Greetings!
So much is changing. So many goodbyes are happening, so many hellos are starting to take shape, the image of what our lives will be as these next few months unfold is beginning to become visible.
This Sunday, Rev. Justin will preach his final sermon with us. We’ll continue to be blessed by his presence until his Good Goodbye on Sunday, June 6, but this will be the last time we hear him preach to us as our Co-Senior Minister. It is a big moment.
Construction is beginning on our building - and soon the sanctuary, social hall, atrium, and exterior will be transformed into the inclusive, beautiful, and welcoming spaces we’ve dreamed of for years.
Plans for the summer and fall are underway, with our first in-person worship service scheduled for Sunday, Aug.15 at 10 a.m. at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, and a return to our building in September for worship and classes and small groups - along with our continued online presence. We look forward to sharing an outline of what fall will look like next week.
Interviews are underway for our new Minister/Director of Worship Arts position, and we are thrilled with the response to our job posting and the diversity and depth of the candidates who have applied.
And on Sunday, June 6, we’ll gather online for worship at 10 a.m., followed by our annual meeting at 11:30 a.m., where we will approve the operating budget for the upcoming church year and consider the Board-recommended Racial Justice Resolution that will guide our efforts to affirm Black people and all people of color and Indigenous peoples’ worth and dignity, decenter whiteness, and create communities of collective liberation and joy.
This time reminds me of a photograph developing in a dark room, or the brand new leaves of the fern tucked in, preparing to unfurl. So much is changing. So much is in bud.
As the poet, Denise Levertov, reminds us in her poem, “Beginners,”
We have only begun
to love the earth.
We have only begun
to imagine the fullness of life...
—we have only begun
to imagine justice and mercy,
only begun to envision
how it might be
to live as siblings with beast and flower,
not as oppressors...
We have only begun to know
the power that is in us if we would join
our solitudes in the communion of struggle.
So much is unfolding that must
complete its gesture,
so much is in bud.
Even with so much changing, and so many important goodbyes in process, we have only just begun. So much is in bud. Let’s take tender care of all that is emerging in our hearts, our lives, and our community.
In gratitude,
Rev. Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Co-Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, May 16: "Who You Are" with Rev. Justin Schroeder
Wednesday Evening Worship (May 19)
Cycle of Life
Sunday, May 9 Recording
May Theme: Thresholds
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News & Features
Racial Justice Resolution
Flower Communion Photos
Rev. Justin's Good Goodbye: Reflections from Sara McMullen, Dan Berg, and Matt Keller
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Happenings
Justin's Good Goodbye Events
Screening and Discussion: "A Vision of 2040"
EJ Team Greenhouse Game
Faithful Action Opportunities
Ongoing Gatherings
In the Community
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP |
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Sunday, May 16, 10 a.m.
"Who You Are"
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Twelve years ago, I was preparing to begin my ministry with First Universalist. Outside of my week of being a candidate with you all, I only knew you on paper. After twelve years together, a time of growth, learning, and journeying through the ups and downs of life, you know me much better, and I know you (as a congregation) much better as well: your strength, your passion, your creativity, your commitment and your care. As I prepare to leave First Universalist on June 6, I want to tell you, beloveds, who you are, and who I see you becoming, as a faith community. Though I'll be involved in worship on June 6, this is my last full sermon before I leave, and I hope you'll join us!
HOW TO JOIN:
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
Post-Worship Gatherings (find details in the Order of Service above)
Religious Education Classes and Youth Groups meet this Sunday.
More information can be found on our Religious Education website.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, May 19, 7 p.m.
Rev. Justin Schroeder
Join Rev. Justin for a midweek worship experience for adults and older youth. This 30-minute service is a brief time of connection, centering, and reflection to help us find and keep our balance.
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, May 19 between 6:55 and 7 p.m.:
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Sunday, May 9 Cycle of Life |
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We hold Roberta Haskin in our care as she prepares for breast cancer surgery on May 13. She welcomes our care and support.
We hold Mary Bohman in our hearts. Mary experienced a mild stroke last week. She received swift medical attention and is recovering well at home with husband Jeff and their children Emily and Nora. They know themselves held by a love that will not let them go and greatly appreciate our care and support.
We want to let the congregation know that Kay Johnson’s memorial service will be on May 30 at 2 p.m. at the Wabun Picnic Area in Minneapolis, Pavilion D.
