January's Worship Theme: "Making Space"

Dear Ones,

As you traverse the threshold of my dwelling, you are wrapped in a trinity of resonant words—"Hey, how you doin'?", "Welcome", and "Make yourself at home." These are not merely casual utterances; they are the seeds of shared spaces, the genesis of collective narratives. 

Though they could be echoed by a chirpy digital assistant or a chattering parrot, these words combined and express hold an intrinsic, inimitable human warmth. They affirm, they invite, they assure a heart that another has prepared them room. 

Every "hello” means to affirm your existence, your value—it’s what Avatar meant by “I see you." 

Each "make yourself at home" gently dissolves the boundaries, declaring spaces, ideas, and rights as shared treasures, not individual possessions. 

Each "welcome" is a key, opening not just the door to my physical sanctuary, but to a realm of shared emotional refuge. 

This ritual of welcoming is a pledge to an elaborate ballet—an interwoven tapestry of life threaded with strands of care and dignity. Yet, what occurs when we falter to welcome certain elements of ourselves or others? 

January's worship theme 'Making Space' emerges like the bloom of a new day, gently unfolding and illuminating the richness of the year ahead. It's a summons to face these questions. It's a dare to navigate the depths of our hearts' capacity for inconvenient truths, a prompt towards the unraveling edges of life's tapestry, a testament to the transformative power of space creation. 

Rumi advises us in "The Guest House”: every emotion, every hue of our identity, is a visitor. Sometimes unbidden, sometimes unsettling, always part of the path that leads again and again to the heart space of deep, abiding, unplastic joy. 

Worship is an essential part of this soul work of making space. It instills in us the importance of showing up for one another, of being the bearers of each other's stories, of the strength of collective healing. It underscores the catastrophic probabilities that materialize when we neglect to make the effort—when we fail to create space for empathy, understanding, grace.

Imagine a sanctuary, a refuge, where every emotion, every facet of your identity, every reality you grapple with, finds a dwelling. A space not just for joy, but also for pain. A space for all parts of your identity, even those that dare defy societal norms. Is such a space conceivable, and do we possess the courage to manifest it? What would it look like to welcome the unexpected visitors of our hearts? How would our realities transform if we made space for the inconvenient truths we often evade? 

In this dawning year, and always, 

may you find a sanctuary in

Peace,

Glen Thomas Rideout, D.Mus.A.

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

P.S. Draw close and find purpose in community. Registration is open for our Spiritual Practices Congregational Retreat.

Intro

January's Worship Theme "Making Space"

Sunday Worship

"Making Space Starts When You Show Up"

This Sunday, Jan. 7,

One service ONLY at 10 a.m.

No Low-sensory space

Worship Brainstorm

Service Recordings

Cycle of Life

Winter Programs

January Programs

Community Dinner

Daytime Connections

Saturday Sprouts

Congregational Retreat

Circle Suppers

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Caregivers Group

Faithful Action

Habitat for Humanity

News

January 14 Service

Congregational Mtg

Foundation Nominations

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

Brain Health Event, 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.

Making Space Starts When You Show Up

In a world relentlessly demanding, it's easy to feel like we're never enough, that what we have to give may not make a dent. But when we peel back these layers of fear, we uncover a transformative truth: The act of showing up—of choosing to be present—is a radical catalyst for change. This is more than physical presence; it's an emotional, spiritual commitment to bear witness, to engage, and to represent. It's about standing in the face of the grind, against the status quo, and declaring, "I am here." This conscious choice to show up breathes life into relationships, sustains religions, and builds compassionate communities. It’s the first, crucial step towards creating inclusive spaces. Remember, even when it feels like you have nothing left to give, your presence, your decision to show up, can shake the world.

Join us for worship this Sunday, January 7, when we will have ONE service in-person and livestreamed at 10 a.m.

Worship Info

IN PERSON AND ONLINE AT 10 A.M.

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

Masks are welcome but not required in the sanctuary; please review our Covid-19 Gathering Guidelines. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Families in Religious Education, please note:

Due to curriculum needs, some Religious Education classes will meet and most will not. Please read carefully to ensure that you have the information you need for your family to participate in worship and Religious Education on January 7. 

We will have childcare for children in Pre-K and younger for the duration of the 10 a.m. service. 

