As We Prepare to Be Together Again |
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Greetings!
The day is coming when we will again gather in person at church, and if our services at the Bandshell have been any indication, this is a day that many of us are looking forward to. What is also true, though perhaps less voiced, is that many folks are not as eagerly anticipating this return to gathering in-person — whether it’s concern about COVID, uncertainty about interacting with large numbers of people, or worries about what it will mean when you remain online and others are able to gather. There are good reasons to be excited about coming back together and equally good reasons to have some trepidation or reluctance, and these feelings might even exist in a single human being at the same time. Ambivalence or complicated feelings are not at all unusual or wrong!
We are again in a time of change and transition from the world as we knew it to one that is not yet. For better or worse, we have some experience now with these sorts of in-between spaces and here’s what we’d like to lift up: this is a time to pay attention to what’s true for us, to go slowly, and to extend care and grace to ourselves, each other, and everyone we’re in relationship with. To say it plainly, these weeks and months of reopening have been hard. As the pandemic started at different times for different people it is similarly stopping at different times for different people. To compound things, COVID variants are a concern and it is not out of the question that we may need to return to some of the precautions that are currently described as optional by public health authorities. It is just plain hard to know how to operate in spaces where some places request masking, others don’t, and in all these places, there’s a variety of ways that people around us are behaving. In some important ways, the situation is not unlike the situation in March 2020 when information was incomplete and we weren’t always quite sure how to act; how to be.
What was true then is also true now: pay attention to what you’re feeling. Know that you don’t have to rush to act like everything is okay and back to normal. If you find that you’re not ready to rush out into the world, that is totally fine. Your church will not judge you for how you choose to engage at church or beyond. What’s also true is that this is a time to move slowly. This can feel a bit counter-cultural when the world around us seems like it's rushing to do all the things at once, and if you need help or support in slowing down, please reach out to your church people — we are here to help each other slow down and listen to wisdom of our hearts and spirits. Grounded in that wisdom, let’s remember to extend care and grace to the people around us. These times of transition can be unsettling, so may we together endeavor to meet this moment with kindness and care. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of the ministers at church if we can be of help and support.
With care,
Arif
Rev. Arif Mamdani
Minister of Membership and Adult Ministries
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, July 18: "A Prophetic Encounter"
Wednesday, July 21 Worship with Monique Wentzel
Cycle of Life
Sunday, July 11 Worship Recording
Summer Theme: What Now? What Next?
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News & Features
Nominate an Offering Recipient
Good News about Daytime Connections
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Happenings
EJ Team Film:
Other Side of the Hill
Abolition Circle
Theological Exploration for BIPOC Beloveds
Anti-Racism in the Park
Newcomers Circle
July Senior Hike
Plant-Based Potluck
Worship at the Bandshell
Faithful Action Newsletter
Ongoing Gatherings
In the Community
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP |
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Sunday, July 18, 10 a.m.
"A Prophetic Encounter: Have You Had One Lately?"
Rev. Karen Hutt
Prophets are often treated like icons. How many prophetic people can you name? What characteristics do they display? Our Second Source as UUs provides us with some interesting human-centered guidance, if we parse the words enough and dive deeply. Come, join us as we continue to learn how to walk the walk that we talk of so much.
HOW TO JOIN:
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
Post-Worship Gatherings (find details in the Order of Service above)
Religious Education for Children and Youth is on Summer Break.
Information about registration for next church year can be found on our Religious Education website.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP |
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Wednesday, July 21, 7 p.m.
Monique Wentzel
Join First U member Monique Wentzel for a midweek worship experience for adults and older youth. This 30-minute service is a brief time of connection, centering, and reflection to help us find and keep our balance.
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, July 21 between 6:55 and 7 p.m.: Enter the Wednesday Zoom webinar here. (webinar ID: 117-312-320). To join by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the webinar ID.
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We hold Maggie Collins and Julie Gottesleben as they accompany their brother Jon through some significant health challenges.
And we surround Maria Kaefer in our love as she recovers from cancer surgery and continues to travel into the unknown with this recent and unfolding diagnosis.
