Dear ones,
Twenty years ago, I had the privilege of studying and working with Rev. Dr. Thandeka, author of Learning to Be White, and numerous spiritual development guides for our congregations. Over the course of an intensive year of study, my professor unwound the history of modern-day Protestant theology and its corresponding worship traditions for us, uncovering the root systems that our Unitarian and Universalist, and now Unitarian Universalist, congregations have grown up out of. One of the key learnings from that time has been coming to mind often these past few weeks.
While Unitarians have long rejected the concept of the trinity and Christianity’s understanding of God in three parts (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) - we do still seem to hold on to the concept of the trinity in our understanding of human nature (Mind, Body, Spirit). The hierarchy of mind over body and spirit elevates thinking and study above the learning that comes from lived experience and judges anything that comes from the body and spirit as suspect and potentially dangerous. Further, the false separation of mind, body, and spirit sets the stage for separation of other things that are clearly interconnected. Separation from parts of ourselves, from each other, and from the larger world has come to be understood as good and right, and while intellectual interchange (mind) is celebrated, there can be a wariness of the connection that comes to us in non-intellectual ways.
If we overlay our understanding about whiteness and how white supremacy culture has come to be on top of these theological roots, several things line up together. In American culture, everyone is taught whiteness and all of us are impacted by this learning. We show each other that we have learned these lessons when we value education and the ability to spar intellectually (mind) over lived experience (body and spirit). We replicate the culture of white supremacy when we separate ourselves from our history and the stories that shaped our ancestors and brought us to the place we are. Regardless of the shade of our skin, the dominant culture teaches us to push away from emotions and our bodies, and to be wary of anything that might move us spiritually. Many of the characteristics of white supremacy culture reinforce the theological and philosophical separation of body, mind, and spirit.
These things are on my mind because over the last several years we’ve been making changes in how we are together—in worship and small groups and over zoom. We often begin our time together by settling our bodies with three intentional breaths. We bring a recognition of the body into our times of meditation and prayer. In all of the ways our circumstances allow, we make music together, trusting that feeling a shared rhythm connects and strengthens our community. We’ve moved to a more narrative focus in worship, sharing stories from multiple perspectives and life experiences along with scholarly ideas. Maybe you are noticing ways that church is helping you reconnect your body, mind and spirit. Maybe these shifts can help us all unlearn what we have been taught about how to embody the soul-sickening characteristics of white supremacy culture and live more and more into an experience of joy, liberation, and belonging. We’re on our way, friends, and I’m so glad to be on this journey with you.
In gratitude,
Rev. Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, Dec. 5 at 9 & 11am
Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7pm
Nov. 28 Worship Recording
Cycle of Life
Dec. 1 Meditation Recording
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News & Features
Enchanted Forest
Holiday Service Schedule
Clothing Donations for AFA
Accessibility/Inclusion Group
Greeters & Ushers Needed
Pottery in the Social Hall
December Faithful Action
Sr. High Service Project
Update: Immigrant Fund
Donations for MIRAC
Meet New Members
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Happenings
New Member Classes
Daytime Connections 12/16
"Eating Our Way to Extinction"
Winter Newcomers Circle
Dec. 9 Beacon Convening
UU Community Call to End Fossil Fuels
CLNE: Come Together for Racial Justice
Ongoing Gatherings
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Dec. 5
In Person at 9 & 11 a.m.
Live-streamed at 11 a.m.
"Soft Heart, Open Hands, Clear Boundaries"
Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Karen Hutt, Lauren Wyeth, Franco Holder, Dr. Randy Buikema, and the First Universalist Choir
As we turn into the longest nights of the year, what commitments will shine like stars, helping us navigate through these troubling times? What if we aimed to keep our hearts soft, our hands open, and our boundaries clear? Together we’ll explore how these ways of being might help us live in alignment with our Universalist faith in the spirit of love and hope.
JOIN US ONLINE:
JOIN US IN PERSON:
All are welcome to join us for worship in the sanctuary at 9 or 11 a.m. Masks are required at all times, and we ask that you try to maintain a distance of at least three feet between you and anyone not in your household. The service will also be streamed in the Cummins Room, so if the sanctuary fills or you feel uncomfortable with the number of people in the sanctuary, there is an alternative space for you to experience worship in the building.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION THIS SUNDAY
Religious Education classes for Kindergarten through Senior High are offered this Sunday. Children and youth must be registered no later than noon on Saturday in order to attend. Learn more here.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING MEDITATION |
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Wednesday, Dec. 8
at 7 p.m. on Zoom
We invite you into a simple space of meditation, silence, poetry, song, and shared company. Come, tend to your spirit by joining us for this brief (~15–30 minute) midweek time of meditation and connection.
