Dear ones,
How has church been having an impact on your life recently? In what ways are you being moved by what you’re feeling, seeing, learning, hearing, and/or experiencing at church? How are you letting in love lately?
With so much happening at church, there's been plenty of energy and inspiration. More and more of you have been returning and reconnecting, remembering the good that being part of this community can do for our souls.
During the month of March, we’ve celebrated the launch of Rev. Jen Crow’s inspiring memoir, welcomed musical guests Ellis Delaney and Libby Turner in worship, made a quick pivot to offer Strike Camp during the weeks our MPS educators were on strike, and supported BIPOC educators with our Sunday offering plate thanks to your generosity. We’ve invited your renewed financial support of the church with the launch of our annual giving campaign, returned to congregational singing during worship services, and been inspired by the continuing Acorn Saga in worship week to week.
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Rev. Jen Crow and Rev. Kate Tucker shared a conversation about Jen's new book, "Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything" on Sunday, March 27. |
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A large sheet cake decorated with colorful flowers, the cover of Jen's book, and the message "Congratulations, Jen!" was served during a reception in the social hall. |
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April Sundays have much in store, including Rev. Meg Riley guest preaching this Sunday, April 3, the return and continuation of the Acorn Saga on April 10, an intergenerational Easter service on April 17 with interactive worship stations, and the ordination of Stephanie Vos on the 24th. We are also excited to continue our new concert series, with our very own Ellis Delaney in concert on April 24.
As the ground thaws, we are warming up to the many ways of being together in person again—and online when that feels right is always an option, too. Our April worship theme is "This Is How We Rise." Rising up after heartbreak, obstacle, and hardship is something we can do together. Come, rise and grow in community with us!
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Worship
Sunday, April 3, 9 & 11am
Wednesday, April 6 Meditation, 7pm
Recent Podcasts & Recordings
Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Concert Series Continues with Ellis Delaney
Wing Young Huie Photo Talk
Child Dedication
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Happenings
Pathway to Membership
Grief Group
Daytime Connections
Electric Saturday
In the Community
Ongoing Gatherings
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, April 3 — 9 & 11 a.m.
"Yeast, Baking Powder, and Other Ways to Rise"
Things rise and fall every day: Not just baked items in the oven but energies, emotions, commitments, willingness. Though the idea of ‘onward and upward forever’ has been long proven to be a lie, most of us use our days trying to create more of what we want in ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. What are some of the obstacles and what can help us to rise, even a tiny bit?
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Worship leaders: Rev. Meg Riley, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Rev. Karen Hutt, Franco Holder, and Aimee K. Bryant
IN PERSON AT 9 OR 11 A.M.:
In person worship is offered twice, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. If you are choosing to join us in person, we expect that you are feeling well and that you are vaccinated against COVID-19 if eligible/able. Masks are required. Read our recently updated COVID-19 Policies.
ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
RE ON SPRING BREAK; CHILDCARE AVAILABLE
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Wednesday, April 6, 7 p.m.
Meditation leader: Rev. Karen Hutt
JOIN US ONLINE:
Wednesday Meditation is live-streamed on Zoom. Join here (Webinar ID: 117 312 320).
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March 27: "Living Through the Lens of Love"
An essential part of being a part of a community is sharing our stories and having them reflected back to us through the lens of love. This Sunday, Rev. Jen reflects back to First Universalist how its consistent, conscious, and constructive Love has and will continue to transform.
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A memorial service for Herb Jaehne, who passed away in January, will be held at Temple Israel Cemetery, 413 3rd Ave S in Minneapolis, on Sunday, April 10 at 2 p.m.
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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Concert Series Continues with Ellis Delaney |
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On Sunday, April 24, at 3 p.m., we’ll continue our small concert series in the sanctuary at First Universalist with our very own Ellis Delaney. You've heard her music at Sunday services over the years, now enjoy her in concert!
There’s just something about Ellis Delaney. She is at once funny and wise, thoughtful and uninhibited, and her captivating voice is matched by her uplifting lyrics. If you looked up the definition of open-hearted in the dictionary, you just might find her photo there. Ellis’ performances are transformational; she leaves her audiences better than she finds them, with softened edges & opened hearts.
Ellis is a woman with a mission. She believes music is healing, and she offers her music for free / pay what you can online. For the last year, she has been hosting a weekly “Right On Time” hotline message that supports resilience by offering different grounding / mindful practices she'll be focusing on that week as well as a reminder that we are interdependent and worthy of love and belonging. As her song asks, "What if we are right on time?"
Ellis released her tenth album, Ordinary Love, in 2020. Says Ellis, “My hope for this new album is that it both inspires a lighter heart while also expressing and connecting to the gravity of this moment in our human history. Can we greet our lives, each other, and even the news every day with ordinary love?"
A transplant from Texas to Minnesota at age 16, Ellis got her start at open mics, and grew her following touring full time. Ellis has been recognized both for her songwriting skills as well as her engaging performances. She became a mainstay at several folk festivals, and has been a repeat performer and voted audience favorite at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Moab Folk Festival, Sisters Folk Festival, and Rocky Mountain Folk Festival.
This concert will also be live-streamed via YouTube, and all ticket purchasers will receive a link to the livestream and have the option to attend either in person or online.