We will not have Religious Education for children and youth in grades K-6 or Senior High. Those children and youth are enthusiastically encouraged to attend our all-ages worship service. 

Youth in our 7th grade Neighboring Faiths program will attend a site visit. Parents and caregivers of 7th graders should look for more information from Program Specialist Hirut Hedge about timing coming in an email prior to the site visit.

Youth in 8th grade OWL (both the 9 & 11 a.m. sections) and in 9th grade Coming of Age will meet during our 10 a.m. service. Both sections of OWL will meet in the Cummins Room and Coming of Age will meet in room 209 as usual. Both OWL and Coming of Age will begin in their classrooms right at 10 a.m. (whereas Coming of Age usually begins in the service). 

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.

A Place To Start

Are you new or new-ish to First Universalist and wondering where to begin? Here’s “A Place to Start!” Whether you're simply curious or are considering making this your spiritual home. Meet at the front of the sanctuary immediately after the service.

No RSVP necessary - Casual, 45-minute class

LOW-SENSORY SPACE

The low-sensory space will not be open this Sunday.

Community Worship Brainstorm

What are the questions that keep you up at night? What curiosities beckon you toward exploration? Share them with us by January 10, 2023, and let your voice become a building block for our collective exploration.

Join us in this sacred exchange. Share your thoughts, and help shape the future of our worship.

Read more from Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout.

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

Our thoughts are with Jennifer Schuster-Jaeger, Rich Jaeger, and Ben and Elliot Jaeger on the death of Jennifer's father, Frederick William "Bill" Schuster on December 31st. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, minister and friend, you can read Bill's obituary and learn more about his life here.

We hold Zoe Beck in our care as she moves through the early days of grieving the loss of her brother.

We surround Mary Sorensen in prayers and wishes for healing as she continues to recover from surgery and a long stay in the hospital. She is home and continuing to heal and recovery well and appreciates the church's care and support.

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.

Community Dinner

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 6-8 p.m. in the Social Hall (no family pre-party)

RSVP By Jan. 8 Requested

Menu: Taco Bowls - chicken, tofu, lettuce, rice, black beans, peppers, corn, onion, salsa, sour cream. Dessert is brownies (gf available.)



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. 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 Group Options (see website for details):

• A Place to Start 
• Neurodivergent Adults
• Usher and Greeter Teams Training
• Habitat for Humanity Info Session 
• Listening Session with the Board
• Parents of Adolescents Peer Support
• Cleaning up as Spiritual Care

Daytime Connections

Minister Emerita Rev. Kate Tucker on “Unfinished Business”

Thursday, Jan. 18, 9:45 a.m. coffee; 10 a.m. program (Social Hall and Zoom); noon lunch available, or bring your own.

Register here by Monday morning, January 15, to facilitate planning.

What “unfinished business” have you been putting off? It’s a very human thing to do; we all can benefit from taking a good look at that question. Beloved minister emerita Kate Tucker will offer her personal reflections and encouragement as together we name and explore some of our unfinished business in different areas of our lives. Bring your stories, your successes and failures into this supportive community.

Please note the corrected registration link and other details for this event.

Saturday Sprouts

Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-noon RSVP requested

Saturday Sprouts is a new seasonal opportunity for families to be nourished in community, deepen relationships, and grow together in our First U values and faith. It includes time for family worship, parent & caregiver support, and play and creative time for our kids and youth. Children in grades 5 and younger are welcome to join, as are parents and caregivers of children and youth of all ages. Both adult and kid programming will connect with our Winter worship theme: “Responding to Cold with Connection.” Bagels and beverages provided for all ages. Please join us!

Spiritual Practices Congregational Retreat

Sunday, Jan. 21, 1-5 p.m.

