Greetings!
Dear ones, how is it with your spirit? Are you resting, sleeping, taking the best care of yourself as you can? Are you exhaling? Are you able to find or experience one thing of beauty and joy in these short, dark days? I’ve been thinking of you, each of you.
These are not easy times. Some of us are exhausted. Some are feeling the waves of grief as we come to terms that Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season won’t be anything like we anticipated they might be. At the same time, some of us might be feeling relief that we won’t be travelling for the Holidays. And some of us have found a workable rhythm in this pandemic life and some of us are near our breaking point. All of this, and more, is true.
I am finding that poems, and particularly the potent images and reminders of poems, are helping me through this time. This week, a poem from John O’Donohue has been my guide and anchor. In his poem, “For the Interim Time,” he writes,
You are in this time of the interim
Where everything seems withheld.
The path you took to get here has washed out;
The way forward is still concealed from you.
“The old is not old enough to have died away;
The new is still too young to be born.”
You cannot lay claim to anything;
In this place of dusk,
Your eyes are blurred;
And there is no mirror.
As far as you can, hold your confidence.
Do not allow your confusion to squander
This call which is loosening
Your roots in false ground
That you might come free
From all you have outgrown.
What is being transformed here is your mind,
And it is difficult and slow to become new.
The more faithfully you can endure here,
The more refined your heart will become
For your arrival in the new dawn.
We are being transformed by this time, not all in the same way, but transformed, nonetheless. I am challenged by O’Donohue's final words, to faithfully endure, and to refine my heart. And I am holding tight to these words, as well. It is difficult and slow to become something new, but each minute, each hour, each day that passes, this is one of the truths of our lives, isn’t it? Even in this interim place, we are becoming something new, and the new dawn is coming.
May it be so.
I’ll “see’ you in church,
Rev. Justin
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Co-Senior Minister
First Universalist Church
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
Sunday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.
"The Seeds We Are Planting"
Rev. Arif Mamdani
These last many weeks, I’ve been returning to the notion of the fractal nature of reality that adrienne maree brown writes about in Emergent Strategy. As she writes: “Dandelions contain an entire community in each spore that gets blown on children’s breath.”
Here in the Twin Cities, the dandelions are long gone. Winter is coming. COVID rates are on the rise. Hospitals and those who staff them are at the very edge. This may well be a very hard season. And yet, I wonder in this emerging winter, what spores are we crafting that will reseed the Earth as it awakens in spring? How might we, individually and collectively, share the burdens, lighten our load, and move, even just a little, toward the world we dream of?
Let’s gather up on Sunday - breathe together and share word and song as we turn our hearts toward the season ahead, grab each other’s (digital, imaginary) hands, and make our way through.
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
ORDER OF SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, NOV. 22
Welcome: Julica Hermann de la Fuente
Chalice Lighting: Sylvia and Ian
Story for All Ages: Seth Anderson-Matz
Music: "Be Here Now" David Lauth
Prayer: Julica Hermann de la Fuente
Music: "Spirit of Life" Franco Holder
Sermon: Rev. Arif Mamdani
Offertory: "Where You Go" Adrian and Juliet
Closing Words: Rev. Arif Mamdani
"Go Now in Peace" Franco Holder
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POST-SUNDAY WORSHIP MEETINGS (NOV. 22)
~11 a.m. Care Companions (formerly 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 care companions in a confidential breakout room after the service. You can join here.
~11 a.m. BIPOC Post-Worship Fellowship Space
A social space for those who identify as black, indigenous, people of color, and multiracial to connect after the service concludes. Join here.
*11:15 a.m. Sunday Small Groups and Open Fellowship Hour
Gather in zoom breakout rooms to reflect on content related to the worship service (small groups require preregistration), or participate in open fellowship hour for all identities. Join here at 11:15 a.m. - you'll first enter a main zoom room and then be invited to join a smaller breakout room.
*New Setup! Starting this Sunday, Nov. 22, there will be a small change affecting two of the post-worship zoom spaces. Thanks to the magic of Zoom, All-Identities Fellowship Hour and Sunday Small Groups can all be accessed via one common zoom room, and then be broken out into smaller breakout rooms.
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Those going to their Sunday Six Week Small Groups (advance registration required) will be invited to join a breakout room labeled with the group name they've registered for.
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Those who wish to go to Fellowship Hour (a drop-in space) will be invited to join a breakout room labeled "All Identities Fellowship Hour"
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, Nov. 25, 7 p.m.
"A Thanksgiving of Grief and Gratitude"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Join Rev. Justin for a time of reflection, prayer, and connection, as we make space to hold both the deep grief and gratitude of this season, as our Thanksgiving plans, traditions, travel, and hopes have been changed, updated, amended, and cancelled. Together, we will name the grief and gratitude that fill our lives during this Thanksgiving week.
