Things that Help in Challenging Times |
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Dear ones,
Earlier this week, the church reached out to let you know that this Sunday, we’ll be worshiping online only at one service at 10 a.m., with online and in-person small groups to follow for those who’d like a space to connect. Last night, Minneapolis Public Schools reached out to parents and caregivers to let us know that due to a crisis in staffing, students will be learning online and from home, if at all possible, for the rest of the month. Over the last few weeks I am sure that you, like me, have been receiving calls from acquaintances and friends and loved ones, or receiving news that you, yourself, have tested positive for Covid-19. These are challenging times that are all the more challenging if you or someone you love is in any of the high-risk categories for experiencing severe illness, if you care for young children who are unable to be vaccinated, if you live alone, and if you or someone you love works in a forward-facing serving profession like healthcare, education, childcare, hospitality, or ministry and congregational life, just to name a few.
Last week, I found it enormously helpful to talk with Rev. David Pyle, Regional Lead and Congregational Life Consultant with the MidAmerica region of the Unitarian Universalist Association. I asked David to share with me what he is noticing in the congregations he supports these days, and his answer was clear. Congregations like ours are experiencing significant challenges in staffing. Overall, church staff are experiencing an increase in health issues and stress and are burned out across the board. Large congregations are in the midst of an historic wave of transitions as ministers and senior staff leave their congregations and professional church leadership in record numbers.
None of this was good news, and yet somehow, I still found it comforting to hear, knowing we are not alone. While we don’t anticipate any staff departures this year, we did grieve Rev. Justin’s leaving in June of 2021 and we do know that many of our staff members are experiencing increased stress and health issues, as well as some of the signs of burnout. We are not alone in the challenges we face, and we are, in fact, in a very good position to face them.
When I asked what is helping, David shared this:
There are three things that seem to be helping congregations and church leadership the most right now:
- Offering spaciousness & understanding
- Doing what we can to take pressure off of staff
- Helping each other to continue to develop—learning and growing even in this challenging time
When I heard these three things, my breath released and my shoulders dropped. We know how to do these things at church. We know how to offer each other spaciousness and understanding. We know how to focus on the most important things—caring for those most impacted by the harm that’s happening and offering spiritual resources for the journey. And somehow, we also know how to keep growing, learning, and experimenting as we strive to live in greater alignment with our highest values every day.
What would it look like if we took every opportunity we could to take the pressure off of ourselves and each other at church and in all areas of our lives? How would it feel to offer each other and ourselves spaciousness and understanding as our starting point in every interaction? How might we make and keep even the tiniest space for growth and creativity, learning and development as human beings, even in this challenging time? What else is helping for you, and how might you add it to your own list right now?
Times are hard right now, and how we are with each other and ourselves matters. Let’s go out of our way to be kind, understanding, and open-hearted along the way.
Love,
Rev. Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, Jan. 16, 10am
Wednesday, Jan. 19 Meditation, 7pm
Sunday, Jan. 9 Recording
Jan. 9 Cycle of Life
January Worship Theme
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News & Features
Volunteer with the Memorial Service Team
Foundation Grant Nominations
Faithful Action Newsletter
Quilts by Carolyn Liebler
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Happenings
Mde Maka Ska Community Conversation
Grief Group
Daytime Connections
Board Meeting
Newcomers Circle
Film: "My Ascension"
Pathway to Membership
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m.
Online Only
What the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Taught Us
Worship leaders: Rev. Ashley Horan, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Aimee K. Bryant, and Franco Holder
This Sunday, join Rev. Ashley Horan and Julica Hermann de la Fuente for a conversation about the lessons and ongoing challenges in our racial justice work, discussed through the lens of MLK’s legacy. As we once again meet online only to help each other and our broader community stay safe, we will leverage the chat in Zoom and talk with each other about this important work. In the first half of the message, Julica and Ashley will have a conversation with each other, and then you will be invited to share questions via the chat. Children and youth will also have a chance to share their thoughts during the time for all ages. Join us on Zoom for this interactive service as we continue to center the liberation and joy of Black and Brown people.
JOIN US ONLINE:
This service will be live-streamed at 10 a.m. Join the Zoom livestream here (Webinar ID: 861 805 984) or watch on YouTube. Please note: interaction with worship leaders will only be possible via the Zoom chat, not YouTube. The recording will be available here after worship.
