Greetings!
Here we are again. Last night, Minneapolis Police Department officers shot and killed a black man named Dolal Idd. This shooting happened a mile away from 38th and Chicago, the site where George Floyd was killed, almost seven months ago to the day. The pain and the hurt in our community is still so raw. This shooting adds to that wound, and to the turmoil and rage that so many are feeling. This most recent fatal shooting causes pain on top of pain, anger on top of anger. There is no justice yet for George Floyd, or for the countless others who have died at the hands of police, and now another killing has happened. As we’ve said before, depending on our racial identity, the force, weight, and impact of this shooting lands differently on us.
Our Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) congregants are invited to a BIPOC only group, meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom (join here). Julica will lead BIPOC adults and high school youth in prayer and help hold community with and for each other as BIPOC people.
To the entire congregation, I invite you to join us for worship this Sunday, as we hold our anger, grief, and commitment to continue to create a different and more racially just world than the one we currently know. #BlackLivesMatter.
With love and care,
Rev. Justin
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A Special Video Message from Justin, Arif, Lauren, and Julica |
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Rev. Justin Schroeder, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Lauren Wyeth, and Julica Hermann de la Fuente gathered on Zoom in the early afternoon of Dec. 31, 2020, to share words of care with our congregation in the wake of the yesterday's fatal police shooting in Minneapolis, not far from where George Floyd was murdered by police in May. Watch here.
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A Note for Families from Lauren Wyeth |
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Another death by police in Minneapolis. I’m thinking of you, parents and caregivers. Just a reminder that with kids, you don’t need something new to say. Again, you remind them what has always been true: Black Lives Matter. The man who was killed was beloved by god, family, friends and community. We honor him by telling his story, by lighting a candle, by praying, by insisting on justice and change. We honor the needs and requests of those who knew and loved him, and of wise Black leaders in our communities. We, as Unitarian Universalists, know that each life is sacred. The world we long and work for, together, is free of violence, and everyone has what they need to survive and thrive. This vision is not shared by our system of policing, nor has it ever been. Another way is possible.
Then you make sure you’re not carrying your grief or fear or rage alone. That you’re not keeping it together for the kids 24/7. You care for yourself by reaching out to your beloveds. You connect with your community. You cry, you scream, you pray, you write or you march.
And because we don’t need to hear new things right now either, let Junauda Petrus’ words speak to your heart again today.
Lauren Wyeth
Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
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Junauda Petrus Reads Her Poem: "Give The Police Departments to the Grandmothers"
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Jan. 3, 10 a.m.
"Impossible Dreams"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
What will be different in 2021? What dreams for our lives and our community have been shaped by the pandemic, the racial justice uprising, and the questions still unanswered of whether or not the United States can actually become a pluralistic, equitable, multi-racial democracy? What dreams of yours - and what collective dreams of ours - might come to life in 2021? For dreams to be born, we must choose change, be courageous and brave, and let old habits and patterns fade and die, so something new and life giving can blossom.
WATCH
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
ORDER OF SERVICE
- Details about elements of the service
- Zoom info for post-worship gatherings
- extra resources and more!
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POST-WORSHIP HAPPENINGS (JAN. 3)
~11 a.m. Care Companions Space
If you find yourself wanting to talk with someone about what is stirring for you on a Sunday morning, please speak with one of our care companions in a confidential breakout room after the service. You can join here.
~11 a.m. First Step
First Step is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. Newcomers are welcome to join us to learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. Offered first and third Sundays. Join here.
~11:15 a.m. Sunday Small Groups and Fellowship Hour
Small groups and fellowship hours now funnel through one zoom space. Join here.
- BIPOC/Multiracial Fellowship Hour
- All-Identities Fellowship Hour
11:30 a.m. First Sunday Meditation Group
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we share how our practices are helping us through these difficult times. The Zoom space opens at 11:15 a.m. to provide time to connect. Meditation starts at 11:30 a.m. Join via Zoom here. Meeting ID: 932 5053 7134 Passcode: 459991
NO Religious Education Classes this Sunday (classes resume Jan. 10)
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
Rev. Justin Schroeder
This midweek worship experience for adults and older youth is a brief time (20-30 minutes) of connection, centering, and reflection, to help us find and keep our balance during this time of pandemic and physical distancing.
