"Listen Deeply, Dear One"

Dear Ones,

A choir sings in a Spanish church so ancient, the light seems to drowse as it filters through the stained glass. I'm beside a fellow teacher, a newfound moon-gazing companion in the late-night symphony of what's unspoken. He’s the type of guy who speaks and you can tell, if you listen, that he prefers not Nick but Nicholas. He dresses in a vibrancy so perfect, so literally fitting you forget to compliment him on it. Our kindred spirits found resonance in stealthy moments; shared glances, hushed tones–the lexicon of our overnight kinship.

Marveling quiet, he and I are, at the way sound seems to settle into the stone, as if all the hallelujahs and laments of centuries past have left their mark in the very architecture. It's as though the walls themselves are composed of compressed sound waves—a geological record of human vibrancy and spiritual longing cast into an ever-evolving canvas.

Just there it dawns–that this is no metaphor, but rather the existent truth. Our voices are instruments of topographical change. Not entirely unlike the way that sound has carved its history into these archaic walls, we—through our toroidal signatures—are etching our essence into the tapestry of the now and the infinite.

You see, in every sound wave there's a toroidal field—energy that loops, that creates a doughnut-shaped resonance pattern which the universe seems to adore. It's in the stars, it's in our cells—it's as ubiquitous as the air we breathe. Vibrations don’t just travel outward; they encircle, they embrace, they entwine, they carve, they chisel, they bore and break even stone in their ceaseless vibration. Whenever we listen—truly listen—or speak, we're not just sending frequencies on a one-way sojourn; they're cycling, spiraling, resonating in the grand toroidal symphony of existence. The walls, and every wall there is and was, are literal sculptures, molded reliefs, silhouettes of devotion folded to tell the story of every prayer or song anyone’s ever paused long enough to give voice.

We forget, don’t we? We forget that there is no rush. More that we’re the ones inventing the rush. There is no such rush, no rhyme, no reason to bustle the ways we bustle for hustles we hustle. How much time, how much life goes by with the power to shape a universe in every throat, kept silent in hopes that one day we’ll get tired of tuning to the echoes of what we already know? When did you last pause to greet your own echo without drowning it in an opinion? Or listened to another speak and just let your jaw drop like it wants to over the sheer and miraculous fact of it?  

Listen deeply, dear one.

Untether from static passivity and open your ears to the song. Wake up and answer the call of wholeness within you. Rustle the deeper truth of your identities. Dare to amplify your entire being for its own sake. Listen up until you realize how truly the same sonic sensation is the stuff of all life. Your voice can shake the world; it does, like it or not. And your willingness to see how this makes us absolutely one, this is the very thing that feeds a world starved of genuine connection. That’s just science! 

December’s theme in worship calls us each into the spiritual practice of “Listening Deeply,” until every sigh and every pause is a note in the ethereal score that composes our shared humanity.

In love and profound listening, we are upsetting the flat drones of inequity in a fierce and tender transformation. It's not merely the meaning behind the words; but the tangible, cyclical vibrational fields they set into motion—that groove of liberation awake in every body, that mighty wave of love injustice was always afraid might happen. What happens next is up to me and you.

Peace, 

Glen Thomas Rideout, D.Mus.A

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

Intro

"Listen Deeply, Dear One"

Sunday Worship

This Sunday, Dec. 3, 9 & 11 a.m.

Low-sensory space

Sunday, Nov. 26 Recording

Cycle of Life

Fall Programs

Young Adults

Community Dinner

Meditation Group

Daytime Connections

Family Holiday Potluck

Save The Dates

OWL Program

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief & Caregiver Groups

News

Scam Emails

Winter Makers Fair

Employer Matching

Grab Your Art

Book Sale

Honoring Cheryl

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

MUUSJA, 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.

Sunday, December 3

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



"Whispers in the Dark: Embracing Advent's Transformative Stillness"

Amid the chill and hush that precedes the snow, Advent whispers to us of endings and beginnings, each story a thread in a great tapestry that covers all eras and lands. The tales of apocalyptic visions—sun darkened, moon obscured, stars cascading from the sky—are less portents of doom, more symbols ripe with potential, waiting for us to unearth 'treasures of darkness' held in times of seeming desolation. 

In this time when the world can feel like it's ending every time we read the news, and the days grow shorter and shorter, what is our sacred task? We are called to listen deeply to the darkness. What holiness is thickening in these darker days? What tenderness is growing inside our hollows, individually and collectively, awaiting birth this season? Let us listen and learn together.



This Advent, let us gather with intention, embracing these ancient narratives not as tales of dread but as prompts for introspection and growth. Together, in our sacred space, we shall seek out the divine amidst the shadows and find within ourselves the ember of transformative hope. Through our listening and reflection, may we uncover that within the darkness, there is not an ending, but the hushed promise of new beginnings.

Join us for worship this Sunday, Dec. 3, in person at 9 and in-person and livestreamed at 11 a.m.

Low-sensory Space Open Again This Sunday

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 which is where we are trying out the low-sensory space.

