Dear Ones,

The last two weeks have held some big days for a whole lot of kids and families. Yesterday, I pulled up in front of my house, ready to zip in and out quickly when I spotted a gathering of small children moving through the sea of sunflower stalks in front of our rag tag vegetable garden. I slowed myself down and stopped to talk. The kids were hard at work naming the pirate figurine that keeps watch over the peppers and touching the head of the cement bunny there. They had just spent an hour with their new preschool friends and teachers at the school down the block, tiny backpacks still perched on their shoulders, and they were full of stories. In that short time of connection, those kids and their parents and that moment etched itself on my heart - and they are with me now as I think about the morning, and the garden, and my own first days of school.

Later in the day, I found myself sitting on a metal chair in the sun outside the locked door of a Minnesota driver’s license exam station in Marshall, Minnesota as my son drove away with the examiner in the passenger seat. It wasn’t the first day of preschool, but it was a milestone moment all the same, and I knew it. Sitting in that chair where so many other parents had found themselves sitting, I did what I have been taught at church. I paused to breathe, to notice, to feel myself connected to all the other parents and grandparents and caregivers who accompany children and youth through their days. I paused to ask for help from the universe in being the parent my son needed in that moment, and to say thank you for the gift of being present and a part of his life. In that short time, that moment and all the people who sat with me literally and metaphorically on that metal chair in the sun became etched on my heart, and I carry them with me now.

Milestones take many shapes in our lives. First day of school, first day of physical therapy, first day of supported employment, first day of rehab however many times it takes, first day after our spouse or a beloved friend has died, first day with a new child in our family, first day as a newly single person… whatever shape those milestone moments take in our lives, it can help to move through them together. 

Two Sundays ago, we blessed the backpacks and the hearts of students and teachers and classroom assistants and busdrivers and secretaries and everyone heading back to school. We shared heart-shaped stones with each other that could be tucked into a pocket or a backpack or a purse - one way to remember and hold close the truth that poet e.e.cummings wrote about so beautifully: “i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart).” 

This Sunday, join us in worship for one service at 10 a.m. as we remember and reweave our connections with this congregation and each other. Join us to pick up a heart-shaped stone to carry in your pocket through all the milestones ahead. Join us, bringing water from your home or a nearby stream, the water fountain on the way in or a place close to your heart. Check out our "Everyone In" early fall program guide here and in print this Sunday, and find your place to start at church this season. Together, we’ll weave that water into a mighty stream and know ourselves held in the larger love of this community as we move through the milestones of life.

In gratitude,

Rev. Jen 

Intro

Remember and Reweave

Everybody In!

Sunday Worship

This Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.

Sunday, Sept. 3 Recordings

Cycle of Life

News & Features

Early Fall Programs

RE Volunteers Needed

Programs Calendar

Religious Education

Community Dinners

Young Adults

Daytime Connections

Community Events & Affiliated Organizations:

AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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Sunday, Sept. 10- in person & online at 10 a.m.

Water Communion

This coming Sunday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. is our annual Water Communion service, a ritual tradition we share with UUs around the world. The Water Ritual was created by leaders in the UU feminist movement more than four decades ago. Lucile Schuck Longview and Carolyn McDade (also the composer of our beloved song Spirit of Life) made this practice with water (an inclusive symbol of women’s spirituality) to help us all remember how deeply we are each connected to one another, and to all life. 

We invite you to bring a small bit of water to the sanctuary with you. Some bring a bottle, others a few drops, some bring water they gathered from a special summer memory, others from the kitchen tap. It doesn’t matter how much or where from–all water is beautiful. 

If you can’t collect your own water to bring (or if you forget yours on the counter at home), not to worry. We’ll have pitchers waiting here. We want you to be a part of this important time in our community, where wisdom and joy rush to greet us and show us the way to deeper love.

Water Communion is a very special tradition we celebrate each year at First Universalist. All are welcome, whether it’s your first or fortieth time! Come and be a part of this joyous time whether the waters mingle and set a new year of community on its way. See you there!

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 for children aged 6 months to 3 years. All other children and youth remain in the sanctuary with their families for a multigenerational worship service. Learn more here.

AFTER WORSHIP

Join congregants for coffee, tea, and conversation in the social hall.

Sept. 3 Worship Recap:

"Lessons for Future Ancestors" with Matt Meyer

• Watch the Sept. 3 service on YouTube
• September 3 service podcast
• Matt Meyer's September 3 sermon only

• August 27 Backpack Blessing service
• Rev. Jen's August 27 sermon only

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

We send wishes for quick and easy healing to member Carol Chiros following surgery earlier week. She's healing well and welcomes our cards and well wishes. We hold in our care her daughter Chris Chiros as she supports her mother through this surgery and recovery. 

Our prayers are with Rebecca Voelkel and her family. Rebecca, a ministerial colleague at Lyndale UCC and prominent multifaith organizer, was in a serious car accident over the weekend. Also in the car with her were her wife Maggie and two other members of Maggie’s family. They are all ok, and will be ok, but face a long road to recovery. We send prayers of ease as their healing journey continues.

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.

Children, Youth, and Families Volunteers Needed

YOU are invited to spend time with our children, youth, and families at First U this year! Whether you have been a long-time volunteer or are new to helping out with the program, this is a way for you to plug in and build meaningful intergenerational relationships. 

