Dear ones,
Over the years, my father has given me the same piece of advice many times. He’s a huge fan of the psychiatrist and author, Dr. Gordon Livingston, and my Dad is always reminding me that Dr. Livingston believed that happiness can be broken down into three components: something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to. Of course, as a minister, I hear this and immediately translate this recipe for happiness into: something that feels meaningful or joyful to do, someone (or some thing or some being) to love, and something to look forward to. As we head into February, it’s a perfect time to find and name some things to look forward to.
If you are able to join us in person at church anytime soon, I hope you will look up in our newly completed atrium to see the gorgeous hanging sculpture there, created by our own Kristen Mengelkoch, who transformed the crystals from the old chandelier in our social hall into a new expression of beauty.
In February, join us for two events:
The annual State of the Church meeting will be held online only on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. This one hour gathering will include online games, opportunities to get to know each other, important financial and staffing updates, as well as an opportunity to vote in support of the ordination of our own Stephanie Vos to the Unitarian Universalist ministry.
On Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m., we’ll kick off a small concert series at church and we are excited to welcome musicians Ann Reed and Joan Griffith to our sanctuary as our first guests. If you’ve ever heard Ann and Joan play together, you know that they embody incredible talent, warmth, tenderness and joy in their music and their presence. This event is a fundraiser for the church, and tickets (for online and in-person attendance) are $25. If cost is a barrier and you’d like to attend, please reach out to Rev. Arif.
And in March, I’m excited to share my first book with this congregation and the world. Take What You Need: Life Lessons after Losing Everything will be released on March 22 (and is available for pre-order now through independent bookstores locally) and First Universalist will be hosting my book launch event on Sunday, March 27 at 1:30 p.m. The event will be in-person and online, and Rev. Kate Tucker, Minister Emerita, will lead me through a conversation about the book, short readings, and a time for questions and answers. The book will be available for sale at the event, and I look forward to signing your copy there. More information about the book is included below.
Whatever it is that you are looking forward to, I hope that church is a part of your plans. This community makes a difference in our individual lives and the world - I’m so grateful that it can offer us something to do, something to love, and something to look forward to.
In gratitude,
Rev. Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything by Jen Crow
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Take What You Need : Life Lessons After Losing Everything (March 22, 2022) opens new perspectives for all of us looking to understand our past, our unexpected suffering, our failures, so we too can begin charting a course forward—one drawn from resilience and hope. We see with the immediacy of someone who nearly lost it all that our possessions won’t carry us. Our responses to the regrets, losses, separations, addictions, and unexpected twists and turns of our lives are shaped by the spiritual values that sustain us and the people who support us.
Crow 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.
Advance Praise for Take What You Need:
It’s not simply brave to write a book where you turn your insides out, but in this day and age, it's a courageous and kind act to tenderly advocate that love saves the day. This book is like a good friend arriving at just the right time with a pot of tea. Jen's stories are a reminder that faith in love—from friend or stranger—lights the path forward. —Winter Miller, award-winning playwright and writer
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Worship
Sunday, Jan. 30, 9 & 11am
Wednesday, Feb. 2 Meditation, 7pm
Sunday, Jan. 16 Recording
Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Volunteer with the Memorial Service Team
Foundation Grant Nominations
Quilts by Carolyn Liebler
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Happenings
Film: "My Ascension"
Concert by Ann Reed & Joan Griffith
Caregivers Group
State of the Church Meeting
Daytime Connections
Humanism Class
AUW events
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Jan. 30, 9 & 11 a.m.
Return to Multiplatform Worship
Mental Health Sunday
At First Universalist, we embrace the reality that in the course of our lives, it is likely that all of us will experience some challenge with our own mental health or that of a loved one.
This Sunday, please join us for our annual Mental Health Sunday worship service. Guest speaker Vicki Elliott, Executive Director of Mental Health Connect, joins our team of worship leaders this week to talk about her own journey with mental health, how it’s impacted her family, and why it matters that faith communities work to destigmatize mental illness and ensure that everyone has access to the mental health care resources they need.
