Six-Word Stories

Dear Ones,

Hello from Boston, where Rev. Jen, Rev. Arif, and I are spending five days with 11 of our phenomenal tenth graders on a pilgrimage to some of our Unitarian Universalist sacred sites. Pictured here: Us in First Church Salem, which was founded by Puritans and became UU. It had congregants who were both judges and victims of the witch trials.

One of our grounding practices on this trip is taking time to write six word stories to help us reflect on our experience. As we ate dinner together last night we engaged in a dinner church worship service led by Allison, and we wrote and shared “six-word stories” about our hopes for the five days of pilgrimage ahead.

Here are a few of the six (ish) word stories that our youth and leaders shared:

“Fall surrounds me. Rarin to go.”

“predawn departure seeking ancestors rooted in love”

“Public menicai. Ah, yes. 4 a.m.”

“I wish all had this beauty.”

“Road-weary, flying backwards to find faith anew”

I wonder: what is the six word story you are carrying this week? What words would you share if you joined us for dinner church? While only fourteen of us are in Boston, all of us, near and far, are on our own stages of pilgrimage, whenever we are able to be present to where, to what, and to whom we are called in this moment.

We ask you to hold our Boston pilgrimage crew in your hearts this week, and we want you to know we will be holding you and carrying your spirits with us as guides and learning companions. As we go and return we will be sharing more about our experience, and we hope you are nourished by our stories just as we are surely nourished by yours.

In Faith,

Allison Connelly-Vetter

Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Families Ministries

Intro

Six-Word Stories

Sunday Worship

This Sunday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 15 Recording

Cycle of Life

Feature

Visionary Goals

Fall Programs

Fall Program Guide

Adult OWL

Spirituality Circle for 80+

Families Halloween Party

Young Adults

Membership Class

Saturday Sprouts

Community Dinner

Book Group

Square Dance

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief & Caregiver Groups

News

Board Meeting

OWL Facilitators

Multireligious UUs

Labyrinth Group

Art Exhibit

Faithful Action

Hiking at Bdote

Film Showing

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

MUUSJA, Hats for Unhoused People, Women's Ritual Circle, AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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Sunday, October 22

One Service Only: In-person & Online at 10 a.m.



"Your People Are My People"

Each week we sing, “Where you go I will go, Beloved” to end our worship service and send each other back into the world remembering we do not go alone. This week we’ll dig a little deeper into that song: how do we actually travel with each other as Beloveds and make real the idea that “your people are my people?" In this multigenerational service, we’ll experiment with building a spiritual practice of solidarity that begins with listening to our own bodies’ stories and moves outward playfully and meaningfully into family, church and wider and wider circles of community.

Join us for worship this Sunday, Oct. 22, in person and livestreamed at 10 a.m.

IN PERSON AND ONLINE AT 10 A.M.

In person: Masks are welcome but not required in the sanctuary; please review our Covid-19 Gathering Guidelines. 

This service is also live-streamed. Watch the livestream here. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Special Note: For this week's All In Sunday worship (one service at 10 a.m.), childcare will be available for preschool and younger only. There will be no other RE classes. All children and youth above preschool age are enthusiastically welcomed in and encouraged to join worship with their families.

If you have not yet registered your family for this year of Religious Education, please register your family today. All families — new and returning, with babies through high schoolers — must register each church year.

AFTER WORSHIP

Coffee Hour in the Social Hall

Visit with old friends and meet new ones over coffee and cookies in our social hall.

A Place to Start (Visitors' Class)

Immediately after each worship service 1st and 3rd Sundays- Oct. 22*, Nov. 5, Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 17

And as a breakout group after Community Dinner Nov. 8

Are you new or new-ish to First Universalist and wondering where to begin? Here’s “A Place to Start!” Whether you’re simply curious or are considering making this your spiritual home, in this casual, 45-minute class, you’ll learn some of the basics of Unitarian Universalism, as well as how to get connected to what you’re seeking here at church. Meet at the front of the sanctuary immediately after the service on a 1st or 3rd Sunday.

No RSVP necessary. Facilitated by First U members

"Mental Health Sunday"

• Watch the Oct. 15 service on YouTube
• Kathrine Harrell's Oct. 15 sermon only
• Oct. 15 full podcast

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

We hold Peter Elwell in our hearts this morning. Earlier this week, Peter’s beloved Aunt Marte (Marty) was diagnosed with cancer and entered hospice in Arkansas and sadly, died Saturday night. All this within the space of one week. Our love and care is with Peter, Kate, Hope and Mo as they move through this time of grief and memory.

