Not for Ourselves Alone:
Rededicating our Building on May 15
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Dear ones,
For the last four years, my Tuesdays at noon have been predictable. Summer, winter, spring and fall, noon on Tuesday has meant one thing - a zoom gathering with our project manager, Chelsea Waters of Watershed Consulting, and usually a few others, including our architects, contractors, building manager, interior designer extraordinaire Kristen Mengelkoch, and our Treasurer Keven Ambrus. Together, we’ve tracked the budget, absorbed the curve balls, and pivoted to meet the unpredictability of construction in pandemic times, all while keeping our mission in mind: expanding welcoming hospitality, enhancing our worship experience, ensuring more inclusive programs, and encouraging future ministries. We did all this with our primary commitment in mind —to build an inclusive future that is truly, Not for Ourselves Alone.
It’s taken more than 6 years of planning, projecting, giving, and building to get us to this point—with the last 2+ years of that planning and doing in a time when planning in any way often felt fruitless. But here we are. All of those gifts of your time, expertise, and financial resources, all of those contractors, church staff and volunteers, all of those Tuesdays at noon, have brought us here. One day, one action, one daring dream at a time.
As our capital project begins to wrap up, it is time to celebrate a job well done. Not only have we achieved our goals in renovating our space, we’ve done it in accordance with our values. Our commitment to engaging BIPOC- and woman-owned firms for construction has meant that in phase one and phase two combined, our largest contractor, Flannery Construction, subcontracted with 58% BIPOC- and women-owned firms. For those of you who work in construction, you know that these are unheard of numbers. So let’s celebrate!
Join us on Sunday, May 15 at 9 a.m. in person and 11 a.m. in person and online as we rededicate our building and grounds in the service of a future we can barely imagine. With our space ready to welcome all, we continue to prepare our hearts and our spirits so that we can be the ever-expanding beloved community of joy, liberation, and belonging that our faith calls us to be. Practicing gratitude, celebrating generosity, and rededicating ourselves to our central commitment—embodying a love so big that it includes each and every one of us, past, present and future, a love that will not let anyone of us go—this is what we will be about on Sunday, May 15.
We’ll be telling stories about the journey, remembering the vision that brought us to this building at 3400 Dupont Avenue South almost 30 years ago and dedicating ourselves and this space to the vision that will carry us into the future, into times we may never see. We’ll do all of this with guest musician Peter Mayer, the singer and songwriter who brought the world Blue Boat Home and Holy Now. Join us in whatever way feels right for you. Bring a friend or a neighbor online or in person. We have so much to celebrate.
In gratitude,
Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, April 24, 9 & 11am
Wednesday, April 27, 7pm
Recent Podcasts & Recordings
April 17 Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Choir to Sing in Worship
Wing Young Huie
Earth Week
Faithful Action Newsletter
"Take What You Need"
New Office Open Hours
Child Dedication
Resilience in Congregations
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Happenings
Board Meeting
Ellis Delaney in Concert
Electric Saturday
Grief Group
In the Community
Ongoing Gatherings
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, April 24 — 9 & 11 a.m.
"Truth... It Is Worth Waiting For"
In Unitarian Universalism, our congregations, and specifically the members of our congregations, are the only body that can ordain a minister, calling out and lifting up one whose ministry is formally recognized and named in the act of ordination. This Sunday, we gather to formally lift up the ministry of Stephanie Vos. Through word, song, and story, we’ll share some of her story, tell a bigger story about what ministry can be in the world, and formally ordain Stephanie to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Join us on Sunday for this joyous and celebratory service.
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Worship leaders: Rev. Karen Hutt, Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Lauren Wyeth, Daryn Woodson, Stephanie Vos, Franco Holder, Aimee K. Bryant, and the First Universalist Choir, directed by Dr. Randy Buikema (first service only).
IN PERSON AT 9 OR 11 A.M.:
ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
CHILDREN & YOUTH
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Wednesday, April 27, 7 p.m.
Our Spring Seminarian Series, hosted by Rev. Karen Hutt, continues next Wednesday with a message from seminary student Nico Van Ostrand, who shares:
"When you’re sitting on a comfortable couch, which is easier: stay where you are, or get up and go do the dishes? In uncertain and uncomfortable times, that comfortable couch is tempting–someone else can do the dishes. But the right to comfort is a characteristic of white supremacy culture, and comfort that comes at the expense of others should not actually feel comfortable. At this point in the pandemic and multiple world crises, we as Unitarian Universalists must reexamine what is defined as comfortable and only take forward things that comfort and sustain all of us."
