Dear ones,
Octavia Butler said that “god is change.” Bodyworkers have been known to say that “movement is life.” Many folks here at church and in the wider world talk about the dance of life or the dance of our spirits. What each of these points to in their own way is the reality that our lives are fluid, that our lives are in motion, that an ebb and flow is a natural movement of this earth and the many creatures who call it home, even us humans.
We’ve been reflecting on that this week as we, your staff team, work to “cover all the bases” during a season in which several staff are out. Everyone is fine—we’d let you know if there was anything to be concerned about—but even though we’re all ok, what remains true is that we’re in a time of ebb with respect to staff capacity at a time in the church year when things are particularly busy.
And in this ebb, we’re reminded of another time, two years ago, just before the pandemic. Rev. Justin had recently left on sabbatical. Rev. Jen was about to be out on medical leave. In a service prior to Rev. Jen’s departure, she invited us all to say “we’ve got this, together” as a reminder that none of us can make church happen alone, that it takes all of us, and that together, we’ve got all that we need to meet what the world sends our way. Little did we know then that a couple months later, just weeks after Rev. Jen’s return, our lives would be forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have been through a lot since then, and “we’ve got this, together” is still true. Together: congregation, board, and staff—we’ve got this. That’s good to remember at a time when we know the staff team is feeling a bit under capacity and stretched. We’ve got this, together.
As we move through these temporary changes in staffing capacity—with Dr. Glen Thomas and Rev. Karen away from church for a time and with Chelsea Bertsch, our Finance Assistant, recently departed for a new opportunity—we wanted to be sure you all knew what was happening. Though the situation is temporary, church staff are stretching to ensure that our most essential ministries are tended to. That means that we’re prioritizing pastoral care, and preparation for Sunday mornings in the sanctuary and religious education. We’re working to prepare for the annual meeting, and we’re making sure that we are caring for ourselves so that burnout doesn’t reduce our capacity even further.
If we are slower to respond to an email message or phone call, or if we need to reschedule meetings with you, please know that you are valued and cared for here. Whether you find yourself in an official volunteer role as an usher, greeter, or small group facilitator, or it is your first time joining us online or in person, take a moment to welcome and check in with the people around you. Kindness and care will ease the way for us all as we lean in and remember that together, we’ve got this.
With gratitude from your leadership team,
Rev. Arif, Rev. Jen, Lauren, Jenn Stromberg, and Julica
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Worship
Sunday, May 1, 9 & 11am
Wednesday Worship Discontinued
Recent Podcasts & Recordings
Cycle of Life/Julia Miller Celebration of Life
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News & Features
Flowers: Art for Ukraine
Budget Meeting
Welcoming New Members
New Name Tags at Church
Farewell to Chelsea Bertsch Faithful Action Newsletter
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Happenings
Electric Saturday Postponed
Electric Vehicle Talk on Zoom
Daytime Connections: Writing a Legacy Letter
Resilience in Congregations
In the Community
Ongoing Gatherings
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, May 1 — 9 & 11 a.m.
"Our Sacred Trust"
This Sunday, we celebrate the culmination of Earth Week and honor the mutual commitment between members and community in the ongoing story of this congregation. Join us to explore the sacred trust we hold to create a sustainable future for our children and our children’s children, and to celebrate how our collective breath, prayer, activism, and meaning-making reflect the roots of our community, like those in a forest, deeply intertwined. And don’t miss the next installment of the acorn story, “The Wood Wide Web.” The young acorns in our community will welcome new members, and keep encouraging us all to sprout and grow together.
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Worship leaders: Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Meg Riley, Liz Farmer, Dallas Rising, Daryn Woodson, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, and the First Universalist Choir, directed by Dr. Randy Buikema (first service only).
IN PERSON AT 9 OR 11 A.M.:
ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
CHILDREN & YOUTH
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WEDNESDAY WORSHIP (DISCONTINUED) |
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As we shared earlier this week, we have made the tough decision to discontinue Wednesday Worship earlier than planned and cancel the remainder of the Spring Seminarian Series. We know this was a meaningful touchpoint for many of you, and we encourage you to reach out and let us know if the absence of Wednesday service means you're now looking for new ways to be connected. If you missed this news on Tuesday, you can read the full announcement here. |
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April 24: "Truth ... It Is Worth Waiting For"
In Unitarian Universalism, our congregations are the only body that can ordain a minister, calling out and lifting up one whose ministry is formally recognized and named in the act of ordination. This past Sunday, we gathered to formally lift up the ministry of Stephanie Vos. Through word, song, and story, we share some of her journey, tell a bigger story about what ministry can be in the world, and formally ordain Stephanie to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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A Celebration of Life for Julia Miller will be held in the sanctuary and live-streamed on Zoom on Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m. Connect to the livestream here (webinar ID: 879 8644 5414 passcode: 370503). All are welcome.
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Spring Flowers: Art for Ukraine |
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On recent Sundays, we've welcomed special guest artist, 1st U parent Katie Laux, to our elementary religious education art classroom! Katie has been teaching our K-5th graders a simple technique to draw beautiful flowers with pastels. The children's creations are on display in the Cummins Room.
This Sunday, May 1, congregants are invited to give a donation in any amount in order to "buy" the children's artwork. All funds raised will go to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) to support Ukrainian refugees.
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Congregational Budget Meeting |
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Tuesday, May 3, 6–7 p.m. on Zoom
Join Rev. Jen Crow and members of the Board to learn about the proposed operating budget for the 2022-2023 church year starting on July 1. This is your opportunity to preview and offer input regarding the operating budget for the coming fiscal year. We look forward to your feedback as we prepare to present the finalized operating budget to the congregation for approval at the June 5 Annual Meeting of the congregation. Join the Zoom meeting here (meeting ID: 882 4725 8430 passcode: 238463) .
