Holding Things Together

Dear Ones,

I know that you all have heard by now that my Dad passed away this past Saturday. I was so grateful to be able to be with him for the week leading up to his death. There were a lot of hard moments, and there was a lot of grace, too. Thank you for holding things at church here so that I could be there. 

My Dad started attending the UU Congregation of Columbia, Maryland, in 2019, just a few months before his diagnosis with the cancer that would ultimately kill him. He joined looking for community and for some Sunday morning inspiration - but mostly to make new friends and share in the mutual support that would bring. Over the 4+ years he attended (and ultimately joined) the church, he became an every Sunday attender in person and over zoom. During the pandemic, a small group of older folks from the church who lived alone formed a pod with each other - meeting up to share meals outside or gather at each others' homes for book groups and to support each other. These are the folks who took my Dad to chemo and literally picked him up off the floor, who brought him meals and took him out to concerts - especially the folk concerts at church where he sent me a picture of him with Ellis Delaney one Sunday evening. 

In his last week, my Dad's minister visited him and me several times. She was there all day with us when things were the absolute worst, supporting us both. When the hospice nurse arrived in the middle of that day, the minister took orders from her and drove through a snow storm to the pharmacy to get the medicine we needed to help him be more comfortable, and my Dad's closest friend from church was at his side calming him and reminding him of who he was when the pain of it all hit. They've been right next to me ever since. 

If you ever wonder if what we do matters, it does. It was church that gave my Dad the song he listened to for comfort and that he's asked for at his memorial service. It was church that gave him a place to go every Sunday, where they noticed and replaced his regular chair in the sanctuary with one that had arms he could use to boost himself up to stand for the hymns. It was the membership coordinator that finally helped him know his place in the congregation more fully, and helped him embrace the fact that he not only needed them, but they needed him, too. It was church that taught him what Black Lives Matters means, and how to welcome trans and non-binary people into his life without judgement. It was church that held him through the shock of his initial diagnosis and the almost 4 years of treatments and challenges, and helped him to face his death with courage and dignity. And it is church that is holding us now as we prepare to celebrate his life. He joined for community - and he - and we - are receiving so much more. 

I'm going to be out this week and next as we clear out his apartment and try to start adjusting to life without my Dad. This time will allow me to ease into the already planned sabbatical time I've scheduled for the month of February. My heart is broken but buoyed up, and I'm just too tender to be at work right now. I'm so grateful to all of you, and especially to Rev. Arif and Rev. Ashley and the Board, for holding things together (as we pray in worship). I'm already missing you and the sacred work we do together, and I know that I need time for my heart to begin to mend so that I can return fully. Thank you for being a place that supports all of our care and wholeness. I'm so glad to be in this with you. 

In gratitude,

Rev. Jen

Intro

Holding Things Together



Sunday Worship

"Wall Space: When Voices Dare to Make Visions"

This Sunday, Jan. 28,

9 & 11 a.m. services

Low-sensory space

Congregational Meeting

Service Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Winter / Spring Programs

Sign-Up Sunday

Circle Suppers

Buffalo Star People

Intro to Meditation

#Joyspotting

Art Making

Knitting

Quilting

Transcendentalists

Community Dinner

Sacred Sweeping

Writing Spiritual Journey

Saturday Sprouts

Centering Prayer

Combating Fascism

Daytime Connections

Neurodivergent Adults

Meditation Group

Fifth Grade OWL

Pastoral & Community Care

Chalice Lighting Group

Grief Group

Caregivers Group

Faithful Action

Habitat for Humanity

Multicultural Democracy

Democracy on Film

Spiritual Centering

News

Listening Session

Church Directory

Foundation Nominations

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

Brain Health Event, MUUSJA, Transforming Conflict, 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.

