Dear ones,
In this month of April, we’ve been considering how it is that we rise—as individuals and as a community. It’s a real life question for all of us these days as we do our best to recognize, name, and regroup from the many changes and losses that the twin pandemics of Covid-19 and systemic racism have visited and continue to visit upon us all. How are our children and families rising from the hardships they have endured? How is our country rising after the January 6 insurrection and a presidency that threatened to end democracy in our nation? How are we rising as the impact of our experiences over the last two years become clearer in the rear view mirror? And how might we reconsider the directive that we should always be rising, when after all we are human, rising and falling, expanding and contracting, inhaling and exhaling all the time, in rhythm with the cycles of life?
Somehow in the midst of it all, I see us rising in rhythm with the season. The bulbs planted years ago are beginning to poke through the cold earth. The pews at church are filling, and songs of joy and sorrow are ringing from our lips. Coffee is flowing in the social hall, young families will gather for an Easter party at the church on Saturday morning, and the final touches of our two-year-long building renovation are in process as we continue to expand the wide welcome of our church to each and all. Check out the new pew cushions in the balcony, and stop by to say goodbye to the church playground, which will be removed on Monday, April 18, making way for a universally accessible play space open to all in the coming weeks.
This Sunday, we will rise in the fullness of our community—inviting people in every age and stage of life to join together as one body in person at 9 and 11 a.m. and online at 11 a.m. for worship. We’ve designed an Easter church experience with elements to engage the imagination and spirit of every age, with music, rituals, art, and movement that will help us all consider what boulders stand in the way of the flow of love in our life, and how we might remove them, together. Guest musicians Dean Magraw, Ian Young, and JT Bates will join our own Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder as they lead us in soulful songs familiar to young and old. In this holy time of many faiths, as our Muslim siblings celebrate Ramadan, our Jewish siblings remember Passover, and our Christian siblings rejoice in the spirit of resurrection, we too turn with the turning of the season, allowing our connection and hope to be renewed.
See you in church, beloveds.
Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
|
|
Worship
Sunday, April 17, 9 & 11am
Wednesday, April 20, 7pm
Recent Podcasts & Recordings
|
|
News & Features
New Office Open Hours
Resilience in Congregations
Wing Young Huie Exhibit
Ellis Delaney in Concert
Child Dedication
"Take What You Need"
|
|
Happenings
Electric Saturday
Daytime Connections
Wing Young Huie Talk
Grief Group
Board Meeting
In the Community
Ongoing Gatherings
|
|
MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
|
Sunday, April 17 — 9 & 11 a.m.
Easter Sunday: We Rise Together
This Sunday, April 17, we will rise in the fullness of our community – inviting people in every age and stage of life, online and in person, to join together as one body. We’ve designed an Easter church experience with elements to engage the imagination and spirit of every age, with music, rituals, art, and movement that will help us all consider what boulders stand in the way of the flow of love in our life, and how we might remove them, together. Guest musicians Dean Magraw, Ian Young, and JT Bates will join our own Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder as they lead us in soulful songs familiar to young and old.
|
|
Worship leaders: Rev. Arif Mamdani, Rev. Jen Crow, Stephanie Vos, Dean Magraw, Franco Holder, and Aimee K. Bryant
IN PERSON AT 9 OR 11 A.M.:
ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
CHILDCARE AVAILABLE; NO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
There are no Religious Education classes this Sunday; all ages are welcome in the sanctuary for a Multigenerational Worship service. Childcare is available. Children must be registered by noon on Saturday. Find more info and register your family here.
|
|
Wednesday, April 20, 7 p.m.
Join us next Wednesday evening for the continuation of our Spring Seminarian Series, hosted by Rev. Karen Hutt with a message from a seminary student. Wednesday Meditation is an online-only midweek time of meditation, reflection, and connection that usually lasts about 30 minutes.
