Dear Church,
This year, I’m dressing up as Waldo of “Where’s Waldo” fame for Halloween. As I’ve been reflecting on this choice, I’ve noticed the ways that Waldo represents both sides of the Halloween question: Trick or Treat? The trick: Waldo is somewhere in this picture. The treat is received when Waldo is found. It’s fun, because you know Waldo is there, but are never quite sure where. The books ask our focus and attention, but also our willingness to be delighted by whimsy and a bit of the absurd.
And yes, believe it or not, that’s a segue into church.
Focus. Attention. Willingness to be delighted. Whimsy and a sense of the absurd. All these are aspects of what it means to create a faith community, and as we get ready to reopen our physical sanctuary, these qualities and many more will be called forth. In preparation, next Sunday, Oct. 31, you’re invited to come to church for an open house. Between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., we’ll have different rooms set up with activities appropriate for all ages, and instead of a service, we’ll have several times for ritual and reflection in the sanctuary. If you’re online, you’ll be invited to join in at 10:30 a.m. with a tour of the building after which we’ll bring you into a ritual and reflection time in the sanctuary.
We’ll have more details next week, but in the meantime, please mark your calendars if you’re able to join us. Our hope is that having some “open house” time helps those who plan to attend church in person in November ease back into the rhythms and senses of being in the building. It has been 19 months since we last gathered. Some things are different. Some things are the same. But we, as people, have most certainly changed. As we come back together and learn who we are and how we’re together in this new multiplatform way, we hope you’ll join us and who knows—maybe Waldo will make an appearance.
One more thing: On Sunday, Nov. 7, you’re invited to come to church for in person services if you are able and would like to. We’ll be returning to two services, one at 9 a.m. in person, and one at 11 a.m. in person and streaming online. Religious Education will be offered for preschool through senior high at both services (advance registration required) and kids are always welcome in the sanctuary. We’ll follow our masking policy (masks required for everyone ages 2 and up, with limited exceptions). More details next week. Online or in person, we’ll see you at church.
In faith,
Arif
Rev. Arif Mamdani
Minister of Membership & Adult Ministries
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, Oct. 24 at 10:30am
Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 7pm
Oct. 17 Worship Recording
Oct. 17 Cycle of Life
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News & Happenings
Hearing Loop Installed in Sanctuary
Next Membership Class is Nov. 10
"Faith Like a River" Series Begins Oct. 31
New Divorce Group begins Nov. 6
Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt Meets Oct. 24
Seeking Young Adult Volunteers to Give Rides
October Board Meeting is Tonight
Join the Next Newcomers Circle: Register by Friday!
Plant-Based Potluck with the Environmental Justice Team
October 28 Senior Hike along the Mississippi
AUW Kickoff and Retreat is October 30
October Faithful Action Newsletter
Community: Coming Together for Racial Justice w/ CLNE
Ongoing Gatherings, Resources, and Information
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Oct. 24, at 10:30 a.m.
on Zoom
Be Your Note: Journeys into Prayer
Worship leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Franco Holder, and Rev. Arif Mamdani
“…sometimes, it can take a long time to sound like yourself.” (Miles Davis)
This Sunday, we invite you to a family-friendly service in which Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Rev. Arif Mamdani will lead a journey of creative prayer practices. There is no one way to pray, or a specific word you must remember. There are many ways to focus the mind and tune the heart back to love.
We’ll share music and stories. We’ll have fun together, making space to call the wisdom in each of us, until we hear the singing from within.
Rumi writes:
“God picks up the reed-flute world and blows.
Each note is a need coming through one of us.
Remember the lips where the wind-breath originated,
And let your note be clear.
Be your note.”
JOIN US:
Got a fidget/sensory tool at home? Pipe cleaners, play dough, fidget cubes, stress balls, and the like can help with focus and calm. This service will include an invitation to use a fidget if you would like to and if you have one available to you. This is optional and not necessary to fully participate.
