Holiday Services During a Season Like No Other |
|
Greetings!
One of the things I’ve noticed during the pandemic is that the facade of “everything is ok” has mostly fallen away. We’re much more likely to honestly share how we’re really doing. The veneer of “having it all together” has chipped and cracked and allowed many of us to name what’s true. This practice, particularly as we approach Christmas and the winter holidays, feels especially important.
Let’s not kid ourselves: while we’re not all struggling this holiday season, a good many of us are. In addition to reimagining gatherings with family and friends, we know that this holiday season, we will not gather in the Sanctuary for our Christmas Pageant, or Winter Solstice Ritual, or Christmas Eve Candlelight service. Nonetheless, we will be offering these services of hope, memory, and tradition, but in ways that acknowledge the pandemic reality we’re living in and the very real limitations that has created.
This Sunday at 10 a.m, and on December 24, at 4 p.m., we will offer our Christmas Pageant. After exploring a number of options and possibilities, seeking to capture via Zoom the power of the Solstice Ritual, we realized that this ritual would be exceedingly difficult to recreate on Zoom, and so we’ve created a beautiful “Do-It-Yourself” ritual and script to do in the convenience of your own home (more on that, below). On December 24, at 9:30 p.m., we’ll offer our Christmas Eve Candlelight service, blending readings, songs, and elements typically found in our Solstice Ritual along with some of the more traditional Christmas Eve readings and songs.
We hope you will join us and participate in some or all of these rituals and services. And please know that your ministry team is here for you; if you are struggling, we want to be in the struggle with you, listening, supporting, and offering perspective and practices to find a way through this difficult time. We’re with you.
In faith,
Rev. Justin
|
|
"Mending the Web" Solstice Ritual Returns... Online |
|
By Bob Friedman
The days shorten and the nights get longer. It has been a tough year. For too many it has been very tough. And yet, we know that a new dawn approaches.
|
|
|
|
“Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention… So go… love intentionally… extravagantly… unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you”. (Author/Activist L.R. Knost).
The Wheel of Healing and Hope
|
|
With our church building still closed, we are offering a "2020 Winter Solstice Ritual: Home Edition." The theme of this online ritual is "Mending the Web...with the Light of Healing and Hope" This will not be a Zoom event, but rather a self-guided script that you can access anytime at home, at your own pace. The whole family, from youth to elders, can enjoy this together. The readings, images and video links will inspire you to reimagine and recommit yourself to mending our broken world.
Whether you are young or old, living alone, with family or have “pod-mates” doing this ritual with you, we hope you enjoy the gifts that it offers in this season of illumination.
The “Preparations” document should be read through well before doing the ritual. It has suggestions for things you’ll need, family activities and resources to enhance your Solstice journey. There’s even a ginger cookie recipe for your post-Solstice celebration.
This ancient Ritual had its beginnings at First Universalist in 1980, when long-time member Sharon Bishop introduced the idea after being inspired at General Assembly. It evolved in collaboration with AUW and later with Women’s Ritual Circle. Over time, the ritual expanded to include more congregants and the wider community. Back in 2001, Elise Matthesen asked me to help create the Big Sun for that year's ritual. I have been honored and blessed ever since to be part of the many teams of collaborators, storytellers, singers, chanters, musicians and so many volunteers and church staff, who have made this annual ritual and celebration a meditative, reflective and inspiring gathering.
For many, the essence of our Solstice Ritual at First Universalist is lighting the Candles of Community. Sharing our Light is the embodiment of everything we do as Unitarian Universalists. Our Social Justice work has always been one of our strongest callings. Whether it be offering sanctuary, exploring and honoring indigenous perspectives or acting on environmental, housing, and racial justice issues, we work to mend the web year-round. We seek to heal ourselves and others. We in turn offer hope to the wider community.
I am grateful that in this period of brokenness and stress the long tradition of a Winter Solstice Ritual will be shared in this online format. The lengthening days will embrace us like the hugs we have been missing. The light returning will illuminate our path for mending. Slowly, but with determination, we move ahead toward the new dawn...that place where we are “held by a love that will not let us go”.
|
|
So go… love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally...
The broken world waits in darkness...for
the light that is you.
|
|
MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP |
|
Sunday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m.
Christmas Pageant
A multigenerational service full of fun, music, and hope
with Lauren Wyeth, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Seth Anderson-Matz, the Universalist Christmas story told by the children and youth of First Universalist, and special music from, well, everybody!
