It's the Simple Spiritual Practices |
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Greetings!
I met with my spiritual director this week. We’ve been talking on the phone for an hour once a month for 8 years now - paying attention to the themes of my life and watching together for the movement of the spirit. There was a lot to talk about this month with worries about the election and our country and the pandemic, managing kids and work from home, and my heart heavy sometimes with grief. I talked and talked without a breath between my words until I finally looked up and saw that we were 45 minutes into our time together and I switched gears, saving the remaining moments for our regular routine where I say out loud the spiritual practices that are helping me stay sane and grounded.
I noticed as we talked that the spiritual practices I’m holding on to these days aren’t anything big or flashy. Most of them don’t take more than 15 minutes. And they are saving my life.
Each morning before I get out of bed I say the most basic of prayers - thank you, and help. From there I stumble to the coffee pot and write in my journal, 3 pages of whatever is on my heart and mind. A little later in the morning I take the dogs for a walk and notice the changes in the weather and the neighborhood. And throughout the day, I practice paying attention to the things that bring me joy or make me feel happy or content or connected. I look for the surprises and I focus my attention on the small moments and the small things that make me happy even as the world around me often feels like it is swirling out of control.
I’ve been finding that this last practice - the one I call looking for pockets of joy - is central these days. When I look at my calendar and see an endless parade of Zoom meetings, when I hear my kids’ frustration with online school in the other room, when I wonder what we will eat for dinner as my wife and I both barely make it to the table - I direct my focus to something else. The game of cards we’ve started playing in the evenings once the dishes are done. My son’s laughter cascading down the stairs when he talks to his friends on Facetime. The connection I feel with my father as I remember our phone conversation from the weekend. The walk around the block that never fails to help me feel better.
These simple practices and so many others can hold us, helping us stay sane and grounded even when the world around us is swirling out of control. I’m holding close to old familiar practices right now and I’m adding in new ones, too, like putting up homemade pesto in the freezer in tiny jars, gorgeous green gems I’m counting on to remind me of summer and the turning of the seasons when I need it most.
Whatever spiritual practices work for you, I hope you are leaning into them now, and I hope you are adding some new ones, too. Join us in church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings (or anytime by watching recordings of the Sunday services on youtube and our website), and together we can remind each other of what matters most, offering up the simplest prayer of help and thank you, paying attention, and trying something new.
I’m so grateful to be in this with you,
Rev. Jen
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
Sunday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m.
"Building Connection and Strengthening Hope"
Julica Hermann de la Fuente
Julica writes: This first month and a half of my time with you has been a lovely time of connecting and deepening trust. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly, for trusting me to go deep quickly, for your willingness and desire to engage in anti-racism work in the many areas of our congregation. Please join me this coming Sunday morning for a couple of stories about imagination and hope that I hope will nourish you in these difficult times, and also give you a window into what moves me and sustains me in my work. Bonus for the crafters among us: the story of how I constructed the tree in my office! Also, one of my favorite new songs will make an appearance, and since it is in Spanish, I wanted to make a translation available to those of you who don’t speak it. You can find that here. Do join us for my first official time in your virtual pulpit as worship leader. I look forward to deepening our connection.
Julica Hermann de la Fuente
Director of Anti-racism and Anti-oppression Ministries
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
ORDER OF SERVICE:
Welcome: Rev. Jen Crow
Chalice Lighting: Max and Ben Rosielle
Story: Julica Hermann de la Fuente, with Rev. Jen Crow
Music: "If It's Magic" by Stevie Wonder,
performed by Aimee K. Bryant and Lyrika Holmes
Prayer: Rev. Justin Schroeder
Music: "Spirit of Life" with the Yorkhall Family
Homily: Julica Hermann de la Fuente
Offering Recipient: Alafia Foundation (give here)
Closing Words
"Go Now in Peace" Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder
AFTER WORSHIP:
~11 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour
After Sunday worship, join us for virtual coffee hour for all identities (Meeting ID: 212 168 092 Passcode: 383174) or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and passcode when prompted.
~11 a.m. BIPOC Virtual Coffee Hour
For those who are Black, Indigenous, Multiracial, People of Color: Join here (Meeting ID: 825 3313 5300; Password: 982432) or dial: 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and password when prompted.
~11 a.m. 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 pastoral visitors in a confidential breakout room after the service. You can join here. This is how we care for one another.
~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, opportunities to get involved. Join here.
WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.
Rev. Karen Hutt
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.:
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Water Communion Sunday (Sept. 13)
Reflections & summary by Liz Farmer:
Like the lakes, rivers, and creeks that lace the land near First Universalist, we, too, are individuals in a web of connection. Sometimes we flow evenly, sometimes we rage, sometimes we are still, and sometimes we are transformed into new states of being. When we count ourselves as one link in a connected community of care that has the power to transform us, we can become the truest versions of ourselves. Even before the pandemic, but especially now, whether we know it or not, each of our presence matters - is crucial, even - to building the beloved community. Just like those who came before us, who could not know the impact that they would have on the lives of strangers and family alike, we can only imagine how our actions may influence others now and in the future. We are one link in a line, one runner in a relay, one ancestor in a web of generations. Through story, letter, and blessing in this Water Communion Service, may you feel your sense of belonging in this community, through the generations, and among the natural tapestries of this world: held, loved, and free.