JOIN US ONLINE:
Wednesday Meditation is live-streamed on Zoom. Join here (Webinar ID: 117 312 320).
|
|
April 10: "Organized People"
Folks in organizing circles say that Power requires Organized Money and Organized People. This congregation does an excellent job of organizing its money every Sunday, and sharing generously with important partners. What else is possible if we organize our people similarly? What would it take for us to take our organizing and mobilization to the next level? Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
|
|
|
Church Office Reopens with Limited Hours:
Wednesdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
|
|
Beginning next Wednesday, April 20, the church office will reopen one day per week with limited hours—Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—for folks who wish to stop by the church, speak with a minister or staff member, pick things up or drop things off, etc. No appointment necessary!
Thanks to volunteers Earl Stanhope and Mary Kelley, there will now be someone at the front desk to answer the doors, greet folks, and provide building and office access on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. We are very grateful for their service!
The office has been either closed or open by appointment only since March 2020, due to a combo of COVID-19, renovations, and a gradual rebuilding of systems as we've reopened the building. We are delighted to once again offer open office hours, and hope to expand on those in the future. If you would be interested in helping us do so, please be in touch!
|
|
From Reactivity to Resilience:
Doing Our Inner Work in Congregations
|
|
Saturdays, May 7 & 14, 1–3 p.m. Central
Presenters: Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Erica Baron, and guests
You're invited to a workshop about resilience in congregations! This two part webinar series, co-sponsored by New England Region UUA and First Universalist, focuses on the Spiritual Leadership practice of "doing our inner work." It is rooted in an awareness of the human tendency to fight, fawn, freeze, or flee when we are activated. It rests in a belief that congregations are called to create a container in which everyone can learn, hone and use tools that bring us through activation into resilience.
Participants will:
- consider some of the common ways people in our congregations currently respond to reactivity and activation;
- examine additional possibilities for response that are creative, compassionate and aligned with UU values, theology and principles;
- interrogate some of the ways power, privilege, marginalization and other complexities of identity inform and shape both our capacity for resilience and our ability to support each other.
The webinar will draw on story, cases, small group sharing, embodied in-the-moment practice and other strategies for deep exploration and active engagement. By participating, registrants will also be helping us beta test our understanding of how to do this work in congregations.
|
|
New Exhibit: Wing Young Huie: Photos from Chinese-ness: The Meaning of Identity
|
|
Wing photographed and interviewed people in China as well as locals of Chinese descent. The perspectives you will view in his photos provide humor and irony, as well as cultural exploration. His photos give each of us an opportunity to explore our own identities.
Wing will be present in the social hall between services next Sunday, April 24. He will be meeting with youth after the second service and with the BIPOC/Multiracial Youth Group later in the afternoon. You can participate in Wing’s interactive talk at 12:30 p.m. Reservations are required for this event and can be made here. You can order Wing’s book here. The book with his famous photos, Lake Street USA, and several other of his signed books will also be for sale on April 24.
|
|
Concert Series Continues with Ellis Delaney |
|
On Sunday, April 24, at 3 p.m., we’ll continue our small benefit concert series in the sanctuary with our very own Ellis Delaney. You've heard her music at Sunday services over the years, now enjoy her in concert!
This concert will also be live-streamed via YouTube, and all ticket purchasers will receive a link to the livestream and have the option to attend either in person or online.
Not familiar with Ellis? You can listen to her latest album, Ordinary Love, here!
|
|
Child Dedication is Sunday, May 8 |
|
First Universalist Church will joyfully embrace and celebrate little ones with a Child Dedication ritual during both services on Sunday, May 8. In the ritual, the congregation pledges partner with and support parents, caregivers and families in the religious upbringing of their children.
|
|
"Take What You Need" Available Sundays |
|
If you haven't yet picked up a copy of Rev. Jen Crow's new book, "Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything"—or, if you want to pick up additional copies (they make great gifts!)—please know that books will be available in the church social hall on Sundays after services during the month of April. Books are available for a $25 donation each, and proceeds benefit the church. Missed the launch event? Watch the recording here.
|
|
Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
|
Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.–noon
Church parking lot
The Environmental Justice Team invites you to Electric Saturday on the morning of April 30, showcasing about 15 Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles owned by members of our church community. Owners will be available throughout the morning to answer all of your questions about owning electric cars. Electric bike owners will also be displaying their e-bikes and answering questions. Check out e-mowers and snow blowers too!
