Happy Resurrection

Dear Ones,

In the heart of my hometown, where history whispers through the streets and resilience is the rhythm of daily life, Easter transforms into a powerful act of collective affirmation. Here, the traditional "Happy Easter" is replaced with a declaration that resonates with deeper meaning: "Happy Resurrection." This isn't just a change in terminology; it's an emblem of defiance, a communal vow that we are more than the sum of our struggles. It's a proclamation that echoes against the backdrop of challenges, asserting that life, in its purest, most indomitable form, will always rise.

"Happy Resurrection" becomes our creed, a testament to our shared belief in the ultimate triumph of life over the forces that seek to confine and define us. It's a reflection of a community's undying faith that, despite the darkness of injustice and the weight of history, our collective narrative is one of unyielding pursuit of liberation.

Embedded within this tradition is the essence of the sixth principle of Unitarian Universalism—a clarion call for a world grounded in peace, liberty, and justice for all. This principle challenges us not just to hope but to act, to embody the conviction that a more just and peaceful world is not merely a dream but a destination. "Happy Resurrection" is our battle cry, urging us to march towards this vision with unwavering resolve.

But the Easter message, as it resonates through the streets of my hometown, doesn't stop at mere defiance. It invites us to a deeper contemplation of the stories we choose to draw from our collective experience. In every encounter, we stand at a crossroads: Do we extract narratives of hope or despair? Do we celebrate our mutual victories, or do we linger over each other's failings? This choice is the crucible in which the greater story of life is forged.

Thus, as we greet one another with "Happy Resurrection," we're reminded of our agency in shaping the world's narrative. Each interaction becomes a decision point—how we see and what we choose to believe in each other. This is the faith work of a justice-seeking people: to choose to see the potential for peace and love in every soul we meet, to hold fast to a belief in their possibility, even when such faith seems unfounded.

This Easter, what if our affirmations served not only as testaments to our capacity to instigate meaningful change but also as prompts to engage deeply with every soul we encounter. Can we mine our shared experiences for tales of resilience or resignation? Will we amplify the echoes of triumph, or will we underscore the moments of faltering? This selection process crafts the larger narrative of our existence.

We're called to make deliberate choices about our perspectives and beliefs concerning those around us. This is the essence of justice work—opting to see beyond the immediate, to envision the seeds of peace and love in every individual, even when evidence seems scarce.

In this season of reflection and renewal, what narratives will you choose to elevate? How will you demonstrate your belief in the boundless potential for peace, love, and justice in our world?

With that, dear one, I say all the way from my heart in the spirit of my home and my many rebirths: Happy Resurrection. In this season of renewal, what stories will you choose to tell? What will be rising in you?



Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

Pledge update:

As of 3/28, we are closing in on $1 million dollars in committed donations on our $1.6 million goal. That goal represents staff and programming as it right now, with some very modest increases to help build resilience and sustainability for our staff team. If you’re a sustainer who gives automatically, please do let us know your plans for your giving next year. If you haven’t let us know your plans, please do asap. Your commitments make up the budget we work with for the year. We need to know the budget we’re working with asap so that if staff layoffs are required, we can do so in a thoughtful and compassionate way. 

Intro

Happy Resurrection

Sunday Worship

Easter Sunday

This Sunday, March 31,

9 & 11 a.m.

Choir Rehearsals

Worship Info

Service Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Winter / Spring Programs

Summer Program Planning

Adult OWL

Saturday Sprouts

Knitting

Quilting

Membership Class

Community Dinner

Daytime Connections

Centering Prayer

Meditation

Cultivating Joy

Neurodivergent Adults

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Caregivers Group

Estrangement from

Adult Children

Faithful Action

First Fridays Film

Common Ground

Immigrant Solidarity

News

Breeze

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

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.

Easter Sunday

This Easter, what if our affirmations served not only as testaments to our capacity to instigate meaningful change but also as prompts to engage deeply with every soul we encounter. Can we mine our shared experiences for tales of resilience or resignation? Will we amplify the echoes of triumph, or will we underscore the moments of faltering? This selection process crafts the larger narrative of our existence.

In this season of reflection and renewal, what narratives will you choose to elevate? How will you demonstrate your belief in the boundless potential for peace, love, and justice in our world?

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

Join us this Sunday, March 31 at 9 & 11 a.m., as we explore our March theme, "Expressing Humility."

Choir Is Back And There's A Place for You!

Choir is rehearsing every Thursday from 7-9 p.m., and sharing a musical offering about once a month on a Sunday.

Please fill out the Choir Interest Form here.

Visit the Choir's web page to see the rehearsal and Sunday service schedule.

Worship Info

IN PERSON AND ONLINE

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

Coffee Hour in the Social Hall

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

From Last Sunday's Service:

"I want to be mycelium when I grow up.