Post-Worship Gatherings
Religious Education for Children and Youth
There are no Religious Education classes this Sunday due to MEA weekend. More information is available on our Religious Education website. |
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP |
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Wednesday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m., on Zoom
Join us for a midweek worship experience for adults and older youth. This brief service with one of our worship leaders is a time of connection, centering, and reflection to help us find and keep our balance.
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, Oct. 27 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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Service Recording & Podcast |
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October 17: The Demand of Wholeness
Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Franco Holder, Dr. Randy Buikema, and the First Universalist Choir
Service summary written by First Universalist Membership Coordinator, Liz Farmer:
It was a celebratory Sunday as we honored Dr. Randy Buikema’s ten years as the Director of Choral Arts at First Universalist. The anthem, The Us of Me by David L. Brunner, holds special meaning for this community, as it was the very piece that Dr. Buikema conducted in his interview and audition with First Universalist ten years ago. The lyrics read, “The single light, this voice so small, swells full when joined each part with part.” Indeed, as Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout tells us, the choir has been the preacher of this lesson for as long as the church has been around. And so we come to the life—and the sacred text from which we may gain insights about our own lives—of another single light and voice, Eunice Waymon, better known as Nina Simone. Rev. Jen Crow shares an interview, a performance, and of course, stories, to demonstrate how the spirit of “The Us of Me” is very much alive in Ms.Simone’s life, as well as in the time of transitions we are living through now.
Listen to the service podcast on Spotify or Podbean, or watch the recording on YouTube. Questions for reflection and action, as well as many opportunities to connect in the next weeks and months, are available to you in this week's Order of Service.
A note about the recording: During her message, Rev. Jen Crow shared a video of Nina Simone playing "Love Me or Leave Me." We had to omit it from the recording of our service, but you can watch that clip here.
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Image description: a still image from the Oct. 17 worship recording with a play symbol superimposed. |
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We hold Kelley (Mary Kelley) in our hearts this morning as she recovers from hip surgery on Friday. She welcomes our healing wishes.
We hold Alison Cerier and her family in our hearts as they grieve the passing of Alison’s beloved Aunt Mary Roth. Through all travails, she kept her playful spirit, knowing chuckle, and generous heart.
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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Hearing Loop Installed in Sanctuary |
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A hearing loop has now been installed in First Universalist's newly renovated sanctuary. Its addition is one of many improvements made during renovations, and funded by our capital campaign Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future, to make our spaces more accessible.
What is a Hearing Loop & How Does It Work?
Hearing loops broadcast sound from the PA system wirelessly directly into hearing aids equipped with telecoil (T-coils).
With hearing loops, it's much easier to hear the speaker, without background noise.
The T-coil on a hearing aid is usually turned on by simply pushing a button on the aid. But, the T-coil must be activated by your provider to use.
Do you use hearing aids?
Ask your audiologist if your hearing aid has this wireless telecoil. Your audiologist can activate it. Ask for a demonstration on how to use it and written instructions.
No hearing aids? No problem.
Try our headset devices.
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Ready to Become a Member? |
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There’s still time to sign up for the Pathway to Membership class on Wednesday, Nov. 10 (6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom) before our next New Member ceremony in worship on Sunday, Nov. 14!
If First Universalist feels like your spiritual home, if our mission moves you, then we hope you’ll take part in Pathway to Membership. This class is for those who intend to join First Universalist Church as members.
Recently redesigned for multi-platform church, Pathway to Membership involves watching several short videos on different ministry areas in the church, and then attending a class session to reflect on and discuss themes like Faith in Action and Stewardship through the lens of church membership.
Learn more and register on our website.
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"Faith Like a River" Begins Oct. 31 |
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This four-session workshop explores Unitarian Universalist history as one current in the stream of human history, with its own themes of thought and action that swirl, eddy, and bubble to prominence at different points in time. A selection of stories from our faith heritage offers not only a grounding of knowledge, but also insights into contemporary issues, practices, challenges, and trends in our faith movement. This time, we'll be covering the "Freedom of Belief" series which includes workshops on "Orthodoxy and Heresy," "Reform(ation)," and "Martyrs and Sacrifice."
