Praying for Peace

Dear Ones,

My heart is broken and breaking today along with so many others as the impact of generational trauma, oppression, dehumanization, and disconnection - one from the other - plays out in the very real lives and deaths of the people of Palestine and Israel and around the world. In this moment, I invite us not into a space of analysis, but into a space of spiritual practice. I ask us to pause, again and again, for prayer, for meditation that sends love to all, for spiritual practices that can help us hold the pain that is the inevitable result of these horrors, hatred, and harm. And so I invite us to join with Unitarian Universalists around the world as we take up the spiritual practice for this moment that our UUA President, the Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt has offered. She writes: 

“Beloveds, I invite you to stop what you are doing if you can and sit with me in the depth of this tragedy. How to reconcile the cost of occupation and of war? How to nuance two very real histories of oppression and violence? I am holding close the words of U.N. Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland who said: 'This is a dangerous precipice, and I appeal to all to pull back from the brink.'"

As we pause and take in the depth of the tragedy still unfolding, we offer our prayers and send our love: 

For the people of Israel and Palestine,

For those who have died, 

for those who are injured, 

for those who are captive, 

for those who are mourning, 

for those who are living with a painful unknown, 

for those who must lead, 

for those who are suffering without the basic necessities of life,

for those who know fear and who live with the threat and reality of violence

for our Muslim and Jewish siblings in faith within Unitarian Universalism and beyond,

for our human family on this hurting Earth,

We pray for peace.

In faith,

Rev. Jen

Intro

Praying for Peace

Sunday Worship

This Sunday, Oct. 15, 9 & 11 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 8 Recording

Indigenous People's Day

Cycle of Life

"All In Sundays"

Fall Programs

Fall Program Guide

Choir Visioning

Young Adults

Spirituality for 80+

Daytime Connections

Adult OWL

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief & Caregiver Groups

News

OWL Facilitators

Multireligious UUs

Labyrinth Group

Art Exhibit

Faithful Action

Hiking at Bdote

Film Showing

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

DRUUMM,

MUUSJA, Hats for Unhoused People, Women's Ritual Circle, AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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Sunday, October 15

In-person at 9 a.m.; In-person & Online at 11 a.m.



"Mental Health Sunday"

Our mental well-being is deeply linked with the relationships we cultivate and the social networks we are part of. By learning to understand and nurture each other in deeper ways, we can gain insight into our own mental health and well-being.

Just like our Earth thrives on diversity, so do we. The diversity of our connections and experiences make us stronger. However, to tap into this strength, we need to be open to giving and receiving wisdom, even when it's uncomfortable or challenging. 

Along this enlightening journey to worship and wisdom, we will also create a simple ritual of candlelight–a time to honor our individual and collective mental health journeys, to learn and remember that we can navigate these journeys together, as a community. 

There is space for hope if we break down the walls of communication and stigma that often separate us. This service promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of how we are part of each other's health, and an invitation to the heart to honor the many truths of each unfolding story.

Join us for worship this Sunday, Oct. 15, in person at 9 and in person and livestreamed at 11 a.m.

IN PERSON AT 9 & 11 A.M.

This Sunday, we worship in person at 9 & 11 a.m. Masks are welcome but not required in the sanctuary; please review our Covid-19 Gathering Guidelines. 

ONLINE AT 11 A.M.

This service is live-streamed at 11 a.m. Watch the livestream here. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR THIS SUNDAY:

For our two Mental Health Sunday services (9 and 11 a.m.), our 6th grade, 7th grade, and senior high youth will attend worship during their religious education time. For curriculum reasons, youth in grades 8 & 9 will have religious education class as usual. All children and youth should be signed in at their classrooms first, even if they will be attending worship.

Our worship experience will center the mental health of youth in particular, and we want our kids to hear the message of love and care for young people directly from our worship leaders and in the context of a compassionate, responsive, intergenerational community. 

The youth attending worship are invited to sit with their classes and teachers. Please encourage your youth to look for the teacher holding their sign in the atrium outside the sanctuary. Senior High will gather in the Senior High Lounge from 12:15-1 p.m. for a meal and a talk-back with worship leaders. 