JOIN US ONLINE:
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, Dec. 8 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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Sunday Service Recording & Podcast |
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November 28: "Giving, Receiving, as Love Shows Us How"
Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Isabel Quast, Aimee K. Bryant, and Franco Holder
Reflections on Sunday worship by Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator:
In 2019, the First Universalist Holiday Giving Team began a five-year partnership with Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU), a nation-wide organization that supports Black folks in connecting and reconnecting with Unitarian Universalism. Our 2021 goal is to raise $28,000, bringing our three-year total to $50,000, with a five-year goal to raise a total of $100,000 for BLUU. Each year around the winter holidays, we are inundated with things to buy, excess to procure, and cultural expectations to meet. Every day, we have a choice to “reclaim our resources" and our resourcefulness, says The Sioux Chef founder and CEO and friend of First Universalist, Sean Sherman. In that spirit, in year three of a five-year commitment, together, let’s shift our resources to reflect and support the relationships that matter to us and that we would like to see thrive while supporting Black leadership and Black liberation.
Listen to the Sunday service podcast here or on Spotify. Watch the recording of the service here.
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Image description: a still image from the Nov. 28 worship recording of Rev. Jen Crow on the chancel holding an expandable ball (Hoberman sphere). |
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Sunday, Nov. 28 Cycle of Life |
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We celebrate with Ida Grace on the news that her sister is pregnant with her second child and is due this summer.
And we celebrate with Joyce and Carl Berdie on the birth of their 4th grandchild. Lucy James Joiner was born a few hours before Thanksgiving to parents Zoe and Josh Joiner who live in Tampa. We join them all in celebration and welcoming this new little person to their family!
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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Wednesday Meditation Recording |
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December 1
Meditation leader: Aimee K. Bryant
Artist in Residence Aimee K. Bryant leads a silent 15-minute meditation that begins with the Buddhist chant "Suffusion of the Divine Abidings" and concludes with the song "Breathing in, Breathing out." Watch here.
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Image description: a still image from the Dec. 1 meditation recording of Aimee K. Bryant. |
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The sanctuary holiday decorations are created by the Visual Arts Committee with warm wishes to the congregation.
This year’s theme includes a banner of a deer with flowers in his antlers. We welcome children to add (labeled with name) stuffed animals on the forest floor.
Enjoy the seasonal decorations in the sanctuary beginning this Sunday, Dec. 5!
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Holiday Service Schedule 2021 |
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This winter holiday season, as we ease back into some folks gathering at church in person and adapt to offering services in a multi-platform format, we are excited to bring back beloved holiday traditions in a modified way this year, as we continue to find our way forward amidst a continuing global pandemic.
We'll mark the Solstice online only this year. You are invited to join us on Zoom on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. for a reimagined Solstice Gathering that will be offered instead of Wednesday Meditation that week.
Our annual Christmas Pageant will be offered just once this year, at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. You are invited to join us in person in the Sanctuary or online via Zoom, and the recording will be available to stream later as well. If your child or youth would like to sign up for a role in the pageant, details and sign up info can be found here. The deadline to sign up is tomorrow - Friday, Dec. 3.
Our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be offered in person at 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and this year we'll also live stream the service on Zoom.
Worship on Sunday, Dec. 26 will be offered as a single service - in person and online - at 10 a.m. There will be no Religious Education or childcare that Sunday. As always, children and youth are welcome in the sanctuary with their families.
We'll return to two Sunday services both in person and online at 9 and 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022.
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This Sunday, Dec. 5: Accepting Warm Clothing
for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) Students
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As winter approaches, we are seeking donations of new and gently used winter jackets for AFA students. Men’s and women’s jackets in all sizes (S, M, L, and XL) are needed; black and dark colors preferred. If used, clothing should be teen appropriate and clean and in good repair. Gloves and warm socks (new, please) are also needed; students particularly like the gloves that have touch screen capability.