Offered virtually (on Zoom) on Sundays, Oct. 31, Nov. 21, Dec. 19 & Jan. 23, 1:30–3 p.m. Led by Rev. Arif Mamdani and member Troy Behnke.
You don't need to be a UU history expert to join this group! Newcomers are most welcome to join. Sign up here.
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New: Divorce Small Group Begins Nov. 6 |
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Are you going through a divorce? Would it be helpful for you to meet with others and work through some questions to help you process and harvest the meaning out of this challenging experience? If so, this group might be just what you are looking for.
The newly formed Divorce Small Group will meet for an in-person kick off meeting Saturday, Nov. 6 from 1–4 p.m. We'll then meet virtually two to three Wednesday evenings per month through January.
If you are wondering if this is the group for you, it probably is. Sign up here.
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Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt |
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Sunday, Oct. 24, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tangled Blessings is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. You are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions. This group meets on Zoom this Sunday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. To receive the Zoom information, please RSVP to Rev. Karen Hutt at revkarenhutt@gmail.com.
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Seeking Young Adult Volunteers to Give Rides |
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The church is looking for people—particularly young adults—with vehicles who would be willing to give rides to folks in the congregation who need some help getting to medical appointments and things like that. What you need: a vehicle, a clean driving record, and a willingness to help folks in the church. This is a great way to connect with members of the congregation and a HUGE support to folks who need the assistance. This volunteer position requires a background check. Mileage will be reimbursed.
Interested? Questions? Contact Karen at revkarenhutt@gmail.com and be sure to note your general days/times you're available and where you live so we can better connect you with folks who need rides. Thank you!
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October Board of Trustees Meeting |
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Thursday, Oct. 21, 6:30–9 p.m. on Zoom
The First Universalist Board of Trustees meets tonight, Thursday, Oct. 21, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Zoom. Board meeting materials can be found here. |
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A Few Spots Remain in Next Newcomers Circle |
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Mondays, Oct. 25–Nov. 15, 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom
The next Newcomers Circle begins this coming Monday, and there are still a few spots open! If you're interested in joining this group, please sign up by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22. Register here.
Newcomers Circles are four-session gatherings of 6-8 participants who are new-ish to First Universalist. If you’ve been joining us for worship or participating in small groups or other teams for a few months, and intend to deepen your connection with the church, we invite you to consider signing up for the Newcomers Circle that starts on Monday, Oct. 25!
This Circle will be facilitated by longtime members, George and Philipp. Membership is not required, and it is a great way to meet others who are also early in exploring their committed journey with the congregation.
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Plant-Based Potluck
with the Environmental Justice Team
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Tuesday, Nov. 9, 6–7:30 p.m. in the Social Hall
The Environmental Justice Team at First Universalist invites you to join UU friends, old and new, at a fall potluck in the beautiful newly renovated Social Hall at church. Enjoy a variety of yummy plant-based dishes while catching up and making new connections. Includes a short, compelling educational interlude about the impact of food solutions on climate warming. Sponsored by First U’s Environmental Justice “Food Solutions” team, part of a fast-growing movement of Americans (now 30 percent) eating less meat and more plant foods to reduce climate warming and improve animal and human health.
RSVP here to help us create a comfortable space for our potluck group.
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October Senior Hike Along the Mississippi |
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Thursday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.
First U members interested in joining the October Senior Hike are invited to gather on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. outside of Longfellow Grill, at the corner of E. Lake Street and West River Parkway. Parking should be available on nearby streets. The group will hike for about two hours, starting on the Minneapolis side of the Mississippi River, heading south along the Winchell Trail to the Ford Parkway river crossing. On the Saint Paul side of the river, the group will turn north, passing along several riverside scenic highlights including The Monument and Shadow Falls Park. The group will cross back to Minneapolis on Marshall Ave. and stop for an optional lunch at the Longfellow Grill. This hike is designed with Seniors in mind but all at First Universalist are welcome to participate.
