Sunday Worship

Sunday, Oct. 23, 9 & 11 a.m.

After Worship Happenings

10/16 Recording: Mental Health Sunday

Oct. 23 Cycle of Life

News & Features

Racial Justice Rubric Listening Session

Indigenous Women Water Protectors Exhibit

New Name Tags

Call for Immigration Court Observers

Calendar

Board of Trustees Meeting

Pastoral & Community Care

Pathway to Membership

Circles & Book Groups

Family Halloween Parties

Climate Conversations

Falling Upward Book Group

Affiliate Events

Sunday, Oct. 23 — 9 & 11 a.m.

"The River of Stars"

As we continue exploring our monthly theme, "You Can Count on This," we move from heart, body, and mind to…space? Many may wonder how the vast field of galaxies can be counted on. But our ancestors have always traced stories onto constellations. Humanity navigated dangerous waters using those reliable but distant stars. During our own times of loss and alienation, how can the mysterious, interdependent universe provide solace and hope?

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

Worship leaders: Lóre Stevens, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Ashley Harness, 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

Religious Education classes are on break for MEA weekend. Childcare is available for Nursery-PreK kids, starting at 8:45/10:45 a.m., and for K–5th graders, who begin their morning in the sanctuary with their families. All ages are always welcome in the sanctuary! Learn more here.

UU the Vote Letter-writing

Write non-partisan letters and postcards to folks in states with low voter turnout encouraging them to get out the vote on November 8! The First Universalist Election Action Team has a goal to send 20,000 letters and postcards as part of UU the Vote's Good Trouble Congregation challenge. Join the effort after both first and second services in the Social Hall or Cummins Room every Sunday through the month of October.

Recording: Mental Health Sunday

Sunday, Oct. 16: This past Sunday was Mental Health Sunday, a service where we commit ourselves to creating a world where struggles with mental health are normalized and where seeking mental health care is destigmatized. Through word, song, and ritual we will make visible these commitments of our hearts, bodies, and minds, knowing that mental health care is something we all need access to, and that while not all illness can be cured, in community, we all can find healing. 

Watch here

Listen to the podcast here

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive 

We hold Aimee K. Bryant and her family in our hearts, and in particular Aimee's niece, who had surgery on Friday. The surgery went well, and the family appreciates our prayers and wishes for ease and healing.

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.

We want your perspective!

The Change Team is a committee of the Board of Trustees charged with supporting the congregation in its journey to live into its values and commitment of being a racially just community.  

One of the ways the Change Team is doing this work is by using the Antiracism rubric for UU Congregations, created by Julica Hermann de la Fuente & Christina Rivera, to gather the perspectives of various members and friends of First Universalist on where we are currently as it relates to our antiracism journey.

The Change Team invites you to an in-person Listening Session, at which we'll invite your perspective using the Antiracism rubric for UU congregations to help us gauge where we're at on our antiracism journey as a congregation.

Please join the Change Team for this important work on Sunday, Oct. 30, 12:30 – 2 p.m. at Church. Please sign up here.

In addition to this open meeting, the Change Team is also gathering with various small groups that are active in the church.

This “baseline” self-assessment will help us identify areas of church life where we are farther along on our antiracism journey, and areas where we might need to focus going forward. It will also help to uncover where perspectives across various identities and experiences in the church may differ. 

We will use the information we gather during this process to support the development of our new Visionary Goals, as well as to guide the work of the change team and the racial justice priorities of the church over the next few years.

The First Universalist Change Team is grateful for your participation!

A new exhibit by photographer John Kaul is in the Social Hall Universal Gallery. John photographed and interviewed Native American women about why they work to protect water.

John says that he participated in a Line 3 protest in Park Rapids. Jane Fonda was there, but the faces that riveted his attention were those of the indigenous grandmothers who came to peacefully protest an oil pipeline that violated the terms of a treaty signed many decades ago and ignored just like the other 409 treaties with Native Americans. That day he decided that he would create a portrait exhibit honoring these indigenous women. Each portrait is accompanied by a brief biographical sketch that explains who the water warriors are, what motivates their involvement in protecting water, and something about their lives. 

This exhibit will be on display in our Universal Gallery Oct. 23 – Nov. 27. John will be at church after both services to talk about his work on Sunday, Nov. 13. That day he will also be with one of the water protectors to provide a program sponsored by the Environmental Justice and Visual Arts teams.

You may have noticed since our return to the building that many members are sporting new name tags! If you are a member and would like to order a new name tag with larger text and your pronouns, please order here by Tuesday, Oct. 25. If you’d like to order a name tag, but aren’t sure if you’re a member, contact Membership Coordinator Liz Farmer.

Order your new name tag here!

Submitted by Joan Naymark, Immigration Justice Team, Sanctuary and Resistance

The Immigration Court Observer program needs additional volunteers to support this important court-watch program of The Advocates for Human Rights and the Binger Center for New Americans. More than fifty congregants from First Universalist have volunteered in this program, mostly before Covid. The courts were pared back significantly during the pandemic. Now the Fort Snelling Immigration Court has very full dockets of those who are detained in Minnesota jails and those who live in the communities waiting for their moment before an immigration judge. 

Are you a prior Court watch observer, ready to volunteer again for periodic or regular shifts at the Whipple Building?

Are you curious and want to learn more about this program?

Are you ready to be trained and become an immigration court observer?   

You are needed! An immigration court observer provides moral witness, a presence that is noticed by the judge, the attorneys, and the respondent and their families. We collect information that is aggregated into court watch statistics, tracking trends over time and identifying issues of racial equity, the impact of not being represented by an attorney or not having an interpreter in one's native language, and many other issues. Observers have an impact on the proceedings through our presence and the data we collect. Court Observers are supported through a monthly newsletter and voluntary debriefs with other observers to share and process our in-court experiences.   