Augsburg Fairview Academy(AFA) is a public charter high school located in the Phillips Neighborhood. AFA is a long standing First U Community Partner; we have supported Food and Clothing Closets at AFA for eight years.
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Accessibility & Inclusion Group |
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First Universalist's Accessibility and Inclusion group is designed for people with all types of physical disabilities, hearing disabilities, and visual disabilities. This is a place to support each other, foster discussions about lived experiences, accessibility, and find ways to promote inclusion within the church. This group is facilitated by, and includes, youth and adult members.
Who's Invited?
Ages 13 and older are welcome. Caretakers and interpreters are welcome to join, but not to be active members of the group.
When?
The Group gathers on Zoom on the 2nd Monday of every month from 6:30-8 p.m. Next meeting is Monday, Dec. 13.
Get Connected
Please let us know if technology is a barrier so we can find a solution together.
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Sunday Greeters and Ushers Needed! |
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As we reopen the building for worship, we know that being able to welcome each other to our renovated space and help each other get used to our new ways of being together are especially important.
Greeters and Ushers are an essential part of this. Greeters and Ushers arrive about a half an hour before the service of their choice for a brief orientation and then space themselves around the building and sanctuary to warmly welcome all who come to worship. Greeting is a 40 minute commitment at the beginning of worship. Ushering is an hour-long commitment that involves sanctuary sign-ins and passing the offering plate. Please consider signing up for two or three Sundays this year!
Please sign up and let us know when you'll be there on this sign up genius. Volunteering as a greeter before the service or usher during the service is a way to act on our stated values of welcoming and caring for our community.
It is the church's policy that all lay leaders and volunteers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you'd like to welcome and haven't already shown your proof of vaccination to a staff member, please email a photo to Liz Farmer at liz@firstuniv.org or bring it on Sunday.
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Pottery in the Social Hall |
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On Sundays, Dec. 5 and 12, after both services, there will be pottery available in the Social Hall for people to take whatever they wish.
It is a gift from the family of Jean Staneslow, whose memorial service was recently held at the church.
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New: December Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Community Partners in our December Faithful Action Newsletter. This newsletter contains opportunities to connect through volunteering, donating, advocating, and learning. Our Faithful Action Community Partners are community organizations that share our vision of love and justice. We work through Faithful Action Community Partnerships in order to leverage our energy, commitment and expertise. You can find more information about our Faithful Action Community Partnerships on our website.
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Senior High Service Project—We Need Your Help |
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The Senior High Youth Group at First Universalist Church is collecting items to make care packages for healthcare workers at Walker Methodist. We chose to make care packages for nursing home workers because they’ve been at risk this entire pandemic and their work is sometimes undervalued when people discuss frontline workers.
For the next two Sundays, Dec. 5 & 12, there will be a box in the atrium and outside Room 209 where folks can put items to donate for the care packages. Here’s a list of items you could donate:
- Comfy socks or compression socks
- $5 gift cards for coffee shops
- Tea, hot cocoa, or instant coffee packets
- Hand lotion
- Bath bombs
- Lip balm
If you have another idea for an item that you think a healthcare worker at Walker Methodist would love, please feel free to bring it. You can also make thank-you cards.
Thank you!
~Senior High Youth
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An Update About First U's
Sanctuary & Resistance Immigrant Fund
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June 2018–November 2021
The Sanctuary and Resistance Team of First Universalist Church formed in November of 2016. Members of the congregation, and community members, came together to heed the call to be a sanctuary for those seeking safety from ICE, and the unjust and violent immigration system. We set out to build a network of support, and create an actual physical sanctuary space, for people facing the economic and emotional hardships brought on by this system. The Sanctuary and Resistance Immigrant Fund was started in June of 2018, after working closely with immigrant families who needed low-barrier access to money given the grave impacts of detention, deportation and family separation.
Through the creation of the Sanctuary and Resistance Immigrant Fund, where money was first donated through the sale of the Sanctuary and Resistance bracelets, and has continued over the years through generous, ongoing, individual donations to the fund, wealth has been redistributed through a low-barrier, community fund where families, primarily women and children, unjustly impacted by this broken immigration system, received a stipend of $750.
From June 2018 to September 2021, stipends were given out to 81 people, and over $60,000 was donated and then distributed directly to immigrant families.