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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Sunday Service Recordings |
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May 9 Worship: Coming of Age Sunday
with Rev. Arif Mamdani and COA Youth
Sermon summary & reflections by Liz Farmer:
Coming of Age Sunday is a much anticipated and much loved tradition at First Universalist. This year in particular has been a difficult year, but perhaps there is no better time than now for First Universalist 8th and 9th graders to reflect on their faith. In this service, our Coming of Age youth consider what happens to a soul after death, why people suffer, what influence a God (or Gods) does or doesn’t have on our daily lives, and how to find peace and comfort when under a lot of stress. Our youth offer their Statements of Faith, the culmination of a year of intentional spiritual questioning, seeking, and experiencing. In these statements, our youth model for us the beauty and struggle of being a part of a Liberal faith tradition, which encourages the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Contrary to popular belief, we cannot “believe whatever we want” as UUs. Rev. Arif reminds us that the lived faith behind this shorthand — convenient, yet misleading and incomplete — calls us to "continually widen our circle of concern, to tend to the least amongst us, and to always be open to new or more truth. As our circle widens, so too do the perspectives brought into that circle.”
Watch/Listen
Listen to the podcast on Podbean or Spotify, watch the service on YouTube, and find materials for further reflection in the “Reflection and Listening Guide” section of our May 9 Order of Service. |
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Image description: a still image from Sunday, May 9 Coming of Age worship showing Rev. Arif Mamdani, Emma Paskewitz, Claire Tralle, and Rev. Justin Schroeder in Zoom gallery view. |
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May Worship Theme: Thresholds |
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Moving across and through a threshold often ushers in a new way of being and belonging. Crossing a threshold can profoundly mark and shape us.
This May, we will slow down long enough to notice and name the thresholds we are approaching and crossing. Together, we will wonder: “What changes when we cross a threshold? What remains the same? How long can we remain in the threshold space, the door between worlds wide open? What blessings do thresholds offer? And does religious community and spiritual practice help us prepare for the inevitable thresholds we will cross?”
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Racial Justice Resolution Town Hall Meetings |
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At our Annual Meeting of the Membership on June 6, we will be voting on a Racial Justice Resolution, written and edited by your board and improved by several key lay leaders in Racial Justice groups in our church. You can find the Racial Justice Resolution here on our website. This six-minute video with Board President Bryana French and our Director of Liberation and Transformation Ministries Julica Hermann de la Fuente provides context and more information about how the Racial Justice Resolution came to be.
Questions? Please join us at one of the Town Hall Meetings listed below:
Sunday May 16, noon
Monday May 17, 7 p.m.
Wednesday May 19, 8:15 p.m.
Join any of the Town Hall Meetings via Zoom here (Meeting ID: 968 0136 3031; to join by phone dial +1 312 626 6799). |
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Please Share a Photo of Yourself with Flowers! |
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In our June 6 Flower Communion live streamed worship service, we'd like to include a photo slideshow of members of our community with flowers - you could be posing next to a flowering tree or shrub, holding a flower(s) you've picked from your yard or garden, or perhaps by a bouquet of flowers you have indoors. We'd love a variety of photos of families and individuals of all ages! Please take your photo horizontally and submit one high resolution (large file size) image to communications@firstuniv.org no later than Tuesday, June 1.
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Below are three reflections in a series of what the Good Goodbye team plans as a regular weekly feature: words from our community about Justin’s ministry. |
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Rev. Justin's Good Goodbye:
A Reflection from Dan Berg
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By Dan Berg. Dan and his family have been members of First Universalist Church since the early 1990s. He has taught Coming of Age, served on the Board for six years, and co-chaired the 2017 capital campaign, "Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future."
I was on the Board of Trustees when Justin was called to the ministry at our church. Meeting Justin for the first time, I was thrilled with the promise of his fresh energy, his passionate voice and vision, and his humility, even as one so young, in accepting the mantle of leadership at one of the largest UU congregations in the world.
I drove Justin home following our first meeting. He asked about me, about my history at First Universalist, about my family. This was just a few years after my daughter Julia had died, and I told him how important the church community was in helping Welcome and me weather this tragedy. Although he never knew Julia, he came to love her, and to honor her memory in his love for our family.
Over the years, Justin pushed the congregation, and sometimes the congregation pushed back. The role of a senior minister is rarely without conflict. Justin led us with the courage of his conviction, bringing First Universalist to the forefront of the local and national UU call to anti-racism and the dismantling of White Supremacy culture. Justin’s voice has profoundly changed the trajectory of who we, the church, intend to be in the world.
