Greetings!
Care is at the heart of this congregation, as it is in so many communities of faith. We speak of this commitment in the last line of our chalice lighting words, and care finds its expression in so many ways in our congregation that sometimes it's hard to keep track of quite where to go when we need something. Since I’ve recently stepped into the lead role with Pastoral Care at the church, I thought I’d take this opportunity to offer an overview of pastoral care and how to get connected.
First and foremost, there’s something really important that we should all know:
EVERYONE needs pastoral care.
Actually, we could write that in a clearer, less church-jargon-ish way: EVERYONE needs care. Whether we call it pastoral care, congregational care, spiritual care, or something else entirely, what we’re talking about, at core, is care, and I don’t know anyone, anywhere who doesn’t need it. We’re human, and part of being alive is to need care, and part of being alive is to give care. Congregational care at First Universalist Church speaks to all of that!
I tend to think of our caring ministries at church in two ways:
There’s help for when things in life have fallen apart.
There’s help for when things in life are falling apart.
Whether it's a death in your close family, a diagnosis of a serious illness, the loss of a job or a house or a vehicle or something else entirely, things happen. Carefully made plans and our efforts to hold it all together sometimes unravel, and when that happens, church is here to help.
We can provide support and spiritual care, we can help you make sense of loss and grief, and we can help you say goodbye to loved ones with memorial services and celebrations of life. We can also provide financial support when needed because all too often when awful things happen in our lives, there’s a financial component too. When you find that things have fallen apart, the church can help.
The caring ministries at church can also help when things are falling apart. I don’t know about you, but I know that in my life, at least one - and sometimes more than one - part of life feels like it is in danger of falling apart, particularly in these pandemic/post-election/pre-holiday/cusp of winter times.
Managing remote schooling can be hard. Family dynamics around the holidays are difficult to negotiate, particularly when it comes to COVID. Maybe you’re having a tough time finding work, maybe your spouse or kid or parent is struggling in some way, maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world and feel like you could use someone to connect with. The point here is that you don’t need to wait for a crisis to ask for help. None of us makes it through this life alone and church is here to provide support.
Here are just a few things we do under the broad umbrella of caring ministries:
- Provide food
- Help you connect with resources in the community
- Offer a listening ear short-term or longer-term depending on the situation and your needs
- Help make sense of loss and grief
- Provide support groups for different communities in the church facing challenges
- Offer spiritual care
- Provide companionship as you work through a challenging time
- Knit and provide shawls to people who are sick
- Distribute “love kits” to folks in the church experiencing grief, loss, and isolation
- And many many many more things - chances are good that if you need support, we can help you access it
As Rev. Justin likes to say, in church, sometimes you’re the boat, and sometimes you’re the ocean. Sometimes you’re held up by others in the congregation, and sometimes we’re the ocean, doing the holding. The caring ministries of the church are built on this image - whether you’re the boat right now, or you’d like to be part of the ocean, the caring ministries of the congregation are here for you.
To access any of the caring ministries of the church, connect with me or any of the ministers of the church by phone or email. If this is an emergency, please call 612.825.1701 and follow prompts for pastoral emergency to be connected to a minister. Finally, if you’re experiencing something you’d like included in Sunday’s weekly prayer and Cycle of Life, please send an email to arif@firstuniv.org.
With care,
Rev. Arif
Rev. Arif Mamdani
Minister of Membership & Adult Ministries
First Universalist Church
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
Sunday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.
"Living Our Values During the Pandemic Holidays"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
The costs of the global pandemic have been high: lives and jobs lost; family gatherings, celebrations, and memorial services postponed or cancelled; and physical contact limited with friends and loved ones. At the same time, for some of us, the lockdowns and different pace of life have given us a glimpse of what else might be possible. For a time, the smoggy sky over major world cities cleared. Carbon emissions dropped. Many of us became more clear what really mattered and why.
How might these new "pandemic insights" shape our holiday season this year? What would it mean to put the earth first this year? To prioritize what really matters? Though the votes have been counted, and a new president elected, every day, we get to vote with our dollars, our actions, and our relationships. Every day, we can cast a vote for a more just and fair world, or a vote for the status quo.
This Sunday, we'll explore these questions as we launch our annual Holiday Giving Project, in support of Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism - year two of a five year commitment to support BLUU.
