Dear Jenn,

Since I can remember, My Februarys have always been filled with poetry and songs. Both my schools and church took pride in the coming of Black History Month. We used every space, every hymn and choral anthem, every reading and word of welcome to increase our own learning and connection with blackness and black people. The walls were even filled with opportunities to learn and grow these relationships. 

I offer two of the poems, then, that spoke to me most to share with you. Both by the great Langston Hughes, these are the very first poems anyone ever taught me. And with them, I welcome you into this beautiful tradition my elders taught me. May they challenge and bless you as they have done for me.

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams 

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

Mother to Son

Well, son, I’ll tell you:

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor—

Bare.

But all the time

I’se been a-climbin’ on,

And reachin’ landin’s,

And turnin’ corners,

And sometimes goin’ in the dark

Where there ain’t been no light.

So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps

’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now—

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’,

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

Commitment, February’s worship theme, has its origins in the Latin words which can be translated “to send [oneself] with [another].” As a community, we’ve promised to listen to where love is calling us next. How far away are we willing to let love call us from what we’re comfortable with? How do we keep ourselves spiritually well and in healthy relationships with one another when our commitments stretch our limits? Where do we begin? 

Join us to explore these questions and more in story, song, words, and shared time in community together.

Peace,

Dr. Glen Thomas

Dr Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

Intro

Commitment (February Worship Theme)

Sunday Worship

Sunday, Feb. 5, 9 & 11 a.m.: "Accompaniment"

Happening After Worship

Sunday, Jan. 29 Recording: "Who Said 70 Is the New 50?"

Cycle of Life

News & Features

State of the Church Meeting

Reminder: Rev. Jen on Leave

Art Exhibit Circle Process

New Chancel Decor

Minneapolis Winter Parking Restrictions

"We're Ready to Come Home!"

Calendar

OWL for Adults 25-40

Legacy Circle

Newcomer Circle

UU Wellspring Reads

Family Hearty Parties

Community Dinner

Daytime Connections

Habitat for Humanity Builds

AUW Reproductive Justice

Affiliated Organizations

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Sunday, Feb. 5 — 9 & 11 a.m.

"Accompaniment: Sanctuary & Resistance

in the Struggle for Racial Justice"

The Sanctuary and Resistance Team at First Universalist Church works to accompany immigrants in the struggle within an immigration system which criminalizes migration, incarcerates immigrants in detention, and separates families. Since November 2016, we carry out this work as an emergent strategy team, and in conjunction with many community partners, by providing sanctuary space in the church, observing at immigration court, distributing financial resources, and resisting to change the system by advocating for policy changes, namely to make Minnesota a Sanctuary State. 

On Sunday, Feb. 5, we will explore and reflect upon how our UU faith and this congregation give us the courage, strength, and hope to accompany immigrant partners in the struggle for justice in our immigration system.

Worship leaders: Members of the Sanctuary & Resistance Team with Rev. Ashley Harness, Lóre Stevens, Franco Holder, and Aimee K. Bryant

ORDER OF SERVICE

IN PERSON AT 9 & 11 A.M. (masks required in sanctuary)

This Sunday, we worship in person at 9 and 11 a.m. Masks are required in the sanctuary for ages 2 and up; please review our Covid-19 Gathering Guidelines. Can you usher or greet? Sign up here!. Please note that Winter Parking Restrictions are now in place in Minneapolis. More details in the News section below.

ONLINE AT 11 A.M.

This service is live-streamed at 11 a.m. Join the Zoom livestream here (Webinar ID: 861 805 984) or watch on YouTube. The recording will be available here after worship.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Childcare for Nursery through Pre-K starts at 8:45/10:45 a.m. Registered children and youth in K through 12th grade begin their morning in the sanctuary with their families before being dismissed to Religious Education Classes. All ages are always welcome in the sanctuary! Learn more here.

A Place to Start

10 a.m. & noon in the Chancel room, Zoom option at noon (join here)

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 on a first or third Sunday.

BIPOC Gook Group: "Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace"

1–2:30 p.m. at church

This book group for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) members and friends meets monthly on the first Sunday. You are welcome whether or not you have a copy of the book/have begun reading it. Details.

Divorce Small Group Opening Retreat

1–4 p.m. at church

Advance registration required; learn more and register here.

From Sunday, Jan. 29:

"Who Said 70 Is the New 50?"