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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Sunday Service Recordings |
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July 11 Worship: "Cinnamon Sticks and God: The Spiritual Practice of Radical Acceptance"
with Jill Braithwaite
Sermon summary written by Liz Farmer:
Call a friend, move to another room, chew on cinnamon sticks! These are just some of the tips and tricks Jill Braithwaite was advised to do when she experienced cravings as she tried to quit smoking. (The last one was particularly helpful.) Nearing closer and closer to her “quit date,” she feared that the discomfort and pain of resisting the cravings would be never ending. And the simple way to avoid that pain was to keep smoking! However, Jill knew, and eventually accepted, that there would be no way to quit without feeling pain. Her newly developing spiritual practice, informed by 12-step spirituality and Buddhist teacher Tara Brach, taught that “we free ourselves when we stop the war with ourselves,” and our fear of potential pain. In other words, the way out of our cage begins with accepting everything about ourselves and our lives. In Jill’s case, it meant accepting both truths: that pain would result from quitting smoking, and that she wanted to quit. Is there something in your life that you’re in a perpetual standoff with? Something you wish weren’t true or that you want to avoid? Radical acceptance invites you to stop separating yourself from it. What might it feel like to stop resisting, and what next step might that make possible?
Watch/Listen
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Image description: a still image from Sunday, July 11 worship of Rev. Arif Mamdani in mid-sentence. Rev. Arif is wearing a tan shirt and glasses. |
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Summer Worship Theme: What Now? What Next? |
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For nearly a year and a half now, we’ve been in pandemic reality. As we move into the summer, many of us are asking, “When will we be able to hug friends and family again? Sing together again? Return to church? How will we ensure a more fair and just post-pandemic world? What Now? What Next?”
We are living in the tension of these questions. As people of faith, perhaps we can reshape these questions and ask, “What is the spiritual work right now? What spiritual work comes next? How do we hold grief and gratitude, fear and excitement, uncertainty and new found clarity, all at the same time? How can we go slow, and thoughtfully, trusting that the answers will emerge?”
Read more about our summer worship theme, "What Now? What Next?" on our website.
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Nominate an Offering Recipient |
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First Universalist is seeking nominations of organizations that would benefit from receiving our offering. First Universalist gives away a significant portion of Sunday offerings to nonprofit organizations in the community because we are committed to building a world that works for everyone.
First Universalist Church donates more than $50,000 each year from our offering plate to community organizations. Because the Church’s operating budget is primarily supported by annual pledges from members and friends, we deepen our practice of generosity by investing in exceptional community-based work through our Sunday offerings.
The Community Investment Team coordinates First Universalist’s Offering Plate contributions to charitable organizations that share our values and live out our shared commitment to justice and equity. It reviews nominations received and recommends recipient organizations. We accept nominations on a rolling basis and review them regularly. Organizations generally fall into one or more of these categories: Faithful Action Partners and allies, organizations doing racial justice work, and organizations responding to a timely and critical problem. Nominate an organization to receive our offering using the form found here on our website.
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Good News About Daytime Connections! |
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A few weeks ago, we sent out a survey about Daytime Connections to the 404 church members and sustaining friends who are over age 65. Ninety of you responded, with 24 saying they expect to attend 6–8 programs in the coming year, 52 expecting to attend 3–5 programs, and 14 attending 0–2. The three reasons for attending that you ranked the highest on the survey were: to learn something new (intellectual stimulation), to engage in meaningful conversations with others, and to be in solidarity with others who share your values.
Based on that lively interest, the church will host eight Daytime Connections programs at 10 a.m. on the third Thursdays of the month from October through May. These programs will be held in our newly renovated Social Hall, with better lighting, HVAC, and audiovisual support.
A special thanks to the 25 people who indicated an interest in volunteering their services on the planning team for Daytime Connections! We’ve put together a team of eight members: Marion Bauer, Peter Brower, Ben Cooper, Ray Dillon, Nancy Gaschott, Pat Gottschalk, Bill Lewis, and Diane Lindgren. They’ll start meeting this summer to plan a good variety of programs based on the feedback you gave in the survey.
Stay tuned for the descriptions of the upcoming programs!
Note: If you didn’t receive this survey or you’re not getting updates about programming for folks aged 65 and up, it’s probably because we don’t have your birthdate in our database! Fill out this simple form so we know how old you are and can include you in future messages.
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Summer is for fun and building community! There are many groups meeting and programs happening at First U this summer, including gatherings for children, youth, and families, a Newcomers Circle, small groups, racial justice programming, a senior hiking group, and meditation and grief groups. As we navigate a summer of thresholds together, our commitment is to be as widely inclusive as possible! Learn more in our Summer 2021 Programs Flyer.