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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Sunday Service Recording & Podcast |
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Sunday, Nov. 15:
"Living Our Values During the Pandemic Holidays"
Sermon by Rev. Justin Schroeder
Reflections & summary by Liz Farmer:
We’ve all been in some version of a quarantine, lockdown, or restrictions for eight months now. And while life may seem monotonous at times, we have all witnessed many changes in those months. Back in March, much of what we took for granted or considered “normal” was quickly wiped away: offices were abandoned, commutes disappeared, physical touch outside our households became unavailable - unsafe, even.
What do you remember about that time? What happened to the things, friendships, or habits that seemed so important? And what do you notice now? What has changed? And what of importance has remained, or even grown?
With the launch of our Holiday Giving Project, Rev. Justin Schroeder, Lena K. Gardner, and members of the Holiday Giving Team ask a series of questions to consider in this time: what is being unlocked in lockdown? What do you notice about yourself, the world, and the Spirit of Love now? How can you live out your deepest values, based on what you know to be true in this pandemic holiday season?
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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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Board of Trustees Seeking Additional Trustee |
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The Board of Trustees is seeking another Trustee for its important work. In September, the Board of Trustees had an unexpected vacancy. We have been working with the Nominating Committee and would like interested members to contact them at nomination@firstuniv.org with any interest in serving. This will be for a term on the Board of Trustees beginning this winter and ending in June of 2023. Criteria for serving are to be a member of the church and should have a commitment to all of our Visionary Goals, in particular our third Visionary Goal of being a multi-racial, multi-cultural, and intergenerational faith community of mutual caring and support where people bring all of who they are and welcome each other with joy. Board members meet monthly on the third Thursday of the month (currently via Zoom) and engage in work between meetings. Whoever is appointed will need to be approved by the congregation at the annual meeting in June 2021.
Thank you in advance for your willingness to be a part of church lay-leadership!
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Consider Serving Plant-Rich Recipes on Thanksgiving |
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Submitted by Betsy Allis
Honor the earth on Thanksgiving by serving a few meat-free, plant based dishes. Start with a yummy appetizer like Crispy Roasted Acorn Squash, which takes only 10 minutes to create. Break from tradition with a show-stopping Thanksgiving entree: Stuffinged Sweet Potatoes. This wonderful dish takes 30 minutes to prepare. And for a tasty side in 5 minutes, consider Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Mustard Sauce. What about a delicious dessert you can create in 20 minutes? That would be stuffed cranberry-stuffed hasselback apples! Find these and other Thanksgiving recipes on the Forks Over Knives website. Choosing plant foods helps prevent global warming and it's great for our health.
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Submitted by Barb Melom
It was 14 years ago that knitters from our congregation began knitting hats for women and men experiencing homelessness. Simpson Shelter was the first place to receive hat donations from us. Over the years the project has continued to expand and we now make donations to schools, shelters, and community agencies serving those in need. Last year, close to 2,000 hats were knit and delivered to folks in our community... children, youth, and adults.
In the past, knitting groups have gathered in churches, yarn shops, coffee shops and friends' homes. With social distancing none of this will happen this year.... but we still need hats. I am asking knitters to pick up their needles and begin knitting a hat for the project! Use your favorite pattern or check out our blog: scroll through the blog and you will find some of our favorite patterns and tips for knitting a warm hat.
Hats can be dropped off on my enclosed front porch and distribution will begin in October and continue throughout the winter.
Help spread the word by telling your friends. Thanks for "Giving the Gift of Warmth."
Barbara Melom
Drop off: 5314 Penn Ave. So. Mpls.
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Take One Small Step
with First Universalist and Masjid An-Nur - Mosque of Light
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We Are Helping to Build Bridges in Our Community
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 Church (Peace Action Circle) in partnership with Masjid An-Nur Mosque, are 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 Annur 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, 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 indicate your congregation when filling out the survey and email TCPeaceLiteracyEduc@yahoo.com when you have completed the it 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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Virtual Meetings & Gatherings |
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Ongoing Meetings for Adults |
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Nov. 15 & 29)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Nov. 10 & 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, and no sign up is required. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more information reach out to 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 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 & 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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Seeking Winter Jackets for
Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) Students
We are holding a drive for new and/or gently used men and women’s winter jackets for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) high school students (all sizes – small to extra large). Winter hats and gloves and warm socks (new only) also desired. Clothes must be clean, in good repair, (no broken zippers) and teen appropriate.
When: 9 - 11 a.m. (please note time change) on Wednesday, Dec. 2
Drop Off Site: AFA school building at 2504 Columbus Ave. So., Mpls. 55404 (Columbus is one block east of Park Ave. - near Abbott Hospital and Swedish Institute). Park in front of the school building, and leave clothing in the bins outside the school entrance.
You may also drop off donations at the home of church member Cindy Marsh before December 2. Please contact Cindy Marsh at cindy.marsh2588@gmail.com for details and to make arrangements.
AFA, a long standing First Universalist Faithful Action Partner, is a public charter high school established to support underserved students in a safe and welcoming community. Many of the 100 African American, Somali, and American Indian students experience housing and food insecurity during the school year. First Universalist has provided clothing and food support for the past seven years; this year, we also support AFA’s participation in Every Meal (formerly The Sheridan Project).
Thank you for your ongoing generosity!
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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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