Spilling the "Tea" at State of the Church |
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Dear ones,
"What's the church tea?"
Invariably, that’s the question that our 13-year-old greets me with on Sunday evenings when we sit down to have dinner together as a family. It’s part of our weekly practice—the one night a week where we’ve all agreed to carve out time to gather around a meal, catch up on our days and weeks, share the rose/bud/thorns of our lives, and enjoy each other's company. And that meal invariably starts with our 13-year-old asking “what’s the church tea?”
“Tea,” if you’re unfamiliar with the expression in this context, is “gossip” or more generally, “news.” When she uses it, it doesn’t carry any of the negative connotations that gossip does, but instead conveys a sense of “what’s the good news, what’s interesting, what’s happening?” and so the question: “what’s the church tea?”
Which brings me to another question:
What are you doing at 1 p.m. this Sunday?
That's right! You'll be attending the First Universalist State of the Church meeting!
Alright. Maybe you didn’t really have the State of the Church meeting on your calendar (yet...), but, dear congregants of First Universalist Church, if you want to hear the “church tea” straight from your church leadership: Rev. Jen Crow, Board President Daryn Woodson, VP Dan Moriarty, and Treasurer Keven Ambrus, then you need to register ASAP for this Sunday’s State of the Church Meeting online at 1 p.m., where we’ll be spilling ALL the “church tea.”
Here are some highlights you can look forward to:
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Update on the budget and how we’re projecting we’ll finish the year
- A report on trends in the congregation and the church world at large as we continue through our first year fully multi-platform
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A heads-up about a congregational vote in June on formally approving the 8th Principle
- An update about shifts in staff roles (good shifts! No one is leaving!)
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An invitation to vote on ordaining Stephanie Vos to the UU ministry
And if all that wasn’t enough, here’s one more highlight for you: we’ll be using Zoom’s “Meeting Mode” so we can all see each other (if we turn on our cameras, of course).
I'll see you Sunday for the State of the Church Meeting. Hear the tea, see folks you know and folks you don’t, and be part of the practice of church governance that rests solely in the hands of you, members of First Universalist Church.
And, please note: this meeting is online only, so come to church in the morning, then hop on zoom when you get home for the 1 p.m. start time.
In faith,
Rev. Arif
Rev. Arif Mamdani
Minister of Membership and Adult Ministries
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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State of the Church Meeting |
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Sunday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. on Zoom
Please join us for our annual State of the Church meeting on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. This one hour gathering on Zoom will be held in “meeting mode” with the option to have your camera on and will include online games, opportunities to get to know each other, important financial and staffing updates, as well as an opportunity to vote in support of the ordination of our own Stephanie Vos to the Unitarian Universalist ministry.
Members: register for the Zoom meeting here now. You will receive your personalized Zoom information in an email once staff have verified your membership status. We cannot guarantee access if registrations are received after 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Non-members who wish to observe the meeting can watch the livestream on YouTube or watch the meeting recording, which will be shared next week.
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Worship
Sunday, Feb. 27, 9 & 11am
Wednesday, March 2 Meditation, 7pm
Sunday Podcasts & Recordings
Cycle of Life
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News & Features
New Art Exhibit
Chalice Pillow Volunteers
Newcomers Circle Open
Divorce Group
Leadership Candidates
Learn About Closeknit
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Happenings
Mde Maka Ska Conversation
Faith Like a River
Grief Group
Pathway to Membership
Humanism Class
AUW events
Ongoing Gatherings
In the Community
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Feb. 27 — 9 & 11 a.m.
Humanism Is Black
ORDER OF SERVICE will be available here on Sunday
The first humanists in the United States were people of African descent. They brought with them a philosophy that is rooted in every attempt America has made to envision a more perfect union. This Sunday, we will explore two moments where explicit and implicit humanist constructs informed the movement of human dignity.
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Worship leaders: Rev. Karen Hutt, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Arif Mamdani, and Franco Holder
JOIN US IN PERSON AT 9 OR 11 A.M.:
In person worship is offered twice, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. If you are choosing to join us in person at this time, we expect that you are feeling well and that you are vaccinated against COVID-19 if eligible/able. Masks are required. Read our COVID-19 Policies.