Please continue to hold Linda McNary's family in your love and care as they grieve. Her memorial service will be December 2nd at 2pm. Rev. Jen welcomes your memories and stories about Linda via email as she crafts the service with her family.

If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, celebrating a joy­ or marking a sorrow, please let us know. To be included in our Cycle of Life on Sunday in worship, or if you would like support, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.

Visionary Goals Feedback

In early 2023, the Board of Trustees of First Universalist Church initiated an appreciative inquiry process designed to uncover the hopes and dreams of our congregation as the basis for developing a new statement of Visionary Goals. This process engaged roughly 160 people through in-depth workshops and collaboration sessions, including large and small group work, outreach and engagement of marginalized communities in the church, and specific engagements with children, youth, and families as well as young adults. Using the results of that process, and led by our consultant Laura Park, the Board created these Visionary Goals:

The people of First Universalist practice BELOVED COMMUNITY among and beyond us. We do this by:

1. Honoring the complexity of our Unitarian Universalist faith and embodying its love within our congregation and beyond; 
2. Fostering our connection with, care for, and action on behalf of Earth's environment and all of life;
3. Pursuing our individual and collective work for justice, in relationship with those most affected by systems of oppression; 
4. Widening the circles of power and engagement with our shared ministry; 
5. Providing meaningful presence to one another in times of joy, grief, and change.

The Visionary Goals are not meant to enumerate specific initiatives or programs. Rather, they guide, from a high level, the overall work of the church and point the congregation toward the ways that the church will impact our lives and the wider world. They offer guidance to the staff and ministry team of the church in how and what the staff and teams do.

These goals are a statement of the congregation’s will, of who we want to be and how we want to change and grow during the time that they govern the church’s expression of its mission and vision in the world. Given their importance, the board would appreciate your thoughts on the draft goals before asking for a congregational vote of approval early next year. To that end, we request that you take a few minutes to fill out the following survey: Draft Visionary Goals Feedback.

We are also planning to have additional opportunities for feedback & discussion. The following opportunities are currently scheduled with more to be added: 

• October 22: Board members available in Social Hall for Q & A after service
• October 29: Board members available in Social Hall for Q & A between & after services
• November 8: Feedback Session after Community Dinner: Sign up link

Fall Programs Open!

Adult OWL (Our Whole Lives)

Mondays, Oct. 23- Dec. 11; 7-8:30 p.m. at church 

Registration Required



Have you ever wondered what OWL stands for? Our Whole Lives. This really means our whole lives. OWL is not limited to our youth, it is for adults as well! We hope you will join us as we use interactive workshops and lively discussions to dive into a variety of topics. Sexual values, communication, relationships, boundaries, fantasy, diversity, identity, aging, body image, and pleasure are all on the table as we explore together what it means to be a spiritual and sexual being. Age range 40-60 years old. Small group max of 15 participants.

Spirituality Circle for those who are 80+

Tuesday mornings, 11:00-12:30, every other week from Oct. 24- Feb. 27

Join Rev. Jen Crow every other week for 10 sessions in this closed group for those who are 80 and up as we explore and deepen our spirituality in this phase of life. Each group will include time for spiritual practice, sharing what is moving in our lives, and exploration of a topic and reflection time. Together, we’ll explore topics that include: Spiritual Practice, Self-Acceptance & Self-Compassion, Adapting to Change, Working with Fear, Spiritual Touchstones, Grief and Loss, Hard Conversations, Staying Open to the World, and What to Expect from the Church as we age. This group will be offered again.

Registration Required

Families Halloween Party

Saturday, Oct. 28, 5-7 p.m. in the Social Hall 

RSVP REQUESTED

Eat, drink, and be scary! Families with babies through 5th graders are invited to join in for crafts, games, songs, community building, and light snacks. Children will engage in age-appropriate activities with other children in their age group. Older siblings are welcome! Enjoy some coffee or cider, as well as some delicious seasonal treats. This is a wonderful way to connect with other families while your kids make some awesome memories and deepen their ties to one another and to our congregation. Come celebrate Halloween and the joys of Fall with the younger members of our church community. 

