Worship
Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m.
Recordings & Podcasts
Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Lake Harriet Worship, Potluck
Faithful Action News
Pastoral Care in July
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Happenings
Spiritual Direction Group
Pathway to Membership
CloseKnit Info Session
AUW Gatherings
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Sunday, July 24 — 10 a.m.
"The Larger Circle"
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Poet Wendell Berry’s description of “The Larger Circle” as the "circle of all creatures/Passing in and out of life” takes on new meaning as we take in – and struggle to comprehend- the 13 billion light-year view of the earliest galaxies in the universe provided by the James Webb telescope. Are those faint smudges even connected to us? Do they matter? How? Or is the question, why? |
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Worship leaders: Kathy Coskran, Rev. Kate Tucker, Marion Dane Bauer, Aimee K. Bryant, and Franco Holder
Kathy Coskran has been a First Universalist member for 45 years, and has served on numerous committees, including chairing the Board of Trustees twice. She’s a teacher, writer, traveler, and a retired principal of Lake Country School.
Marion Dane Bauer is a longtime First Universalist member and an award-winning author of more than 100 books for young people, including the Newbery Honor book "On My Honor." Her book "The Stuff of Stars" (illustrated by Ekua Holmes) is an exploration of how the universe (and you and I) came to be.
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IN PERSON AT 10 A.M.
In person worship over the summer months is offered as a single service at 10 a.m. 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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July 17: "Gather the Spirit, Harvest the Power"
Poet Marge Piercy writes that “a good anger acted upon is beautiful as lightning and swift with power.” Who teaches us about that kind of anger and power? How do we learn? What kind of inner transformation does it invite or require? Watch the recording here. Or, listen to the podcast.
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Many of you may know Martha Bird—artist, nurse, and longtime member. Martha helped this church launch Mental Health Sundays and she arrives at church with her loyal service dog. Today we honor Martha in our cycle of life, acknowledging the epic journey she’s undertaken these past few months, surrounding the death of her father—a journey made the more powerful by the fact that Martha’s father was one who brought great harm to Martha and her sisters. In spite of there being no miraculous redemption at the end, Martha showed up with her best self to be there. She welcomes our messages of support and blessing. Martha, we hold you in our hearts, grateful for the ways you learn and teach.
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 20th 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, August 6th.
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 during the month of July, contact Rev. Andrea Johnson at andrea@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Lake Harriet Bandshell Service (and Picnic!):
Mark Your Calendar + Volunteers Needed
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Mark your calendars for one of our favorite services of the year: Sunday, Aug. 21 will be our annual service at the Lake Harriet Bandshell! And after a two year hiatus, this year we will also be enjoying our post-service potluck picnic!
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 and we'd love your help to make it happen, particularly in helping organize the potluck. Please email Rev. Arif at arif@firstuniv.org if you can help!
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Faithful Action News: Opportunities to Take Action |
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Faithful Action is how we describe our justice ministry. It is where justice work and personal spiritual growth intersect; we act on our faith!
Our Faithful Action Teams are in the process of assembling information about a wide variety of opportunities - from learning to volunteering to advocacy - for you this summer. We invite you to read our July/August Faithful Action News and pick an opportunity or two that speaks to you. We'll be adding to this as we go along, so check back later for more opportunities as well! |
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"Connections to the Natural World" Art Exhibit |
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Now in the Social Hall, featuring photos taken by congregants, collected by the Climate & Environmental Justice Team. |
The images, which were projected during the 2022 Earth Day celebration, are now on display in the Social Hall. Photographers share where their photos were taken along with a brief description of how nature inspired them.
All of the photos are for sale with profits going to our church’s climate and environmental justice work.
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Andrea Johnson Leading Pastoral Care in July |
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Rev. Arif and Rev. Jen are both out on vacation and study leave for much of the month of July. During their absence, Rev. Andrea Johnson is covering pastoral care for the month of July. This means that if you are in need of pastoral care, please reach out to Rev. Andrea. She can be reached at 612-825-1701 ext 113 or andrea@firstuniv.org.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Shaping Spiritual Growth: Charting Our Course |
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Thursdays, July 28, 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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Group Spiritual Direction:
Finding Our Way in a Broken World
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Mondays, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 7–8 p.m. on Zoom
A pandemic is wreaking havoc across the globe, hate and bigotry are rising, and our personal challenges do not evaporate in the wake of world upheaval. Illness, family dysfunction, abuse, economic distress, and more continue to plague us even as the world seems to be falling apart. What can we do? Is there a spiritual solution? Gather with other seekers who are finding direction in these challenging times. Facilitator: Frederic McDonald-Dennis, First U member
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Tuesday, Aug. 2, 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom (1-session class)
This 1-session class is recommended for folks who live outside the Twin Cities or who prefer meeting on zoom, those with full schedules, and folks who are already in relationship with the church, who feel well-connected and confident about navigating groups, programs, and resources and just want to make their membership official.
Pathway to Membership is a class for those who want to become members. Learn at your own pace through online videos, then choose a class experience that meets your needs. Facilitator: Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator
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Wednesday, Aug. 3, 7–8:15 p.m. under the tent at church
First Universalist is exploring a new Faithful Action partnership with Closeknit: Loving Youth out of Homelessness. Learn about CloseKnit, discover how you might become involved, and expand your understanding of youth homelessness and the systemic racial, economic and structural and barriers that family and friends face when they try to support young people seeking housing. Facilitators: Jacqueline White, CloseKnit Founder and Executive Director, and Karen Heegard, Peg Mitchell, and Polly Talen, First U members
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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)
Ongoing 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 by Appointment Only in July
The church office is open by appointment only during the month of July. For pastoral care, call Rev. Andrea Johnson at 612-825-1701 ext 113 or email andrea@firstuniv.org. For building access, reach out to Facilities Manager Tracy Van Epps at tracy@firstuniv.org
Wednesday office open hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will resume in August!
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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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