Dear Jenn,

I know her as Aunt LaVerne—one of my family’s rare extroverts, a queen of a woman with a noticeably vibrant way about her, and a laugh you can hear from Baltimore. The colors and flow of everything she wears reminds instantly of autumn. My aunt is also the reverend—a decorated minister, and one of my first teachers in the art of ministry. 

When I was 15, my very first year as a student-preacher, Aunt LaVerne was adamant to teach me how to take a compliment well. It took me years to know why. 

“When someone offers you a good word, you take it” she insisted to my very shy self. “Receive with grace and gratitude. There are blessings for both of you there.” 

This memory resurfaced for me at the First Universalist staff’s annual Halloween potluck on Wednesday. I’m not typically the biggest fan of holiday parties, but this one is something different to me. It’s taken me a year to know why. 

The central tradition of this particular shindig is to offer the most delicious tasting, most-bizarre-looking foodstuff imaginable. My go-to example is Rev. Jen’s legendary meatloaf baked in the mold of a human foot. If you can say “feetloaf” without bursting into laughter and delight, you’re steeler than I! 

Just outside, the orange and reds of countless tiny leaves flew off the trees wilder than usual, hundreds upon hundreds in a wind-swept choreography. I kept thinking it was snowing! I watched enchanted as the trees gave their leaves to the earth beneath so freely, and the earth made room—both knowing well how  leaves become the earth and, in time, the tree, again and again.

Around the potluck table, we danced the steps of our own tradition steeped in a similar wisdom, a lesson I am learning more deeply now. This willingness to feed each other nourishes our common life and rustles up our laughter; and this willingness to eat well together, too, is a work of nourishment, a feast of human grace.

This month in worship, our theme is “Giving and Receiving” as love shows us how. We are often taught to give generously, and indeed giving is an art to learn and constantly to improve; yet giving alone is not enough to nurture the health of ourselves or our communities. So much of life seems to teach us to retreat from the charity of others; yet it is the very illusion of separateness which rends the heart of our work together. 

What will it mean for us to give well and meet the needs of our community? What will it mean for us to be willing enough to acknowledge the presence of others, to receive in the places the community can be a gift to us? Join us in worship to dance with these questions in song, in word, in company shared. “There is a blessing for all of us there,” Aunt LaVerne would say. If we are willing, the journey can feed us all.

In faith,

Dr. Glen Thomas

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

Sunday Worship

Sunday, Nov. 6, 9 & 11 a.m.

Daylight Saving Time Ends This Sunday

After Worship Happenings

10/30 Recording: "Drawing the Circle"

Oct. 30 Cycle of Life

News & Features

Planning Your Memorial Workshop

Child Dedication

AFA Warm Clothes Drive

Meet the "Indigenous Women Water Protectors" Exhibit Photographer

Calendar

Liberated to the Bone Book Launch

How to Raise an Antiracist Book Group

Community Dinner

Daytime Connections

Planning Your Own Memorial

Labyrinth Walk

Pastoral & Community Care

Affiliated Organizations

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Sunday, Nov. 6 — 9 & 11 a.m.

"The Practice of Giving and Receiving"

This Sunday we open the monthly worship theme of "Giving, Receiving (as love shows us how)." We'll enter the theme through the Tonglen practice, a Buddhist practice that invites us to open our hearts and spirits to giving and receiving and in doing so, soften our hearts and live more deeply into the experience of our interdependence. Drawing on the work of rev. angel Kyodo Williams and Lama Rod Owens, we'll have time for practice, song, and reflection as love leads the way. 

Please join us for worship this Sunday at 9 or 11 a.m.!

Worship leaders: Rev. Arif Mamdani, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Ashley Harness, Aimee K. Bryant, and Franco Holder

ORDER OF SERVICE

IN PERSON AT 9 A.M. & 11 A.M. (masks required)

This Sunday, we worship in person at 9 and 11 a.m. Masks are currently required indoors for ages 2+. Can you usher or greet? Sign up here!.

ONLINE AT 11 A.M.

This service is live-streamed at 11 a.m. Join the Zoom livestream here (Webinar ID: 861 805 984) or watch on YouTube. The recording will be available here after worship.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Childcare is available for Nursery-PreK kids, starting at 8:45/10:45 a.m. Religious Education classes for K–12th grade are in session; children and youth begin their morning in the sanctuary with their families before being dismissed to their classes. All ages are always welcome in the sanctuary! Learn more here.

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, Nov. 6. Don't forget to set your clocks back by one hour before bed on Saturday so you show up on time for church!

A Place to Start

After both services in the Chancel Room

Are you new or new-ish to First Universalist and wondering where to begin? In this casual, 45-minute class, you'll learn some of the basics of Unitarian Universalism, as well as how to get connected to what you’re seeking here at church. Meet at the front of the sanctuary.

Augsburg Fairview Academy Warm Clothes Drive

After both services in the Social Hall

We're collecting winter jackets, gloves, scarves, and hats for Augsburg Fairview Academy, one of our Faithful Action partners, this and next Sunday in the Social Hall. Details below.