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Still Time to Sign Up for an Abolition Circle! |
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Wednesdays, July 21, 28, and Aug. 4, 11, & 18, 5:30–7 p.m. via Zoom
Sign up for this summer's last round of abolition circles here!
What does abolition and "defunding the police" mean in the context of our Unitarian Universalist faith and personal values? What can we learn from Black feminists and others who understand the impact of policing and mass incarceration - and are creating and imagining a world of care and transformative justice to bring safety and freedom for everyone? Join us in this five-week circle to reflect on the wisdom of long-time abolitionists and others exploring ways to create communities and institutions that support the wellbeing of every person.
We don’t have to agree to be open to learning together! We ask participants to be sure to attend the first session, and participants are encouraged to attend all five sessions. Please register here.
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EJ Team Film Screening and Discussion:
Other Side of the Hill
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Submitted by EJ team member Todd Pierson:
Join First U's Environmental Justice Team for a film screening and discussion of Other Side of the Hill. This is a free 30 minute environmental film available for viewing courtesy of Interfaith Power and Light and First U’s Environmental Justice Team. Be sure to see this insightful film highlighting sustainable industry, ranching, and renewable energy in rural America. You can view the film from July 10–25. Find the film trailer and credentials needed to view the film here on the Interfaith Power and Light website.
The EJ team will host a live screening (via Zoom) and discussion of the film Other Side of the Hill on the following dates:
- Friday, July 16, 4–5 p.m. (4 p.m. film screening, 4:30 discussion)
- Monday, July 19, 9:30–10:30 a.m. (9:30 film screening, 10 a.m. discussion)
About the film:
Other Side of the Hill is a hopeful, inspiring look at local leaders on the ground in rural America who are leading climate action in their communities. Where can East & West, Republicans & Democrats, find the common ground needed to address climate change? How can industry and environmentalists work hand in hand? And how can local economies find opportunity in a lower emissions future? No matter where you are located this important story will inspire you to reach out and bridge the divide. We are more alike than we are different.
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Theological Exploration for BIPOC Beloveds |
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Sundays, July 25–Aug. 22, 7–8:30 p.m.
How does your spirituality support your liberation from white-body supremacy? Where did you shape your beliefs about your life, Spirit, death and all things theological? Join Julica Hermann de la Fuente for some theological exploration in the park. The exact location of these gatherings will be determined based on the number of people who register. This space is specifically designed for BIPOC high school students and adults to explore together how we make meaning and how we get free. Learn more on our website and register here. |
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Mondays, July 26–Aug. 23, 7–8:30 p.m.
High school youth and adults are invited to gather outside for a five-session series about anti-racism and the challenges we encounter as we try to get free. Each session will begin with Julica sharing one of her favorite tools or frameworks to assess or make change, followed by guided small group conversations in racial or ethnic caucuses. The exact location of these gatherings will be determined based on the number of people who register. Learn more about the sessions on our website, and please sign up here for one, several, or all sessions.
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Thursday, July 22, 10 a.m.
Submitted by Tom Saterstrom:
The hiking group will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 22 at the Murphy Lake parking area located on Murphy Lake Blvd, 2.5 miles south of the main cross country skiing trailhead located just off of Hanrehan Lake Blvd. The hiking route leads us down a wide dirt trail through a mix of open and wooded oak savanna and wetlands. The lakes and long vistas are to be savored! We will hike up to 2 hours. There are several optional cutoffs with good signage that can shorten your hike duration if desired. This trail is classified as mild to moderately rigorous with just a few hills. Bring you own water as there is none available at the trailhead. Tom Saterstrom will be leading this hike. Please RSVP to Tom if you plan to participate. You can call him on his cell at 952-239-3629 or you can email him at saterstromtom@yahoo.com.
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Backyard Plant-Based Potluck |
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Tuesday, July 27, 6–8 p.m.
Submitted by Betsy Allis:
Join the First U Environmental Justice Food Solutions Team for a Backyard Plant-Based Potluck at the home of Carol Gilbert and Liz Permar!
- Re-connect with old and new UU friends!
- Bring your kids!
- Bring a meatless dish to share
- Learn how to make tasty walnut-cauliflower burgers
RSVP here by July 25. Sponsored by First U Environmental Justice Food Solutions team, part of a fast-growing movement of Americans (now 30 percent) eating less meat and more plant foods. Find more information in this flyer.
