Connecting to Care & Community |
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Dear ones,
This Sunday, Jan. 23, we'll once again worship online only at 10 a.m., as we continue to experience a spike in COVID cases and transmission here in the Twin Cities and our healthcare workers and hospitals weather the strain of the current surge. Doing what we can to help slow the spread of the virus by temporarily meeting online is part of how we're caring for each other at church and for the broader community.
With care as a central theme of this coming Sunday's service, we thought we'd take a moment to remind you of the ways you can access care through our church community.
Care Companions are members of the congregation who’ve been oriented toward the art and practice of listening with a caring and confidential ear, and a loving and kind heart. They call and check in on folks and can accompany you longer term if you could use some ongoing support. To connect with a Care Companion—or to become one—reach out to Rev. Karen Hutt at revkarenhutt@gmail.com
Your ministers and program staff are here for one-on-one confidential conversations of support as well. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us to connect. Email addresses and phone numbers can be found on our website.
We know that the pandemic has exacerbated financial and other hardships in many ways. For non-emergency support, such as to receive meals from the congregation when you are sick or experiencing a hard time such as loss, or for financial support from the church through the Minister's Emergency Fund, call or text Rev. Arif at 612-405-5482 or email arif@firstuniv.org.
As always, the minister’s emergency line can be accessed by calling 612-825-1701 and following prompts for pastoral care.
Finally, we encourage you to lean in and find your community(ies) within our larger community if you haven't done so already. There are groups for folks in recovery, seniors, single/solo parents, parents/caregivers of babies/preschoolers, and for caregivers of family members who need special care. We have an accessibility & inclusion group that meets regularly, opportunities for BIPOC youth and adults to gather in community, and groups formed around specific interests and spiritual practices, such as meditation, knitting, and poetry — just to name a few. Volunteering on the memorial service team, joining the visual arts committee, and singing in the choir are other ways to find connection with people and care for your spirit in community. Read through the Liberal to find out more and reach out to staff if you need help getting connected!
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Worship
Sunday, Jan. 23, 10am
Wednesday, Jan. 26 Meditation, 7pm
Sunday, Jan. 16 Recording
Jan. 16 Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Volunteer with the Memorial Service Team
Foundation Grant Nominations
Faithful Action Newsletter
Quilts by Carolyn Liebler
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Happenings
Concert by Ann Reed & Joan Griffith
Board Meeting
Film: "My Ascension"
Caregivers Group
Pathway to Membership
Humanism Class
AUW events
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m.
Online Only
Where the River Meets the Sea: Self-Care & Community Care
Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Arif Mamdani, and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout
The poet, Audre Lorde, is famous for saying, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Building on this truth, we’ll explore how caring for each other - and allowing ourselves to be cared for by others - can help us expand our ideas of survival and joy beyond the individual and into the community.
JOIN US ONLINE:
NO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION THIS SUNDAY
There will be no Religious Education classes for children and youth this Sunday—a change to what originally scheduled.
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Wednesday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
Three Breaths: An Open-Door Midweek Meditation
Meditation leader: Rev. Karen Hutt
Next week, Rev. Karen Hutt continues her three-part Wednesday meditation series with more practical tools for living in these times.
JOIN US ONLINE:
Wednesday Meditation is live-streamed on Zoom. Join here (Webinar ID: 117 312 320).
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"What the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Taught Us"
Sunday, Jan. 16
with Rev. Ashley Horan, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, Dave Peichel, Ani, and Norah
Worship summary & reflections by Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator:
This past Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, we found ourselves in a very particular historical moment. On a holiday that can have us feeling weary or discouraged, we chose optimism and action. We invite you to watch the service recording or listen to the podcast for the humor, optimism, and authenticity of leaders Julica Hermann de la Fuente and the Rev. Ashley Horan, who are doing essential work in our congregation, denomination, and community. For more information and ways to connect, check out this week’s Order of Service.
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Image description: a still image from the Jan. 16 worship recording. |
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Sarah Lindsay and her family are in our hearts this morning as her mom Lisa faces health challenges. May the love and care of this congregation surround Lisa, Sarah and Zach as they navigate this challenging time. They welcome your cards and your care.
Our love and care surrounds Nancy Browne as she settles in to the new assisted living residence she recently moved to. She would welcome your cards and letters.
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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Volunteer with the Memorial Service Team |
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Ministry within the church takes many forms. Many find a meaningful way through the memorial service team. Depending on availability, volunteers typically spend one to two hours at church on the day of the memorial and help with setting up, greeting, ushering, serving, and cleaning up. There's no expectation for how frequently our volunteers serve, it's totally dependent on your availability and willingness!
We have roles to fit everyone's personality. We need behind the scenes volunteers to keep things running smoothly just as much as we need volunteers who are comfortable interacting with loved ones and guests.
If love is calling you to join our team, sign up for the Google Group: send an email to arif+memorialservicehelpers@firstuniv.org. We'll keep you updated on memorial service volunteer needs throughout the year and you can volunteer to help as often as you're able and willing! To learn more, contact Arif.
