Checking in on One Another |
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Greetings!
The signs of fall are all around us: the leaves are changing, the apple orchards are calling, the mornings are crisp, and overhead, geese are beginning to fly South. On one hand, it seems like a normal fall. On the other hand, as we live into month 7 of the pandemic, this time is anything but normal.
Every conversation I have reveals the same truth: we are mentally, physically, and spiritually preparing for winter, asking, “How can we sustain, support, and check in with one another in this time?” It’s absolutely the right question to be asking.
And it makes me think of the geese flying overhead in formation and what we might learn from them. The lead goose (at the tip of the V of the formation) has the hardest job, as all the geese behind them fly a bit easier because of the reduction of wind resistance; but the lead goose is never in the lead for long; when they tire, they drop back, and another flies to the front. Pre-pandemic, perhaps we believed we could power through a hard time in our life, or put up a facade of ‘everything’s ok,’ and keep on keeping on, but now, these practices feel like the most dangerous and harmful thing we can do to our spirits and those we care about. Like the lead goose, many of us need a break; we’re exhausted; we need support; we need to feel the lift of those in front of us, charting a course. Now, more than ever, we need to normalize this practice and encourage each to ask for the support and care we need.
The other thing I love about a flock of geese is that they are never silent; they are a honking community of care hundreds of feet up in the air, honking to help maintain the integrity of the flight pattern of the flock, and essentially saying to the lead goose, “We got you! We’re keeping the team together. We’re on track. We got your back.”
In so many ways, we might imagine our congregation as a flock of geese. In various church spaces, including on the Board of Trustees, in Small Groups, in Religious Education Classes, on our various justice teams, we take turns at the front, leading with our gifts of time, energy, vision, and financial capital. Then we fall back, knowing someone else will take a shift, and rest for a while.
So as we prepare for winter, let’s re-double our efforts to check in with each other - a ten minute phone call, a text, or an email is often all it takes. And when we can lead or carry some of the load, or financially support the church, let’s do it, knowing we will all take turns in the coming months.
I’m grateful to be in this flock with you!
With care,
Justin
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
Sunday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.
"Checking In: Caring in a Time of Crisis"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Every fall, we do an "Annual Giving" check-in, reminding folks how important their financial support of First Universalist is. But this service is about much more than supporting the mission and vision of the church. We'll also check in as we move into month seven of this global pandemic, and approach the election in November. The light is diminishing and we are heading into the fall and winter, when the pressures of the pandemic may very well increase. And yet, we have seven months of experience under our belts. We have new priorities, new senses of what sustains us, new connections, and new practices. We have what we need to make it through the fall and winter. Together, we'll remember the new tools, practices, and habits that will sustain us.
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
ORDER OF SERVICE:
Welcome: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Chalice Lighting: Beatrice, Sylvia, Jill, and Michael
Story: Aimee K. Bryant
Music: "Sanctuary" sung by Nadia and Madeline Bierbaum
Prayer: Arif Mamdani
Music: "Spirit of Life" sung by Andrew Tralle
Homily: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Offering Recipient: First Universalist Church (give here)
Offertory: "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars performed by
members of the First Universalist Choir, dir. by Dr. Randy Buikema
Closing Words
"Go Now in Peace" Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder
AFTER WORSHIP:
~11 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour
After Sunday worship, join us for virtual coffee hour for all identities (Meeting ID: 212 168 092 Passcode: 383174) or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and passcode when prompted.
~11 a.m. BIPOC Virtual Coffee Hour
For those who are Black, Indigenous, Multiracial, People of Color: Join here (Meeting ID: 825 3313 5300; Password: 982432) or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and password when prompted.
~11 a.m. Pastoral Visitors Space
We know that worship can take us into deep and surprising places. If you find yourself needing to talk with someone about what is stirring for you on a Sunday morning, please speak with one of our pastoral visitors in a confidential breakout room after the service. You can join here. This is how we care for one another.
WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m.
