"Harvesting Insights:

Cultivating Our Worship Together"

Dear Ones,

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, a time marked by the gathering of friends and cherished traditions, let us also hold space for reflection on its complexities. We honor the endurance of Indigenous peoples and recognize the intricate tapestry of this holiday, which intertwines the light of gratitude with shadows of history. Whether you come together with loved ones or spend the season in private contemplation, your experiences enrich the diverse mosaic of our spiritual community.

As we look ahead, we invite you to help shape our worship by lending your voice to the themes we will explore together. Your insights—from the personal to the philosophical—matter immensely and can profoundly shape our collective spiritual experience.

We are calling upon you to share the questions stirring in your heart or the ideas that light the fires of your curiosity by January 10, 2023. You can do so via this brief form, lending your unique perspective to our communal dialogue and celebration. Your contributions are not just welcomed; they are essential for weaving the rich narrative of our worship services, reflecting the very essence of our Unitarian Universalist values.



This season, let us offer gratitude for the multitude of voices that make up our congregation and for the opportunity to grow and learn from one another. We are united not only by a common faith but also by the collective striving for deeper understanding and connection.

In recognition of Thanksgiving, with all its nuances, we extend our hopes that its essence is one of sincere thankfulness for the abundance within our hearts and our community. Let us commit to approaching this time with an empathetic and inclusive mindset, embracing every member of our congregational family.

We eagerly await your engagement and anticipate the rich conversations and new paths your ideas will open. Together, we can continue to craft a space that honors our shared heritage and individual paths.



May this Thanksgiving be a catalyst for deepened bonds within our community, and may it be a time when every voice is heard, every story acknowledged, and every spirit uplifted.

Happy Thanksgiving, and with a heart full of gratitude, let's move forward—mindful of our shared past, hopeful for our united future, and always cherishing the depths of our collective journey.

Peace,

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout 

For the Worship Team and Community at First Universalist Church

Give to The Max: Gratitude All Around!

Thank you for your generosity on Give to the Max Day 2023! We raised over $6,000 ($1K above our goal) all because of your belief in building beloved community together! The gratitude from the Stewardship Team and staff is deep and immense as we enter the holiday season. 

The First U Stewardship Team

Velma Wagner, Tom Satterson, Will Hegemann, Janet Merrill, Emily Bijnagte, Emily Wallace 

P.S. Congrats to Nancy Jones, winner of the prize drawing for a custom song from our team (watch the video below). And thank you for your gift!

Intro

"Harvesting Insights: Cultivating Our Worship Together"

Give to The Max

Sunday Worship

This Sunday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. ONLY

Sunday, Nov. 19 Recording

Cycle of Life

Fall Programs

Young Adults

Community Dinner

Meditation Group

Daytime Connections

Save The Dates

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief & Caregiver Groups

News

Interfaith Thanksgiving

Superheroes Gratitude

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

MUUSJA, Hats for Unhoused People, AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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.

Sunday, November 26

ONE SERVICE: In-person & Online at 10 a.m.



"Staying at the Table Feeds Us All"

Join us this Sunday service for the whole community, for people of all ages, a heartfelt journey to "Destination Gratitude," as we immerse ourselves in the rich teachings of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address. Embracing the wisdom of the Turtle Clan, Wolf Clan, and Mohawk tribe, we acknowledge the importance of not just feeling gratitude but actively directing it toward each other.

Our guiding theme, "Staying at the table feeds us all," reminds us that gratitude is a journey with a purposeful destination—a place where our expressions of thanks meet, harmonize, and amplify. At this table, our spiritual potluck unfolds. Each voice joins in a chorus, creating a banquet of shared stories and resonant thanks that echoes the nutrients of relationship and love.

With every passing year, the tradition of Thanksgiving gains depth when we engage with the wisdom of those who first gathered on these lands. Honoring the Indigenous peoples during this season is our ethical mandate—a commitment to sharing gratitude as a conduit for healing, understanding, and the fortification of communal bonds.

In the act of giving and receiving gratitude, we unlock its full potential. For to give thanks in isolation is only to savor half its flavor. But when shared, gratitude becomes the sustenance that strengthens the body, emboldens the spirit, and nourishes the soul with lasting energy.

Weave your thread into the tapestry of this day. Offer your voice to the address—our collective destination—where the spirit of gratitude fosters growth, resilience, and the blossoming of love in its most genuine form.

Your presence completes the circle. Come, let us together cultivate a table that nourishes deep within—a feast made richer by the hands and hearts that prepare it and the stories and souls that receive it.

Join us for worship this Sunday, Nov. 19, in person and livestreamed at 10 a.m.

Low-sensory Space Open Again This Sunday

In response to requests from First U families, we are happy to announce that we are piloting a low-sensory space for children on Sunday mornings. This space is for children in K-5 who are overstimulated or overwhelmed by the sensory input of the sanctuary, including noise, light, and movement. This space will include soft lighting, quiet toys and fidgets, and low sound. We will stream the worship service with captions on the TV in the room but will not play the audio of worship. All children who are in the low-sensory space must be accompanied by one of their grown-ups at all times. 

