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April 9, 2020 | Vol. 7 No. 15
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Rev. Jen Crow |
For some of us, love can be harder to feel these days. We're used to love showing up in a hug or a visit, a hand held or a tissue passed when the tears fall. We're used to being able to give and receive love in these very physical ways. Not being able to do these things hurts and it can feel awkward as we create new ways to show our love and receive it from others, too.
And I wonder how we might grow as we learn on a new, deeper level that love transcends touch and physical presence. I wonder how we might welcome our ancestors in more closely, how we might let the prophets of today and times past provoke and cajole us, how we might know that we are never without love even when we are alone. This past week, we buried two beloved church members, and it looked and felt different than ever before.
For years now, Unitarian Universalists have relied more on the memorial service than on the graveside service as a way to celebrate and mourn the life of a loved one. Memorial services are still possible, and for the foreseeable future those services will need to take place online. In this in-between time, I can see that the small, intimate, in-person, physical services we are allowed to have at the grave or the columbarium where a person's ashes are placed will be the new focus. When we cannot touch each other, we can touch the earth and know the shape of our lives in the generations. We can be together in small circles as we recognize the larger circle of life and love and loss.
In this time when we cannot rely on hugs and hands to hold onto or to hold out to each other, we can learn to show love in new ways. Our pastoral care team is hard at work on several ways that we can show our love for one another.
Love baskets: These baskets will go out to those among us who could use a boost of love and care, customized for the particular needs of different people. We expect baskets will go out to people who are grieving a loss, people who have a loved one in the hospital, people who are sick, and parents who might be struggling during the pandemic. Let Rev. Ruth or Rev. Karen know if there's someone you think could use a little boost of love.
Meal-trains: Giving and receiving meals is one tangible way we continue to share our resources and our love with each other. If receiving some meals would help you or your family cope with these challenging times, please let Rev. Ruth know. Meal preparers and deliverers will be following protocols agreed upon by our health care professionals to reduce risk.
Congregational Connections: Over the next few weeks, Congregational Connectors will be reaching out to every church member and friend to check in and connect. They will offer a listening ear and a comforting presence as they extend the love of First Universalist to each of us. If you'd like to be one of these Congregational Connectors, again, please let Rev. Ruth know.
Minister's Emergency Fund: Unemployment is at a new high and financial insecurity is the reality for many of us right now. If you are struggling financially and need help paying for housing, health care or other needs - please let us know. The Minister's Emergency Fund is here to assist church members and friends in financial need. Please reach out to any staff member with a request for support, and financial donations to this fund are always appreciated.
Even though it may look different for awhile, love is not cancelled and love is not being rationed right now. Love continues to flow freely within, among, and beyond this community of care as we live into our vision of a love so big that it will not let any one of us go.
Love,
Rev. Jen
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Sunday, April 12 at 10 a.m.
MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
With Rev. Jen Crow, Lauren Wyeth, Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Franco Holder, Seth Matz and Rev. Karen Hutt.
Our worship services are live-streamed via Zoom on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. You can also call in to listen to the audio of the service. This is a multigenerational service that can be found at the same place every week:
To join by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the webinar ID when prompted.
Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m.
WORSHIP
As we continue to move together through this time of pandemic and physical distancing, we know that faith communities can help us find and keep our balance. Our Wednesday evening worship offers a brief time of connection, centering, and reflection mid-week. This is a shorter and simpler 20-30 minute service led by one of our worship leaders via Zoom, and geared towards adults. Same place every week going forward until further notice!
7 p.m. Wednesday Worship geared toward adults & older youth (webinar ID: 117-312-320)
To join by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the webinar ID when prompted.
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Sunday Zoom Help & Virtual Social Time
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9 a.m. Pre-Worship Zoom Practice & Hang Out Space
Get help with zoom, or just hang out and chat before the Sunday service:
pre-worship zoom practice and hang out space (
Meeting ID: 595 180 815)
or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID when prompted. Same place every week.
~11 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour
After Sunday worship, join us for
virtual social time (
Meeting ID: 212 168 092)
or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID when prompted. Same place every week.
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How We're Addressing Safety and Security on Zoom
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With people around the world practicing physical distancing, the usage and popularity of the online video conferencing platform Zoom - which is what we're using for worship and meetings - has skyrocketed. As a result, over the past week you've probably seen and read articles about some emerging security issues associated with the platform.
We wanted to take a moment to address the phenomenon of "Zoom-bombing," in which uninvited individuals have been crashing Zoom meetings with racist messages, pornographic images, or otherwise being disruptive. While First Universalist meetings and worship have not been targeted by Zoom-bombing, over the last week several churches around the country had their online services disrupted in this manner.
As you might imagine, we take this very seriously, and have been tracking this situation closely, as have our colleagues in the UUA. Armed with information and research from our colleagues around the country, our response to this sort of disruption has been multilayered, and much of it should be largely invisible to you. Still, we know that these incidents of disruption have been in the news and it feels important to share what's happening so that you know that we're taking your safety and privacy seriously and are working to address and adapt to the problems inherent in any online platform.