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
ORDER OF SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, NOV. 15
Welcome: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Chalice Lighting: Siena & Lucia
Story for All Ages: Lauren Wyeth
Music: "Glory Glory" Aimee K. Bryant & Franco Holder
Prayer: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Music: "Spirit of Life" First Universalist Choir
Sermon: Rev. Justin Schroeder,
with Lena K. Gardner, Isabel Quast, and the Lamboglia family
Offertory: "We Shall Be Known" Seth Anderson-Matz
Closing Words: Rev. Justin Schroeder
"Go Now in Peace" the Yorkhall family
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POST-SUNDAY WORSHIP MEETINGS (NOV. 15)
~11 a.m. Post-Worship Fellowship for All Identities
Connect with worship leaders and fellow congregants in the virtual Fellowship Hall - a lightly structured environment where we'll discuss and reflect on what we heard in the worship service. Join here. (Meeting ID: 212 168 092 Passcode: 383174) or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and passcode.
~11 a.m. BIPOC Post-Worship Fellowship Space
A social space for those who identify as black, indigenous, people of color, and multiracial to connect. Join here.
~11 a.m. Care Companions (formerly Pastoral Visitors) Space
We know that worship can take us into deep and surprising places. If you find yourself needing 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. During this 45-minute class, participants will learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. Join here.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.
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.:
Enter the Zoom worship space here (please note: this worship service will be hosted meeting-style, with the option to turn on your video and see other attendees who choose to turn their video on). To join by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the Meeting ID: 929 9685 7444 and Passcode: 389086
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Cycle of Life from Sunday, Nov. 8 |
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Our love and care surrounds Cecelia Newton. We learned Saturday night that Cecelia had entered hospice care at Abbott, and learned Sunday morning that she has died. We grieve her passing and will share information on her memorial service when it is available.
We hold in our hearts the family and all those who knew and loved James Everett Hart. James served as the music director at First Universalist during Rev. John Cummins’ ministry and he died on October 23 from complications related to pulmonary fibrosis.
If you'd like to be included in the Cycle of Life, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org or any minister.
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Sunday Service Recording & Podcast |
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Sunday, Nov. 8: "What Next?"
Sermon by Rev. Justin Schroeder
Reflections & summary by Liz Farmer:
It has been a week...a year, a four years...a four hundred years. In some ways, it feels like what we’ve been holding in our hearts and bodies recently can be put down. And there is much still to pick up- to face, to go through, to own, to heal. What is true in this particular moment is that many are facing a deluge of mixed emotions: grief, relief, longing, excitement, disappointment, anxiety.
In this Sunday service, Rev. Justin, Aimee K. Bryant, and First Universalist congregants reflect on what is true now, what continues to be unveiled in this country, where to look for guidance, and how to remake ourselves, our communities, and our nation after the election of 2020.
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Sign Up for a Small Group |
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Small groups are one of the best parts of church. Particularly as we move into this complicated time of year with holidays, awareness of those who aren't with us or can't be near, and everything else we're carrying, small groups can be a little oasis of care and connection. Our small groups are a place to connect with others, share what’s on your heart, and hear how others are making it through this life. 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.
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A few longer-term groups starting in the next week or so that will meet monthly or bi-monthly through late spring/early summer
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A 6-session series that will meet weekly for six Sundays, right after the service, from Nov. 22 through Dec. 27.
Each offers an opportunity for connection, reflection, and a space to help find and keep your balance. We hope you’ll sign-up for one or both.
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Board of Trustees Seeking Additional Trustee |
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The Board of Trustees is seeking another Trustee for its important work. In September, the Board of Trustees had an unexpected vacancy. We have been working with the Nominating Committee and would like interested members to contact them at nomination@firstuniv.org with any interest in serving. This will be for a term on the Board of Trustees beginning this winter and ending in June of 2023. Criteria for serving are to be a member of the church and should have a commitment to all of our Visionary Goals, in particular our third Visionary Goal of being a multi-racial, multi-cultural, and intergenerational faith community of mutual caring and support where people bring all of who they are and welcome each other with joy. Board members meet monthly on the third Thursday of the month (currently via Zoom) and engage in work between meetings. Whoever is appointed will need to be approved by the congregation at the annual meeting in June 2021.
Thank you in advance for your willingness to be a part of church lay-leadership!
