Volume 10 Issue 40 | October 5, 2023 | |
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Dear Ones,
As the rhythms - and the temperatures - of fall begin to settle in in earnest, I invite you to go a little deeper in your spiritual practice. How will you nurture relationships new and old that will hold you in life-sustaining patterns that support you in being the person you want to be? The spiritual life is not something to be attempted alone.
Building Beloved Community is a practice, not a destination - a process of unfolding rather than an achievement of permanent perfection. How will you practice, and with whom? At some points in our lives, we need to be with people in similar life stages, with similar identities, or encountering similar challenges. At other times, we need to expand our circles, learning from people who are different from us and remembering our interconnection - and accountability - to all. And most of the time what we actually need is both - the support and care of those who intuitively know us well and the expansion, wonder, and ever-widening circle of understanding and interconnected accountability that comes with welcoming new people into our hearts.
This fall, what will you do to deepen your spiritual practice of nurturing relationships new and old and building Beloved Community? Check out the opportunities for connection in our Fall Program Guide, and join us for Community Dinner on October 11 and November 8 at 6pm at church. Gather in support of your spiritual practices, expand your knowledge and build relationships in our book groups, and circle up for support in our identity-based and spiritual care groups. Explore How to Talk to People and practice in supportive community. It’s time to strengthen the spiritual practices and the relationships - new and old - that hold us in life-sustaining patterns and keep us growing into the people and the Beloved Community we long to be.
In gratitude,
Rev. Jen
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Intro
Gather, Deepen, Explore
Sunday Worship
This Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 & 11 a.m.
Sunday, Oct. 1 Recording
Cycle of Life
"All In Sundays"
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Fall Programs
Fall Program Guide
Sign-Up Sunday
Community Dinner
Env. Justice Book Study
Grief & Caregiver Groups
Young Adults Events
Spirituality for 80+
Daytime Connections
Hiking at Bdote with EJ
Adult OWL
Art Exhibit
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News
Reimagining Faithful Action
Joyce Food Bank
HR Handbook
Faithful Action
AFA Clothing Drive
Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:
Hats for Unhoused People, Women's Ritual Circle, AUW, 12-Step Spirituality
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Some email programs truncate long emails; watch for "message clipped; view entire message" or similar at the bottom of this email if you don't see all contents listed. | |
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Sunday, October 8
In-person at 9 a.m.; In-person & Online at 11 a.m.
"The Rules of Engagement"
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We know that listening deeply to each other changes both the speaker and the listener - but what are the rules of engagement for how and when and who we listen to, and who we speak to? Who controls the expectations of how we will be with each other in society and relationships, and what happens when the limits change? What role might grace play in all of this?
Join us for worship this Sunday, Oct. 8, in person at 9 and in person and livestreamed at 11 a.m.
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IN PERSON AT 9 & 11 A.M.
This Sunday, we worship in person at 9 & 11 a.m. Masks are welcome but not required in the sanctuary; please review our Covid-19 Gathering Guidelines.
ONLINE AT 11 A.M.
This service is live-streamed at 11 a.m. Watch the livestream here.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Religious Education for children in pre-K through 12th grade continues this Sunday. Please check your child/ren's classroom assignments and drop-off/pick-up times here. Drop-off and pick-up times vary by age group. For all ages except Senior High, parents and caregivers must sign in their children and youth prior to worship.
If you have not yet registered your family for this year of Religious Education, please register your family today. All families — new and returning, with babies through high schoolers — must register each church year.
AFTER WORSHIP
Coffee Hour in the Social Hall
Visit with old friends and meet new ones over coffee and cookies in our social hall.
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In Case You Missed It: Oct. 1 Worship Recap | |
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Our hearts are with Marion Dane Bauer and her whole family. Marion’s grandson, Connor, has recently transitioned to hospice care. He was diagnosed with Lewey Body Dementia when he was 18, the same disease that his father, Marion’s son Peter, died of. We send our love to surround them all, and our hopes for tender care and moments of joy and connection.
Our love and care surround Mary Sorensen and her family as they grieve the death of Mary’s son, Chris, who died last week. His funeral service was at The Estes funeral Chapel in Minneapolis on Thursday. A reception followed at First Universalist.
