Even though spring is around the corner, bird song fills the air, crocuses are poking up out of the ground, and the days are getting longer, this is still a challenging season. Testimony in the trial of Derek Chauvin began this week and many of us are reliving the pain, outrage, and trauma of last year. Of course, this case touches upon generational pain and trauma, and police violence and brutality being just one expression of white supremacy culture. 

And while I’m grateful that more and more of us are able to be vaccinated, the race to find an appointment to secure the vaccine is unnerving and anxiety-producing in its own way, isn’t it? When we look around our own country and abroad, we see the great disparities in how the vaccine is being rolled out; disparities in who is receiving the vaccine, which bodies, countries and nations are “worthy” of the vaccine. 

We have such a long way to go to build the world we dream of. In our dreams, in our faith community, in the words of organizers, activists, poets, artists, and prophetic people, we catch a glimpse of what might be - a world where every body matters, where every body is understood as whole, holy, and sacred.

As we approach the story of Easter, a time of new life, rebirth, and resurrection, in the face of state sanctioned violence and brutality, I’ve been drawing strength from the words of my colleague, the Rev. Theresa I. Soto. They write:

-I cannot prove to you

Beloveds, be gentle with yourselves this week, and in the weeks to come. And join us this Sunday at 10 a.m., or Wednesday at 7 p.m., to recreate the living body of this faith community, and to know yourself as whole, holy, and sacred.

I’ll “see” you in church,

Rev. Justin Schroeder

Co-Senior Minister

First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

Join Rev. Justin for a midweek worship experience for adults and older youth. This service is a brief time (20-30 minutes) of connection, centering, and reflection to help us find and keep our balance.

Enter the Wednesday Zoom webinar here. (webinar ID: 117-312-320). To join by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the webinar ID.

Post-service Care Companions space (7:30 p.m.): Join the Zoom gathering here.

Our hearts are with Kim Kindler and Jim Poulter, their children Will, Ellen, and Charlie, and their whole family on the death of Kim’s mother, Trudy, this past week.

If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, or celebrating a joy­, please let us know. To be included in our Cycle of Life each Sunday in worship, or if you would like support, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.

To care is an embodied act. When we truly care, our bodies show it: we might make eye contact, ask, “how are you — really?,” welcome salty tears, outstretch our arms toward another and just be together. This instinct to care is written deep in our DNA. Our ancestors cared for those who didn’t add any economic benefit to the community simply because they were understood to be an integral part of the community. So what is it, Rev. Karen asks, that keeps us from showing care for or about others, like the person holding an “anything helps” sign at the intersection, or victims of violence in all its forms? Our subconscious minds tell us that we must conform to societal norms of passive or temporary care. But what might change in us and in our world if, instead of following the rules of arms-length care, we acted upon our deeper, ancient instincts of an embodied, present, healing care?

Listen to the podcast on Podbean or on Spotify, watch the entire service on YouTube, and find materials for further reflection in Sunday's Order of Service.

Image description: Still photo from the YouTube video of Zoom worship on Sunday, March 28.

"Not everything is lost. Responsibility cannot be lost, it can only be abdicated. If one refuses abdication, one begins again.” – James Baldwin, Just Above My Head

It’s been suggested that the spiritual practice of accountability is being answerable to someone who helps you stay on target for your spiritual goals and your other life endeavors. In this frame, accountability is something that happens between two people (or a small group of people) who are open, honest, and transparent with each other about what is really happening in their lives, the struggles they are facing, and how they are responding. Together, they check in on each other, encourage each other, and remind each other of the promises and commitments they’ve made. Who are you accountable to in your life?

In the political framework, we speak about holding our elected officials accountable to the will of the people, particularly those most impacted by various injustices, as opposed to elected officials being accountable to corporate interests or a select group of citizens.

Closer to our (religious and spiritual) home, the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism says, “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountability dismantles racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

In all of these framings, accountability is a kind of responsibility - to be responsible to one’s own heart and goals, to be responsible to those one represents, and to be responsible for creating the Beloved Community.

Accountability and responsibility can be abdicated. But if we refuse abdication and choose accountability, then we begin again. We choose to change our behaviors and institutions. We tell the truth about how we have fallen short and listen to the truth of those we have impacted. We care for those around us and center those who have been most impacted by our actions. This is how we begin again in accountable relationships.