Wall Space: When Voices Dare to Make Visions

In the crucible of community, the unique vision of each individual not only reshapes our common goal but experiences a transformation itself. Picture a mosaic, where every piece is indispensable to the whole. Our shared dream materializes as we each offer a piece of our hearts, contributing to a greater design. This dance of unity within individuality beckons you to unearth your unique strengths, to learn how they can enliven our visionary aspirations. It's about the breathtaking tableau we craft when we are harmonized in purpose and spirit, and how this sense of purpose threads through the tapestry of our everyday existence and builds through us a greater tomorrow. This is our collective mosaic–a pulsing, resonant manifestation of our faith community's future.

Join us this Sunday, January 28, at 9 & 11 a.m. as we explore our January theme, "Making Space."

Worship Info

IN PERSON AND ONLINE AT 9 & 11 A.M.

In person at 9 a.m.

In person and livestreamed at 11 a.m. Watch the livestream here. 

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

CHILDREN & YOUTH

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.

LOW-SENSORY SPACE

This space is for children in K-5 who are overstimulated or overwhelmed by the sensory input of the sanctuary, including noise, light, and movement. All children who are in the low-sensory space must be accompanied by one of their grown-ups at all times. 

The entrance to this space is through Room 104 on the lower level of the education wing close to the parking lot. There is a small room inside of the 104 classroom where we are trying out the low-sensory space.

AFTER WORSHIP

Sign-up Sunday in the Cummins Room - after 9 a.m. service ONLY

Learn how to get connected at church!

Member Registration and Sign In for Annual Meeting - Social Hall at 10 a.m. or Cummins Room at 12 p.m. 

Coffee Hour in the Social Hall

Visit with old friends and meet new ones over coffee and cookies in our social hall.

Mid-Year Congregational Meeting

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

Members must Register to Attend (please register early using the link, whether you plan to be in person or virtual)

In-person Member Registration and Sign In - Social Hall at 10 a.m. or Cummins Room at 12 p.m. 

Members of First Universalist Church are invited to the Mid-Year Congregational Meeting. A light lunch will be served in the Social Hall at 12:15.

Friends of the church may observe in person or via livestream on YouTube.

See website for more details.

Materials:

Agenda

Jill Braithwaite Ordination Request Video

Proposed Visionary Goals

Finance & Stewardship Update (available on Sunday)

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

Our love is with Rev. Jen and her family as they mourn the death of Jen's father Cliff who died on Friday night. We hold Rev. Jen, Loretta, Henry, and Kate, as well as Jen's brother Chris and his family. We also hold in our care and prayers everyone who loves Jen's dad as they trust and let him go into the love that is so much bigger than anyone of us. Send Rev. Jen your prayers by clicking here.

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.

Sign-Up Sunday

Sunday, January 28, in the Cummins Room, after 9 a.m. service ONLY

Learn about the variety of ways to get involved and get connected at church through volunteering, justice teams, and other opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. Members from our justice teams, church committees, and our small group leaders will be excited to chat with you about what they’ve got going on and how you can join them.

Circle Suppers - Registration Closing Jan. 26!

Saturdays, Feb. 3, March 2, April 6; 6 p.m. at congregants’ homes

Registration Required by Jan. 26

Be sure to register right away--Circle Suppers will be closed for sign-ups before Sign-Up Sunday.



Circle Suppers bring together people across our church community for a potluck dinner on the first Saturday, February through April. Sign up to host once or simply be a guest. A treasured part of our community prior to Covid, we hope you will join us in restarting this rewarding experience, where you get to know fellow UUs on a more personal level. Registration closes Jan. 26.

Buffalo Star People Presentation

Monday, January 29, 10 a.m. to noon in Room 209 of First Universalist

Francis and Barbara Bettelyoun, founders of Buffalo Star People, a South Dakota educational non-profit, will lead a presentation and discussion on healing the intergenerational trauma that has been endured by Native Peoples for the last four centuries and continues today. Francis is an educator of land-based cultural history, food ecosystems and sustainable life skills, and Barbara is a doctor of clinical psychology and a forensic interviewer of children who have alleged abuse. 

