When Will Things Get Better? |
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Greetings!
It’s been years since I’ve read the comic section of the newspaper. But for the past month or so, I’ve been regularly stopping there. I don’t know if it’s a combination of distracting myself from the real news, or if it’s because I trust that comedians, comic writers, tricksters, and jokesters offer - through humor - an honest and hilarious look at our real condition. Often, comics allow the painful truth to land in a new way.
This morning, the comic strip “Pearls Before Swine” featured Rat and Pig climbing a hilltop to visit the “Wise a** on the hill” (a donkey). When they arrive, Pig asks, “Oh, wise a** on the hill, tell us all...when will things get better?” And the wise a** responds: “When you decide they get better.” Pig asks, “What does that mean?” And the wise a** responds: “That you can’t control events, but you can control your reaction to those events.” At the bottom of the hill, Pig turns to Rat and says, “I was hoping he’d just say Tuesday.”
This is the predicament we find ourselves in. When will things get better? After the election? In the new year? Next spring, after we’ve made it through the winter? Next summer, when a vaccine may or may not be widely available, and the pandemic over, or not? When will things get better?
I wish there was a concrete, technical answer to this question. But this is a question of the spirit, of paying attention, of opening the heart to what is, and noticing how we are reacting and responding and taking things in. Beneath the question, are these questions: “Even in the anxiety and grief, is there room for gratitude? Even as winter approaches, do we notice moments of joy and delight? Even as we struggle, can we notice where we are making it through, step by step, day by day?”
I wish we had a simple answer to the question: “When will things get better?” But there is no simple answer. Our spiritual practices, our leaning into (mostly virtual) community and connection, our honest truth telling about what we are experiencing right now - these are the tools that will bring us into the next moment, and the next; and in each moment, we can notice what has shifted and changed. We can notice what is better, what is harder, and then, with a breath, move to the next moment.
These are challenging times. Be gentle and loving with yourself. Reach out for support. We are here for you, and for one another.
With love and care,
Rev. Justin
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Message from Board President Bryana French Regarding Rev. Jen's Upcoming Sabbatical |
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Dear congregants,
As a reminder, the Board approved a 3-month sabbatical for Rev. Jen Crow last April, which will begin November 1 and run through mid-January.
Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations frequently grant their ministers a sabbatical period with full pay in recognition of their difficult and consuming work. The result is a renewal of the ministers’ outlook, new directions of thought and growth of vision, and a healthier congregation as a result. UU Ministerial Association guidelines say that after four years with a congregation, ministers may take one month of sabbatical for each year of service up to a maximum of six months. Sabbaticals are generally taken between the fifth and seventh years. A Sabbatical is a time of rest, reflection, and renewal. They are a normal healthy part of a long term, successful ministry – across faith traditions.
Rev. Crow has served First Universalist Church for over 8 years and each year, ministers earn one month of sabbatical time. Sabbatical time can accrue up to, but not beyond 6 months. Thus far, she has taken 3 months of sabbatical time at the rate of one month per year in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and she now has a balance of 5 months of sabbatical time.
The Board approved her request to take a total of 3 months of sabbatical time in the 2020-21 church year: November and December of 2020, two weeks in January 2021, and two weeks in June of 2021.
During this time, Jen will work on her spiritual memoir, already contracted with through Broadleaf Books! The first draft of the manuscript is due on January 15, 2021. She plans to use her sabbatical time for rest and writing, and looks forward to celebrating her book launch with the congregation.
I believe it is important now more than ever that we honor Jen’s need for rest and rejuvenation to prevent burnout. Rev. Crow has held our community as we reeled with the existential fear of the COVID-19 pandemic; related job, food, and housing insecurity; racial uprisings throughout the country and in our back yard, and the historic 2020 election.
Rev. Justin Schroeder is back full time and will lead us with the rest of the leadership team in Jen’s absence. The ministers are still here for you in your life transition! Pastoral care will not stop.
Your Board has full faith in our ability to hold the church through this transition. We got your back :D
Sincerely,
Bryana French
President, First Universalist Church Board of Trustees
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.
"Magnitude and Bond"
Arif Mamdani
The poet Gwendolyn Brooks, in a poem and tribute to Paul Robeson writes “…we are each other’s harvest/ We are each other’s business/ We are each other’s magnitude and bond.” These lines reflect one way we might understand what we’re driving at at church when we talk about being a community of communities.