POST-WORSHIP SMALL GROUPS
We know that church is a lifeline for many of us right now, especially as Covid infection rates lead to more and more closures and cancellations. This week after the service, we’ll be offering an in-person small group at church at 11:30 a.m. for those who need to connect in person, and an online small group at 11:15 a.m. for those seeking more connection but who wish to do so online. If either is true for you, please register here. As for all in-person gatherings at this time, we expect that you are vaccinated, and are not feeling sick if you choose to join us in person.
FIRST STEP
First Step—a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist—meets on Zoom after the service, at roughly 11:05 a.m. Learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved during this ~40 minute class. Join here.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
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Wednesday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.
Three Breaths: An Open-Door Midweek Meditation
Meditation leader: Rev. Karen Hutt
Next week, Rev. Karen Hutt continues her three-part Wednesday meditation series with more practical tools for living in these times.
JOIN US ONLINE:
Wednesday Meditation is live-streamed on Zoom. Join here (Webinar ID: 117 312 320).
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Remembrance Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 9
with Rev. Arif Mamdani, Lauren Wyeth, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, Margit Berg and Janet Merrill
Worship summary & reflections by Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator:
Perhaps for now
it can be enough
to simply marvel…
Through the annual ritual of Remembrance Sunday, we are offered a chance to be with– to be with ourselves, with the memories of our loved ones who have died, and with one another in a gentle surrender to our grief. “Perhaps for now it can be enough to simply marvel,” the poet Jan Richardson writes. Online and in the sanctuary, we marveled together the stones of loss on the altar, the names of those who have passed, the love we felt from and for those named, the flickering of the eternal flames lit in memory, and our broken hearts that go on beating and loving still.
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Image description: a still image from the Jan. 9 worship recording. |
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We hold in our hearts members Maggie Collins and Julie Gottesleben as they mourn the death of their beloved brother Jon who died Tuesday night surrounded by family who loved him. May our love and care hold them in this challenging time.
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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January Worship Theme: Get in a Boat |
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Get in a Boat – Or, What Unitarian Universalism Says to Our Suffering
Everyone who is alive will suffer in some measure, and every faith tradition speaks to this reality in some way. For Unitarian Universalists, we don’t turn away from or sugarcoat the reality that life can be hard, nor do we look to supernatural deliverance or assume that it’s all part of some larger grand design. As Unitarian Universalists, we know that life has its measure of pain, but that we need not suffer alone—that pain is held most effectively in community, and that when we join together, not only can we hold more, but we can transform our individual suffering into collective action for justice to transform the systems that create our suffering in the first place. In other words, our pain is borne through community and collective work to create the beloved community here and now. This month, we’ll dig into what our faith says in the face of human suffering, and offer concrete pathways toward building practices of mutuality and care for the world.
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Volunteer with the Memorial Service Team |
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Ministry within the church takes many forms. Many find a meaningful way through the memorial service team. Depending on availability, volunteers typically spend one to two hours at church on the day of the memorial and help with setting up, greeting, ushering, serving, and cleaning up. There's no expectation for how frequently our volunteers serve, it's totally dependent on your availability and willingness!
We have roles to fit everyone's personality. We need behind the scenes volunteers to keep things running smoothly just as much as we need volunteers who are comfortable interacting with loved ones and guests.
If love is calling you to join our team, sign up for the Google Group: send an email to arif+memorialservicehelpers@firstuniv.org. We'll keep you updated on memorial service volunteer needs throughout the year and you can volunteer to help as often as you're able and willing! To learn more, contact Arif.
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First Universalist Foundation
Accepting Grant Nominations
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The First Universalist Foundation Board is accepting nominations through this form now through Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 from First Universalist congregants (regardless of membership status) and senior high youth in the church. One (1) person must submit a nomination backed by two (2) co-signers. Nominee organizations that are selected will then be sent our grant application.
The Foundation is soliciting nominations of organizations that address racial justice, climate justice, and human rights. We are also interested in organizations whose leadership includes Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, or individuals from disenfranchised communities. This year we are particularly interested in supporting organizations with smaller budgets (for whom our grant may make a significant difference) and newer organizations or initiatives which are addressing the disparities that recent events have laid bare. Organizations that have not applied for a Foundation Board grant in the past are encouraged.
