MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP |
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Sunday, June 27, 10 a.m.
"Until Love Wins"
UUA General Assembly Worship led by First Universalist
This Sunday, First Universalist will lead the Sunday Service for the Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly, our worldwide virtual gathering. The service is titled, "Until Love Wins." Today’s challenging times require a nimble and resilient spirituality. We need a demanding, inspiring faith and a love strong enough that it will not let us go. This service will be led by musicians Franco Holder, Aimee K. Bryant, and Dr. Randal Buikema, religious professionals Lauren Wyeth and Julica Hermann de la Fuente, and Revs. Arif Mamdani, Karen Hutt, and Jen Crow. Join us as we draw the circle wide, gather our strength, and promise to stay in the struggle and joy until love wins. This pre-recorded service will be streamed through our usual worship webinar on Zoom and on YouTube live. Rev. Jen will host a welcome time before the service at 9:55 a.m., and then we'll join the recorded service precisely at 10 a.m.
HOW TO JOIN:
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
Post-Worship Gatherings (find details in the Order of Service above)
Religious Education for Children and Youth is on Summer Break.
Information about registration for next church year can be found on our Religious Education website.
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Worship
Sunday, June 27: UUA General Assembly Worship
Wednesday, June 30 Worship with Mark Caswell
Cycle of Life
Sunday, June 20 Recording
Summer Theme: What Now? What Next?
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News & Features
July 4 Worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell
Habitat for Humanity Update
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Happenings
Summer 2021 Programming
Summer Small Groups
Summer Abolition Circles
Plant-Based Potluck
In-Person Worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell
Faithful Action Newsletter
Ongoing Gatherings
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Wednesday Evening Worship |
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Wednesday, June 30, 7 p.m.
Mark Caswell
Join First U member Mark Caswell for a midweek worship experience for adults and older youth. This 30-minute service is a brief time of connection, centering, and reflection to help us find and keep our balance.
About Mark: Mark is a member of First Universalist and attends United Theology Seminary of the Twin Cities. In this congregation, he heard words that broke open his heart and filled it with Love. He feels called to help foster Beloved Community and the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. You may know him from Coming of Age, small circles, or ushering. He hopes to share the same love and kindness that was freely granted him.
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, June 30 between 6:55 and 7 p.m.: 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.
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On Sundays, we gather for prayer and hold each other in our caring embrace. Summer Sundays might find us further afield than other Sundays and so in the spirit of care that we bring to our time prayer, we offer you these words to help you create and mark you own Cycle of Life on Sunday or whenever and wherever these words find you.
Spirit of Life
Spirit of Love
We pause for these moments of reflection and remembering.
We reflect in gratitude for our lives and the countless other beings who help to make our lives possible.
We reflect in compassion for all those suffering right now, whether here in our congregation or in the wider world. We pray that they find a measure of peace and ease.
We hold in our hearts our joys and concerns. As we name them aloud or silently, we add to our heart’s voice these joys and concerns from our congregation.
We hold Peter May in our hearts as he is continuing to fight his cancer but has had a set-back with a stroke on Monday, June 21. He is appreciative of positive thoughts and well wishes.
We offer our care to Bryanna French as she recovers from a successful surgery this week. She welcomes your extension of love and healing support.
As we hold all these prayers in our heart, we pray that the grip of addiction be loosened, that the weight of oppression be lightened, that joy break through, and that love make every suffering bearable for us all.
May it be so, amen.
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.
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Sunday Service Recordings |
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June 20 Worship: "Coming to the Well of Living Water"
with Meadville Lombard Theological School
First Universalist joined Meadville Lombard Theological School (a Unitarian Universalist seminary in Chicago, alma mater of Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Karen Hutt, and Rev. Sara Smalley) on Sunday for a compelling service led by by Rev. Nancy McDonald-Ladd, MDiv ‘04, Senior Minister of River Road UU Congregation in Bethesda, Maryland, and special musical guest Mark Miller, faculty at Drew Theological School and the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University. Through poetry, sacred text, and powerful musical reflections, this service offered nourishment for our parched souls.