The Zoom company has itself been very responsive to these challenges, and has made several changes to the platform itself to help mitigate these sorts of attacks. Without getting too technical about it, the folks at Zoom have been making changes that make it harder for disrupters to enter meetings uninvited. The response from Zoom includes things like making passwords for meetings all but mandatory, and making it possible for passwords to be coded right into the meeting link, meaning that the meeting is more secure for users, and still equally easy to access.
We have been implementing protocols for our gatherings to give staff and trained lay leaders the ability to rapidly respond in the event that someone is disruptive in one of our gatherings. We have enhanced security protocols for our Zoom gatherings offered to children and youth, including requiring advance registration and screening of registrants. Finally, we are continuing to monitor the situation and are keeping up to date with recommendations from our colleagues and from online security experts. As you might imagine, we want worship to be publicly available to all who want to hear our message of love and hope in these challenging times. Equally, we want to be sure that none of us is subject to hateful or offensive speech or images, particularly the youngest members of our community.
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This Week: Virtual Gatherings for Spiritual Connection & Care
Tuesday, April 14 at 8 a.m. (please note time change)
Begin your week with spiritual grounding and sustenance with Rev. Ruth, taking time to connect with your breath, your heart, your suffering and your compassion, and the larger love of which we are a part.
What is an Advance Directive for Healthcare and Why Do I Need One?
Tuesday, April 14 at 5 p.m.
In these uncertain times, it is especially important that your family and friends know what your wishes are in the event that you are hospitalized. If you have not completed an Advance Directive or have questions about how to update yours given the current climate with the use of ventilators, join Rev. Karen Hutt for an interactive discussion. If you plan to join us,
please read this beforehand.
Zoom info to come - please check our website early next week
Gathering is Caring
Wednesday, April 15 at 6 p.m.
All congregants who work in healthcare clinics, hospitals and long term care facilities (that means doctors, transport workers, nurses, security officers, administrators, researchers, techs, EVERYONE) are invited to meet with Rev. Karen, a long time hospital chaplain. In an effort to provide the particular support to people in our congregation that work in health care, we would like to gather and listen to your needs and provide a space for you.
Zoom info to come - please check our website early next week
Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. after Wednesday Worship
Join Rev. Ruth and others as we check in with one another and gather in prayer and spiritual practice, holding one another in compassion and kindness.
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Young Adults Virtual Group
The Young Adults group (for those in their 20s and 30s) is now gathering virtually on a weekly basis. Connect with fellow First U young adults after Wednesday worship for conversation and fun. The group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Join on Zoom here (Meeting ID: 137 172 572)
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Multigenerational Sing-Along with Seth
Join us every Wednesday morning from 10-10:30 a.m. to sing along with Seth! Enjoy the tunes you know and love, or get acquainted with beloved songs of our UU faith. This event will be held webinar style, so feel free to attend in your jammies and dance like no one's watching. All are welcome!
Join us on Zoom here (Webinar ID 441 072 399)
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Weekly Gatherings for Children, Youth & Families
SUNDAYS
9 a.m. Coming of Age
(9th grade) with Emma, Ruth, and advisors -
Taking religious education online as we prepare for our milestone celebration. (No meeting April 12.) Register here in advance (required).
11:30 a.m. Sunday Play Date (2nd-7th grade) with Lauren - Half an hour of games and service/social justice activities, expanding on themes from the 10 a.m. worship. Bring paper and crayons or markers. Register here in advance (required).
(New meeting! Starts April 19)
12:30 p.m. Young Family Story Time (Families with babies to 1st grade)
with Seth - Stories, songs and rituals to keep little ones (and their grownups!), connected to familiar rhythms and relationships.
(No meeting on April 12)
Register here in advance
(required).
12:30 p.m. BIPOC Youth Group* with Daryn and youth leaders, for those who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color; email Lauren (lauren@firstuniv.org) to be connected to the group.
1:15 p.m. 8th grade Meetup with Claire - Weekly gathering to stay connected and have fun. (Meeting at this new time starting April 19)
TUESDAYS
8 p.m.
Single Parents Gathering with Lauren - Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. (Meeting ID: 485-851-263)
WEDNESDAYS
10 a.m. Multigenerational Sing-along
with Seth - Enjoy the tunes you know and love, or get acquainted with beloved songs of our UU faith. This event will be held webinar style, so feel free to attend in your jammies and dance like no one's watching. (Webinar ID: 441-072-399)
4 p.m. Rites of Passage (6th grade) with Lauren and Chloe - Taking religious education online as we prepare for our milestone celebration. (New time starting April 15) Register here in advance (required).
8 p.m. Gathering for Grownups parenting kids in K-12th grade, with Lauren - Parents/guardians gather every other Wednesday for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Meets April 15, April 29, May 13 & May 27 (Meeting ID: 235-861-667)
THURSDAYS
8 p.m.