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Submitted by Barb Melom
It was 14 years ago that knitters from our congregation began knitting hats for women and men experiencing homelessness. Simpson Shelter was the first place to receive hat donations from us. Over the years the project has continued to expand and we now make donations to schools, shelters, and community agencies serving those in need. Last year, close to 2,000 hats were knit and delivered to folks in our community... children, youth, and adults.
In the past, knitting groups have gathered in churches, yarn shops, coffee shops and friends' homes. With social distancing none of this will happen this year.... but we still need hats. I am asking knitters to pick up their needles and begin knitting a hat for the project! Use your favorite pattern or check out our blog: scroll through the blog and you will find some of our favorite patterns and tips for knitting a warm hat.
Hats can be dropped off on my enclosed front porch and distribution will begin in October and continue throughout the winter.
Help spread the word by telling your friends. Thanks for "Giving the Gift of Warmth."
Barbara Melom
Drop off: 5314 Penn Ave. So. Mpls.
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Take One Small Step
with First Universalist and Masjid An-Nur - Mosque of Light
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We Are Helping to Build Bridges in Our Community
In a world rife with noise from news to social media feeds—that diminishes our collective morale—StoryCorps understands the power of a one-on-one conversation. StoryCorps’ One Small Step provides a framework for people who hold different viewpoints to explore what they have in common and calls to Americans to take, “One Small step” towards fostering a culture of listening.
First Universalist Church (Peace Action Circle) in partnership with Masjid An-Nur Mosque, are collaborating with StoryCorps. We invite you to participate in a virtual, recorded and facilitated conversation with another person in our community who you might not otherwise have the opportunity to talk with. We challenge you to engage in these crucial connections and to learn what we have in common that outweighs our differences. The partnership with Masjid Annur provides a unique opportunity to engage in an interfaith discussion about the stories that have impacted our lives.
In December, StoryCorps will begin thoughtfully matching community members for conversations that will take place in January. To sign up to participate, complete the online screening questionnaire by December 11, 2020.
Take, “One Small Step” towards fostering a culture of listening. We challenge you to engage in these crucial connections and to learn what we have in common that outweighs our differences.
Please indicate your congregation when filling out the survey and email TCPeaceLiteracyEduc@yahoo.com when you have completed the it so that we, in partnership with StoryCorps, can keep you informed. We will be sending out individual invitations and encourage referrals to friends and associates outside our First Universalist community. Our goal is to recruit a diverse group.
- Cathy Manning
On behalf of First Universalist Peace Action Circle
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Virtual Meetings & Gatherings |
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First Universalist Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.
The First Universalist Church Board of Trustees generally meets monthly on the third Thursday. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19 and will be held via Zoom. Materials and meeting information will be posted here the week of Nov. 16.
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Ongoing Meetings for Adults |
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Nov. 15 & 29)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Nov. 10 & 24)
Do you identify as someone in 12-Step recovery? Would you like to build community at church and add a layer of support for yourself and others as we head into the winter? Join us for this weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. We'll join in a time of silent meditation, explore a topic, and share our experience, strength and hope with each other. Participation in the meeting is confidential, and no sign up is required. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more information reach out to Dick Young (dickyoung1@comcast.net)
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. Reach out to Martha Easter-Wells at mm3second@aol.com to sign up and for Zoom information.
Third Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Connect with fellow First U young adults (20s & 30s) as we gather monthly via zoom on the third Thursday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Please note the change in day. We'll have a different activity or theme planned for each gathering, starting with theology conversations with Rev. Arif Mamdani on November 19! We hope you can join us as we talk about some of the "big questions" of life. Join via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 992 3538 3974; Passcode: 125529)
Thursdays, 10–11:30 a.m. (check in begins at 9:30 a.m.)
Led by congregant Pat Gottschalk, Chi-Gung meets via Zoom on Thursdays through 12/19 (except Thanksgiving). Meeting ID: 872 9181 2732
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
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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Ongoing Meetings for Children, Youth & Families |
Email Lauren Wyeth, Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries, at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to any the following groups:
Rainbow Kids and Families
Tuesdays, 7–8 p.m., Oct. 13 to Nov. 17
LGBTQ+/Rainbow kids, parents and families gather for a chalice lighting and story, followed by a chance to get to know one another in three smaller breakout groups.
BIPOC/Multiracial Kids and Families
Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m., Oct. 14 to Nov. 18
Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Multiracial kids, parents and families gather for a chalice lighting and story, followed by a chance to get to know one another in three smaller breakout groups.