Connect to our live streamed worship between 6:55 and 7 p.m.:
Post-service Care Companions space (opens at about 7:30 p.m.): enter here
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January Worship Theme: Choosing Change |
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As we move into 2021, clear that we cannot return to “normal,” how will we actively “choose change,” re-imagine our lives, our purpose, the structure of our society, and the things we focus on? The answer to these questions rests in choices both small and large. Change sometimes feels impossible, but we forget that change is dynamic, alive, lurking in every corner, and is happening all around us, all the time. Change can begin when we speak the truth, when we turn toward the feeling rising in us, rather than push it away, when we name what is real for us, and listen to what is real for others, and when we stop, and take a breath, before we respond. In her book, Parable of the Sower, science fiction writer Octavia Butler writes, “All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you. The only lasting truth is change. God is change.” These words invite us to consider: What does it mean to choose change? To step fully into the “God flow,” the river of change, wide awake, and let it work on us, and us on it, as it shapes our relationships, spirit, and the course of our lives? When it comes to choosing change, the poet John O’Donahue offers these questions to reflect on: “Where could I have exposed myself to the risk of something different? Where did I allow myself to receive love? What reached me today? How deep did it imprint? What did I avoid today?”
This month, through message, song, prayer, and video, we will explore what it means to “choose change” and to embrace the lasting truth that is change.
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Sunday Service Recordings |
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Sunday, Dec. 27 with
Rev. Arif Mamdani
"How Shall We End this Year?
And What Comes Next?"
Watch the recording from this past Sunday's service here.
Recordings of all of our past Sunday worship services since March 2020 can be accessed here. |
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Cycle of Life & Prayer in Sunday Worship |
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If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, or celebrating a joy, please let us know. To be included in our Cycle of Life each 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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Remembrance Sunday is January 10 |
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Every year in our Remembrance Sunday service, we recognize the losses we’ve experienced in the previous year, and we name the reality of grief, impermanence, and love in our lives.
We hope you'll mark your calendar for next Sunday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. and plan to join us for this year's Remembrance Sunday service that will be especially meaningful this year to so many.
And please remember, in this season of complicated grief and mourning, if you are struggling, we are here for you. Please reach out. You can contact any of the ministers (first name @ firstuniv.org) or call the care line at 612.825.1701.
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A Call to Faith in Turbulent Times: Registration Open |
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Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, Feb. 2 & 9, 4–6 p.m. on Zoom
In a season of transition and change, join Rev. Justin for a series that invites us to explore the spiritual practices of vision, love, imagination, and relationship in action.
Many Unitarian Universalists and other people of faith are challenged by this moment in our nation’s history. The actions of political leaders raise large moral questions that compel many of us to explore what our faith commitments and values require of us. We have learned that it is crucial to stay informed, yet information comes at us from every direction and not all sources are reliable. We are being asked by others to contact legislators, attend meetings, join in protests, have political conversations with friends and acquaintances, in some cases to take public action for the first time ever. Many turn to our congregations and faith communities for help to clarify how our values call us to respond and to strengthen us to act.
This online four-session program, which takes place on Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, Feb. 2 and 9 from 4 to 6 p.m., will be facilitated by Rev. Justin Schroeder.
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Sunday Small Groups Begin Jan. 24
Registration Open Through Jan. 10
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Six Week Sunday Small Groups are a chance to gather (virtually) with others to share what's stirring for you on a Sunday morning, to listen generously to each others' stories and reflections, and to find ourselves, our questions—and perhaps an invitation—within the sacred texts. No fixing, no saving, no advising, no setting each other straight, just the simple act of offering care when others are speaking, and receiving care when it’s our turn to talk. Most of all, they are a chance to create and build together a space where all can be authentic in community.
UPDATE: The next round of small groups will begin meeting on zoom on Sunday, Jan. 24 after the worship service. Groups meet weekly on Sundays, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., for six weeks (through Feb. 21). Registration for this round of small groups will be open until Jan. 10. Find more information, details, FAQs and answers on our website.
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Newcomer Circle Registration Open
Updated Dates & Times!
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Newcomer Circles are four-session gatherings of 6–8 participants who are new-ish to First Universalist. If you’ve been joining us for worship, participating in small groups or other gatherings for a few months and would like to deepen your connection to the church and meet others who are also early in their journey with the congregation, this is a great way to do so.
(If you’re brand new to us or testing the waters, we invite you to first attend First Step—a brief orientation offered every first and third Sunday of the month—drop into our post-worship fellowship hours, or sign up for a Sunday Small Group (see above).)