Join us for our beloved annual Christmas Pageant, adapted for the small screen with creativity, humor, and extra layers of meaning to remind you of what matters most in this extraordinary season, as 2020 draws to a close.
This year’s Pageant is born of the time and talents of so many, including: our children and youth, who will co-lead the service and act out our story; Aimee K. Bryant, Randy Buikema, Franco Holder, the First Universalist Choir, Seth Anderson-Matz, Andrew Tralle, Dave and Ani Peichel, several caroling families and our virtual children’s chorus, who crafted amazing music; and a great deal of technical wizardry from dedicated church members and staff.
The Christmas Pageant will be presented as our Sunday morning worship service on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. and will be recorded and rebroadcast via YouTube Live on Christmas Eve at 4 p.m.
WATCH
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
-
Please note: this service will be rebroadcast on Thursday, Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. on YouTube live and will be available for on-demand viewing after that time.
ORDER OF SERVICE
- Details about elements of the service
- Zoom info for post-worship gatherings
- extra resources and more!
|
|
POST-WORSHIP HAPPENINGS (DEC. 20)
~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 here.
~11 a.m. First Step
First Step is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. Newcomers are welcome to join us to learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. Join here.
11:15 a.m. Sunday Small Groups and Fellowship Hour
Small groups and fellowship hours now funnel through one zoom space. Join here.
- Six-Week Sunday Small Groups (pre-registration required)
- BIPOC/Multiracial Fellowship Hour
- All-Identities Fellowship Hour
NO Religious Education Classes this Sunday
|
|
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE |
|
Thursday, Dec. 24 at 9:30 p.m.
On Thursday, Dec. 24, at 9:30 p.m., we’ll offer our Christmas Eve Candlelight service, blending readings, songs, and elements typically found in our Solstice Ritual along with some of the more traditional Christmas Eve readings and songs.
|
|
WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
***Please note: there will be NO Wednesday worship on Dec. 23 or 30; this service will resume in the new year on Jan. 6.***
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.
|
|
Sunday Service Recording & Podcast |
|
"Question Box Sunday"
Summary & reflections by Liz Farmer:
Prior to this past Sunday's service, our Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Ministries, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, asked you what questions you had about anti-racism and anti-oppression work, especially as it applies to our congregation. To respond, in worship she uses two boxes to have a conversation: a Wonder Box and a Question Box. She tells us that it’s important to reflect and take action on racial justice work from a place of spiritual growth. For people of color, it’s a journey of self liberation and for white folks it’s a journey of discomfort and learning. In this message, Julica invites us to take seriously and embody the words of welcome that we hear each Sunday: we engage in racial justice with courage, compassion, and humility.
|
|
Cycle of Life & Prayer in Sunday Worship |
|
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.
|
|
Just Announced: A Call to Faith in Turbulent Times |
|
Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, Feb. 2 & 9, 4–6 p.m. on Zoom
In a season of transition and change, join Rev. Justin for a series that invites us to explore the spiritual practices of vision, love, imagination, and relationship in action.
Many Unitarian Universalists and other people of faith are challenged by this moment in our nation’s history. The actions of political leaders raise large moral questions that compel many of us to explore what our faith commitments and values require of us. We have learned that it is crucial to stay informed, yet information comes at us from every direction and not all sources are reliable. We are being asked by others to contact legislators, attend meetings, join in protests, have political conversations with friends and acquaintances, in some cases to take public action for the first time ever. Many turn to our congregations and faith communities for help to clarify how our values call us to respond and to strengthen us to act.
This online four-session program, which takes place on Tuesdays, Jan. 12, 19, Feb. 2 and 9 from 4 to 6 p.m., will be facilitated by Rev. Justin Schroeder.
|
|
Invitation to Create a Brief Video Eulogy
for our Jan. 10 Remembrance Sunday
|
|
Every year in our Remembrance Sunday service, we recognize the losses we’ve experienced in the previous year, and in this Remembrance Sunday, we name the reality of grief, impermanence, and love in our lives. In this season of complicated grief and mourning, if you are struggling, we are here for you, please reach out. You can contact any of the ministers or call the care line directly at 612.825.1701.
When we gather in person, we normally invite congregants to share a few words about the one(s) they’ve lost. While we can’t do this in person this year, we can do it virtually, and you’re invited to submit a brief, 30 second video, eulogizing the one(s) you’ve lost.