"How to Raise an Antiracist" Parent/Caregiver Conversations

1 p.m. in the Cummins Room Details

"Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace" Book Conversation for BIPOC

1 p.m. in Room 201 Details

Last Sunday: "Drawing the Circle"

Our faith tradition claims a love so strong it will not let any one of us go and a circle so wide that everyone is included, but how do we put that faith into practice in our lives, our congregations, and our communities? You can count on this: the spiritual practices of our faith may not be easy, but they are liberating and life-giving.



Watch the Oct. 30 service here

Listen to the podcast here

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive 

We hold in our hearts Sarah Lindsay’s nephew, who was badly injured and is recovering from extensive surgery.

We hold Rob Warren and his family in gentleness and healing as he recovers from a massive bicycle accident and the whole family who is caring for him in this time. 

We hold Andy Pugh and Kaitlin Hallet in our care as Andy recovers from hip surgery.

If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, celebrating a joy­ or marking a sorrow, please let us know. To be included in our Cycle of Life on Sunday in worship, or if you would like support, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.

A note from Rev. Arif Mamdani:

The app WeCroak knows and reminds us of the reality of our mortality, built as it is around the Bhutanese saying “to be a truly happy person, one must contemplate death five times daily.” Many religions have practices associated with contemplating our mortality not just to prepare for death, but also to live more fully. And from my perspective, planning a memorial service is very much in that tradition of practice: it invites us to think about our mortality, to bring into present awareness the reality that we will die, and it asks us to answer some questions about how we’d want to be remembered. You might not have answers to all the questions that are asked, and that’s ok - you don’t need to know all the answers. What will matter for those you leave behind is that you’ve left them some notes about your hopes and wishes, but perhaps more importantly, what will matter for you is that you’ve taken time to reflect on your mortality and through that, perhaps will make or reaffirm some choices about how you live.

This can be an easy thing to put off. But, as we all know death is not predictable and can visit any of us at any time. Sometimes those visits will be close brushes - an almost accident, time spent in the limbo of diagnosis or awaiting the results of scans only to hear the words “benign” or “clear” with no small measure of relief. And sometimes, the unexpected visit will be a once and final visit, out of the blue, and we and those who love us will be caught unawares. For this reason, I want to encourage any who are interested to join us next week for the first part of “Planning your Memorial Service.” Whether you think death is closer or far afield, each of us can benefit from contemplating our mortality and making some plans for how our lives might be remembered.

First Universalist Church will joyfully embrace and celebrate little ones with a Child Dedication ritual during both services on Sunday, Nov. 20.

In the ritual, the congregation pledges to partner with and support parents, caregivers and families in the religious upbringing of their children. The Child Dedication ritual takes place twice each each year, and infants and children of members and those on the path to membership may be dedicated.

To sign up for for the Child Dedication ritual, complete this form. Please reach out to Lauren@firstuniv.org with any questions.

We will collect winter jackets and gloves, scarves and hats for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) students on Sundays, Nov. 6 and 13 in the Social Hall. Men’s and women’s clothing in all sizes (small to extra large) is needed. Toiletries such as men’s and women’s deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotions and sanitary products are always needed as well. You can bring items to the church on November 6 or 13 or donate online.

AFA is a public charter high school in the Phillips neighborhood serving students facing housing and economic insecurity. AFA is a long standing First Universalist Community Partner; we have served as the primary supporter of AFA’s Hope Clothing and Food Closets for more than 10 years. 

Volunteers are needed to help collect clothing and bring donations to AFA. For more information or to volunteer, please email Cindy Marsh. Thank you for your generosity!

The Indigenous Women Water Protectors exhibit photographer John Kaul will be in the Social Hall Universal Gallery after both services next Sunday, Nov. 13. He will also be speaking along with one of the Indigenous women he photographed about the role so many Indigenous women have provided in their effort to save water. The presentation will be from 1–2 p.m. in the Cummins Room.



Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6–8 p.m. in the Sanctuary

RSVP & Share on Facebook

Join us to celebrate the launch of "Liberated to the Bone"! Rev. Arif Mamdani will facilitate a conversation with author Susan Raffo about her book and how it speaks to the social, political, and theological moment we’re in.

Set for release in mid-November in the Emergent Strategy series from AK Press, "Liberated to the Bone: Histories. Bodies. Futures." addresses the intersections between healing our physical bodies and healing our social relations which are shaped by violence.

Bodyworker and cultural worker Susan Raffo addresses intergenerational trauma, social justice, organizing, and how all of these things are relevant to our bodies. The book illuminates three different approaches to healing: ending violence, the significance of being rooted in the present, and creating the conditions to address unfinished histories and generational trauma. By showing how these approaches are intricately connected—physically and emotionally—Raffo interrupts the traumatic binaries of the political and spiritual, the physical and intellectual, and healing and organizing.

Sunday, Nov. 6, 1–2:30 p.m. in the Cummins Room; Thursdays, Nov. 17 and Dec. 1, 7–8 p.m. on Zoom

Registration required

The tragedies and reckonings around racism that are rocking the country have created a specific crisis for parents and caregivers: How do we talk to our children about racism? You'll be invited to read the book after we meet, and join two optional follow up discussions on Zoom. Book available to borrow or purchase in advance. Facilitated by Lauren Wyeth, Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 6–8 p.m.