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Wing Young Huie to Give Talk, Exhibit Photos |
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Photo Talk with Wing Young Huie
Sunday, April 24, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
in the Social Hall
Well-known Minneapolis photographer Wing Young Huie traveled to China to put himself into other’s shoes (and clothes). What would it be like if his Chinese parents hadn’t immigrated to Duluth? When he walked down the street in China, how did the locals immediately detect that he’s from the U.S?
What is identity? How does identity impact and intersect with life experience? In his latest book, Chinese-ness, photographer Wing Young Huie explores identity—his own and others'. In an interactive presentation on Sunday, April 24 in the social hall at church, Wing will discuss his photography and invite participants to consider how identity is shaped and changes throughout our lives.
This is a free event sponsored by the Racial Justice Education Team and Visual Arts Team.
Childcare is available if requested by April 17.
Photographs by Wing Young Huie will be on exhibit in the Social Hall gallery April 17 through May 29.
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Child Dedication is Sunday, May 8 |
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First Universalist Church will joyfully embrace and celebrate little ones with a Child Dedication ritual during both services on Sunday, May 8. In the ritual, the congregation pledges partner with and support parents, caregivers and families in the religious upbringing of their children.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Pathway to Membership Class |
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Sunday, April 10, 1–3 p.m. in person at church
Ready to officially become a member of this church? If First Universalist feels like your spiritual home, 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, as part of this class you'll watch several short videos on the various ministry areas of the church, and then attend one 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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Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt |
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Sunday, April 17, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
In a season where we have experienced so much and such complicated grief and loss, gathering with a group for support and companionship is so important. Rev. Karen Hutt facilitates this monthly grief group where participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. Through sharing, silence, ritual, and reflection, we will offer each other support and companionship. Join via Zoom here.
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Daytime Connections: Gender and Sexuality |
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Thursday, April 21, 10 a.m.
Could your understanding of gender use some fresh input? Please join us for a morning of exploration as a panel shares the intricacies of living as a person of alternate gender in 2022. Our panel will be led by member Claire Tralle, a gender and sexuality expert.
Sign in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. Program starts at 10 a.m. Optional soup & salad lunch follows the program ($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 of each program in order to plan for lunch. Choose “attend program only” below if you’re unable to stay for lunch.
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Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.–noon
The Environmental Justice Team invites you to Electric Saturday on the morning of April 30, showcasing about 15 Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 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 bike owners will also be displaying their e-bikes and answering questions. Check out e-mowers and snow blowers too!
Invited representatives from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL), MN350 and others will be available with energy info and opportunities for advocacy. Brian Anderson from Let’s Go Zero Carbon, will make presentations throughout the morning about buying, charging, and living with electric vehicles.
If you have questions, or would like to show your e-bike or EV, contact Lane Ayres at lanebfa@gmail.com.
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Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat |
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THEME: Resilience, Community and Creativity
WHEN: April 22–25, 2022
WHERE: Camp Courage near Annandale
WHAT: Keynote and ceremonies by Rev. Kelli Clement, and a variety of breakout sessions and activities
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30 Days of Biking Kickoff Ride is April 1 |
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30 Days of Biking, co-founded in Minneapolis in 2010 by First Universalist Church member Patrick Stephenson, invites cyclists to pledge to ride their bikes every day in April and share their stories via social media. Hashtag #30DaysOfBiking. The month-long celebration of biking launches with a kickoff ride and afterparty on Friday, April 1 at 5 p.m., at Graze Provisions + Libations in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. Learn more. |
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Mental Health Connect Events |
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Self-Care for the Caregiver
Last Thursday of each month; next session is April 28 at 6 p.m.
A virtual monthly drop in group, Care/Support for the Caregiver. Each of these groups would provide community, support and an education topic. There will be a MHC Navigator, a therapist and our educator(Drew Brooks) at the meeting each month. Many of you are searching for help for a loved one, but you also need support too. MHC has resources, tools and a virtual time to share. This is another source of support for a growing population of caregivers. Register
Mental Health Authors' Series
Saturday, April 30 at 3 p.m.
Basilica of St. Mary
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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.
The workshops meet monthly on the first Saturday of each month through June. Come in through the front door to find out which room we will be in. Workshops go from 9:30 a.m. to noon and are for all people in or interested in 12 step programs. They include meditation, meditation instruction, short talks and small groups. Meetings 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 (multiplatform)
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).
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.
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COVID-19 Safety Measures & Policies |
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Updated March 24, 2022
- Masks are required in the church building for everyone ages 2 and up (accommodation will be made for those unable to tolerate a face covering due to health condition, disability, or behavioral or developmental condition.)
- We ask that you do your best to maintain a distance of at least 3 feet between you and those who are not in your household.
- If you are joining us in person, we expect that everyone who is able/eligible has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Staff and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- If you are not feeling well or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been notified of a recent exposure to a confirmed positive case of COVID, we ask that you please stay home—and join us for worship online (or participate in your group/class/event online if that option is available).
- Both services will be streamed to the Cummins Room or Social Hall for those who desire to be in a space with fewer people.
- We are reintroducing congregational singing during the service on Sunday, March 27.
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In small group settings, with the consent of everyone in the group, masks can be optional inside of the room where the group is meeting, when the COVID-19 community level is low.
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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.
Care Companions - Care companions are members of the congregation who’ve been oriented toward the art and practice listening with a caring and confidential ear, and a loving and kind heart. They call and check-in on folks in the congregation and are here to accompany you longer term if you could use some ongoing support. To connect with a Care Companion (or to become one), contact karen@firstuniv.org
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.
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 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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