Mental Health Week: A Video Message |
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Greetings!
This week, we have a video message about our upcoming Mental Health Week from Rev. Justin Schroeder! Watch here. You may also read the text of his message below.
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This year, recognizing the particular mental health challenges of this time, we’re expanding from a Mental Health Sunday to a Mental Health Week: from Wednesday, Oct. 7, through Sunday, Oct. 11, and ending on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
We know that depression, anxiety, addiction, bi-polar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic, and so many other mental health conditions are with us, are a part of our lives, are a part of the lives of those we love. That is true. That is real. And this time we’re in - election, election debates, climate change, global pandemic, isolation - is not easy.
In a society where mental illness is too often met with stigma, secrets, and fear, this upcoming mental health week and these three worship services embody our commitment to welcoming, affirming, and protecting the light in each human heart.
We are here for you for spiritual and emotional care. If you’re struggling, please reach out to us. And please join us for any of our three worship services during our Mental Health Week: Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m., and Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.
I’ll see you in church,
Rev. Justin
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.
"250 Years of Universalism and Its Meaning for Our Time"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Although the focus of Universalism has shifted over the years - today's Universalists are far less focused on Universal salvation and everyone going to Heaven than our forebears were - the essential message of Universalism (there is something of value in every human being; or said another way, there are no fundamentally bad people, only bad and deeply harmful behaviors) remains a challenging, potent, and powerful roadmap for building the Beloved Community here on earth. Universalism is no easy faith. It demands we do away with either/or, right/wrong, good/bad thinking, and hold a more honest and nuanced understanding of what it means to be human, and how love can shape and change us. It calls us into the difficult, uncomfortable work of loving the hell out of ourselves, our communities, and ultimately, the world.
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
Please note: this Sunday, we are welcoming guests from Murray Grove Retreat & Renewal Center plus more than a dozen UU congregations across the country. In the event our Zoom worship space reaches capacity, please tune in on YouTube Live!
ORDER OF SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, OCT. 4
Welcome: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Chalice Lighting: Julica Hermann de la Fuente & daughters Aliana and Sofia
Story: Aimee K. Bryant
Music: "What Wondrous Love" Tina Wade and Franco Holder
Prayer: Rev. Jen Crow
Music: "Spirit of Life" David Lauth
Sermon: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Offering Recipient: Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center (give here)
Offertory: "Go on Your Way in Peace"
Closing Words
"Go Now in Peace" Julica, Aliana and Sofia
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Universalism's 250th Anniversary
This Sunday's worship service is part of a continent-wide celebration of 250 years of Universalism, hosted virtually Oct 2-4, 2020, by Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center.
Learn more about this Sestercentennial Celebration and Retreat here.
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POST-SUNDAY WORSHIP MEETINGS (OCT. 4)
~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.
~11 a.m. First Step
First Step is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. During this 45-minute class, participants will learn about the foundations of our faith tradition, opportunities to get involved. Join here.
11:30 a.m. UU Recovery Meeting
Join Rev. Jen Crow and church member Dick Young for an opportunity to build community at church with other folks in recovery. Join here. |
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m.
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Our Wednesday, Oct. 7 evening service marks the beginning of Mental Health Week at First Universalist. 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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Watch Services from Past Sundays |
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Sunday, Sept. 27
Reflections & summary by Liz Farmer:
In a year of one crisis after another, the impulse to wish we were somewhere else or in some blissful future is understandable. In these moments that we catch ourselves wishing our way out of the present, we can recommit to spiritual practices that bring us back into ourselves and an awareness of what is. This doesn’t necessarily mean adapting a new spiritual trend into your routine, hastily reading the latest self-help book, or following another thought leader on social media. There’s a good chance that you already know what will see you through - that which sustains your body, connections, and spirit. Listen to Rev. Justin's sermon and Aimee K. Bryant's improv story for all ages on the podcast or watch the entire service on YouTube.
