by adminuucm

Minister’s Message 4/28/21

This week’s message reflects on the experience of languishing in our often too-full world. Rev. Lisa explores the idea of lying fallow as a way to restore and renourish our lives, and to prepare for our next chapter of becoming. 

You are also invited to view an introduction and link to this month’s UUConnectMonthly newsletter, below Rev. Lisa’s message.

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Click on the picture above to view Rev. Lisa’s weekly video message.

Screen Shot 2021-04-28 at 5.38.24 PMApril 2021, Volume 4: UUConnect Monthly

In this edition of the UUConnectMonthly Newsletter, we reflect on April’s theme of ‘Becoming.’ Celebrate our high school seniors as they become high school graduates, enjoy photography and Haikus from members and friends, see our youth hunt for Easter Eggs beneath the budding trees on the grounds of UUCM, and observe Social Justice in Action at recent events in our committee. Details on becoming a contributor to an upcoming newsletter can be found on the newsletter’s final page or in a current UUCM Friday Update.

Grateful to connect with you,
Stephanie Siewert and Lori Arnold – uuconnectmonthly@uucmtka.org

by adminuucm

Minister’s Message 4/21/21

This week’s message reflects on the range of emotions following the Chauvin verdict. Rev. Lisa shares what it means to live in a both/and moment and highlights opportunities coming up from UUCM’s Racial Justice Team for continuing the work together.

Please see below Rev. Lisa’s message to register for tonight’s online National UU Post-Verdict Vigil and learn more about the in-person outdoor vigil at UUCM on Friday.

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Click on the picture above to view Rev. Lisa’s weekly video message.

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In Grief, Rage, and Hope:
A National UU Post-Verdict Vigil
Tonight, April 21 at 7:30 PM
Register: https://bit.ly/2Qpo6IF
Join the UUA, Side with Love, Black Lives of UU and DRUUMM for a virtual vigil in response to the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of killing George Floyd. The webinar will also be livestreamed to UUA and other cohosts’ Facebook pages as well. All are welcome to join through whichever platform you prefer.

Vigil for Reflection and Healing at UUCM
This Friday, April 23 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM
As we continue the journey of racial justice for our community, many of us are relieved that the trial of Derek Chauvin has ended with a measure of justice for George Floyd. At the same time, we have anguish for the killing of Daunte Wright, and concern for our community around the upcoming trials of Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane. 

If you are comfortable coming together outside to recognize and hold space for these momentous events, please join us at UUCM on Friday April 23rd at from 7:00 to 8:00 with a short program at 7:30. We will be outside, socially distanced and wearing masks. Please bring a chair if you are able. 

by adminuucm

Minister’s Message 4/14/21

This week’s message speaks to our grief and rage at the killing of Daunte Wright. Rev. Lisa reflects on our call to stay in the struggle for justice and liberation and a world where Black Lives Matter. 

UUCM has been paying attention to the opportunities for us to respond in community. Please see this link for community resources, ways to support the Wright family, and avenues for action and advocacy. Keep connected with the Friday Update and UUCM Happenings to learn more in the days ahead.  

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Click on the picture above to view Rev. Lisa’s weekly video message.

by adminuucm

Community Resources in the Wake of the Killing of Daunte Wright

UUCM has been paying attention to the opportunities for us to respond in community. Please see below for community resources, ways to support the Wright family, and avenues for action and advocacy. Keep connected with the Friday Update and UUCM Happenings to learn more in the days ahead.  

MN Coalition for Justice For George Floyd & All Stolen Lives Demands Police Accountability Bills

A growing coalition of community groups including Communities United Against Police Brutality, Minnesota Disability Justice Network, Minnesota Justice Coalition, Racial Justice Network, Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar, Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence and Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Minnesota demands police accountability and an end to police violence. Click here to learn more about the bill and show your support.

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A 20-year-old Black man was shot and killed by police this past Sunday in Brooklyn Center. The specifics surrounding the shooting are still under investigation. However, the result is the same: another Black man killed by police.

His name is Daunte Wright. We extend our sincere condolences to Daunte’s family. We all will process and react to this differently. Some will experience re-traumatization; others will feel a sense of hopelessness, rage, sadness, frustration and disappointment.

Whatever your response is, we want to make sure you have the support and resources necessary to deal with this effectively. Our mission is to respond to emergency needs, and for some this is an emergency. Therefore, here is a list of resources available to those who need support.

Resources button

As a community I want to remind us that “everyone counts; everyone has an irreplaceable role to play.”

Your ED,

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Kevin Ward        
Executive Director

Screen Shot 2021-04-14 at 6.19.09 PMThis is a full video of the vigil yesterday, Monday, April 12, 2021, with clergy and family of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center MN. Thank you to UU clergy and lay faith leaders able to be there, with interfaith movement chaplains. 

What brings you to tears may be different than what brought me to tears… but if you need a space to mourn (not that there’s any shortage of that for many), here is one. And if you need to connect, please reach out, we are here. 

Standing in a circle of faith leaders, watching the little boy enjoying an LED votive candle held by a family member, who switched off and re-lit the candle, again and again, for the toddler to “blow out.” Tears, prayers, and a few well-warranted swears from beloved movement clergy who speak so well. But what seared my heart was this beautiful child, practicing a ritual of birthdays. May he grow old and gray.

“Mourn the dead… and fight like hell for the living” – Mother Jones

How can I help?

Contacting officials and representatives to demand Justice for Daunte

Donating to Daunte Wright’s son & widow for care

Donating to Daunte Wright’s family for funeral expenses

Donating goods or money for mutual aid in Brooklyn Center

Changing the policies & culture of policing (across Minnesota)

Changing the policies & culture of policing (specific to Minneapolis)

For Minneapolis residents, learn more about how to change the Charter Amendment which impacts policing rules for your city:  Join Elliott Altbaum (who grew up in Minneapolis’ First Universalist congregation, by the way!),  ISAIAH’s Young Adult Coalition leader, for one of the following Public Safety Charter Amendment and Caucus Trainings “to find an answer to our despair and create a future for Minneapolis. Join us for a conversation about what is possible and to build the power we need to win”:

TONIGHT, April 13th from 6:30-8:30pm

Tuesday April 20th from 6:30-8:30pm

Thursday April 22nd from 6:30-8:30pm
 

May we all grow old and gray, and find solace in the growing. 

Karen Wills, Executive Director
director@muusja.org