The route is partly paved, partly wooded and about two hours in length. Masks will be required for lunch at the Longfellow Grill, but optional for trail walking. Please bring your own drinking water. Any questions? Please call Ward Lyndall at 612-823-2385.
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Association of Universalist Women
Fall Kickoff & Retreat
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Saturday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
The Association of Universalist Women (AUW) invites all women, gender-fluid, and non-binary people to join us for our combined Kick-Off event and Fall Retreat on October 30 from 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at First Universalist Church.
We will open with a song by Ellis. A panel of five gender expansive/fluid folks will each tell their personal story. Break-out sessions after the panel include:
- discussing gender with panel members
- reproductive rights talk led by Unrestrict Minnesota
- tours of the newly remodeled church
Lunch will be provided. After lunch, the break-out sessions will be repeated. We will conclude at 1:30 with a premiere of a short video promoting AUW.
Masks are required.
The event is free to AUW members and $15 for non-members. For more information about this event go to the AUW website.
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October Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Community Partners in our October Faithful Action Newsletter. This newsletter contains opportunities to connect through volunteering, donating, advocating, and learning. Our Faithful Action Community Partners are community organizations that share our vision of love and justice. We work through Faithful Action Community 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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Come Together for Racial Justice with CLNE |
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The Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Enhancement (CLNE), our newest Community Partner, is launching a monthly online series called Come Together for Racial Justice on October 28 at 7 p.m. Come Together is a virtual convening for leaders to learn, build relationship and trust, and mobilize for racial justice. The 90 minute session is centered in BIPOC voices and engaging in shared conversation and learning. Each month, Come Together for Racial Justice will feature one or more community-based leaders reflecting on themes like racial healing, faith and culture, leading in diverse contexts, asset-based community development and more. CLNE is a not-for-profit organization located on the North Side focusing on asset-based development of North Side leaders and community.
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Oct. 31 & Nov. 14)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Oct. 26 & Nov. 9)
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, Nov. 7, 11:30–12:45 p.m.
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence, we will share experiences from our practices. We will begin our gathering at 11:30 to provide time to share our lives with one another. Join the Zoom gathering here (Meeting ID: 979 8580 6356; Passcode: 494993).
Weekly Meditation Group
The Weekly Meditation Group is meeting on Tuesday mornings from 9–10:15 a.m. by Zoom. This group plans to begin a multi-platform gathering model when the church reopens. Contact Sara McMullen at saramcminneapolis@gmail.com for Zoom and in-person meeting information.
Tangled Blessings Grief Group
Sunday, Oct. 24, 4–5:30 p.m.
Tangled Blessings is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. You are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions. To receive the Zoom information, RSVP to Rev. Karen Hutt at revkarenhutt@gmail.com. Future dates are: Sundays, Nov. 21, Dec. 19, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
First Universalist Accessibility and Inclusion Group
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.
Chi Gung
Thursday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Pat,Gottschalk has been leading Chi Gung at First U for over 20 years. Pat leads gentle movements with a focus on harmonizing our personal energies — internal development and peace of mind, not martial arts. Creaky joints, stiff muscles and anxious minds are all welcome. We meet via Zoom until we can meet in person. 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(s)
Every Thursday at 5 and 7 p.m. Come to one or both! 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).
Single and Solo Parents and Caregivers Gathering
1st & 3rd Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Contact Christy at christine.hd1@gmail.com for more information.
Parents & Caregivers of Babies and Preschoolers
Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Parents/guardians of little ones gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Lauren at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to the group.
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
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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 Meal Trains
Sick? Surgery? Caring for a family member or welcoming a new child? Something else? Sometimes, what helps more than anything is having church members bring healthy nourishing meals to your home. As one of our members recently said “it was such a gift to receive meals when my mom was sick. I could focus on taking care of her and when I wasn’t, I could just be with my family without worrying about getting dinner on the table.” 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!
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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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