Neurodiverse and Diverse Learners and their Families
Thursdays, time TBD, Oct. 15 to Nov.19
Neurodiverse and Diverse Learners gather for a chalice lighting and story, followed by a chance to get to know one another in three smaller breakout groups.
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.
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.
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Faithful Action Partner News |
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Seeking Winter Jackets for
Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) Students
We are holding a drive for new and/or gently used men and women’s winter jackets for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) high school students (all sizes – small to extra large). Winter hats and gloves and warm socks (new only) also desired. Clothes must be clean, in good repair, (no broken zippers) and teen appropriate.
When: 9AM – 1PM, Wednesday, Nov. 18
9AM – 1PM, Wednesday, Dec. 2
Drop Off Site: AFA school building at 2504 Columbus Ave. So., Mpls. 55404 (Columbus is one block east of Park Ave. - near Abbott Hospital and Swedish Institute). Park in front of the school building, and leave clothing in the bins outside the school entrance.
AFA, a long standing First Universalist Faithful Action Partner, is a public charter high school established to support underserved students in a safe and welcoming community. Many of the 100 African American, Somali, and American Indian students experience housing and food insecurity during the school year. First Universalist has provided clothing and food support for the past seven years; this year, we also support AFA’s participation in Every Meal (formerly The Sheridan Project).
Thank you for your ongoing generosity!
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Simpson Shelter Needs Our Help
Meals by volunteer groups at Simpson, one of First Universalist's Faithful Action Partners, are still not happening through 5/31/21. Meals are currently being provided by caterers who are contracted to that date. First Universalist has been contributing to that effort by donating our money for any meal we were scheduled to provide. In the future there may be opportunities to prepare meals offsite in our home kitchens and deliver those meals to the shelter for the shelter staff to serve.
If you can help, Simpson has put out a request for other items needed by shelter guests. Here is a list of Simpson Supply Needs:
- New heavy-duty winter gloves, hats, scarves (no hand knit)
- New thermals for men and women - all sizes
- Hand warmers
- A new set of TV trays for the women’s space (we only need one set, so please contact me if you are able to provide this item.)
- New boxers- sizes L, M, and S
- New women’s underwear - sizes L, M, and S
- Razors
- Shaving Cream
- Shampoo, lotion and conditioner - travel size
- Textured and curly hair supplies
- New women's socks
- Blankets- gently used or new
- Twin size sheets- gently used or new
- Bath towels - gently used or new
Christina Giese, Simpson Housing Services
2740 1st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
You can also help on November 19, "Give to the Max Day," by contributing financially to Simpson Shelter.
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Dwelling in Hope: Faith Communities Rally for Home
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m.
State Capitol and Virtually via Facebook Live
The Beacon First U Leadership Team, including Autumn Huiras, Peg Mitchell, Sara McMullen, Claire Wilson, and Cathy Manning, invite your participation!
In Minnesota, we value taking care of each other and our neighbors. At Beacon, that means acting together so all of us can have a place to call home. And while we're voting our values this fall, we need to make sure they remain front-and-center for elected officials in 2021 and beyond. Make your voice - and your values - heard at a rally organized by First U Faithful Action Partner Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative on Sunday, Nov. 15 starting at 2 p.m. They're calling it "Dwelling in Hope," because we find hope when we take action together. RSVP here
No matter who wins in November, it will take a sustained effort from each of us to grow our movement and build power toward our vision that all people have a home. On Nov. 15, Beacon is aiming for 200 people to show up at the State Capitol to demonstrate to our legislators that we're serious about the need to make bold investments that meet the growing scale of our housing crisis. We'll be maintaining social distancing, requiring and providing face masks, and observing state health guidelines.
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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.
Winter Buddies - Would it help to get a regular phone call from someone who cares? What about a check-in over zoom or phone once a month, or once a week? Our Pastoral Visitors are a group of congregants who provide confidential companionship and support to fellow members and friends of the church. They offer compassionate presence through a one-time call or an on-going relationship. Please contact Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) if you’d like to be connected with a companion.
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 individual situation. Learn more here: What Is a Mental Health Navigator? And get started here.
UUs in 12-Step Recovery - Want to build community and share support with other Unitarian Universalists in 12-Step recovery? Connect with Dick Young (dickyoung1@comcast.net) to learn more and join in.
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