Dear Jenn,

Thank you for such a lovely welcome to this community since I started as your new Assistant Minister this past September. It’s been a joy beginning to recognize your faces in worship and hearing your stories! Listening is actually most of my job right now. 

I’m listening to staff talk about ALL the amazing programming offered in and by the congregation so we can ensure an inclusive future across platforms (in person and online). I’m listening to my digital ministry colleagues across the country talk about ideas they have for nurturing multi-platform communities of true belonging. I’m beginning to listen to congregants—you—talk about your experience of our online ministry since the pandemic began.

Now I’m hoping to “listen” to more of you through a survey because YOU are the ones who actually know what you need in this next chapter of our collective life. Would you be willing to take 5-10 minutes now and let me listen to you? I want to know: No matter if you worship online or in person, where do you hang out online? In terms of our online worship, what’s feeding you or what has fed you in the past? If you have worshiped in person on Sundays in the past, what about that experience do you miss in the online worship experience? 

Please fill out this survey by November 23. Together we are building a sanctuary, a community, a new way of being in relationship across platforms that has never existed before. As we experiment with this newness, we are going to get it wrong - a LOT. And we are going to keep growing and deepening together because that’s what we do. Please join me in this leap of growth and newness. 

In peace and gratitude,

Rev. Ashley

Rev. Ashley Harness

Assistant Minister

First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

Sunday Worship

Sunday, Nov. 13, 9 & 11 a.m.

After Worship Happenings

Nov. 6 Recording: "The Practice of Giving and Receiving"

Tonglen Meditation Resources

Nov. 6 Cycle of Life

News & Features

Give to the Max Day

AFA Warm Clothes Drive

Meet the "Indigenous Women Water Protectors" Exhibit Photographer & One of the Water Protectors

Calendar

Liberated to the Bone Book Launch

Daytime Connections

Dinner Church for BIPOC

Labyrinth Walk

EJ & RJ on the Northside

Climate Conversation

"The Territory" Screening

Affiliated Organizations

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Sunday, Nov. 13 — 9 & 11 a.m.

"The Company We Keep"

We are members of many things: families, gyms, affinity groups, and faith communities. Our culture likes us to think of “membership” as an administrative task: a series of tasks that lead us to checking off a box. This Sunday, Nov. 13, we welcome and celebrate the commitment of our newest members of First Universalist, and invite you into reflecting on—and participating in!—membership as a creative, relational process, one in which we change and by which we are changed by the company we keep.

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

Worship leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Jen Crow, Liz Farmer, 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.

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.

Meet Photographer John Kaul: Reception in Social Hall

The Indigenous Women Water Protectors exhibit photographer John Kaul will be in the Social Hall Universal Gallery after both services.

Indigenous Women Water Protectors Presentation

Photographer John Kaul and Maryanna Harstad—one of the Indigenous women he photographed whose interest is on the ceremonial and spiritual side of water protection—will give a formal presentation in the Cummins Room at 1 p.m.

Fair Trade Minneapolis

Fair Trade Minneapolis will be in the Social Hall after services, sponsored by the Environmental Justice Team. When we choose Fair Trade products, we pay farmers and artisans fairly, protect the environment, and ensure that products are made slave free. Come learn about Fair Trade and receive samples. There will be chocolate, tea and artisan products made by Papillon Marketplace in Haiti for sale. 

From Last Sunday, Nov. 6:

"The Practice of Giving & Receiving"

On Sunday, Nov. 6 we entered the November worship theme of "Giving, Receiving (as love shows us how)" 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. Below are resources to continue your practice, as Rev. Arif promised.

Watch the Nov. 6 service here

Listen to the podcast here

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive 

As a companion to last week’s service, here are some resources for continuing your practice of Tonglen meditation:

Guided Tonglen Practice with Lama Rod Ownes

How to Practice Tonglen by Pema Chödrön at Lions Roar

Tonglen on the Spot also by Pema Chödrön at Tricycle

As with other Buddhist practices, the tonglen practice moves us through a progression that includes self, others, and the wider community. This wider embrace is a critical aspect of the practice because it guides us through a practical and concrete means to erode the illusion of separation that is so pervasive in the culture we live in. Balancing our practice between individual and community is imperative. As bell hooks wrote: “I am often struck by the dangerous narcissism fostered by spiritual rhetoric that pays so much attention to individual self improvement and so little to the practice of love within the context of community.”

We hold Ingrid Moe and children Kris and Karl in our hearts as they mourn the death of Ingrid’s father, Herbert Schenk, who died on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the age of 84 of complications from a stroke. May our love and care surround them in this tender time.