We send healing wishes to Carol Hiniker as she recovers from hip surgery earlier this week. She is healing well at Walker Place and appreciates the care and support of the congregation.
Our care surrounds Elliot and Kelsey Hanson and their whole family as they accompany Elliott through an illness. They appreciate the support they’re receiving from their community and from this congregation.
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.
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Next "All In" Sundays is October 22 | |
Everybody In! Fall Programs Announced! | |
Fall 2023 Program Guide
This week, we are excited to announce and open registration for dozens of new programs, circles, and events happening at church between late October and December. You can read the online version of our Fall 2023 Program Guide, pick up a printed copy of the program guide at church beginning this Sunday, Oct. 8 and learn more directly from program leaders during our Sign-up Sunday after services on Oct. 15th.
There are so many ways to connect more deeply coming up and remember that "We Belong Together," as our worship theme for the year reminds us!
In gratitude,
Rev. Ashley Harness, Assistant Minister
and Liz Farmer, Membership and Connections Coordinator
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An Overview of the Offerings for Fall
Deepen your web of connections at church through one or more of the wide variety of opportunities we are offering this fall. Get dates and details about all of our Fall 2023 Programs and register today.
Here's a brief overview:
EVERYBODY IN!
Community Dinners continue (details below), Square Dance!
VISITORS & NEWCOMERS
A Place to Start, Newcomers Circle, Membership Classes
Habitat builds, Hike at Bdote, Env. Justice film
Grief group, Caregivers group
Meditation group, Breast Cancer Superheroes reunion exhibit, Advent practice
Holiday parties, Saturday Sprouts, Christmas Pageant
Board games, birding, Halloween "crafternoon," and more
Adult OWL, Repentance & Repair with Rev. Jen, Inciting Joy book group, and more
80+ Spirituality Group, Daytime Connections
Details and registration for all of these and more are available here!
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Fall Sign-up Fair
Sunday, October 15th; 10-11 a.m. and 12-1 p.m. in the Social Hall
Learn about the variety of ways to get involved and get connected at church this season through volunteering, justice teams, and other opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. Team leaders and small group facilitators will be excited to chat with you about what they’ve got going on and how you can join.
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October 11
Family pre-party from 5-6
Soup dinner from 6-7
Opportunities for multigenerational conversation and connection from 7-8, including a puzzle table, conversation prompts for deeper conversation and storytelling, and a place to share joys, worries, hopes, and grief. (Please note, the Soup Cook-Off has been cancelled, but we'll still enjoy soups made by Jim and the Senior High group!)
Menu: chicken wild rice soup, a vegan soup, bread, salad, and dessert.
RSVP here
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Sunday, Oct. 8 at 4-5 pm via zoom
Are you looking for a quick read that will help you understand what making a living as a farmer is like in America today? Join EJ team’s Healthy Soil working group in a discussion of Beth Hoffman’s Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America, an account of starting up a small organic farm in Iowa. Beth, a seasoned San Francisco agricultural journalist, chronicles moving with her husband to his ancestral farm land–a farm that had been in his family for generations and that had historically been producing mono-crops corn and soybean. Beth and her husband go about transforming the agricultural processes to be regenerative and organic. Along the way she explores the workings of industrialized farming, farm subsidies, and USDA management of farm bill policies.
Hoffman's story will capture you and open your eyes to the complexity of the farm industry in America.
Join the discussion with Todd Pierson and the Healthy Soils working group.
Register here to receive the zoom link.
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Pastoral & Community Care | |
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Grief Group (online)
Sundays, Oct 8, Oct 22, Nov 5, Nov 19, Dec 3, Dec 17, 4-5:30 p.m. on Zoom
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 on any or all dates. We will be here for you.
Facilitated by Mark Caswell (he/him/they/them), a member of First Universalist Unitarian Church of Minneapolis and an aspirant on ordination track within the UUA. He attends United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and lives in Minneapolis. He finds grounding in meditation, poetry, watercolor painting, and practicing deep listening. He also holds a BFA in Theater Design from Rutgers University in New Jersey.
Email Rev. Arif Mamdani for Zoom details.
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Caregivers Group (online)
Sundays, Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10 1-2:30 p.m. on Zoom
Caring for a family member who needs special care is a demanding and often unseen or unacknowledged role. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or a child with a chronic health condition, join the Caregivers group for mutual support, connection, and community building. When we gather, we’ll light a chalice, have time for introductions, and share a reading, then move into deeper sharing, support, and reflection. Come as you are, when you feel moved to attend on any or all dates.
Facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani.
Email Rev. Arif Mamdani for Zoom details.
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Board Games Afternoon
Sunday, Oct. 8; 12:45-2:45 at church
Young adults are invited to gather for an afternoon of games and friendly competition after church. We’ll provide some lunch and games to get us started. Bring a favorite game to teach if you’d like, and a lunch item or snack to share.
Hosted by Maria Heath, First U community member
RSVP Requested
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Fall Birding
Sunday, Oct. 15; 8-11 a.m. at Roberts Bird Sanctuary
Birds and critters are most active in the mornings! Join for an autumn nature experience at Robert’s Bird Sanctuary. This time of year, we’ll learn about sparrow/waterfowl migration and fall color. Meet at the Peace Garden (4124 Roseway Blvd) just south of church for a 1.5 mile slow stroll, then head to 11 a.m. worship together.
Hosted by Michelle Manson, First U community member
RSVP Requested
Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s in varying social/cultural life stages. We are in school, job-searching and working, single, married, partnered and dating, with kids and without, newly moved to the area and longtime residents. We gather about twice a month for structured and unstructured conversation, spiritual practice, and activities.
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Spirituality Circle for those who are 80+ | |
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Tuesday mornings, 9:15-10:45, every other week from Oct. 24- Feb. 20
Join Rev. Jen Crow every other week for 10 sessions in this closed group for those who are 80 and up as we explore and deepen our spirituality in this phase of life. Each group will include time for spiritual practice, sharing what is moving in our lives, and exploration of a topic and reflection time. Together, we’ll explore topics that include: Spiritual Practice, Self-Acceptance & Self-Compassion, Adapting to Change, Working with Fear, Spiritual Touchstones, Grief and Loss, Hard Conversations, Staying Open to the World, and What to Expect from the Church as we age.
Please indicate on your registration if you can join on Wednesday afternoons or Tuesday mornings, or both. We’ll proceed with the time/date that works for the most people, and this group will be offered again.
Registration Required
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Daytime Connections:
Controlling the Decisions Around Dying
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Thursday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. program in the Social Hall and on Zoom
Have you heard that in many instances, the end-of-life wishes of patients are being overridden because they do not match up with existing hospital protocols? We’ve put together a panel for you consisting of a lawyer with specialized expertise in this area, joined by our own Harlan Limpert, who brings long-standing compassion for the human element in choices around the dying process.
Sign-in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. We respectfully request and strongly urge you to register by Monday, Oct. 16, so that we can send links to those attending virtually and can provide lunches for those who wish to eat with us ($5–15 sliding scale; more if you can; less if you can’t. No one will be turned away for lack of funds). Register here.
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Hiking At Bdote with EJ Team | |
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Saturday, Oct. 21; 9-10:30 a.m.
RSVP Requested
The group who hiked at our event in July enthusiastically asked if we could do another hiking event at this park in the fall. So here it is! Even if you didn’t participate in the earlier event, please join Environmental Justice (EJ) Team member Cathy Geist and a Conservation Corps member as we hike by the Mississippi River at Bdote, where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers converge. Together, in the context of this area’s indigenous history, we’ll learn more about the amazing diversity of life here as Autumn continues, birds migrate, and leaves change color. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the Bdote/Fort Snelling State Park Visitor Center, where the park road ends. (Please stop at the building at the bottom of the hill near the entrance to purchase a 1-day park pass if you need one.) This spring, we’ll also be exploring the indigenous sacred story of creation and colonial war history of Bdote in partnership with Healing MN Stories and hope you will join us.
Contact Cathy at 612-384-2723 with any questions.
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Adult OWL (Our Whole Lives) | |
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Mondays, Oct. 23- Dec. 11; 7-8:30 p.m. at church
Registration Required
Have you ever wondered what OWL stands for? Our Whole Lives. This really means our WHOLE lives. OWL is not limited to our youth, but is for us adults as well!. We hope you will join us as we use interactive workshops and lively discussions to dive into a variety of topics. Sexual values, communication, relationships, boundaries, fantasy, diversity, identity, aging, body image, and pleasure are all on the table as we explore together what it means to be a spiritual and sexual being. Age range 40-60 years old. Small group max of 15 participants.