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Tuesdays, Aug. 10–31, 7:30–9 p.m. on Zoom
Newcomer Circles are four-session gatherings of six to eight participants who are new-ish to First Universalist who intend to deepen their connection with the church and want to meet others who are also early in their journey with the congregation. This Circle will be facilitated by members Emily Wallace and Channing McKinley. Learn more on our website and register here by Monday, Aug. 2 .
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In-Person Worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell |
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With our building under construction, we will continue to worship online on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the summer, just like we have since March 2020.
We also look forward to worshipping with many of you in person, outside at the Lake Harriet Bandshell (4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409), at 10 a.m. on Sunday, August 15. Read the Liberal on the Thursday before this service for details!
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July Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Partners in our July Faithful Action Newsletter. This newsletter contains opportunities to connect through volunteering, donating, advocating, and learning. Our Faithful Action Partners are community organizations that share our vision of love and justice. We work through Faithful Action Partnerships in order to leverage our energy, commitment and expertise. You can find more information about our Faithful Action Community Partnerships on our website.
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (July 25 & August 8)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (July 20 & August 3)
Weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. Participation is confidential. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more info contact Dick Young at 952-893-1188.
First Sunday Meditation Group
Sunday, Aug. 1, at 11:15 a.m.
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. The Zoom space opens at 11:15 a.m.; meditation starts at 11:30 a.m. Join the Zoom gathering here.
Weekly Meditation Group
The Weekly Meditation Group is meeting by Zoom. Contact Martha Easter-Wells at mm3second@aol.com for Zoom information.
Single Parents Gathering
Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email church member Rev. Sara Smalley (smalley.sara@gmail.com) to be connected to the group.
First Universalist Accessibility and Inclusion Group
(note: this group is on break for the Summer and will resume in the Fall)
This group is designed for people with all types of physical disabilities, hearing disabilities, and visual disabilities. Ages 13 and older are welcome. For Zoom information please contact BOTH Lauren Wyeth at lauren@firstuniv.org and Birch Cappetta at birch.cappetta@gmail.com.
Young Adults Group
(note: this group is on break for the Summer and will resume in the Fall)
Connect with fellow First U young adults (20s & 30s).
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour(s)
Every Thursday at 5 and 7 p.m. Come to one or both! These are ongoing Zoom events and the Zoom information is the same every week. The two gatherings have different Zoom information. 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).
Parents of Babies and Preschoolers (ages 0-4 years)
(Note: this group is on break for the Summer and will resume in the Fall)
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.
12 Step Spirituality
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
All people in or interested in 12 steps are welcome - 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
Religious Education for Children and Youth
Religious Education classes for children & youth are now on summer break. Registration for fall classes is now open. Details available on our Religious Education website.
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Faith Folks for the Minneapolis Charter Amendment |
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Tuesday, July 27, 6–8 p.m. at Lake Nokomis
Join MARCH (Multifaith Anti-Racism, Change, and Healing) along with the Sacred Solidarity Network, Reclaim the Block, and Yes4Minneapolis to explore how people of faith and conviction can take action in support of the Charter Amendment that would allow us to create a Department of Public Safety in Minneapolis instead of the current police-only approach. During this event, we will learn about the proposed Charter Amendment through an abolitionist lens; hear about next steps and ways to take action in the community-wide campaign to build buy-in and support; and reflect on our own connection to the issues through our many faiths and spiritual traditions. We will gather outdoors next to Lake Nokomis at the end of 50th St and E Nokomis Lake Parkway. We will meet on zoom if there is heavy rain or storms. Find more information on the Facebook event page and register through the Eventbrite page. |
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We Care Ministries at First Universalist Church |
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The care team at First Universalist is here to help in a whole lot of ways—from phone calls to say we’re thinking about you to a listening ear when you need someone to accompany you through whatever’s happening in your life. COVID-19 has changed some of the ways we provide care, but there is a lot we’re still doing. Here is one of the ways we’re here to provide support:
We Care Rides
Though we’re not currently driving folks to medical appointments and the like, church is happy to help with an Uber or taxi ride. As a member recently said, “I broke my foot last year, and wouldn’t you know it, it was my right one and my doctor wouldn’t let me drive with my left! Thank goodness the rides ministry at church was there to help.” To access a ride or any of our other caring resources, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org
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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.
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 to your home.
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 Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg and Communications Assistant Allison Connelly. 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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