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January Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to act for justice in the world. Our Faithful Action Ministry at First Universalist helps connect us to ways to act for justice in our community.
Read our January Faithful Action newsletter for the latest information about volunteer opportunities, advocacy and learning opportunities, and news from our Faithful Action partner organizations.
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Social Hall Art Exhibit: Quilts by Carolyn Liebler |
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On exhibit in the Social Hall now through Feb. 20 is a collection of quilts by long-time First Universalist member Carolyn Liebler.
From the exhibit:
Prints Charming
Designed, machine pieced, and hand quilted by Carolyn Liebler, Circa 2008
A quilt where every fabric is different is called a charm quilt. I lucked into a very active charm quilt square exchange and received squares of fabric by mail from about 40 strangers, even some from other countries. But wow, were they ugly! I dislike virtually every fabric in this quilt, but I’m delighted that it looks good from a distance. To kiss this frog, stand back and take off your glasses!
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Mde Maka Ska Community Conversation |
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Saturday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m.–noon on Zoom RSVP
Since 2015, First Universalist Church has been honored and grateful to have been in community conversations with the LaPointe family. Coordinated by First U Climate and Environmental Justice team members via zoom, these conversations return this month, to support ongoing pursuits such as Mni Ki Wakan, Indigenous Water Decade, and to deepen our connection with Mother Earth and all her relatives, especially our sacred waters. We engage as allies with the LaPointe family and all their relatives. Small group explorations and conversation will be possible via zoom breakout rooms. More information.
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Tending and Mending: A Casual Community
for Those Experiencing Loss
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Sunday, Jan. 16, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom, facilitated by Rev. Karen Hutt
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
No need to register, just come as who are when you want
We will be here for you...
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Daytime Connections: Moved by Music!
January Program Switches to Virtual Only
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Thursday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. on Zoom
Please note: this program will now be offered online only.
How can music and movement liven us up and put us in touch with our deepest feelings and most precious memories? Join us for a session of fun, rhythm, and a bit of singing with music educators Ann Kay and Karen Parson. You will even learn some neuroscience at the same time!
Through Daytime Connections, older adults at First Universalist empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives.
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January Board of Trustees Meeting |
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The First Universalist Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 p.m. The Board meets the third Thursday of most months at 6:30 p.m. The Board is currently meeting over Zoom, in response to the dramatic increase of COVID cases. Information about the January Board meeting, including the Board packet and Zoom information, will be posted here the week of the meeting.
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Newcomers Circle Begins Wednesday, Jan. 26 |
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Wednesday, Jan. 26–Feb. 23, 7–8:30 p.m.
Newcomers Circles are four-session gatherings of 6-8 participants who want to reflect on their own and listen to stories from the spiritual journeys of other new-ish folks. Membership is not required; the Circle is intended for those who are new-ish and are fairly certain they would like to continue their spiritual journey with those at First Universalist. This Circle will be facilitated by First U member Jill Braithwaite. We will meet four Wednesdays between Jan. 26 and Feb. 23 (skip Feb. 9) from 7–8:30 p.m. The first and fourth sessions will be in person at First Universalist; the second and third sessions will meet on zoom. Those registered will receive the zoom info and additional details via email within a week prior to the first session. Learn more and register here.
About the facilitator, Jill Braithwaite: Jill has worked in book publishing for more than 25 years. She has been a member of First Universalist Church since 2004 and has taught Religious Education and First Step classes and has served on the Board of Trustees and the Welcome Team. She has an M.A. in theology and the arts from United Theological Seminary and is currently studying there in the Master of Divinity program. Jill loves tennis, art, novels, Unitarian Universalism, the North Shore, and her little dog, Betsy.
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Mental Health Sunday Film Screening |
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Sunday, Jan. 30, 12:30 p.m., Cummins Room
As part of Mental Health Sunday on Jan. 30, First Universalist’s Mental Health Connect Ambassador team will be showing the documentary film "My Ascension" in the Cummins Room at 12:30 p.m. followed by a panel discussion with local mental health experts to discuss the impact of the film. This event is suggested for parents, grandparents, teens and anyone else who cares about another person.
My Ascension: A Documentary Film and Movement to Spread Hope and Fight Suicide
Synopsis: A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader, Emma Benoit, paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope, and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the in the United States. My Ascension is a feature length documentary that chronicles Emma's inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.