The membership of a church is always in transition. New people join, and others leave; ministers are called, and ministers leave. Justin is a dad. He has a beautiful family. He now answers a new call, which I know he will embrace with the same thoughtful and loving kindness that he has given us. We are blessed to have had him in our lives for these past 12 years. We say goodbye with the same love that he has shared with us, individually and as a community. May he enjoy the blessings he richly deserves.
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Rev. Justin's Good Goodbye:
A Reflection from Sara McMullen
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By Sara McMullen. Sara McMullen and her family have been members of First Universalist for nearly 30 years. A retired teacher, Sara looks forward to seeing her grandchildren grow up in our church.
Dear Rev. Justin,
When you sat with us for a Spiritual Reflection about our time with Families Moving Forward it made that experience not only helpful to others, but helpful to me. I also remember what a difference it made to have preparation and training led by leaders of the Racial Justice Education and Change Team. We were asked questions such as: Were you ever evicted? Were you ever homeless? Was there ever a time you couldn’t afford to buy food? We were learning that most, if not all of us had some kind of safety net in case we were evicted, in case we couldn’t pay our rent, in case we had no medical insurance and couldn’t pay our medical bills. We learned about our privileges. But most of us had not experienced eviction, homelessness or medical debt. In our spiritual reflection we learned that we could share what was hard about hosting Families Moving Forward, and what was rewarding. We learned to listen to each other and accept wherever we were on the journey.
Because Rev. Justin and the First Universalist ministers made Racial Justice training with Heather Hackman available, we learned to speak and listen to each other, to understand how racial disparities affect housing, health, education, policing and more.
Thank you, Rev. Justin for leaving a legacy of Racial Justice learning, including Spiritual Reflection, when we serve on any of the Faithful Action teams. Thank you for 12 deeply spiritual and meaningful years at First Universalist.
Sincerely yours,
Sara McMullen
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Rev. Justin's Good Goodbye:
A Reflection from Matt Keller
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By Matt Keller. Matt Keller has been going to First U since 2009. He’s taught Religious Education, worked on strategic planning and is currently a Care Companion. His lifelong career has been in children’s publishing.
Hey Justin,
I believe you are one of the most authentic individuals I have ever met. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “You become what you think about all day long” and I have no question in my mind what you think about all day long—to follow your heart, to sincerely serve others, to find goodness in any situation. I have appreciated your commitment to the UU congregation and the honesty you have brought to each encounter with others. You are making a wise and brave decision to step back from your vocation and spend time with your family. You walk the walk and are a model for us all. I’ll see you at the coffee shop!
Peace,
Matt Keller
There are multiple opportunities to give and share with Rev. Justin — including offering a financial gift, making a video message, or sending a card — as we prepare for his Good Goodbye. Learn more about these opportunities on our website. For opportunities to connect with Justin over Zoom and in person, see below!
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Rev. Justin's Good Goodbye Events |
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Post-Worship Fellowship Hour with Justin
Sunday, May 16, after worship (~ 11 a.m.)
Final Zoom Good Goodbye Gathering
Wednesday, May 19, 7:30 p.m.
Join the Zoom gathering here.
Meeting ID: 814 6743 2711; Passcode: 772008
Join this Zoom call to wish Rev. Justin a Good Goodbye! It is a drop in opportunities for chatting with Justin. For Audio-Only, dial in: 312-626-6799
Good Goodbye Reception at Church
Sunday, June 6, 4–6 p.m.
On Sunday, June 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Rev. Justin and his family will be on the steps of the church for congregants to say a socially distanced goodbye. You may drive by, walk by, or roll by. Please wear a mask!
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Film Screening and Discussion:
"A Vision of 2040"
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Sunday, May 16
11:30 a.m. film screening
Noon film discussion
Award-winning director Damon Gameau embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best climate solutions already available to us to improve our planet and shifted them rapidly into the mainstream. Structured as a visual letter to his 4-year-old daughter, Damon blends traditional documentary with dramatised sequences and high-end visual effects to create a vision board of how these climate solutions could regenerate the world for future generations. You can watch a trailer for this film here. You can view the film prior to May 16 on Google Play, Youtube (rent for $3.99), Apple TV, or Vudu. Register for the Sunday, May 16 film viewing and discussion here. Join the Zoom gathering on Sunday, May 16 here.
Don't miss the next film in the Environmental Justice May Eco Film Festival:
May 23: Juice: How Electricity Explains the World
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Green House Game with the EJ Team |
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Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m. and Friday, June 4 at 3 p.m.