Aging is a multi billion dollar industry in the United States. It influences our daily choices, our presentation of self to the world, our allegiances and values. How is your aging process going? What are you noticing? What are you holding onto and what are you letting go of? Are you assuming these questions are for older adults? Nope, they are for all of us at any age. 

Watch the Jan. 29 service here

Listen to the Jan. 29 podcast here

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive 

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.

This year our annual State of the Church meeting will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, in person and on Zoom, from 1 to 2 p.m. This mid-year "check-in" will include updates from the board and staff on our annual work plan, finances, the development of a Covenant and Right Relations Team, music ministries, and online engagement. And, we'll look ahead to our congregation's Annual Meeting on June 4 and the upcoming UUA General Assembly which will take place in June 2023. Perhaps most importantly, we will share invitations to connect and ways you can be involved in what's coming up at church, at General Assembly, and beyond. Zoom info is available here.

Originally shared in the Liberal on January 19, 2023

A Note from Rev. Jen Crow:

Thank you to the board, staff, and congregation for the previously approved time away each month to care for family and friends. It is a relief to know that when I am with these people I love, I can bring my full attention to that precious time. With all of the challenges at church this year, I am noticing that my body and spirit are more depleted than usual and it is time for me to take some time not just to care for others, but for myself, as well. I am taking this time away on the recommendation of my health care providers, mentors, and colleagues. Beginning on Feb. 1, 2023, I will be away from my work at the church for six weeks. This will be a combination of study leave and personal time, and I look forward to renewing my spirit, learning more about conflict transformation in congregations, and attending the week-long conference for Senior Ministers of Large UU Congregations during this time. As always, I carry you in my heart wherever I am. 

While Rev. Jen is away,

• If you need to reach someone because you or someone you care about is struggling and in need of support, please call the church office at (612) 825-1701 and follow the prompts for pastoral care.
• If you need to reach someone about staff and strategic leadership, please contact Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister, at arif@firstuniv.org.
• If you need to reach someone for pastoral care and support, please contact Rev. Ashley Harness-Jiminez, Assistant Minister, at ashley@firstuniv.org. 
• If you need to reach someone about Adult, Youth, or Family Spiritual Growth opportunities, please contact Lauren Wyeth, Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages at lauren@firstuniv.org.
• If you have a question about our newsletter or other communications related questions, please contact Jenn Stromberg, Communications Manager, at jenns@firstuniv.org.
• If you'd like to make a donation to the church or have a question about giving, please contact our Finance Manager, Brad Schmidt, at brad@firstuniv.org or follow the instructions for giving on our website.
• If you need to reach someone about anything related to the church building, please contact Jim Poulter, at jim@firstuniv.org.
• A full list of staff and contact information can be found here.

The Ministerial and leadership staff, Board Members, and Visual Arts Committee members have been gathering together over the past several weeks to deeply listen and lean into the complexities of the recent art exhibit within a circle of conversation. The group has employed a circle process to gain greater understanding of what happened, the impact on individuals and the community, and what comes next to help our congregation move forward together. The circle process intentionally centers relationship development and co-creation of the circle before issues are discussed. Good work has happened and participants have shown up grounded in our shared values and care for this congregation. Future meetings are being scheduled to complete this process and additional updates will be shared. 

Two fabric reproductions of NASA Hubble Space Telescope imagery are on display in the sanctuary. One is Orion Nebula, a swirl of intergalactic gases creating a colorful palette of pink, gold and deep purple with distant stars shining through. The second image is of the Lagoon Nebula. This darker image shows a cloud of deep red and orange over a background of bright turquoise with light from a star shining through.

The inspiration for creating these: in 1950 the late Rev. John Cummins visited the Charles Street Meeting House, a Boston Universalist church. On one wall was a 25-foot mural of the Andromeda Galaxy and on the opposite wall was an artist’s depiction of an atom. The art depicted the micro of our presence on earth and the infinity within each of us.

The City of Minneapolis implemented winter winter parking restrictions restrictions last week, restricting parking to only the odd side of non-snow emergency routes. This means that parking is not allowed on the even side of non-snow emergency routes until April 1 (or until restrictions are lifted if conditions improve earlier). 

Here at church, that means no parking on the church's side of Dupont or on the even side of nearby avenues, and no parking on the north side of 34th Street. 

If you drive to church, we encourage you to plan extra time to find street parking on Sunday mornings. We also encourage you to consider carpooling and/or using public transit if you are able.

