Dear ones,
Do you ever get a song stuck in your head that seems to play on repeat no matter where you are or what you are doing? That’s been happening to me this week - and after Sunday, I bet it will be happening to you, too. The song in my head is “Everybody In” by Peter Mayer, and you can listen to it here. You’ll also have a chance to sing along with Peter on Sunday when he joins us as our guest musician in worship at 9 and 11 a.m. Maybe “Everybody In” is our latest addition to the First Universalist songbook that also lives in my mind—as we build a community and a world, learning to stretch our hearts and minds and spirits, to welcome everybody in.
And beloveds, you are welcome in! We have so many important and fun events coming up—and you are invited!
Join us on Sunday, May 15 at 9 and 11 a.m. for a special worship service celebrating the completion of our capital project, Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future. You’ll get to hear the story of our building, meet our project manager, architects, and the leaders of our construction team, be part of a congregational photo on the front steps, and celebrate with bagels and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (vegan and gluten free options available) under our new tent in the side parking lot. Come thank our past and present selves for imagining and working for the future we now inhabit—and be a part of the present community our future selves will be thanking thirty years from now.
Join us on Sunday, May 22 at 10 a.m. for Youth Sunday at Minnehaha Park! We’ll have just one service in person at 10 a.m., with a recording of the service available later in the week online. Come celebrate our youth and our transitioning seniors as they share their reflections and gifts with us all.
On Sunday, May 29, we’ll gather for one service at 10 a.m., in person and online, as we welcome UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray and others as they lead worship through a recently released recorded worship service on covenant and repair, “Woven in a Single Garment of Destiny.” For those who would like to gather in person, the worship service will be shown in the sanctuary at 10 a.m., and live streamed then as well.
On Sunday, June 5, we’ll celebrate Flower Communion together in person and online at 10 a.m., enjoy a cookout under the tent at 11 a.m., and come back together at noon for our Annual Meeting in person and online, where you’ll have a chance to hear all the ways First Universalist is living into its mission, approve the operating budget, and vote to call Rev. Arif Mamdani as our Associate Minister. Voting to call a minister is a big deal, and we want and need you to be a part of it. When a congregation “calls” a minister, a bond of mutual investment and care is formed. We are incredibly grateful to have Rev. Arif with us, sharing his spiritual leadership and steady, compassionate care. Let us name and claim each other as our own.
And in case that wasn’t enough awesomeness for one day, on June 5 we’ll welcome our Minister Emerita, the Rev. Kate Tucker, back into our pulpit to serve as Summer Minister alongside our staff from June 5–August 14. You’ll see Rev. Kate on Sundays as she coordinates and hosts our Summer Worship Sundays featuring a variety of voices and guests. You won’t want to miss a single Sunday this summer—starting with Choir-Led Sunday on June 12—and thanks to our live streaming technology and online presence, you don’t have to!
Come on in. Let’s welcome everybody into the circle.
Love,
Rev. Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, May 15, 9 & 11am
Recent Podcasts & Recordings
May 8 Cycle of Life
May Worship Theme
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News & Features
Chancel Decor Refresh
Congregational Photos
Then and Now
Summer Sign Up Sunday
Updated COVID Policies
Faithful Action Newsletter
AFA Collecting Sneakers
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Happenings
Daytime Connections: Writing a Legacy Letter
May Board Meeting
Electric Saturday
AUW Annual Meeting
Ongoing Gatherings
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Sunday, May 15 — 9 & 11 a.m.
"Everybody In:" Building Rededication Sunday
Almost 30 years ago, First Universalist Church dared to dream of a physical space that might mirror our mission - a place where there would always be room for one more, where our sense of who we are is ever-expanding, a building that might embody a love that will not let anyone go. This Sunday we celebrate the completion of our capital project, Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future, as we welcome everybody in and say thank you to our past, present, and future selves.
At the end of worship, please join us on the front sidewalk/steps for a congregational photo followed by coffee, bagels, and ice cream under the new tent in the parking lot!