If you’d like to create a video, here’s our recommendation for how you might engage this: if you are able to, take an hour to sit with the loss(es) you’ve experienced, to feel the fullness of it - the weight, grief, gratitude, love, and complexity that accompanies this loss. Let this experience fill you up and speak to you. Write down what comes to you - what was joyful and good about this relationship, what was difficult, what you will miss beyond words. Then, before you record anything, write down three sentences. In the first sentence, share your name and name your loss. In the second sentence, share something about your relationship with the person you’ve lost. In the third and final sentence, share what is true for you right now, and/or how you will remember the one(s) you’ve lost.
For example, “My name is (your name); this past year I lost my father, (your father’s name). We had a complicated relationship. I miss him.”
Here’s another example: “My name is (your name); this past year I lost my uncle, (your uncle’s name). He taught me how to make homemade pasta. I carry his memory forward by teaching others how to make homemade pasta.”
Here’s one more example: “My name is (your name); this past year I lost a dear friend, (your friend’s name). They knew my heart as well as anyone. I will continue to love and dance wildly in honor of them.”
If you make a video, please know that this service will be recorded and available publicly on YouTube.
For those who would appreciate doing this in community with the support and presence of others, we’ll be gathering on zoom on Sunday, Dec. 27 after the service to sit together and write our eulogies in a community of support. Our zoom room will be one of the post-service fellowship options. Please see next week’s Liberal, Order of Service, or post-service links for information on connecting to the zoom space.
Ways you can record your video:
- Smartphone (please use front facing camera, not selfie camera)
- 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 if need be, so don't worry about editing out set up time at the start/finish
- Speak audibly and clearly
Submission:
|
|
Newsletter Submission Deadline for 12/24 & 12/31 Issues |
|
Planning to submit news, event information, or an article for either of the last two issues of the Liberal of the year (12/24 & 12/31)? The submission deadline for both issues is 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22. You may use the submission form on our website or email your submission to Jenn Stromberg at jenns@firstuniv.org. |
|
Additional Update on Phase 2 Renovations |
|
In the Dec. 3 Liberal, we shared a video tour of the completed Phase 1 of our building renovations and announced that our Board of Trustees has approved moving ahead with Phase 2.
We know that many of you have already had a chance to watch the video tour of Phase 1 construction, which has transformed our education and admin wing. In addition to her ministerial abilities, Rev. Jen Crow is a darn good tour guide! If you missed it, you can watch the video here.
While the Board has approved Phase 2 construction and funding, it's important to note that we are first entering into a second planning process and that the actual construction won’t start until April 2021. There are some components of this work that are “starting immediately,” including hiring an architect, identifying funding, securing our contractor, and going back into design development for Phase 2, but the actual renovation and construction won't start for some time.
Rev. Jen Crow, along with the architect and Building Committee, will meet with the congregation once Rev. Jen is back from sabbatical (she returns on Jan. 15, 2021). During these meetings, the team will share ideas and solicit more feedback before going forward. We've heard loud and clear from the congregation about the desire to contain noise in the Social Hall and will incorporate that into the new design.
This is an exciting time in the life of our faith community. We've adjusted and responded to the realities of a global pandemic, have completed Phase 1 of this project, and are moving with strength and clarity into Phase 2. Thank you for your support and engagement in this process. Together, we are creating a more welcoming and inclusive space!
And if you missed the recent update and video tour, you can watch that here.
Rev. Justin Schroeder, Co-Senior Minister
Bryana French, President of the Congregation
|
|
Virtual Meetings & Gatherings |
|
Exploring Urgent Actions in Resistance to Line 3 |
|
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 7–8:30 p.m.
organized by the Environmental Justice Team
Our First Universalist congregation unanimously passed a resolution at our annual meeting on June 19, 2019 to become a Water Protector Congregation and stand against line 3.
Do you want to actively support the resistance to line 3? What can UUs do now that the pipeline is under construction?
Our environmental justice team will offer a zoom gathering, hosted by Roberta Haskin, to explore several ways to support water protectors and their resistance to Line 3.
Join here. ( Meeting ID: 848 1022 6688, Passcode: 925202, Dial in (audio only) 312-626-6799)
|
|
Sunday Small Group Registration Open |
|
Six Week Sunday Small Groups are a chance to gather (virtually) with others to share what's stirring for you on a Sunday morning, to listen generously to each others' stories and reflections, and to find ourselves, our questions—and perhaps an invitation—within the sacred texts. No fixing, no saving, no advising, no setting each other straight, just the simple act of offering care when others are speaking, and receiving care when it’s our turn to talk. Most of all, they are a chance to create and build together a space where all can be authentic in community.