The entrance to this space is through room 104 on the lower level of the education wing close to the parking lot. There is a small room inside of the 104 classroom which is where we are trying out the low-sensory space. This space will be open from just before worship begins until the children are dismissed from Religious Education, at which time the low-sensory space will close and all children will go to their classrooms and their adults will be invited to return to the sanctuary for the remainder of worship. 

This is an experiment, and we appreciate your grace as we learn together along the way. We are relying on your feedback to let us know how it is working for you and so we can improve. We hope this space meets a need for our First U children and families, and are grateful for all the ways we show up for each other in community.

Worship Info

IN PERSON AND ONLINE AT 10 A.M. ONLY

This Sunday, we worship in person at 10 a.m. Masks are welcome but not required in the sanctuary; please review our Covid-19 Gathering Guidelines. 

This service is live-streamed. Watch the livestream here. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

NOTE: Due to the holiday, we've decided to postpone the Children's Pop-Up Choir that we had hoped to do this Sunday. Please stay tuned for a new date for that fun event!

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.

"Making Better Mistakes"

• Watch the Nov. 19 service on YouTube
• Nov. 19 full service podcast
• Nov. 19 Rev Jen's sermon

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

Welcome Our New Members

Get to know our newest members, introduce yourself, and say hi when you see them around!

Did you know Linda McNary? Do you have a story to share as we prepare to celebrate her life here at church on Saturday, December 2nd at 2 pm? Rev. Jen Crow is preparing for the service and welcomes your memories and stories of Linda. Please send them via email to jen@firstuniv.org or set up a time with Rev. Jen for a phone call. 

We're holding Rev. Jen and her family in our hearts as her brother remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition in Maryland.



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.

Young Adults

Young Adults Program Brainstorm

Sunday, Dec. 3

12:45-2:45 at church

RSVP Requested

What are the unique spiritual needs, tasks, and joys of life in your 20s and 30s? How are we as a community meeting those needs already and what is missing? Liz Farmer and Rev. Ashley Harness invite you to bring your ideas, hopes, and dreams to share over lunch.

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.

Community Dinner + Carols

December 6

Family pre-party 5-6 p.m.: We'll host space for play, crafting, and socializing for families with babies to 5th graders in the Cummins Room. At 6 p.m. we'll share dinner together.

Dinner 6-6:30 p.m. Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. All are welcome and there is no charge. Menu available on our website, a week in advance. We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free.

Following dinner, let’s join our voices in a multigenerational carol shout led by Dr. Glen Thomas! Come suggest your favorites and maybe even learn some new ones! All ages and vocal abilities- perceived or otherwise- are most welcome.



Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 7-8 p.m. Kids and youth with speaking parts in the pageant will practice after dinner.

Tuesday Meditation Group

Weekly Practice: 8:45-10:15 a.m. online and in-person

Monthly learning session on Dec. 12

You are invited to meditate with our lay-led practice group. None of us are experts. Our practices come out of our own experiences, and we share inspiration from many sources including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Pema Chodron, Thich Nhat Hanh, Tara Brach, Tai Chi, Loving Kindness, poetry and more. We don't follow one method or another, but we do share what we learn with each other. After meditation we practice deep listening to hear from each person, if they choose. No registration required. Email Sara McMullen for Zoom details.

Daytime Connections

December 14: Housing As We Age: Choices and Decisions

As we age, we’re faced with complex choices around our changing housing needs.  A panel of UU members will discuss their decision-making process and their journey to new housing. What did they learn? What to consider about timing? Buy a condo? Rent? Co-op? What are the advantages and disadvantages of "65+ housing" vs " Continuous Care" options? These are some of the many issues that will be discussed as members share their experience and answer our questions. Please note that the December Daytime Connection is now on December 14th (no longer on the 21st).

Save The Dates!

Blue Holidays

December 16 at 7 p.m.

at church and virtual

If you're seeking a sanctuary to share and embrace your sorrow during this holiday period, we graciously invite you to our "Blue Holidays" service. Honoring the interplay of joy and sadness that characterizes this season, our service offers an empathetic space to witness your grief in community.

Share the event on Facebook

Winter Solstice Ritual

December 21 at 7 p.m.

at church and virtual

Celebrate the longest night of the year and rejoice in the returning of the sun at our annual Winter Solstice Ritual. The celebration is one we build together as a community with earth-honoring traditions, music, shared moments in the darkness, and the bringing of warmth and firelight.

Share the event on Facebook

Christmas Pageant

December 23 at 4 p.m.

at church and virtual

Our annual Christmas Pageant is a beautiful telling of an ancient story. It is a tale of hope and hospitality, a reminder that every child is born a redeemer, a story that speaks to us all of what it means to be a seeker, a star, a singer, a wonderer, a wanderer, a wise one. Our Christmas pageant this year will be performed by our kids and youth on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 4 p.m. There will be a light reception with hot cocoa and cookies following the performance.