Register here

Visit the website for details

Welcome the new year by starting or deepening your spiritual practice life with the support of this community. We’ll each have the opportunity to experience two practice sessions facilitated by practitioners within our congregation. Practices offered:

• Earth-based Centering Prayer - Dick Young
• Knitting - Merinda Brayfield
• Aging: Reflection and Sharing - Harlan Limpert
• Sacred Sweeping: Exploring Spirituality through Cleaning Together - Dallas Rising
• You Might be a Transcendentalist If… - Dale Schwie and Rev. Arif
• Improv - Rev. Meg Riley
• Meditation - Nancy Nyquist Potter
• Art Making - Kate Guin and Denise Konen
• Mindfulness Meditation - Pam Berry
• Writing Your Spiritual Memoir - Marion Dane Bauer
• Quilting - Chris Chiros
• Cultivating Joy - Bee Harrison
• Optional, at 5 p.m.: Circle Supper Kickoff Potluck! (See below)

Participants will also have the chance to join on-going practice groups meeting regularly in February, March and April.

Circle Supper Kick-Off Potluck!

Kick-off Potluck - Sunday, January 21st at 5pm - immediately following the Spiritual Practices Congregational Retreat

Register here--scroll down to bottom of form to RSVP for supper only

First Saturday of the month in February, March and April

Join us as we re-launch a beloved First U tradition of rotating small group meals in each other's homes for the first time since the pandemic began. Carol Gilbert and Welcome Jerde have generously offered to lead this effort and invite you to consider if your home would welcome dinner guests or if you are interested in attending these gatherings. These suppers are a wonderful way to begin or deepen connections within this beloved community.

Tuesday Meditation Group

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

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.

Grief Group (online)

Sunday, January 7 & 21, 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, January 14 on Zoom, 1-2:30 p.m.

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. Email Rev. Arif Mamdani for Zoom details. Facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani.

Habitat for Humanity

We have three work days scheduled, all at

219 James Avenue N, Minneapolis

January 27, 2024

February 10, 2024

March 16, 2024

Sign up here.

Window trim being nailed, flooring being installed, siding being hung, and walls being painted. The scene is a dozen First Universalist members coming together for a Habitat build day. A day where folks with a variety of skills, and a desire to learn new ones, come together in small teams with a Habitat supervisor supporting each of us.

Church volunteers arrive at noon to provide a much welcomed lunch for the tea. We gather together to visit and share good food surrounded by our morning construction projects.

The time goes by quickly in the afternoon, then we sweep up for the day, and say goodbye after a full and rewarding together building a nome for a family.

Bill Lewis

All in! January 14 - One Service at 10 a.m.

We will have ONE worship service on Sunday, January 14, at 10 a.m. The service will be in person and virtual. Childcare will be available for the littlest ones but there will be no regular RE classes. We hope that families will plan on attending this multi-generational worship service together!

Mid-Year Congregational Meeting

Sunday, Jan. 28 - after-worship meal followed by meeting at 1 p.m.

Save the date. Registration and final agenda available in January. 

Members of First Universalist Church are invited to the Mid-Year Congregational Meeting. Topics will include a Congregational update from Rev. Jen, as well as updates from the Finance, Stewardship and Governance committees of the Board, and the team working on finalizing our proposed Visionary Goals.

First U Foundation - Nominations Open

The First Universalist Foundation Board is accepting nominations through this form until Sunday, February 4, 2024 from First Universalist congregants (regardless of membership status) and senior high youth in the church. One (1) person must submit a nomination backed by two (2) co-signers. Nominee organizations that are selected will then be sent our grant application.

The Foundation is soliciting nominations of organizations that address racial justice, climate justice, and human rights. We are also interested in organizations whose leadership includes Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, or individuals from disenfranchised communities. This year we are particularly interested in supporting organizations with smaller budgets (for whom our grant may make a significant difference) and newer organizations or initiatives which are addressing the disparities that recent events have laid bare. Organizations that have not applied for a Foundation Board grant in the past are encouraged.

Historically the Foundation Board has given out grants ranging from $5,000 - $20,000.

Please note our mission statement and giving criteria below which heavily informs our decisions.

Nominate an organization here: First Universalist Foundation Nomination Form

Mission Statement

First Universalist Foundation acts as a catalyst for social change by promoting and supporting the development of emerging leaders, youth, young adults, and/or disenfranchised communities through monetary grants to nonprofits working in those communities.

Giving Priorities and Criteria

1. Demonstrate the potential to address one or more causes or forms of injustice.

2. Work to engage youth, young adults, and/or disenfranchised communities in the work of social change.

3. Have a commitment to measuring the impact or success of the funded program.

4. Focus on the Twin Cities community.

5. Organizations with annual budgets of less than $1,000,000 will be given greater priority.

6. Organization leadership and/or board members reflect the community that the organization wishes to serve (BIPOC, women, individuals from disenfranchised communities).