RSVP Requested



Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. This month, we'll be serving macaroni and cheese with vegan and gluten free options, along with a green salad, fruit salad, and cookies.

There are two pre-dinner (5 p.m.) gathering options: a family pre-party and Dungeons & Dragons for youth. After dinner we encourage you to join one of several breakout groups, including Stone Soup (soup making for the pastoral care team), art making (including paper snowflakes with the visual arts team), a conversation about parenting adult children, an opportunity to learn about the organization CloseKnit, and Dungeons & Dragons continued. Get details about breakout groups here.

Thursday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. program, noon lunch

Register here

Daytime Connections presents "No Falls, Take Charge of your Environment and Your Life." This program, offered by a representative from Juniper Networks a Senior Training organization, goes through the process of preventing falls at home and in public by going over the danger areas and providing an individual falls assessment. This program is meant for those of all abilities who are free for a Daytime Program. 

Sign in and coffee is at 9:45 a.m. Program starts at 10 a.m. Soup & salad lunch at 12 p.m.: $5-15 sliding scale (More if you can; less if you can’t. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.) Registration is requested a minimum of four days in advance to plan for lunch. 

Thursdays, Nov. 10 and Dec. 1, 9:30–11 a.m. in the Cummins Room or on Zoom

Registration required



When the time comes, your loved ones will want some guidance about how you’d want your life to be remembered and celebrated. In this two-part workshop, we’ll provide support for planning your own memorial service. We’ll share the basics of what UU memorials typically include (and why) and some of the technicalities (like costs, musicians, content, etc.). We’ll also provide some guidance on navigating these important but difficult conversations with your loved ones, so there is less stress and uncertainty – and more closeness and clarity – between you today. Participants are requested to attend both sessions, as our second meeting will build on our first. Led by Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister, Lauren Wyeth, Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages and Lóre Stevens, Cummins Ministerial Intern

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 7–8 p.m. in the Social Hall

Want to learn more about the labyrinth in our Social Hall? Here’s your chance! At 7 p.m., there will be a 20 minute introduction to the labyrinth. It will be open to walk from 7:20–8 p.m. Large wooden finger labyrinths will be available for those with limited mobility. Can’t make this event or want more information? Contact Ann at 612-483-8431. Facilitated by Ann and Howard Hobbs, First U church members

Grief Group

Sunday, Nov. 6, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom 

REGISTER HERE

A gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with loss. A group of souls who share, listen and care. A community interested in exploring new life invitations. Come as you are, when you feel moved to attend. We will be here for you. Facilitator: Rev. Stephanie Vos, Community Minister and First Universalist member

Divorce Small Group

Schedule to be determined by group. Sign up here.

Are you recently divorced or going through a separation or 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. We are currently collecting signups for the next round of the group, which will likely launch in November or January.

Our Fall Program Guide contains dozens of opportunities to participate and connect at church this fall. Some upcoming opportunities are listed above, with more online!

First Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–noon in person at church

12 Step Spirituality meetings will gather in our church on the 1st Saturday of each month beginning on Oct. 1, 2022 and ending on May 6, 2023. The meeting focuses on people who are actively working a 12 step program. It is focused on the 11 step to the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. Meeting details are available at 12stepspirituality.org.

Saturdays, 9:30–10:45 a.m. online via Zoom

This weekly online meeting focuses on people who are actively working in any of 12 Step programs. It is focused on the 11th step through the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. Meeting details are available at 12stepspirituality.org.

Saturday, Nov. 12, 1–4 p.m. at church

Association of Universalist Women (AUW) invites people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid to our Fall Retreat.

Our major topic is Reproductive Justice: Update and Action Steps for Minnesotans. There will be a speaker, breakout groups, snacks and time for socializing. Participants will also help assemble Abortion Aftercare Support Kits to support Spiral Collective’s services. AUW is buying the materials for the kits and you can help by making a donation in any amount $10 or over. 

We will also have MANY other opportunities (breakout groups) to enjoy as well, including poetry (please bring your favorite poem), felting, and others TBA!

This event is free to AUW members and $10 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is not necessary.

We look forward to socializing together as we work toward AUW’s mission: community building, spiritual deepening and bringing our faith to action to work for women’s justice.

Questions, contact Gayle Swarts, gayle.swarts@gmail.com

Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance strives to harness the collective power of UUs to bend the arc toward justice by living our faith in the world. As a primarily donation funded organization, MUUSJA is again participating in the Give to The Max Day giving days, from November 1–17.

We’re asking UUs that have worked with us to help us get the word out for GTTM 2022. Whether you donate or not, you can help! Posting information online, emailing friends about why you love working with us - it all helps. And to help you...here’s a bunch of resources to make this easier. You can also donate here.

Church Office & Building Access

The church office is open on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The door bells are not monitored outside of this time. Access to the building at times on other days can be arranged by contacting Jim Poulter, Building & Office Manager, at jim@firstuniv.org.