We had such a fun time playing with the other animals in our snow cave, but now it's time to go home. If you are our people, please come take us home! And, if you belong to these stuffed animals and you'd like them re-homed instead, please let us know and we'll find a place for them to live.

Image description: multiple toy stuffed animals including a tiger, gorilla, penguin, bear, and bunny sitting on a shelf at the back of the sanctuary waiting to be claimed and picked up.

Deepen your connections at church through one or more of the wide variety of opportunities we're offering now through May. Get details about all of our Winter/Spring Programs and register today!

Saturdays, Feb. 4, 11, 25 and March 4, 11, 18 & 25, 9–11 a.m. at church

Registration Required

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is our comprehensive, values-based UU sexuality education program, with curriculum available for many age groups. Whether you grew up with very restrictive and minimal sexuality education or grew up UU and experienced more expansive sexuality education, Adult OWL is for you. Please join us in the spiritual work that is sexuality education! We invite people in the age range of 25-40 years on a journey of exploring gender, relationships, sexual pleasure, and more. We will explore a different topic each week, while being in covenant with one another, and holding one another's experiences. We encourage participants to come to every possible class to get the most out of the experience. This small group is a closed small group so that vulnerability and trust can be built. Future Adult OWL classes will be offered for additional age ranges. 

Facilitated by CT Neal-Herman and Claire Tralle, First U members and certified OWL instructors

Tuesdays, Feb. 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 4 & 25, 10–11:30 a.m. on Zoom

Registration Required Last call! Registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 3.

A legacy circle is a group of eight to twelve seniors who have already written their legacy stories, or who intend to finish their story before the end of the circle. They meet by Zoom once every other week, using a simple format. Before each Zoom session, the facilitator sends the stories of two volunteers from the circle to all the other participants. The other participants come to the session ready to ask those two volunteers some open-ended questions about their life stories. Each volunteer is in the spotlight for about half an hour. The resulting discussions have been frank, deep, and humorous in turn. 

Led by Dick Rueter and Ray Dillon, First U members

Thursdays, Feb. 9, 16, 23, & March 2, 6:30–8 p.m. at church

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 and structured group to dig deeper into Unitarian Universalism and further connection at church and before “taking the leap" to membership. Newcomers Circle is intended for those who are discerning if they will continue their spiritual journey at First Universalist. Facilitated by Jane Jordan, First U member, and Liz Farmer, Coordinator of Membership and Congregational Connections

Thursdays, Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9 & 16, 6–8 p.m. at church

Registration Required

Sacred Earth combines the wisdom of indigenous understandings of reciprocity with the sacred earth, and with spiritual practices that connect our spirit to nature. As we move through the reflections and practices, you may find spiritual healing by creating a more intimate relationship with the natural world. The sessions, two books, readings and spiritual practices are the core of the Sacred Earth experience. The work of this UU Wellspring program, Sacred Earth, and in particular the work of Robin Wall Kimmerer, whose text we’ll explore together, is focused on spiritual engagement to develop our relationship with the earth. Church can provide books upon request, or pick up Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and The Sustainable Soul by Rebecca James Hecking at your favorite bookshop or library. Facilitated by Dallas Rising and Gary Hoover, First U members

Saturday, Feb. 11 in the Social Hall

RSVP REQUESTED

• 9–11 a.m. Families with babies–1st graders are invited for simpler crafts and a light brunch; older siblings are welcome.

• 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Families with 2nd–5th graders are invited for games, pizza lunch, and heart-shaped cookie decorating. Siblings are welcome.

Come celebrate Valentine’s Day, love, and friendship with the younger members of our church community. This is a wonderful way to connect with other families while your kids make some awesome memories and deepen their ties to their church community.

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6–8 p.m.

RSVP REQUESTED

Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. All are welcome and there is no charge. Our February dinner will include a celebration of all who serve as church volunteers, helping with events, boards, committees, classes, congregational care, faithful action, groups, gatherings, hospitality, facilities, childcare, admin and worship.

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, join a breakout group to learn more about one of the many opportunities for deeper engagement at church. Find breakout group details here.

Thursday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. program in the Social Hall or on Zoom

Salad & Soup Lunch begins at 12 p.m.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Daytime Connections programs are offered on the third Thursday of each month, from October through May. They include fabulous presenters about fascinating topics, a delicious lunch, and an opportunity to meet new people and rekindle old friendships. 