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Every few months, we joyfully and officially welcome new members into our faith community. Some will join at the 9 a.m. service and some at the 11 a.m., so we've asked them to answer some questions/share a bit about themselves so you have an opportunity to learn about the whole group. Meet them here! If you have something in common, or their responses resonate with you, let them know when you see each other at church!
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This Sunday at church, you may notice that new members, as well as some worship leaders, lay leaders, volunteers, musicians, and small group facilitators are sporting new name tags! There are many of you who lead and volunteer your time and energy at church, and this was just the first round of ordering! If you are a member and would like to order a new name tag with larger text and your pronouns, you can do so here. If you’d like to order a name tag, but aren’t sure if you’re a member, contact Membership Coordinator Liz Farmer.
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Bidding Farewell to Finance Assistant Chelsea Bertsch |
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On April 28 we say goodbye to long-time staff member, Chelsea Bertsch, who has recently accepted a position at Hennepin Theatre Trust. Over the course of Chelsea’s nearly eight years at First Universalist she’s assisted in numerous administrative roles—most recently working in our finance department. We’re saddened that she's leaving us, but we’re also thrilled for her and this opportunity to grow in the world of accounting and finance. She’s going to be a wonderful addition to the HTT staff. For those that wish to say farewell to Chelsea, all notes can be mailed to the church, care of Bradley Schmidt, or emailed to Brad at brad@firstuniv.org. We will pass them on to Chelsea.
Until someone can be hired for Chelsea’s role, all inquiries regarding gifts, gift processing, pledge balances for annual and capital campaigns, and any other financial related concerns can be directed to Finance Manager Bradley Schmidt at brad@firstuniv.org.
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April/May Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Read our latest Faithful Action newsletter, which contains information about volunteer and advocacy opportunities, events, news, and more from our justice teams and community Faithful Action partners. The newsletter is available as a Google doc here.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Electric Saturday Postponed;
Electric Vehicle Talk Moved to Zoom
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"All Things Electric Vehicles" with Brian Anderson
Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. on Zoom
The Environmental Justice Team's planned Electric Saturday event, originally scheduled to take place in the church parking lot this Saturday, April 30, has been postponed due to the high probability of steady rain and cold temperatures Saturday morning.
However, we do plan to move ahead with our Electric Saturday presentation by Brian Anderson from Let's Go Zero Carbon via zoom! His presentation topics will include Electric Vehicles 101, Electric Vehicle Charging and EV Buying and Market. Here is an overview of Brian's presentation.
Don't forget to join the Climate and Environmental Justice team around the Earth Ball in the social hall this Sunday for Taking Climate Action for our Children and for Our Planet.
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Daytime Connections: Writing a Legacy Letter |
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Thursday, May 19, 10 a.m.
Do you ever think about what you’re leaving as a legacy? Would you like to be more intentional about what this legacy is? Legacy letters are wonderful gifts to leave at the end of your life, or even better, to give now to a child, grandchild, sibling, friend, or mentor for a special occasion or just because you want to share your love, your wisdom, and your gratitude. Member Karen West, a certified Legacy Facilitator, would love to introduce you to this relationship-enhancing process.
Sign in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. Program starts at 10 a.m. Soup & salad lunch follows ($5–15 sliding scale; more if you can; less if you can’t. No one will be turned away for lack of funds). An option to attend online is also available. Registration will be available next week.
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From Reactivity to Resilience:
Doing Our Inner Work in Congregations
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Saturdays, May 7 & 14, 1–3 p.m. Central
Presenters: Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Erica Baron, and guests
You're invited to a workshop about resilience in congregations! This two part webinar series, co-sponsored by New England Region UUA and First Universalist, focuses on the Spiritual Leadership practice of "doing our inner work." It is rooted in an awareness of the human tendency to fight, fawn, freeze, or flee when we are activated. It rests in a belief that congregations are called to create a container in which everyone can learn, hone and use tools that bring us through activation into resilience.
The webinar will draw on story, cases, small group sharing, embodied in-the-moment practice and other strategies for deep exploration and active engagement. By participating, registrants will also be helping us beta test our understanding of how to do this work in congregations.
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Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA)
Student Service Project & Fundraiser
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AFA students seek our help in collecting old sneakers and will send them to “Got Sneakers,” an organization that takes old sneakers and recycles and reuses them.
Reusable sneakers are sent to second hand stores for low cost, or, if heavily used, materials are recycled and reused. In addition to selling reusable sneakers at low cost, the objective is fewer sneakers in landfills and reduction of toxic chemicals in the ground. AFA will receive modest compensation for the donated sneakers and will use the proceeds towards monthly Family nights and for incentives and prizes for students.
If you would like to donate any old sneakers, please bring them to the Social Hall any Sunday in May (see box labelled AFA Sneaker Project). Sneakers can be any type, any size, and well worn or slightly used.
AFA is a public charter high school located in the Phillips neighborhood, and a long standing First Universalist Church Faithful Action Community Partner.
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Grief Group
Every other Sunday, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom (May 8, 22...)
Participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. Through sharing, silence, ritual, and reflection, we offer each other support and companionship. Join via Zoom here.
UUs in 12-Step Recovery
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
Weekly Meditation Group (multiplatform)
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom and in Room 209 at church
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
Thursdays at 7 p.m.
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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Updated March 24, 2022
- 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).
- Both services will be streamed to the Cummins Room or Social Hall for those who desire to be in a space with fewer people.
- We are reintroducing congregational singing during the service on Sunday, March 27.
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In small group settings, with the consent of everyone in the group, masks can be optional inside of the room where the group is meeting, when the COVID-19 community level is low.
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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 - Mental Health Connect is 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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