Dear ones,
James Cone, who is often recognized as the founder of Black theology, once wrote, “We have a dream that has not been realized. To be sure, we have talked and written about this dream. Indeed, every Sunday morning black people gather in our churches to find out where we are in relation to the actualization of our dream. The Black Church community believes that where there is no vision the people perish. If people have no dreams they will accept the world as it is and will not seek to change it. To dream is to know what is ain’t supposed to be.”
Many of you have heard me quote these lines before.
If people have no dreams they will accept the world as it is and will not seek to change it.
To dream is to know what is ain’t supposed to be.
We come to church to find out where we are in relation to the actualization of our dream.
In so many areas of our lives and in our world, we are a long way from the actualization of our collective Universalist dream of a circle wide enough to welcome us all and a love that will not let any one of us go. This week alone, we’ve borne witness to the ongoing war in Ukraine, to conflicts around the globe and in our own cities and homes, and to the threat of the loss of basic reproductive health care and bodily autonomy for those with a uterus here in the U.S. It has been a hard and heavy week where the distance from our dreams of care and connection and honoring the worth and dignity of every human being has felt far, indeed.
And. And. In the midst of these true and challenging experiences, there is another story taking shape. The story of a dream realized. The story of hope and risk and hard work reaping their rewards. Of a community that has believed for 160 years in the power of love and hope to transform communities and lives, to realize bits of heaven here on earth when we can experience care and connection with each and all. Next Sunday, on May 15, we will rededicate our building and grounds following six years of work transforming our physical space into a place that is truly Not for Ourselves Alone. Thirty years ago our spiritual ancestors, some of whom are right next to us in the pews or connecting online, had a dream of a physical space large enough to welcome us all, a place where there was always room for one more, where we could embody the wide welcome of our Universalist faith, especially for our children, youth, and families. They dreamt of an inclusive future in a new church home at 3400 Dupont, and with the completion of this recent renovation, we are living into the realization of their dream. This Sunday, May 8, we will dedicate 13 children to lives of love and service, committing ourselves to their care and welcoming them into a physical and faithful space that always has room for one more.
Without a dream, the people will perish. May our dreams of a world of love and hope, care and connection for each and all sustain us as we add our efforts to the great cloud of witnesses who hold and strengthen us on our way.
See you in church, beloved dreamers.
Rev. Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, May 8, 9 & 11am
Recent Podcasts & Recordings
Cycle of Life
May Worship Theme
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News & Features
"Take What You Need" Event at Moon Palace Books
Order Your New Name Tag
Meet Our Newest Members
Summer Newcomers Circle
Faithful Action Newsletter
AFA Collecting Sneakers
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Happenings
Daytime Connections: Writing a Legacy Letter
May Board Meeting
Electric Saturday Rescheduled
Ongoing Gatherings
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Sunday, May 8 — 9 & 11 a.m.
Child Dedication Sunday: "A Big Enough Story"
As a dozen families bring their children to be dedicated this Sunday, the congregation promises to support them in the spiritual upbringing of these little ones. Our task in the years to come is to make an opening so they can grow into the fullness of their being surrounded by loving witnesses, free, un-alone, and unashamed. As our country struggles to define what it means to be united, we’ll consider how we might participate in “group projects” – whether as fellow members of a family or a church – with integrity and with respect for the agency of others. What does our religious tradition tell us about how we might make choices – for ourselves and for others – that reflect our hopes and dreams for a future in which all people know love and liberation?
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Worship leaders: Lauren Wyeth, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Rev. Jen Crow, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder
IN PERSON AT 9 OR 11 A.M.:
ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
CHILDREN & YOUTH
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May 1: "Our Sacred Trust"
We celebrate Earth Day/Week and honor the mutual commitment between members and community in the ongoing story of this congregation. Join us to explore the sacred trust we hold to create a sustainable future for our children and our children’s children, and to celebrate how our collective breath, prayer, activism, and meaning-making reflect the roots of our community, like those in a forest, deeply intertwined. And in the next installment of the acorn story, “The Wood Wide Web,” the young acorns in our community welcome new members and encourage us to sprout and grow together. Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Susan Claeys, who died at home, surrounded by her children, on April 25. Susan served as Director of Finance and Administration here at church from 2011–2013.
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May Worship Theme: Who Tells Your Story? |
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May is a season of regrowth. It is when spring really kicks into high gear. A time when the world around us comes alive again and some of us tell stories through what we cultivate. It is a time when we return to the earth because the ground is ready to receive us. Having released the cold hardness of winter, new life bursts forth, new blossoms telling the story of their time in seed and what they are becoming above ground. It is a story of life, of brightness and color, growth and joy which permeates the air. But it is short-lived, as is every life, really. The flowers of spring depart quickly for the sturdier growth of summer, and it can be easy to forget the frost-defying crocus and the sudden blink-and-it’s-gone burst of lilacs.
At a time when the stories we tell shape our world in palpable ways, the question who lives, who dies, who tells your story calls to us to grab hold of the chorus, to blend our voices and tell a richer, bigger, more multilayered and sometimes far more complex story of who we are and who we can be together.