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Worship leaders: Rev. Arif Mamdani, Rev. Jen Crow, Peter Mayer, and Lauren Wyeth
IN PERSON AT 9 OR 11 A.M.:
ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
CHILDREN & YOUTH
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May 8: "A Big Enough Story"
Child Dedication Ritual
As a dozen families bring their children to be dedicated in our twice annual Child Dedication Ritual, the congregation promises to support them in the spiritual upbringing of these little ones. Our task in the years to come is to make an opening so they can grow into the fullness of their being surrounded by loving witnesses, free, un-alone, and unashamed. Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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Reflections by Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator:
Whether we mean to or not, in our quest for certainty and comfort—even power—we put others, ourselves, our communities, or our families, in little boxes of stories. Maybe someone else has told a story about you that limited your ability to see yourself or be yourself in a certain way. Leaning toward nonjudgmental observation and curiosity about people and experiences allows us to ask questions that help us tell bigger, more compassionate stories about our own and others’ actions and behaviors. Bigger stories that allow for nuance and complexity bring us further into our own humanity. As part of a full spiritual life, Lauren Wyeth invites us in this past Sunday's message to make it a spiritual practice to observe and get curious and compassionate—as a first response.
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We hold Helen Ellenbecker and her children in our hearts as they mourn the death of David Ellenbecker. David entered hospice earlier this year and passed away Tuesday morning. Helen appreciates our cards and messages of comfort and support, and we will share information about a memorial service when it is available.
Our love and care is with Barbara Harman who was hospitalized earlier this week with significant pain stemming from car accidents last spring. She appreciates our well wishes and messages of care, and we hold her in our hearts as she with her medical team to determine next steps and ongoing care.
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May Worship Theme: Who Tells Your Story? |
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May is a season of regrowth. It is when spring really kicks into high gear. A time when the world around us comes alive again and some of us tell stories through what we cultivate. It is a time when we return to the earth because the ground is ready to receive us. Having released the cold hardness of winter, new life bursts forth, new blossoms telling the story of their time in seed and what they are becoming above ground. It is a story of life, of brightness and color, growth and joy which permeates the air. But it is short-lived, as is every life, really. The flowers of spring depart quickly for the sturdier growth of summer, and it can be easy to forget the frost-defying crocus and the sudden blink-and-it’s-gone burst of lilacs.
At a time when the stories we tell shape our world in palpable ways, the question who lives, who dies, who tells your story calls to us to grab hold of the chorus, to blend our voices and tell a richer, bigger, more multilayered and sometimes far more complex story of who we are and who we can be together.
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A Burst of Sunshine and Color in the Sanctuary |
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Members of our Visual Arts team have been hard at work this week! These creative volunteers from the congregation have transformed the chancel backdrop into a colorful summery scene filled with flowers, vegetables, berries, mushrooms, greenery and sunshine—all crafted from paper. A huge thank you to the Visual Arts team, chaired by Bette DeMars, for their beautiful work, and to Janet Mills for the photograph. |
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Congregational Photos Then and Now |
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On July 25, 1993, the congregation of First Universalist Church held one final service in its long-time church home at 50th & Girard, then processed together to the newly-acquired building at 3400 Dupont. Until recently the home of Adath Jeshurun, the building's education wing and larger worship space would help First Universalist realize its dream of having room to welcome all and more graciously accommodate a growing membership—in particular children and youth. That morning's worship service concluded in the space we have now called home for nearly 30 years, and a group photo was taken on the front steps (above).
This Sunday, May 15, immediately following both services, we'll invite everyone out to the front steps and sidewalk in front of the sanctuary building to take a congregational photo marking the rededication of our newly renovated church home at 3400 Dupont. If you're joining us on Zoom this Sunday, watch the chat for an opportunity to participate online.
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Updated COVID Policies; Masking Again Required at All Times in the Building |
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In the last few days, both at church and beyond, we’re hearing that many folks are testing positive for COVID. Some of you may have seen that according to the CDC and the COVID Act Now website, the level of community spread of COVID-19 in the Twin Cities metro area has risen from low to medium.