Arif Mamdani
This midweek worship experience for adults and older youth is a brief time (20-30 minutes) of connection, centering, and reflection, to help us find and keep our balance during this time of pandemic and physical distancing.
Connect to our live streamed worship between 6:55 and 7 p.m.:
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Sunday, Sept. 20
Reflections & summary by Liz Farmer:
This past Sunday, Julica Hermann de la Fuente shared the story of the tree in her office. A tree in an office? How can that be? you might ask.
You read it right - the paper mache tree that you can see in the background of her zoom screen during worship!
Julica’s is a magical tree. It is a tree about radical imagination made real, deep roots, protest, and liberation. Like the tree in the office, what else “shouldn’t be” that we might make real through the power of our imagination and dedication to our values? Listen to or watch Julica’s first sermon from the (virtual) First Universalist pulpit to imagine and realize some answers to this question together.
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An Invitation to Participate in a Candle Lighting Ritual This Sunday, Sept. 27 |
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On Sunday, Oct. 11, we will hold our fourth annual Mental Health Sunday worship service. This service has become a regular part of the year where we intentionally turn our love, care, and support to those in our community and beyond who live with mental illness in their lives and the lives of those close to them.
If you’ve been part of this service in years past, then you’ve experienced the power of this time. In a society where mental illness is too often met with stigma, secrets, and fear, this service embodies our commitment to welcoming, affirming, and protecting the light in each human heart. What you’ve also experienced is the power that comes from seeing how almost all of us have personal experience, know, care for, and/or are in relationship with someone living with mental illness.
Two weeks prior to the service, this Sunday, Sept. 27, you’re invited to participate in a ritual that has been part of Mental Health Sunday every year. That afternoon, we invite those who wish and are able to come to the church between 4 and 6 p.m. for a candle lighting ritual, which will be held outdoors and with physical distancing measures in place. We will create sacred time and space in which you’ll be invited to light a candle for yourself and/or those in your life who are living with mental illness as a symbol and statement of our collective love and care. All ages are welcome.
To help ensure that appropriate spacing and health measures can be observed, we’re asking you to sign up in advance here. Ministers will be present and available to provide pastoral care if needed.
We are also offering a virtual candle lighting ritual at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27 for those who are unable to stop by in person. If you’d like to be part of the online part of this ritual, sign up here by Sunday at 10 a.m. so we can forward the Zoom information to you.
To incorporate the ritual into our service, we would like to record parts of what takes place at church and in the Zoom space. You are of course welcome to opt out of being part of the recording, whether you're participating online or in person. Our intention is to include the power of our community ritual in the Mental Health Sunday service on Oct. 11, and our commitment is to do so in a way that allows each person to participate privately or publicly.
The Mental Health Sunday service on Oct.11, and the candle lighting ritual we’re inviting you to join this Sunday are both important expressions of our Unitarian Universalist commitments: to welcome, affirm, and protect the light in each heart, and to always strive to draw our circle of love, care, and compassion ever wider. This ritual and this service are one way that we make visible these commitments we hold in our hearts, and we hope you’ll join us.
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Ministerial Internship Update |
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As we’ve said many times, this isn’t the 2020 we were expecting. This time is forcing us to learn new skills, and to practice listening deeply to where love is calling us next. When Barrington Walker, Jr., our Intern Minister, interviewed with First Universalist in January, we were imagining an in-person internship, with Barrington living in Minneapolis, working out of the church building and having face to face interactions with you and our congregants. But this isn’t the year we were anticipating, and this isn’t the internship experience that Barrington was expecting. With support from Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Jen, Justin, and Barrington met to reflect on this reality. After a heartfelt and honest conversation, we have mutually agreed to create some space for Barrington to reset and take care of a geographic transition from NYC to Philadelphia. During this time of resettlement, Barrington is stepping back from his responsibilities as an intern and a staff member, in order to give this transition his full attention. We are 100% supportive of this decision and we honor Barrington’s self-care, in this time of discernment.