This Sunday, Aimee K. Bryant, Arif Mamdani, and Lauren Wyeth will weave together music, story and prayer and in the process endeavor to lift up some ways we might enter into all this: these words from Gwendolyn Brooks, the invitation of community, and a heart’s yearning to be known and beloved.
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
ORDER OF SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, OCT. 18
Welcome: Lauren Wyeth
Chalice Lighting: Rui Rui, Ethan and Sherry
Story for All Ages: Lauren Wyeth
Music: "Glory Glory" Aimee K. Bryant & Franco Holder
Prayer: Arif Mamdani
Music: "Spirit of Life" Franco Holder
Sermon: Arif Mamdani
Offering Recipient: Every Meal, for Augsburg Fairview Academy (give here)
Offertory: "Lean on Me" Aimee K. Bryant & Franco Holder
Closing Words
"Go Now in Peace" Franco Holder
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POST-SUNDAY WORSHIP MEETINGS (OCT. 18)
~11 a.m. Post-Worship Fellowship for All Identities
We're trying some new things in the post-worship social space! Connect with a worship leader and fellow congregants in the virtual Fellowship Hall - a lightly structured environment where we'll discuss and reflect on what we heard in the worship service.
Join here. (Meeting ID: 212 168 092 Passcode: 383174) or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and passcode.
~11 a.m. BIPOC Post-Worship Fellowship Hour
A social space for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and multiracial to connect: Join here (Meeting ID: 825 3313 5300; Password: 982432) or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and password.
~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.
~11 a.m. First Step
First Step is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. Newcomers are welcome to join us to learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. Offered first and third Sundays.
Join here. (Meeting ID: 881 2661 8139 Passcode: 396179)
~11 a.m. UU the Vote
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 and Wednesdays until the election. Join here.
11:30 a.m. UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Do you identify as someone in 12-Step recovery? Would you like to build community at church and add a layer of support for yourself and others as we head into the winter? Join us for this weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. We'll join in a time of silent meditation, explore a topic, and share our experience, strength and hope with each other. Participation in the meeting is confidential, and no sign up is required. Meets every other Sunday (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) beginning 10/18 and every other Tuesday (7-8 p.m.) beginning 10/27. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more information reach out to Rev. Jen (jen@firstuniv.org) or Dick Young (dickyoung1@comcast.net).
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m.
Rev. Karen Hutt
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, Oct. 11:
Mental Health Sunday: "Soul on Deck"
Sermon by Rev. Jen Crow
Reflections & summary by Liz Farmer:
It is not lost on us that Mental Health Week - an annual Sunday spotlight that we’ve extended to a week - includes National Coming Out Day. It was not all that long ago that coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or trans marked one as pathological - as mentally ill. It is a great gift of the queer community to come out with a little more of their true selves bared, for it has paved the way for others to reveal more of who they are. When we name and claim who we are with pride, it changes who we are and changes the world. When we share ourselves vulnerably - putting our soul on deck- it allows space for others to do the same. When we love the whole of who we and others are with “blasé kindness,” as Rev. Jen describes, that authentic sharing and straightforward belonging heals wounds, shifts narratives, and lights the way for a new reality.
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Art: "The Liminal" by Dawn Carlson Conn | Design: Janet Mills |
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You're Invited: The Ordination of Arif Mamdani |
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The Ordination of Arif Mamdani
During our Sunday Zoom service
October 25 at 10 a.m.
Sidewalk Reception Follows
drive by ~ walk by ~ roll by
Arif Mamdani—who has served as First Universalist's Director of Membership and Adult Ministries since August 2019—and his wife Channing McKinley and their two lovely daughters are known to many in our congregation. They have been attending First Universalist since 2009; for Channing, it was a return to her childhood church.
After more than a decade of experience in non-profits, social justice organizations and faith communities, Arif felt the call to ministry.
In Arif’s words, “My call to ministry came out of and has been nurtured by this congregation, and I would dearly love for First Universalist to be the congregation that formally recognizes my ministry.”
This is an opportunity to celebrate this transformative call. It is also an opportunity to embrace our Unitarian Universalist history and theology. An Ordination emphasizes the depth and power of UU traditions as well as the unique identity and culture of First Universalist. And it raises up the unique talents and intentions of our Ordinand, Arif Mamdani.