JOIN US ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE
Religious Education classes for children and youth in Kindergarten through Senior High are in session this Sunday. Childcare is available for nursery through preschool. Children and youth must be registered by noon on the Saturday before worship to attend. Find more information and register your family here.
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Wednesday, March 2, 7 p.m.
Three Breaths: Midweek Meditation
Meditation leader: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout
JOIN US ONLINE:
Wednesday Meditation is live-streamed on Zoom. Join here (Webinar ID: 117 312 320).
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Recent Sunday Service Recordings |
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Feb. 20: "black magic"
Dr. Glen Thomas encourages us to honor Black History Month in a few specific ways: learn the names and buy the books of Black authors from a Black-owned book store; celebrate the innumerable Black women—trans women especially—who teach us how to love and who have kept many alive; and, liberate yourself. Liberate yourself from the cultural forces that teach you to deny or disrespect what your body tells you. Let your body love what it loves and what it wants to. Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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Feb. 13: "Murmurations"
In Emergent Strategy, adrienne maree brown invites us to imagine a future in which humans have gained the ability to move akin to a flock of starlings, each of us attuned to those around us, able to move in concert with the communities of which we are a part. We ponder the wisdom of starlings and how they might inform our lives, and celebrate those who volunteer their time and energy in the multidimensional dance of church. Listen to the podcast or watch the recording. |
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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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New Art Exhibit: Visual Prayer
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This Sunday is the first opportunity to view the exhibit Visual Prayer. The multi-media show was created by the Interfaith Artists Circle, artists who are diverse in traditions, observance, and belief. The exhibit will be in our social hall Universal Gallery February 21– April 10.
An important component of the Circle is study. The artists select a theme and invite distinguished scholars to teach them, offering a foundation in spiritual learning and an opportunity to inspire them as they create their individual works.
The artists chose Visual Prayer as the theme for this exhibit, feeling that prayer is the human connection to a higher presence, personally and communally. As they explored prayer through art, their goal was to find commonality and connectivity among religions and to appreciate and respect our similarities and differences.
To learn more about the artists and their work visit www.interfaithartistcircle.com. Go to Exhibits, Visual Prayer -- Main Exhibit to view each of the works that are presently on display in our gallery. Several items are for sale.
Image above: Art Quilt by Jane Bassuk
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Call for Chalice Pillow Volunteers |
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This year's Youth Sunday worship service will be on Sunday, May 22. During the service, our graduating seniors receive their beautiful chalice pillows as we send them out into the next phase of their lives with love. We have 36 graduating seniors this year so we need your help! If you would like to volunteer, please contact Carolyn Liebler (liebler@umn.edu or 612-716-0665). It is great if you have sewing experience, but it is not required.
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Spring Newcomers Circle: Registration Open |
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Newcomer Circles are four-session gatherings of 6-8 participants who are new-ish to First Universalist and want to reflect on their own and listen to stories from the spiritual journeys of other new-ish folks. While membership is not required, the Circle is intended for those who intend to commit to and continue their UU spiritual journey at First Universalist. This Circle will be facilitated by First U member Jane Jordan and will meet four Tuesdays, April 5–26 from 6:30-8 p.m. on zoom. Those registered will receive the zoom and additional information via email within a week before the first session. Learn more and register here.
If you are in a “church shopping” phase of your journey and are considering Newcomers Circle, we instead invite you to attend worship regularly, talk with congregants before and after the service, consider joining a shared identity group, or schedule time with a minister to learn more.
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Begins March 12: Divorce Small Group |
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Are you going through a divorce? Would it be helpful for you to meet with others and work through some questions to help you process and harvest the meaning out of this challenging experience? If so, this group might be just what you are looking for.
This newly formed Divorce Small Group will meet for an in-person kick off meeting on Saturday, March 12 from 1-4 p.m. We'll then meet virtually every other Wednesday evening March 16 through June 8, 7–8:30 p.m., with an in-person closing retreat on Saturday, June 18, 1–4 p.m. If you are wondering if this is the group for you, it probably is!