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Worship leaders: Vicki Elliott (Mental Health Connect Director), Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Karen Hutt, and Franco Holder
JOIN US 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 at this time, we expect that you are feeling well and that you are vaccinated against COVID-19 if eligible/able. Masks are required. Read our COVID-19 Policies.
JOIN US ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
CHILDCARE & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
SUGGESTED VIEWING BEFORE SUNDAY:
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Before Sunday worship, we encourage you to watch this five-minute video featuring Director Vicki Elliott and supporters talking about what Mental Health Connect does and its impact on the community.
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Wednesday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m.
Three Breaths: An Open-Door Midweek Meditation
Meditation leader: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout
JOIN US ONLINE:
Wednesday Meditation is live-streamed on Zoom. Join here (Webinar ID: 117 312 320).
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"Where the River Meets the Sea: Self-Care & Community Care"
Sunday, Jan. 23
with Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Arif Mamdani, and Luna K.
Worship summary & reflections by Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator:
A foundation of what we do at First Universalist is giving, receiving, and growing. And we use a lot of water metaphors to help us understand this. Water moves, transforms, and gives life. This week, we return to water to explore ideas about care: sometimes we are the ocean, and sometimes we are held up by the ocean. While carrying on as a small but mighty creek on the way to the ocean may feel efficient and predictable, we can’t be creeks forever. Inevitably, we meet and join other moving bodies of water. Where the creek meets river, where river meets the ocean, where we care for others and receive care from others, it may smell fishy and look chaotic. But in this blur, our needs, longings, resources, and ideas come into relationship with one another. In this place, we move from an ethic of isolation into an ethic of trust. What does giving and receiving community care ask of individuals, and vice versa? How can it include other beings, generations, and ways of knowing? What does it look like at church?
Listen to the podcast or watch the service recording, not for clear answers to these questions, but for an invitation to giving and receiving care. For more ways to reflect and connect, check out this week’s order of service.
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Image description: a still image of Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout from the Jan. 23 worship recording. |
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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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Social Hall Art Exhibit: Quilts by Carolyn Liebler |
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On exhibit in the Social Hall now through Feb. 20 is a collection of quilts by long-time First Universalist member Carolyn Liebler.
From the exhibit:
Ocean Path
Designed, machine pieced, and hand quilted by Carolyn Liebler, 2012
"I made this quilt for my friend, Phyllis, as I processed and came to terms with the untimely death of her daughter from a secret struggle with alcoholism. Melanie was seven years older than me, and I felt her death very personally. Melanie loved the ocean, and the design is a variation of the traditional Ocean Waves pattern.
"The border is made of a kind of fabric called “shot cotton.” Threads in one direction are one color but threads in the other direction are a different color; like alcohol, it is both entrancing and two-faced. Melanie experienced the many meanings of “shot” and the internal discord that comes with keeping a secret.
"In the center is a piece of fabric that I dyed, which I quilted with the traditional Drunkard’s Path design. The back of the quilt holds six other fabrics that I dyed. If I drank for seven more years, I would have died, too."
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Foundation Grant Nominations Due Jan. 28 |
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The First Universalist Foundation Board is accepting nominations through this form through Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 from First Universalist congregants (regardless of membership status) and senior high youth in the church. One (1) person must submit a nomination backed by two (2) co-signers. Nominee organizations that are selected will then be sent our grant application.
The Foundation is soliciting nominations of organizations that address racial justice, climate justice, and human rights. We are also interested in organizations whose leadership includes Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, or individuals from disenfranchised communities. This year we are particularly interested in supporting organizations with smaller budgets (for whom our grant may make a significant difference) and newer organizations or initiatives which are addressing the disparities that recent events have laid bare. Organizations that have not applied for a Foundation Board grant in the past are encouraged.
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Volunteer with the Memorial Service Team |
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Ministry within the church takes many forms. Many find a meaningful way through the memorial service team. Depending on availability, volunteers typically spend one to two hours at church on the day of the memorial and help with setting up, greeting, ushering, serving, and cleaning up. There's no expectation for how frequently our volunteers serve, it's totally dependent on your availability and willingness!
We have roles to fit everyone's personality. We need behind the scenes volunteers to keep things running smoothly just as much as we need volunteers who are comfortable interacting with loved ones and guests.
