A Threshold to Tend To: The Good Goodbye Process |
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Greetings!
Back in February when I shared the news with the congregation that I would be resigning my position as Co-Senior Minister on June 6, I didn’t know how quickly the days would pass. As I’m writing this, I have a month left before I leave First Universalist. After I leave, I will be following the best practices of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association, and not be in contact with the church or folks from the church for three years.
Here’s what is true: tending to the ending of my ministry with you—doing a good goodbye—has been one of the richest parts of my ministry. I am so grateful for my Good Goodbye Team, for the Good Goodbye Zoom gatherings I’ve been a part of, for the personal reflections that have been shared in the Liberal by congregants, and for the emails, notes, cards, calls, and conversations I’ve had with many of you. Thank you.
As a culture and a society, we don’t seem to do endings very well, and my leaving is giving me (and I hope, all of us), a chance to practice a good ending: To tell the story of what this time together has meant, to offer gratitude and appreciation, to make amends, as needed, and to offer a blessing to one another. I often end a conversation or a meeting by acknowledging that this relationship and ministry is ending and by saying, “I will miss you. You have been a big part of my life, my ministry, and my growth as a human being.” There is both immense gratitude and grief woven together in this ritual of ending.
And this practice of ending well is worth its weight in gold. While I am only here for another month, there are still a number of opportunities to connect for a Good Goodbye:
- After I preach on Sunday, May 16, I’ll be in the Zoom Room for Fellowship Hour, available to greet and be with anyone else who is there.
- On Wednesday, May 18, my Good Goodbye Team is hosting a Zoom gathering at 7:30 p.m., after the Wednesday worship service. This is a drop-in space to say hello, share stories, and spend time together for 45-60 minutes.
- And on Sunday, June 6 (my last day at First Universalist), we’ll have an outdoor Good Goodbye Celebration in the Parking Lot of the church from 4-6 p.m. My family will be with me as well, for part of the time, and I’d be delighted to see you!
And if you’re unable to attend any of the events above, and you’d like to connect, please reach out to me via email ( justin@firstuniv.org) or phone (612-825-1701 x 102).
With love and care,
Rev. Justin
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Co-Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP |
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Sunday, May 9, 10 a.m.
Coming of Age Sunday
Rev. Arif Mamdani and COA Youth
Join us this Sunday for a very special Coming of Age service. For the past year, our 8th and 9th grade youth have participated in Coming of Age, a Unitarian Universalist program, in which they have been digging into the big questions in religion with an eye toward how it shaped and influenced their beliefs and values as Unitarian Universalists. As the year drew to close, we shifted from exploring questions to reflecting on answers and the key aspects of how each youth understood their faith commitments. These faith statements will be shared at two special services this Saturday, May 8, one 11 a.m. service (with our 8th graders) and one 6 p.m. service (with our 9th graders). On Sunday, May 9, we'll share with you a sampling of those faith statements so that as a congregation we can receive, experience, and bear witness to "life passed through the fire of thought." These Coming of Age services are a highlight of the year for many, and we hope you'll join us at one, two or all three of these services!
HOW TO JOIN:
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
Post-Worship Gatherings (find details in the Order of Service above)
Religious Education Classes and Youth Groups meet this Sunday.
More information can be found on our Religious Education website.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, May 12, 7 p.m.
Rev. Karen Hutt
Join Rev. Karen for a midweek worship experience for adults and older youth. This 30-minute service is a brief time of connection, centering, and reflection to help us find and keep our balance.
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, May 12 between 6:55 and 7 p.m.:
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Sunday, May 2 Cycle of Life |
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Our hearts are with member Colleen Hermann-Franzen who lost a dear uncle, Don Walter, on Saturday, April 24. The family had been looking forward to celebrating his 80th birthday with him on May 15. Don was like a second dad to Colleen and will be greatly missed.
We celebrate in joy and gratitude with Karen Johnson whose cancer is in remission. It had metastasized to her abdomen and lung but cannot currently be found. In the meanwhile Karen says she is living with peace with many family and friends. We are so happy for this joyous news Karen!