Hosted by the Environmental Justice Team

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

Sundays, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 25, March 10, 24; 4-5 p.m. on Zoom

Registration Required

Facilitated by Pam Berry 

This course will consist of five 60-minute sessions. The topics will include: Mindfulness of the Body, Mindfulness of Emotions, Mindfulness of Thoughts, and Lovingkindness Meditation. Please plan to attend as many sessions as possible as each session will build upon the former sessions. (Registration capped at 12.)

Deep Winter #Joyspotting

Join/participate as you’re able, February-April

Registration Recommended to receive email prompts

This is an online practice that will include weekly email prompts. Joy is not just a feeling, but a spiritual practice. Join a group of us seeking and spotting joy as a spiritual practice in the depths of winter. We'll offer weekly email and social media prompts to help you cultivate joy and we invite you to share your "joyspotting" via social media with each other and our wider community with the hashtags #deepwinterjoyspotting and #FirstUnivPractice

Art Making

All Sundays in February and March, 1 p.m.  Room 206 at church

Registration Required

Facilitated by Kate Guin and Denise Konen

Creating art as a spiritual practice is similar to other meditative practices. The goal is not the output, but to bathe the mind and soul. We will support each other in using creativity on a regular basis to increase wellness and spiritual connection. 

Knitting

Sundays, Feb. 4 & March 3 at 1 p.m. April 7 at noon (March and April dates subject to change). In person at church

Registration Requested

Facilitated by Merinda Brayfield

Knitting can be soothing and meditative. It invites us to slow down and take things one stitch at a time. It teaches us patience as well as trust and faith in your own abilities. 

Quilting

Sundays, Feb. 4, March 3, April 7; 3-5 p.m. on zoom Sundays, Feb. 18, March 17, April 21; 3-5 p.m. In person

Registration Required

Facilitated by Chris Chiros 

Chris writes: Quilting is a spiritual practice for me in multiple ways. The creativity fills my cup and thus is an act of self-care. And, it connects me to the greater community. Many of the quilts I make are donated either to the individuals I know (or know of) who are struggling and perhaps don't have a loved one who can make a quilt for them to cocoon into like a warm hug, or to organizations that are asking for quilts. I appreciate that my spiritual practice may bring comfort to another.

You Might be a Transcendentalist if…

Sundays, Feb. 4, March 24; 1:30-3pm, April 28; 4-5:30 p.m. in person at church Registration Required

Facilitated by Dale Schwie and Rev. Arif Mamdani

This group will explore Transcendentalism through engagement with one of its best known works, Walden by Henry David Thoreau.Transcendentalism is an important thread within Unitarian Universalism and deeply influenced and continues to inform how we view religion and the practice of what we know today as Unitarian Universalism. In other words, chances are good that you’re at least ¼ Transcendentalist, whether you know it or not.

Wednesday, Feb. 7, Family Pre-Party 5-6 p.m.; Dinner 6-7:30 p.m. in the Social Hall

RSVP REQUESTED

Menu: red beans and rice



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. Menu available on our website, a week in advance. We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free. Our February dinner will include a celebration of all who serve as church volunteers, helping with events, boards, committees, classes, congregational care, faithful action, groups, gatherings, hospitality, facilities, childcare, admin and worship. Thank you!

Sacred Sweeping: Exploring Spirituality in Cleaning Together

Thursdays, Feb. 8, 22, March 7, 21, April 4, 18; 10-11:30 a.m. on zoom

Registration Required

Facilitated by Dallas Rising

Through shared intentions and gentle practices, we come together to create an environment that fosters peace, balance, and connection. Our gathering will be a blend of mindful cleaning time, meaningful discussions, and shared exploration around cleaning as spiritual practice. Whether you love to clean or it's something you avoid at all costs, there is a place for you in this group.