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Breast Cancer Superheroes | |
Art Exhibit
Sunday, October 22, 1-3 p.m. at church
Several years ago, one of artist Barbara Porwit’s friends was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then another. Within months, a dozen women she cared about faced this frightening journey. As she wondered how to help them, she painted a portrait of her 8-year-old as Spiderman. Seeing the gleam in his eye and that indomitable spirit as she looked at the painting, Barbara realized that this “everyday superhero” portrait concept could be used to celebrate and inspire the heroic nature of individuals affected by breast cancer.
The Visual Arts Team is hosting a party celebrating ten years since the Breast Cancer Superheroes’ first exhibit in October 2013. All of the women in the paintings are survivors of breast cancer and have been invited to attend the event, along with family members, friends, caregivers and support groups. The reception will include music, stories, and refreshments.
Supplies are available in the Social Hall for adults, youth and children to create themselves as a superhero or to honor someone as their superhero. These images will then be added to the Wall of Heroes we’re creating.
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Reimagining Faithful Action | |
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On Sunday, September 17, fifteen First U congregants and clergy gathered in the Cummins to reimagine the ways in which we cultivate faithful action, or justice work, at First Universalist Church.
During the workshop, Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson grounded us in the theological reasons why UUs work to change systemic injustice. Within First U many different people and bodies have been responsible for cultivating and guiding this work over the years; most recently it has been coordinated by the Faithful Action Council (FAC), which formed in 2015. This year, FAC participants initiated this reimagining, noting that recent years have brought many changes in our community and in our church. Their question has been: How might we more deeply nurture faithful action in the ways that are needed at First U - and in the community - right now?
The conversation was rooted in the multiple experiences and stories carried by those of us in the room, and throughout our congregation. The exercise (re)acquainted us with some of the vast justice work that is (and has been) alive in our congregation. We listened to the different ways in which faithful action grounds us in the connectedness of humanity and to desires for deeper belonging at First U.
The group brainstormed, and three themes that rose to the top were:
- Defining what faithful action means for us today
- How to integrate a culture of mutual aid and care into our faithful action work
- Finding ways to engage the congregation in imagining and building a body of faithful action opportunities that bring joy and foster connection
We closed with an intention to explore next steps in each of the areas. Please get in touch if you would like to contribute to next steps or otherwise be involved in reimagining faithful action.
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Thoughtful Giving to Joyce Food Shelf | |
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Is donating items to the Joyce Food Bank a part of your regular grocery shopping (or would you like it to be)? Consider what food bank users say they especially would like to find on the shelves:
- Ramen is always appreciated.
- Oil isn’t often available but is needed for meals like Rice-a-Roni.
- Spices or salt and pepper are treasured.
- Tea bags and coffee let people know you care.
- Sugar and flour are treats.
- Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.
- Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.
- Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.
- Feminine hygiene products are a necessity and always welcome.
- Lots of folks love Stove Top Stuffing.
Please drop your nonperishable items off on the shelves in the church lobby.
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Did you know that the church's employee handbook was written *years* before online/remote work became a normal part of how we do things? It's true. And as we all know, *a lot* has changed since then!
We're looking for some help updating our staff policies to be aligned with who the church is and how we are working today. If you're someone who puts the human in HR and you're up for helping with this project, please reach out to Rev. Arif Mamdani.
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Bring Some Basics
for Augsburg Fairview Academy
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Clothing is needed for all sizes and genders for AFA Students. Please new socks, underwear, and leggings, as well as new or gently used t-shirts to the Social Hall on Sundays Oct. 8.
AFA is a public charter high school serving students in the Phillips neighborhood; many experience housing and food insecurity. AFA is a long standing Faithful Action Community Partner and First Universalist congregants have generously supported a Food and Clothing Closet for AFA students for over 10 years. Contact Cindy Marsh with questions.
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Affiliated Organizations & Community Events | |
Hats for Unhoused People
Think big, warm, and wooly! Are you a fiber artist who knits/crochets/weaves/felts? Donate your handmade hats at First Universalist, October through January. Donated hats will be distributed to local schools, shelters, and community service agencies that serve people in need.