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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Sunday Service Recordings |
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May 2 Worship: "Mind the Gap"
with Rev. Arif Mamdani
Sermon summary & reflections by Liz Farmer:
The meditation “Holy Now” (a song by Peter Mayer, offered in Sunday's worship by congregant David Lauth) calls us into relationship with what is: into the ever-terrifying present experience. Noticing and attending to "what is here" without judgment is a mindfulness practice that brings our buzzing thoughts into connection with our spirits, bodies, and surroundings. This can be especially difficult in transition times, in which we may be asking, “where even is 'here?'” We may notice that the smallest disruptions to an average day can be enough to send us into a spell of disorientation, crabbiness, or feeling off; never mind the public return to some “normals.” Attending to these noticings in threshold moments in our public and private lives can be, as Rev. Karen Hering says, like speed bumps to our well-worn habits of mind. “Slow down!” they urge, “or you’ll go hurtling forward at unsafe speeds and crash!” They’re just enough to make you pay attention differently.
When we break down the word "threshold" (THreSHˌ(h)ōld/), we learn that “to thresh” means to separate the seed, which nourishes, from the inedible chaff, which does not sustain us. In the pause, we hold and separate. No wonder thresholds feel awkward! As you thresh, what seed are you holding in your heart, your family, with Spirit? What will you put aside that does not sustain you? Rev. Arif invites us to “mind the gap,” as the London subway system matter-of-factly reminds travelers as they enter and exit the train. In attending to thresholds, we pay attention to ourselves in The Space Between, notice how we move through it, and take stock of what will nourish us for the journey ahead as we shape and cultivate our personal and public lives.
Watch/Listen
Listen to the podcast on Podbean or Spotify, watch the service on YouTube, and find materials for further reflection (the ones Rev. Arif mentions in the sermon!) in the “Reflection and Listening Guide” section of our May 2 Order of Service.
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Image description: a still of Aimee K. Bryant, in mid-sentence, from the YouTube recording of Zoom worship from May 2, 2021. Aimee K. Bryant is a Black woman. She is wearing glasses, silver earrings, and a pink shirt in front of a blue background. Closed Captioning text is visible at the bottom of the image, reading, "emergency and he has a friend who lives there who." |
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May Worship Theme: Thresholds |
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Moving across and through a threshold often ushers in a new way of being and belonging. Crossing a threshold can profoundly mark and shape us.
This May, we will slow down long enough to notice and name the thresholds we are approaching and crossing. Together, we will wonder: “What changes when we cross a threshold? What remains the same? How long can we remain in the threshold space, the door between worlds wide open? What blessings do thresholds offer? And does religious community and spiritual practice help us prepare for the inevitable thresholds we will cross?”
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Voices from the Congregation:
Board President Bryana French
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“What does First Universalist mean to you? How has First Universalist helped you get through this past year, providing comfort, support, and spiritual sustenance?”
Those are the questions we asked nearly a dozen congregants over the past month, and their answers have been poignant and profound. They’ve all pointed to the reality that in challenging times, we need a community to help us get through.
"Something was missing in my life..." shares Bryana French, "and I needed to feel a spiritual grounding to something bigger than myself. So, when I moved back to Minnesota in 2014, I googled "social justice churches" and First Universalist was the first to pop up."
In this video, Bryana says that she found it refreshing that at the time - when there weren't as many white folks stepping up in the way they are now - First Universalist as a faith community recognized racial justice as a spiritual imperative. Bryana currently serves as the President of the Congregation, and acknowledges that serving in a leadership position at a predominantly white church on a racial justice journey has been hard. And yet—she believes in First Universalist, is proud of the work the church is doing, and is grateful for the work and support of the congregation.
There are touching stories from congregants hundreds of miles away from Minneapolis, from families, from people who joined us this year, virtually, and from many others. Take a few minutes to watch and listen to these stories and to know that you are part of a community making a real and tangible difference in people’s lives.
Collectively, annual gifts from the congregation support the vibrant and vital ministries of First Universalist Church, and it takes all of us, giving what we can, to make the work of our church possible! If you have not yet set up your annual gift for 2021–22, please do so here. Thank you!
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Image description: Still photo from the video of Bryana French. Bryana is a Black woman and is wearing glasses and a white shirt. The images shows her looking into the camera, mid-sentence.