Writing Your Spiritual Journey

Fridays, Feb. 9, 23, March 8, 22, April 5, 19; 1:30 to 3 p.m. Library at church

Registration Required

Facilitated by Marion Dane Bauer

Before each session, you will receive a range of quotes on topics from "Suffering and Struggle" to "Gratitude and Joy" followed by questions to consider as writing prompts. When we gather, each participant will share either a portion of your written response to the questions or whatever thoughts the topic may have brought up for you. (Registration capped at 10 participants.) 

Saturday Sprouts for Families: Now Monthly!

Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to noon

RSVP Requested

Both adult and kid programming will be themed around love in the tradition of previous years' "Family Hearty Party." Snacks and beverages provided for all ages.

Saturday Sprouts is a new opportunity for families to be nourished in community, deepen relationships, and grow together in our First U values and faith. Saturday Sprouts includes time for family worship, parent & caregiver support, and play, formation, and creative time for our kids and youth. These gatherings are for children in grades 5 and younger, and for folks parenting kids and youth of all ages. Both parent and kid programming will connect with our monthly worship themes. Light snacks and beverages are provided for all ages.

Read more about Saturday Sprouts and other gatherings for children and families. 

Centering Prayer

Sundays, Feb. 11, March 17, April 21; 1-2:30 p.m. in person at church

Registration Required

Facilitated by Dick Young 

Centering Prayer is a meditation practice that opens you to your higher power. It has the power to heal you while also opening you to characteristics that separate you from your higher power.

Combating Fascism Within, Among & Beyond

Sundays, Feb. 11, 1-2:30p; March 10, 1-3p; April 7, 1-2:30p; April 28, 1-3p; in person at church

Registration Required

As UUs we hold inclusive democratic decision making to be a matter of sacred values--it is an outgrowth of our belief in justice, equity, pluralism, and interdependence. 

Yet, in this time of increasing authoritarian rhetoric and public threats from white nationalists, there is little doubt that our democracy is in peril. This workshop series will offer an opportunity to learn and reflect more deeply on: 

1) What we can do to recognize and combat fascist tactics and thinking, including in our communities and in ourselves.

2) What we as UUs distinctly have to offer the broader project of defending liberal democracy, including how our history and theologies give us particular moral authority to defend and promote democracy on behalf of our religious values.

3) The work we must do in order to be authentic and effective proponents of the inclusive and liberatory society to which we have committed ourselves, including naming hard truths, personal transformation and risk-taking, social witness, and political action. 

We will use a number of texts and videos as launching points for discussion and deep exploration. Handouts will be provided for most of the readings. Two very short books will be used (both retail for under $15 and are available in multiple formats from the Hennepin County Library). For a full list of materials see the workshop series site. Facilitated by members Meleah Houseknecht, seminarian, and Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson.

Daytime Connections

Thursday, Feb 15th 10am 

9:45AM coffee. 10AM Presentation in the Social Hall and on Zoom.

12:00 lunch available or bring your own. 

Laugh with Lorna Landvik  



Minnesota author of thirteen novels, a Dudley Riggs alum, Lorna Landvik loves creating characters on the page or on the stage that will make you laugh, cry, think and feel. Her newest book, Last Circle of Love, is about a group of wily church members who decide to raise money for their church by creating and selling a book they jokingly refer to as the ABCs of Erotica. 

Please Please register here  by Monday Feb 12 to facilitate planning.

Adult Neurodivergent Peer Support

Dates TBD. Register to be informed about upcoming gatherings of this currently-forming group.

Being a neurodivergent adult comes with its own unique challenges and experiences. We’re looking to create a support group to help one another navigate and spend time with other adults like us. Hosted by Merinda Brayfield.

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.

Fifth Grade OWL Registration Open

5th grade OWL (Our Whole Lives) at First Universalist is an opt-in class. If you choose not to opt-in and specifically register your child, they will continue to attend their regular RE programming. There is a mandatory parent/caregiver registration for 5th grade OWL on Saturday, March 2, 2024. 5th grade OWL classes will begin Sunday, March 3, 2024, and conclude Sunday, May 12, 2024. There are no RE classes on Sunday, March 31, 2024 nor on Sunday, April 7, 2024. A calendar of classes will be shared at the parent/caregiver orientation. Registration for 5th grade OWL is NOW OPEN! Registration can be found HERE. Please email Claire Tralle (claire@firstuniv.org) with any questions. 