Please join me, join us, in this important work which allows us to accompany immigrants on their journey through our racially un-just immigration system.  

Learn more here  |  Register to begin the process here

Once registered, you’ll be informed about the next training for new volunteers. 

Email Joan Naymark for additional background and with questions. jnaymark@gmail.com

Our Fall Program Guide contains dozens of opportunities to participate and connect at church this fall. Some upcoming opportunities are listed below, but there are lots more online! Read about everything we have coming up here.

Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. in person and on Zoom

The First Universalist Board of Trustees meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month, August through June. The October meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m., both in person at church and on Zoom. The board packet with meeting information and more details are available here.

Grief Group

Sundays, Oct. 23, Nov. 6 and 20, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom

Registration required

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. Facilitated by Rev. Stephanie Vos, Community Minister and First U member

First U Recovery Community

Sundays, Oct. 30 and Dec. 4, 1–2 p.m. in Room 207

Folks in recovery from alcohol and other drug use have voiced an interest in gathering at church for a chance to be in and build community and know they’re not alone. Let’s meet up to get connected and imagine ways of being together that would be spiritually nurturing. All who are involved in recovery from substance use—or wish to be—are welcome to join us. No RSVP required. Facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister

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. If you’re wondering if this is the right place for you, it probably is. Please let us know you’re interested by signing up today.

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom

Registration required

Last membership class of 2022! Pathway to Membership is a class for those who want to become members. Learn about the church at your own pace through online videos before meeting, then choose a class meeting experience that meets your needs. This final class of 2022 meets as a single session on Zoom, and those who attend will be invited to participate in New Member Sunday on November 13. The next new member classes will be scheduled for winter/spring of 2023. Facilitated by Liz Farmer, Coordinator of Membership and Congregational Connections, and Ginny McAninch, First U member

Abolition 101: Imagining Freedom for All

or Sundays, Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, and 20, 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom

Registration required  |  Details 

Led by Brian Eshult and Lindsay Walz, First U members

We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation Book Group

Tuesdays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1 & 15, 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom; Saturday, Nov. 19, 9–11 a.m. at church (final meetup optional)

Registration required | Details 

Facilitated by Katrina Mitchell and Renada Rutmanis, First U members

Climate Container Circle

Tuesdays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, and Dec. 6, 7–8:30 p.m. at church

Registration required |  Details

Facilitated by Alix Dvorak and Cheryl Ritenbaugh, First U members

Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything Book Group

Wednesdays, Oct. 26, Nov 2, 9, Tuesday, Nov. 22, and Wednesdays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 7–8:30 p.m. at church

Registration required  | Details

Facilitated by Rev. Jen Crow, author & Senior Minister

Saturday, Oct. 29 in the Social Hall

RSVP requested

Come celebrate Halloween and the joys of Fall with the younger members of our church community!

• 9–11 a.m. Families with babies through 1st graders are invited for simpler crafts and a light brunch. Older siblings are welcome.
• 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Families with 2nd-5th graders are invited for games, crafts and pizza lunch. Siblings are welcome.

Join us for games, music, crafts, and a Halloween costume parade. Enjoy a meal and some coffee or cider, as well as some delicious seasonal treats. Eat, drink, and be scary! This is a wonderful way to connect with other families while your kids make some awesome memories and deepen their ties to their church community. Hosted by Hirut Hedge, Spiritual Growth Programs Assistant, and Lauren Wyeth, Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages

Sunday, Oct. 30, 1–2:30 p.m. at church or Monday, Nov. 14, 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom

Registration required

Join 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, passions, knowledge, and 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

Wednesdays, Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 10:30 a.m.–noon at church

Registration required

In Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, Father Richard Rohr offers a new way of understanding one of life’s profound mysteries: how our failing can be the foundation for our ongoing spiritual growth. Drawing on wisdom from many sources, he explores the two halves of life to show that those who have “gone down” are the only ones who understand “up.” Rohr takes us on a journey to give us an understanding of how the heartbreaks, disappointments and first loves of life are actually stepping stones to the spiritual joys that the second half of life has in store for us. Together, we’ll read Falling Upward in three sections, taking time at each gathering to share our own insights, experiences, and questions. This is a listening and reflection circle, and we hope that if you sign up you will plan to attend all three gatherings. Book available to borrow or purchase in advance at church. Facilitated by Rev. Meg Riley, First U member

Women (cis and trans) as well as non-binary folks who find their home in women-centric spaces who are interested in earth-based and pagan spirituality are invited to upcoming open rituals of the Under Northern Skies Women’s Ritual Circle. We will meet in room 209. The final open ritual of the year will be held on: Tuesday, Oct. 25

We gather at 7:15 p.m. and promptly begin an hour-long ritual at 7:30 p.m., with time for questions and socializing to follow. For members who choose to commit to the circle, the commitment ritual for this cycle will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, after which the circle will close to new members until September 2023.

Please contact Ann Hobbs at g.annhobbs@gmail.com with any questions.

AUW sponsors activities for those who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.

Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trailhead. To get on the mailing list, send your name and email address to Linda Hammersten. Upcoming dates: Oct. 22, 10 a.m.; Oct. 29, 2 p.m.

Game Group: Meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month to play board games and socialize. Request an email invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your name and email address to Anne Frenchick. Upcoming dates: Nov. 10, 7 p.m.; Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

Weekly Happy Hour: This online Zoom gathering is a way to stay connected with AUW friends. We meet at 7 p.m. every Thursday. Hosts are Liz and Carol. Here is the Zoom info to tune in: Evening Happy Hour

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. Upcoming dates: Oct. 24 - The Night Watchman

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.

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.

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.