Reflections from General Assembly |
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Dear ones,
My spirit is still returning from a week in Portland, Ore., for the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly (UUA GA), the annual gathering of UUs from around the country which was only online in 2020 and 2021, and was a powerful example of a multi-platform community this year. I was proud and fortunate to be there in person with a number of First Universalist youth (including many who served in significant leadership roles), with those of you who served as delegates, and with fellow staff Emma Paskewitz and Rev. Jen Crow. I know even more of us participated virtually including, of course, First U member and UUA Co-Moderator Rev. Meg Riley! Her skillful, inclusive, authentic leadership served our association well and did us all proud.
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Image: seven First Universalist youth are pictured at General Assembly
along with Rev. Jen, Lauren, Emma, and church member Mark Caswell.
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So many of the ideas we’ve been thinking and talking and preaching and organizing around here at church were present in the conversations and presentations at GA this year. I often wished I could package up the events and programs in the main hall and conference rooms in Portland and transport them back to our sanctuary and social hall in Minneapolis. I knew you, too, would be interested, moved, challenged, validated and comforted by the music, ideas and services. The leadership team has been scheming about how we might bring some of the speakers and worship leaders to Minneapolis in the 2022–2023 church year, and I’m excited about that possibility.
In the meantime, many General Assembly 2022 recordings are publicly available for anyone to view. You might want to start with the three below. I look forward to hearing the thoughts, questions, and dreams they inspire in you. They helped me reflect on what we’ve been through together over these past couple years, and begin to make it into a more coherent, more complex story. We’re in a liminal space now. The stories we tell about how we got here will guide the choices we make, the actions we take, and the world we create in the days and years to come.
Warmly,
Lauren
Lauren Wyeth
Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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General Assembly 2022 Highlighted Recordings |
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2022 UUA General Assembly Sunday worship
Watch here (The 1 hour and 40 minute long service starts at about the 25 minute mark, after rousing music for gathering)
The last few years have not been easy, including in our local congregations. Whole swaths of members have simply stopped coming; COVID is confusing, and polarizing; many ministers have joined the great resignation; and Pew studies and friends alike have pronounced the end of the local church. In this moment, when so many of us might be wondering if we should just give up, and relent, now’s the time instead to double down on our commitment to the local church – this unique community that saves us and also breaks our hearts – often much more of the latter than we’d like to admit. In the midst of our culture of death, the church is a place of life. Or it is, as long as we are willing to bring our own lives to it.
2022 Berry Street Essay, Rev. Mykal Slack
Watch here (Rev. Mykal’s 90 minute address starts at about the 22 minute mark)
“More Faith, Power, and People: Breaking the Cycles That Separate Us From Unitarian Universalism”
Perhaps more than any other time, it matters that we go beyond the surface of what our Unitarian Universalism espouses to be on paper and into who it calls us to be within ourselves, in the communities we call home, and out in the world. What does it mean to give our bodies, minds, and spirits over to the possibility of a faith living out the very best parts of itself? And how do we support one another, as religious professionals, lay leaders, congregants, and community partners, to not just envision, but actually live into a Unitarian Universalism that is robust, innovative, dynamic, and worthwhile for ALL of us? This year's Essay posits that disrupting the cycles of usual understanding and influence is a beginning.
2022 UUA President’s Report, Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray
Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray offers reflections on the challenges and possibilities facing us as Unitarian Universalists. “Joy,” she says, “moves like love, and it feels like freedom.” She speaks to how we might shift our practices and systems to meet the moment with joy rather than fear, as our theology calls us to do, that we might live into a future of love and liberation.
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Worship
Sunday, July 3, 10 a.m.
Recordings & Podcasts
Cycle of Life
Summer Worship Theme
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News & Features
Hiring for Bookkeeper & Assistant Minister
Ushers & Greeters Needed
Pastoral Care in July
COVID Level Update
Joyce Food Shelf
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Happenings
Lunch & Blessing of the Animals
Chalice & Adventure Camps
July Community Sing
Co-op Farm Tour
Summer 2022 at Church
Ongoing Gatherings
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Sunday, July 3 — 10 a.m.