Wednesday Worship is an online-only midweek time of reflection and connection that usually lasts about 30 minutes.
JOIN US ONLINE:
Wednesday Worship is live-streamed on Zoom. Join here (Webinar ID: 117 312 320).
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April 17: "We Rise Together"
Sometimes, there are big boulders in the stream of Love: racism, addiction, individualism. Through embodied prayer and practice, we reflect on the questions, what are the boulders blocking the flow of Love in your life? And, who are the people who help you remove, flowing next to thereby transforming, the boulders in your life? Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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Sunday, April 17 Cycle of Life |
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We hold the family and friends of Julia Miller in our hearts this morning. We want to let the congregation know that Julia Miller’s celebration of life will be held here in the sanctuary on Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m. All are welcome.
We hold the family and friends of John Adelman, as the first anniversary of his death recently passed.
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First Universalist Choir to Sing at 9 a.m. Services on Sundays, April 24 & May 1 |
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We know many of you have missed seeing and hearing the choir at our Sunday services, and we know the choir has missed you, too! We also know that singing together during a pandemic comes with greater risks and responsibilities, and your choir has taken these very seriously. They've covenanted to protect the most vulnerable among us, by keeping up to date with all Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters, wearing well-fitting KN95 or N95 masks, staying home when feeling ill, and maintaining the largest possible distance between them. Now that the risk of Covid infections has lessened, at least for now, we’re looking forward to the choir being back in person. They'll sing at the 9 a.m. service this Sunday, April 24, and at the 9 a.m. service on Sunday, May 1. |
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Exhibit & Artist Visit: Wing Young Huie: Photos from Chinese-ness: The Meaning of Identity
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Wing photographed and interviewed people of Chinese descent and those influenced by Chinese-ness. Their perspectives provide humor and irony, as well as cultural uncertainty, asking all of us to explore our own identity.
Wing will be present in the social hall between services this Sunday, April 24. He will be meeting with youth after the second service and with the BIPOC/Multiracial Youth Group later in the afternoon. Very limited spots remain for Wing’s interactive talk at 12:30 p.m. Reservations are required for this event and can be made here. You can order Wing’s book here. The book with his famous photos, Lake Street USA, and several other of his signed books will also be for sale on April 24.
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Earth Week at First Universalist |
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Earth Day is here and kicks off Earth Week 2022 at First Universalist.
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Join fellow congregants and other local Faith communities with MN Interfaith Power and light Earth Day Celebration at Minnehaha Falls on April 22.
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Engage in Community Conversation this Saturday morning, April 23 in the April session of our Mde Maka Ska Community Conversation.
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Watch the movie Youth v GOV, the story of 21 youth who are suing the US government to protect their constitutional rights to a stable climate on Monday at 7pm or Wednesday at 4:30 followed by a conversation with the filmmaker and 2 of the young plaintiffs at 6:30pm
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Join “Students for Electric Buses” on Tuesday, April 26 at 7pm in this student-led zoom gathering to take action towards a Minnesotan Zero Emission Vehicle plan and help get some of the dirtiest vehicles off the road.
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Participate in Conversation with Kristel Porter: Intersection of Racial and Environmental Justice on the Northside Thursday, April 28 at 7pm.
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On Saturday morning, April 30 come explore options for your next “electric” car! Find out about charging your EV, making sure your charging options utilize renewable energy sources. Most importantly, talk to owners of electric cars to discover their insights into going electric!
Set aside some extra time for Church on May 1 as we Celebrate Mother Earth in our social hall after our Earth Day Service in the Sanctuary.
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April/May Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Read our latest Faithful Action newsletter, which contains information about volunteer and advocacy opportunities, events, news, and more from our justice teams and community Faithful Action partners. The newsletter is available as a Google doc here. |
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"Take What You Need" Available Sundays |
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If you haven't yet picked up a copy of Rev. Jen Crow's new book, "Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything"—or, if you want to pick up additional copies (they make great gifts!)—please know that books will be available in the church social hall on Sundays after services during the month of April. Books are available for a $25 donation each, and proceeds benefit the church. Missed the launch event? Watch the recording here.
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Church Office Open Wednesdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
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The church office is now open one day per week with limited hours—Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—for folks who wish to stop by the church, speak with a minister or staff member, pick things up or drop things off, etc. No appointment necessary!
Thanks to volunteers Earl Stanhope and Mary Kelley, there will now be someone at the front desk to answer the doors, greet folks, and provide building and office access on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. We are very grateful for their service!
