An Invitation to Share a Short Video Message with Us |
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Greetings!
As we move into the New Year, the staff worship team is excited to find ways to weave a variety of congregant voices and experiences into our online worship services, in order to lift up and celebrate the variety of lived experiences, identities, and truths that make up our faith community. We hope to do this on a monthly basis!
Here are two opportunities to share your stories in our worship service:
Create a 30-45 second video in response to January’s worship theme of “Choosing Change.”
We recognize that often change isn’t chosen; sometimes it is forced upon us; sometimes the bottom of our world drops out and all we know is change; other times, choosing change can be wrapped up in layers of privilege - we have options and can make choices about the change we chose. As we move into the New Year, many of us are consciously choosing change, or choosing how we respond to change, summoning the courage to speak our truths, to work on our sobriety, to try new things, to tend to our spirits, and to engage new spiritual practices. We are seeking to change patterns and habits. For this video, we invite you to consider a change you are in the middle of right now.
Instructions:
- Share you name and name the change you are in the midst of. (One sentence.)
- What are you learning in the midst of this change? (One sentence.)
- In what ways are you resisting this change? (One sentence.)
- Are there any new horizons opening up in front of you as a result of this change? (One sentence.)
Deadline: Saturday, Jan. 23, by noon.
Create a video sharing what brought you joy this week.
Even amidst the pandemic, a violent insurrection at the Capitol last week, and the tremendous uncertainty that this time brings, joy exists! We want to make space in our worship services for joy. Will you share your joy with us? We invite you to share - in 30 seconds or less - a video response to “What brought you joy this week?” Was it a piece of music? A night walk? A poem? A meal?
Instructions:
- Share your name and tell us what brought you joy and delight! Be as specific as possible. Share your joy with us. (No longer than 30 seconds, please.)
Deadline: Submit a video whenever you can. Beginning in February, we hope to regularly include “Joy” videos in our service.
Suggested ways record and submit your video:
- Smartphone
- Zoom
- Quicktime
Requests/tips:
- Please record horizontally (landscape) if recording on a smartphone
- Keep phone steady/use a tripod (you can google how to easily make a quick phone tripod using cardboard!)
- Look at the camera lens (don’t watch yourself talk)
- Church staff can trim videos, so don't worry about editing out set up time at the start/finish
- Speak audibly and clearly
Submission:
In gratitude,
Justin
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Co-Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m.
A Dream or a Nightmare?
Rev. Justin Schroeder, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, and Aimee K. Bryant
While Dr. King fervently spoke about the "dream" of a country where character mattered more than skin color, this dream has failed to materialize. More often than not, the dream is simply given lip service, while structures and practices of oppression and harm remain in place. What is required for the dream to truly come alive, for justice to roll down like waters and peace like an everflowing stream?
WATCH
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
ORDER OF SERVICE
- Details about elements of the service
- Zoom info for post-worship gatherings
- extra resources and more!
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POST-WORSHIP HAPPENINGS (JAN. 17)
~11 a.m. Care Companions Space
If you find yourself wanting 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 the Zoom gathering here.
~11 a.m. Sunday Small Groups and Fellowship Hour
- BIPOC/Multiracial Fellowship Hour
- All-Identities Fellowship Hour
~11 a.m. First Step
Held every first and third Sunday, 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 the Zoom gathering here. If you attend First Step this morning, please fill out the Visitor Connect form so we can follow up with you! Thank you!
Religious Education Classes this Sunday
Religious Education classes for children and youth in Kindergarten through 9th grade meet at 11:15 a.m. Senior high youth groups meet at varying times in the afternoon. Advance registration required. More information can be found on our Religious Education website.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
A Change In Plans
In response to the recent and ongoing unrest and political upheaval, yesterday evening Julica Hermann de la Fuente made a quick pivot and decided to postpone the previously planned conversations about the Cycle of Change until we have more space to engage with that work. Instead, she offered a ministry of presence and poetry, highlighting some helpful words from her friend and colleague the Reverend Theresa Ines Soto in their meditation manual Spilling the Light: Meditations on Hope and Resistance. Those interested in learning more or purchasing a copy can do so at the UUA's online book shop here.
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m.
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Next week, Rev Justin will lead our Wednesday evening worship service, making space for what feels right in the moment as we continue to make our way through these uncertain and troubling times.
