FORUM: “Journeyman: American Boys at a Crossroad”

Presenter: Kevin Obsatz

We will preview a segment of the film "Journeyman," a one-hour documentary about rites of passage, mentoring, and male culture in America. The film examines an emotional and social crisis evident in American boys that is finally emerging into our cultural consciousness due to the ever-increasing problem of gang violence and academic failure among America’s teenage boys. Journeyman will soon be shown on public television stations. Kevin Obsatz, the cinematographer, codirector and editor of Journeyman, will speak with us about the film and the issues it raises.

ASSEMBLY: “A View from the Curb”

Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Kay Jorgensen

This assembly will be led by The Faithful Fools Street Ministry, co-founded by Sr. Carmen Barsody OSF of Little Falls, MN, and UU minister Kay Jorgensen, who will be preaching. Kay came to Unitarian Universalism through the Society and was ordained here at FUS in 1987. This is the ten-year anniversary of the work of the Fools, which reaches to Nicaragua, Vancouver, Canada and other cities around the United States. Music will be presented by Will Agar and Mary Stoyke. They have been associated with the Society for about 35 years and they have been popular musicians in Minneapolis through live performances in many venues and by the release of their music on CDs.

FORUM: “Mothers for Peace”

Presenter: The Women’s Awareness Group and the Social Action Committee

“Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have taught them of charity, mercy and patience,” Julia Ward Howe, 1870. Mother’s Day was first organized 138 years ago by abolitionist, suffragette and poet Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 she organized a Mother’s Day for Peace to promote peace and speak out against war. On May 11, 2008, we at FUS will honor the work of mothers and all others who teach patience, charity and mercy. There will be poetry, songs and words of inspiration from our members.

ASSEMBLY: “Songs My Mother Taught Me” - Music Sunday

Performing: The FUS Chorus and Orchestra

A tribute to motherhood. The FUS Chorus and Orchestra will present beautiful music to honor all mothers. Come and enjoy this morning as we celebrate Mother’s Day with highly spirited gypsy songs and dances!

“Idylle” from Suite Pastorale by Emmanuel Chabrier
Romanian Folk Dances by Bela Bartok Gypsy Songs by Antonin Dvorak

The Monthly Social Justice Collection gathered today will be directed to social justice scholarships for youth.

FORUM: “Men Against Destruction — Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder (MAD DADS)”

Presenter: V J Smith, President of the Minneapolis Chapter of MAD DADS

The Minneapolis Chapter of MAD DADS seeks to bring about positive change, and encourages, motivates and guides committed men and women in the struggle to save children, communities and themselves from the social ills that presently plague neighborhoods.

ASSEMBLY: “Youth Service”

Speaker: FUS Youth

Come see and hear a group of talened FUS youth. In true youth style, the topic is yet to be determined, but if you have been to other youth services, you know that the youth always present an insightful and meaningful service. Combined into this service will be Flower Communion and OWL recognition. Simply your presence will support our youth. Don’t miss this chance!!

FORUM: “Winter Soldier”

Presenter: Brandon Day

Brandon Day, leader of Iraq Vets Against War, Minnesota Chapter, will share his experience as a recent participant in “Winter Soldier.” He was one of the hundreds of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who traveled to the D.C. area between March 13 and 16 to provide testimony of their experiences at “Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan.” The event was named “Winter Soldier” to honor a similar gathering 30 years ago of veterans of the Vietnam War. “Winter” soldiers, according to founding father Thomas Paine, are the people who stand up for the soul of their country, even in its darkest hours. Brandon has an important story for all to hear.

ASSEMBLY: “The Next Monument”

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons

Like many of my Boomer generation, I consider Maya Lin’s somber black granite slash in the earth engraved with the names of all the soldiers who died in Vietnam to be a brilliant memorial, physically evoking our national ambiguity about that tragic war. One day in the not-so-distant future, our collective consciousness will be called upon to create a monument to the devastation now unfolding for half a decade in Iraq. What haunted emotions will we want that structure to elicit in the beholder? How does one remember the nobility of human heroism and the unconscionable waste of human lives in the same moment of awareness? Memorial Day weekend seems the appropriate time to consider such questions. This Assembly will be followed by a sermon discussion.

FORUM: “Immigrant Rights”

Presenter: The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Coalition (MIRAC)

We will be hearing from a member of MIRAC about federal and state issues of the immigrant population of Minnesota including legalization, deportations, use of public services and equity.

ASSEMBLY: “Bread for the Journey”

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons

I am always struck by the careful thought with which serious backpackers decide what to take with them on a camping adventure, and the consequences of what they choose to bring along or leave behind. What about our life journeys? How do we prepare for them, what is essential to bring with us, and what sustenance might we find along the way? We will celebrate the reception of new members at this Assembly.