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Below are two reflections in a series of what the Good Goodbye team plans as a regular weekly feature: words from our community about Justin’s ministry. |
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Rev. Justin's Good Goodbye:
A Reflection from Adrian Ali-Caccamo
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By Adrian Ali-Caccamo. Adrian grew up at First Universalist, from infant Dedication through Coming of Age. He is now involved from a distance, attending Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
When you’re a nine-year-old, authority figures tend to have an air of celebrity, particularly if they are removed from your daily life. Justin Schroeder was no exception. As you all know, the search for a senior minister is not a one-time, fifteen minute interview. The already long process felt like an eternity in my childhood mind. When coupled with the fanfare of a congregational vote of approval, Justin became a bonafide celebrity.
Sure, Justin acclimated quickly, but it’s hard to move faster than the thought process of a cheeky, confident, preteen. It occurred to me that I had been at First Universalist for nearly a decade, meanwhile Justin was the new guy on the block! He seemed like a celebrity, but he was undeniably a rookie as well. If nothing else, I definitely knew my way around the church better than he did, having spent years exploring every nook and cranny in that building.
Unbeknownst to me, they actually teach quite a lot at seminary, Justin had qualifying experience, and he was extremely capable of operating the church. During the following decade, essential formative years in my life, I realized this and much more about Justin. Between conversations about death, racial justice, religious education, and the church’s social duty, I saw Justin not as a celebrity but as an honest, dedicated leader. He avoided aloof superiority, rather conveying a deep connectedness. All of us walk through a spiritual journey. The value of First Universalist, as Justin demonstrated, is that we don’t have to walk these pathways alone.
More than any one sermon, Justin’s weekly presence will stick with me. He gave me the space to explore my spirituality, and I was fortunate enough to occasionally share the chancel on Sunday mornings. Words have limitations, but Justin showed an example of living one’s values. Perhaps he didn’t know it, but from our first conversation through his retirement announcement, Justin was teaching me self-honesty and courage. Following one’s heart without compromise is difficult, and I have no doubt Justin’s next journey is a continuation of his dedication to this ideal. Meanwhile, he will continue to serve as an incredible model of how to carry myself in truth, love, honesty, and courage.
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Rev. Justin's Good Goodbye:
A Reflection from Jill Braithwaite
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By Jill Braithwaite. Jill works in book publishing and has been a member since 2004. She has taught religious education and First Step classes, and she has served on the Board and the Welcome Team.
I am so grateful for how Justin has transformed our faith community for the better. But in this piece, I want to name some specific ways Justin has positively influenced my personal spiritual and religious life.
When Justin arrived, I was working on quitting smoking. He mentioned addiction in a prayer from the pulpit, which I had never heard done before. When I thanked him and told him what I was doing, he sent an encouraging note. In the midst of that struggle, both those things meant the world to me.
In 2011, Justin encouraged me to apply to be on the Strategic Planning Committee. I did, and that experience strengthened my relationship with our faith community. I learned so much about holding sacred space and prioritizing the process. After Justin encouraged me to apply for the Board of Trustees and I joined that group, my relationship with church became even stronger. Those experiences of collaborative, spiritually based leadership effectively ended my previous sense of myself as a “reluctant joiner.”
Finally, while here, Justin has developed a theology of love that both comforts and challenges. As our ministers say: “We are love’s people, listening to where love is calling us next.” I have absorbed this love theology and regularly turn to it when I am unsure. “Where is love calling me next?” has become a guiding question that lives in my body and spirit and makes a real difference in how I chart my path.
Godspeed, Justin, and thank you.
There are multiple opportunities to give and share with Rev. Justin — including offering a financial gift, making a video message, or sending a card — as we prepare for his Good Goodbye. Learn more about these opportunities on our website.
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May Faithful Action Newsletter |
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The Faithful Action Council is happy to announce the May edition of our monthly Faithful Action newsletter! This newsletter contains information about our Faithful Action Community Partners and provides concrete ways to get involved and take action through our Faithful Action Community Partner organizations. Each month, this newsletter highlights invitations to volunteer, advocate, give, and learn with others at First Universalist and in our broader community through the work of our partner organizations. You can learn more about our community partner organizations and how to get involved in their work in our May Faithful Action Newsletter.
