Worship
Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m.
Recordings & Podcasts
Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Volunteers Wanted
Celebrating Rev. Jen
Pastoral Care in July
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Happenings
Group Spiritual Direction
Pathway to Membership
CloseKnit Info Session
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Sunday, July 31 — 10 a.m.
"The Transient and the Permanent
in Unitarian Universalism"
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Over the course of our 200-or-so-year history as a denomination, we Unitarian Universalists have undergone considerable change. That doesn't mean that transformation has always--or ever--been easy. In the coming year we are faced with the opportunity to be a part of the sacred task of renewing our faith as both a community and a movement. What can the transcendentalist revolutionaries of early American Unitarianism teach us about what it means to be a living faith tradition today? What truly holds us together in sacred covenant now and into the future? What are the outward manifestations of our shared faith that are ready to be transformed for a new age? |
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Worship leaders: Meleah Houseknecht, Jill Braithwaite, Rev. Kate Tucker, Fawzia Khan, and Franco Holder
Meleah Houseknecht (she/her) is finishing the first year of her Master of Divinity in UU studies at United Theological Seminary. A life-long UU, she has been attending First Universalist since moving to Minnesota in 2011 and has served as co-chair of the Faithful Action Council for the past three-and-a-half years. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband Seth and two boisterous kiddos: Ilana (8) and Isaac (5).
Jill Braithwaite (she/her) has an M.A. in theology and the arts from United Theological Seminary and is currently finishing a Master of Divinity degree there with a concentration in UU Studies. Jill is a long-time member of First Universalist, where she has taught religious education
and First Step classes and has served on the Board of Trustees and Strategic Planning Team.
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IN PERSON AT 10 A.M. (masks required)
In person worship over the summer months is offered as a single service at 10 a.m. Masks are required indoors. Please review our current COVID-19 policies for gathering. Can you help as an usher or greeter? Sign up here!.
ONLINE AT 10 A.M.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
You can find information about Summer Sundays for children and youth ages 6 months through 12 years here. |
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7/24: "The Larger Circle"
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Poet Wendell Berry’s description of “The Larger Circle” as “the circle of all creatures/Passing in and out of life” takes on new meaning as we gaze at – and struggle to comprehend- the 13 billion light-year view of the earliest galaxies in the universe provided by the James Webb telescope. Are those faint smudges even connected to us? Do they matter? How? Or is the question, why? |
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Last Monday morning, Marion Bauer, while sitting in her car in a residential area of south Minneapolis, was accosted by a young man who pointed a gun at her head and robbed her. She asks the congregation to share her deep gratitude that she emerged unharmed and asks, too, to be joined in active concern for all the struggling young people in this troubled society.
The memorial service of two long-time and beloved congregants, Karen and Richard Ziegler, who died 7 months apart in April and November of 2020, will be held at First Universalist Church on Saturday, July 30th at 2 p.m. Watch the livestream of the memorial service here.
We mourn the death and celebrate the life of Syed Ali, beloved husband of MariaAntonietta Ali, father of Sofia Ali, father-in-law of David Caccamo, and grandfather (Nonno) of Adrian, Juliet, and Subin Ali-Caccamo, who died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, July 20th after becoming ill and having surgery a few days prior. A celebration of his life will be held at First Universalist Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 6th. Watch the livestream of the memorial service here.
Our love and care surround the Eller-Isaacs family as they mourn Rob Eller-Isaacs' passing and celebrate his life. Rob, Minister Emeritus of Unity Church Unitarian in St.Paul, died at home in the early morning hours on Saturday, July 23. Services are planned for the fall of this year and we will share that information when it is available.
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 during the month of July, contact Rev. Andrea Johnson at andrea@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Memorial Service Volunteers Needed |
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A memorial service celebrating the life of Syed Ali will be held at First Universalist on August 6 at 11 a.m. The Memorial Service Team is in need of volunteers for the following:
- 3 greeters: 10:30-11:15 a.m.
- 2 servers during the reception: noon to 1:30 p.m.
- 2 to clean up: 1- 2:30 p.m.
- Making bars or cookies for the reception
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Lake Harriet Bandshell Service (and Picnic!):
Mark Your Calendar + Volunteers Needed
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Mark your calendars for one of our favorite services of the year: Sunday, Aug. 21 will be our annual service at the Lake Harriet Bandshell! And after a two year hiatus, this year we will also be enjoying our post-service potluck picnic!
It's been way too long since we've gathered in the grass after a service for food, games, and fellowship. This service and picnic is a big undertaking (we're looking for about 40 helpers in various roles!) and we'd love your help to make it happen, particularly with organizing the potluck. Please let us know if you can help by signing up here, or email Rev. Arif at arif@firstuniv.org.