Over the years at First Universalist we have come to call ordinations UU High Church. We gather to celebrate the ordinand but also to personally recommit to our faith tradition. We hope you can join us for this important event in the life of our church. Your attention is a gift and an opportunity.
Reception Details, Plus a Call for Volunteers!
After Arif’s ordination on Sunday, Oct. 25, he’ll be on the front steps of the church from 1:30-2:30 p.m. for an outdoor reception. Congregants are welcome to drive, walk, roll, or ride by to celebrate the soon-to-be Rev. Arif Mamdani and his ministry. Please wear masks and practice social distancing.
Call for volunteers! We need several volunteers from 12:30-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25 to help host the outdoor reception. If you are available to volunteer, please email Emma Paskewitz at emma@firstuniv.org.
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Racial Justice Change Team Seeking New Members |
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Over the past few years, the Change Team has been pleased to support the anti-racism and anti-oppression work of First Universalist, including serving as the catalyst to adding POCI ministers on staff. The Change Team is looking forward to establishing clear racial justice goals and accountability for the board, the staff, and the congregation.
The Racial Justice Change Team serves as a committee of the Board of Trustees, which gives it the structural authority to effectively review institutional racism and white supremacy culture as it lives in the work of our church.
The membership is made up of two Board members, four congregational members, our Director of Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism, and a Co-Senior Minister. Change Team members serve for a three year term with an option to serve another three year term.
The Change Team is currently seeking candidates that want to join us in this important work! If interested, please apply here by the Oct. 31 deadline.
As a committee of the Board, members are appointed by the Board, but the Change Team will be making recommendations to the Board based on applications and interviews. Two members will be leaving in January, and we're looking to add three new members.
The overall time commitment is monthly meetings - 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month - with a few hours of work in between. The team currently meets at this time, but it can be changed to accommodate all members of the team.
We are hoping to have our newest members join us at our January 7 meeting.
Karin Wille (Co-Chair), Richard Spratt (Co-Chair), Sarah Hedge (BOT), Ben Miles (BOT), Kayci Rush, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Justin Schroeder and Jennifer Crow
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News from Mental Health Connect |
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October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month - Awareness Matters
First Universalist Church is in net-work with over ten local churches with Mental Health Connect which works to provide community-based resources, support and education to improve access to mental health services and to connect individuals and families with the services they need. If you or someone you know might need help, please connect with the MHC Navigator at: www.mhconnect.org
Submitted by Janet Houck, First Universalist's Mental Health Connect Ambassador
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The Power of One-On-One Conversation |
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In a world rife with noise from news to social media feeds—that diminishes our collective morale—StoryCorps understands the power of a one-on-one conversation. StoryCorps’ One Small Step provides a framework for people who hold different viewpoints to explore what they have in common and calls to Americans to take, “One Small step” towards fostering a culture of listening.
First Universalist Peace Action Circle, in collaboration with StoryCorps, invites you to participate in a virtual, recorded and facilitated conversation with another person in our community who you might not otherwise have the opportunity to talk with.
In December, StoryCorps will begin thoughtfully matching community members for conversations that will take place in January. To sign up to participate, complete the online screening questionnaire by December 11, 2020.
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.
Please email TCPeaceLiteracyEduc@yahoo.com when you have completed the survey so that we, in partnership with StoryCorps, can keep you informed. We will be sending out individual invitations and encourage referrals to friends and associates outside our First Universalist community. Our goal is to recruit a diverse group.
- Cathy Manning
On behalf of First Universalist Peace Action Circle
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Submitted by Marion McNurlen:
Every vote is precious in the upcoming election. The UU the Vote team wants to be sure everyone has the information they need to vote.
It is too late to get an absentee or mail-in ballot if you haven't already done it. However, there are easy ways to vote in person from now until the election on November 3:
In Minneapolis, you can go to the early voting site at 980 Hennepin Ave. E. or the Hennepin County Government Center. You can find hours and additional polling places that open beginning October 24 here. NOTE: This website has information on what you need to have with you to register if you aren't already registered.
In suburbs, you can go to your city hall weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. All sites require masks and are very Covid careful.
Regular polling places are open election day 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. With the current early voting rate, they may not be crowded.
At all sites, you can vote from your car if necessary.