Watch/Listen
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Image description: a still image from Sunday, June 20 worship with Meadville Lombard Theological School. |
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Summer Worship Theme: What Now? What Next? |
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For nearly a year and a half now, we’ve been in pandemic reality. As we move into the summer, many of us are asking, “When will we be able to hug friends and family again? Sing together again? Return to church? How will we ensure a more fair and just post-pandemic world? What Now? What Next?”
We are living in the tension of these questions. As people of faith, perhaps we can reshape these questions and ask, “What is the spiritual work right now? What spiritual work comes next? How do we hold grief and gratitude, fear and excitement, uncertainty and new found clarity, all at the same time? How can we go slow, and thoughtfully, trusting that the answers will emerge?”
This summer, in worship, we’ll create space to honor and live with these questions, not rushing toward answers, but engaging in spiritual practices and timeless wisdom, as we prepare our hearts for flesh and blood community, for re-engaging with the world, for doing justice work, hand in hand and side by side, with our neighbors and friends. Read more about our summer worship theme, "What Now? What Next?" on our website.
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July 4 Worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell |
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Join us for outdoor, in-person worship on Sunday, July 4 at the Lake Harriet Bandshell (4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409). We will be reflecting on Langston Hughes' 1935 poem, "Let America Be America Again." There will also be an option to engage with the service virtually for those who are unable to join in-person. Details about how to experience the service virtually will come in next week's Liberal. |
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First U Habitat for Humanity Update |
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Submitted by the First Universalist Habitat for Humanity Team:
The pandemic put the church’s Habitat for Humanity crew on hold for more than a year, but pent-up enthusiasm for building is emerging. The team will have a work day Friday, August 27, at a site to be announced, and then gear up for a full week in the summer of 2022.
Habitat pairs equity and justice by building homes, mostly with volunteer labor. First Universalists say the work is not only rewarding but fun. Friendships develop, skills increase and faith is put into action.
Tom Saterstrom, a long-time Habitat builder, said there’s something special about the community that develops at a Habitat site. Lisa Sinclair, a volunteer for about 30 years, has learned many jobs and loves putting in flooring the most: “It’s satisfying to have it click into place.”
Workers who can’t put up a roof can pick up nails, bring lunch, paint and applaud. People of all genders, young, old, skilled, novices — anybody can help.
Details on signing up to volunteer with Habitat will be printed in an upcoming Liberal.
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Summer is for fun and building community! There are many groups meeting and programs happening at First U this summer, including gatherings for children, youth, and families, a Newcomers Circle, small groups, racial justice programming, a senior hiking group, and meditation and grief groups. As we navigate a summer of thresholds together, our commitment is to be as widely inclusive as possible! Learn more about our Summer 2021 groups and programs in our Summer 2021 Programs Flyer.
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Deepen your connections in a small group this summer! Sunday Small Groups are a chance to gather with others to share what's stirring for you on a Sunday morning, to listen generously to each others' stories and reflections, and to find ourselves, our questions — and perhaps an invitation — within the sacred texts. No fixing, no saving, no advising, no correcting, just the simple act of offering care when others are speaking, and receiving care when it’s our turn to talk. Most of all, small groups are a chance to create and build together a space where all can be authentic in community.
Sunday Small Groups will meet for FOUR sessions: Sundays, July 11 – August 1 from 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. on Zoom. Your attendance at all four sessions is valued and important, and helps your group generate trust, cohesion, and consistency. The groups will be facilitated by First Universalist members and seminary students who are skilled, experienced facilitators.
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Summer 2021 Abolition Circles: Imagining Freedom for All |
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What does abolition and "defunding the police" mean in the context of our Unitarian Universalist faith and personal values? What can we learn from Black feminists and others who understand the impact of policing and mass incarceration and are creating and imagining a world of care and transformative justice that brings safety and freedom for everyone? Join us in this five-week circle to reflect on the wisdom of long-time abolitionists and those exploring ways to create communities and institutions that support the welfare and wellbeing of every person.