Invited representatives from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL), MN350 and others will be available with energy info and opportunities for advocacy. Brian Anderson from Let’s Go Zero Carbon, will make presentations throughout the morning about buying, charging, and living with electric vehicles.
If you have questions, or would like to show your e-bike or EV, contact Lane Ayres at lanebfa@gmail.com.
|
|
Daytime Connections: Gender and Sexuality |
|
Thursday, April 21, 10 a.m.
Social Hall / Zoom
Could your understanding of gender use some fresh input? Join us for a morning of exploration as a panel shares the intricacies of living as a person of alternate gender in 2022. Our panel will be led by member Claire Tralle, a gender and sexuality expert.
Sign in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. Program starts at 10 a.m. Soup & salad lunch follows ($5–15 sliding scale; more if you can; less if you can’t. No one will be turned away for lack of funds). An option to attend online is also available. Registration is requested a minimum of three days in advance of each program in order to plan for lunch. Choose “attend program only” below if you’re unable to stay for lunch.
|
|
Wing Young Huie Photo Talk |
|
Photo Talk with Wing Young Huie
Sunday, April 24, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
in the Social Hall
Well-known Minneapolis photographer Wing Young Huie traveled to China to put himself into other’s shoes (and clothes). What would it be like if his Chinese parents hadn’t immigrated to Duluth? When he walked down the street in China, how did the locals immediately detect that he’s from the U.S?
What is identity? How does identity impact and intersect with life experience? In his latest book, Chinese-ness, photographer Wing Young Huie explores identity—his own and others'. In this interactive presentation, Wing will discuss his photography and invite participants to consider how identity is shaped and changes throughout our lives.
|
|
Schedule Change: Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt |
|
Sunday, April 24, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Please note: this group is now meeting every other week and the next meeting date has changed
In a season where we have experienced such complicated grief and loss, gathering with a group for support and companionship is so important. Rev. Karen Hutt facilitates this group where participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. Through sharing, silence, ritual, and reflection, we offer each other support and companionship. Join via Zoom here.
|
|
April Board of Trustees Meeting |
|
The Board of Trustees meets next on Thursday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. Details will be posted here next week when available. |
|
Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat |
|
THEME: Resilience, Community and Creativity
WHEN: April 22–24, 2022
WHERE: Camp Courage near Annandale
WHAT: Keynote and ceremonies by Rev. Kelli Clement, and a variety of breakout sessions and activities
|
|
Celebrate Earth Day with MNIPL |
|
Friday, April 22, 4–6 p.m.
Minnehaha Park
First Universalist faithful action partner Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL) invites you to celebrate Earth Day at Minnehaha Park! They’ll be at the Wabun D picnic shelter between 4-6 p .m. Enjoy games and activities, the beautiful park space, and opportunities to meet new people and old friends. At 4:30, we will share stories and songs to honor the earth and lift up our collective actions of care. Light refreshments will be available. Please RSVP to help with planning. This event is free and for all ages!
|
|
UUs in 12-Step Recovery
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 – In Person
First Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
The workshops meet monthly on the first Saturday of each month through June. Come in through the front door to find out which room we will be in. Workshops go from 9:30 a.m. to noon and are for all people in or interested in 12 step programs. They include meditation, meditation instruction, short talks and small groups. Meetings details available at 12stepspirituality.org
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
Weekly Meditation Group (multiplatform)
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom and in Room 209 at church
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
Thursdays at 7 p.m.
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.
|
|
COVID-19 Safety Measures & Policies |
|
Updated March 24, 2022
- 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).
- Both services will be streamed to the Cummins Room or Social Hall for those who desire to be in a space with fewer people.
- We are reintroducing congregational singing during the service on Sunday, March 27.
-
In small group settings, with the consent of everyone in the group, masks can be optional inside of the room where the group is meeting, when the COVID-19 community level is low.
|
|
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 - Mental Health Connect is 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Contact Us
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825 1701
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