If you need further help voting (including a ride) or have questions, email marionlane@gmail.com or call Marion McNurlen at 952-237-8170.
Vote and encourage your friends to vote! See UU actions here.
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Rev. Karen Hutt to Moderate United Theological Seminary's Radical Death Series |
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Racial Disparities in the Death Positive Movement
United Theological Seminary
Sat, Oct. 17, 2020 at 6 p.m
Americans have a tough time talking about death. We hide death, obscure death and serve one another platitudes about death that serve to make us feel better. Throughout Europe and the US, Death Cafes were created over the past few years to give people an honest place to explore death without judgment, dogma or sentimentality.
Join Rev. Karen Hutt in her other job as VP of Student Formation and Innovation at United Theological Seminary, as we explore the Radical Death and Racial Disparities of Access." See below for registration and access.
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Virtual Meetings & Gatherings |
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Women's Ritual Circle: Open Rituals this Fall
Friday, Oct. 16 & Saturday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m.
Women (cis, trans, and nonbinary people who feel at home in women-centered spaces) 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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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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POCI Circle Meeting
Sunday, Oct. 18, 1-3 p.m.
Circles are groups of 8-10 committed participants who come together with a trained leader to nurture spiritual growth in community. These groups are grounded in the spiritual practices of deep listening and open-hearted reflection. Each gathering offers an opportunity for connection: with ourselves, with others, and with something greater than ourselves.
The POCI Circle is a radically inclusive group of Unitarian Universalists that identify ourselves, personally and individually, as a Person of Color or Indigenous Person, and who are interested in gathering together as UU spiritual seekers in a safe space.
The POCI Circle meets monthly (now on Zoom), and the next meeting is this Sunday, from 1-3 p.m. Contact Michael Dotson (mdotson904@att.net) for more information and to get the Zoom information.
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"Kiss the Ground" Film Discussion
Monday, Oct. 19, 7–8 p.m.
Register here to receive the info to join the discussion via Zoom
To significantly mitigate the climate crisis, there are a lot of problems humans need to solve — and one of the biggest problems is right under your feet: the soil. “Kiss the Ground” is a 90 minute documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson that sheds light on an alternative approach to farming called “regenerative agriculture” that has the potential to balance our climate, replenish our vast water supplies, and feed the world.
Here’s what one of our EJ team members had to say about the film:
"IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!! Everyone on the planet needs to see this!!!!! We need to do everything in our power to show this to the whole congregation. This information is a huge part of saving this planet and becoming healthier ourselves." - Susan Keller
Please view “Kiss the Ground” on Netflix (account required) prior to joining the discussion on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.
Environmental justice team members Stephen Merrill, Stan Sattinger, and Susan Keller will lead the discussion.
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Association of Universalist Women (AUW) Fall Event
"Harvesting Hope" with Julie Neraas
Saturday, Nov. 7, 3–4:30 p.m.
In this daunting and tumultuous time, hope may be our greatest need, its viability our greatest question. But what is hope? It’s much more than a positive attitude. It is a life stance, it’s the sense of a way forward, the commitment to creating a better world even when we don’t feel particularly hopeful. Hope is related to help, and it is often birthed in community.
In her 45 minute presentation via Zoom, Julie Neraas will touch briefly on the nature of hope, sources of hope, and if time allows, a habit or practice that encourages hope. The remaining time will be for conversation back and forth.
Julie Neraas is an educator, writer, spiritual director, public speaker, and retreat leader. She is also skilled in group facilitation.
Meeting ID: 862 3154 8147, Passcode: 072486
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Ongoing Meetings for Adults |
Every other Sunday, beginning Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Every other Tuesday, beginning Oct. 27, 7–8 p.m.
Do you identify as someone in 12-Step recovery? Would you like to build community at church and add a layer of support for yourself and others as we head into the winter? Join us for this weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. We'll join in a time of silent meditation, explore a topic, and share our experience, strength and hope with each other. Participation in the meeting is confidential, and no sign up is required. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more information reach out to Rev. Jen (jen@firstuniv.org) or Dick Young (dickyoung1@comcast.net)
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, 10–11:30 a.m. (check in begins at 9:30 a.m.)
