Dear ones,
It was spring of 2003 and I was finishing up my ministerial internship at Unity Church - Unitarian across the river in St. Paul with my mentors, the Revs. Janne and Rob Eller-Isaacs. They had assembled a small group of trusted congregants and colleagues to put me through my paces in a practice interview that mirrored what I would experience a few months later in my meeting with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the UUA, the group that gives aspiring ministers a green, yellow, or red light for ordination. I made it through the questions about obscure Unitarian and Universalist history, I nailed the theology section, and then the situational questions began. I can still remember one in particular:
Imagine that you are the minister of a congregation and during a congregational meeting a young parent begins nursing their child. Another member of the congregation gets angry and starts yelling that this is indecent and inappropriate. The parent quickly scoops up their child and runs out of the room. What do you do?
I remember stumbling with my answer, saying that I’d probably go to the pulpit and reprimand the person who’d done the yelling and tell them to stop and that everyone is welcome here…when my mentors interrupted me. No, they said. You don’t say a word. You get up and you follow that young parent and their child. They are the ones who have been harmed. Your actions will speak louder than any words you can say about what is important in this community.
I’ve never forgotten that teaching - and you’ve heard us translate it into a guiding principle over the last two years. When we have decisions to make as a faith community, our first move is to care for those most impacted. This principle guides us even when so much around us is in flux.
This week, the church has been bustling. Kids and youth staff and the amazing Emma Paskewitz and Lauren Wyeth have been running Strike Camp - providing a safe environment filled with activities grounded in our UU values for children Kindergarten through 6th grade as Minneapolis educators strike for fair pay, smaller class sizes, mental health support for students, and real efforts to retain educators of color. This Sunday, you’ll have the opportunity to donate through our offering to support Black, Indigenous, and all educators of color who are impacted by the strike. We are focusing our care on those most impacted.
Things are shifting in our staff this week, too. As Emma and Lauren have pivoted their focus to running Strike Camp, we’ve also learned that Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout will be away from the church on medical leave for some time. Our care has been with him this last week, and we are grateful that he can take this time to focus on his health and recovery. We’ll keep you all informed about the length of his time away as more information becomes available, and if you’d like to send notes of care and support, please send them to church and we’ll make sure they get to him. The Leadership Team (Rev. Jen, Rev. Arif, Rev. Karen, Lauren, Julica, and Jenn Stromberg) will coordinate worship and take on Dr. Rideout’s responsibilities in his absence.
Every Sunday, we remind ourselves that love is the spirit of this church. May we continue to let our actions speak louder than our words, as we care for those most impacted in our world.
In gratitude,
Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Images from Strike Camp this Week |
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A team of campers poses with their response to the scavenger hunt prompt: "Find something beautiful" |
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One team's response to the scavenger hunt prompt: "Your whole team on a slide" |
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Campers played Earth Day bingo prior to donning gloves and doing a neighborhood trash clean up. |
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Worship
Sunday, March 20, 9 & 11am
Wednesday, March 23 Meditation, 7pm
Recent Podcasts & Recordings
March 13 Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Celebrating Rev. Jen's book
Ribbons & Aspirations
Name Tags & Directory Survey
Leadership Applications Due Friday
March Faithful Action News
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Happenings
Board of Trustees Meeting
Daytime Connections
Grief Group
Humanism Class
Newcomers Circle
Pathway to Membership
AUW Spring Retreat
In the Community
Ongoing Gatherings
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, March 20 — 9 & 11 a.m.
"The Covenant of Covenant"
In this bigger togetherness, what do you need promised to you?
In this bigger togetherness, what do you promise to those around you?
In this bigger togetherness, what aspirations stretch you to who you want to be?
This Sunday, let's talk about covenant and the promises we make, the promises we want made to us, and what it is that we're reaching for when we covenant together in this ever bigger togetherness.
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Worship leaders: Rev. Arif Mamdani, Rev. Karen Hutt, Franco Holder, and Libby Turner
IN PERSON AT 9 OR 11 A.M.:
In person worship is offered twice, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. If you are choosing to join us in person, we expect that you are feeling well and that you are vaccinated against COVID-19 if eligible/able. Masks are required. Read our recently updated COVID-19 Policies.
ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
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Wednesday, March 23, 7 p.m.
Midweek Meditation
Meditation leader: Rev. Karen Hutt
JOIN US ONLINE:
Wednesday Meditation is live-streamed on Zoom. Join here (Webinar ID: 117 312 320).
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Recent Sunday & Wednesday Recordings |
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Wednesday, March 16 Meditation on Covenant
Rev. Karen Hutt—making a bold proclamation!—shared this meditation on the meaning of covenant during Wednesday meditation on March 16. Watch the recording.
