Dear ones,
This past Sunday, we practiced being a beloved community together. We shared stories and grief, we sang songs and held silence, and we rooted ourselves in our Unitarian Universalist faith that grounds us in the hope of:
- A circle wide enough to hold us all
- A fierce love that will not let any one of us go
- Each and every one of us, known to ourselves and the world as whole and holy and worthy.
From this faith, we move from preaching into practice, centering our commitments as a congregation on several key principles:
- Caring for those most impacted
- Telling the truth about what is happening
- Supporting self-care and community care
- Deepening our spiritual practice
- And taking our shifts for the revolution of love and hope in all the ways we can.
This week, I want to let you know about several ways we are putting our faith into action and how you can join in.
Sanctuary & Resistance
In addition to our ongoing resistance and advocacy work, the Sanctuary & Resistance team has decided to focus on accompanying and supporting whomever might be living in our church apartment at any one time, extending radical hospitality in a respectful, anti-racist, compassionate way. This support and accompaniment continues even after an individual or family leaves our building, as folks understandably experience continued ups and downs in their immigration journey. We are grateful for the deep and profound ongoing relationships this creates, and it is an honor to accompany people over time. This does mean that we don’t (at this time) support larger numbers of people, but rather we focus on providing deep and sustained support for a few people.
Right now, the sanctuary apartment that we created as part of our capital campaign, Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future, is in use again as we support a family in crisis in their immigration journey. Your support is welcome and needed in two ways:
- Give of your time by volunteering to provide care such as rides, childcare, etc.
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Make a financial gift to support our Sanctuary and Resistance efforts here.
Supporting Amir Locke’s Family and Calls for Systemic Change in Minneapolis
With consent from Amir Locke’s family, a grassroots coalition of Minneapolis residents including First Universalist clergy and clergy of many faiths, artists, members of George Floyd Square, and people from all parts of the city are coming together to file #TheResidentsComplaint demanding an ethics investigation into Mayor Frey for his failure to exercise judgment that led to the killing of 22-year-old Amir Locke by the Minneapolis Police Department.
The ethics complaints focus on three areas:
- The Mayor and Interim Chief Huffman intentionally and recklessly misrepresented the facts in briefings to the public and the press. The police stated that Amir Locke was a suspect four times in a Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) press release, but the Mayor refused to correct the record for the press. This disrespects the memory of a slain City resident and obfuscates the true nature of the wrongful killing.
- The Mayor has responsibility over the police department and has a duty to answer for its actions. The Mayor has violated his duty to the public by allowing this police killing to go without discipline or discharge of the officer.
- There was a massive failure to exercise judgment to further the best interest of the City when the MPD requested a no-knock warrant to execute the warrant of the St. Paul Police Department (SPPD) which the SPPD did not request. This lethal failure to exercise appropriate discretion led to the extrajudicial execution of Amir Locke, an innocent man, and added to the existing community trauma from the ongoing use of excessive force by the MPD. The Mayor is in control of the Minneapolis Police Department and must be held accountable for ethics violations.
What you can do:
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Print out, sign, and deliver your ethics complaint to City Hall on Friday at noon.
- Encourage others to sign the ethics complaint, and offer to deliver it for them.
- Join #TheResidentsComplaint coalition on Friday at noon at City Hall as the ethics complaints are presented.
In faith,
Rev. Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, Feb. 13, 9 & 11am
Wednesday, Feb. 16 Meditation, 7pm
Sunday Podcasts & Recordings
Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Resources for Households with Struggling Youth
State of the Church Meeting Rescheduled
Lean About Closeknit
February Faithful Action Newsletter
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Happenings
Grief Group
Daytime Connections
Board of Trustees Meeting
Ann Reed Concert
Humanism Class
Faith Like a River
Mde Maka Ska Conversation
AUW events
Ongoing Gatherings
In the Community: Mental Health Connect & Beacon
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Feb. 13 — 9 & 11 a.m.