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Meet Chelsea and Brad, Our Finance Team |
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Chelsea Bertsch and Bradley Schmidt are the staff who handle all things giving and finance related at church. Hear what they have to say in this short video message! |
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We know that this time period is impacting those in the congregation differently. Some have lost work, seen their pay reduced, and are worried about affording housing and necessities. Some in this congregation are struggling, and through the generosity of our community, via our Emergency Fund, we've been able to help folks with thousands of dollars of gifts that have been used for rent, car repair, medical bills, and much more.
Others in the community are holding steady, and some might even find that they're doing better than they were before. This is another facet of how the pandemic is impacting us differently. IF you're someone who hasn't felt the financial impact in a severe way, and if you're someone whose financial situation is perhaps even improved, we're asking you to take a leadership role in giving so that this community and all that if offers is here for everyone, now and in the days to come.
If you are able to help at this time by increasing your annual giving commitment, or by becoming a sustaining giver if you aren't already, please reach out to Finance Assistant Chelsea Bertsch at chelsea@firstuniv.org. If you have not yet had the chance to set up your annual gift for July 2020 - June 2021, you can do that here or by contacting Chelsea . You can also be in touch with Chelsea if you need to reduce or change your giving amount at this time.
As always, we’re here from you! If you are struggling - financially, emotionally, spiritually - let us know, because we are a community that gives and receives and grows together in the Universalist spirit of love and hope. This is who we are and how we do life together as a faith community.
Thank you for your support!
Revs. Jen and Justin and the Annual Giving Team
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Rev. Justin Schroeder and the Environmental Justice Team at Bde Maka Ska. |
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Submitted by Roberta Haskin; photos by Rick Gravrok
First Universalist is a water protector congregation. Members of the Environmental Justice Team and Rev. Justin represented the congregation in the statewide Relay for our Water, which began at the Headwaters of the Mississippi August 3 when Anishanaabe women gathered water and relayed it throughout Minnesota. The Relay raises awareness of the sacredness of water, resistance to pipeline 3, and missing and murdered indigenous women. We walked the water from First Universalist to Bde Maka Ska.
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On Wednesday Jean Chagnon brought us the water from First Congregational Church of SW Mpls Daycamp Collaborative to our Steve Merrill. |
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On Friday Rev. Justin walked with the EJ Team to Bde Maka Ska for the next water transfer |
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The Water - known as “Nibi” - was transferred from Steve to Stan Sattinger who then biked the water to Mayflower Congregation Church |
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The Power of One-On-One Conversation |
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In a world rife with noise from news and social media feeds that diminishes our collective morale, Story Corps knows the power a one-on-one conversation can have. One Small Step provides a framework for people who hold different viewpoints to explore what they have in common.
In collaboration with Story Corps, First Universalist Peace Action Circle invites you to participate in a virtual facilitated conversation with another person in our community who you might not otherwise have the opportunity to talk with.
This fall, Story Corps is issuing a broad call to Americans: take, “One Small Step” towards fostering a culture of listening. We challenge you to engage in these crucial connections and to learn what we have in common that outweighs our differences.
These recorded conversations will take place in January after thoughtful matching by Story Corps.
To pre-register for fall surveys and afterwards to be matched with a conversation partner:
Cathy Manning
On behalf of First Universalist Peace Action Circle
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Piano Lessons with Franco Holder |
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Hello friends! Do you find yourself wanting more time to relax and unwind? Have you wanted to learn a new skill or brush up on an old one?
Come learn how to play piano! First Universalist pianist Franco Holder is now offering lessons to beginning, intermediate, and advanced students.
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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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UU The Vote
The 2020 election season is in full swing. With voter misinformation, suppression, and concerns due to health and social distancing, it is more important than ever to organize, educate, and mobilize voters. Our UU faith guides us to stand together to ensure that all communities have their voices heard. To help those in the First Universalist community find actions to take and organizations to support, the First Universalist Election Action team is hosting post-worship Zoom meetings on Sundays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. until the election. Meeting ID: 849 1124 9389 Passcode: uutv
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UU Recovery Meeting
Are you interested in building community at church with other folks in recovery?
On Sunday, Oct. 4 at 11:30 a.m., 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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Women's Ritual Circle: Open Rituals this Fall
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 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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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
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m., weekly through the end of December
All people in or interested in 12 steps are welcome, this includes 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
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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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