"American Stories"
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On this Fourth of July weekend, we’ll hear different versions of the story of the United States of America. What kinds of stories build resilience and trust and what kinds build fragility and fear? This Sunday we’ll explore how the stories we tell create meaning. |
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Guest preacher Rev. Meg Riley, a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, spent 38 years as a religious professional before retiring in 2020. She now holds the volunteer position of co-moderator of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Mark Caswell, who is this Sunday's storyteller, attends United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and is an aspirant on track for ordination with the UUA. He has been a member at First U for five years, where you may have encountered him as an usher, a small circle facilitator, or in religious education.
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Worship leaders: Rev. Meg Riley, Rev. Kate Tucker, Mark Caswell, Lisa Sinclair, Fawzia Khan, and Tim Kraack
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IN PERSON AT 10 A.M.
In person worship over the summer months is offered as a single service at 10 a.m. Please review our current COVID-19 policies for gathering.
ONLINE AT 10 A.M.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
This Sunday, we are offering childcare for ages 6 months through 3 years but no separate activities for ages 4 to 12 during the service. All ages are welcome in the sanctuary for worship! You can find general information about Summer Sundays for children and youth ages 6 months through 12 years here. |
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6/26: "The World Was Made to Be Free In"
This summer, as we explore the theme of The Bigger Story, we reflect on how we live in stories and also how stories live in us. Spiritual growth can mean giving up stories that have become too small. In this service, join us for a message from Minister Emerita Rev. Kate Tucker, who leads worship alongside Rev. Arif Mamdani, vocalist Aimee K. Bryant, and guest pianist Tim Kraack. Watch the recording here.
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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.
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Summer Worship Theme: A Bigger Story |
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People tell stories. We tell stories about the day ahead of us as we wake in the morning; we tell stories about our lives, what they mean, and how we relate to and meet the ups and downs of our days. We tell stories as groups, too—things like mission statements of organizations we support and belong to, stories about meaning and purpose in our lives. Sometimes, these shared stories become culture. They tell us what’s good or bad, right or wrong, what it means to be human, how to love, what’s “inside the box” and what’s beyond the pale. In a very real way, we live inside these stories, and as these stories change, so do our lives.
This summer, our theme invites us into the stories we tell about ourselves, about each other, and about the wider world, asking us if the stories we tell are “big enough” to hold us? Does our story of gender make room for what’s true in our minds, bodies, and spirits? Does our story of the land have space for the earth to love us? Does our story of courage have room for our truth? And if and when they’re not big enough, what happens when we tell bigger stories together?
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Hiring for Bookkeeper and Assistant Minister |
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Please help us spread the word about two open positions on the church staff that we are currently hiring for! While church members are not eligible for employment with the church, we do appreciate your help ensuring that we receive a broad pool of applicants.
We are currently hiring for an entry level Bookkeeper position, as well as a new half time Assistant Minister position. Find position descriptions and details here.
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Sign Up to Greet and/or Usher on Sunday! |
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Please consider taking a turn ushering and/or greeting this Sunday or another Sunday soon! We're still in need of more folks to help out; you can sign up here.
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Andrea Johnson Leading Pastoral Care in July |
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Rev. Arif and Rev. Jen will both be out on vacation and study leave for much of the month of July. During their absence, Rev. Andrea Johnson will be covering pastoral care for the month of July. This means that if you are in need of pastoral care, please reach out to Rev. Andrea. She can be reached at 612-825-1701 ext 113 or andrea@firstuniv.org.
Rev. Andrea heard her call to ministry here at First Universalist. Prior to seminary, she served the church as a lay-leader in a variety of capacities including as a member of Rev. Justin’s search team, in support of congregational care with Rev. Jen, as a leader in small groups and with UU Wellspring, and as a volunteer in religious education. She recently left her position at the MN Valley UU Fellowship, and is currently working on her Doctorate of Ministry.
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COVID Status Update & Church Policies |
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As of today—Thursday, June 30—the community level of COVID in Hennepin County is back up to MEDIUM as shown on the CDC’s COVID Act Now website.
You can read our most current COVID policies on our website here.
