Choir Leads Worship (Online Only) this Sunday |
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Dear ones,
This Sunday, the First Universalist Choir and Orchestra, directed by Dr. Randal Buikema, will be leading worship with a performance of Misa a Buenos Aires (Misatango)—a choral and orchestral work in four movements composed by Martin Palmeri.
With consideration for health and safety in these times of high transmission of COVID-19, our choir made the decision to make an advance recording of their performance for the congregation. They will present their work in our online-only 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. More details are below—please join us on Zoom this Sunday!
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Image description: members of the choir, dressed in all black, are standing spread out in the choir loft singing. In the foreground Franco Holder can be seen playing piano alongside members of the seven-piece orchestra. At the far right, Dr. Randy Buikema stands atop his conductor's podium directing.
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Worship
Sunday, Jan. 2, 10am
Sunday, Dec. 26 Recording
Cycle of Life
December 24 Recordings
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News & Features
Foundation Grant Nominations
Enchanted Forest
Church Closed 12/25–1/2
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Happenings
LGBTQ Small Group
Pathway to Membership
Habitat Work Days
Daytime Connections
Winter Newcomers Circle
AUW Spring Retreat
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Jan. 2 ONLINE ONLY
Live-streamed at 10 a.m.
Choir-led Worship: Misa a Buenos Aires (Misatango)
Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Dr. Randal Buikema, Franco Holder, and the First Universalist Choir and Orchestra
On Sunday, Jan. 2, we will offer a single worship service at 10 a.m., online only (live-streamed via Zoom and YouTube Live). Worship leaders are leading remotely while additional renovation work is being completed in our sanctuary.
This service will feature the First Universalist Choir and Orchestra performing Misa a Buenos Aires (Misatango) by Martin Palmeri, and members of the choir will read poetry between movements.
Choir director Dr. Randy Buikema shares that Misatango is a "very difficult piece with many tricky rhythms—something outside of the choir's normal comfort zone." He had learned of Misatango while searching for a major choral piece for the choir to take on in Spring 2020, and then the pandemic hit. During the time the church was closed, the choir adapted to making music together remotely—which meant using part-specific practice recordings to rehearse at home. These practice aids proved valuable even after reopening. To make possible this performance of the entirety of Misatango—nearly 25 minutes of music—choir members put in many hours of solo practice outside of rehearsal time. The result is a spectacular performance that you'll enjoy woven together with poetry and prayer in worship this Sunday.
Argentinian Martin Palmeri, who composed Misatango in 1995–96, writes: "From two important musical experiences in my personal musical history—arranging tango music and directing choirs—the idea emerged to write a work that somehow integrates these two experiences . . . my objective in this composition was to maintain the harmonic language, rhythms, melodic designs, and all of the characteristics of tango within the orchestral score, thus allowing the chorus to have full liberty to just “sing the mass.” My decision to use the Latin text could be explained by the place of the Latin language among centuries of choral music and the universal connection to the language. But I have to say that my decision also carries the weight of my aesthetic requirement: Latin gives the work a reserved, esoteric quality which, from my point of view, has much to do with tango—especially progressive tango."
JOIN US ONLINE:
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Sunday Service Recording & Podcast |
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Dec. 26: "Much Ado About the Lure of Christmas"
Worship leaders: Rev. Karen Hutt, Lauren Wyeth, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, Andrew Tralle, Adrian and Juliet, Beatrice, Sylvia, Jill and Michael
Rev. Karen Hutt and Lauren Wyeth lead worship live on this Sunday after Christmas, with musical offerings—including a number of seasonal tunes—by Aimee, Franco, and more. Lauren shares the story "The Longest Night" by Marion Dane Bauer, and the morning’s unlikely post-Christmas message—which she describes as “musings of a humanist lost at the mall”—is delivered by Rev. Karen.
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Image description: a still image from the Dec. 26 worship recording. |
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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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Christmas Pageant & Candlelight Service Recordings |
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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.
Historically the Foundation Board has given out grants ranging from $5,000 - $20,000.
Our mission statement and giving criteria, below, 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. Focus on the Twin Cities community.
4. Have a commitment to measuring the impact or success of the funded program.
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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To add warmth to our sanctuary, the Visual Arts Committee got crafty with paper flowers—with wishes to the congregation for a Happy New Year! |
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Church Building Closed Through Jan. 2 |
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Please note: the church building remains closed through Sunday, Jan. 2 as we work through additional construction details and equipment installation in the sanctuary, atrium, and social hall.
Worship on Sunday, Jan. 2 will be held ONLINE ONLY with one service at 10 a.m.