Join the Environmental Justice team to play the Green House Game, a climate saving card game available to play online. Here is a short 5 minute video about playing the game. Sessions will be online via Zoom — each session is limited to 4-5 players, although more can watch and comment. This game is good for ages 10+,Games last for about 30-40 minutes. No previous experience needed. The only requirement is a willingness to have fun and learn together.
Sign up for a play date here.
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May Board of Trustees Meeting |
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The First Universalist Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m. The Board is currently meeting on Zoom. Information about the May Board meeting, including the agenda and Zoom information, will be available here on our website next week in advance of the meeting.
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May Faithful Action Newsletter |
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You can find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Partners in our May Faithful Action Newsletter. The newsletter contains opportunities to connect through volunteering, donating, advocating, and learning. Our Faithful Action Partners are community organizations that share our vision of love and justice. We work through Faithful Action Partnerships in order to leverage our energy, commitment and expertise. You can find more information about our Faithful Action Partnerships on our website.
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Religious Education for Children and Youth
Religious Education classes for children & youth in Kindergarten through 9th grade meet at 11:15 a.m. most Sundays. Senior high groups meet at varying times. Advance registration required. Details available on our Religious Education website.
UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (May 16 & 30)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (May 25 & June 8)
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) For more info contact Dick Young at 952-893-1188.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (June 6)
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. The Zoom space opens at 11:15 a.m.; meditation starts at 11:30 a.m. Join via Zoom here.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m.
The Weekly Meditation Group is meeting by Zoom Tuesdays from 9-10:15 with an extended learning session once a month. Contact Martha Easter-Wells at mm3second@aol.com for Zoom information.
Single Parents Gathering
Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email church member Rev. Sara Smalley (smalley.sara@gmail.com) to be connected to the group.
First Universalist Accessibility and Inclusion Group
First and Third Thursday of the month, 6:30–8 p.m. (May 20, June 3)
First Universalist Accessibility and Inclusion group is designed for people with all types of physical disabilities, hearing disabilities, and visual disabilities. Ages 13 and older are welcome. For Zoom information please contact BOTH Lauren Wyeth at lauren@firstuniv.org and Birch Cappetta at birch.cappetta@gmail.com.
Young Adults Group
Third Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (May 20)
Connect with fellow First U young adults (20s & 30s). Join via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 992 3538 3974; Passcode: 125529)
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour(s)
Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m. OR 7–8:30 p.m. (weekly)
Parents of Babies and Preschoolers (ages 0-4 years)
Parents/guardians of little ones gather with Lauren for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Lauren at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to the group.
12 Step Spirituality
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
All people in or interested in 12 steps are welcome - Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, CODA, etc. The workshop includes meditation, Centering Prayer meditation instructions, a short talk and small groups. Meeting details available at 12stepspirituality.org
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Updates from Mental Health Connect |
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month! This month Mental Health Connect (MHC) is sharing an article with permission from MHC collaborative member Heidi Peterson, Faith Community Nurse at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities. It highlights all of the feelings we might have experienced this last month and might continue to feel as things begin to open up once again. You can find the article, “ The Mixed Emotions of Re-Entry,” on the Mental Health Connect website. If you or someone you love wants to talk to someone about how you’re feeling or how you’re handling the changes that life after a pandemic brings, remember that the Mental Health Connect collaborative is here to help you navigate the system and find someone to talk to. Visit https://www.mhconnect.org, email navigator@mhconnect.org, or call or text 612-312-3377.
Join Mental Health Connect on Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 8:30–9:30 a.m.for Mental Health Connect's Third Annual Breakfast of Hope featuring nationally known speakers Kelli Nielsen and Joe Davis. Kelli Nielsen, The Grief Guru, will speak about “Advancing Through Adversity.” Joe Davis, Artist and Educator, will speak about “The Healing Community and Vulnerability.” Joe employs poetry, music, theater, and dance to shape culture. Purchase your ticket to Mental Health Connect’s Breakfast of Hope on the Mental Health Connect website. |
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We Care Ministries at First Universalist Church |
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The care team at First Universalist is here to help in a whole lot of ways—from phone calls to say we’re thinking about you to a listening ear when you need someone to accompany you through whatever’s happening in your life. COVID-19 has changed some of the ways we provide care, but there is a lot we’re still doing. Here is one of the ways we’re here to provide support:
We Care Love Kits
In March 2020, we created Love Kits as a way to provide some resources and support to folks who were isolated, experiencing loss, families having a difficult time with the reality of COVID-19, and those experiencing hospitalization or illness in this time of enforced distance. To receive a Love Kit contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org.
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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.
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 to your home.
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 Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg and Communications Assistant Allison Connelly. 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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