At this time, after three and a half years of carrying out the work of fundraising and working with community partners to distribute funds to immigrant families, the Sanctuary and Resistance Immigrant Team has decided to shift what it means to raise and distribute funds to immigrant families, refugees and asylees for housing and deep accompaniment work now given the newly renovated apartment at First Universalist. Additionally, community partners at ICOM (Interfaith Coalition on Immigration) have also established a fund through ICOM-AID and any requests we still get we are able to work with ICOM to have them met. The struggle for immigration system justice is ongoing and there is still a continued need for fundraising, wealth sharing and distribution, and resistance against unjust policies.
Thank you to all who have donated to this Fund over the years and much gratitude to Brad Schmidt, who did the detail work of getting the funds directly to people in such a nimble and timely manner always. The interconnected web we weave is greatly strengthened because of this work. La lucha sigue! The struggle continues!
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Grace Neighborhood Nursery School
Collecting Donations for MIRAC
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Hello! My name is Mary Scavotto. I am both a member of First Universalist and an employee of Grace Neighborhood Nursery School (GNNS). As you may know, GNNS is now housed within our church. Grace is conducting a winter clothing drive through December 10th in conjunction with their annual winter fair. Our congregation has supported this clothing drive in the past through a partnership with the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Council (MIRAC). You are invited to donate snow gear of all kinds for all ages. Look for the blue bucket by the parking lot entrance. Here is a list of new or gently used items being collected:
* Winter coats
* Hats
* Gloves or mittens
* Boots
* Scarves
* Snow pants
* Hoodies
Thank you for your kindness and generosity this winter season.
You are also welcome to come check out Grace's Winter Craft and Bake Sale in the Social Hall on Thursday, Dec. 9 (8:45-3:45) and Friday, Dec. 10 (8:45-1).
Cheers!
Mary Scavotto, Assistant Director
Grace Neighborhood Nursery School
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On Sunday, Nov. 14, we welcomed new members during a ceremony in worship. We asked them to share a few tidbits about themselves. In our 11/18 newsletter, we introduced you to Jack, Ken, and Jennifer. Last week, you met Bailey. This week, meet three more of our new members!
Dallas Rising (she/they)
What's your favorite place in the Twin Cities?
Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park - especially in the autumn.
What music has been the soundtrack of your life lately?
The nonsense songs I sing to my dog about how much I love him and how amazing he is.
One book or author that has shaped your life/perspective?
Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy by Matthew Scully
In what ways do you hope to give, receive, and/or grow here at First Universalist?
I'm excited about bringing my decades of experience in social justice activism to a spiritual realm and find ways to be nourished and fed by approaching this work in a sacred way.
What's your favorite season of the year and why?
I don't know that I can pick - there are different types of beautiful days and difficult days in every season. But I do love dogs moving through swaths of fallen leaves.
Duck duck grey duck or duck duck goose?
grey duck
Robert Menge (he/him)
What's your favorite place in the Twin Cities?
NE. Breweries and friends on the tracks.
What music has been the soundtrack of your life lately?
Desire-- Bob Dylan Album (Hurricane, Oh Sister, Isis)
One book or author that has shaped your life/perspective?
Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell
In what ways do you hope to give, receive, and/or grow here at First Universalist?
I want to reflect in community
What's your favorite season of the year and why?
Fall, It is heavy and full of changing
Duck duck grey duck or duck duck goose?
Grey duck
Marc Gorelick (he/him)
What's your favorite place in the Twin Cities?
The paths around the lakes, the Dakota Jazz Club
What music has been the soundtrack of your life lately?
Odd mixture of John Hiatt, Paul Simon, and Patti Smith
One book or author that has shaped your life/perspective?
Upton Sinclair, The Jungle
In what ways do you hope to give, receive, and/or grow here at First Universalist?
As we say in the chalice lighting, to seek the truth in love and to help one another
What's your favorite season of the year and why?
Fall - memories of going back to school!
Duck duck grey duck or duck duck goose?
goose
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New Member Classes: Dec. 12 & Jan. 11 |
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If First Universalist feels like your spiritual home, if our mission moves you, then we hope you’ll take part in Pathway to Membership. This class is for those who intend to join First Universalist Church as members.
Recently redesigned for multi-platform church, Pathway to Membership involves watching several short videos on different ministry areas in the church, and then attending a class session to reflect on and discuss themes like Faith in Action and Stewardship through the lens of church membership.