Listen to the podcast here, or watch the service on YouTube.
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Introducing Our Newest Board Member |
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It is the Board of Trustees' honor and privilege to introduce you to our newest Board member, Yahanna Mackbee. Yahanna has been chosen by the Board (Bylaws, Article III, 1.b) to serve a one-year term in order to fill the vacancy created from Kristin Siegesmund’s resignation in June 2020.
The Board voted to intentionally identify a youth member of the church to fill this vacancy. Doing so allows us as a congregation to live more deeply into our values of being a multiracial, multicultural, and intergenerational (Visionary Goal #3) through our actions, not just our words. Yahanna’s selection was based on both the recommendations of peers and church lay leaders. In addition, Yahanna’s inclusion on the Board also grants us the ability to continue to mentor and guide our youth through a variety of leadership spaces while centering BIPOC voices, instead keeping them at the margins. In order to support youth participation in Church governance, we’d like to allow Yahanna to have a proxy vote – stay tuned for more information.
A little about Yahanna. Yahanna is a junior at Washburn high school.They (Yahanna uses they/them pronouns) are a big sister to their younger siblings, love crunchy peanut butter and fruit, and have been attending First Universalist with their mother for a couple of years and are now a member of the church. Yahanna most recently attended the UUA General Assembly as a First Universalist Youth Delegate, has been involved in a multitude of church activities (Winter Solstice, Coming of Age, RE, etc.) and played a key role in starting up the BIPOC/Multiracial Youth Group.
Please join us in welcoming Yahanna to the Board for the '20-'21 church year!
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Volunteer Painters Needed! |
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Do you want to be among the first people in the congregation to see our newly renovated building in person? Do you want to help save the church money? Do you want to look around our church building once we return and think, “I was a part of making this beautiful?”
Then come paint with us! Our building renovations are well underway, and it’s time for us to paint the walls and make it our own. We decided to save some money by having our contractor paint the ceilings and the atrium, but the walls are ours to do.
We need help painting the entire education wing. We have until September 25 to get the job done. Shifts are scheduled for four hours but you can come when you can and leave when you need to. The hours are guidelines. During the week, there will be a flurry of activity because our contractors are busy getting the room ready to paint or coming right behind you to finish the next step. You needn't be a professional painter - we are, for the most part, painting in rooms that don't require "cutting in" at ceilings and floors.
Here is what we ask:
Sign up here! You can select just one or many shifts or somewhere in between. We have a lot of painting to do. And consider recruiting family members or friends you have been wanting to catch up with in a Covid-safe and physically-distanced way.
Everyone on site is required to wear a mask. If you feel safest working by yourself or with just with someone in your "bubble," we will make that happen.
We hope the weekends will be busy with volunteer painters because the construction crew will be out of our way. So we really need folks for this weekend - both Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday afternoon.
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During the church's annual meeting in June 2019, First Universalist publicly committed to becoming a Water Protector Congregation dedicating ourselves to educating and activating our congregation in protecting al water resources from the dangers of pollution in all areas where they may appear. It is in that role that we embrace Relay for Our Water.
Relay For Our Water is focused on our commitment to the water through celebration, expression of gratitude, and actions to protect it. We are inspired by Anishinaabe leaders who face immediate threats of disruption from the Line 3 pipeline and whose traditional ways are deeply connected to the water, “Nibi.”
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Inspired by the “Mother Earth Water Walkers,” founded by Josephine Mandamin, and set in motion with a water ceremony at the Headwaters of the Mississippi, we will carry this sacred water throughout Minnesota, honoring the water all along the route.
- The water will be passed to and from water protector groups and individuals, along the proposed Line 3 route. Each group will celebrate their contributions to the protection of the water in their own tradition.
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First Universalist Church will receive and host the water on September 23, 24 & 25. Everyone is invited to walk the water from First Universalist to Bde Maka Ska on the morning of Friday, Sept 25. (Watch the next Liberal for details)
- The water is then carried to the next group by walking, running, biking, canoeing, horseback riding, or driving the water (with social distancing precautions in place)!
- The water will be returned to the Headwaters of the Mississippi during the end of wild rice harvest season (in October) with our gratitude and solidified commitment to protect our Minnesota water and stop the Line 3 pipeline.
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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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Update on Simpson Housing Services |
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Simpson Housing is an important Faithful Partner to First U. We have provided evening meals there for 14 years and financially supported the mission of supporting and advocating for people experiencing homelessness. Currently, volunteers are not able to be in the building, but we continue to financially support their meal program thanks to your generous donations.
Currently there are 50 residents and 20 more female spaces will be added on the second floor on Sept. 14. The residents have many tangible needs (personal care products, underwear etc) and there is an easy way to help. There is a list of urgently needed supplies and easy ways to donate. Monetary donations to purchase supplies is also an option.
In these difficult times, it is important and meaningful to provide the assistance that we can. Simpson, our longtime Faithful Partner is grateful for our support.