The building will reopen on Monday, Jan. 3, and we plan to resume in-person worship on Sunday, Jan. 9.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Thursdays, Jan. 6, Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb. 17, March 3, March 17, April 7, April 21, May 5, and May 19, 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom
Looking for a small group experience with other LGBTQ folks? This group will use the small group guide in our weekly service materials as the basis for deep listening, sharing from our hearts, and holding in community the joys, sorrows, gratitudes, and celebrations of life. The group meets first and third Thursdays from 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom and may transition to multi-platform in the future if COVID-19 rates drop and the group is amenable. “Remote” folks are most welcome to join! If you're looking for a group in which you can connect, build relationships, and go deep, please sign up here.
This group is facilitated by Cathy Strub. Cathy has been attending First U for over 10 years and has facilitated this group for several years and welcomes all who would like to attend.
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Next New Member Class Is Jan. 11 on Zoom |
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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, our Pathway to Membership class involves watching several short videos on different ministry areas in the church, and then attending a class session to reflect on and discuss themes like Faith in Action and Stewardship through the lens of church membership.
Pathway to Membership classes are offered monthly, alternating between being held in person and on Zoom. The next class that you can sign up for will be held:
Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022; 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom
Learn more and register on our website.
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Habitat for Humanity 2022 Winter Work Days |
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First Universalist has three Habitat for Humanity winter work days coming up in early 2022: Thursdays, Jan.13, 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 over sixteen years of age, and sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The work day is from 8:30 a.m. until 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. In addition, masks are required indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Sign up to volunteer for one or all of the winter work days by filling out this form.
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Daytime Connections: Moved by Music! |
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Thursday, Jan. 20, sign in at 9:45 a.m.; program at 10 a.m.
How can music and movement liven us up and put us in touch with our deepest feelings and most precious memories? Join us for a session of fun, rhythm, and a bit of singing with music educators Ann Kay and Karen Parson. You will even learn some neuroscience at the same time!
An optional soup and salad lunch will be served following the program; $5–$15 sliding scale (more if you can, less if you can’t; no one will be turned away for lack of funds).
Daytime Connections would dearly love for you to physically attend, so that you can help build the relationships that make our senior community strong. However, if you cannot attend in person, you now have the option of signing up to attend virtually.
Register here to attend the January 20 program, and indicate on the registration form if you'd like to attend the program and lunch, the program only, or attend the program virtually.
Through Daytime Connections, older adults at First Universalist empower each other to live intentional, joyful, purposeful, and spiritually fulfilled lives.
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Winter Newcomers Circle Registration Open |
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Wednesday, Jan. 26–Feb. 23, 7–8:30 p.m.
Newcomers Circles are four-session gatherings of 6-8 participants who and want to reflect on their own and listen to stories from the spiritual journeys of other new-ish folks. Membership is not required; the Circle is intended for those who are new-ish and are fairly certain they would like to continue their spiritual journey with those at First Universalist. This Circle will be facilitated by First U member Jill Braithwaite. We will meet four Wednesdays between Jan. 26 and Feb. 23 (skip Feb. 9) from 7–8:30 p.m. The first and fourth sessions will be in person at First Universalist; the second and third sessions will meet on zoom. Those registered will receive the zoom info and additional details via email within a week prior to the first session. Learn more and register here.
About the facilitator, Jill Braithwaite: Jill has worked in book publishing for more than 25 years. She has been a member of First Universalist Church since 2004 and has taught Religious Education and First Step classes and has served on the Board of Trustees and the Welcome Team. She has an M.A. in theology and the arts from United Theological Seminary and is currently studying there in the Master of Divinity program. Jill loves tennis, art, novels, Unitarian Universalism, the North Shore, and her little dog, Betsy.
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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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Deep Listening Training with Mental Health Connect |
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Begins Monday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m.
Deep listening training for people who want to be great listeners, improve their tools to help others, leaders and you. Drew Brooks, Executive Director of Faith Partners will be presenting on tools to enter into challenging conversations, like mental health. Each session will focus on a different listening practice or skill. The mental health pandemic is increasing and we can learn how to help each other. We'll build on what we know with a 6 week training for anyone that wants to be a better listener, have the tools to support others and feel confident.
This 6-week course is free and meets virtually at 6 p.m. every other Monday beginning Jan. 17 and ending on March 28. You do not need to attend each session.
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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
Tangled Blessings Grief Group
Sunday, Jan. 16, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tangled Blessings is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. To receive the Zoom information, RSVP to Rev. Karen Hutt at revkarenhutt@gmail.com. Future dates are: Sundays, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 12:30–1:30 p.m. (Please note: January meeting is Jan. 9)
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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