Pathway to Membership classes are offered monthly, alternating between being held in person and on Zoom. The next two classes are:
Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021; 1–3 p.m. at First Universalist
Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022; 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom
Learn more and register on our website.
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Daytime Connections: "Back in My Day..."
with Peg Meier on Thursday, Dec. 16
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Thursday, Dec. 16 in the Cummins Room at church
Sign in at 9:45 a.m., Program at 10 a.m.
Lunch follows the program
Join Daytime Connections this month as legendary Star Tribune reporter and First Universalist member Peg Meier shares true stories she has uncovered at the Minnesota Historical Society and other local archives. We may hear about a lumberjack in the 1900s, a rambunctious 13-year-old girl who lived on St. Paul’s Summit Avenue in the ‘20s, or tales of woe from the Depression era. Peg will share with us fascinating tales from her research.
We often reminisce about growing up in the “old days.” What stories and anecdotes do you remember that reflect your childhood? You’re invited to bring an interesting memento to share.
An optional soup and salad lunch ($5–$15 sliding scale—more if you can, less if you can’t; no one will be turned away due to lack of funds) will be served following the program.
Register here for the December 16 program only or program and lunch.
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"Eating Our Way to Extinction" Viewing & Discussion |
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Monday, Dec. 13
Film Viewing at 1 p.m.
Discussion at 2:30 p.m. or 7 p.m.
The First U Climate & Environmental Justice Team invites you to a viewing and discussion of an important new documentary. "Eating Our Way to Extinction" travels the world from the depths of the Amazon rainforests to the Taiwanese Mountains, the Mongolian desert, the US Dust Bowl, the Norwegian Fjords and the Scottish coastlines, telling the story of our planet through shocking testimonials, poignant accounts from indigenous people most affected by our ever-changing planet, globally renowned figures and leading scientists. This powerful documentary sends a simple but impactful message by uncovering hard truths and addressing the most pressing issue of our generation – ecological collapse.
If you want to view this film on your own, it is available to rent or buy from Amazon Prime, Apple iTunes Store, or Google Play. Details & registration.
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Winter Newcomers Circle Registration Open |
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Newcomer Circles are four-session gatherings of 6-8 participants who are new-ish and want to reflect on their own and listen to stories from the spiritual journeys of other new-ish folks. Membership is not required; the Circle is intended for those who are fairly certain they would like to continue their spiritual journey with those at First Universalist. This Circle will be facilitated by First U member Jill Braithwaite. We will meet four Wednesdays between Jan. 26 and Feb. 23 (skip Feb. 9) from 7–8:30 p.m. The first and fourth sessions will be in person at First Universalist; the second and third sessions will meet on zoom. Those registered will receive the zoom info and additional details via email within a week prior to the first session. Learn more and register here.
If you are in a “church shopping” phase of your journey, we invite you to attend worship, talk with congregants before and after the service, consider joining a shared identity group, or schedule time with a minister to learn more.
About the facilitator, Jill Braithwaite: Jill has worked in book publishing for more than 25 years. She has been a member of First Universalist Church since 2004 and has taught Religious Education and First Step classes and has served on the Board of Trustees and the Welcome Team. She has an M.A. in theology and the arts from United Theological Seminary and is currently studying there in the Master of Divinity program. Jill loves tennis, art, novels, Unitarian Universalism, the North Shore, and her little dog, Betsy.
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Joyful Urgency: Dec. 9 Beacon Convening |
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Thursday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m. in person and on Zoom
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative is one of our church’s Faithful Action Partners. Beacon’s work (done largely through volunteers) is to end homelessness in Minnesota through a multi-pronged and systemic approach. Beacon is one of the state’s largest builders of affordable homes, while it also pushes for state-wide rental assistance legislation so that all people can have a home. Beacon also works with congregations to provide safe and welcoming shelter for local families. Our church participates in all three prongs with urgency and joy, and we’d love to welcome you into this work!
You are invited to a Beacon Convening on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. to learn about or re-ground in Beacon’s vision, collective story, and work in the year ahead. All are welcome.
This is a multiplatform event. Join in person or via Zoom (zoom info shared upon registering). Live and virtual attendees register here on Beacon's website.
