Renovation Update: Moving Ahead with Phase 2 |
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Greetings!
As you may recall, in 2016 we embarked on the Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future Capital Campaign, which was focused on inclusion, accessibility and community. You donated generously and we set on the path to complete renovations that would enhance our mission and vision. And then COVID-19 hit. In April 2020, the Board approved a reduced scope project, taking a conservative approach to spending given the financial toll the pandemic had on the world. We approved renovations that only amounted to cash we had in hand (rather than taking on a $1.5 million dollar loan as had previously been the plan), and held off on taking out new loans as we waited to see the impact COVID-19 had on capital and annual giving. Phase I Renovations have been happening since we left the building last spring, and despite the reduced scope, beautiful renovations have occurred! Here are some highlights:
- New roof on the Education/Admin Wing & Atrium
- New, environmentally friendly HVAC units & controls for the Education/Admin Wing
- Fully accessible & gender inclusive restrooms, including a family restroom with an accessible shower
- New ADA ramp to the Atrium entrance
- A dedicated sanctuary apartment/living space - with kitchenette and accessible restroom within the space
- Upgraded, accessible senior high lounge and youth space as well as designated Black Indigenous People of Color priority space
- A new Cummins Room with updated A/V equipment and an accessible restroom
- Upgraded security, Audio/Visual, and HVAC controls
- Connected nursery, toddler, and pre-K rooms with their own restroom
- Upgraded A/V equipment and internet access in all classrooms and offices
- New first floor office space
- Fresh paint, carpet and flooring, LED lighting, classroom and meeting room furniture
- Water damage remediation and waterproofing of the Education/Admin Wing
Since the spring, we have come to see that capital campaign pledge fulfillment is ahead of schedule, and the fear that capital campaign pledge fulfillment would decrease has not come to pass! You continue to give generously, believing in the mission of First Universalist, and our commitment to justice in our community.
In addition to pledge fulfillment continuing to be ahead of schedule, the pandemic also offers us a unique opportunity to complete Phase II renovations while we are not able to be in the building.
With this in mind, the Board, with the expertise of Board Treasurer Keven Ambrus, and in consultation with the co-senior ministers, Chelsea Waters (building Project Manager) and Brad Schmidt (church accountant), has weighed the pros and cons of completing the second phase of the renovation now rather than waiting until more certain economic times.
The total cost of the remaining repairs and renovations is estimated to be $2.15 million. This is an increase in scope as we have come to understand new needs (some related to the pandemic such as better air circulation and audiovisual equipment), adding solar panels and improved cost estimation. In order to complete this work, we would need to take out a loan while we wait for the remaining pledges to come in. The scope of the remaining work is larger than the anticipated pledges and we will need to do some additional funding raising and likely need to take out a mortgage of around $750,000 in 2023. This outstanding loan amount will be similar to the mortgage we held prior to the start of the capital campaign and paid off with early capital campaign gifts.
After careful deliberation, the Board has concluded that it makes sense to move forward with the Second Phase of the Capital Campaign project because:
- Capital campaign gifts are coming in as initially expected prior to the pandemic
- We can take advantage of not being able to be in the building for worship and other activities
- Interest rates are very low
- It costs less to do the work now than to do it in the future (it would add an estimated $250,000 to do the work later)
Of course there is risk because we are still in a pandemic, but we have weathered the storm well so far. Pledges are coming in steadily and capital campaign pledges are coming in ahead of schedule. Our giving indicators are strong.
Remaining renovations will give us an updated sanctuary, including new carpet, roof, solar panels and bathrooms! It will also provide greater accessibility for mobility and an inviting main entry. These renovations and repairs will make our building even more in line with our values and visionary goals to be more inclusive, accessible, and environmentally sustainable.
We anticipate the building will be ready for occupancy in September of 2021. We are excited to come out of the pain of this COVID-19 pandemic with our 3400 Dupont Avenue building holding hope, possibilities, and new beginnings.
With love and gratitude,
Bryana French, President of the Congregation, on behalf of the Board of Trustees
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
"In the Interim Time"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
In his poem, "For the Interim Time," John O'Donahue writes, "You are in this time of the interim / Where everything seems withheld," and "The old is not old enough to have died away; the new is still too young to be born."
These words capture right where we are: we are in a season of waiting, of anticipating the arrival of Christmas, of the Solstice, of Hannukah, of the turning of the planet, and the returning of the light. We are in a season of waiting, anticipating the vaccine for Covid-19 and the end of the pandemic, but "when?" and "how?" remain just out of reach. We are in the in-between place, the liminal space, a time of miracle and magic, fear and anxiety, wonder and grief.