"Murmurations"
In Emergent Strategy, adrienne maree brown invites us to imagine a future in which we humans have gained the ability to move akin to a flock of starlings, each of us attuned to those around us, able to shift and move in concert with the community(ies) of which we are a part. Scientists have tried to suss out *why* starlings exhibit this behavior, speculating that it might be a safety mechanism - danger detected at the edges of the flock ripples through so more birds are safe. We don’t know quite why these murmurations happen, leading others to speculate that the birds may well do it for the sheer joy of it, an expression aloft and in three dimensions of loving this life. This Sunday, we’ll gather to wonder about the wisdom of starlings and how they might inform our lives, and we’ll celebrate and lift up those in the community who volunteer their time and energy in the multidimensional dance of church, making this community the vibrant and radiant place that it is.
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Worship leaders: Rev. Arif Mamdani, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Lauren Wyeth, Aimee K. Bryant, and Franco Holder
JOIN US IN PERSON AT 9 OR 11 A.M.:
In person worship is offered twice, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. If you are choosing to join us in person at this time, we expect that you are feeling well and that you are vaccinated against COVID-19 if eligible/able. Masks are required. Read our COVID-19 Policies.
JOIN US ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
CHILDCARE & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
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Wednesday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
Three Breaths: Midweek Meditation
Meditation leader: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout
During the month of February, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout will be leading meditative reflections inspired by Black art.
JOIN US ONLINE:
Wednesday Meditation is live-streamed on Zoom. Join here (Webinar ID: 117 312 320).
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Recent Sunday Service Recordings |
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Feb. 6: "Here We Are"
Here we are again: mourning the death of a Black man killed by a white police officer. The practice of love and hope is a revolution of the heart that extends to our interactions with others and which is realized in the larger world. Practice means something we do regularly and intentionally. What does your practice look like? How do you hold steady to the life you are trying to live into? Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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Jan. 30: Mental Health Sunday
Guest speaker Vicki Elliott, Director of Mental Health Connect talks about her own journey with mental health, how it’s impacted her family, and why it matters that faith communities work to destigmatize mental illness and ensure that everyone has access to the mental health care resources they need. Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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We send wishes for healing and ease to Dannie Paskewitz as she recovers from successful hip surgery on Monday. She is healing well and receiving support from family and friends, and appreciates our cards and messages of care and support.
Our love and care surrounds Gail Price who fell this week and is in rehab after a short stay at Abbott Northwestern.
Our hearts are with Jane Miller and her daughter Elena, on the death of their beloved daughter and sister, Julia Miller. Many of you knew and loved Julia as she grew up in the church, serving as teachers and mentors to her and mirroring back the light and love you saw in her heart. Julia cared for our young ones in their classes in religious education on Sunday mornings and she was loved by many of you. Julia died by suicide this past Saturday at the age of 24. A celebration of Julia's life will be held here at church this spring. In the meantime, those who knew Julia through church are invited to gather online for a ritual of love and remembering this Sunday at 7 p.m. Email Lauren at lauren@firstuniv.org for Zoom information. May our love wrap around Jane and Elena in this time of grief, and may we remember the words of our minister emeritus, John Cummins, who taught us that there is one place where time and death have no dominion, and that place is love. Please see below for some helpful resources.
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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Resources for Households with Struggling Youth |
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When a congregation loses someone to suicide, it can bring forth feelings of worry, anxiety, and fear, even for people who didn’t personally know the person who died, and particularly in households where an adult or youth might be struggling. If there’s a member of your household who is struggling, please reach out for help—we want you to know that you do not have to travel this path alone. The following are resources that may be of help and support to you, in addition to the help and support you get by reaching out to the church, seeking help from a therapist or social worker, or asking a trusted adult to help you get the help and support you need.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Your church is here for you. If you are struggling in any way, please reach out. We’re here to help, and we’re with you.
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Rescheduled: State of the Church Meeting
Join us on Feb. 27; Registration Required
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Our annual State of the Church meeting will be held online only on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. This one hour gathering on Zoom will be held in “meeting mode” with the option to have your camera on and will include online games, opportunities to get to know each other, important financial and staffing updates, as well as an opportunity to vote in support of the ordination of our own Stephanie Vos to the Unitarian Universalist ministry.