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, Jan. 20 between 6:55 and 7 p.m.:
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Cycle of Life & Prayer in Sunday Worship |
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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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January 10 Remembrance Sunday service
with Rev. Justin Schroeder, Rev. Arif Mamdani and Lauren Wyeth
Sermon summary & reflections by Liz Farmer:
Individually and collectively, it has been a year of deep loss. Whether the loss is clear or complicated, we have all been traveling in the river of grief - and it in us. We are both carried and shaped by the river of grief. Remembrance Sunday is a yearly ritual in which together, we create a counter-cultural space where we acknowledge, name, witness, and hold our grief. Part of the ritual includes lighting the candles of impermanence, memory, and embracing, which are our anchors and our guides for our sacred time together. As we illuminate and honor our losses and loved ones together, we help each other more fully grieve, love, and heal.
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January Worship Theme: Choosing Change |
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As we move into 2021, clear that we cannot return to “normal,” how will we actively “choose change,” re-imagine our lives, our purpose, the structure of our society, and the things we focus on? The answer to these questions rests in choices both small and large. Change sometimes feels impossible, but we forget that change is dynamic, alive, lurking in every corner, and is happening all around us, all the time. Change can begin when we speak the truth, when we turn toward the feeling rising in us, rather than push it away, when we name what is real for us, and listen to what is real for others, and when we stop, and take a breath, before we respond. In her book, Parable of the Sower, science fiction writer Octavia Butler writes, “All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you. The only lasting truth is change. God is change.” These words invite us to consider: What does it mean to choose change? To step fully into the “God flow,” the river of change, wide awake, and let it work on us, and us on it, as it shapes our relationships, spirit, and the course of our lives? When it comes to choosing change, the poet John O’Donahue offers these questions to reflect on: “Where could I have exposed myself to the risk of something different? Where did I allow myself to receive love? What reached me today? How deep did it imprint? What did I avoid today?”
This month, through message, song, prayer, and video, we will explore what it means to “choose change” and to embrace the lasting truth that is change.
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Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future
Phase 2 Remodeling Update Meeting
Sunday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m.
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Join us this Sunday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. on Zoom to learn more about Phase 2 of our comprehensive building renovation plans. We are thrilled with the results of Phase 1, which included a full remodel of the Education Wing, Offices, and Cummins Room (watch the video tour here if you haven't already), and we anticipate completing Phase 2 of our renovations by September of 2021. Phase 2 will include renovation of the Sanctuary, Social Hall, and Atrium, as well as repairs of the exterior of the building and new sloped sidewalks for greater accessibility. Our focus will be on increasing inclusion and improving accessibility, enhancing beauty and a greater sense of welcoming, addressing needed repairs, upgrading our live streaming capabilities and our air-handling systems, and reducing our environmental impact.
Thanks to the generosity of so many of you, we were able to complete Phase 1 without taking out any loans. We expect that Phase 2, with its important additions of new technology for live streaming and upgrades necessary for a safe return to the building, as well as solar panels to reduce our environmental impact, will exceed the funds that have already been raised by roughly $1 million. Even with this increase in cost, we remain committed to creating a space that represents our values and our wide welcome to all. We trust that in this time of national upheaval, this faith community is an excellent investment. Together we will continue to build an actively anti-racist, multi-cultural congregation that heals hearts and transforms the world.
Join us this Sunday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. to learn more about the timing, design, finances, and team responsible for Phase 2. We're looking forward to being with you, and a recording will be made available after the meeting for those not able to attend.
Dial in by phone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 821 7534 3065
- Rev. Jen Crow, Bryana French, Board President, and Keven Ambrus, Treasurer
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Voices of the Choir: Behind the Scenes |
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Submitted by Fawzia Khan
What goes on behind the scenes to produce those inspiring choir videos we use in Sunday services?
After the worship team gave director Randy Buikema the initial go-ahead for "Make Them Hear You" from the musical “Ragtime” this past fall, pianist Franco Holder and I learned more about the context of the piece. In the musical, "Make Them Hear You" is sung by a Black man in the early 1900s about the injustices he faces. We knew the December 13 service would focus on anti-racism and anti-oppression work. Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Ministries, suggested that we expand our initial vision beyond the Black Lives Matter protests in the aftermath of George Floyd's death to include historical references from worldwide movements. Franco also felt that the contributions of Black women in the movement should be noted.
