First Universalist Churchof Minneapolis
In the Universalist spirit of love and hope,
we give, receive and grow.

On September 11th, 2011, during our Sunday morning worship services, we “launched” 10 Hope Journals into the congregation. Ten journals, in honor of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.

We know what the story since September 11, 2001 has been: Wars in Iraq and in Afghanistan, an erosion of our civil liberties, an unfortunate rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, economic upheaval, and much more. In many ways, it’s been a painful and heartbreaking ten years.

As people of faith, we believe it’s time to write a new story. A story about reconciliation, hope, compassion, forgiveness, and peace, as we look to the next ten years. And that’s what this journal is about. It a place to record and collect hopes, dreams, and commitments for the next ten years. 

Here are the instructions in the journal.

Journal Instructions

If you are holding this journal in your hands, we’re glad you have it! Please add to the Hope Story we’re creating. We invite you to write down your hopes and dreams for what the next ten years might look like in our country and the world. You might paste a relevant poem in these pages, or add a meaningful photograph, or even draw your hopes and dreams. If you have children, pull out the crayons and get creative! 

After you’ve added your contribution, please pass this journal on to another friend or acquaintance, and invite them to pass it along when they’re done. The goal is to have as many people as possible contribute to these journals, whether they are from First Universalist or not. 

Return Date: Please return the journal to First Universalist Church by August 1, 2012. In September of 2012, we’ll share stories and highlights from this journal (no identifying information without permission) and others in one of our Sunday services, as a way to inspire us to truly create the future we dream of. If you can’t drop the journal off, please mail it to us:  First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, 3400 Dupont Ave S.Minneapolis, MN55409 

Tracking the Journal: Let us know you've touched and written in this journal. Send us a Tweet on Twitter. Find us on Facebook. Or visit us on the web. 

Blessings to you! 

Rev. Justin Schroeder and the entire First Universalist staff