- Rev. Jen and Rev. Justin
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Introducing Our Newest Board Member |
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It is the Board of Trustees' honor and privilege to introduce you to our newest Board member, Yahanna Mackbee. Yahanna has been chosen by the Board (Bylaws, Article III, 1.b) to serve a one-year term in order to fill the vacancy created from Kristin Siegesmund’s resignation in June 2020.
The Board voted to intentionally identify a youth member of the church to fill this vacancy. Doing so allows us as a congregation to live more deeply into our values of being a multiracial, multicultural, and intergenerational (Visionary Goal #3) through our actions, not just our words. Yahanna’s selection was based on both the recommendations of peers and church lay leaders. In addition, Yahanna’s inclusion on the Board also grants us the ability to continue to mentor and guide our youth through a variety of leadership spaces while centering BIPOC voices, instead keeping them at the margins. In order to support youth participation in Church governance, we’d like to allow Yahanna to have a proxy vote – stay tuned for more information.
A little about Yahanna. Yahanna is a junior at Washburn high school.They (Yahanna uses they/them pronouns) are a big sister to their younger siblings, love crunchy peanut butter and fruit, and have been attending First Universalist with their mother for a couple of years and are now a member of the church. Yahanna most recently attended the UUA General Assembly as a First Universalist Youth Delegate, has been involved in a multitude of church activities (Winter Solstice, Coming of Age, RE, etc.) and played a key role in starting up the BIPOC/Multiracial Youth Group.
Please join us in welcoming Yahanna to the Board for the '20-'21 church year!
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Relay for Our Water (Updated Information) |
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During the church's annual meeting in June 2019, First Universalist publicly committed to becoming a Water Protector Congregation dedicating ourselves to educating and activating our congregation in protecting all water resources from the dangers of pollution in all areas where they may appear. It is in that role that we embrace Relay for Our Water.
Relay For Our Water is focused on our commitment to the water through celebration, expression of gratitude, and actions to protect it. We are inspired by Anishinaabe leaders who face immediate threats of disruption from the Line 3 pipeline and whose traditional ways are deeply connected to the water, “Nibi.”
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Inspired by the “Mother Earth Water Walkers,” founded by Josephine Mandamin, and set in motion with a water ceremony at the Headwaters of the Mississippi, we will carry this sacred water throughout Minnesota, honoring the water all along the route.
- The water will be passed to and from water protector groups and individuals, along the proposed Line 3 route. Each group will celebrate their contributions to the protection of the water in their own tradition.
- First Universalist Church will receive and host the water on September 23, 24 & 25. Some members of the Environmental Justice Team will walk the water from First Universalist to Bde Maka Ska on the morning of Friday, Sept 25. Everyone is invited to participate in the relay by tuning in to a Zoom space on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. after Wednesday worship.
- The water is then carried to the next group by walking, running, biking, canoeing, horseback riding, or driving the water (with social distancing precautions in place)!
- The water will be returned to the Headwaters of the Mississippi during the end of wild rice harvest season (in October) with our gratitude and solidified commitment to protect our Minnesota water and stop the Line 3 pipeline.
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Step Out of Isolation - Take One Small Step |
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If your beliefs and values differ widely from other folks, you will want to participate in One Small Step!
First Universalist Peace Action Circle, in collaboration with Story Corps, is offering you an opportunity to participate in a virtual, facilitated conversation with another person in our community who you otherwise might not have a chance to talk with. Right now, Americans face their greatest challenge in several generations. People of all backgrounds and religions are divided over calls for racial justice, equality and police reform.
This fall, Story Corps is issuing a broad call to Americans: take “One Small Step” towards fostering a culture of listening. Share the stories that shaped your strongly held beliefs and be open to exploring those of others. Is it possible we have more in common than what divides us? Challenge the barriers that imperil communication and empathy!
These recorded conversations will take place in January after thoughtful matching by StoryCorps.
Registration information will be available soon - please watch upcoming issues of the Liberal.