Daily Chalice Lighting Text Loop

Earlier this year, we cared for a few members of the church through a daily chalice lighting and blessing practice. Each morning, a small group of people would receive a chalice lighting or words of blessing, along with a photo of a lit chalice. Often, members of the group would share photos of their chalices in return. Sometimes members would share their own readings and/or reflections. Always, love and care was shared, whether through words or simply the knowledge of shared presence.

For the month of February, we’d like to open this up a bit more to an experiment or “beta test” and offer a similar daily blessing or chalice lighting via group text (aka text loop). If you sign-up, you’ll be placed in a small group of others and at the start of February, your group leader will send out a text each morning with a lit chalice photo accompanied by chalice lighting words or words of blessing. You are welcome to reply to the group in whatever way feels right to you - with words, with a reading or blessing of your own, a photo of a chalice, or nothing at all - you can also just receive.

This is an experiment. There will likely be some bumps. We are figuring it out. And it will likely be beautiful and really pretty amazing.

Sign up here

Grief Group (online)

Sundays, Feb. 4, 18, March 3, 17, April 7, 21, May 5, 19, 4-5:30 p.m. on Zoom

Registration Required

The Grief Group meets second and fourth Sundays on Zoom. It is 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. We will be here for you.

Facilitated by Mark Caswell, church member and Ministerial Aspirant

Caregivers group (online)

Sundays, Feb. 11, March 10, April 14, May and June TBD by group; 1-2:30 p.m. on Zoom

Registration Required

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. 

Facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister

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.

There is not much that is more inspiring than working with others toward a shared goal. We always end Habitat days feeling better about the world, even if we are cold, dirty, and have a few dings.

Our drop of sweat combines with others to make a piece of the puzzle that culminates in a new home for someone. Our time, multiplied by others, is awesomely powerful.

The home building effort of Habitat is a hand up, not a hand out. The future

homeowners work closely with Habitat to get their family into a home of their own, and

we couldn't be prouder to be part of a family's transition to home ownership.

It is fun to meet new volunteers, to reconnect with volunteer pals, to meet some

of the future homeowners, to learn home building techniques. Being a Habitat for Humanity volunteer reminds us of the power of community to change people's lives and our world: one day, one family, one house at a time. We are thrilled to be part of that community. We have learned again and again that community is essential for effecting social change.



Karen Parson and Bill McTeer

Multicultural Democracy in MN: First U’s Team Launch

Volunteer launch (recommended but not required): Sunday, Jan. 28; 2-8 p.m. at Neighborhood House in St. Paul (179 Robie St. E.). First U congregants will attend the launch together. Register separately for the launch & dinner at Neighborhood House. Then, contact Karen Wills to be on the First U Democracy Team that will mutually decide when to meet.

Direct action to strengthen an inclusive multicultural democracy brings us together to live into our UU 5th Principle of “supporting the democratic process.” Join the launch of our First U Democracy Team! Begin, if you can, at the “We Choose Us MN” retreat on Jan. 28 (dinner included), then come to monthly meetings at times to be determined by First U team members. Want to be in the loop, but can’t join the launch or attend meetings? No problem, you can still “be the change!”  Contact First U member and MUUSJA Democracy Strategist Karen Wills at kwmuusja@gmail.com or 612-270-6559.

First Fridays: Democracy on Film

Fridays, Feb. 2, March 1, April 5, May 3; 6:30-9 p.m. Online only. Register for the zoom link to join the watch party from home.