I want to become less afraid to compost my own stories, more awed by my body's simultaneous decay and persistence,

more willing to make a pathway of my heart's vulnerability to those around me. How do we metabolize death and pain in our bodies in real time, how do we move through that pain so we can keep being present to life and growth?" - Rev. Ashley Harness, Assistant Minister, First U

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

Our thoughts are with Lisa and Stewart, Elizabeth and Oscar, on the death of Lisa's stepfather, Jerome Brophy, on March 23rd. May the love that they shared remain always in their hearts.

The Caring Corner in the library has cards for those who want to send well wishes to people suffering or celebrating. Stop by the library to share a message of love and care.

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.

Me, Myself, and OWL: an OWL Class for the Unattached

Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29; 7-9 p.m. Room 201 at church

Registration Required

As the Adult OWL Program continues to grow, we are offering our first affinity group OWL Session. Over a series of 4 weeks, we will explore aspects of sexuality relating to boundaries, fantasy, pleasure, communication, and identify. We will focus most of our discussions on newly forming or potentially forming relationships. This group is an opportunity for individuals to grow individually, not a small dating group. Please note that Older Adult OWL (ages 55+) will be offered in a two-part series during the Fall/Spring of 2024/2025. Facilitated by members Claire Tralle and CT Neal-Hermann

Saturday Sprouts

Join us on Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m.-noon for our March and Easter Saturday Sprouts gathering!

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.

Saturday Sprouts 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. 

At this Saturday Sprouts gathering we will celebrate Easter with an Easter egg hunt and other Easter-themed activities for our children! Please bring a bag or basket to collect Easter eggs if your children will be participating. 

If you have questions, suggestions, feedback, or would like more information about this event, please email Allison, Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries, at allison@firstuniv.org.

Knitting

Sunday, April 7 at noon, 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

Sunday, April 7; 3-5 p.m. on zoom; Sunday, April 21; 3-5 p.m. In person

Registration Required - attend one or more!

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.

Membership at First Universalist

Wednesday, April 10, 6:30-9 p.m. on Zoom

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Joining First Universalist is a symbolic, spiritual act of saying “yes” to growing your soul in this place, with these people, within our free faith tradition. Our membership class offers a chance to inform yourself about the ministry areas of the church, be in community with other new members, and officially join the church. Learn about First Universalist at your own pace through online videos before meeting, then choose a class meeting experience that meets your needs. 

Facilitated by First U Board Members and Liz Farmer, Coordinator of Membership and Congregational Connections

Community Dinner

Wednesday, April 17, Family Pre-Party 5-6 p.m.; Dinner 6-7 p.m. in the Social Hall; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m. 

Menu will be available about a week in advance

RSVP REQUESTED 

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. Following dinner, stick around and join a breakout group to learn more about one of the many opportunities for deeper engagement at church.

Breakouts: A Place to Start, Info Session on Home Buying Help through Habitat for Humanity with Phil Henry, Drop-In Parent Support, and maybe more to come!

Daytime Connections

Thursday, April 18, 9:45 a.m. gathering, 10-noon program, Noon lunch

Registration Requested by the Monday prior for lunch planning purposes.

Organized and hosted by the Daytime Connections Planning Team

Daytime Connections empowers older adults to live intentional, joyful, purposeful and spiritually fulfilled lives, by building a vibrant community and providing engaging programing that promotes conscious aging and fosters personal and spiritual growth. 

AI for Creativity or Fakery

Artificial Intelligence is in the news practically every day, affecting such things as how people write or create art and videos, increase their productivity, and deceive unwitting audiences. Bill McTeer and David Leppik will guide us through the things we need to know about this double-edged tool.

Centering Prayer

Sunday, April 21; 1-2:30 p.m. in person at church

Registration Required - single-session attendees welcome!

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.

Meditation

Sunday, April 28; 1-2:30 p.m. in person at church, attend one or all sessions

Registration Required - single-session attendees welcome!

facilitated by Nancy Nyquist Potter

The meditation practices we will explore draw on a variety of resources including Sharon Salzberg, Tara Brach, insight meditation, Thich Nhat Hahn, Christina Feldman, and ourselves. Along the way, we will explore virtues such as lovingkindness, self-compassion, joy, generosity, forgiveness, and other ideas that will move us in our spiritual paths. All levels of experience welcome.

Cultivating Joy 

Monday, April 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Room 209 at church

Registration Required - single-session attendees welcome!

facilitated by Bee Harrison

"May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses," writes John O'Donohue. Through a variety of heart-centered practices like storytelling, (gentle) movement, meditation, music, mindfulness, and more, we will explore how we might invite, reveal, and experience greater joy in our lives by connecting deeply to our inner worlds. In these monthly meetings, we'll share our own practices and support one another in cultivating joy.