Sizes requested: Large and XL
Time frame: October - January
Drop-off site: Basket by the elevator (see photo)
Contact: Barb Melom • More Info
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Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle | |
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Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle is a spiritual practice group in which
self-identified women with many different life experiences, backgrounds, and belief systems come together to change, grow, and celebrate the Divine in each other through earth centered ritual. The gathering dates are every new and full moon. There is not a permanent group leader. Volunteers take turns to design, guide, and direct the new and full moon rituals. The date's astrological aspects may guide the topics and themes rituals explore. Rituals also draw inspiration and meaning found in many other earth centered practices and beliefs. One does not have to espouse any particular religion or philosophy or believe in any particular deity or deities to participate in the group and derive meaning from its activities. All one needs is a desire to live in a way that acknowledges the cycles of life and nature, and to grow spiritually and personally alongside a mutually supportive group of other self-identified women. Contact Ann Hobbs with questions.
Attend one or more of the open group gatherings to learn if this experience is for you.
Gathering time 7:00 p.m. Ritual begins at 7:30p.m. in Room 209.
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Sat, Oct. 15 New Moon in Libra (please note date change from previous)
- Sat, Oct. 28 Full Moon in Taurus
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Association of Universalist Women | |
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AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.
Save the Date -- Saturday, November 18th for the annual AUW Fall Retreat!
Our focus is health resilience . . . how to plan for it and how to achieve it when you need it the most. Lunch and our speaker will lead us off, followed by a set of breakout sessions on health resilience topics, including resources for now and in the future. Late morning registration with mid-afternoon wrap-up. Hope to see you there!
Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trail head. For questions or to get on the hiking group mailing list, contact: Marie Sorensen, 612-419-3620, mariefsor@aol.com, or Lynn Richardson 612-323-2776, Kalelynn19@gmail.com
October 7th 10am. 9 Mile Creek. Morgan Avenue South and 104th Street. Moir Park, Bloomington , MN. Stairs beginning and end of trail. Beautiful creek walk. Asphalt then crushed rock. Meet at Park Building.
October 14th 10am. Meet at Wood Lake Nature Center Building. 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield, MN. No designated leader for this hike. Let Marie know by Friday morning if you are going so she can cancel if no one wants to go.
October 21st. 10am. Richardson Nature Center. 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN. Meet by Trail head sign on parking lot. Nice asphalt trail, some easy hills. Colors by then?
October 28 - 10am. Meet at Wood Lake Nature Center Building. 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield, MN. No designated leader for this hike. Let Marie know by Friday morning if you are going so she can cancel if no one wants to go.
Game Group: Meets at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. You are welcome to bring snacks to share and a game you would enjoy teaching others. The next game night is October 12. If no one responds to Anne that they are coming, the Game Night will be canceled early that day. Please let Anne know if you plan to attend. To receive email updates or RSVP, contact Anne Frenchick.
Women Who Read: We read books written by women. We host an in-person and a virtual meeting on the fourth Monday of each month. Request an email invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your name and email address to Abbie Finger.
The next meeting will be Monday, October 23. We will be discussing Finding Me by Viola Davis. Location of the in-person meeting is available to those on the mailing list. The Zoom version of the meeting convenes online at 7:00 pm; join via Zoom here.
Give or Take a Book!
To share books we love and build more literary connections, we are going to start a new project. If interested please bring 1-2 books (no more!) to share with someone at the monthly book club.
If interested, pick a book to take home. To help make connections, please put a post-it note on the book with your name and the reason you liked the book. (Post-it notes will be available at book club if you forget). If a book you brought is left over please take it home or it will be donated to a Free Little Library. Any questions or ideas contact Nora Whiteman.
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These meetings are intended for people who are actively working any 12-step program. The program is focused on the 11th step and the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation.
Weekly on Zoom
and
First Saturdays of each month, 9:30 a.m. to noon, in person at First Universalist
In-person 12-step spirituality meetings will gather in the church on the 1st Saturday of each month beginning Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 and ending on May 4, 2024.
In-person and Zoom meeting details are available here.
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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.
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Based on ongoing monitoring of COVID levels in Hennepin County, masking is welcome, but not required, inside the building—including the sanctuary. Learn more about our Covid and Community safety policies on our website. | |
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit church 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. 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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