In person: St. Stephens location: 8400 France Ave S, Bloomington MN, 55431. Masks required. Accessible parking, seating, and bathrooms onsite. If you’d like to sit near other First U members, let us know you are coming and/or look for our poster meeting point inside the church (email Autumn Huiras at alhuiras@comcast.net).
Can’t make the convening but want to learn more about Beacon? Email Autumn for more info!
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It Takes All of Us:
UU Community Call to End Fossil Fuels
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Monday, Dec. 6, 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom
An invitation from the Environmental Justice team and Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light:
Join a rich conversation with a group of Unitarian Universalist lay leaders, ministers, and community organizers from across Minnesota and our national body. In this community call, we will share the current priorities of the Line 3 movement and developments in how we can stop all fossil fuel projects, including through divestments. We will deepen into some of the stories of the climate movement from this past summer and fall as Unitarian Universalists put their values and shared UU Principles into action. We will reflect together on the different ways we are moved to protect the earth from climate chaos and transition to a just economy based on renewable energy.
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CLNE's Come Together for Racial Justice |
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Thursday, Dec. 16, 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom
The Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Engagements’s December Come Together online program will welcome young Black voices in the space so we can center on their stories, experience, and wisdom. CLNE is one of our Faithful Action Community partners.
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Updated schedule: Sundays at 7 p.m.
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)
12 Step Spirituality - In Person
First Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
The workshops meet monthly on the first Saturday of each month in the Social Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The workshops are open to all people in or interested in 12 step programs. They include meditation, meditation instructions, short talks and small groups. Meeting details available at 12stepspirituality.org
12 Step Spirituality - Zoom
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
Designed for those actively working a 12-Step program and who want to explore and deepen their spirituality through Centering Prayer. Meeting details available at 12stepspirituality.org
Tangled Blessings Grief Group
Sunday, Dec. 19, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tangled Blessings is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. To receive the Zoom information, RSVP to Rev. Karen Hutt at revkarenhutt@gmail.com. Future dates are: Sundays, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
First Sunday Meditation Group
Sunday, Dec. 12, 12:15–1:30 p.m. at church (please note date change)
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence, we share experiences from our practices.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom
This group plans to begin a multi-platform gathering model when the church reopens. Contact Sara McMullen at saramcminneapolis@gmail.com for Zoom and in-person meeting information.
Chi Gung
Thursday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Pat,Gottschalk has been leading Chi Gung at First U for over 20 years. Pat leads gentle movements with a focus on harmonizing our personal energies — internal development and peace of mind, not martial arts. Creaky joints, stiff muscles and anxious minds are all welcome. We meet via Zoom until we can meet in person. Contact Judy Broad at jab679@gmail.com for Zoom information.
Poetry Lovers Group
First Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m.
Reacquaint yourself with poets you love and discover other poets who are new to you while connecting with fellow Poetry Lovers at church. More information.
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour(s)
Thursdays at 5 and 7 p.m.
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).
Single and Solo Parents and Caregivers Gathering
1st & 3rd Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Contact Christy at christine.hd1@gmail.com for more information.
Parents & Caregivers of Babies and Preschoolers
Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Parents/guardians of little ones gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Lauren at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to the group.
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COVID-19 Safety Measures & Policies |
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Updated November 10, 2021
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Masks are required in the church building and on the playground for everyone ages 2 and up (accommodation will be made for those unable to tolerate a face covering due to health condition, disability, or behavioral or developmental condition.)
- We ask that you do your best to maintain a distance of at least 3 feet between you and those who are not in your household
- We are asking everyone to sign in when entering the building on Sundays; in the event we are notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19, we will contact those we believe to have been in proximity to the person who tested positive.
- Staff and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- If you are joining us in person, we strongly encourage but do not require vaccination for everyone who is able to be vaccinated
- We ask that you please stay home and join us online if you are sick or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been notified of a recent exposure to a confirmed positive case of COVID.
- We will not be serving food or beverages on Sunday mornings
- For now, we will not be singing together in the sanctuary; masked choir members will sing at some services
- Both services will be streamed to the social hall for those seeking more space, or in case the sanctuary fills
- We will not be offering childcare or classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers; they are welcome in the sanctuary, or families can watch the live-streamed service from the toddler-preschool rooms as little ones play.
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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.
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. They 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 karen@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.
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 deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday the week of publication. The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg. 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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