Worship
Sunday, July 10, 10 a.m.
Lunch & Blessing of the Animals 11/11:30 a.m.
Recordings & Podcasts
Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Lake Harriet Worship, Potluck
Office Closed in July
Faithful Action News
Job Openings
Ushers & Greeters Needed
Pastoral Care in July
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Happenings
Care Groups
July Community Sing
BIPOC 6th-9th Gr Book Club
Pathway to Membership
REP Info Session
Co-op Farm Tour
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Sunday, July 10 — 10 a.m.
"The S-I-Z-E of Our Soul"
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When we are faced with a difficult situation, it can be challenging to greet it, not necessarily with agreement, but to simply take it in and receive it as another truth. This is what Unitarian Universalist process theologian Bernard Loomer describes as the essence of the spiritual path—the practice of receiving rather than resisting reality in the fullest possible sense. Come explore how we can grow our souls together in light of the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade with guest preacher Rev. Andrea Johnson. |
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Rev. Andrea Johnson is a long-time member of this church community and is currently pursuing her doctorate of ministry at United Theological Seminary. Her dissertation attempts to more deeply theologically ground our racial justice work. She also serves on the Board of United Seminary where she is co-chairing the Capital Campaign and has funded a chair in World Religions and Intercultural Studies. When she is not buried in a theology book, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.
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Worship leaders: Rev. Andrea Johnson, Emma Paskewitz, Rev. Kate Tucker, Aimee K. Bryant, and Barb Brooks
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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.
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.
FIRST STEP AT ~11 A.M.
First Step is a casual, drop-in orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist that meets for about 40 minutes right after the service ends. Learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. In-person only this Sunday.
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Lunch & Blessing of the Animals After Worship |
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After worship this Sunday, we will share in a congregational, plant-based lunch (thanks to the Food Solutions crew of the Environmental Justice Team) outdoors under the tent beginning at 11 a.m. after the service.
At about 11:30 a.m., we'll celebrate a Blessing of the Animals, honoring those fuzzy, feathered, and scaly creatures who companion us through life. You are invited to gather under the tent at 11:30 with your live pet—or bring a photo or a collar—to participate in the blessing. You can also opt to join the group dog walk that leaves from church at about noon! All are welcome.
Please note: we invite you to return home for your pet(s) between worship and the blessing, or bring a photo/collar/etc to be blessed if that is easier for you. Only service animals are allowed inside the church building, and it's not reliably safe to leave pets in the car this time of year.
Image descriptions (above and below): two collages of photos of pets, including cats and kittens, dogs and puppies, and one guinea pig. Photos were submitted by First Universalist members and friends.
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7/3: "American Stories"
On this Fourth of July weekend, we hear different versions of the story of the United States of America. What kinds of stories build resilience and trust and what kinds build fragility and fear? In this service we explore how the stories we tell create meaning. Guest preacher Rev. Meg Riley, a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, spent 38 years as a religious professional before retiring in 2020. She now holds the volunteer position of co-moderator of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Watch the recording here. Or, listen to the podcast.
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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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No Wednesday Office Hours in July;
Office Open by Appointment Only
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For the remainder of the month of July, the church office will not have any drop-in office open hours. Building and office access will instead be by appointment only. Wednesday office open hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will resume in August!
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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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Hiring for Bookkeeper and Assistant Minister |
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Please help us spread the word about two open positions on the church staff that we are currently hiring for! While church members are not eligible for employment with the church, we do appreciate your help ensuring that we receive a broad pool of applicants.
We are currently hiring for an entry level Bookkeeper position, as well as a new half time Assistant Minister position. Find position descriptions and details here.
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Sign Up to Greet and/or Usher on Sunday! |
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Please consider taking a turn ushering and/or greeting this Sunday or another Sunday soon! We're still in need of more folks to help out; you can sign up here.
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Andrea Johnson Leading Pastoral Care in July |
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Rev. Arif and Rev. Jen will both be out on vacation and study leave for much of the month of July. During their absence, Rev. Andrea Johnson will be 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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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
Sundays, July 10 & 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
UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Connect with others at church who are working a 12-step program of recovery. Anyone in any 12-step program is welcome. The focus is on building community and relationships. Facilitated by: First U members in recovery
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Wednesday, July 13, 7–8 p.m., Social Hall
Join in an hour of summer singing at First U with Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout. We’re getting together for the joy of making music together as a community, and your voice couldn’t be more welcome. No experience or preparation needed. Masks are required. Sign-ups are helpful (sign up here), but not required. All are welcome to help us make the music come alive!
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BIPOC Middle School Book Club |
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Sundays, July 17, 24 & 31, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Room 211 REGISTRATION (required)
BIPOC middle school youth (entering 6th–9th grade) build community and discuss YA fiction by BIPOC authors. There’s no homework; we’ll read short pieces together when we gather. Come for one or all three meetings. Lunch will be provided. Facilitators: 1st U BIPOC youth/young adult staff: Liv Dalby, Rui Rui Bleifuss & Zoe Mulvihill, led by Eleanor Kline-Olson
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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
Upcoming classes are offered:
Sundays, July 17 & 24, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. at church (2-session class)
Tuesday, Aug. 2, 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom (1-session class)
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Relationships Evolving Possibilities Info Session |
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Wednesday, July 20, 7–8:30 p.m. under the tent
Learn about Relationships Evolving Possibilities (REP), an organization that has been nominated to become one of our Faithful Action partners. REP is a network of dedicated abolitionists showing up to support others in moments of crisis or urgency, with care and respect for the full dignity and autonomy of the people in crisis. Facilitators: Susan Raffo, REP Core Group member, and Rebecca Donley, Karen Heegard, and Denise Konen, First U members
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Climate & Environmental Justice Team Invites You to the 2022 Coop Farm Tour |
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Saturday, July 16
Meet at church at 9 a.m. to organize
The Climate and Environmental Justice (C&EJ) Team would like to invite you to participate in the 2022 Co-op Farm Tour—a great opportunity to “meet the local farmers of the Twin Cities Region.” This farm tour is supported by many of the food co-ops in the Twin Cities and is available to everyone. It is a way to begin connecting the dots of how healthy food is grown locally and where it is available for purchase.
If you have ever wondered what the difference is between organic, sustainable, and regenerative, join us! Gain a clearer understanding of the human health and environmental benefits of food grown with soil health as a major goal. Learn how these agricultural practices are part of solutions to the Climate Crisis.
Questions? Contact Susan Keller at gardenyogi5@gmail.com.
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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 our upcoming Blessing of the Animals in July 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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Grief Group
Every other Sunday, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom (July 10, July 24...)
Participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. Through sharing, silence, ritual, and reflection, we offer each other support and companionship. Zoom information is available here.
UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Sundays at 7 p.m.
Weekly confidential drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction & family dysfunction. Join via Zoom. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388)
12 Step Spirituality - Zoom
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
Designed for those actively working a 12-Step program and who want to explore and deepen their spirituality through Centering Prayer. Meeting details: 12stepspirituality.org
Weekly Meditation Group (multi-platform)
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom and in Room 209 at church
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour
Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Join the 7 p.m. Happy Hour here (Meeting ID: 817 4022 5684; Password: 675052).
Parents & Caregivers of Babies and Preschoolers
Third Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Parents/guardians of little ones gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Register here.
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Church Office Open Hours
The church office is currently open by appointment only. Please call the church office at 612-825-1701 or contact a staff member to arrange for office or building access.
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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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