Dear Ones,

As we say goodbye to Lauren Wyeth, our Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages, we are also preparing to welcome in our new Interim Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. Over the last month, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our hiring advisory team for this position, which has included Claire Tralle, Ethan Bleifus, Troi Ferguson, Levi Neal-Herman, and Hirut Hedge. We received applications from a number of candidates, interviewed 3, and enthusiastically agreed to offer the position to Allison Connelly-Vetter. Allison brings expertise in disability theology and justice, a background in community organizing and communications, and experience and a deep commitment to ministry with children, youth, and families. Allison is inspiring, direct, caring, approachable, innovative, and organized. She brings a demonstrated capacity to work against oppression in all of its forms and to articulate what anti-racist ministry is and can be in all settings. We are so excited to welcome Allison to First Universalist in this role, beginning on August 7th. 

In gratitude,

Rev. Jen

I am Allison Connelly-Vetter, I use she/her pronouns, and I am truly excited to get started as the Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Families Ministries at First Universalist Church. 

As I begin this role, I bring my years of professional experience in church communications, congregational organizing, and children, youth, and families ministry, including experience as a facilitator of the Our Whole Lives program for grades 7–9. I also bring my lived experience as a queer, disabled woman, and my experience nourishing and being nourished by queer and disabled communities. 

I gained some of my professional experience in church communications right here at First Universalist in 2021! It was a joy to work with you then and I know it will be a joy to work with you again in this new role. 

My ministry with children, youth, and families and my theology of faith formation centers four themes: nourishment, community, wonder, and care. I also believe strongly that children, youth, and families ministry is not just for young people, but also enthusiastically supports and equips parents, siblings, grandparents, and all sorts of biological, raising, and chosen family. I look forward to exploring these themes and commitments together as we continue First Universalist’s long standing tradition of welcoming, supporting, celebrating, and forming community members of all ages. 

I also look forward to diving more deeply into Unitarian Universalist theology, ritual, and practice. As I come from a catholic and United Church of Christ background, I will appreciate your companionship as I learn and will be seeking out your own stories and faith journeys with Unitarian Universalism.

Again, I am delighted by the opportunity to (re-)join First Universalist in just a few short weeks, and honored by the sacred responsibility of this role. 

With care,

Allison

Intro

Introducing Allison

Sunday Worship

Sunday, July 2, 10 a.m.

Sunday, June 25 Recording

June 25 Cycle of Life

News & Features

Invitation to

Summer Spiritual Practice

Calendar

Book Groups

Young Adults Gatherings

Fort Snelling State Park Walk

Community Events & Affiliated Organizations:

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, July 2 — 10 a.m.

Music and Spirituality

Each Sunday in July, worship will feature a different local musician sharing their music and some reflections on how their art is connected to their spirituality. Join us for worship this Sunday, July 2 as we begin this worship series with our own vocalist in residence, Aimee K. Bryant.

Worship leaders: Aimee K. Bryant, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Franco Holder

IN PERSON AT 10 A.M.

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. 

ONLINE AT 10 A.M.

This service is live-streamed at 10 a.m. Watch the livestream here. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Childcare is available in the nursery for babies through preeschoolers. All other children and youth attend the multigenerational worship service. Learn more here.

June 25 Worship Recap:

"Becoming the People Our World Needs"

This Sunday, June 25, we worshiped online with our larger Beloved Community gathering at the General Assembly of the UUA in Pittsburgh. In the words of the UUA worship team, “The pandemic has wrought change and created uncertainty for institutions, like our Unitarian Universalist congregations, and our wider world. Who and what are we becoming, individually and collectively? Our GA Sunday service explored these themes as we gathered in community to celebrate the best of who we UUs are.”



Watch the June 25 service here

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive 

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. Ashley Harness at ashley@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.

Invitations to Summer Spiritual Practice

Practicing and Connecting from Wherever We Are

Last week, Rev. Jen shared: Summer is upon us, and with it comes new rhythms and practices to help us slow down, stay connected, and start up some shared spiritual practices. Join me in joyspotting, daily nature sits, or body prayer practices as we share in spiritual practice together this summer. I’m looking forward to receiving reflection prompts and encouragement throughout the summer as I combine two of the spiritual practices into one daily action - a walk or time to sit outside spotting joy. Knowing that so many of you will also be joining in our shared spiritual practices will help me feel connected to you, even as I travel and take time off in July. I hope these practices will do the same for you. Sign up for the shared Summer Spiritual Practice possibilities here. May the slower pace allow for the deepening of connection to ourselves, each other, and the spirit that moves within, among, and beyond us.