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Child Dedication is Sunday, May 8 |
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First Universalist Church will joyfully embrace and celebrate little ones with a Child Dedication ritual during both services on Sunday, May 8. In the ritual, the congregation pledges partner with and support parents, caregivers and families in the religious upbringing of their children.
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From Reactivity to Resilience:
Doing Our Inner Work in Congregations
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Saturdays, May 7 & 14, 1–3 p.m. Central
Presenters: Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Erica Baron, and guests
You're invited to a workshop about resilience in congregations! This two part webinar series, co-sponsored by New England Region UUA and First Universalist, focuses on the Spiritual Leadership practice of "doing our inner work." It is rooted in an awareness of the human tendency to fight, fawn, freeze, or flee when we are activated. It rests in a belief that congregations are called to create a container in which everyone can learn, hone and use tools that bring us through activation into resilience.
Participants will:
- consider some of the common ways people in our congregations currently respond to reactivity and activation;
- examine additional possibilities for response that are creative, compassionate and aligned with UU values, theology and principles;
- interrogate some of the ways power, privilege, marginalization and other complexities of identity inform and shape both our capacity for resilience and our ability to support each other.
The webinar will draw on story, cases, small group sharing, embodied in-the-moment practice and other strategies for deep exploration and active engagement. By participating, registrants will also be helping us beta test our understanding of how to do this work in congregations.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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April Board of Trustees Meeting |
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Thursday, April 21, 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Trustees meets Thursday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. Details are available here. |
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Ellis Delaney Concert is This Sunday! |
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On Sunday, April 24, at 3 p.m., we’ll continue our small benefit concert series in the sanctuary with our very own Ellis Delaney. You've heard her music at Sunday services over the years, now enjoy her in concert!
This concert will also be live-streamed via YouTube, and all ticket purchasers will receive a link to the livestream and have the option to attend either in person or online.
Not familiar with Ellis? You can listen to her latest album, Ordinary Love, here!
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Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.–noon
Church parking lot
The Environmental Justice Team invites you to Electric Saturday on the morning of April 30, showcasing about 15 Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles owned by members of our church community. Owners will be available throughout the morning to answer all of your questions about owning electric cars. Electric bike owners will also be displaying their e-bikes and answering questions. Check out e-mowers and snow blowers too!
Invited representatives from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL), MN350 and others will be available with energy info and opportunities for advocacy. Brian Anderson from Let’s Go Zero Carbon, will make presentations throughout the morning about buying, charging, and living with electric vehicles.
If you have questions, or would like to show your e-bike or EV, contact Lane Ayres at lanebfa@gmail.com.
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Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt |
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Sunday, April 24, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
In a season where we have experienced such complicated grief and loss, gathering with a group for support and companionship is so important. Rev. Karen Hutt facilitates this group where participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. Through sharing, silence, ritual, and reflection, we offer each other support and companionship. Join via Zoom here.
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Celebrate Earth Day with MNIPL |
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Friday, April 22, 4–6 p.m.
Minnehaha Park
First Universalist faithful action partner Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL) invites you to celebrate Earth Day at Minnehaha Park! They’ll be at the Wabun D picnic shelter between 4-6 p .m. Enjoy games and activities, the beautiful park space, and opportunities to meet new people and old friends. At 4:30, we will share stories and songs to honor the earth and lift up our collective actions of care. Light refreshments will be available. Please RSVP to help with planning. This event is free and for all ages!
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Sundays at 7 p.m.
Weekly confidential drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction & family dysfunction. Join via Zoom. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388)
12 Step Spirituality – In Person
First Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
The workshops meet monthly on the first Saturday of each month through June. Come in through the front door to find out which room we will be in. Workshops go from 9:30 a.m. to noon and are for all people in or interested in 12 step programs. They include meditation, meditation instruction, short talks and small groups. Meetings details available at 12stepspirituality.org
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: 12stepspirituality.org
Weekly Meditation Group (multiplatform)
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom and in Room 209 at church
Chi Gung
Thursday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom
Pat,Gottschalk leads gentle movements with a focus on harmonizing our personal energies. 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
Thursdays at 7 p.m.
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 March 24, 2022
- 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).
- Both services will be streamed to the Cummins Room or Social Hall for those who desire to be in a space with fewer people.
- We are reintroducing congregational singing during the service on Sunday, March 27.
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In small group settings, with the consent of everyone in the group, masks can be optional inside of the room where the group is meeting, when the COVID-19 community level is low.
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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 - Mental Health Connect is 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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