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Planning for Return to In-Person Worship Survey |
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If you haven't yet, please fill out this short survey to support our planning process as we look towards our return to in-person worship, while also continuing to offer online worship and programming. Our top-level commitments are to safety for all and broad inclusion. As we plan for returning to the church building, we are following guidelines from the MN Department of Health and consulting with the public health experts in our congregation. We believe that it's important to gather information from you as we look forward to what Fall 2021 and beyond will hold. We appreciate your honest feedback in this survey, which you can take here. |
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8th & 9th Grade Coming of Age Ceremonies |
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Saturday, May 8, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Join the 11 a.m. Zoom ceremony here (Webinar ID: 864 4361 1491; Passcode: 495642).
Join the 6 p.m. Zoom ceremony here (Webinar ID: 848 3084 8893; Passcode: 908343).
What do you think is the nature of being human? What do you think happens when we die? What do you think God is or is not?
These are some of the questions that our 8th and 9th graders have grappled with throughout the year in Coming of Age class. Coming of Age is a beloved tradition in Unitarian Universalism. Instead of asking our youth to sign on to a particular creed or dogma, we charge them with discerning for themselves what they hold dear, using the seven principles as a guide. To round out the Coming of Age experience, each youth is asked to distill their core beliefs about life, God, and humanity into a personal statement of belief.
The yearlong Coming of Age journey will culminate on Saturday, May 8 with two virtual Coming of Age ceremonies. The 8th grade ceremony will be at 11 a.m. and the 9th grade ceremony will be at 6 p.m. During the ceremonies, each youth will share their personal credo with family, friends, and community members. Coming of Age youth have put in a great deal of time and thought into their statements. On May 8, our congregation has an opportunity to honor and celebrate the thoughtfulness of an incredible group of young people. All are welcome and warmly invited to attend.
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Film Discussion: "LN3: Seven Teachings of the Anishinaabe in Resistance" |
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Film Viewing & Discussion on Sunday, May 9, 11:15 a.m. screening; noon discussion
"LN3: Seven Teachings of the Anishinaabe in Resistance" (January 2020, 38 minutes) is a film about the Ojibwe-led climate alliance to stop the Line 3 tar sands pipeline expansion across northern Minnesota. You can watch a trailer for the film here. The Line 3 pipeline threatens more than 41 ancient wild rice beds, the Mississippi watershed, and the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. The film will be screened at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 9 before the discussion starts at noon. Or, you can view the film before May 9 here. Register for the discussion here (the Zoom information is in the registration form).
Don't miss the following upcoming films in the Environmental Justice May Eco Film Festival:
May 16: 2040
May 23: Juice: How Electricity Explains the World
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Green House Game with the EJ Team |
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Friday, May 7 at 3 p.m.; Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m.; Friday, June 4 at 3 p.m.
Join the Environmental Justice team to play the Green House Game! The Green House Game, a climate saving card game available to play online, will engage you in saving the planet before climate changing events overwhelm us all. This game was created by First U member and EJ team activist, Alix Dvorak. Green House game is sure to spark ideas as you work collaboratively to avert disaster. Here is a short 5 minute video about playing the game.
Join us on May 7 when Alix Dvorak, Green House Game creator and First U member, will join us to play and to share how the game came to be. Sessions will be online via Zoom — each session is limited to 4-5 players, although more can watch and comment. This game is good for ages 10+, and all you game loving adults. Feel free to sign up for more than one session. Games last for about 30-40 minutes. No previous experience needed. The only requirement is a willingness to have fun and learn together. Sign up for a play date here.
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Rev. Justin's Good Goodbye Events |
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Post-Worship Fellowship Hour with Justin
Sunday, May 16, after worship (~ 11 a.m.)
Final Zoom Good Goodbye Gathering
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 7:30 p.m.
Join the Zoom gathering here.
Meeting ID: 814 6743 2711; Passcode: 772008
Join this Zoom call to wish Rev. Justin a Good Goodbye! It is a drop in opportunities for chatting with Justin. For Audio-Only, dial in: 312-626-6799
Good Goodbye Reception at Church
Sunday, June 6, 4–6 p.m.
On Sunday, June 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Rev. Justin and his family will be on the steps of the church for congregations to say a socially distanced goodbye. You may drive by, walk by, or roll by, as long as you’re six feet away!
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Circle Group on Money and Race |
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Tuesdays, May 11, 25, June 8, 15, 29 & July 13, 7–8:30 p.m.