As a reminder about where we are headed, two weeks ago we shared, in part: "Once those vaccines [for ages 6 months to 5 years] are available and a sufficient period of time has passed for households with young children to have had their kids fully vaccinated, we believe we’ll be in a different place with respect to COVID. At that point, and when the CDC COVID Act Now website says that community risk levels are low in Hennepin County, our intent is to have masks be optional in church on Sundays in the sanctuary and for programming during the week. When rates rise to medium or above, we’ll return to requiring masks indoors." You can read that full update in last week’s Liberal.
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Collecting Items for Joyce Food Shelf |
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We are retuning to the ministry of donating food to Joyce Food Shelf. They are right here in Uptown, and their mission is: to distribute food to those in need, with respect and dignity. We stand with everyone seeking to root out the injustices within our current systems and support full equity for all people.
Please bring nonperishable food and household supplies to the shelves in the church lobby near the large Dupont doors. The greatest need right now is for diapers, wipes and ramen.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Lunch & Blessing of the Animals on July 10 |
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On Sunday, July 10 following worship, we will share in a congregational, plant-based lunch (thanks to the Food Solutions crew of the Environmental Justice Team) outdoors under the tent beginning at 11 a.m. after the service.
At about 11:30 a.m., we'll celebrate a Blessing of the Animals, honoring those fuzzy, feathered, and scaly creatures who companion us through life. You are invited to gather under the tent at 11:30 with your live pet—or bring a photo or a collar—to participate in the blessing. You can also opt to join the group dog walk that leaves from church at about noon! All are welcome.
Please note: we invite you to return home for your pet(s) between worship and the blessing. Only service animals are allowed inside the church building, and it's not reliably safe to leave pets in the car this time of year.
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Chalice Camp & Adventure Camp |
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Tuesday, July 5–Friday, July 8, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at church.
Chalice Campers (1st–5th graders) have a full morning, with active games, a children’s chapel with stories and singing, and small group activities. After lunch, Chalice Campers play outside or head to a local park, then return for a closing meeting and choice activities at church. Adventure Campers (6th–8th graders) spend the morning in team building activities including games and cooking. They might share lunch at church or out in the world. Their week will include three fun field trips, such as heading to a lake, water park, or movie for the afternoon.
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Wednesday, July 13, 7–8 p.m.
Join in an hour of summer singing at First U with Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout. We’re getting together for the joy of making music together as a community, and your voice couldn’t be more welcome. No experience or preparation needed. Masks are required. Sign-ups are helpful (sign up here), but not required. All are welcome to help us make the music come alive!
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Climate & Environmental Justice Team Invites You to the 2022 Coop Farm Tour |
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Saturday, July 16
Meet at church at 9 a.m. to organize
The Climate and Environmental Justice (C&EJ) Team would like to invite you to participate in the 2022 Co-op Farm Tour—a great opportunity to “meet the local farmers of the Twin Cities Region.” This farm tour is supported by many of the food co-ops in the Twin Cities and is available to everyone. It is a way to begin connecting the dots of how healthy food is grown locally and where it is available for purchase.
If you have ever wondered what the difference is between organic, sustainable, and regenerative, join us! Gain a clearer understanding of the human health and environmental benefits of food grown with soil health as a major goal. Learn how these agricultural practices are part of solutions to the Climate Crisis.
Questions? Contact Susan Keller at gardenyogi5@gmail.com.
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Get Connected at Church this Summer |
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There are so many ways to connect at church this summer! We've compiled all the opportunities and details here on our Summer 2022 web page. From Sunday community gatherings like our upcoming Blessing of the Animals in July to pastoral and community care groups, faithful action opportunities, and more - there's something beyond Sunday morning worship for everyone at church this summer! |
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Grief Group
Every other Sunday, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom (July 10, July 24...)
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. Zoom information is available here.
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 - 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 (multi-platform)
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom and in Room 209 at church
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).
Parents & Caregivers of Babies and Preschoolers
Third Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Parents/guardians of little ones gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Register here.
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Church Office Open Hours
The church office is open on Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and by appointment on other days of the week.
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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.
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Contact Us
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825 1701
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