Worship
Sunday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m.
Recordings & Podcasts
Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Volunteers Needed for Lake Harriet Service & Potluck
Celebrating Rev. Jen Crow
Habitat Lunch Postponed
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Happenings
BIPOC Food & Fellowship
August Community Sing
Group Spiritual Direction
"Tucker's Robot" Show
Pastoral/Community Care
AUW Happenings
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Sunday, Aug. 7 — 10 a.m.
"The Perfect Leader"
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How do we become the perfect leader? Is flawless leadership even obtainable for imperfect humans? Should we aspire for perfection or strive towards growth and learning in our leadership? Join us this Sunday for a worship service that includes a homily by Satya Mamdani and a story told by Rev. Arif Mamdani that consider these questions and more within the context of our Unitarian Universalist faith. |
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Worship leaders: Satya Mamdani, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Rev. Kate Tucker, Aimee K. Bryant, and Franco Holder
Satya Mamdani is a life-long UU and has been attending First Universalist since she was a child. She is currently serving on the Article Two Study Commission for the UUA. She just graduated high school and will be attending Trinity College in the fall.
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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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"The Transient and the Permanent in Unitarian Universalism" (7/31)
Over the course of our 200-or-so-year history as a denomination, we Unitarian Universalists have undergone considerable change. 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? Watch the recording here. Or, listen to the podcast.
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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 20 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, Aug. 6. In order to protect elderly relatives, the family is asking all attendees to do a rapid COVID test before attending in person. Masks are required for in-person attendance. You can also watch the livestream of the memorial service here.
If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, celebrating a joy or marking a sorrow, please let us know. To be included in our Cycle of Life on Sunday in worship, or if you would like support, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Volunteers Needed: Lake Harriet Service and Picnic! |
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Our annual Lake Harriet Bandshell worship service and potluck picnic is right around the corner, and we are still in need of many more volunteers to help make it happen!
On Sunday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. we will lead worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Following the service, we'll enjoy our traditional potluck picnic, back for the first time since 2019!
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 need your help, 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 Reverend Jen Crow’s Leadership |
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By Cindy Marsh
“A leader is best when people barely know she exists…when her work is done, her aim fulfilled, they will all say: We did it ourselves.” Lao-Tzu
This timeless quote comes to mind when I think of Reverend Jen Crow’s leadership. Of course, we all know Jen exists. She is a dynamic minister and a powerful presence at First Universalist Church, where she touches every aspect of our church community life. Yet she is a collaborative leader who is sometimes leading out front and sometimes working with and through others to accomplish goals. Her leadership style is authentic, selfless, inspiring, inclusive, warm, and caring.
I write this tribute as a church board member (2013-2019) and as a member of other committees and task forces. I have observed Jen’s strengths and contributions firsthand, and always found her uplifting, respectful and fun.
Rev. Jen started at First Universalist in 2012, as Minister of Program Life, making immediate contributions to worship, adult education, and pastoral care team ministry. Jen’s leadership and management skills were readily apparent. Rev. Justin Schroeder wisely capitalized on these strengths, and with Jen, developed the role of Executive Minister in 2015. In this role, she took over the supervision of our operations team, significantly improving stability and morale of staff. She also assumed responsibility for creating and monitoring our annual budget, working directly with the Board to ensure the financial integrity of the Church. A systems thinker, Jen has continually improved our systems and processes, and made sure administrative and financial policies reflect our values.
A respectful, constructive, and collaborative working relationship developed between Justin and Jen. When they proposed Senior Co-Ministry to the Board of Trustees in 2018 it was easy to say yes. They both deserve credit for making this approach work. Their co-ministry is a model of collaboration and equality that has served us well.
Jen’s steady operational leadership and strong fiscal management equipped us for the challenges of our building renovation and the pandemic. We emerged as a healthy congregation in a sound financial position. This stability was foundational in creating an environment where our bold vision could grow and flourish.
Rev. Jen’s visionary leadership skills have shone even more brightly since becoming our only Senior Minister. She is a courageous, powerful, voice for our commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression, and an inspiring champion for us to “become a multi-racial, multicultural, and intergenerational faith community of mutual caring and support.” This is reflected in our diverse staff team, unique among UU churches.
Rev. Jen challenges us to dream, to build a world of love and hope, learning to stretch our hearts, minds, and spirits to welcome “everybody in.” We are privileged to have her as our Senior Minister.
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Postponed: Habitat for Humanity Lunch & Learn |
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The Habitat for Humanity Lunch & Learn that was scheduled to take place after worship this coming Sunday, Aug. 7, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a future date, most likely in September.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Food & Fellowship for
BIPOC Folks & Multiracial Families
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Wednesday, Aug. 10, 5–7 p.m. in the Cummins Room
BIPOC congregants of all ages—and our household family members of all racial identities—are invited for a time of joy and fellowship. We’ll light a chalice, break bread, lift our voices in song, and build our connections and community. Everyone, from the newest to the eldest, is joyfully welcomed, and all dietary needs can be accommodated. Facilitators: Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts Ministries
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Wednesday, Aug. 10, 7–8 p.m. in the Social Hall (masks required)
Join in an hour of summer singing with Glen Thomas. We’re getting together for the joy of making music in community, and your voice couldn’t be more welcome. No experience or preparation needed. Sign-ups are helpful, but not required. Masks are required. Facilitator: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts Ministries
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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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"Tucker's Robot" Puppet Show |
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Sunday, Aug. 14, 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot at church
Join us outdoors after worship on Sunday, Aug. 14 for lunch at 11 a.m. and an 11:30 a.m. puppet show, "Tucker's Robot," presented by Open Eye Theatre's Driveway Tour 2022.
Tucker is a young boy who needs to go back in time to face a group of neighborhood bullies. How do you go back in time? With a time-traveling robot, of course! Together, Tucker and his robot discover the importance of friendship and the courage to face bullies. Full of surprises, a little danger and some really funny characters. Contains puppetry, live music, and fun for families and children of all ages. Learn more about Open Eye Theatre's Driveway Tour here. |
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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
The church office is open on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Access to the building at times on other days can be arranged by contacting Jim Poulter, Building & Office Manager, at jim@firstuniv.org.
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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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