In this moving video, member Chris Tanita shares a story about how her church family was there for her in a time of need, and encourages fellow members and friends to support the church as generously as they are able in this year's Annual Giving Campaign, which runs through Sunday, April 18.

Image description: Still photo from the video of Chris Tanita. Chris is a white woman with brown hair. She is wearing glasses and a blue shirt and is looking at the camera.

By Rev. Andrea Johnson, who serves the Minnesota Valley Unitarian Fellowship as its Minister of Congregational Programs. Rev. Andrea joined our church in 2001.

I was on the Search Committee that chose Justin Schroeder 12 years ago. It was an experience that was life changing for both of us and this congregation. Justin was ordained at First Universalist and began his first called ministry with us. He celebrated the births and child dedications of he and Juliana’s two sons, Tucker and Jesse, learned to brew kombucha and livened up our annual pledge campaigns with prizes and a bouncy castle for the kids! I am most proud of his steadfast and tireless work to move us towards becoming a radically welcoming, inclusive and multicultural congregation and one that is committed to dismantling white supremacy culture and all of its resulting oppressions. Justin has been a kind, warm, open-hearted and joyful presence to our congregation. I will miss the vulnerability, stories and wisdom he often shares from the pulpit.

When I was discerning my own call to ministry, I remember telling Justin that I didn’t think I could preach because I didn’t have a creative writing degree like he did. With a big smile on his face and a slight laugh he said, “Andrea, you know I’ve been at this preaching awhile. Preaching is also about practice and is a skill that can be learned. Live in the full cycle of life and leave room for new skills and creativity to emerge.” So, I did and have been following the call of love ever since! May we all be blessed and be a blessing on the journey that lies ahead.

By Richard Jaeger. Richard grew up attending a Unitarian church on Long Island in Freeport, New York. He’s been attending First Universalist Church since shortly after moving to the Twin Cities over 20 years ago. Richard and his wife Jennifer have raised their two sons Benjamin and Elliott as UUs in our church.

Dear Congregation,

It was a strange way to start a relationship with the new senior minister. In 2012 I was asked to be the auctioneer at the annual church fundraising auction. Justin was still pretty new at our church but I thought I’d have a little fun and impersonate the minister. I wore his gray-green suit and blue tie that you’d probably recognize. I did a pretty edgy act and may have crossed the line a couple of times. Everyone seemed to have fun. There were lots of laughs and Justin laughed right along with us. Justin gets joy in laughing with others but is also able to laugh at himself. I do wonder why we never had another auction though.

Several years later Justin asked me to take on a three-year commitment to serve on the pledge team. This was really challenging for me. I thought Justin was just getting back at me for my impersonation of him. In reality he saw potential in me that I couldn’t see. The pledge team worked closely with Justin and I got to appreciate his leadership in a new way. Justin knew when to guide us and when to listen and when to let us lead.

Justin has had the courage to put the health of the church and its moral direction first. As a leader of a big church, Justin could never make everyone happy. But that didn’t stop him from taking us in new directions. He led us in the movement toward marriage equality, racial equity, Black Lives Matter, immigration reform, and renaming Bde Maka Ska. In addition, Justin moved to co-ministry with Rev. Jen Crow, allowing us to benefit from the diverse talents of two leaders. First Universalist is a healthy, vibrant and impactful church in large part due to Justin’s leadership and his passionate commitment to our church and its power for change in the world. Thank you Justin.

Dear Justin,

You’ve chosen a new path filled with joy and fun and challenge, a path that will enable you to share your love and passion with your family fully and without distraction. What a wonderful gift you are giving your family and yourself. Of course you will be missed; you have shared your heart and soul with us, but you must have chosen this new path wisely and with careful discernment. Thanks to Juliana, Tucker and Jesse for sharing you with us for all these years. It’s family time now. Enjoy.

Sincerely,

Richard Jaeger

Rev. Justin would love to have videos from First U members bidding him farewell. These videos are sure to be a treasure that he will enjoy for years to come as he looks back on his time with us. If you are interested in saying your Good Goodbye via video, send it to Justin using wetransfer.com (you don't have to create an account to use it; scroll to the bottom of the page and select "I just want to send files.") When prompted, enter Justin's email address, justin@firstuniv.org, and easily upload your video. Justin will be able to save and view these permanently. We ask that your video be no more than three to five minutes and that you submit it by June 6. If you have questions or need help, feel free to email Frederic MacDonald-Dennis at fmacden@gmail.com or Ben Cooper at ben@bcooper.org.