This circle will provide an opportunity to meet in a small group and be open, honest and transparent with each other about what is really happening with money in our individual and collective lives, and how money works to support white supremacy, undermine equality and separate us from each other. The group has space for eight to ten members. On a personal level, members will have the opportunity to tell stories of their own experiences with money. On a collective level, members will read short articles or watch videos that examine the creation of racialized consciousness and extractive economies which promote accumulation of wealth for a few through the exploitation of many and of our Earth. If you are interested in joining, reach out to facilitators Karen Heegaard (kfheeg@aol.com) or Susan Hoffman (susanjean57@gmail.com) for more information. You can learn more about this circle here. |
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Religious Education for Children and Youth
Religious Education classes for children & youth in Kindergarten through 9th grade meet at 11:15 a.m. most Sundays. Senior high groups meet at varying times. Advance registration required. Details available on our Religious Education website.
UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (May 16 & 30)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (May 11 & May 25)
Weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. Participation is confidential. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more info contact Dick Young at 952-893-1188.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (June 6)
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. The Zoom space opens at 11:15 a.m.; meditation starts at 11:30 a.m. Join via Zoom here.
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. Contact Martha Easter-Wells at mm3second@aol.com for Zoom information.
Single Parents Gathering
Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email church member Rev. Sara Smalley (smalley.sara@gmail.com) to be connected to the group.
First Universalist Accessibility and Inclusion Group
First and Third Thursday of the month, 6:30–8 p.m. (May 6, May 20)
First Universalist Accessibility and Inclusion group is designed for people with all types of physical disabilities, hearing disabilities, and visual disabilities. Ages 13 and older are welcome. For Zoom information please contact BOTH Lauren Wyeth at lauren@firstuniv.org and Birch Cappetta at birch.cappetta@gmail.com.
Young Adults Group
Third Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (May 20)
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(s)
Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m. OR 7–8:30 p.m. (weekly)
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.
All people in or interested in 12 steps are welcome - 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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Rise & Remember George Floyd Global Memorial Celebration |
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Tuesday, May 25, 1–9 p.m. at George Floyd Square
The George Floyd Global Memorial and the community at George Floyd Square will present a day of events for the community on May 25th, 2021, the one year anniversary of the death of George “Perry” Floyd. RISE & REMEMBER George Floyd Global Memorial Celebration is a free event that centers the family and friends of George "Perry" Floyd, Minnesota families impacted by injustice, and the people who’ve preserved the Memorial for 12 months. You can find more information about this gathering on its Facebook event page.
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Interfaith Post-Verdict Community Gathering |
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Tuesday, May 11, 6–7:30 p.m. on Zoom
The Interfaith Post-Verdict Community Gathering is a space to process emotions and events of this past year in relation to the police killing of George Floyd. Aspects of this gathering could include: Respectful Conversations (Facilitated by Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs), Small-Group Talking Circles, Centering/Healing Space (Facilitated by Native Theologian Kelly Sherman-Conroy), and a Discussion on Ways to Support the Black Community.
Join the Zoom gathering here (Meeting ID: 989 9127 3412; Password: 414209). |
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We Care Ministries at First Universalist Church |
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The care team at First Universalist is here to help in a whole lot of ways—from phone calls to say we’re thinking about you to a listening ear when you need someone to accompany you through whatever’s happening in your life. COVID-19 has changed some of the ways we provide care, but there is a lot we’re still doing. Here is one of the ways we’re here to provide support:
We Care Rides
Though we’re not currently driving folks to medical appointments and the like, church is happy to help with an Uber or Taxi ride. As a member recently said, “I broke my foot last year, and wouldn’t you know it, it was my right one and my doctor wouldn’t let me drive with my left! Thank goodness the rides ministry at church was there to help.” Contact arif@firstuniv.org to get set up with a ride.
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Care Resources
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.
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 be? 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 - If you or someone you know at church would welcome a meal to help them through a difficult time, loss, illness or injury — and having someone else do the cooking for a bit would help —please let us know. Contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org.
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. We have financial resources available. Please contact a minister/staff member.
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.
Counseling - The Walk In Counseling Center offers free counseling by phone or computer. Find out how to “walk in” on their website.
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit news!
To do so, fill out our online submission form. Edits for length and/or content may occur. The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg and Communications Assistant Allison Connelly. 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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