This is an experiment, and we appreciate your grace as we learn together along the way. We are relying on your feedback to let us know how it is working for you and so we can improve. We hope this space meets a need for our First U children and families, and are grateful for all the ways we show up for each other in community.

Worship Info

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. Watch the livestream here. 

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.

AFTER WORSHIP

Coffee Hour in the Social Hall

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

A Place to Start

Dec. 3 immediately after each worship service

No RSVP necessary.

Join via Zoom at the session after the second service.

Are you new or new-ish to First Universalist and wondering where to begin? Here’s “A Place to Start!” Whether you're simply curious or are considering making this your spiritual home, in this casual, 45-minute class, you'll learn some of the basics of Unitarian Universalism, as well as how to get connected to what you’re seeking here at church. Meet at the front of the sanctuary immediately after the service.

Facilitated by First U members

"Staying at The Table Feeds Us All"

• Watch the Nov. 26 service on YouTube
• Nov. 26 full service podcast
• Nov. 26 Rev Arif's sermon

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

There will be a celebration of life for Linda McNary this Saturday, December 2nd at 2 pm. Please hold her family in your hearts and attend the service if you are 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, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.

Young Adults

Young Adults Program Brainstorm

Sunday, Dec. 3

12:45-2:45 at church

RSVP Requested

What are the unique spiritual needs, tasks, and joys of life in your 20s and 30s? How are we as a community meeting those needs already and what is missing? Liz Farmer and Rev. Ashley Harness invite you to bring your ideas, hopes, and dreams to share over lunch.

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.

Community Dinner + Carols

December 6

Family pre-party 5-6 p.m:

We’ll host space for decorating cookies from at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m. we’ll share dinner together. 

Dinner 6-6:45 p.m.:

Menu: waffles topped with strawberries, scrambled eggs, sausage (vegan sausage option). 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. We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free.

6:45-7:15 p.m.:

Following dinner, let’s join our voices in a multigenerational carol shout led by Dr. Glen Thomas! Come suggest your favorites and maybe even learn some new ones! All ages and vocal abilities—perceived or otherwise—are most welcome. 

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 7-8 p.m.:

Kids and youth with speaking parts in the pageant will practice after dinner and a couple of carols.

Tuesday Meditation Group

Weekly Practice: 8:45-10:15 a.m. online and in-person

Monthly learning session on Dec. 12

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.

Daytime Connections

December 14: Housing As We Age: Choices and Decisions

NOTE CHANGE OF DATE: Thursday Dec 14th, 9:45AM coffee, 10AM program in the Social Hall and on Zoom, 12:00 lunch available or bring your own.

Please register here by Monday before the program to facilitate planning. 

Housing As We Age: Choices and Decisions – When is the right time to move? Is it better to buy a condo or rent or join a co-op? What are the advantages and disadvantages of “65+ housing” vs the "Continuous Care” option? Should I move to be near the kids? What are good ways to down-size? A panel of UU members - Mary DeBruin, Jerry Sattinger, Ginny McAnnich, and Margaret Herdes - will discuss their different choices, share their "lessons learned" and answer your questions. Join us!

Family Holiday Potluck

Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m.

RSVP REQUESTED

Half holiday dinner, half Friendsgiving, please join us for a First Universalist Family Holiday Potluck. You are invited to bring a favorite holiday dish to share if you are able - yes, our meal might be primarily Midwest “salads” and hotdish! - or just bring yourself and your family. All parents, caregivers, children, youth, and chosen family are warmly welcome. Come, build community and share a meal with us.

Save The Dates!

Blue Holidays

December 16 at 7 p.m.

at church and virtual

If you're seeking a sanctuary to share and embrace your sorrow during this holiday period, we graciously invite you to our "Blue Holidays" service. Honoring the interplay of joy and sadness that characterizes this season, our service offers an empathetic space to witness your grief in community.

Share the event on Facebook

Winter Solstice Ritual

December 21 at 7 p.m.

at church and virtual

Celebrate the longest night of the year and rejoice in the returning of the sun at our annual Winter Solstice Ritual. The celebration is one we build together as a community with earth-honoring traditions, music, shared moments in the darkness, and the bringing of warmth and firelight.

Share the event on Facebook

Christmas Pageant

December 23 at 4 p.m.

at church and virtual

Our annual Christmas Pageant is a beautiful telling of an ancient story. It is a tale of hope and hospitality, a reminder that every child is born a redeemer, a story that speaks to us all of what it means to be a seeker, a star, a singer, a wonderer, a wanderer, a wise one. Our Christmas pageant this year will be performed by our kids and youth on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 4 p.m. There will be a light reception with hot cocoa and cookies following the performance.

Share the event on Facebook.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 24 at 7 p.m.

at church and virtual

The annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at First Universalist is a time of meaning-making and music. This service is a weaving of ancient scripture readings, modern poetry, carols, silence, and lighting our hearts and spirit anew with the candlelight of Love.

Share the event on Facebook.

OWL Program Registration

Hello First Universalist families!