1. Register for one of the practices: Body Prayer, Nature Sit Spot, and Joyspotting
2. Pay attention, again and again
3. Receive regular reflection prompts and steady encouragement to your inbox along the way.
4. Tell about and connect over your experiences on Facebook and/or Instagram with #FirstUnivPractice
5. Gather at the potluck after the Lake Harriet service on August 20 to share about how we’ve been challenged and changed by our practices

Dreaming Liberation Book Groups

No More Police

Tuesday, July 11, 4-6 p.m. under the First U tent

Tuesday, August 1, 4-6 p.m. on Zoom  

Join for as many as you can!

Learn from and integrate the wisdom of beloved authors and movement leaders, Mariame Kaba and Andrea Ritchie, with others who are interested in diving into their new book, No More Police, which passionately synthesizes the experiences and expertise necessary for building a new world with less violence. The book is readily available for purchase online or at local libraries. First U can provide a copy upon request.

Co-facilitated by Denise Kohnen and Rev. Ashley Harness

REGISTRATION REQUESTED

Rust in the Root, for Teens and Young Adults

Sunday, July 23rd; 12-2pm at church (with lunch)

Read the novel Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland and then come together for good food and good conversation. This book is a young adult historical fantasy set at the crossroads of race and power in America that we’ll enjoy as a springboard to envision a world beyond the confines of white supremacy culture. The book is readily available for purchase online or at local libraries. First U can provide a copy upon request.

Co-facilitated by Rasana Mamdani and Rev. Ashley Harness.

REGISTRATION REQUESTED

Young Adults Gatherings in July

There are several opportunites to connect as Young Adults in July! Next weekend, after worship on July 9, we'll gather for lunch at Lake and Bryant Cafe (821 W. Lake St.) and an afternoon of crafting and casual conversation. Bring your materials for whatever creative project you’re working on. We’ll have some cross-stitch starter kits available, too! Hosted by Nick Nier, First U member

RSVP Requested

Coming Up: July 16th bike ride after the Blessing of the Wheels; July 23 Rust in the Root book group; July 30 walk/roll/stroll near Lake of the Isles. RSVP Requested

The Amazing Biodeiversity

of Fort Snelling State Park

Saturday, July 15, 1:30-3 p.m.

Explore the diversity of plants, animals, and other organisms with EJ Team member Cathy Geist and a Conservation Corps member as we hike by the Mississippi River. Meet in the parking lot near the Fort Snelling State Park Visitor Center, where the park road ends. (Stop at the building at the bottom of the hill near the entrance to purchase a 1-day park pass if you need one.) RSVP to Cathy at 612-384-2723.

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

Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trailhead at 10 a.m. Bring sun protection, sunscreen, and bug spray. For questions, contact Marie Sorenson or Lynn Richardson.

July 1, 10 a.m. Nine Mile Creek. Morgan Ave S and 104th Street, Moir Park, Bloomington. This is a terrific hike along a babbling creek. There are 3 flights of stairs at start and end of the out and back trail. Then flat asphalt leads onto crushed rock. Markers show how far you have gone. Bring a lunch for after the hike, if you'd like.

July 8,10 a.m. Wood Lake Nature Center. 6710 Lake Shore Drive. Richfield

July 15,10 a.m. Eloise Butler Flower Garden. 1 Theodore Wirth Parkway. Mpls.

July 22, 10 a.m. Roseville Central Park. 2540 Lexington Ave N, Roseville. Beautiful Garden. 

July 29, 10 a.m. MN River Valley Wildlife Center. 3875 American Blvd, Bloomington. Steps at beginning and end. Marie will be there.

Game Group: Meets at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. The next game night is July 13. You are welcome to bring snacks to share and a game you would enjoy teaching others. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. If no one responds to Anne that they are coming, the Game Night will be canceled early that day. Please let Anne know if you plan to attend.

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 invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your contact info to Abbie Finger. 

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.



After careful consideration of local and national health guidelines, which have continued to evolve over the past year, and ongoing monitoring of COVID levels in Hennepin County, we have updated our COVID Community Care Policies, as of Sunday, May 21:

• Masking is welcome, but not required, inside the building—including the sanctuary—when Covid community/hospital admission levels in Hennepin County are Low or Medium. Masks will be required inside the building when levels are High.
• High quality KN95/N95 masks are available free of charge for anyone who wishes to use one when in the building.
• Creating an intentionally inclusive space where masking is respected and welcomed without question is all of our responsibility.
• We continue to encourage all who can be vaccinated against Covid-19 to receive the initial vaccination and subsequent boosters to reduce the impact of Covid 19 for each person individually and for our wider community, collectively.
• We continue to ask people to stay home if they are feeling sick. 
• We continue to offer online and multi-platform opportunities for spiritual growth and focus resources on strengthening our online and multi-platform community. 
• We will work with congregants and families on an individual basis to address health and accessibility concerns, and to find creative ways to care for each other and connect. Please reach out to Rev. Ashley Harness to brainstorm together. 

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.