Members of First Universalist must register for the Zoom meeting here. You will receive your personalized Zoom link once staff have verified your membership status.
Non-members who wish to observe the meeting can watch the livestream on YouTube or watch the meeting recording, which will be shared the week following the meeting.
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Have you ever lived on someone’s couch for a few days or weeks? Or maybe you have had someone camping on your couch? These chosen family arrangements can be vital for young people facing homelessness. We are exploring a new Faithful Action Partner, Closeknit: Loving Youth out of Homelessness that supports these life saving arrangements. Please join us for a zoom lunch at noon on February 25 with executive director Jacqueline White to learn more. For questions and information about attending, contact Karen Heegaard (612-810-7349; kfheeg@aol.com). Read more about First U's involvement with Closeknit here.
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February 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 February 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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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt |
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Sunday, Feb. 13, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom (date change and schedule update)
Tending and Mending / Tangled Blessings is a 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. Normally a monthly group, this group will meet twice monthly through the remainder of the winter months: Sundays, Feb. 13 and 27, March 13 and 27.
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Daytime Connections:
Honoring Earth and the Food We Love
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Thursday, Feb. 17 at 10 a.m.
Why are growing numbers of people making shifts in the food we eat and the waste we create? Join us in learning and reflecting on the changes and their potential to dramatically improve climate, human, and animal health.
Includes mini-presentations, video clips, a cooking demo, and small group discussion and two bonus gifts—a tasty plant-based snack from the cooking demo and a handy “Food Solutions Resource Kit” in exchange for completing an online Food Solutions Feedback Form—plus a chance to win one of two “Buy one Menu Item Get Second One Free” coupons at the wonderful Seed Plant-Based Café. More reasons to participate on February 17!
Led by Betsy Allis, Stan Sattinger, and Velma Wagner from the Environmental Justice Committee’s Food Solutions Team.
An optional soup & salad lunch will be served following the program ($5–$15 sliding scale donation—more if you can; less if you can’t. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.)
Register here and let us know if you'd like to attend in person (and if so, if you plan to stay for lunch) or online.
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Board of Trustees Meeting |
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The First Universalist Church Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Details will be available here next week. |
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Ann Reed & Joan Griffith in Concert |
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We are looking forward to hosting a concert by Ann Reed and Joan Griffith in our newly renovated sanctuary on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.
Songwriter, singer, and guitarist Ann Reed has been a performing artist for more than 40 years—story-telling from the human experience, and sharing songs that find a permanent place in the heart. Joan Griffith has toured and recorded extensively as a classical and jazz guitarist, bassist, and mandolinist.
This event is a fundraiser for the church, and tickets (for online and in-person attendance) are $25. If cost is a barrier and you’d like to attend, please reach out to Rev. Arif.
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Humanism Through Multiple Lenses Class |
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Thursdays, Feb. 24, March 31, April 28, May 26, June 30, and July 28, 6:30–8 p.m.
While UUs often claim a humanist world view, we rarely dive deeply into the histories of humanist thought and vantage points.
In this class, facilitated by Rev. Karen Hutt, we will explore humanist geographies and intellectual histories from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We will examine the cultural production of humanism in sports, film, literature and music. Finally, we will analyze humanism in the public arena, private life and in social issues.
This is a survey course that will take a broad view. Future classes will dive deeply into one area of humanism. There will be an expectation that you complete all readings and view videos prior to class to deepen our discussion.
This class meets monthly on the last Thursday of the month, Feb. 24 through July 28, 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom. Please register to receive the Zoom information. Registration is on a rolling basis. Zoom info is always the same, so register once and come when you’re able.
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UU History Class: Faith Like a River |
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Sundays, Feb. 27, March 20, April 24, and May 22, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Zoom
Faith Like a River explores Unitarian Universalist history as one current in the stream of human history, with its own themes of thought and action that swirl, eddy, and bubble to prominence at different points in time. A selection of stories from our faith heritage offers not only a grounding of knowledge, but also insights into contemporary issues, practices, challenges, and trends in our faith movement.