Between now and when Religious Education begins on September 17, we are especially looking for adults to be in our Kindergarten through 6th grade classrooms on Sunday mornings. You will be supporting our youth staff in leading age-appropriate games, arts and crafts, lessons, check-ins, storytime, and playtime for our younger kids. You will be in the sanctuary for the first half of the worship service and then you will join our young folks in the Religious Education wing for the second half of the service. 

We need at least one adult in each classroom for each service each Sunday, for a total of 12 adults every week. That’s a lot of adults! Can you be one of them?

Whether you can volunteer once a semester, once a month, or once a week, we need YOU to make our programming happen. Please email Allison Connelly-Vetter, our Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Families to learn how you can connect with our kids and youth.

Welcome Back, Welcome In!

Get connected as we begin the new church year! In this early fall season, we remember and reweave our connections with this congregation and each other. There are a myriad of entry points for all ages. Find registration forms and more details on our website.

Community Dinners

Wednesday, September 13

Dinner at 6 p.m.

Drop-In Breakout Groups from 7-8:15 p.m.

RSVP Requested

Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal of spaghetti, bread, and salad at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. All are welcome and there is no charge. We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free, and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free. Following dinner, stick around and join a breakout group to learn more about one of the many opportunities for deeper engagement at church. 

Breakout Groups include: A Place to Start (Visitor Class), Adult OWL Q & A, Ushers & Greeters Training, Environmental Justice Team, and COA Boston Trip preparation.



Wednesday, October 11th

Family pre-party 5-6 p.m: We’ll host space for play and socializing for families with babies to 1st graders on the playground (or indoors, if weather requires) and families with 2nd-5th graders in the Cummins Room. At 6 p.m. we’ll move the party to the Social Hall and share dinner together.

Soup Cook-off Dinner 6-7:30pm, RSVP Requested

You might be familiar with the bumper sticker that says: Love people. Cook them tasty food. Now is your chance to do both at church! Our first annual soup cook-off will take place at Community Dinner! Those registered to cook and compete will bring servings of their favorite soup to share. Dinner participants will vote for their favorites. Come be a part of nourishing each other and our community! Bring home new recipes! Win the Golden Ladle! Sign up to compete as a soup chef or be a soup judge for five special categories. 

Time for Further Connection 7:30-8:15 p.m. includes a puzzle table, question prompts for deeper conversation and storytelling, and a place to share joys and concerns.

Register Now: RE Begins Sept. 17

Religious Education runs from Sept. 17, 2023-May 19, 2024. Learn more and register your family today.

In RE, and in all stages of life, we seek to expand our hearts and minds, make a difference in the world, mark important milestones, and explore big questions in the context of a supportive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, radically welcoming religious community.

We are a church dedicated to racial justice, and we honor all kinds of families, recognizing our interdependence and our common foundation of love.

Young Adults go Birding

Sunday, Sept. 17, 8-11 a.m.

Birds and critters are most active in the mornings! Join for an early-autumn nature experience at Robert’s Bird Sanctuary. This time of year, we’ll learn about warbler migration, butterflies, and wildflowers. Meet at the Peace Garden (4124 Roseway Blvd) just south of church for a 1.5 mile slow stroll, then head to 11 a.m. worship together. Hosted by Michelle Manson, First U community member

RSVP Requested

Daytime Connections:

Reconnecting with Free Lunch!

Thursday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. program in the Social Hall and on zoom

Have you been waiting for a good opportunity to renew old friendships and maybe start some new ones? Join us as we kick off our “third Thursdays” with a program that’s designed for both purposeful sharing and simple catching up. We’ll also give you a peek ahead at some of the dynamic presenters and interesting topics we are lining up for our October through May programs. Sign-in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. We strongly urge you to register in advance at least by the preceding Monday to let us know if you will be attending in person or virtually. In-person gets you the free lunch!

RSVP Requested

Parent Nourishment on September 30

Join a two-hour event for parents modeling ways that small creative practices can cultivate joyful resilience. Nationally acclaimed Black and queer playwright, Sharon Bridgforth, will lead this unique experience, joined by Twin Cities artist, Miré Regulus, actor and teaching artist, Aimee Bryant, and parent facilitator (and First U RE parent), Erin Walsh. The event, titled “dem Blessings for Parents: A Morning of Creative Nourishment,” will take place on September 30, 2023, starting at 10:00 AM at our own First Universalist Church of Minneapolis. This event is free for First U parents! Enter the code "FIRSTU" when you register here.

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 at 10 a.m. For questions or to get on the hiking group mailing list, contact Marie Sorensen, 612-419-3620 or Lynn Richardson, 612-323-2776.

Sept 9, Minnehaha Falls- 5000 West River Parkway. Meet at paylot sidewalk. Park at paylot or on streets. Led by Marie Sorensen.

September 16, Lake Harriet- Meet at Pay Lot or Bandshell. Park in lot or on Parkway. Led by Lynn Richardson.

Sept 23, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden- 1 Theodore Wirth Parkway. Led by Marie.

Fall Kickoff Event: September 16, 12 noon – 2 p.m. This is a time to KICK OFF our AUW mission for our new program year, greet old friends & meet new ones! Please come!  

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 September 14. 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 pm every Thursday. Hosts are Liz and Carol. Here is the Zoom link to tune in.

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 Monday, September 25 when we will be discussing Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. Location of the in-person meeting is available to those on the mailing list. The Zoom version of the meeting convenes online at 7 p.m.

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. If interested, 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 at book club if you forget). 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 cell 612-250–1661.

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.



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.