In such a space, where do we cast our eyes for hope? In such a space, what is the spiritual work as we wait for the new dawn?
WATCH
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
ORDER OF SERVICE
Welcome: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Chalice Lighting: Sylvia and Ian
Story for All Ages: Aimee K. Bryant
Music: Lo How a Rose / The Rose (medley) by the First Universalist Choir, directed by Dr. Randy Buikema and accompanied by Franco Holder
Prayer: Rev. Arif Mamdani
Music: "Spirit of Life" Dave and Ani
Sermon: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Offering: Ministers' Emergency Fund/First Universalist Church
Offertory: "Why Shouldn't We" by Mary Chapin Carpenter, performed by David Lauth
Blessing in Song: "Go Now in Peace" Dave and Ani
Sending: Rev. Justin Schroeder
On Sunday, you'll be able to follow along with our Virtual Order of Service, which also includes Zoom info for post-worship gatherings, and extra resources. The virtual order of service will be available here by Friday.
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POST-WORSHIP HAPPENINGS (DEC. 6)
~11 a.m. Care Companions Space
We know that worship can take us into deep and surprising places. If you find yourself wanting to talk with someone about what is stirring for you on a Sunday morning, please speak with one of our care companions 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.
11:15 a.m. Sunday Small Groups and Fellowship Hour
Small groups and fellowship hours now funnel through one zoom space. Join here.
Breakout room options are:
- Six-Week Sunday Small Groups (pre-registration required)
- BIPOC-Multiracial Fellowship Hour
- All-Identities Fellowship Hour
11:15 a.m. First Sunday Meditation Group
Religious Education this Sunday
Religious Education classes for children and youth in Kindergarten through 9th grade meet at 11:15 a.m. Senior high youth groups meet at varying times in the afternoon. Advance registration required. More information.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
Rev. Arif Mamdani
This midweek worship experience for adults and older youth is a brief time (20-30 minutes) of connection, centering, and reflection, to help us find and keep our balance during this time of pandemic and physical distancing.
Connect to our live streamed worship between 6:55 and 7 p.m.:
Post-service Care Companions space (opens at about 7:30 p.m.): enter here
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Sunday Service Recording & Podcast |
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Sunday, Nov. 29:
"Thanksgiving Reimagined"
Reflections & summary by Liz Farmer:
Part of the work of liberation and anti-oppression involves learning and naming the actual reasons and motivations for some of our U.S. national holidays. We all know the Thanksgiving myth pretty well: happy Native Americans and harmless Mayflower pilgrims harmoniously celebrated and enjoyed an idyllic and joyful meal of shared harvest together after surviving an arduous year; give thanks! For Unitarian Universalists specifically, it is necessary to know and grapple with UU’s involvement and stake in carrying forth a false narrative, and imagine a way forward. What - and who - conveniently disappears when certain narratives, histories, and traumas are left out of the history?
In this week’s Sunday service, a rebroadcast from a special Harvest the Power service on Nov. 22, The Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray, President of the UUA, along with Hartman Deetz, Nina Lytton, and multiple voices invite us to learn, soften, question, as we reimagine Thanksgiving.
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A memorial service for church member Cecelia Newton will be held on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. Zoom information will be included in next week's Liberal. |
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Pathway to Membership Registration Open |
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If you’re ready to officially become a member of the church, please sign up for the next Pathway to Membership session happening on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Don’t worry, we won’t spend the whole time in front of the screen! Through a combination of individual, small, and large group activities, we’ll help you understand membership at church and what it means to join the river of faith that is our collective religious life. This session will be led by Rev. Arif Mamdani with support from Liz Farmer. Please reach out to either of them with any questions (arif@firstuniv.org or liz@firstuniv.org).
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2020 Babies: "Each night a child is born is a holy night..."
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Each year in our Christmas Pageant, we include the names of little ones born into the congregation. If you would like your child or grandchild celebrated as an expression of hope in the world, please submit their first name along with 1-3 photos or a 5-10 second video (we won't use the audio portion) by Sunday, Dec. 6 to Lauren@firstuniv.org.
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During the winter holiday season, we invite you and your family to join us in rethinking the meaning of gift-giving by making a gift to our selected Holiday Giving recipient. By redirecting a portion of our holiday spending to a local nonprofit that advances racial equity, we can each strengthen our community ties and rekindle the season’s true spirit.
Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) is our Holiday Giving Recipient this year. We are inviting congregants, as they are able, to reduce their holiday spending and to give what they save to BLUU. BLUU was formed in 2015, and strives to be a dynamic, nimble and responsive group of loving and fierce Black Unitarian Universalists, committed to supporting Black UUs, increasing power and capacity as Black UUs, and working for justice-making and liberation through our faith. We are in year two of a five year commitment to BLUU. You can make your gift here now or on December 13 during the worship service.