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Seeking Candidates for Leadership Positions |
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The Nominating Committee is now recruiting candidates for leadership positions on the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Nominating Committee for the 2022-2023 church year. Serving on one of these bodies enables you to represent other church members to ensure that the church moves forward in alignment with its visionary goals. Members have unique opportunities to collaborate with our ministers and other lay leaders to advance the church’s mission! Below are brief descriptions of the different positions:
Member of the Board of Trustees: Trustees partner with the congregation and professional staff in shaping the vision and long-term goals of the church. They articulate these aspirations through policy and collaborate with the Senior Minister to see they are fulfilled. A fuller description of the position can be found here.
Member of First Universalist Foundation Board: Board members serve as stewards of the Foundation endowment. The solicit grant applications, review applications, and select grantees to be awarded funding. A fuller description of the position can be found here.
Member of Nominating Committee: Committee members screen and recommend candidates to the congregation for vacant positions on the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Nominating Committee. A fuller description of the position can be found here.
Requirements: You must be a member in good standing of the church. Elections occur at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 6. Please consider either nominating yourself or encouraging a fellow church member to apply for this important work.
Applications are due by Friday, March 18, and the application form will be available in the Liberal and on the website next week.
If you have questions or would like more information, please email the Nominating Committee at nomination [at] firstuniv.org.
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Learn About Closeknit - Tomorrow! |
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Have you ever lived on someone’s couch for a few days or weeks? Or maybe you have had someone camping on your couch? These chosen family arrangements can be vital for young people facing homelessness. We are exploring a new Faithful Action Partner, Closeknit: Loving Youth out of Homelessness that supports these life saving arrangements. Please join us for a zoom lunch at noon on February 25 with executive director Jacqueline White to learn more. (Join the Zoom meeting here; Meeting ID: 881 3973 5203, Passcode: 305194) For questions, contact Karen Heegaard (612-810-7349; kfheeg@aol.com). Read more about First U's involvement with Closeknit here.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Mde Maka Ska Community Conversation |
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Saturday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m.–noon on Zoom
Since 2015, First Universalist Church has been honored and grateful to have been in community conversations with the LaPointe family. Our second Mde Maka Ska Community Conversation of 2022 will be on Saturday, Feb. 26. Coordinated by First U Climate and Environmental Justice team members via zoom, we will engage in conversations to support ongoing pursuits such as Mni Ki Wakan, Indigenous Water Decade, and to deepen our connection with Mother Earth and all her relatives, especially our sacred waters. We engage in conversations as allies with the LaPointe family and all their relatives.
The LaPointe family will lead dialogue exploring provocative questions through processes of discovery, dream, design, delivery, and reflection. Small groups explorations and conversation will be possible via zoom breakout rooms.
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UU History Class: Faith Like a River |
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Sundays, Feb. 27, March 20, April 24, and May 22, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Zoom
Faith Like a River explores Unitarian Universalist history as one current in the stream of human history, with its own themes of thought and action that swirl, eddy, and bubble to prominence at different points in time. A selection of stories from our faith heritage offers not only a grounding of knowledge, but also insights into contemporary issues, practices, challenges, and trends in our faith movement.
This round of Faith Like a River covers the “Unitarian Universalist Identity” module of the curriculum, and includes sessions on: Reason as a Religious Source, the meaning of Covenants in the congregation and in your life, and an examination of differences between the Unitarian and Universalist Polity traditions and an identification of sources that have influenced our current governance practices.
Each round of Faith Like a River is an independent series of classes, and you need not have participated in a previous round to join this one. That said, this round will complete the entire Faith Like a River series we began at First Universalist in February 2020.
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Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt |
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Sunday, Feb. 27, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom (date change and schedule update)
Tending and Mending / Tangled Blessings is a grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief and loss they're carrying. Join the Zoom room here. Normally a monthly group, this group will meet twice monthly through the remainder of the winter months: Sundays, Feb. 27, March 13 and 27.