Upcoming Newcomers Circles, which were to begin in early January, have been rescheduled will now take place on Zoom at the following times:
Mondays, Feb. 15, 22, March 1, and 8; 7–8:30 p.m. w/ George Dow and Phillip Muessig
Sundays, March 7, 14, 21, 28; 12:30–2 p.m. w/ Channing McKinley and Emily Wallace
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Virtual Meetings & Gatherings |
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Jan. 10 & 24)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Jan. 5 & 19)
Join us for this weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction, to build community at church and add a layer of support. We'll join in a time of silent meditation, explore a topic, and share our experience, strength and hope. Participation is confidential. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more information reach out to Dick Young at 952-893-1188.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Jan. 3)
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we share how our practices are helping us through these difficult times. The Zoom space opens at 11:15 a.m. to provide time to connect. Meditation starts at 11:30 a.m. Join via Zoom here. Meeting ID: 932 5053 7134 Passcode: 459991
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m.
The Weekly Meditation Group is meeting by Zoom Tuesdays from 9-10:15 with an extended learning session once a month. Our time together contains seated meditation, walking meditation and sharing. Contact Martha Easter-Wells at mm3second@aol.com for Zoom information.
Single Parents Gathering
Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Single Parents Gathering with Rev. Sara Smalley - Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Sara to be connected to the group at smalley.sara@gmail.com.
Young Adults Group
Third Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Connect with fellow First U young adults (20s & 30s). Join via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 992 3538 3974; Passcode: 125529)
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour
Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m. (weekly)
AUW members are staying connected via a weekly Zoom "Happy Hour."
Meeting ID: 834 7301 7986. Password: 557571 Join here
Parents of Babies and Preschoolers (ages 0-4 years)
Parents/guardians of little ones gather with Lauren for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Lauren at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to the group.
12 Step Spirituality
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m., weekly through the end of December
All people in or interested in 12 steps are welcome, this includes Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, CODA, etc. The workshop includes meditation, Centering Prayer meditation instructions, a short talk and small groups. Meeting details available at 12stepspirituality.org
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Spiritual Care - Your ministers and program staff are here for one-on-one confidential conversations of support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us to connect.
Counseling - The Walk In Counseling Center offers free counseling by phone or computer. Find out how to “walk in” here.
Cycle of Life - Every Sunday we name the challenges and joys that we are experiencing. If you have experienced a loss, are living with a new or ongoing health concern, are celebrating a transition, or would like us to name your joy or sorrow in worship on Sunday, please let Rev. Arif know (arif@firstuniv.org)
Grief Kits - Have you or someone else you know in our congregation lost a loved one? Please let Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.
Love Kits - Are you or someone you love ill? Is your family struggling? Do you live alone or feel isolated? Do you know someone else from church who might answer yes to any of these questions? If so, please let Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.
Meal Trains - Sometimes receiving a meal one time or over the course of a couple of weeks can be just the thing to lighten the load and remind us that we are loved. If you or someone you know at church would welcome a meal to help them through a difficult time, or if you or your family have experienced a loss or are living with an illness or injury and having someone else do the cooking for a bit would help, please let us know. You can contact Rev. Jen or Rev. Karen, or contact our Congregational Care Coordinators, Nick (nicholasnier@gmail.com) and Julia (jskow@fastmail.com) directly.
Minister’s Emergency Fund - For many of us, these are difficult financial times. If you need help with a car repair bill, making rent, a doctor’s bill, groceries, gas, a mortgage payment, affording your medication, a bus card, or any other financial situation - please be in touch with any staff member. We have financial resources available, and we can get a confidential check to you quickly. Please contact any of the ministers on staff.
Mental Health Connect - www.mhconnect.org - Need help finding a therapist? Want to learn more about particular mental health conditions and resources? Check out Mental Health Connect, a local organization supported by congregations like ours, that provides community-based resources, support and education to improve access to mental health services and connect individuals and families with the services they need.
Mental Health Navigators - If you are trying to access therapy or counseling services, navigate the insurance system, speak to a financial counselor, connect with housing services, or support loved ones with mental illness, a Mental Health Navigator can help. They journey alongside you to help remove barriers and complexity so that you can gain access to the right providers and resources for your unique situation. Navigation and follow-up services are free, confidential, and tailored to your situation. Learn more here: What Is a Mental Health Navigator? And get started here.
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