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)

Sundays, 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, 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

Estrangement from Adult Children

Thursdays, April 4, April 18, May 2; 7-8:30 p.m. in person at church Registration Suggested - Come as you are able

Some adult children, for various reasons, view independence as distancing themselves or cutting themselves off from their parents. This estrangement from one's adult children can be very painful and often isolating. Join others with similar challenges and find support and ideas for resilience and spiritual healing.

First Fridays: Democracy on Film

Fridays, 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. 

Eco Film Screening and Discussion:

Common Ground

Sunday, April 14; 1-3 p.m. in person at church

Registration Requested

Click thumbnail to view movie trailer

In anticipation of Earth Day at First U, April 21 2024, the EJ team invites you to a screening of Common Ground, from the creators of Kiss the Ground, a favorite film of the EJ team, which emphasized the need to move away from industrial agriculture to regenerative practices that will preserve our soil and our environment. Sobering yet hopeful, Common Ground exposes the toxic interconnections of American farming policy, politics, and health, by sharing stories of destruction and healing, and how regenerative agriculture and soil health plays a vitally important role in changing these systems for the better. At its root, the film explores how people from different walks of life, different political backgrounds, and different places share one thing in common – the very soil beneath their feet.

Solidarity with MN Immigrants

Register for the zoom link for small group meeting Sunday, April 28; 7-8 p.m. on zoom.

In 2024, some folks will use anti-immigrant rhetoric to divide the people and gain power, but we will build solidarity. The North Star Act will stop Minnesota police from detaining or reporting immigrants to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for minor infractions, such as traffic violations. Join members of First U’s Sanctuary & Resistance Team for small group Zoom meetings for First U (and area UUs), advocating to help inform policy-makers and public awareness. 

Small group facilitated by First U member Karen Wills and Heidi Romanish.

Coming Soon: Breeze!

You’ll soon be able to manage your giving and access the member directory on our new online database, called Breeze. Church Staff are working on a process to roll out the new online congregant login and member directory. In the next couple of weeks, we’ll have information and guidance for you, including in-person support after services coming in April and May. We would greatly appreciate help in onboarding our congregation to the new directory. If you’re comfortable using computers and apps, and are available to help get congregants set up, please sign up here or contact Liz Farmer.

If you need contact info for a member or members in the interim, please contact Liz Farmer.

AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.

AUW Spring Retreat

April 26-28, 2024

Camp Courage, Annandale, MN

Igniting Change

The Light we Carry in a Barbie World

Are you wondering what types of things you might learn at this retreat? Well, here’s a peak into two of the sessions.

Building your Toolbox 

Come build a toolbox to keep your light shiny, bright, sparkly, and full of color. This will be a time to gather tools you already have and yet may have forgotten--and gain new ones. You can never have too many tools. You never know which one is needed until the time arrives. 

Greta Gerwig

With Barbie, Greta Gerwig becomes the first woman to direct a b-b-billion dollar movie. Did you know - Greta Gerwig is a UU! Let's get to know her better. The workshop will delve into the director and writer's art. And how (and whether) Gerwig's UU and Catholic school upbringing also star in her films.

Register HERE!

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. Kalelynn19@gmail.com   Note: Hikes begin at 2 pm.

March 30 - 2pm. Cedar Lake, Mpls MN. More details to follow. Lynn will lead.

April 6 2pm. Lake Harriet, Mpls. Meet at Bandstand where audience sits. Marie will lead.

April 13 2pm. Normandale Lake. 8416 Chalet Road, Bloomington, MN. 84th and Chalet Rd. Large parking lot on right. Cross Chalet Rd and meet at Lake sign lakeside, 1.9 miles. Lynn will lead.

April 20 2pm. Richardson Nature Center. 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN. Meet by large trailhead sign in parking lot. Asphalt trail. Some easy hills. Marie will lead.

April 27 2pm. Wood Lake Nature Center. 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Mpls. (This is AUW Retreat weekend so Marie and many others will be at retreat. Lynn may lead. Let her know if you are coming to the hike.

May 4 Minnesota River Valley Wildlife Center. 3875 American Blvd, Bloomington, MN. Bring a hat, not much shade. Maybe eagle, frogs, turtles. Steps at beginning and end. Meet in front of Center.

OWL Dinner Volunteer Opportunity: AUW will cater a dinner for OWL (Our Whole Lives) program students on Saturday evening, March 23 as they settle in for their overnight. We are being asked to provide and prepare food for 36 students plus our volunteers. The AUW board has already agreed that we will prepare the meal, now we are seeking eager volunteers to sign up to be part of the team that plans and prepares the meal. Sign up online here.

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 April 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, April 22. We will be discussing Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan. 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.