The first line in the song is “Go out and tell our story" which inspired me to begin the storyboard video I created with the song lyrics superimposed on a background of images of historical figures from around the world who fought for justice. I gradually transitioned to images that feature the contemporary anti-oppression work that our church does in three areas: anti-racism, our commitment to clean water and Native rights, and the Sanctuary movement for immigration reform.
When we showed the storyboard video to the worship team, they gave the approval to Randy and the choir to start rehearsing. I then got to work fleshing out and polishing the visuals for the finished product. There is significant work involved in editing a piece like this, including combing through hundreds of photos, obtaining the permissions to use the best photos (including in this case writing a contract for the church to pay for the use of photographer Caroline Yang’s images), and getting the photos to fade in and out artistically. Although the work can be fussy and exacting, this is exactly what artists like us are used to, and even live for. After a bit more than twenty hours, I was satisfied with my part of the whole choir’s gift to our community.
You can listen to the choir's recording of "Make Them Hear You" from our December 13 worship service on our YouTube channel.
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First Universalist Foundation Board
Accepting Nominations through January 29
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The First Universalist Foundation Board is accepting nominations through this form until Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 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.
At this time the Foundation welcomes 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 events of 2020 have laid bare. Organizations that have not applied for a Foundation Board grant in the past are encouraged.
Historically the Foundation Board has given out grants ranging from $5,000 - $20,000.
Please note our mission and giving criteria which will heavily inform our decisions.
Mission Statement
First Universalist Foundation acts as a catalyst for social change by promoting and supporting the development of emerging leaders, youth, young adults, and/or disenfranchised communities through monetary grants to nonprofits working in those communities.
Giving Priorities and Criteria
1. Demonstrate the potential to address one or more causes or forms of injustice.
2. Work to engage youth, young adults, and/or disenfranchised communities in the work of social change.
3. Have a commitment to measuring the impact or success of the funded program.
4. Focus on the Twin Cities community.
5. Organizations with annual budgets of less than $1,000,000 will be given greater priority.
6. Organizations that have been funded 3 times in the last 5 years may be considered lower priority.
Questions?
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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.”
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Join the Environmental Justice Team
for a Plastic-Free Challenge
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Start the New Year off right by resolving to reduce your environmental impact with Hennepin County's Plastic-Free Challenge! This month-long challenge will help you reduce plastic consumption, especially single-use plastics, in ways that fit best in your lifestyle.
The Environmental Justice team has set up a First Universalist Plastic-Free Challenge team for families and individuals as well. Join in the learning and a little competitive fun. Learn more in this document!
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FEARLESS with Mental Health Connect |
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Submitted by Janet Houck, church member & Mental Health Connect ambassador
Join our friends at Mental Health Connect for FEARLESS, an inspirational evening with singer and performer Kat Perkins, on Friday, Jan. 29, from 7–8 p.m. Kat, a former Top Four Finalist with NBC’s The Voice, will be singing and sharing stories to raise support for Mental Health Connect. Kat inspires, challenges, instructs, and entertains all ages. She will speak about making fearless choices, taking leadership and following the lead, and becoming the most successful person you can be. For more information and to buy tickets for this event, please visit the Mental Health Connect website.
Mental Health Connect (MHC) assists individuals and families in accessing and navigating mental health services. As a member church of MHC, First Universalist has Ambassadors dedicated to spreading awareness of the MHC program, starting conversations about mental health, bringing events and resources to the community, and more.
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Welcoming Allison Connelly to Staff |
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We are delighted to welcome Allison Connelly (she/her) as our new part time Communications and Worship Tech Assistant. Allison will be working with Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg and other folks on the worship and communications teams to produce written and audio/visual materials and content. Her role includes assisting with the Weekly Liberal newsletter, social media, worship services, and the website. She will also be assisting with the technical end of live-streamed worship services a couple of Sundays per month.