On Sunday, Nov. 15, we launched this year's holiday giving effort. In worship that Sunday, we heard from Lena K. Gardner, Executive Director of BLUU and a member of First Universalist Church, Rev. Justin Schroeder, and members of our intergenerational Holiday Giving Team. If you missed it, you can learn more about BLUU and this year’s Holiday Giving project by watching that service here!
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Time for a Healthy Congregation Checkup! |
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First Universalist is our beloved community, and we want to keep it healthy for everyone. One measure of our “health” is taking a look at how we relate to one another – both through our words and our actions.
How do we define healthy, respectful and productive relationships? Is there a set of base values we all choose to live by, and rely on, when acting in relation to one another? We may rely on these values in everyday activities and communications. We reach for our values in times of joy and in times of conflict.
In 2020, the First Universalist Board of Trustees formed the “Healthy Congregations Task Force,” a volunteer committee of church members, to study this very topic. The Task Force is led by Board Member Dan Moriarty and Eric Cooperstein. Jillian Gross Fortgang, Marie Listopad, Deb Talen, Velma Wagner, and Keith Washington are the other members and Rev. Arif is our staff liaison. We have begun by studying what other congregations do, and how other organizations define healthy relations (and conflict resolution) between one another.
Now we want to hear from you! Please take a short survey (est. 8 minutes to complete!), designed to get a sense of what congregants are experiencing in their interactions with each other and with staff, and give you a glimpse into our work. It is just one part of the Task Force’s work and not the last opportunity to get involved. After gathering this initial feedback, we are hoping to hold focus groups with congregants to discuss the issues in greater detail. You can access the survey here. Thank you!
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Take One Small Step
with First Universalist and Masjid An-Nur - Mosque of Light
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In a world rife with noise from news to social media feeds, 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's Peace Action Circle, in partnership with Masjid An-Nur Mosque, is collaborating with StoryCorps. We invite 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. We challenge you to engage in these crucial connections and to learn what we have in common that outweighs our differences. The partnership with Masjid An-Nur provides a unique opportunity to engage in an interfaith discussion about the stories that have impacted our lives.
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.
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 indicate your congregation when filling out the survey and email TCPeaceLiteracyEduc@yahoo.com when you have completed it. 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.
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Virtual Meetings & Gatherings |
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Ongoing Meetings for Adults |
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Dec. 13 & 27)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Dec. 8 & 24)
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. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more information reach out to Dick Young (dickyoung1@comcast.net)
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we will share how our practices are helping us through these difficult times. We will begin our gathering at 11:15 a.m. to provide time to share our lives with one another. Meditation will start at 11:30 a.m. Join via Zoom here. Meeting ID: 932 5053 7134 Passcode: 459991
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 at mm3second@aol.com to sign up and for Zoom information.
Third Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Connect with fellow First U young adults (20s & 30s) as we gather monthly via zoom on the third Thursday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Please note the change in day. We'll have a different activity or theme planned for each gathering, starting with theology conversations with Rev. Arif Mamdani on November 19! We hope you can join us as we talk about some of the "big questions" of life. Join via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 992 3538 3974; Passcode: 125529)
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 & Parents/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)
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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Faithful Action Partner News |
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Simpson Shelter Needs Our Help
Meals by volunteer groups at Simpson, one of First Universalist's Faithful Action Partners, are still not happening through 5/31/21. Meals are currently being provided by caterers who are contracted to that date. First Universalist has been contributing to that effort by donating our money for any meal we were scheduled to provide. In the future there may be opportunities to prepare meals offsite in our home kitchens and deliver those meals to the shelter for the shelter staff to serve.
If you can help, Simpson has put out a request for other items needed by shelter guests. Here is a list of Simpson Supply Needs:
- New heavy-duty winter gloves, hats, scarves (no hand knit)
- New thermals for men and women - all sizes
- Hand warmers
- A new set of TV trays for the women’s space (we only need one set, so please contact me if you are able to provide this item.)
- New boxers- sizes L, M, and S
- New women’s underwear - sizes L, M, and S
- Razors
- Shaving Cream
- Shampoo, lotion and conditioner - travel size
- Textured and curly hair supplies
- New women's socks
- Blankets- gently used or new
- Twin size sheets- gently used or new
- Bath towels - gently used or new
Christina Giese, Simpson Housing Services
2740 1st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
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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. Arif know (arif@firstuniv.org)
Grief Kits - Have you or someone else you know in our congregation lost a loved one? Please let 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. 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 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) to learn more and join in.
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