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Celebrating Jen Crow’s 10-year Ministry |
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This year marks the 10th anniversary of Rev. Jen Crow’s ministry with First Universalist Church, where she has served in a variety of roles since joining us as our minister of Program Life in August, 2012. In May of 2015, members voted to formally call Jen and she subsequently assumed the role of Executive Minister. Three years later in June of 2018, members voted to approve the Board’s recommendation for Jen to become co-Senior minister with Justin Schroeder. For the past year, Jen has been serving as our solo senior minister. This fall will be a time to celebrate Jen’s ministry with our congregation! Upcoming liberal articles will feature the many ways Jen’s leadership has enhanced our congregation. Starting in early September there will be opportunities for everyone to contribute stories and express gratitude for Jen.
On Sunday, September 18, our congregation will celebrate Jen’s contributions to our church community during and after both services. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this important event!
The Celebration Team
George Dow, Rev. Andrea Johnson, Cindy Marsh, Ginny McAninch, Tom Saterstrom,
Rev. Sara Smalley, Bette DeMars (chair)
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"Connections to the Natural World" Art Exhibit |
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Now in the Social Hall, featuring photos taken by congregants, collected by the Climate & Environmental Justice Team. |
The images, which were projected during the 2022 Earth Day celebration, are now on display in the Social Hall. Photographers share where their photos were taken along with a brief description of how nature inspired them.
All of the photos are for sale with profits going to our church’s climate and environmental justice work.
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Faithful Action News: Opportunities to Take Action |
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Faithful Action is how we describe our justice ministry. It is where justice work and personal spiritual growth intersect; we act on our faith!
Our Faithful Action Teams are in the process of assembling information about a wide variety of opportunities - from learning to volunteering to advocacy - for you this summer. We invite you to read our July/August Faithful Action News and pick an opportunity or two that speaks to you. We'll be adding to this as we go along, so check back later for more opportunities as well! |
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Andrea Johnson Leading Pastoral Care in July |
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Rev. Arif and Rev. Jen are both out on vacation and study leave for much of the month of July. During their absence, Rev. Andrea Johnson is 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.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Group Spiritual Direction:
Finding Your Way in a Broken World
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Mondays, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 7–8 p.m. on Zoom
A pandemic is wreaking havoc across the globe, hate and bigotry are rising, and our personal challenges do not evaporate in the wake of world upheaval. Illness, family dysfunction, abuse, economic distress, and more continue to plague us even as the world seems to be falling apart. What can we do? Is there a spiritual solution? Gather with other seekers who are finding direction in these challenging times. Facilitator: Frederic McDonald-Dennis, First U member
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Rescheduled to Thursday, Aug. 4, 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom (1-session class)
Pathway to Membership is a class for those who want to become members. Learn at your own pace through online videos, then come to class to reflect and discuss with fellow new members. Facilitator: Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator
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Wednesday, Aug. 3, 7–8:15 p.m. under the tent at church
First Universalist is exploring a new Faithful Action partnership with Closeknit: Loving Youth out of Homelessness. Learn about CloseKnit, discover how you might become involved, and expand your understanding of youth homelessness and the systemic racial, economic and structural and barriers that family and friends face when they try to support young people seeking housing. Facilitators: Jacqueline White, CloseKnit Founder and Executive Director, and Karen Heegard, Peg Mitchell, and Polly Talen, First U members
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Shaping Spiritual Growth: Charting Our Course |
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Thursdays, Aug. 11 and 25, 7:30–9 p.m. on Zoom
One way we live out the mission and vision of First Universalist Church is by doing spiritual development together in community – in small groups, on faithful action teams, working for liberation, in classes and support groups and shared spiritual practice. In this conversation series, we’ll explore foundational approaches to spiritual growth and maturity, and we’ll discuss our spiritual needs both as individuals and as a community.
Facilitated by Lauren Wyeth, Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages, this series is designed for those who are interested in understanding and shaping how we support spiritual growth in our congregation. Come be part of charting our church’s future plans and programming.
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Pastoral & Community Care Groups |
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Grief Group
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. Facilitator: Rev. Stephanie Vos, community minister and First U member
Caregivers Group
Sunday, Aug. 7, 1–2:30 p.m. on Zoom Register
Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or a child with a chronic health condition, this group offers mutual support, connection, and community building. Facilitator: Rev. Arif
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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 the return of our potluck picnic after our Lake Harriet Bandshell service in August 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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Association of Universalist Women (AUW)
Summer Gatherings
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AUW Happy Hour
A time to connect with other church women on Thursdays at 7 p.m. on Zoom Join here (Meeting ID: 817 4022 5684; Password: 675052).
AUW Hiking Group
Meets most Saturdays at a park or trailhead. To get on the mailing list, send your name and email address to Linda Hammersten.
AUW Women Who Read Book Club
We read books written exclusively 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.
AUW Game Group
Meets second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Request an email invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your name and email address to Anne Frenchick.
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The Association of Universalist Women (AUW) sponsors activities for people who identify as
women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.
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Church Office & Building Access by Appointment Only in July
The church office is open by appointment only during the month of July. For pastoral care, call Rev. Andrea Johnson at 612-825-1701 ext 113 or email andrea@firstuniv.org. For building access, reach out to Facilities Manager Tracy Van Epps at tracy@firstuniv.org
Wednesday office open hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will resume in August!
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit church 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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