Hosted by Hirut Hedge, Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Program Specialist 

Young Adults

Crafternoon

Sunday, Oct. 29; 12:45-2:45 p.m. at church - fly on over to the Cummins Room for lunch after the second service, then head to the Craft Room

Join Cameron, Zoey, and other young adults for a spook-tacular “Crafternoon!” Embrace your creative spirit as we dive into Halloween-themed crafting fun (or just regular crafting if you’ve already got a project in-progress). Maybe you can help us transform a bunch of regular pumpkin sugar cookies into grinning Jack-o’-lantern sugar cookies?! Either way, don’t miss out on this ghoulishly good time with fellow young adults — grab your broomsticks (and/or crafting supplies) and fly on over after the second service for a relaxed afternoon of crafting and chatting. See you there!  

RSVP Requested

Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s in varying social/cultural life stages. We are in school, job-searching and working, single, married, partnered and dating, with kids and without, newly moved to the area and longtime residents. We gather about twice a month for structured and unstructured conversation, spiritual practice, and activities.

Membership Class Open for Registration

Virtual Session: Wed. Nov. 1, 6:30-9 p.m. on Zoom

Registration Required

Membership Classes offer a way to make your membership official! Learn the “nuts and bolts” of church ministries and governance through videos ahead of time, then come to class for conversation about what will make your membership engaged, life-giving, and relevant. Class time also includes a Membership Book signing ritual.

Facilitated by Liz Farmer, Coordinator of Membership and Congregational Connections, and Ginny McAnninch, First U Member

Saturday Sprouts

Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-noon 

RSVP REQUESTED

Saturday Sprouts is a new seasonal opportunity for families to be nourished in community, deepen relationships, and grow together in our First U values and faith. Saturday Sprouts includes time for family worship, parent & caregiver support, and play and creative time for our kids and youth. Children in grades 8 and younger are welcome to join, as are parents and caregivers of children and youth of all ages. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay for the duration of the gathering to connect with other families, but are also welcome to drop off their kids and return at noon if they have other obligations or need some time for self-care or errands. Both adult and kid programming will connect with our Autumn worship theme: “The Will and Work of Belonging.” Snacks and beverages provided for all ages. Please join us!

November Community Dinner 

& Breakout Groups

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 6-8:15 p.m. at church 

RSVP Requested

Dinner at 6pm (in the Social Hall)

Breakout Groups at 7pm-8:15pm (throughout the church)

Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal of spaghetti, bread, and salad at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. All are welcome and there is no charge. We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free, and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free. Following dinner, stick around and join a breakout group to learn more about one of the many opportunities for deeper engagement at church. 

Breakout Groups include: Inciting Joy Book Group with Dan, Welcome, and Arif; Creating Beloved Community with Revs. Jen and Andrea; A Place to Start (visitor class) with Dallas; Visionary Goals with the Board - RSVP Here; and Regenerative Farming and Thanksgiving with the Environmental Justice Team.

Book Group on Inciting Joy by Ross Gay

Nov. 8 and Dec. 6 after Community Dinner

(Dinner is at 6, group is from 7-8:30. Come for dinner, stay for the group!)

Registration Requested

Ross Gay’s Inciting Joy is a collection of short pieces in which poet and author Ross Gay invites us to explore the practice of joy and how we might incite it in ourselves, and in and with each other, particularly in times that are hard. For Gay, joy is the fundamental emotion of connection, and as we increase our capacity for joy, so too follows our ability to be more deeply connected to ourselves and crucially to each other. As the publisher notes, Gay’s book asks us: “What might be possible if we turn our attention to what brings us together, to what we love?”Join Dan Berg, Welcome Jerde, and Rev. Arif for a 2-session gathering in which we’ll explore the book and how we might more intentionally practice joy within ourselves, amongst us in church, and out in the wider world.

Facilitated by Dan Berg, Welcome Jerde, and Rev. Arif Mamdani

Square Dance

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2-4 p.m. RSVP Requested

Come one, come all to First Universalist’s Fall Barn Dance and Social (without the barn)! There will be rousing LIVE MUSIC, square dance calling and mixers, space and time to chat with old friends and new, potluck snacks, activities (and supervision – by request) for kids, and no other agenda.



Coffee, water and tea will be provided. If you’re inspired, bring a snack to share. Feel free to dress “creatively!” To request childcare from the church, please fill out the form here by Nov. 5. Masks are optional. Let us know you’re coming, and tell your friends to join us!