Every organizer needs relaxation, and some may enjoy some (virtual) company, community, and inspiration from classic pro-democracy films to help us get through 2024. At First Friday Films, we will light a chalice and check in using Zoom at 6:30, then watch a movie together from our own devices, starting at 7:00pm. As participants watch together online, we build a sense of shared community. We’ll start with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington on Friday, Feb. 2, then choose other films by group vote. Register on the zoom link to be in the loop about the group’s future film showings! Other films could include A Face in the Crowd, Strong Female Lead, All the President's Men, Malcolm X, The Candidate, Election, Lincoln, Primary, Shouting Down Midnight, and Milk. Online gathering hosted by First U member Karen Wills. 

Spiritual Centering for Justice Seekers

Sundays, Feb. 11, March 10, April 14, May 12; 7-8 p.m. on zoom. Drop In; Register for the zoom link and attend as you’re able.

How do we create sustainable practices in this age of burnout and compassion fatigue? This monthly online group from MUUSJA brings together UU's across Minnesota to nourish the spirit and strengthen solidarity among those committed to social justice work in 2024. It offers spiritual practices to fuel, nurture, and support your justice work, and connects you with supportive colleagues across Minnesota UU congregations, so all are stronger and more effective. Facilitated by MUUSJA's spiritual director, UU Rev. Leslie Mills. Contact First U Member Karen Wills with questions. 

Board Listening Session Reflections

Dear Board of Trustees,

I am writing to express my appreciation for the meeting Wednesday evening, after the Community Dinner. I was pleased to see the breakout session offered. Back in the day we worked hard to have the Trustees known to the congregation. That unfortunately fell by the wayside quite a few years ago. So my spirits were buoyed just by the invitation. Conversation at the dinner table got us off to a good start. Dick reported that the Finance Committee was being resurrected and he had agreed to be on it. Lou was also at our table and gave us a sneak peek into the governance work he and Sarah are taking the lead on.  

It was a pleasure to see so many Trustees present and in listening mode. And a good number of congregants, asking questions but also in listening mode. Knowing that better communications are on the Trustee's radar, as is a review of governance, enlivened many of us. I hope you all heard how willing many of us are to be useful in getting things back on track. 

I am hopeful that such opportunities will happen regularly. Maybe quarterly? 

As I mentioned at the meeting, my volunteer time at church these past few years has been in Membership, with Liz. I meet the new people who are finding us. Our faith tradition is relevant and needed. The delight and relief we all felt when we found First Universalist is being replicated. I know the Board of Trustees, the Ministers and the staff are working hard to make things happen. And, you have talented, knowledgeable, energetic and willing congregants to support you all in the work. In the words of one of our beloved ministers, we've got each other's back, we can do this. 

In hope and gratitude,

Ginny McAninch

P.S. Trustees as ushers and greeters this morning! Fun to see.

Church Directory Update

Our church member directory will be temporarily unavailable due to our database vendor’s decision to end support for our database product. This has required a change in our database platform and we are moving through the transition, prioritizing the core aspects of church - tracking pastoral contacts, internal communications, and giving. As we move through this transition, we expect to have our new member directory available for members to access sometime in February. If you need contact info for a member or members in the interim, please contact Liz Farmer. We would greatly appreciate help in the transition and onboarding our congregation to the new directory. If you’re technically skilled and available to help, please contact Liz Farmer.

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.



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.

MUUSJA Workshop: Supporting Survivors

Thursday, February 1 from 10 – 11:30am, Online via Zoom

Facilitated by Rebecca Donley

Register here

Intimate partner violence and sexual abuse are issues that impact us all. We all have family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and congregation members who are survivors of abuse, and we may be survivors ourselves. But how many of us know someone who is a trauma-informed advocate for survivors? This 90 minute skill share is to help us all build up our toolbox for supporting survivors of abuse, so we can create a larger pool of skilled advocates ready to hold space for survivors and their families.

Join Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA) and Rebecca Donley on Zoom for this important workshop. Here is a FB Event page to share if you'd like.