Please reach out to Allison Connelly-Vetter, Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries, with any questions or for more information. We look forward to being together on Sunday!

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If you have not yet registered your family for this year of Religious Education, please register your family today. All families — new and returning, with babies through high schoolers — must register each church year.

AFTER WORSHIP

Coffee Hour in the Social Hall

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

Fall Sign-up Fair

Sunday, October 15th; 10-11 a.m. and 12-1 p.m. in the Social Hall

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

VISITORS & NEWCOMERS

Newcomers Circle

Sundays, Oct. 22 after the 10 a.m. service, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12 after the 11 a.m. service (lunch included) 

Registration Required 

Newcomers Circles create a rich, supportive environment in which to share and grapple with our emerging UU values, theology, identity, and sense of belonging. This 4-session gathering is a caring group structured around deep listening to ourselves and each other as we dig deeper into Unitarian Universalism. Newcomers Circle is intended for those who are discerning if and/or how they will continue their spiritual journey at First Universalist. 

Facilitated by members Dylan Bijnagte and Ginny Belden-Charles

Membership Classes

2 Sessions in person: Sundays, October 22, 11:45-1:45 and Oct. 29, 12:45-2:45 p.m. (note different times; both include light lunch)

or

1 Session virtual: Wed. Nov. 1, 6:30-9 p.m. on Zoom

Registration Required

Membership Classes offer a way to make your membership official! Learn the “nuts and bolts” of church ministries and governance through videos ahead of time, then come to class for conversation about what will make your membership engaged, life-giving, and relevant. Class time also includes a Membership Book signing ritual.

Facilitated by Liz Farmer, Coordinator of Membership and Congregational Connections, and Ginny McAnninch, First U Member

Indigenous People's Day - Take Action

Indigenous People's Day was October 8, 2023.



For thousands of years, the Dakota Oyate lived in and cared for much of the land we now know as Minnesota. Through treaties, wars, and broken promises, the United States took that Dakota land as its own. The Lower Sioux Indian Community is a modern-day successor of the treaties the United States broke, and of some of Minnesota’s difficult history. Today, people who live, work, and visit this land can recognize and support the enduring sovereignty of the Lower Sioux Indian Community by contributing to the Minnesota Honor Tax. The tax is a voluntary payment made directly to the tribe by those who live in, work on, and visit traditionally Dakota land within Minnesota. The Lower Sioux Indian Community did not request or initiate this Honor Tax, but its Tribal Council has passed a resolution accepting the tax as a gift of governmental revenue. Whether you think of this tax as “rent,” “repair,” or something else, on this time of recognizing Indigenous People’s Day, we invite you to contribute to this Honor Tax to the Lower Sioux Indian Community.

Give to the Minnesota Honor Give to the Minnesota Honor Tax via our "Sunday offering plate" here.

"The Rules of Engagement"

• Watch the Oct. 8 service on YouTube
• Rev. Jen's Oct. 8 sermon only
• Oct. 8 full podcast will be available next week

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

Our hearts are with the family and friends of Doris Sloan. A member of this church, Doris died on September 20th with her daughters at her side. 

Mike Casserly, beloved husband, dad, stepdad and grandpa died at home on October 6th after living with multiple myeloma for 5 years. We send our love and support to his wife, Karin Wille, his children, stepchildren, grandkids and all who loved him. His memorial service will take place here at First Universalist on Saturday, October 28th at 10:30am.

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.

Next "All In" Sunday is 10 a.m. on October 22

Fall Programs Open!

Choir Planning & Visioning

Saturday, October 14, 10-12 noon at church (Room 209)

Coffee, bagels and pastries will be available



The first planning/visioning meeting for choir singing ministries at First Universalist’s Choir happens this Saturday morning. I am thrilled to start this musical journey together and keenly look forward to tuning up and launching forward.

During this initial meeting, we will dive into an engaging discussion based on a series of questions I have prepared. These are designed to help us figure out the kind of singing we want to engage in, what our objectives are, and how we define a choir within our community. Your contributions will help us to create a program that reflects our core values and aspirations, and our love and joy for singing together.

