-day event and costs $20 to register. MSUS will gladly pay for anyone who finds the registration fee restrictive.

Contact Rev. Laura for registration funds. Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-call-within-dismantling-racism-from-the-inside-out-tickets-115273857210?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch for more information and registration.

Following the last session Rev. Laura will host a time to debrief and share what we learned and what impacted us.

Thursday, October 8th, 7:45 to 8:45 pm, MSUS zoom room.

our Ministerial Intern. They will create a safe place where Lisa can succeed and fail, reflect on how she is creating a ministry here with us, and encourage her to be the visionary minister she has been called to be.

We have also assembled a COVID Task Force with Lois Burnett, Dana Cousins, and Liz Haworth serving along with Rev. Laura Smidzik. The Board of Trustees voted to keep the MSUS building closed until the end of the calendar year. The Task Force will develop immediate guidelines for staff and the occasional board member or building and grounds volunteers who need to be in the

Sometimes there is a need to add additional task forces and committees in response to what is

happening in the congregation. We want to thank Anna Landes Benz, Sarah Greene, Polly Philblad, Chad Snyder and Jenn Grilliot (as the chair) of the Ministerial Internship Committee. This committee is required by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC). Committee members have committed to two years of supporting Lisa Myers as

building. No one else should enter the building. Protocol will be posted on the doors of the church as well as on a table when you enter the building. The Task Force will also advise the Board on whether there should be changes in our policy or not for the Spring of 2021. There is a chance that we will be sending out a survey to gauge congregants’ perspective on opening the building in small, incremental steps. As a faith community, our standards around this decision are higher than businesses or public buildings. If you have an interest in serving on this task force, contact Rev. Laura Smidzik.

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Conversations on Radical Hospitality

Continue to Learn about Dismantling Racism and White Supremacy

Thank You to the COVID Task Force and the Ministerial Internship Committee

Mondays, October 5 and October 12, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Come to one or both!

The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality, October 12th Religious Community is Not Enough, October 5th

During the series Transgender Inclusion in Congregations, Kari volunteered to join us for a Q & A session. Kari has trained on what she calls “Transgender 101” and also opened her heart to us during the Pride service this past June. Bring your questions and deep listening skills to a night of sharing and learning.

Q & A with MSUS Member, Kari James DeWolfe Thursday, October 22, 7:00-8:30 pm

V OLU ME 54 , IS SU E 2

Primary Business Address

Address Line 2

MI CHAEL SERVETUS

UNIT ARIAN SOCI ETY

Phone: 555-555-5555

Fax: 555-555-5555

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.

Drawing on the shared values of Mindful Interdependence, Authentic Curiosity, and Courageous Love we re-commit ourselves to living out our mission and to making real our shared values and aspirations. Submissions for the Newsletter need to

be emailed to office@msuu.org. Deadline for the November Newsletter is noon, October 20, 2020.

Announcements for all services need to be emailed to Rev. Laura at revlaura@msuu.org by Friday evening.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Minister:

Rev. Laura Smidzik RevLaura@msuu.org

Office hours are virtual and 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.

Director of Religious Education

Jess Hunt DRE @msuu.org

Please contact Jess by email for an appointment.

Office Administrator / Bookkeeper:

Elizabeth Hughes Hitomi office@msuu.org

If assistance is needed, please email office@msuu.org. In building

emergencies, please call 763-334-3212 and immediate services will be

provided.

Music Director:

Bruce Van Bronkhorst music@msuu.org

Please contact Bruce by email for an appointment.

Ministerial Intern

Lisa Myers min-intern@msuu.org

Please contact Lisa by email for an appointment.

2020—21

Board of

Trustees

Lynne Schuman Trustees Lois Burnett President

Katie Johnson Lauren Culbert Vice President

Janice Vassar Pat Ferrian Treasurer

Andrea Zander

Recording Secretary: Brian Hill, Non-Board Position