On Feb. 16, join us for a program about Spiritual Technology. Rev Ashley Harness will be exploring how spirituality and technology intersect in our church lives. Welcome to the Cyber Age of Church. Rev. Ashley will also be telling us a little about herself and her ministry. Also we will learn how the Church databases work and how to sign into the new Church Directory. Join us for an interesting time.

Sign in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. Soup & salad lunch follows program at 12 p.m.: $5-15 sliding scale (more if you can; less if you can’t; no one will be turned away for lack of funds). Registration is requested a minimum of four days in advance.

Organized and hosted by the Daytime Connections Planning Team

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is a long-standing Faithful Action Partner of First Universalist. Our next work day is scheduled for:

• Saturday, March 4 in North Minneapolis

The work day typically runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with lunch provided. Each work day is limited to 10 volunteers. There will be heat in the building but it is often uneven. Layered, warm clothes are your best bet.

Sign up to volunteer here. Registration for March is now open!

Submitted by Sara McMullen

Take your "shift for the revolution" and join us as we convene a task force on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. in the Library near the Social Hall, right after the AUW (Association of Universalist Women) potluck. Details about the potluck are below in the Affiliated Organizations section.

Friends and members are welcome to join us for the Potluck 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the meeting from 2–3 p.m.

We’ll be there! Kit Ketchum, Hannah Mitchell, Meleah Houseknecht, Sara McMullen, Martha Joy and more

Submitted by Karen Wills

Be in the know & prepared to cast an informed vote at General Assembly! Paula Cole Jones (originator of the 8th Principle & member of UUA Article II commission) leads a Zoom forum on Saturday, Feb.18 hosted by MUUSJA, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with rest breaks. Saturday participants are invited back on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Central for optional breakouts with your circles (e.g., RE teachers, social justice teams, young adults, youth). Requested donation to offset costs is $50 (or what you can) and can be made here.

Register here

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

AUW Winter Potluck – February 4

We’ll meet for a meal and socializing in the Social Hall on Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a dish to share! No need to register, just come. For questions, contact Anne Frenchick.

AUW Spring Retreat – April 28-30, 2023

The theme is Badass Women; it will be held at Camp Courage near Annandale. Registration is open and fees are reduced this year! Go here for more info and to register.

Hiking Group:  Meets most Saturdays at a park or trailhead. For questions, contact Marie Sorenson. February 4, 3pm: Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Dr. Richfield. February 11, 2pm: Normandale Lake, near 84th & Chalet Rd, Bloomington. Go south on Chalet Rd. and you will run into a big parking lot across from Lake. Meet by parking lot entrance. 1.9 loop with small active waterfall.

Game Group: Meets at the church on the second Thursday of the month to play board games and socialize. Request an invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your name and email address to Anne Frenchick. Next date: Feb. 9, 7 p.m.

Weekly Happy Hour: This online Zoom gathering is a way to stay connected with AUW friends. We meet at 7 p.m. every Thursday. Hosts are Liz and Carol. Here is the Zoom info to tune in: Evening Happy Hour

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. Next meeting is on Feb. 27. 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.

First Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–noon in person at church

12 Step Spirituality meetings will gather in our church on the 1st Saturday of each month beginning on Oct. 1, 2022 and ending on May 6, 2023. The meeting focuses on people who are actively working a 12 step program. It is focused on the 11 step to the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. Meeting details are available at 12stepspirituality.org.

Saturdays, 9:30–10:45 a.m. online via Zoom

This weekly online meeting focuses on people who are actively working in any of 12 Step programs. It is focused on the 11th step through the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. Meeting details are available at 12stepspirituality.org.

Our full updated Covid policies are available here. A summary of updates (as of November 2022) to our masking policy is as follows:

Highlighted Updates: 

• Masks continue to be required in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings and for special services for everyone ages 2 and up 
• Masks are optional in the rest of the building outside of the sanctuary on Sunday mornings/for special services, and at all other times and for all other church activities, when Covid community levels are Low or Medium, with the following exception:
• Masking will be required in classrooms and small groups when a participant reaches out to Lauren Wyeth, Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages, in advance to make that request. Lauren will hold the name of the person making the request confidential, and will alert the group leader and participants that masks are required for that in person small group or class. 
• When Covid community levels are High, masks are required throughout the whole church building.

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.