Parents of Babies and Preschoolers (ages 0-4 years) with Lauren - Parents/guardians of little ones gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. (Meeting ID: 273-644-536)
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Cycle of Life from Sunday's service, April 5, 2020
Our community holds in love...
Kim Kammeier, and her family, as they mourn the death of Kim's beloved wife Susan Jack, who died this past week.
Dale Schwie and his family as they grieve the death of his beloved wife, Kay Schwie, who also died this past week.
If you'd like to send a card, please go to the church directory (log into your account
here or use the ChurchLife app) to find the addresses and contact info for our beloved members experiencing loss. If you can't access the directory, church members may email the church office at
communications@firstuniv.org to request member contact info.
Let Us Keep You in Our Thoughts and Prayers
If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, or celebrating a joy, please let us know; contact Rev. Ruth MacKenzie at
ruth@firstuniv.org. If you would like support, call the office at 612-825-1701 and follow the prompts for pastoral care on the recording.
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Make Your Money Work for the Climate
Saturday, April 18, 9:30 a.m.-noon
The Environmental Justice Team invites you to join them in finding new ways to undertake the spiritual act of protecting the Earth. Now is the time to divest from fossil fuel-related companies and fossil-fuel heavy funds, and invest in green companies and funds as well as alternative energy sources. Learn about online investment resources and new opportunities from experts and church members who have personal experience. Details about how to access this workshop online to come!
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Active Hope Workshop
Saturday, April 25, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Facilitated by Environmental Justice team members Betsy Allis and Roberta Haskin Feeling overwhelmed, distressed about climate change? Feeling the need to connect with other people in spiritual practices that build resilience and hope? Spend a morning via Zoom sharing gratitude and pain for the state of the planet and opening our awareness to new perspectives, to go forth in community with active hope and intention. The workshop is based on the content of the book, "Active Hope, how to face the mess we're in without going crazy" by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. This is not a book study; rather, we will be engaged in activities for spiritual growth and climate resilience, both individually and in community. Details to come.
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Daytime Connections Cancels Spring Programs
Daytime Connections regrets to cancel both its April and May programs until the social distancing restrictions have been lifted. Tentatively, for October we might schedule member Peg Meier, the author of
Bring Warm Clothes
, to give her program about interesting anecdotes from Minnesota history. For November, we might hold the "This is Our Legacy!" program, for which 57 senior members had agreed to have small group discussions of the "legacy stories" they have written about their lives, and to share their reflections on some thought questions about their spiritual journeys. See the names of those 57 members here.
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A Quick Guide on Where to Direct Commonly Asked Questions:
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Supporting the Church Financially
If you are able, please continue to honor your annual gifts and make your capital campaign contributions. If you are not a sustainer and have not yet let us know your intentions for our 2020-2021 fiscal year, or if you're a sustainer and would like to make a change to your commitment,
please get directly in touch with Finance Assistant Chelsea Bertsch at
chelsea@firstuniv.org
instead of filling out the giving card.
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We offer several options for making donations online, whether it's a contribution toward the offering plate, your annual or capital gift, or for a specific project for which we're raising funds.
Text to Give
To make a donation via credit card, use your smartphone to text "
firstuniv" (without quotes) to the number
73256. You'll receive a link to a secure form where you can enter your information. Select the appropriate fund from the dropdown menu.
Square Cash
Make a contribution using a debit card via the Square Cash app. Download this free app (
iPhone or
Android) and set up your account - you'll need your debit card and a $cashtag (user name). Then:
- Enter the amount you want to donate
- Click "pay"
- In the $cashtag space, enter $FirstUniv
- In the For space, let us know what it's for - the Sunday offering plate? Your annual gift?
- Click "pay"
ACS (our online giving system)
Make a one-time gift using the secure form located on our website
here. Make sure that you've selected the correct fund (such as offering plate) if it's not an annual gift.
It's also okay to mail checks to the church, even though the office is closed. We are still receiving mail, though we are only collecting it once per week. It will likely take us longer than normal to process check payments, but you are welcome to send checks if you prefer!
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We are working to get many different church functions up and running online, prioritizing the spaces that allow us to meet the spiritual needs of the congregation as a whole in this unprecedented time. We are in the process of connecting with various lay leaders to make decisions about meetings and programming that were previously scheduled. If you are needing to move a previously scheduled/planned church meeting online and would like to request a time slot in one of our zoom rooms, please email Lucia Webb at lucia@firstuniv.org. There will eventually be a google form for such requests, but for now you may contact Lucia directly. Please note that it may take her a few days to get back to you or schedule your meeting. She asks for your patience and flexibility during this time!
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Congregational Update on Renovation Plans
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Board President Bryana French and Board Treasurer Keven Ambrus, along with other board members and Rev. Jen Crow, led an update meeting about building renovations on Sunday, March 29. View the recording here:
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Join Our Mailing List
Subscribe to
The Weekly Liberal
here.
Sign up to receive our weekly Children Youth & Family Ministries news
here.
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Church Office Hours
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The church office is closed until further notice.
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit news!
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Contact Us
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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.,
Minneapolis, MN 55408
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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
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