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Pathway to Membership Class |
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Wednesday, March 16, 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom
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, as part of this class you'll watch several short videos on the various ministry areas of the church, and then attend one class session to reflect on and discuss themes like Faith in Action and Stewardship through the lens of church membership.
Learn more and register on our website.
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Humanism Through Multiple Lenses Class
First Session Postponed; Scheduled to begin March 31
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Thursdays, March 31, April 28, May 26, June 30, and July 28, 6:30–8 p.m.
In this class, facilitated by Rev. Karen Hutt, we will explore humanist geographies and intellectual histories from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We will examine the cultural production of humanism in sports, film, literature and music. Finally, we will analyze humanism in the public arena, private life and in social issues.
This is a survey course that will take a broad view. There will be an expectation that you complete all readings and view videos prior to class to deepen our discussion.
This class meets monthly on the last Thursday of the month, March 31 through July 28, 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom. Please register to receive the Zoom information. Registration is on a rolling basis. Zoom info is always the same, so register once and come when you’re able.
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Association of Universalist Women Winter Event |
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February Fete with Peg Meier
Saturday, Feb. 26, 1–3 p.m.
Peg Meier, former journalist for the Star Tribune and author of Bring Warm Clothes, will share stories she collected about the women who settled Minnesota.There will be refreshments and the warmth of friendship!
No need to pre-register; just show up at church, or join via Zoom. Attending is FREE for AUW members, $10 for non-members. All people who identify as women, non-binary or gender fluid are welcome.
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Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat |
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THEME: Resilience, Community and Creativity
WHEN: April 22–25, 2022 (Friday - Monday). There is an option to register for Saturday only and an option to stay over Sunday night.
WHERE: Camp Courage near Annandale – a new venue for us!
WHO: Keynote and ceremonies by Rev. Kelli Clement
Breakout Sessions and Activities: Sky Watch; Stretching; Nature Walk; Meditation; Pilates; Writing; Sexuality Discussion; Sound Healing; Book Discussion; Gender Fluid/Expansive Discussion; Board Games; Movies; Talent Show; Dance Party; Labyrinth; Indoor Pool; Healing Sessions and Massage (extra fee); Crafts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION and REGISTRATION: visit the AUW website
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Updated schedule: Sundays at 7 p.m.
Weekly confidential drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction & family dysfunction. Join via Zoom. (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 through June. Come in through the front door to find out which room we will be in. Workshops go from 9:30 a.m. to noon and are for all people in or interested in 12 step programs. They include meditation, meditation instruction, short talks and small groups. Meetings 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: 12stepspirituality.org
Tending and Mending: Grief Group
Schedule update: Sunday, Feb. 27, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tending and Mending is a grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief and loss they're carrying. Join the Zoom room here. Normally a monthly group, this group will meet twice monthly through the winter months: Sundays, Feb. 27, March 13 and 27. Also offered: Sundays, April 17 and May 15.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 12:30–1:30 p.m. in person & on Zoom
Monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we discuss our practices. Join via Zoom or meet in the Meditation Room.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom
Chi Gung
Thursday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom
Pat,Gottschalk leads gentle movements with a focus on harmonizing our personal energies. 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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Mental Health Connect Offerings |
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Deep Listening Training (next session: Monday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m.)
Self-Care for the Caregiver (next session: Thursday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.)
Uptown Brass Band Concert, Sunday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. (proceeds support Mental Health Connect
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COVID-19 Safety Measures & Policies |
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Updated December 12, 2021
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Masks are required in the church building 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.
- If you are joining us in person, we expect that everyone who is able/eligible has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Staff and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- If you are not feeling well 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 ask that you please stay home—and join us for worship online (or participate in your group/class/event online if that option is available).
- 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.
- We will not be serving food or beverages indoors on Sunday mornings.
- For now, we will not be singing together in the sanctuary; worship leaders and masked choir members will sing at some services.
- Both services will be streamed to the Cummins Room or Social Hall for those seeking more space, or in case the sanctuary fills.
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We are offering optional Sunday childcare or classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, effective Sunday, Dec. 12 (advance registration required).
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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 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.
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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