Also, feel free to send a good goodbye email directly to Justin at justin@firstuniv.org. And remember,  letters, notes, and cards are welcome. There’s a special keepsake box in Justin's office so he can receive them any time and enjoy reading them now and in the future. Send them to: Rev. Justin Schroeder, 3400 Dupont Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408. These communications may of course include words to Juliana, Tucker and Jesse. 

The Good Goodbye team has gotten a small gift for Justin, on behalf of the congregation. But some of you have asked if individual monetary gifts may be made. Of course they may and the question is not a surprising one. We are a congregation of generous, loving spirits. If the spirit moves you, the details below give instructions. But please, feel no obligation. Justin is feeling the love coming from us all in so many ways. 

Electronic gifts for Justin can be made here. Checks can be sent to the church with "Justin's Goodbye" in the memo line. Any questions can be directed to Finance Assistant, Chelsea Bertsch at chelsea@firstuniv.org. Please note that such gifts are not tax deductible donations; and they are separate from ongoing church support.

If you have questions or comments about the Good Goodbye (GG) plans, please contact a member of the GG Team: Ginny McAninch, chair; Bette DeMars, Lena K. Gardner, Nancy Gaschott, Rich Jaeger, Frederic MacDonald-Dennis, and Karin Wille. Ginny McAninch can be reached by email at ginny.mc1947@gmail.com. Together, we will create a good goodbye!

The Faithful Action Council is happy to announce the April edition of our monthly Faithful Action newsletter! This newsletter contains information about our Faithful Action Community Partners and provides concrete ways to get involved and take action through our Faithful Action Community Partner organizations. Each month, this newsletter highlights invitations to volunteer, advocate, give, and learn with others at First Universalist and in our broader community through the work of our partner organizations.

Our current Faithful Action Community Partners are Augsburg Fairview Academy, Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, Habitat for Humanity, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, Simpson Housing, the Sanctuary and Resistance team, and The Alafia Foundation/the Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Engagement (CLNE.) You can learn more about these organizations and about how to get involved in their work in our April Faithful Action Newsletter.

The care team at First Universalist is here to help in a whole lot of ways—from phone calls to say we’re thinking about you to a listening ear when you need someone to accompany you through whatever’s happening in your life. COVID-19 has changed some of the ways we provide care, but there is a lot we’re still doing. Here is one of the ways we’re here to provide support:

We Care Love Kits

In March 2020, we created Love Kits as a way to provide some resources and support to folks who were isolated, experiencing loss, families having a difficult time with the reality of COVID, and those experiencing hospitalization or illness in this time of enforced distance.

If you would like to receive a Love Kit, or if you would like to access any of our other caring resources, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org 

If you’re ready to officially become a member of the church, we invite you to sign up for our upcoming Pathway to Membership session on Sunday, April 11, 1 – 4 p.m.

Through a combination of individual, small, and large group activities, we’ll help you understand membership at church and what it means to join the river of faith that is our collective religious life. This session, in preparation for our April 25 New Member Ceremony, will be led by Membership Coordinator, Liz Farmer. Those registered will receive additional details and the Zoom information via email. Please reach out to Liz with any questions at liz@firstuniv.org. Register here!

Join the Zoom gathering here.

Meeting ID: 892 7317 6946; Passcode: 825136

Join the Zoom gathering here.

Meeting ID: 814 6743 2711; Passcode: 772008

An invitation from the Sanctuary and Resistance Team at First Universalist Church:

Come stand in solidarity with families impacted by our unjust immigration system at a morning vigil co-hosted by First Universalist Church and MUUSJA in collaboration with the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration (ICOM). The vigil will take place at the Whipple Building (1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling) and via Zoom on Tuesday, April 13, from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. The theme is "Solidarity, Sanctuary and Resistance." We stand in Solidarity with families and loved ones who are detained and deported. We walk with, accompany, and provide Sanctuary for those who are directly impacted by injustice. We band in Resistance to the injustice of the immigration system, and work for system change.

We work to create a world community with peace, liberty and justice for all, with respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part of.