Rest assured, you do not need to prepare anything for this meeting; however, I would greatly appreciate if you could spend some time pondering what you believe a choir's purpose should be within our church's context.

We're looking for people who are committed to investing their time and energy into the program—people willing to help it get off the ground in big ways and small, short-term and forevermore! And singing is just one of many ways to make a contribution. If you want in, we’ll help you find your way to have a hand in this that plays to your strengths and makes a difference. 

Peace,

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

Young Adults

Fall Birding

Sunday, Oct. 15; 8-11 a.m. at Roberts Bird Sanctuary 

Birds and critters are most active in the mornings! Join for an autumn nature experience at Robert’s Bird Sanctuary. This time of year, we’ll learn about sparrow/waterfowl migration and fall color. Meet at the Peace Garden (4124 Roseway Blvd) just south of church for a 1.5 mile slow stroll, then head to 11 a.m. worship together.

Hosted by Michelle Manson, First U community member

RSVP Requested

Crafternoon

Sunday, Oct. 29; 12:45-2:45 p.m. at church 

Join Cameron, Zoey, and other young adults for a spook-tacular “Crafternoon!” Embrace your creative spirit as we dive into Halloween-themed crafting fun (or just regular crafting if you’ve already got a project in-progress). Maybe you can help us transform a bunch of regular pumpkin sugar cookies into grinning Jack-o’-lantern sugar cookies?! Either way, don’t miss out on this ghoulishly good time with fellow young adults — grab your broomsticks (and/or crafting supplies) and fly on over after the second service for a relaxed afternoon of crafting and chatting. See you there!  

RSVP Requested

Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s in varying social/cultural life stages. We are in school, job-searching and working, single, married, partnered and dating, with kids and without, newly moved to the area and longtime residents. We gather about twice a month for structured and unstructured conversation, spiritual practice, and activities.

Spirituality Circle for those who are 80+

Tuesday mornings, 11:00-12:30, every other week from Oct. 24- Feb. 20

Join Rev. Jen Crow every other week for 10 sessions in this closed group for those who are 80 and up as we explore and deepen our spirituality in this phase of life. Each group will include time for spiritual practice, sharing what is moving in our lives, and exploration of a topic and reflection time. Together, we’ll explore topics that include: Spiritual Practice, Self-Acceptance & Self-Compassion, Adapting to Change, Working with Fear, Spiritual Touchstones, Grief and Loss, Hard Conversations, Staying Open to the World, and What to Expect from the Church as we age. This group will be offered again.

Registration Required

Daytime Connections:

Controlling the Decisions Around Dying

Thursday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. program in the Social Hall and on Zoom

Have you heard that in many instances, the end-of-life wishes of patients are being overridden because they do not match up with existing hospital protocols? We’ve put together a panel for you consisting of a lawyer with specialized expertise in this area, joined by our own Harlan Limpert, who brings long-standing compassion for the human element in choices around the dying process.

Sign-in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. We respectfully request and strongly urge you to register by Monday, Oct. 16, so that we can send links to those attending virtually and can provide lunches for those who wish to eat with us ($5–15 sliding scale; more if you can; less if you can’t. No one will be turned away for lack of funds).  Register here.

Adult OWL (Our Whole Lives)

Mondays, Oct. 23- Dec. 11; 7-8:30 p.m. at church 

Registration Required



Have you ever wondered what OWL stands for? Our Whole Lives. This really means our whole lives. OWL is not limited to our youth, it is for adults as well! We hope you will join us as we use interactive workshops and lively discussions to dive into a variety of topics. Sexual values, communication, relationships, boundaries, fantasy, diversity, identity, aging, body image, and pleasure are all on the table as we explore together what it means to be a spiritual and sexual being. Age range 40-60 years old. Small group max of 15 participants.

Square Dance

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2-4 p.m. RSVP Requested

Come one, come all to First Universalist’s Fall Barn Dance and Social (without the barn)! There will be rousing LIVE MUSIC, square dance calling and mixers, space and time to chat with old friends and new, potluck snacks, activities (and supervision – by request) for kids, and no other agenda.