Our hearts are with long-time members Fred and Jeanne Johnson. Fred Johnson is receiving hospice care at Methodist Hospital. His wife of 64 years Jeanne Johnson who suffers from Parkinson Disease is starting her next phase at Chapel View Nursing home in Hopkins. They appreciate our thoughts and care as they make this journey.

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.

On Thursday, Nov. 17, thousands of Minnesotans will make financial gifts to their favorite nonprofits (including faith communities!) on Give to the Max Day.

If you are participating, we encourage you to direct a portion of your charitable giving that day to First Universalist!

Each gift made to First Universalist via GiveMN.org now through November 17 gives us a chance to win a "Golden Ticket" prize, with daily winners through Nov. 16, and hourly and every-15-minute winners on November 17.

Make your gift to First Universalist via GiveMN any time between now and November 17 here. Of course, your financial gifts are always welcome any time directly through the church's online giving system as well.

We are collecting winter jackets and gloves, scarves and hats for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) students this Sunday, Nov. 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 Sunday 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!

Sunday, Nov. 13, Artist Reception after both services in the Social Hall; Presentation at 1 p.m. in the Cummins Room

Photographer John Kaul has photographed and interviewed nineteen Native American women about why they work to protect the water, and the current exhibit in the Social Hall features photographs and tells the story of those he met on ceremonial water walks and Line 3 protests.

This coming Sunday, John will be at church with Maryanna Harstad, one of the Water Protectors who is featured in the exhibit, to tell the story of the Indigenous women’s roles in protecting water. John will be in the Universal Gallery in the Social Hall after both services, and Maryanna will join him at 1 p.m. for a special presentation in the Cummins Room. Please note: Sharon Day is no longer able to be present for the program as previously announced.

Co-sponsored by First U’s Visual Arts Committee and Environmental Justice Team

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.

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 begins at 9:45 a.m., and the program starts at 10 a.m. Soup & salad lunch will be served 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. 

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6–8 p.m. in the Cummins Room

Registration required

What’s Dinner Church? Pretty much what it sounds like—we’ll have a meal together while creating a worshipful experience together with music, words, and opportunities to share what’s on our hearts and minds. You’ll be fed in body and spirit while helping to create and sustain the community we all need. We gather on the last Wednesday of each month, November through May (no meeting in December). BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) members and friends of the church are invited. Kids are welcome and encouraged to attend, and childcare staff will be available to support parents and caregivers. Hosted by Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts Ministries, Lóre Stevens, Cummins Ministerial Intern, and Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister

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

Sunday, Nov. 20, 1–2:30 p.m. in person or on Zoom

Registration required

Kristel Porter is a First Universalist Foundation grantee this year. Join this conversation to hear how our support is helping Kristel implement Solstar, a low income solution for rooftop solar on Northside homes. Kristel is a neighborhood organizer, Executive Director of MN Renewable Now, and environmental activist leading the Energy Revolution team at MN Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL). She will share with us an action we can take immediately related to Xcel’s proposal to increase our electricity rates by 21%. Sponsored by First U’s Environmental Justice Team

Monday, Nov. 14, 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom

Registration required

Join in a 90-minute small-group conversation to discuss your feelings of grief, frustrations and fears, as well as your hopes and dreams, around the climate crisis and to explore personal and communal actions to save us from climate catastrophe. Come with your questions, your passions, your knowledge, and your experience to help grow our congregation’s commitment to seeking and implementing solutions to the climate crisis. Bring a willingness to share and to listen, to problem-solve and to question, to exchange ideas and build on one another’s enthusiasm. Facilitated by guides from First U’s Environmental Justice Team

Thursday, Nov. 17, 3 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. virtual screenings, 4:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. post-viewing discussions on Zoom

Register here

The Environmental Justice Team invites you to a special online screening of The Territory followed by post-viewing discussions led by members of the EJ Team.

About the film: The Territory provides an immersive look at the tireless fight of the Indigenous Uru-eu-wau-wau people against the encroaching deforestation brought by farmers and illegal settlers in the Brazilian Amazon. With awe-inspiring cinematography showcasing the titular landscape and richly textured sound design, the film takes audiences deep into the Uru-eu-wau-wau community and provides unprecedented access to the farmers and settlers illegally burning and clearing the protected Indigenous land. Partially shot by the Uru-eu-wau-wau people, the film relies on vérité footage captured over three years as the community risks their lives to set up their own news media team in the hopes of exposing the truth.

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 on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 1-4 pm at First Universalist Church.

Our major topic is Reproductive Justice: Update and Action Steps for Minnesotans. Rev. Jen Crow will offer the opening words. 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 have other opportunities (breakout groups) to enjoy as well, including felting with Sydney Dunitz & Val Garber, poetry with Kathy Urberg (bring a favorite poem) and a continuation of the discussion about reproductive justice.

This event is free to AUW members and $10 for guests/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

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.

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.