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Virtual Meetings & Gatherings |
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UU Recovery Meeting
Are you interested in building community at church with other folks in recovery?
On Sundays, Sept. 20 and Oct. 4 at 11:30 a.m. (right after the service), join Rev. Jen Crow and church member Dick Young for a gathering of folks in recovery.
Our interest in gathering is to see if there's a group of folks in recovery at the church who are interested in some space to get to know each other, develop relationships, and build community. If you're interested, but can't attend, contact Rev. Jen at jen@firstuniv.org or Dick at dickyoung1@comcast.net
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An Invitation for Folks who Identify as BIPOC:
POCI Circle Meeting
Sunday, Sept. 20, 1–3 p.m.
Circles are groups of 8-10 committed participants who come together with a trained leader to nurture spiritual growth in community. These groups are grounded in the spiritual practices of deep listening and open-hearted reflection. Each gathering offers an opportunity for connection: with ourselves, with others, and with something greater than ourselves.
The POCI Circle is a radically inclusive group of Unitarian Universalists that identify ourselves, personally and individually, as a Person of Color or Indigenous Person, and who are interested in gathering together as UU spiritual seekers in a safe space.
The POCI Circle meets monthly (now on Zoom), and the next meeting is this Sunday, from 1-3pm. Contact Michael Dotson (mdotson904@att.net) for more information and to get the Zoom information.
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A Discussion: The Impact of Culture, Behavior, and Policy as they Relate to Anti-racism
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2–4 p.m.
The Peace Circle invites you to participate in a discussion based on the concepts described in the writings of Ibram X Kendi. Our challenge is to create a safe place for people to open up and talk about race. This is not a debate.
Given the current emotional environment of anger, hurt, fear, and prejudice, Kendi's definitions of anti-racism are presented with quotes and questions. Participants are then broken into small Zoom groups to give each person a chance to talk. Participants are them brought back to the whole group to share and discuss.
The hope is to allow individuals to develop an understanding of the difference between covert racism and anti-racism and how current policies promote specific behaviors.
Recommended pre-reading:
Books by Ibram X Kendi: Stamped from the Beginning and How to be An Antiracist
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information with the link about joining the day of meeting.
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UU the Vote:
Helping Everyone Who Is Eligible to Vote, Get to Vote!
What a stressful time in our personal worlds and our wider community! Some days it’s too much. And yet, our democracy is in big trouble and we are called to do more at a time when we want to pull the covers over our head! No matter how little energy you have, if you can find 15 minutes a day we can change the course of history together! The Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA), is supporting UUs across a multi-state region with a get out the vote effort.
Come to a “UU the Vote” workshop on Monday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. with others from First U and learn more from Karen Wills, executive Director of MUUSJA, about how we can make sure everyone who is eligible to vote – gets to vote. Rev Justin Schroeder is convening a team to “UU the Vote” here at First Universalist Church. Check out his article from last week!
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Sharing Our Legacy Stories
About one hundred seniors in this congregation have written “legacy stories,” looking back over their lives with something of a focus on spiritual journeys and important values. This circle is for seniors who have already written their legacy stories or who are “legacy-curious” because they might be writing their own legacy story in the near future. In each session, we will discuss two participants’ legacy stories, with the opportunity to ask each other open-ended questions or to find similarities with one’s own experiences.
Co-leaders: June Sroufe, Anne McBean, and Ray Dillon
Zoom meetings every other Monday, Sept. 21 to Nov. 16, 10 to 11:30 (five sessions)
Limited to 12 people. Sign up soon, because this circle could fill quickly!
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Association of Universalist Women (AUW) Fall Kick-Off
Thursday, Sept. 24, 7–8:15 p.m.
The AUW Fall Kick-Off will be held via Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. This event will be a time for in-gathering and joy, giving us an opportunity to reconnect with our AUW sisterhood. We will have time for visiting, games (with prizes!), and breakout sessions, including brainstorming about ideas for activities during the coming year.
For the meeting, please have a pencil and paper ready for the game. Don’t worry if you’re on a phone, as you don’t need to see anything to play.
Learn more about this year’s events on AUW's website.
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A Circle About Money
Thursday, Oct. 1, 7–8:45 p.m.
Edgar Villanueva opens his book, Decolonizing Wealth, with a question, “what if money could heal us?” Congregant Karen Heegaard is looking for a group of folks who would like to talk about how money supports white supremacy (in our Individual lives, our church and our society) and to look at “what if money could heal us?” Let’s start with a one time exploratory conversation and if there is interest form a longer term circle.
To express interest or ask questions, contact: Karen Heegaard at kfheeg@aol.com or call 612-810-7349.
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Ongoing Meetings for Adults |
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 a mm3second@aol.com to sign up and for Zoom information.
Third Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
The Young Adults group (for those in their 20s and 30s) is now gathering on a monthly basis. Connect with fellow young adults after Wednesday worship on the third Wednesday of the month for conversation and fun. (Meeting ID: 137 172 572)
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
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Ongoing Meetings for Children, Youth & Families |
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)
Thursdays at 8:15 p.m.
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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