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March 13: "Living in Full Progress"
Sometimes the swirl of the world, our communities, our lives, is just too much. Rest and stillness are part of the story – and so is change. In this service, we explore what it means to let go of perfection and live in full progress – risky, messy, beautiful becoming. Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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March 6: "A Bigger Togetherness"
As we live into new and more expansive ways of being together, what will we hold on to, and what will we release? What fierce and holy imagination will guide us as we drop the ways of being that weigh us down, taking only what we need into a future full of justice, liberation, love and joy for the generations to come? Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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Sunday, March 13 Cycle of Life |
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We hold Isabel Quast and her family in their grief as they mourn the death of Isabel’s birth mother earlier this week in Chile. Marcela had been struggling with cancer for some time and her family is grateful that she is no longer in pain. Isabel welcomes your cards and messages of care and support.
And on this near anniversary of his death, we hold in our hearts all those who knew and loved Eric Brown, member of this church who died too soon from ALS.
We welcome Idris Graham Koroma born on Valentine's Day, affectionately called Iddy. Parents Cass and Akmed Koroma and big brother Joe feel very blessed to introduce their precious little Sierra Leonan-American baby boy into the arms of this Unitarian Universalist fellowship.
We hold Angela Kieffer, Joel Peterson, Zindér, and their baby twins in our hearts as they continue to face obstacles to coming home as a family. We pray that our love surround them all, and that they find success in their efforts.
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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Celebrating Rev. Jen Crow's Forthcoming Book,
"Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything"
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Please join us in the sanctuary or via livestream on Sunday, March 27 at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the launch of Rev. Jen Crow's forthcoming book, Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything, which will be released on March 22, 2022.
The book is a moving and vulnerable account of loss following the house fire that Rev. Jen and her family experienced in 2016—and a testament to the transformative power of love. In it, Jen invites us to explore the expected and unexpected turns our lives can take—and all the ways we can pay attention to what we truly need to survive the painful moments and live a life of meaning. Survival guide, spiritual companion, and a light in the dark, Take What You Need offers hope, humor, and real-life spiritual tools to meet the hardest moments of our lives.
The event on Sunday, March 27 will feature a conversation about the book, its meaning, and its message, between Rev. Jen and Minister Emerita Rev. Kate Tucker, who accompanied Jen on her book writing journey as a sounding board and reader. Jen will also read aloud excerpts from her book, answer questions, and be available to sign books after the formal part of the program is done.
Books will be available for purchase at the event, and proceeds benefit First Universalist Church.
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Church members and sustaining friends should have received a letter in the mail last week, with an enclosed ribbon, along with an invitation to consider your annual gift, your life at church, and your aspirations for the year ahead.
We invite you to write your aspirations and hopes on the ribbon you received and bring it to church when you can. If you didn't receive a ribbon in the mail, you may pick one up at church. There are baskets in the social hall and in the sanctuary to collect ribbons and where you can pick up blank ribbons. These ribbons are being woven by our Visual Arts team into a fabric of possibility that demonstrates in a tangible way who we are and who we aspire to be together.
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Name Tags and Directory Survey |
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A lot has changed since we were at church together in "the before-times," meaning before March 2020. A couple of things that haven't changed are 1.) We're a large congregation! and 2.) Knowing one another and being known is an essential ingredient in creating and maintaining community. Relationally, there are many ways that we do this: through weekly worship, caring for one another, in smaller groups, and as we work for justice.
Administratively, at least two of them are due for an update: name tags and the church directory. Please let us know if/how you'd use name tags and a directory via the six questions in this survey. Your answers will help inform our next steps! Thank you!
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Church Leadership Applications Due March 18 |
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The Nominating Committee is now recruiting candidates for leadership positions on the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Nominating Committee for the 2022-2023 church year. Serving on one of these bodies enables you to represent other church members to ensure that the church moves forward in alignment with its visionary goals. Members have unique opportunities to collaborate with our ministers and other lay leaders to advance the church’s mission! Positions are for a three year term. Below are brief descriptions of the different positions:
Member of the Board of Trustees: Trustees partner with the congregation and professional staff in shaping the vision and long-term goals of the church. They articulate these aspirations through policy and collaborate with the Senior Minister to see they are fulfilled. A description of the position can be found here.
Member of First Universalist Foundation Board: Board members serve as stewards of the Foundation endowment. They solicit grant applications, review applications, and select grantees to be awarded funding. A description of the position can be found here.
Member of Nominating Committee: Committee members screen and recommend candidates to the congregation for vacant positions on the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Nominating Committee. A description of the position can be found here.
Requirements: You must be a member in good standing of the church. Elections occur at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 5. Please consider either nominating yourself or encouraging a fellow church member to apply for this important work.
If you have questions or would like more information, please email the Nominating Committee at nomination@firstuniv.org, or contact members of the Nominating Committee: Jim Ramnaraine (chair), Cathy Manning, Ray Dillon, Valerie Garber, Evelyn Browne, and Susannah Marshall.
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March Faithful Action News |
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Our March Faithful Action Newsletter is available here.
Some highlights this month:
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Return of regular meal preparation volunteer opportunities with Simpson Housing
- Advocacy opportunities shared by our Sanctuary & Resistance Team
- Mde Maka Ska Community Conversation with the Environmental Justice Team
- Update on the needs of the family in our Sanctuary Apartment
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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March Board of Trustees Meeting |
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The March meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held this evening, March 17, at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Board meeting materials are available here. |
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Daytime Connections:
A Conversation with Rev. Jen Crow
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Thursday, March 24, 10 a.m.