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First Universalist Foundation
Accepting Grant Nominations
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The First Universalist Foundation Board is accepting nominations through this form now through Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 from First Universalist congregants (regardless of membership status) and senior high youth in the church. One (1) person must submit a nomination backed by two (2) co-signers. Nominee organizations that are selected will then be sent our grant application.
The Foundation is soliciting nominations of organizations that address racial justice, climate justice, and human rights. We are also interested in organizations whose leadership includes Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, or individuals from disenfranchised communities. This year we are particularly interested in supporting organizations with smaller budgets (for whom our grant may make a significant difference) and newer organizations or initiatives which are addressing the disparities that recent events have laid bare. Organizations that have not applied for a Foundation Board grant in the past are encouraged.
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January Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to act for justice in the world. Our Faithful Action Ministry at First Universalist helps connect us to ways to act for justice in our community.
Read our January Faithful Action newsletter for the latest information about volunteer opportunities, advocacy and learning opportunities, and news from our Faithful Action partner organizations.
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Social Hall Art Exhibit: Quilts by Carolyn Liebler |
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On exhibit in the Social Hall now through Feb. 20 is a collection of quilts by long-time First Universalist member Carolyn Liebler.
From the exhibit:
The View
Designed, machine pieced, and hand quilted by Carolyn Liebler, 19988
"This was the first quilt I finished (though not the first quilt I started). The edge of the quilt is done in an unusual way because I was figuring it out on my own.
"The quilt depicts the view from an airplane as I went to visit my grandma Isabel and it also depicts the view out the window if your eyes are old. The name is in reference to the claim that “distance lends enchantment to the view” – our generational differences of opinion made it easier to get along with my grandma from a distance."
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Save the Date: Feb. 20 Concert in the Sanctuary with Ann Reed & Joan Griffith |
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First Universalist is excited to host a concert by Ann Reed and Joan Griffith in our newly renovated sanctuary on Sunday, Feb. 20 (time TBD).
Songwriter, singer, and guitarist Ann Reed has been a performing artist for more than 40 years—story-telling from the human experience, and sharing songs that find a permanent place in the heart. Joan Griffith has toured and recorded extensively as a classical and jazz guitarist, bassist, and mandolinist.
Watch for more details in next week's Liberal, and in the meantime, save the date!
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January Board of Trustees Meeting |
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The First Universalist Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 p.m. The Board meets the third Thursday of most months at 6:30 p.m. The Board is currently meeting over Zoom, in response to the dramatic increase of COVID cases. Information about the January Board meeting, including the Board packet and Zoom information, is available here.
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Mental Health Sunday Film Screening |
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Sunday, Jan. 30, 12:30 p.m., Cummins Room
As part of Mental Health Sunday on Jan. 30, First Universalist’s Mental Health Connect Ambassador team will be showing the documentary film "My Ascension" in the Cummins Room at 12:30 p.m. followed by a panel discussion with local mental health experts.
My Ascension: A Documentary Film and Movement to Spread Hope and Fight Suicide Synopsis: A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader, Emma Benoit, paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope, and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the U.S. My Ascension is a feature length documentary that chronicles Emma's inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.
***If you or someone you know needs help - call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line - HELLO to 741741***
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Sundays, Feb. 6, March 6, April 3, May 1 & June 5, 1–2:30 p.m. on Zoom
Caring for a family member who needs special care is a demanding and sometimes unseen or unacknowledged role. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or a child with a chronic health condition, join the Caregivers group for mutual support, connection, and community building. When we gather, we’ll light a chalice, have time for introductions, and share a reading, then move into deeper sharing, support, and reflection. This group meets on Zoom and is facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani. Contact Rev. Arif with questions and for more information.
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Pathway to Membership Class |
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Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022; 1–3 p.m. at First Universalist
If First Universalist feels like your spiritual home, if our mission moves you, then we hope you’ll take part in Pathway to Membership. This class is for those who intend to join First Universalist Church as members.
Recently redesigned for multi-platform church, as part of this class you'll watch several short videos on the various ministry areas of the church, and then attend one class session to reflect on and discuss themes like Faith in Action and Stewardship through the lens of church membership.
Learn more and register on our website.
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Humanism Through Multiple Lenses Class |
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Thursdays, Feb. 24, March 31, April 28, May 26, June 30, and July 28, 6:30–8 p.m.
While UUs often claim a humanist world view, we rarely dive deeply into the histories of humanist thought and vantage points.
In this class, facilitated by Rev. Karen Hutt, we will explore humanist geographies and intellectual histories from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We will examine the cultural production of humanism in sports, film, literature and music. Finally, we will analyze humanism in the public arena, private life and in social issues.
This is a survey course that will take a broad view. Future classes will dive deeply into one area of humanism. There will be an expectation that you complete all readings and view videos prior to class to deepen our discussion.
This class meets monthly on the last Thursday of the month, Feb. 24 through July 28, 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom. Please register to receive the Zoom information. Registration is on a rolling basis. The Zoom info is always the same, so register once and come when you’re able.
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Habitat for Humanity Feb. & March Work Days |
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First Universalist has two more Habitat for Humanity winter work days coming up: Thursdays, Feb. 10 and March 10. All of the builds are in Minneapolis.