Led by congregant Pat Gottschalk, Chi-Gung meets via Zoom on Thursdays through 12/19 (except Thanksgiving). Meeting ID: 872 9181 2732
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 |
Email Lauren Wyeth, Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries, at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to any the following groups:
Rainbow Kids and Families
Tuesdays, 7–8 p.m., Oct. 13 to Nov. 17
LGBTQ+/Rainbow kids, parents and families gather for a chalice lighting and story, followed by a chance to get to know one another in three smaller breakout groups:
- Parents, caregivers and young children up to 5th grade
- Middle schoolers in 6th-8th grade, facilitated by trained LGBTQ+ youth and young adult staff
- Parents and caregivers of middle- and high-school youth
Not sure this group is for you and your family? If you have a reason to join us, you are most welcome!
BIPOC/Multiracial Kids and Families
Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m., Oct. 14 to Nov. 18
Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Multiracial kids, parents and families gather for a chalice lighting and story, followed by a chance to get to know one another in three smaller breakout groups:
- Parents, caregivers and young children up to 5th grade
- Middle schoolers in 6th-8th grade, facilitated by trained BIPOC/Multiracial youth and young adult staff
- Parents and caregivers of middle- and high-school youth
This group welcomes all members of your BIPOC/Multiracial family!
Neurodiverse and Diverse Learners and their Families
Thursdays, time TBD, Oct. 15 to Nov.19
Neurodiverse and Diverse Learners gather for a chalice lighting and story, followed by a chance to get to know one another in three smaller breakout groups:
- Parents, caregivers and young children up to 5th grade
- Middle schoolers in 6th-8th grade, facilitated by trained neurodiverse youth and young adult staff
- Parents and caregivers of middle- and high-school youth
Diagnosed or not, if someone in your family identifies as neurodiverse, has an atypical way of learning or a learning disorder, you all are welcome.
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)
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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Caring for Ourselves and Each Other |
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You know that we are here for each other in times of crisis, but did you know we are here for each other all the time, too? Whether you are in an intense time of need or you could just use a little extra support, when one more layer might make the difference between shivering and struggling through on our own and feeling cozy and cared for, we are here for each other. Here are some of the ways you can layer up this winter:
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.
Counseling - The Walk In Counseling Center offers free counseling by phone or computer. Find out how to “walk in” here.
Cycle of Life - Every Sunday we name the challenges and joys that we are experiencing. If you have experienced a loss, are living with a new or ongoing health concern, are celebrating a transition, or would like us to name your joy or sorrow in worship on Sunday, please let Rev. Jen know. (jen@firstuniv.org)
Grief Kits - Have you or someone else you know in our congregation lost a loved one? Please let Rev. Jen Crow (jen@firstuniv.org) or Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.
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 answer yes to any of these questions? If so, please let Rev. Jen Crow (jen@firstuniv.org) or Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.
Meal Trains - Sometimes receiving a meal one time or over the course of a couple of weeks can be just the thing to lighten the load and remind us that we are loved. If you or someone you know at church would welcome a meal to help them through a difficult time, or if you or your family have experienced a loss or are living with an illness or injury and having someone else do the cooking for a bit would help, please let us know. You can contact Rev. Jen or Rev. Karen, or contact our Congregational Care Coordinators, Nick (nicholasnier@gmail.com) and Julia (jskow@fastmail.com) directly.
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 with any staff member. We have financial resources available, and we can get a confidential check to you quickly. Please contact Rev. Jen Crow (jen@firstuniv.org) or any of the ministers on staff.
Winter Buddies - Would it help to get a regular phone call from someone who cares? What about a check-in over zoom or phone once a month, or once a week? Our Pastoral Visitors are a group of congregants who provide confidential companionship and support to fellow members and friends of the church. They offer compassionate presence through a one-time call or an on-going relationship. Please contact Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) if you’d like to be connected with a companion.
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.
Mental Health Navigators - If you are trying to access therapy or counseling services, navigate the insurance system, speak to a financial counselor, connect with housing services, or support loved ones with mental illness, a Mental Health Navigator can help. They journey alongside you to help remove barriers and complexity so that you can gain access to the right providers and resources for your unique situation. Navigation and follow-up services are free, confidential, and tailored to your individual situation. Learn more here: What Is a Mental Health Navigator? And get started here.
UUs in 12-Step Recovery - Want to build community and share support with other Unitarian Universalists in 12-Step recovery? Connect with Dick Young (dickyoung1@comcast.net) or Rev. Jen (jen@firstuniv.org) to learn more and join in.
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