It is Our Whole Lives (OWL) season at First Universalist! We have 1st, 5th, and 12th grade OWL starting soon. Please view below for information about each session. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like more information about our OWL programming at First Universalist, please reach out to Claire Tralle, OWL Program Coordinator.

First Grade OWL

1st grade OWL 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 1st grade OWL on Saturday, February 3, 2024. 1st grade OWL classes will begin Sunday, February 4, 2024, and conclude Sunday, March 24, 2024. There are no RE classes on Sunday, February 18, 2024. A calendar of classes will be shared at the parent/caregiver orientation. Registration for 1st grade OWL can be found HERE. Please email Claire Tralle with any questions.

Fifth Grade OWL

5th grade OWL 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 will be shared with families in early January. Please email Claire Tralle with any questions.  

Twelfth Grade OWL

12th grade OWL at First Universalist is an opt in class. 11th graders are also welcome to register, with priority given to 12th graders. If you choose not to opt-in and specifically register for this small group, they will continue to attend their regular RE programming. There is a mandatory parent/caregiver registration for 12th grade OWL on Saturday, January 20, 2024. 12th grade OWL classes will begin Sunday, January 21, 2024, and conclude Sunday, March 10, 2024. There are no RE classes on Sunday, February 18, 2024. A calendar of classes will be shared at the parent/caregiver orientation. Classes will occur on Sundays from 1-3 pm. Registration for 12th grade OWL can be found HERE. Please email Claire Tralle with any questions. 

Grief Group (online)

Sundays, 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)

Sunday 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.

Watch for Scam Email

Watch out from scam emails that claim to be from Rev. Jen. Don't respond to them and delete them from your inbox.

Winter Makers Fair

Date: December 10, 2023

Time: 10 am - 11 am and 12 pm - 1 pm (after each service)

Location: Social Hall, First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Ave, Minneapolis

Details:

Join us for the First Universalist Church Winter Makers Fair, a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit! This festive event will showcase the talents of church community makers and provide a unique shopping experience for the holiday season. Help support the makers in our community and save the date for this special event on December 10th after both services. 

We are seeking makers of all types, including:

• Artisans: jewelry makers, potters, woodworkers, fiber artists, and more
• Food and beverage producers: bakers, chocolatiers, coffee roasters, and more
• Designers and illustrators: greeting card makers, stationery designers, and more
• Upcyclers and repurposers: furniture makers, jewelry designers, and more
• Creatives: artists, photographers, authors, musicians

Application Process:

To apply to be a vendor, please complete this online application form. 

Deadline: Thursday, December 7 by noon.

Selection Process:

• Makers must be part of the First Universalist Church community
• Space is limited, we encourage early application
• We encourage makers of all backgrounds and experiences to apply!

Join us for a cheerful event filled with creativity and community spirit.

Co-hosts: Dallas Rising, Sherry L.M. Merriam

View and share Facebook event.

Does your employer match donations?

Does your employer match donations? 

Some employers offer company matches for non-profit or other organizations. Rev. Arif is getting First Universalist added to Benevity (one of the matching programs) and is excited to keep going and get First U added to others if needed. Please let us know if you have a matching program at your work and you don't see First Universalist listed ASAP so it's possible to get the match for this year AND next year. Email Rev. Arif now to let him know. It's a great way to make your hard-earned funds go further in growing our beloved community. 

First U Stewardship Team

Pick Up Your Superhero Art

The superhero art you created will be in a basket in the southeast corner of the social hall for two Sundays, December 3 and December 10. Be sure to pick up yours one of those days before they disappear.

Book Sale To Benefit First U Library

Classic art books, donated to the church library, will be on sale after services December 3 and 10. The books are for sale just in time for great Christmas presents. Sales will be used to buy additional books for the library.

Library Steward Honored

The First U Library Committee wants to thank Cheryl Anderson for over 20 years of service to the Library. Cheryl has been instrumental in keeping the library functioning, as former Chairperson, chief cataloger of books, and volunteer on Sunday mornings. The committee is grateful for her service, and she will be greatly missed.

MUUSJA Organizing Workshop

December 7, 10-11:30 a.m.

Join this multigenerational workshop to learn effective strategies and techniques for engaging folks of all ages and stages in your justice work. We’ll hear from Minnesota UU youth activists as well as community elders on creative, joyful, and meaningful ways to organize and connect across the generations. Click here to register.

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.

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.

December 2 - Westwood Nature Center. 8300 West Franklin, St Louis Park - Woods, boardwalk, nice nature center. Meet inside.

December 9 - Normandale Lake. West 84th Avenue and Chalet Road, Bloonington

Go South on Chalet Road. Big parking lot one your right. Cross Chalet Road and meet by Normandale Lake sign, lakeside. 1.9 mile loop, small waterfall even in winter.

December 16 - Roseville Central Park. 2540 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville. Be sure to use Lexington Avenue north Entrance. Meet in parking lot.

December 23 - Richardson Nature Center. 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington. Meet by Trailhead sign in Parking lot. Asphalt trail is easier in winter. Some easy hills. Nature Center has bathrooms.

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 December 14. 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, December 18. We will be discussing The Sentence by Louise Erdrich. 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.