In keeping with our guidelines, this means that we’re returning to masking being required while in the building at all times. (When COVID levels dropped to low in Hennepin County, we adjusted our COVID policies to allow small groups to make masks optional with the consent of everyone in the group.) This also means that weather permitting, we’ll be moving coffee hour outside after Sunday’s services.
We hope this will be a brief “blip” and our warmer weather, open windows, and more outdoor gathering will mean a quick drop back to “low” levels. Even so, it is worth reiterating that at least while our younger ones are awaiting eligibility for vaccines, we will continue masking. Simply put, we can’t ask our kids to wear masks and not wear them ourselves.
We know that wearing masks might be getting old for some of you, and we know equally that for others, masks are what makes it possible to gather in community at church. As we continue to make our way through this pandemic, let’s keep looking out for each other, knowing that that’s how we’ll all make it through. More information on COVID levels and our practices can be found on our website.
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Announcing Summer Sign Up Sunday |
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Sunday, June 12, 11 a.m. – 12 noon
What are you longing for? Friendship? Service? Direct Action?
Come learn about the many church groups and teams meeting at First U this summer. Members from each group will be excited to chat with you about what they’ve got going on and how you can join them. Whether you are seeking connection with congregants in small groups, wanting to volunteer in the church, or be active on the housing, environmental, immigration, or racial justice teams, there is something for everyone! Join us in the social hall after the service on Sunday, June 12.
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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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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 on Sunday, May 15 or 22 (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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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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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. To help build friendships, we encourage you to stay for the vegetarian soup & salad lunch that follows ($5–15 sliding scale; more if you can, less if you can't; no one will be turned away for lack of funds). You also have the option of coming in person for the program only or attending online. Please register here at least three days in advance. |
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May Board of Trustees Meeting |
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Thursday, May 19, 6:30 p.m. on Zoom
The May meeting of the First Universalist Church Board of Trustees will take place on Thursday, May 19. The Board meets the third Thursday of most months at 6:30 p.m. The Board is currently meeting in a virtual format, over Zoom. Information about the May Board meeting, including the Board packet and Zoom information, will be posted here next week. |
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Electric Saturday Rescheduled for June 4 |
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Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m.–noon
Church members show off their electric cars! The First Universalist Environmental Justice Team invites you to Electric Saturday, showcasing over 15 Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, most owned by members of our church community. Owners will be available throughout the morning to answer all of your questions about owning electric cars.
Electric bikes owners will also be displaying their e-bikes and answering questions.
Check out e-mowers and snow blowers too!
Information from Xcel Energy on their EV charging programs will be available. Climate organizations will also be sharing renewable energy resources and advocacy opportunities. Brian Anderson from Let’s Go Zero Carbon, will make presentations throughout the morning about buying, charging, and living with electric vehicles.
Curious about electric vehicles? Stop by anytime between 9am and noon on Saturday, June 4. If you have questions, or to show your EV or e-bike, contact Lane Ayres at lanebfa@gmail.com
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Association of Universalist Women Annual Meeting |
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Saturday, May 21, 1-3 pm
The Association of Universalist Women will hold its annual meeting both in person and on Zoom on Saturday, May 21. The program will be on reproductive rights with a short video by Rev. Kelli Clement followed by small group discussions about what we can do to prepare for the changes that are coming. A short business meeting will follow. Come for a fun time, tasty food, engagement and community building. No cost and no need to RSVP. You are welcome to bring a friend. Join Zoom Meeting
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Grief Group
Every other Sunday, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom (May 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.–noon
The workshops meet monthly on the first Saturday of each month through June and are for all people in or interested in 12 step programs. They include meditation, meditation instruction, short talks and small groups. 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 (multi-platform)
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).
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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COVID-19 Safety Measures & Policies |
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Our COVID policies were last updated on May 9, 2022. You can read the latest policies here.
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Church Office Open Hours
The church office is open on Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and by appointment on other days of the week.
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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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