The next round of small groups will begin meeting on zoom on Sunday, Jan. 17 after the worship service. Groups meet weekly on Sundays, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., for six weeks (through Feb. 21). Registration for this round of small groups will be open until Jan. 3. Find more information, details, FAQs and answers on our website.
|
|
Newcomer Circle Registration Open |
|
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. The next Newcomers Circle will take place on Zoom on four Mondays, starting January 4, from 7–8:30 p.m. (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—drop into our post-worship fellowship hours, or sign up for a Sunday Small Group.)
|
|
UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Dec. 27, Jan. 10 & 24)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Dec. 22, Jan. 5 & 19)
Do you identify as someone in 12-Step recovery? Would you like to build community at church and add a layer of support? Join us for this weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. We'll join in a time of silent meditation, explore a topic, and share our experience, strength and hope. 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.
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."
Meeting ID: 834 7301 7986. Password: 557571 Join here
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., weekly through the end of December
All people in or interested in 12 steps are welcome, this includes Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, CODA, etc. The workshop includes meditation, Centering Prayer meditation instructions, a short talk and small groups. Meeting details available at 12stepspirituality.org
|
|
From Our Faithful Action Partners |
|
Our broader community has been invited by Native leaders to come together virtually in prayer, reflection, and spiritual practice at sunset on Monday, Dec. 21. On this evening of the Winter Solstice, we will join our collective energy in a rebuke of the destructive Line 3 oil pipeline, and in a shared dreaming of a just and sustainable future. Everyone is invited, and you can do it from home!
This action of solidarity is a collaboration between Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light (a First Universalist Faithful Action partner), Winona LaDuke, Honor the Earth, and Indigenous leaders on the ground resisting the Line 3 oil pipeline.
|
|
Spiritual Care - Your ministers and program staff are here for one-on-one confidential conversations of support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us to connect.
Counseling - The Walk In Counseling Center offers free counseling by phone or computer. Find out how to “walk in” here.
Cycle of Life - Every Sunday we name the challenges and joys that we are experiencing. If you have experienced a loss, are living with a new or ongoing health concern, are celebrating a transition, or would like us to name your joy or sorrow in worship on Sunday, please let Rev. Arif know (arif@firstuniv.org)
Grief Kits - Have you or someone else you know in our congregation lost a loved one? Please let Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.
Love Kits - Are you or someone you love ill? Is your family struggling? Do you live alone or feel isolated? Do you know someone else from church who might answer yes to any of these questions? If so, please let Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.
Meal Trains - Sometimes receiving a meal one time or over the course of a couple of weeks can be just the thing to lighten the load and remind us that we are loved. If you or someone you know at church would welcome a meal to help them through a difficult time, or if you or your family have experienced a loss or are living with an illness or injury and having someone else do the cooking for a bit would help, please let us know. You can contact Rev. Jen or Rev. Karen, or contact our Congregational Care Coordinators, Nick (nicholasnier@gmail.com) and Julia (jskow@fastmail.com) directly.
Minister’s Emergency Fund - For many of us, these are difficult financial times. If you need help with a car repair bill, making rent, a doctor’s bill, groceries, gas, a mortgage payment, affording your medication, a bus card, or any other financial situation - please be in touch with any staff member. We have financial resources available, and we can get a confidential check to you quickly. Please contact any of the ministers on staff.
Winter Buddies - Would it help to get a regular phone call from someone who cares? What about a check-in over zoom or phone once a month, or once a week? Our Pastoral Visitors are a group of congregants who provide confidential companionship and support to fellow members and friends of the church. They offer compassionate presence through a one-time call or an on-going relationship. Please contact Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) if you’d like to be connected with a companion.
Mental Health Connect - www.mhconnect.org - Need help finding a therapist? Want to learn more about particular mental health conditions and resources? Check out Mental Health Connect, a local organization supported by congregations like ours, that provides community-based resources, support and education to improve access to mental health services and connect individuals and families with the services they need.
Mental Health Navigators - If you are trying to access therapy or counseling services, navigate the insurance system, speak to a financial counselor, connect with housing services, or support loved ones with mental illness, a Mental Health Navigator can help. They journey alongside you to help remove barriers and complexity so that you can gain access to the right providers and resources for your unique situation. Navigation and follow-up services are free, confidential, and tailored to your individual situation. Learn more here: What Is a Mental Health Navigator? And get started here.
UUs in 12-Step Recovery - Want to build community and share support with other Unitarian Universalists in 12-Step recovery? Connect with Dick Young (dickyoung1@comcast.net) to learn more and join in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