Allison grew up in Knoxville, Tenn., and moved to Minneapolis after completing her undergraduate education at Vanderbilt University. While in Minneapolis, she completed a volunteer year of service through the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet before working in health insurance navigation for JustUs Health (formerly the Minnesota AIDS Project). She moved to New York City in the Fall of 2018 to pursue a Master of Divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary. Now in her final semester of her degree program, Allison is wrapping up a thesis on religious ableism and restorative justice to complete her interdisciplinary academic concentration in disability theology. She began working in church communications during seminary, and incorporates her commitments to anti-racism, disability justice, organizational transparency, and communal decision making into her communications work.
Allison was raised Catholic and now finds a spiritual home in radical, lay-led Catholic communities and in the United Church of Christ. Her writing can be found in Dear Joan Chittister: Conversations with Women in the Church (TwentyThird Publications, 2015) and in Liberating Liturgies 2.0 (Women’s Ordination Conference, 2020). Allison and her fiancée, Brooklyn, plan to move back to the Twin Cities in 2021, and look forward to larger apartments, colder winters, and better coffee.
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Virtual Meetings & Gatherings |
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Phase 2 Remodeling Update Meeting |
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Join us this Sunday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. to learn more about the timing, design, finances, and team responsible for Phase 2 of our building renovations. Rev. Jen Crow, Board President Bryana French, and Treasurer Keven Ambrus are looking forward to sharing information and answering questions. A recording will be made available after the meeting for those not able to attend.
Dial in by phone: +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 821 7534 3065
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Board of Trustees Meeting |
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The First Universalist Board of Trustees meets next on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Board meetings are currently being held on Zoom. Meeting materials and information will be posted on our website next week.
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Newcomer Circle Registration Open |
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Newcomer Circles are four-session gatherings of 6–8 participants who are new-ish to First Universalist. If you’ve been joining us for worship, participating in small groups or other gatherings for a few months and would like to deepen your connection to the church and meet others who are also early in their journey with the congregation, this is a great way to do so. (If you’re brand new to us or testing the waters, we invite you to first attend First Step—a brief orientation offered every first and third Sunday of the month—or drop into our post-worship fellowship hours.)
Upcoming Newcomers Circles will be offered on Zoom at the following times:
Mondays, Feb. 15, 22, March 1, and 8; 7–8:30 p.m. w/ George Dow and Phillip Muessig
Sundays, March 7, 14, 21, 28; 12:30–2 p.m. w/ Channing McKinley and Emily Wallace
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Take 2: Honor the Earth and the Food We Love! |
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Mark your calendar for noon on Wednesday, Jan. 27 for Take 2: Honor the Earth & the Food We Love!, a program from the Environmental Justice Committee’s Food Solutions Team to engage congregants in taking steps to adopt climate friendly food habits. You may remember the title from a similar program last November. We’re doing it again to persuade 200 congregants to join with millions across the globe to reduce food waste and eat less meat and more plant foods. Why? Because they are among top three highest impact solutions to global warming. The program includes a few 6-minute presentations that include “testimonies” from our First U community, a love letter to food, and time to reflect and share our next steps. You’ll leave with practical tips, resolve, and tools to help you on your path forward. Check out this preview on our YouTube channel and sign up through this form by January 25.
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An Invitation to Take Action from the EJ Team |
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Congregant Roberta Haskin shares: The stop line 3 subcommittee of the Environmental Justice team invites you to action!
"Walk the Stone Arch Bridge, an historically sacred site of the Dakota people, to protest Enbridge's dirty tar sands oil pipeline.
2–3 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Starts at 6th Ave SE at the entrance to the bridge."
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Jan. 24, Feb. 7)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Jan. 19, Feb. 2)
Join us for this weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction, to build community at church and add a layer of support. We'll join in a time of silent meditation, explore a topic, and share our experience, strength and hope. Participation is confidential. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more information reach out to Dick Young at 952-893-1188.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Feb. 7)
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we share how our practices are helping us through these difficult times. The Zoom space opens at 11:15 a.m. to provide time to connect. Meditation starts at 11:30 a.m. Join via Zoom here. Meeting ID: 932 5053 7134 Passcode: 459991
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. Contact Martha Easter-Wells at mm3second@aol.com for Zoom information.
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.
Young Adults Group
Third Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
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
Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m. (weekly)
AUW members are staying connected via a weekly Zoom "Happy Hour."
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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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” on their website.
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)
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. 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 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.
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 situation. Learn more here: What Is a Mental Health Navigator? And get started by completing this form.
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