Dear Jenn,

Starting in December, you may notice that I am away from my work at church with some regularity. Due to serious illnesses in my extended family and the grief of recent losses, I will be away from my work at church for one week each month through June. I’ll be using this time to care for myself and my loved ones, and to allow enough space to hold the tenderness of these days. I’m incredibly grateful to the staff and board and all of you for helping to make room for me to do this sacred work.

Accompanying many of you through illness and end of life times, I have learned that our relationships are more valuable than money or status, that showing up for loved ones and for our community connects us to what is most important and reminds us that together every suffering can be bearable. Being present with you has taught me that the end of life is a liminal time that needs space and reverence—and that the gifts received by those accompanying the dying can be life giving and life changing.

I have suggested to others that it is important to step back from other responsibilities to make room when you find yourself in the role of caregiver. I’ve suggested that you double down on spiritual practice, rest, and time to stare out the window. I’ve told you that one of the hardest things to live with can be a sense of regret, and that if anything in you wants to show up and share love and care when someone in your life is dying, to release yourself from everyday expectations and go do it. I’ve noticed that I get bossy with other people when their loved ones are dying, insisting they listen and take the space they need because it can be so hard to give yourself permission to stop trying to hold everything together. 

Over the last few months, I’ve begun to listen more carefully to the advice I give others and to the suggestions of my spiritual director, colleagues, and friends. I’ve started to push back against the internal and external voices that tell me I am only worth as much as I produce and that somehow I should be able to handle it all on my own. Thankfully, we are taught differently here at church and we encourage each other to practice leaning into collective care, into communal care along with self-care.  

I will miss you when I am away, and I trust in the care you will offer each other and in the gifts and leadership of our entire staff team. I’ll be with you at church most of the time, and in the week each month that I am caring for others I will carry your hearts with me. As we have said so often here—I trust that we’ve got this, together.

In gratitude,

Rev. Jen

Rev. Jen Crow

Senior Minister

First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

Sunday Worship

Sunday, Dec. 11, 9 & 11 a.m.

Dec. 4 Recording: "Waiting for the Coming Dreams"

Dec. 4 Cycle of Life

News & Features

Music Ministries & Community Creative Process

Update on Board Meeting with Rev. David Pyle

Holiday Service Schedule Update

Sanctuary Decorations

Indigenous Women Water Protectors Exhibit Extended

Calendar

Blue Holidays Service

Daytime Connections

REP Info Session

Christmas Pageant

Solstice Ritual

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Habitat for Humanity Builds

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Sunday, Dec. 11 — 9 & 11 a.m.

"The Ocean in One Drop"

The everyday work of world change takes trust, patience, and faith. The individual steps it takes to progress a vision can look mighty different, more complex, smaller, even frustrating at times. It can be hard to see sometimes how what we’re doing even makes a difference in the world. Yet, this diligent faith is the very dream in action. 

This Sunday, Lena K. Gardner talks with Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout about the bold work of BLUU (Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism). Come to worship this week with your heart wide open to sing, to learn, and to learn how our hands can help the dream.

Worship leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Lena K. Gardner, Rev. Ashley Harness, and Franco Holder

ORDER OF SERVICE

IN PERSON AT 9 & 11 A.M. (masks required in sanctuary)

This Sunday, we worship in person at 9 and 11 a.m. Masks are required in the sanctuary for ages 2 and up; please review our updated Covid-19 Gathering Guidelines. Can you usher or greet? Sign up here!.

ONLINE AT 11 A.M.

This service is live-streamed at 11 a.m. Join the Zoom livestream here (Webinar ID: 861 805 984) or watch on YouTube. The recording will be available here after worship.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Childcare is available for Nursery-PreK kids, starting at 8:45/10:45 a.m. Religious Education classes for K–12th grade are in session; registered children and youth begin their morning in the sanctuary with their families before being dismissed to their classes. All ages are always welcome in the sanctuary! Learn more here.

BLUU Table in the Social Hall

After both services in the Social Hall

Come learn more about our holiday giving recipient BLUU (Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism), BLUU's Housing Project, and housing justice at a table in the social hall after both services this Sunday and next.

From Sunday, Dec. 4:

"Waiting for the Coming Dreams"

Winter is a time of turning inward, when the nights are longer and so is our time for dreaming. December is a month in which we experience the longest night; is also a month in which some share stories about a light that held out against hope and others tell of the coming of a singular light to the world. As we enter this month of waiting, of dreaming, of telling stories and remembering in our bones the turning of the earth, we gather to wonder and incline our hearts toward what we hear when we’re dreaming in the dark.

Watch the Dec. 4 service here

Listen to the podcast here

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive 

We send wishes for continued ease in healing to Carol Jackson who had a surgical procedure earlier this week. All went well and she appreciates our love and care. 