Interested in learning more about what abolition means? We don’t have to agree to be open to learning together! There are two day-time 5 week sessions starting in July (one specifically inviting AUW Women) and an evening session yet to be determined. We ask participants to agree to attend the first session. Please register here. Contact Denise Konen at dkonen10@gmail.com with any questions. |
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Backyard Plant-Based Potluck |
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Submitted by Betsy Allis with the EJ Committee Food Solutions Team:
Join the EJ Committee Food Solutions Team for a Backyard Plant-Based Potluck on Tuesday, June 29: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Find more information in this flyer.
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In-Person Worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell |
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With our building under construction, we will continue to worship online on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the summer, just like we have since March 2020.
We also look forward to worshipping with many of you in person, outside at the Lake Harriet Bandshell (4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409) on two more dates this summer:
Sunday, July 4 at 10 a.m.
Sunday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m.
Read the Liberal on the Thursday before each of these services for details!
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June Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Partners in our June 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.
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (June 27 & July 11)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (July 6 & July 20)
Weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. Participation is confidential. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more info contact Dick Young at 952-893-1188.
Sunday Meditation Group
Sundays, July 11 and Aug. 1, at 11:15 a.m.
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. The Zoom space opens at 11:15 a.m.; meditation starts at 11:30 a.m. Join the Zoom gathering here.
Weekly Meditation Group
The Weekly Meditation Group is meeting by Zoom. Contact Martha Easter-Wells at mm3second@aol.com for Zoom information.
Single Parents Gathering
Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email church member Rev. Sara Smalley (smalley.sara@gmail.com) to be connected to the group.
First Universalist Accessibility and Inclusion Group
(note: this group is on break for the Summer and will resume in the Fall)
This group is designed for people with all types of physical disabilities, hearing disabilities, and visual disabilities. Ages 13 and older are welcome. For Zoom information please contact BOTH Lauren Wyeth at lauren@firstuniv.org and Birch Cappetta at birch.cappetta@gmail.com.
Young Adults Group
(note: this group is on break for the Summer and will resume in the Fall)
Connect with fellow First U young adults (20s & 30s).
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour(s)
Every Thursday at 5 and 7 p.m. Come to one or both! These are ongoing Zoom events and the Zoom information is the same every week. The two gatherings have different Zoom information. Join the 5 p.m. Happy Hour here (Meeting ID: 834 7301 7986; Password: 557571). Join the 7 p.m. Happy Hour here (Meeting ID: 817 4022 5684; Password: 675052).
Parents of Babies and Preschoolers (ages 0-4 years)
(Note: this group is on break for the Summer and will resume in the Fall)
Parents/guardians of little ones gather with Lauren for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Lauren at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to the group.
12 Step Spirituality
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
All people in or interested in 12 steps are welcome - Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, CODA, etc. The workshop includes meditation, Centering Prayer meditation instructions, a short talk and small groups. Meeting details available at 12stepspirituality.org
Religious Education for Children and Youth
Religious Education classes for children & youth are now on summer break. Registration for fall classes is now open. Details available on our Religious Education website.
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We Care Ministries at First Universalist Church |
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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 Companions
Care companions are members of the congregation who’ve been oriented toward the art and practice listening with a caring and confidential ear, and a loving and kind heart. We call and check-in on folks in the congregation and are here to accompany you longer term if you’re living with a chronic illness or could use some ongoing support. To connect with a Care Companion (or to become one), contact Rev. Karen Hutt at karen@firstuniv.org. To access any of our other caring resources, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org
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Care Resources
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.
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.
Counseling - The Walk In Counseling Center offers free counseling by phone or computer. Find out how to “walk in” on their website.
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit news!
To do so, fill out our online submission form. Edits for length and/or content may occur. The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg and Communications Assistant Allison Connelly. Past issues and policies can be found on our website.
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Contact Us
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825 1701
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