7. Organizations that have been funded 3 times in the last 5 years may be considered lower priority.

Questions?

Please email foundation@firstuniv.org.

Event: Brain Health, Cognitive Decline, Social Isolation

Saturday, January 27, 1-3 p.m. at church

First Universalist Church, in partnership with Friends & Co., presents “Fortune Cookies,” a free community outreach event that shines a light on the importance of brain health and will help raise awareness about cognitive decline and social isolation. This event is designed for intergenerational audiences.

There will be a short play followed by facilitated conversations to advance

the efforts in the Twin Cities as part of a broader age-friendly, dementia-friendly region. The event begins with social time, including light refreshments, and is followed by the play and community conversation.

More info on The Remember Project.

RSVP for the event here.

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.

Save the Date: AUW Winter Event is coming up on February 17.

More details available soon!

Early Bird Registration is OPEN for the AUW Spring Retreat until January 15!

The AUW Spring Retreat is for all people who identify as women, non-binary, and/or gender fluid. Our aim is to deepen our community and our knowledge of our spiritual selves. We offer re-energizing experiences and time for reflection in safety and acceptance.

We develop new friendships and strengthen current relationships. In this way we grow by learning new ways to live, see, and be seen. We hope you will join us

April 26-28, 2024, at Camp Courage in Annandale, MN.

Various attendance and rooming options are available. Please see the registration

link for more information on pricing and registration. Each week from now until the event, we will highlight a unique element of the retreat. 

This week we highlight our Keynote Speaker Lynette Reini-Grandell

Lynette is an award-winning poet, author, a multidisciplinary collaborative artist, and a professor. Author of 2023’s Wild Things: A Trans-Glam-Punk-Rock Love Story (Minnesota

Historical Society Press) she has also penned two books of poetry, Wild Verge and

Approaching the Gate (Holy Cow! Press). She is a professor of English and Creative Writing at Normandale Community College and teaches at The Loft literary center. She holds a BA in English from Carleton College and a Ph.D. in English Language and Literature from the University of Minnesota.

She produces and co-hosts "Write on the Radio" on KFAI, interviewing local and national writers about their work. The story of her marriage to Venus DeMars is highlighted in

Venus of Mars, a feature-length documentary (2004) by Emily Goldberg that has toured film festivals around the world. Lynette and Venus live in Minneapolis on the ancestral homeland of the Dakota people.

Wild Things: A Trans-Glam-Punk-Rock Love Story is Lynette’s 2023 memoir exploring her marriage to Minneapolis-based transgender musician, visual artist, writer, activist and performer Venus DeMars during the 1990’s and early 2000’s. The couple has been married for over 40 years.

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. Note: Hikes begin at 2 pm.

January 6 - 2pm. Lakewood Cemetery. 3600 Hennepin Avenue South. Mpls. Meet by Chapel. Park on Driveway there. If you have never been inside chapel , take a look. The Chapel is an incredible place of art and architecture. Lynn will lead.

January 13 - 2pm. Wood Lake Nature Center. 6710 Lake Shore Drive. Richfield, MN. Can meet inside Building or just outside building. Bathrooms, exhibits. Path is usually packed down. Flat. Wood Lake Nature Center is where AUW hikes started in January of Covid. So cold out, but everyone came to see people in person, not ZOOM! Maybe 15 people came? Look for Marie with a Red Jacket

January 20 - 2pm Westwood Nature Center, 8300 West Franklin Avenue, St Louis Park. Can wait inside Nature Center. Exhibits before or after if you like. Bathrooms. Fun boardwalks to walk on. Lynn will lead (Marie will come, too).

January 27 - 2pm  9 Mile Creek. Morgan and 104th Street. Moir Park. Use bigger Parking lot near Penn just before Penn Avenue. No inside waiting place. Meet in Parking lot. May not be cleared as well for walking. Stairs to get down and back up at begin and end of trail. But delightful trail with deer/birds and possibly still Creek running. A special place for me. Look for Marie with a Red Jacket.

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 January 11. 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.

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, January 22. We will be discussing Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. 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.