Rebecca Donley (she/her) began work in the field of domestic violence support over twenty years ago. She has provided trainings on intimate partner violence on the local, state, and national levels. She has spent thousands of hours holding space for survivors as a crisis line advocate for various hotlines. Rebecca has also trained and supported survivor advocates and other service providers. She currently organizes the project Community Advocates Creating Healing Everywhere (CACHE), to support community members in building trauma-informed advocacy skills to support survivors and their families.

Transforming Conflict

A Workshop with Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

Saturday, February 3 | 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Parish Hall at Unity Church-Unitarian and online via Zoom

Please register by January 29

Transforming Conflict treats conflict as an opportunity to learn and grow, both individually and institutionally. Exploring new understandings of how our bodies and minds respond to conflict, Rev. Cooley offers concrete strategies for personal growth and healthy congregational functioning...

-From the back cover of Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil

In this workshop, we'll explore some of the root causes behind conflict, learn about how to create a new culture of learning, explore tools for change, and engage with case studies to help us embody these learnings. After lunch, members of individual congregations will meet to explore how to take these learnings into their congregations.

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: Monday, February 12, 2024 11 a.m. rally at the Minnesota state capital rotunda to demand passage of Minnesota’s equal rights amendment with updated, inclusive language in 2024.

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

AUW Spring Retreat

April 26-28, 2024

Camp Courage, Annandale, MN

Igniting Change

The Light we Carry in a Barbie World

We’ve been talking a lot in these blurbs about all the things we have PLANNED for this retreat, all the offerings, what our themes are, our breakout sessions… 

Yet one of our most radical and important offerings is:

REST

If you want a break from the go faster, produce more, consume more lifestyle, this retreat is for you. If you find yourself tender and tired, this retreat is for you. Maybe you allow yourself to be cared for, your feelings held in the safe embrace of community. Maybe you sleep in. Or maybe you wake early to go birdwatching and walk the labyrinth in meditative quiet. Perhaps you want to string up a hammock and read in the woods. If you need space, this retreat is for you. Grab a private room and enjoy it, and stop by for your three hot meals a day. If you want to snuggle into a sofa in a common room, read a novel, and do a puzzle, getting to know others who pass through, this retreat is for you. Nothing we offer at this retreat is required. This time is for you and about you. We hope you recognize what you need and give yourself the grace to do just that. 

For those who want to slow down, the following might appeal: yoga, massage, acupuncture, swimming, guided nature walks, miles of trails for independent/solo walks, sound bathing, campfires, game room, puzzles, and fellowship.

Register HERE!

Save the Date: AUW Winter Event is coming up on February 17, 12 noon - 2 pm. A light lunch buffet will be served. Admission to this event is free to members and $10 for nonmembers. The AUW Board is offering attendees the opportunity to help select this year's recipient nonprofit that will receive a $1000 donation from AUW. The candidates are: : Cornerstone Advocacy, Family Tree Medical and UnRestrict Minnesota.

ACTION: Contact your legislators to request their vote on ERA Bills early in 2024 Session so ERA can be on the General Ballot for all voters in November 2024.

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 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.

February 3 - 2pm, Meet at Lake Nokomis at Main Beach Building, 4955 West Lake Nokomis Parkway. Minneapolis, MN. 55417. Park in pay lot or on Parkway. Lynn will lead.

February 10 - 2pm, Minnehaha Falls, 4801 South Minnehaha Drive, Mpls., MN 55417. Pay lot or park on streets. Meet at the frozen Falls. Marie will lead.

February 17 - 2pm, Cedar Lake, Meet on path across from house at 2101 Cedar Lake Parkway. There is free parking on 21st street there. (Some people do not want to pay and this gives clear address to meet at). Lynn will lead.

February 24 - 2024 2pm Lake Harriet , Meet at Bandshell, pay lot or park on Parkway for free. 4135 Lake Harriet Parkway, Mpls., MN 55410 Marie will lead.

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 February 8. 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, February 26. We will be discussing

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray 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.