The vigil will include members of the metro UU congregations including Karen Wills and others from MUUSJA. Members of the First U Sanctuary and Resistance Team, including Jeanne Guignon, Joan Naymark, Owen Saarinen, Heidi Romanish, and Rev. Justin Schroeder, will attend in person at the Whipple Building. Rev. Justin will be leading the Opening of the Vigil. The vigil will be socially distanced, outside, with masks, on what will hopefully be a beautiful spring morning! With questions or for more information, email Heidi Romanish at hromanish@gmail.com

Join the Zoom gathering here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83964692439

Meeting ID: 839 6469 2439

The First Universalist Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.. The Board meets the third Thursday of most months at 6:30 p.m. The Board is currently meeting on Zoom. Information about the April Board meeting, including the agenda and Zoom information, will be available on our website prior to the April 15 meeting.

Julie Neraas, spiritual director and author of several books, is leading a series of four workshops on hope: what it is, how to cultivate it, and how to sustain it. As she writes, “Hope is a stupendous human quality, and in this challenging time in our complicated world, it may be our greatest need, its viability our greatest question."

This series is co-sponsored by the Association of Universalist Women (AUW) and the Young Adult group. To help defray costs, we’re inviting participants to contribute as you’re able: no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. We will be recording the workshop and it will be available to those who register in case participants are unable to attend all four sessions.

Hope might be one of the most important spiritual disciplines we can cultivate right now, so please do sign-up for this series here.

Newcomer Circles are four-session gatherings of 6-8 participants who are new-ish to First Universalist. If you’ve been joining us for worship or participating in small groups or other gatherings for a few months, we invite you to consider signing up for a Newcomer Circle. This is a great way to deepen your connection to the church and to meet others who are also early in their journey with the congregation. The next Newcomers Circle will take place on Thursdays, May 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 5–6:30 p.m. Register here. If you’re brand new to us or simply testing the waters, we invite you to start by attending First Step, a brief orientation offered every first and third Sunday of the month, or by dropping into our post-worship fellowship hours.

Would you be interested in a low-commitment opportunity to connect with other adults who raised or are raising LGBTQ+ youth? Gather for conversation and encouragement as we seek to celebrate and support our kids in being themselves and navigating the world.

This will be a confidential meeting space. We'll meet on Zoom for our second gathering on Sunday, April 11 at noon. To join, please email lauren@firstuniv.org.

Tangled Blessings is a weekly grief group where participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. Through sharing, silence, ritual, and reflection, we will offer each other support and companionship. You are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions. Registration is requested. You can register here.

You can find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Partners in our April Faithful Action Newsletter. The newsletter contains opportunities to connect through volunteering, donating, advocating, and learning. Our Faithful Action Partners are community organizations that share our vision of love and justice. We work through Faithful Action Partnerships in order to leverage our energy, commitment and expertise. You can find more information about our Faithful Action Partnerships on our website.

Save the Date! Mental Health Connect's Breakfast of Hope will be held on Thursday, May 20, 8:30–9:30 a.m. and will feature Kelli Nielsen, The Grief Guru, and Joe Davis.

Spiritual Care - Your ministers and program staff are here for one-on-one confidential conversations of support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us to connect. 

Counseling - The Walk In Counseling Center offers free counseling by phone or computer. Find out how to “walk in” on their website.

Cycle of Life - Every Sunday we name the challenges and joys that we are experiencing. If you would like us to name your joy or sorrow in worship on Sunday, please let Rev. Arif know (arif@firstuniv.org)

Love Kits - Are you or someone you love ill? Is your family struggling? Do you live alone or feel isolated? Do you know someone else from church who might be? If so, please let Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.

Meal Trains - If you or someone you know at church would welcome a meal to help them through a difficult time, loss, illness or injury — and having someone else do the cooking for a bit would help —please let us know. Contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org.

Minister’s Emergency Fund - For many of us, these are difficult financial times. If you need help with a car repair bill, making rent, a doctor’s bill, groceries, gas, a mortgage payment, affording your medication, a bus card, or any other financial situation - please be in touch. We have financial resources available. Please contact a minister/staff member. 

Mental Health Connect - www.mhconnect.org - Need help finding a therapist? Want to learn more about particular mental health conditions and resources? Check out Mental Health Connect, a local organization supported by congregations like ours, that provides community-based resources, support and education to improve access to mental health services and connect individuals and families with the services they need.