Grief Group (online)

Sundays, Oct 22, Nov 5, Nov 19, Dec 3, Dec 17, 4-5:30 p.m. on Zoom

A gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with loss. A group of souls who share, listen and care. A community interested in exploring new life invitations. Come as you are, when you feel moved to attend on any or all dates. We will be here for you.

Facilitated by Mark Caswell (he/him/they/them), a member of First Universalist Unitarian Church of Minneapolis and an aspirant on ordination track within the UUA. He attends United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and lives in Minneapolis. He finds grounding in meditation, poetry, watercolor painting, and practicing deep listening. He also holds a BFA in Theater Design from Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Email Rev. Arif Mamdani for Zoom details.

Caregivers Group (online)

Sundays, Nov 12, Dec 10 1-2:30 p.m. on Zoom

Caring for a family member who needs special care is a demanding and often unseen or unacknowledged role. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or a child with a chronic health condition, join the Caregivers group for mutual support, connection, and community building. When we gather, we’ll light a chalice, have time for introductions, and share a reading, then move into deeper sharing, support, and reflection. Come as you are, when you feel moved to attend on any or all dates. 

Facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani.

Email Rev. Arif Mamdani for Zoom details.

Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees meets generally on the third Thursday of each month, in person and online. However, this month it will take place on Thursday, October 26. Meeting materials can be found here.

Seeking OWL Facilitators

Hello First U Adults! We are searching for a few more OWL (Our Whole Lives) Facilitators to join our 1st and 5th grade OWL teams! Our 1st and 5th grade OWL programs occur during the winter/spring months and are 7-9 week long sessions. You do not need to have previously or personally attended OWL programming. You do need to have interest, empathy, responsibility, and inclusive values. If you are interested, or have questions, or would just like to chat and connect, please contact Claire Tralle, OWL Program Coordinator.

Seeking Multireligious UUs!

Are you a Unitarian Universalist who holds multiple religious identities? Our 7th grade Neighboring Faiths class is seeking UUs who hold other or additional religious identities to speak to the class about their spiritualities and experiences.

We are especially seeking UUs who are (or are also): Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Quaker, Indigenous spirituality practitioner. If you or someone you know holds these identities and is interested in sharing with our 7th grade class, please reach out to Allison to get connected.

Labyrinth Group Forming

If you would like to see labyrinth activities at the church, are interested in learning how to take on leadership for the group, and have 8-10 hours to spend over the next year, please email Ann Hobbs by Sunday, Oct. 22 to learn more.

Hiking At Bdote with EJ Team

Saturday, Oct. 21; 9-10:30 a.m.  

RSVP Requested

The group who hiked at our event in July enthusiastically asked if we could do another hiking event at this park in the fall. So here it is! Even if you didn’t participate in the earlier event, please join Environmental Justice (EJ) Team member Cathy Geist and a Conservation Corps member as we hike by the Mississippi River at Bdote, where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers converge. Together, in the context of this area’s indigenous history, we’ll learn more about the amazing diversity of life here as Autumn continues, birds migrate, and leaves change color. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the Bdote/Fort Snelling State Park Visitor Center, where the park road ends. (Please stop at the building at the bottom of the hill near the entrance to purchase a 1-day park pass if you need one.) This spring, we’ll also be exploring the indigenous sacred story of creation and colonial war history of Bdote in partnership with Healing MN Stories and hope you will join us.

Contact Cathy with any questions.

The Letter: A Message for our Earth (film)

Sunday, Oct. 29; 3:30-5:00 p.m. at church 

RSVP Requested

Join the Environmental and Climate Justice Team’s film showing of The Letter, a 2022 YouTube original film, which tells the incredible story of the Laudato Si’ encyclical letter by Pope Francis through the eyes of frontline leaders battling the ecological crisis across continents. A powerful – and surprising – dialogue with the Pope in the Vatican brings new hope for our common home.

Featured in the film are Arouna Kandé, a climate refugee in Senegal; Cacique Dadá, an environmental defender and leader of the Maró Indigenous territory in the Brazilian Amazon; Ridhima Pandey, a youth climate activist from India; and Greg Asner and Robin Martin, biologists studying coral reefs in Hawaii. The film features exclusive footage from their encounter with Pope Francis, alongside the personal stories and scientific findings throughout the documentary. Join the EJ team for refreshments as we share this beautiful film about the climate crisis of Mother Earth and hope for our future.