This round of Faith Like a River covers the “Unitarian Universalist Identity” module of the curriculum, and includes sessions on: Reason as a Religious Source, the meaning of Covenants in the congregation and in your life, and an examination of differences between the Unitarian and Universalist Polity traditions and an identification of sources that have influenced our current governance practices.
Each round of Faith Like a River is an independent series of classes, and you need not have participated in a previous round to join this one. That said, this round will complete the entire Faith Like a River series we began at First Universalist in February 2020.
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Mde Maka Ska Community Conversation |
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Saturday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m.–noon
Since 2015, First Universalist Church has been honored and grateful to have been in community conversations with the LaPointe family. Our second Mde Maka Ska Community Conversation of 2022 will be on Saturday, Feb. 26. Coordinated by First U Climate and Environmental Justice team members via zoom, we will engage in conversations 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 in conversations as allies with the LaPointe family and all their relatives.
The LaPointe family will lead dialogue exploring provocative questions through processes of discovery, dream, design, delivery, and reflection. Small groups explorations and conversation will be possible via zoom breakout rooms.
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Association of Universalist Women Winter Event |
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February Fete with Peg Meier
Saturday, Feb. 26, 1–3 p.m.
Peg Meier, former journalist for the Star Tribune and author of Bring Warm Clothes, will share stories she collected about the women who settled Minnesota.There will be refreshments and the warmth of friendship!
No need to pre-register; just show up at church, or join via Zoom. Attending is FREE for AUW members, $10 for non-members. All people who identify as women, non-binary or gender fluid are welcome.
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Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat |
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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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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Updated schedule: Sundays at 7 p.m.
Weekly confidential drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction & family dysfunction. Join via Zoom. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388)
12 Step Spirituality - Zoom
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
Designed for those actively working a 12-Step program and who want to explore and deepen their spirituality through Centering Prayer. Meeting details: 12stepspirituality.org
Tending and Mending: Grief Group
Schedule update: Sundays, Feb. 13 & 27, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tending and Mending is a 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. Normally a monthly group, this group will meet twice monthly through the winter months: Sundays, Feb. 13 and 27, March 13 and 27. Also offered: Sundays, April 17 and May 15.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 12:30–1:30 p.m. in person & on Zoom
Monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we discuss our practices. Join via Zoom or meet in the Meditation Room.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom
Chi Gung
Thursday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom
Pat,Gottschalk leads gentle movements with a focus on harmonizing our personal energies. Contact Judy Broad at jab679@gmail.com for Zoom information.
Poetry Lovers Group
First Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m.
Reacquaint yourself with poets you love and discover other poets who are new to you while connecting with fellow Poetry Lovers at church. More information.
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour(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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Opportunities with Bring it Home, Minnesota from Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative |
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First Universalist's Faithful Action Partner Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative invites you to be involved with Bring it Home, Minnesota in two ways next week:
Attend "Rent is Due: Week of Action Kickoff" on Monday, Feb. 14, 8:30–9:30 a.m. We'll be joined by Bring it Home, Minnesota champions Representative Michael Howard and Senator Lindsey Port as we kickoff a week of meetings with legislators. This event will include important training, updates, and serve as a great chance to cheer one another on heading into the week. RSVP here.
Watch the House Hearing on the Bring it Home, Minnesota bill on Tuesday, Feb. 15 from 10:30 a.m.–noon. Holding a hearing is a significant step in moving legislation forward, and leaders from Beacon and our partners will get a chance to speak to the impact and necessity of Bring it Home, Minnesota. Sign up to watch the hearing.
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Mental Health Connect Offerings |
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Deep Listening Training (next session: Monday, Feb. 14 at 6 p.m.)
Self-Care for the Caregiver (next session: Thursday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.)
Uptown Brass Band Concert, Sunday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. (proceeds support Mental Health Connect
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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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