Youth K-12 who wish to participate should be signed up by Nov. 26 here.

Share the event on Facebook.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 24 at 7 p.m.

at church and virtual

The annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at First Universalist is a time of meaning-making and music. This service is a weaving of ancient scripture readings, modern poetry, carols, silence, and lighting our hearts and spirit anew with the candlelight of Love.

Share the event on Facebook.

Grief Group (online)

Sundays, 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.

Caregivers Group (online)

Sunday 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.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Please join Downtown Minneapolis Congregations for the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Community Service held this year at Plymouth Congregational Church of Minneapolis on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, at 10:00 am.

The Downtown Minneapolis Interfaith Senior Clergy will lead the worship service, featuring a powerful message by Senior Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman of Temple Israel of Minneapolis and readings and reflections from Jewish, Islamic, Christian, and Indigenous traditions. We unite in a posture of unity and gratitude to renew our commitment to peace, cooperation, and interfaith dialogue. Come worship with us, joining your voices in a communal service of gratitude and thanksgiving.

Participating congregations include Central Lutheran Church, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), First Covenant Church, First Unitarian Society, First Universalist Church, Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, Islamic Community Center of Minnesota/Masjid Al-Amin, Masjid An-Nur, Plymouth Congregational Church, Pilgrim Baptist Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, St. Olaf Roman Catholic Church, Temple Israel, and Westminster Presbyterian Church.

NOTE: If you attend the interfaith service—we hope many of you will!—we would love for you to share a reflection with us. Let us know if it's okay to publish in The Liberal or if it's just for staff to read. Email your reflections to Rachel Rott, Communications Assistant.

Superheroes Exhibit: Gratitude

It's hard to believe but this Sunday, Nov. 26 is the last Sunday for the Breast Cancer Superheroes here at First Universalist. It seems fitting to have it sandwiched right here in Thanksgiving week, as we have much to be grateful for.

It's been a wonderful time of support, encouragement and inspiration sharing these paintings and stories of these brave women with the congregation. This exhibit has sparked conversation, uplifting both congregants and visitors. The community creativity in the superheroes made and shared on the Wall of Heroes has been amazing.

I hope that some of you who have been touched by this show will find a way to stay connected.

The project is looking for help to take it to a new chapter. We need people to :

- locate new venues for temporary shows

- find permanent homes for the paintings in health care or community sites

- connect with partner organizations in different communities

- help with events, communications and finding funds

Get in touch with the Breast Cancer Superheroes and join the team. They'd love to hear from you!

Barbara Porwit

Artist and Founder

info@breastcancersuperheroes.com

breastcancersuperheroes.com

612-201-4148

MUUSJA Organizing Workshop

December 7, 10-11:30 a.m.

Join this multigenerational workshop to learn effective strategies and techniques for engaging folks of all ages and stages in your justice work. We’ll hear from Minnesota UU youth activists as well as community elders on creative, joyful, and meaningful ways to organize and connect across the generations. Click here to register.

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

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

Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trail head. Hikes begin at 2 p.m. For questions or to get on the hiking group mailing list, contact: Marie Sorensen, phone / email, or Lynn Richardson phone / email.

November 25, 2 pm - Lake Harriet, Minneapolis. Meet at the bandshell. Marie will be out of town. Unsure if will be a leader. Thanksgiving weekend.

December 2 - Westwood Nature Center. 8300 West Franklin, St Louis Park - Woods, boardwalk, nice nature center. Meet inside.

December 9 - Normandale Lake. West 84th Avenue and Chalet Road, Bloonington

Go South on Chalet Road. Big parking lot one your right. Cross Chalet Road and meet by Normandale Lake sign, lakeside. 1.9 mile loop, small waterfall even in winter.

December 16 - Roseville Central Park. 2540 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville. Be sure to use Lexington Avenue north Entrance. Meet in parking lot.

December 23 - Richardson Nature Center. 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington. Meet by Trailhead sign in Parking lot. Asphalt trail is easier in winter. Some easy hills. Nature Center has bathrooms.

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. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. The next game night is December 14. Neither Lisa nor Anne will be available to host that night, but the room is reserved and anyone is welcome to show up!

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 November 27. We will be discussing Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Gamus. 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.

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. Pick a book to take home. To help make connections pls put a post-it note on the book with your name and the reason you liked the book. (Post-it notes will be available). 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.

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 gather in the church on the 1st Saturday of each month, ending on May 4, 2024.

In-person and Zoom meeting details are available here.



Church Office & Building Access

The church office is open on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The door bells are not monitored outside of this time. Access to the building at times on other days can be arranged by contacting Jim Poulter, Building & Office Manager, at jim@firstuniv.org.

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.