On Behalf of the First Universalist Peace Action Circle
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Submitted by Barb Melom
It was 14 years ago that knitters from our congregation began knitting hats for women and men experiencing homelessness. Simpson Shelter was the first place to receive hat donations from us. Over the years the project has continued to expand and we now make donations to schools, shelters, and community agencies serving those in need. Last year, close to 2,000 hats were knit and delivered to folks in our community... children, youth, and adults.
In the past, knitting groups have gathered in churches, yarn shops, coffee shops and friends' homes. With social distancing none of this will happen this year.... but we still need hats. I am asking knitters to pick up their needles and begin knitting a hat for the project! Use your favorite pattern or check out our blog: scroll through the blog and you will find some of our favorite patterns and tips for knitting a warm hat.
Hats can be dropped off on my enclosed front porch and distribution will begin in October and continue throughout the winter.
Help spread the word by telling your friends. Thanks for "Giving the Gift of Warmth."
Barbara Melom
Drop off: 5314 Penn Ave. So. Mpls.
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Virtual Meetings & Gatherings |
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Relay for Our Water
The Environmental Justice Team will play the video of the Relay for Our Water (see article above). We invite your prayers, blessings, and wishes for the water.
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A Circle About Money
Thursday, Oct. 1, 7–8:45 p.m.
Edgar Villanueva opens his book, Decolonizing Wealth, with a question, “what if money could heal us?” Congregant Karen Heegaard is looking for a group of folks who would like to talk about how money supports white supremacy (in our Individual lives, our church and our society) and to look at “what if money could heal us?” Let’s start with a one time exploratory conversation and if there is interest form a longer term circle.
To express interest or ask questions, contact: Karen Heegaard at kfheeg@aol.com or call 612-810-7349.
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Women's Ritual Circle: Open Rituals this Fall
Thursday, Oct. 1, Friday, Oct. 16 & Saturday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m.
Women (cis and trans) interested in earth-based and pagan spirituality are invited to the upcoming open rituals of the Under Northern Skies Women’s Ritual Circle. This circle is open to newcomers on Thursday, Oct. 1; Friday, Oct. 16; and Saturday, Oct. 31. For women who choose to join the circle, there will be a commitment ritual on Saturday, Nov. 14, after which the circle will close to new members until fall of 2021. The group is currently holding rituals via Zoom, beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. and meeting for about an hour. Contact Beth at belovedporcupine@gmail.com for more information and the Zoom information if you would like to attend.
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UU Recovery Meeting
Are you interested in building community at church with other folks in recovery?
On Sundays, Sept. 20 and Oct. 4 at 11:30 a.m. (right after the service), join Rev. Jen Crow and church member Dick Young for a gathering of folks in recovery.
Our interest in gathering is to see if there's a group of folks in recovery at the church who are interested in some space to get to know each other, develop relationships, and build community. If you're interested, but can't attend, contact Rev. Jen at jen@firstuniv.org or Dick at dickyoung1@comcast.net
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Ongoing Meetings for Adults |
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m.
The Weekly Meditation Group is meeting by Zoom Tuesdays from 9-10:15 with an extended learning session once a month. Our time together contains seated meditation, walking meditation and sharing. Reach out to Martha Easter-Wells a mm3second@aol.com to sign up and for Zoom information.
Third Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
The Young Adults group (for those in their 20s and 30s) is now gathering on a monthly basis. Connect with fellow young adults after Wednesday worship on the third Wednesday of the month for conversation and fun. (Meeting ID: 137 172 572)
Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m. (weekly)
AUW members are staying connected via a weekly Zoom "Happy Hour."
Meeting ID: 834 7301 7986. Password: 557571
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Ongoing Meetings for Children, Youth & Families |
Single Parents Gathering
Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Single Parents Gathering with Rev. Sara Smalley - Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Sara to be connected to the group at smalley.sara@gmail.com.
Parents of Babies and Preschoolers (ages 0-4 years)
Thursdays at 8:15 p.m.
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.
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