Please consider joining in! We’re allowed a maximum of 8 volunteers on site. Volunteers must be at least 16, and 16- and 17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The work day is 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and we ask that you bring your own sack lunch.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s current COVID safety protocols require that all volunteers indicate that they have either been vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of volunteering on site. Masks are required indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Sign up to volunteer by filling out this form.
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Association of Universalist Women Winter Event |
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February Fete with Peg Meier
Saturday, Feb. 26, 1–3 p.m.
Peg Meier, former journalist for the Star Tribune and author of Bring Warm Clothes, will share stories she collected about the women who settled Minnesota.There will be refreshments and the warmth of friendship!
No need to pre-register; just show up at church, or join via Zoom. Attending is FREE for AUW members, $10 for non-members. All people who identify as women, non-binary or gender fluid are welcome.
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Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat |
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Registration is open for the Association of Universalist Women (AUW) Spring Retreat! Register by January 20 to get a discount before the registration fees increase.
THEME: Resilience, Community and Creativity
WHEN: April 22–25, 2022 (Friday - Monday). There is an option to register for Saturday only and an option to stay over Sunday night.
WHERE: Camp Courage near Annandale – a new venue for us!
WHO: Keynote and ceremonies by Rev. Kelli Clement
Breakout Sessions and Activities: Sky Watch; Stretching; Nature Walk; Meditation; Pilates; Writing; Sexuality Discussion; Sound Healing; Book Discussion; Gender Fluid/Expansive Discussion; Board Games; Movies; Talent Show; Dance Party; Labyrinth; Indoor Pool; Healing Sessions and Massage (extra fee); Crafts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION and REGISTRATION: visit the AUW website
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Mental Health Connect Offerings |
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Self-Care for the Caregiver
Thursday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m.
A virtual monthly drop in group that is free and open to the public. Offered the last Thursday of each month, each of these groups provides community, support and an education topic. There will be a MHC Navigator, a therapist and educator (Drew Brooks) at the meeting. Many are searching for help for a loved one, but also need support too. MHC has resources, tools and a virtual time to share.
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Updated schedule: Sundays at 7 p.m.
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)
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 available at 12stepspirituality.org
Tending and Mending: Grief Group
Sunday, Feb. 20, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tending and Mending is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief and loss they're carrying. Join the Zoom room here. Also offered: Sundays, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom or in person. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we take time to discuss our practices. Whether or not you have meditated before, you will be welcomed. Join via Zoom here or meet in the Meditation Room after worship.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom
This group plans to begin a multi-platform gathering model when the church reopens. Contact Sara McMullen at saramcminneapolis@gmail.com for Zoom and in-person meeting information.
Chi Gung
Thursday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Pat,Gottschalk has been leading Chi Gung at First U for over 20 years. Pat leads gentle movements with a focus on harmonizing our personal energies — internal development and peace of mind, not martial arts. Creaky joints, stiff muscles and anxious minds are all welcome. We meet via Zoom until we can meet in person. Contact Judy Broad at jab679@gmail.com for Zoom information.
Poetry Lovers Group
First Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m.
Reacquaint yourself with poets you love and discover other poets who are new to you while connecting with fellow Poetry Lovers at church. More information.
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour(s)
Thursdays at 5 and 7 p.m.
Join the 5 p.m. Happy Hour here (Meeting ID: 834 7301 7986; Password: 557571).
Join the 7 p.m. Happy Hour here (Meeting ID: 817 4022 5684; Password: 675052).
Single and Solo Parents and Caregivers Gathering
1st & 3rd Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Contact Christy at christine.hd1@gmail.com for more information.
Parents & Caregivers of Babies and Preschoolers
Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Parents/guardians of little ones gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Lauren at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to the group.
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COVID-19 Safety Measures & Policies |
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Updated December 12, 2021
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Masks are required in the church building for everyone ages 2 and up (accommodation will be made for those unable to tolerate a face covering due to health condition, disability, or behavioral or developmental condition.)
- We ask that you do your best to maintain a distance of at least 3 feet between you and those who are not in your household.
- If you are joining us in person, we expect that everyone who is able/eligible has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Staff and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- If you are not feeling well or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been notified of a recent exposure to a confirmed positive case of COVID, we ask that you please stay home—and join us for worship online (or participate in your group/class/event online if that option is available).
- We are asking everyone to sign in when entering the building on Sundays; in the event we are notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19, we will contact those we believe to have been in proximity to the person who tested positive.
- We will not be serving food or beverages indoors on Sunday mornings.
- For now, we will not be singing together in the sanctuary; worship leaders and masked choir members will sing at some services.
- Both services will be streamed to the Cummins Room or Social Hall for those seeking more space, or in case the sanctuary fills.
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We are offering optional Sunday childcare or classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, effective Sunday, Dec. 12 (advance registration required).
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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.
Care Companions - Care companions are members of the congregation who’ve been oriented toward the art and practice listening with a caring and confidential ear, and a loving and kind heart. They call and check-in on folks in the congregation and are here to accompany you longer term if you could use some ongoing support. To connect with a Care Companion (or to become one), contact karen@firstuniv.org
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.
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 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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