***If you or someone you know needs help - call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line - HELLO to 741741***
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Pathway to Membership Class |
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Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022; 1–3 p.m. at First Universalist
If First Universalist feels like your spiritual home, if our mission moves you, 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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Habitat for Humanity Feb. & March Work Days |
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First Universalist has two more Habitat for Humanity winter work days coming up: Thursdays, Feb. 10 and March 10. All of the builds are in Minneapolis.
Please consider joining in! We’re allowed a maximum of 8 volunteers on site. Volunteers must be at least 16, and 16- and 17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The work day is 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and we ask that you bring your own sack lunch.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s current COVID safety protocols require that all volunteers indicate that they have either been vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of volunteering on site. Masks are required indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Sign up to volunteer by filling out this form.
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Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat |
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Registration is open for the Association of Universalist Women (AUW) Spring Retreat! Register by January 20 to get a discount before the registration fees increase.
THEME: Resilience, Community and Creativity
WHEN: April 22–25, 2022 (Friday - Monday). There is an option to register for Saturday only and an option to stay over Sunday night.
WHERE: Camp Courage near Annandale – a new venue for us!
WHO: Keynote and ceremonies by Rev. Kelli Clement
Breakout Sessions and Activities: Sky Watch; Stretching; Nature Walk; Meditation; Pilates; Writing; Sexuality Discussion; Sound Healing; Book Discussion; Gender Fluid/Expansive Discussion; Board Games; Movies; Talent Show; Dance Party; Labyrinth; Indoor Pool; Healing Sessions and Massage (extra fee); Crafts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION and REGISTRATION: visit the AUW website
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Mental Health Connect Offerings |
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Deep Listening Training
Begins Monday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m.
Deep listening training for people who want to be great listeners, improve their tools to help others, leaders and you. Drew Brooks, Executive Director of Faith Partners will be presenting on tools to enter into challenging conversations, like mental health. Each session will focus on a different listening practice or skill. The mental health pandemic is increasing and we can learn how to help each other. We'll build on what we know with a 6 week training for anyone that wants to be a better listener, have the tools to support others and feel confident. This 6-week course is free and meets virtually at 6 p.m. every other Monday beginning Jan. 17 and ending on March 28. You do not need to attend each session.
Self-Care for the Caregiver
Thursday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m.
A virtual monthly drop in group that is free and open to the public. Offered the last Thursday of each month, each of these groups provides community, support and an education topic. There will be a MHC Navigator, a therapist and educator (Drew Brooks) at the meeting. Many are searching for help for a loved one, but also need support too. MHC has resources, tools and a virtual time to share.
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Updated schedule: Sundays at 7 p.m.
Weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. Participation is confidential. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388)
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 available at 12stepspirituality.org
Tending and Mending: Grief Group
Sunday, Jan. 16, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tending and Mending is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief and loss they're carrying. Join the Zoom room here. Also offered: Sundays, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom or in person. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we take time to discuss our practices. Whether or not you have meditated before, you will be welcomed. Join via Zoom here or meet in the Meditation Room after worship.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom
This group plans to begin a multi-platform gathering model when the church reopens. Contact Sara McMullen at saramcminneapolis@gmail.com for Zoom and in-person meeting information.
Chi Gung
Thursday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Pat,Gottschalk has been leading Chi Gung at First U for over 20 years. Pat leads gentle movements with a focus on harmonizing our personal energies — internal development and peace of mind, not martial arts. Creaky joints, stiff muscles and anxious minds are all welcome. We meet via Zoom until we can meet in person. 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(s)
Thursdays at 5 and 7 p.m.
Join the 5 p.m. Happy Hour here (Meeting ID: 834 7301 7986; Password: 557571).
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 December 12, 2021
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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).
- We are asking everyone to sign in when entering the building on Sundays; in the event we are notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19, we will contact those we believe to have been in proximity to the person who tested positive.
- We will not be serving food or beverages indoors on Sunday mornings.
- For now, we will not be singing together in the sanctuary; worship leaders and masked choir members will sing at some services.
- Both services will be streamed to the Cummins Room or Social Hall for those seeking more space, or in case the sanctuary fills.
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We are offering optional Sunday childcare or classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, effective Sunday, Dec. 12 (advance registration required).
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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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