Upcoming May Sundays:
Sunday, May 8, 9 & 11 a.m.: Child Dedication
Sunday, May 15, 9 & 11 a.m.: Building Rededication
Sunday, May 22, Youth Sunday: ONE SERVICE at 10 a.m. at Minnehaha Park
Sunday, May 29, 10 a.m. worship: DRUUMM worship service
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Rev. Jen Crow in Conversation with Marianne Combs at Moon Palace Books on May 10 |
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Moon Palace Books is hosting a "Take What You Need" book event this Tuesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. with Rev. Jen Crow in conversation with journalist Marianne Combs.
We all know and love Rev. Jen, and by now you've most likely read about and perhaps even heard her speak about her new book multiple times.
Journalist Marianne Combs has reported on Minnesota arts and culture for more than 20 years, and is sure to lead Jen in riveting conversation you won't want to miss!
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Members: Please Order Your New Name Tag |
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This past Sunday at church, you may have noticed the new and improved name tags that some of our worship leaders, lay leaders, volunteers, musicians, and small group facilitators were sporting.
We would like to order new name tags for all members, but we need your help! If you are a member, you can now order a new name tag with larger text and your pronouns by filling out the form here. If you’d like to order a name tag, but aren’t sure if you’re a member, contact Membership Coordinator Liz Farmer.
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Every few months, we joyfully and officially welcome new members into our faith community. We asked those who joined during New Member Sunday on May 1 to answer some questions/share a bit about themselves so you have an opportunity to learn about the whole group. Meet them here! If you have something in common, or their responses resonate with you, let them know when you see each other at church.
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Summer Newcomers Circle Registration Open |
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Newcomer Circles are four-session gatherings of 6–8 participants who are new-ish to First U and want to reflect on their own and listen to others’ spiritual journeys. While membership is not required, the Circle is intended for those who 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 Ellen Kluz. We will meet four Thursdays, July 14, 21, 28, and Aug. 4 from 7–8:30 p.m. Sessions will take place in person outside at First U. Those registered will receive additional information via email within a week of the first session. Learn more and register here.
If you are in a “church shopping” phase of your journey, rather than Newcomers Circles, we invite you to attend worship regularly and introduce yourself to people there, consider joining a shared identity group, or contact Coordinator of Membership and Congregational Connections, Liz Farmer, who would love to talk with you about how to get connected.
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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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Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA)
Student Service Project & Fundraiser
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AFA students seek our help in collecting old sneakers and will send them to “Got Sneakers,” an organization that takes old sneakers and recycles and reuses them.
Reusable sneakers are sent to second hand stores for low cost, or, if heavily used, materials are recycled and reused. In addition to selling reusable sneakers at low cost, the objective is fewer sneakers in landfills and reduction of toxic chemicals in the ground. AFA will receive modest compensation for the donated sneakers and will use the proceeds towards monthly Family nights and for incentives and prizes for students.
If you would like to donate any old sneakers, please bring them to the Social Hall on Sunday, May 8, 15, or 22 (see box labelled AFA Sneaker Project). Sneakers can be any type, any size, and well worn or slightly used.
AFA is a public charter high school located in the Phillips neighborhood, and a long standing First Universalist Church Faithful Action Community Partner.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Daytime Connections: Writing a Legacy Letter |
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Thursday, May 19, 10 a.m.
Do you ever think about what you’re leaving as a legacy? Would you like to be more intentional about what this legacy is? Legacy letters are wonderful gifts to leave at the end of your life, or even better, to give now to a child, grandchild, sibling, friend, or mentor for a special occasion or just because you want to share your love, your wisdom, and your gratitude. Member Karen West, a certified Legacy Facilitator, would love to introduce you to this relationship-enhancing process.
Sign in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. Program starts at 10 a.m. To help build friendships, we encourage you to stay for the vegetarian soup & salad lunch that follows ($5–15 sliding scale; more if you can, less if you can't; no one will be turned away for lack of funds). You also have the option of coming in person for the program only or attending online. Please register here at least three days in advance. |
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May Board of Trustees Meeting |
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Thursday, May 19, 6:30 p.m.
The May meeting of the First Universalist Church Board of Trustees will take place on Thursday, May 19. More details will be posted here when available. |
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Electric Saturday Rescheduled for June 4 |
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Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m.–noon
The Environmental Justice Team's planned Electric Saturday event, originally scheduled to take place in the church parking lot on Saturday, April 30, has been postponed due to weather. It will now take place on Saturday, June 4. More details will follow.
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Grief Group
Every other Sunday, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom (May 8, 22...)
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.
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.–noon
The workshops meet monthly on the first Saturday of each month through June and are for all people in or interested in 12 step programs. They include meditation, meditation instruction, short talks and small groups. 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 (multi-platform)
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).
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.
- As of March 27, we have returned to congregational singing.
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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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Church Office Open Hours
The church office is open on Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and by appointment on other days of the week.
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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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