Rev. Jen will read from her new book, Take What You Need, reflect on the process of writing a personal memoir, and answer questions. Scheduled three days before the congregation-wide celebration of her book, this Daytime Connections experience will begin the book’s launch and offer attendees an intimate conversation with our minister/author. Take What You Need will be available for purchase, and Rev. Jen will be autographing.
Sign in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. Program starts at 10 a.m. Soup & salad lunch follows: $5 – $15 sliding scale (more if you can; less if you can’t. No one will be turned away.)
Registration is requested a minimum of four days in advance in order to plan for lunch. Choose “attend program only” below if you’re unable to stay for lunch. There is also an option to attend the program online.
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Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt |
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Sunday, March 27, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
In a season where we have experienced so much and such complicated grief and loss, gathering with a group for support and companionship is so important. Rev. Karen Hutt facilitates this monthly grief group where participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. Through sharing, silence, ritual, and reflection, we will offer each other support and companionship. Join via Zoom here.
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Humanism Through Multiple Lenses Class |
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Thursdays, March 31, April 28, May 26, June 30, and July 28, 6:30–8 p.m.
In this class, facilitated by Rev. Karen Hutt, we will explore humanist geographies and intellectual histories from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We will examine the cultural production of humanism in sports, film, literature and music. Finally, we will analyze humanism in the public arena, private life and in social issues.
This is a survey course that will take a broad view. There will be an expectation that you complete all readings and view videos prior to class to deepen our discussion.
This class meets monthly on the last Thursday of the month, March 31 through July 28, 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom. Register once and come when you’re able.
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Spring Newcomers Circle: Registration Open |
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Tuesdays, April 5, 12, 19 & 26, 6:30–8 p.m. on Zoom
Newcomer Circles are four-session gatherings of 6-8 participants who are new-ish to First Universalist and want to reflect on their own and listen to stories from the spiritual journeys of other new-ish folks. While membership is not required, the Circle is intended for those who intend to commit to and continue their UU spiritual journey at First Universalist. This Circle will be facilitated by First U member Jane Jordan. Those registered will receive the zoom and additional information via email within a week before the first session. Learn more and register here. Registration closes March 28.
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Pathway to Membership Class |
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Sunday, April 10, 1–3 p.m. in person at church
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, as part of this class you'll watch several short videos on the various ministry areas of the church, and then attend one class session to reflect on and discuss themes like Faith in Action and Stewardship through the lens of church membership.
Learn more and register on our website.
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Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat |
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THEME: Resilience, Community and Creativity
WHEN: April 22–25, 2022
WHERE: Camp Courage near Annandale
WHAT: Keynote and ceremonies by Rev. Kelli Clement, and a variety of breakout sessions and activities
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"ReMembering: Singing Water" Screening |
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Friday, March 18, 7 p.m.
Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship - online
The Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship Racial Justice Committee will sponsor a screening of the film ReMembering: Singing Water, produced by One Voice Mixed Chorus. The film will be streamed online and, possibly, in-person as well at the Fellowship.
ReMembering is a beautifully performed and produced original choral film created by One Voice in collaboration with Ojibwe leader, activist, and water protector Sharon Day; artist and puppeteer (Heart of the Beast) Sandy Spieler; Minnesota/Wisconsin based singer-songwriter Sara Thomsen; and features performances by Kymani Kahlil, Tara Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ, and the Ikidowin Youth Acting Ensemble.
Through story and song, the film explores Minnesota as a place of both home and exile for Indigenous people, LGBTQ people, and immigrants. Interconnected stories are brought to life through choral music, spoken word, animation, dance, and life size puppets. Watch the film trailer here.
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Host Families Sought for LGBTQ Exchange Students |
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Greenheart, a nonprofit, is searching for open minded host families for 3 different LGBTQ exchange students arriving in late August and staying through early June 2023. Our students are openly LGBTQ, so we are seeking host families who are comfortable with that, and can provide a supportive environment for their student. LGBTQ students are from Estonia, Spain and Poland. All of our students speak English, have medical insurance and their own spending money. Greenheart provides group orientations and enhancement activities, and accepts applications from a wide variety of host family compositions, and does not discriminate. Host families are matched using common backgrounds and interests. Students attend the local public high school or charter school, and go to school by bus or walking. Host families must be over the age of 26, pass criminal background checks, and complete an online application and in-home interview with the Local Coordinator, Mary Armstrong. For more information about the program, please connect with Mary Armstrong at 952-657-3406 / website: www.greenheart.org / email: armstrong.mary@mac.com.
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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
Tending and Mending: Grief Group
Sunday, March 27, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tending and Mending is a grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt. Join the Zoom room here. Also offered: Sundays, April 17 and May 15.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom
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 17, 2022
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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.
- Both services will be streamed to the Cummins Room or Social Hall for those seeking more space.
- We plan to reintroduce 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 COVID transmission rates are 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 - 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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