We celebrate with Cummins Ministerial Intern, Lóre Stevens, on her successful interview with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Association yesterday.

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.

A note from Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

For a few weeks now, Shelley des Islets, Ann Kay, Shelley Thron, Lou Quast, and I have been working together to design and launch a community-wide creative brainstorming process about what our music ministries can be in the years to come. In two weeks, our team will offer details and dates and the ways you can have a voice in these opportunities to dream together. We're looking forward to this creative, generative work with you for First Universalist.

Submitted by Daryn Woodson, Board President:

On Thursday, Dec. 1, the Board of Trustee members met with Rev. David Pyle, the MidAmerica Regional Lead for the UUA who specializes in working with larger congregations. During this meeting, he shared his preliminary report and recommendations in response to Rev. Jen Crow’s request for his consultation in light of the tension that has risen between choir members and church leadership following Dr. Randy Buikema’s termination. Rev. Pyle met with First Universalist choir members, church staff, the Board of Trustees, and the newly formed Covenant Development Team beginning in October to hold listening sessions and meetings to help begin the process of repair and mutual accountability at First U. Since Rev. Pyle’s report and recommendations are in the preliminary stage, the Board of Trustees will provide a more in depth response to the report, its findings, and recommendations once we have received the final report from Rev. Pyle. This response will most likely be shared after the New Year. Thank you for your patience and trust with this process.

Last week, we shared our holiday service schedule for December. Since then, we've made the tough decision to cancel the second of two originally planned Christmas Pageants. Children & youth sign ups were a bit too low for us to do a second performance on the 24th. The good news, though, is that everyone who signed up for the cast on the 24th is also able to join us on the 18th! We'll have a beautifully full cast for the Sunday, Dec. 18 Pageant, which will be performed in person as well as live-streamed. The recording will also be available for later viewing on our YouTube channel.

Our amended holiday service schedule is below, and full details can be found in the Calendar section further down in the newsletter.

Blue Holidays Service

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Pageant

Sunday, Dec. 18, 4 p.m. only; no Pageant on Dec. 24

Winter Solstice Ritual

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. 

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Saturday, Dec. 24, 9:30 p.m. 

Sunday Worship

Sundays, Dec. 25 & Jan. 1, 10 a.m.

On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day we’ll offer a single Sunday worship service, in person and online, at 10 a.m. No childcare on Dec. 25; childcare for 6 months through pre-k available on Jan. 1.

Submitted by Janet Mills, Marjie Smith & Martha Moriarty

The Visual Arts Team hopes that you enjoy our version of the Northern Lights in the Sanctuary. A lantern-illuminated snow fort is included for young children in the congregation to leave their stuffed animals for hibernation for the month of December. Snowflakes adorn the forest of trees in a bed of snow. The display includes a blue-violet night sky backdrop to highlight the sweeping, shimmering blue-green fabric representing the northern lights. This is our gift to the congregation with warm wishes for the holiday season!

The exhibit of photographs of Indigenous Women Water Protectors by John Kaul has been extended and will remain on view in the Social Hall through the end of December.

You can also view the portraits and read the subjects' bios online here and read more about the exhibit at church here.

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the Cummins Room & on Zoom

RSVP & Share on Facebook

If you’re feeling blue this holiday season, we hope you’ll come to our “Blue Holidays” service. Though the winter holidays are a time of joy and celebration for many, what is also true is that the holidays can be a time of sadness and grief, particularly for any of us who have experienced loss. If you’d appreciate a space to hold your sadness and grief in community this holiday season, please come to this service featuring members of the Care Companion and Memorial Service Teams with Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Rev. Arif Mamdani. The service will include poetry, space for reflection, shared song, and a ritual of lighting candles to help bring the warmth of community to our grief and sadness. Please be in touch with Rev. Arif with any questions you might have.

Join on Zoom here. (webinar ID: 879 5840 9946 passcode: 660808)

Thursday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. program, noon lunch

in person in the Social Hall or on Zoom

Sign up here

Join Daytime Connections this month for a panel discussion about cannabis. The panelists will explore various aspects of cannabis use, including physiologic effects, therapeutic uses, types and forms of cannabis, and over the counter products. Daytime Connections fosters spiritual growth, learning, and community building for seniors, meeting on the third Thursday of each month.

Rahul Kane is a tenured biology faculty member at Century College and also teaches at the University of Saint Thomas and Metro State. Dr. Kane holds a Ph.D. in instructional technology and education as well as a masters degree in cell and molecular biology.

Sarah Overby, a Licensed Practical Nurse, is the Director of Medical Education at Green Goods. Her experience includes the retail sales of Cannabis — what is for sale, what are the uses of those products, what dangers there might be.