Coffee, water and tea will be provided. If you’re inspired, bring a snack to share. Feel free to dress “creatively!” To request childcare from the church, please fill out the form here by Nov. 5. Masks are optional. Let us know you’re coming, and tell your friends to join us!

Grief Group (online)

Sundays, Oct 22, Nov 5, Nov 19, Dec 3, Dec 17, 4-5:30 p.m. on Zoom

A gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with loss. A group of souls who share, listen and care. A community interested in exploring new life invitations. Come as you are, when you feel moved to attend on any or all dates. We will be here for you.

Facilitated by Mark Caswell (he/him/they/them), a member of First Universalist Unitarian Church of Minneapolis and an aspirant on ordination track within the UUA. He attends United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and lives in Minneapolis. He finds grounding in meditation, poetry, watercolor painting, and practicing deep listening. He also holds a BFA in Theater Design from Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Email Rev. Arif Mamdani for Zoom details.

Caregivers Group (online)

Sundays, Nov 12, Dec 10 1-2:30 p.m. on Zoom

Caring for a family member who needs special care is a demanding and often unseen or unacknowledged role. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or a child with a chronic health condition, join the Caregivers group for mutual support, connection, and community building. When we gather, we’ll light a chalice, have time for introductions, and share a reading, then move into deeper sharing, support, and reflection. Come as you are, when you feel moved to attend on any or all dates. 

Facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani.

Email Rev. Arif Mamdani for Zoom details.

Seeking OWL Facilitators

Hello First U Adults! We are searching for a few more OWL (Our Whole Lives) Facilitators to join our 1st and 5th grade OWL teams! Our 1st and 5th grade OWL programs occur during the winter/spring months and are 7-9 week long sessions. You do not need to have previously or personally attended OWL programming. You do need to have interest, empathy, responsibility, and inclusive values. If you are interested, or have questions, or would just like to chat and connect, please contact Claire Tralle, OWL Program Coordinator.

Seeking Multireligious UUs!

Are you a Unitarian Universalist who holds multiple religious identities? Our 7th grade Neighboring Faiths class is seeking UUs who hold other or additional religious identities to speak to the class about their spiritualities and experiences.

We are especially seeking UUs who are (or are also): Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Quaker, Indigenous spirituality practitioner. If you or someone you know holds these identities and is interested in sharing with our 7th grade class, please reach out to Allison to get connected.

Labyrinth Group Forming

We have a brand new bright and shiny light in our social hall, but do you ever notice what's under you, on the floor? A labyrinth! A labyrinth is an ancient tool used for spiritual practice, and there are many ways to access it besides walking. If you are interested in learning more and practicing with a group of others two or three times this year, visit Ann Hobbs at the labyrinth table during Sign-Up Sunday on October 15, or email her by Sunday, Oct. 22 to participate. 

Hiking At Bdote with EJ Team

Saturday, Oct. 21; 9-10:30 a.m.  

RSVP Requested

The group who hiked at our event in July enthusiastically asked if we could do another hiking event at this park in the fall. So here it is! Even if you didn’t participate in the earlier event, please join Environmental Justice (EJ) Team member Cathy Geist and a Conservation Corps member as we hike by the Mississippi River at Bdote, where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers converge. Together, in the context of this area’s indigenous history, we’ll learn more about the amazing diversity of life here as Autumn continues, birds migrate, and leaves change color. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the Bdote/Fort Snelling State Park Visitor Center, where the park road ends. (Please stop at the building at the bottom of the hill near the entrance to purchase a 1-day park pass if you need one.) This spring, we’ll also be exploring the indigenous sacred story of creation and colonial war history of Bdote in partnership with Healing MN Stories and hope you will join us.

Contact Cathy with any questions.

The Letter: A Message for our Earth (film)

Sunday, Oct. 29; 3:30-5:00 p.m. at church 

RSVP Requested

Join the Environmental and Climate Justice Team’s film showing of The Letter, a 2022 Youtube original film, which tells the incredible story of the Laudato Si’ encyclical letter by Pope Francis through the eyes of frontline leaders battling the ecological crisis across continents. A powerful – and surprising – dialogue with the Pope in the Vatican brings new hope for our common home.