Preview the film’s trailer here.

Rooted in Care Workshop

Thursday, November 2, 10-11:30 a.m. Join MUUSJA and Dallas Rising for an online discussion about how community care among congregants can build a foundation for powerful action and organizing beyond church. We’ll look at some of the common reasons folks do not participate in calls to action and how mutual aid within congregations strengthens and enhances our ability to show up as a community when we’re needed. Facilitated by community organizer and activist, Dallas Rising.

Register here.

Hats for Unhoused People

Think big, warm, and wooly! Are you a fiber artist who knits/crochets/weaves/felts? Donate your handmade hats at First Universalist, October through January. Donated hats will be distributed to local schools, shelters, and community service agencies that serve people in need. Sizes requested: Large and XL,

Time frame: October - January, Drop-off site: Basket by the elevator (see photo), Contact: Barb Melom • More Info

Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle

Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle is a spiritual practice group in which

self-identified women with many different life experiences, backgrounds, and belief systems come together to change, grow, and celebrate the Divine in each other through earth centered ritual. The gathering dates are every new and full moon. There is not a permanent group leader. Volunteers take turns to design, guide, and direct the new and full moon rituals. The date's astrological aspects may guide the topics and themes rituals explore. Rituals also draw inspiration and meaning found in many other earth centered practices and beliefs. One does not have to espouse any particular religion or philosophy or believe in any particular deity or deities to participate in the group and derive meaning from its activities. All one needs is a desire to live in a way that acknowledges the cycles of life and nature, and to grow spiritually and personally alongside a mutually supportive group of other self-identified women. Contact Ann Hobbs with questions.

Attend one or more of the open group gatherings to learn if this experience is for you.

Gathering time 7:00 p.m. Ritual begins at 7:30p.m. in Room 209.

Sat, Oct. 28 Full Moon in Taurus.

AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.

Annual AUW Fall Retreat

Save the Date: Saturday, November 18

Our focus is health resilience . . . how to plan for it and how to achieve it when you need it the most. Lunch and our speaker will lead us off, followed by a set of breakout sessions on health resilience topics, including resources for now and in the future. Late morning registration with mid-afternoon wrap-up. Hope to see you there!



Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trail head. For questions or to get on the hiking group mailing list, contact: Marie Sorensen, phone / email, or Lynn Richardson phone / email.

October 21st. 10 a.m. Richardson Nature Center. 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN. Meet by Trail head sign on parking lot. Nice asphalt trail, some easy hills. Colors by then?

October 28, 10 a.m. Meet at Wood Lake Nature Center Building. 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield, MN. No designated leader for this hike. Let Marie know by Friday morning if you are going so she can cancel if no one wants to go.

Game Group: Meets at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. You are welcome to bring snacks to share and a game you would enjoy teaching others. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. The next game night is November 9. If no one responds to Anne that they are coming, the Game Night will be canceled early that day. Please let Anne know if you plan to attend.

Women Who Read: We read books written by women. We host an in-person and a virtual meeting on the fourth Monday of each month. Request an email invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your name and email address to Abbie Finger. The next meeting will be October 23. We will be discussing Finding Me by Viola Davis. Location of the in-person meeting is available to those on the mailing list. The Zoom version of the meeting convenes online at 7:00 pm.

Give or Take a Book!

To share books we love and build more literary connections, we are going to start a new project. If interested please bring 1-2 books (no more!) to share with someone at the monthly book club. Pick a book to take home. To help make connections pls put a post-it note on the book with your name and the reason you liked the book. (Post-it notes will be available). If a book you brought is left over please take it home or it will be donated to a Free Little Library. Any questions or ideas contact Nora Whiteman.

These meetings are intended for people who are actively working any 12-step program. The program is focused on the 11th step and the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. 

Weekly on Zoom

and

First Saturdays of each month, 9:30 a.m. to noon, in person at First Universalist

In-person 12-step spirituality meetings gather in the church on the 1st Saturday of each month, ending on May 4, 2024.

In-person and Zoom meeting details are available here.



Church Office & Building Access

The church office is open on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The door bells are not monitored outside of this time. Access to the building at times on other days can be arranged by contacting Jim Poulter, Building & Office Manager, at jim@firstuniv.org.

Based on ongoing monitoring of COVID levels in Hennepin County, masking is welcome, but not required, inside the building—including the sanctuary. Learn more about our Covid and Community safety policies on our website.