Bring your questions and curiosity!

Sign in and coffee is at 9:45 a.m. Program starts at 10 a.m. Soup & salad lunch at 12 p.m.: $5-15 sliding scale (more if you can; less if you can’t; no one will be turned away for lack of funds). Registration is requested a minimum of four days in advance in order to plan for lunch. Sign up to attend here.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.–noon in person at church

Dive deeper into the origins of Relationships Evolving Possibilities (REP), a network of dedicated abolitionists showing up to support others in moments of crisis or urgency, with care and respect for the full dignity and autonomy of the people in crisis. We’ll engage in open learning and dialogue around the following;

• Connection with the core values of REP: Black love and liberation, radical consent, and ancestral wisdom
• Naming revolutionary ancestors and elders on whose shoulders we stand
• Beginning to map the abolitionist possibilities within our personal circles and communities
• Workshopping responses to community safety scenarios

Sunday, Dec. 18, 4 p.m.

RSVP & Share on Facebook

Our annual Christmas Pageant is a beautiful telling of an ancient story. It is a tale of hope and hospitality, a reminder that every child is born a redeemer, a story that speaks to us all of what it means to be a seeker, a star, a singer, a wonderer, a wanderer, a wise one. Join us live in the sanctuary, watch the livestream via Zoom, or watch the recording on our YouTube channel. Livestream info will be available next week.

Please note: there will be no Christmas Pageant on December 24 this year.

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.

RSVP & Share on Facebook

Celebrate the longest night of the year and rejoice in the returning of the sun at our annual Winter Solstice Celebration. The ritual celebration includes chants, solstice heritage and wisdom, a call to the directions, time spent in the darkness, music, and celebrating the returning of, and sharing of, light. Join us in person in the sanctuary or watch the livestream via Zoom. Livestream info will be available next week.

Saturday, Dec. 24, 9:30 p.m.

RSVP & Share on Facebook

The Candlelight Service at First Universalist is a time of mindfulness, meaning making and music. This service is a weaving of scripture readings, poems, musical offerings, silence, and lighting our hearts and spirit with the candlelight and hope. The candlelight service will be offered both in person and on zoom. Livestream info will be available next week.

Image: Warren Antiola CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is a long-standing Faithful Action Partner of First Universalist, and the First U Habitat Crew is excited to have our first three work days scheduled for 2023. They are:

• Thursday, Jan. 5 at 3330 Oliver Ave N, Mpls
• Thursday, Feb. 2 at 3042 18th Ave S, Mpls
• Saturday, March 4 at 3330 Oliver Ave N, Mpls

The work day typically runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with lunch provided. Each work day is limited to 10 volunteers. There will be heat in the building but it is often uneven. Layered, warm clothes are your best bet.

Sign up to volunteer here.

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

Hiking Group:  Meets most Saturdays at a park or trailhead. There are no more organized hikes during the month of December; hikes will resume in January. For questions, contact Marie Sorenson.

Game Group: Meets at the church on the second Thursday of the month to play board games and socialize. Request an email invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your name and email address to Anne Frenchick. Upcoming date: Jan. 12, 7 p.m.

Weekly Happy Hour: This online Zoom gathering is a way to stay connected with AUW friends. We meet at 7 p.m. every Thursday. Hosts are Liz and Carol. Here is the Zoom info to tune in: Evening Happy Hour

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. Upcoming date: Dec. 26

First Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–noon in person at church

12 Step Spirituality meetings will gather in our church on the 1st Saturday of each month beginning on Oct. 1, 2022 and ending on May 6, 2023. The meeting focuses on people who are actively working a 12 step program. It is focused on the 11 step to the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. Meeting details are available at 12stepspirituality.org.

Saturdays, 9:30–10:45 a.m. online via Zoom

This weekly online meeting focuses on people who are actively working in any of 12 Step programs. It is focused on the 11th step through the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. Meeting details are available at 12stepspirituality.org.

In our Nov. 17 newsletter, we shared our updated Covid Community Care Policy, which went into effect on Monday, Nov. 21.

Our full updated Covid policies are available here. A summary of updates to our masking policy is as follows:

Highlighted Updates: 

• Masks continue to be required in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings and for special services for everyone ages 2 and up 
• Masks are optional in the rest of the building outside of the sanctuary on Sunday mornings/for special services, and at all other times and for all other church activities, when Covid community levels are Low or Medium, with the following exception:
• Masking will be required in classrooms and small groups when a participant reaches out to Lauren Wyeth, Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages, in advance to make that request. Lauren will hold the name of the person making the request confidential, and will alert the group leader and participants that masks are required for that in person small group or class. 
• When Covid community levels are High, masks are required throughout the whole church building.

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.