Featured in the film are Arouna Kandé, a climate refugee in Senegal; Cacique Dadá, an environmental defender and leader of the Maró Indigenous territory in the Brazilian Amazon; Ridhima Pandey, a youth climate activist from India; and Greg Asner and Robin Martin, biologists studying coral reefs in Hawaii. The film features exclusive footage from their encounter with Pope Francis, alongside the personal stories and scientific findings throughout the documentary. Join the EJ team for refreshments as we share this beautiful film about the climate crisis of Mother Earth and hope for our future.

Preview the film’s trailer here.

DRUUMM - A Vibrant Community for BIPOC UUs

If you are Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color ("BIPOC"), Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) is an organization that offers virtual and in-person gatherings, and opportunities for support and connection.

From their website:

"DRUUMM is the oldest and largest Unitarian Universalist People of Color ministry and anti-racist community organization based in North America. 

DRUUMM traces our lineage to Black and African American Unitarian and Universalist communities, Latino/a UU Networking Association, ministers and religious professionals of color, and youth and young adults of color who have organized to resist racism, nurture our faith formation, and build the beloved community."

Check here for upcoming events. Please note that these are BIPOC-only spaces. White UUs are encouraged to organize and join with UU Allies for Racial Equity.

Rooted in Care Workshop

Thursday, November 2, 10-11:30 a.m. Join MUUSJA and Dallas Rising for an online discussion about how community care among congregants can build a foundation for powerful action and organizing beyond church. We’ll look at some of the common reasons folks do not participate in calls to action and how mutual aid within congregations strengthens and enhances our ability to show up as a community when we’re needed. Facilitated by community organizer and activist, Dallas Rising.

Register here.

Hats for Unhoused People

Think big, warm, and wooly! Are you a fiber artist who knits/crochets/weaves/felts? Donate your handmade hats at First Universalist, October through January. Donated hats will be distributed to local schools, shelters, and community service agencies that serve people in need. Sizes requested: Large and XL,

Time frame: October - January, Drop-off site: Basket by the elevator (see photo), Contact: Barb Melom • More Info

Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle

Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle is a spiritual practice group in which

self-identified women with many different life experiences, backgrounds, and belief systems come together to change, grow, and celebrate the Divine in each other through earth centered ritual. The gathering dates are every new and full moon. There is not a permanent group leader. Volunteers take turns to design, guide, and direct the new and full moon rituals. The date's astrological aspects may guide the topics and themes rituals explore. Rituals also draw inspiration and meaning found in many other earth centered practices and beliefs. One does not have to espouse any particular religion or philosophy or believe in any particular deity or deities to participate in the group and derive meaning from its activities. All one needs is a desire to live in a way that acknowledges the cycles of life and nature, and to grow spiritually and personally alongside a mutually supportive group of other self-identified women. Contact Ann Hobbs with questions.

Attend one or more of the open group gatherings to learn if this experience is for you.

Gathering time 7:00 p.m. Ritual begins at 7:30p.m. in Room 209. Sun, Oct. 15 New Moon in Libra.Sat, Oct. 28 Full Moon in Taurus.

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

Annual AUW Fall Retreat

Save the Date: Saturday, November 18

Our focus is health resilience . . . how to plan for it and how to achieve it when you need it the most. Lunch and our speaker will lead us off, followed by a set of breakout sessions on health resilience topics, including resources for now and in the future. Late morning registration with mid-afternoon wrap-up. Hope to see you there!



Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trail head. For questions or to get on the hiking group mailing list, contact: Marie Sorensen, phone / email, or Lynn Richardson phone / email.

October 14th, 10 a.m. Meet at Wood Lake Nature Center Building. 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield, MN. No designated leader for this hike. Let Marie know by Friday morning if you are going so she can cancel if no one wants to go.

October 21st. 10 a.m. Richardson Nature Center. 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN. Meet by Trail head sign on parking lot. Nice asphalt trail, some easy hills. Colors by then?

October 28, 10 a.m. Meet at Wood Lake Nature Center Building. 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield, MN. No designated leader for this hike. Let Marie know by Friday morning if you are going so she can cancel if no one wants to go.

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 October 12. 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, October 23. We will be discussing Finding Me by Viola Davis. 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.