If love is calling you to join our team, sign up for the Google Group: send an email to arif+memorialservicehelpers@firstuniv.org. We'll keep you updated on memorial service volunteer needs throughout the year and you can volunteer to help as often as you're able and willing! To learn more, contact Arif.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Mental Health Sunday Film Screening |
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Sunday, Jan. 30, 12:30 p.m., Cummins Room
As part of Mental Health Sunday on Jan. 30, First Universalist’s Mental Health Connect Ambassador team will be showing the documentary film "My Ascension" in the Cummins Room at 12:30 p.m. followed by a panel discussion with local mental health experts.
My Ascension: A Documentary Film and Movement to Spread Hope and Fight Suicide Synopsis: A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader, Emma Benoit, paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope, and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the U.S. My Ascension is a feature length documentary that chronicles Emma's inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.
***If you or someone you know needs help - call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line - HELLO to 741741***
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Ann Reed & Joan Griffith in Concert |
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We are looking forward to hosting a concert by Ann Reed and Joan Griffith in our newly renovated sanctuary on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.
Songwriter, singer, and guitarist Ann Reed has been a performing artist for more than 40 years—story-telling from the human experience, and sharing songs that find a permanent place in the heart. Joan Griffith has toured and recorded extensively as a classical and jazz guitarist, bassist, and mandolinist.
This event is a fundraiser for the church, and tickets (for online and in-person attendance) are $25. If cost is a barrier and you’d like to attend, please reach out to Rev. Arif.
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Sundays, Feb. 6, March 6, April 3, May 1 & June 5, 1–2:30 p.m. on Zoom
Caring for a family member who needs special care is a demanding and sometimes 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. This group meets on Zoom and is facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani. Contact Rev. Arif with questions and for more information.
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State of the Church Meeting |
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Sunday, Feb. 13, 1–2 p.m.
The annual State of the Church meeting will be held online only on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. This one hour gathering will include online games, opportunities to get to know each other, important financial and staffing updates, as well as an opportunity to vote in support of the ordination of our own Stephanie Vos to the Unitarian Universalist ministry.
Because a vote will be taken at the meeting, members of First Universalist must register for the Zoom meeting in advance here. You will receive your personalized Zoom info the week of Feb. 7, after a staff member verifies your membership.
Non-members who wish to observe the meeting can watch the livestream on our YouTube channel.
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Daytime Connections:
Honoring Earth and the Food We Love
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Thursday, Feb. 17 at 10 a.m.
Why are growing numbers of people making shifts in the food we eat and the waste we create? Join us in learning and reflecting on the changes and their potential to dramatically improve climate, human, and animal health. Includes mini-presentations and workshops, video clips, a cooking demo, and small group discussion. Led by Betsy Allis, Stan Sattinger, and Velma Wagner from the Environmental Justice Committee’s Food Solutions Team.
An optional soup & salad lunch will be served following the program ($5–$15 sliding scale donation—more if you can; less if you can’t. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.)
Register here and let us know if you'd like to attend in person (and if so, if you plan to stay for lunch) or online.
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Humanism Through Multiple Lenses Class |
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Thursdays, Feb. 24, March 31, April 28, May 26, June 30, and July 28, 6:30–8 p.m.
While UUs often claim a humanist world view, we rarely dive deeply into the histories of humanist thought and vantage points.
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. Future classes will dive deeply into one area of humanism. 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, Feb. 24 through July 28, 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom. Please register to receive the Zoom information. Registration is on a rolling basis. The Zoom info is always the same, so register once and come when you’re able.
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Habitat for Humanity Feb. & March Work Days |
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First Universalist has two more Habitat for Humanity winter work days coming up: Thursdays, Feb. 10 and March 10. All of the builds are in Minneapolis.
Please consider joining in! We’re allowed a maximum of 8 volunteers on site. Volunteers must be at least 16, and 16- and 17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The work day is 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and we ask that you bring your own sack lunch.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s current COVID safety protocols require that all volunteers indicate that they have either been vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of volunteering on site. Masks are required indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Sign up to volunteer by filling out this form.
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Association of Universalist Women Winter Event |
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February Fete with Peg Meier
Saturday, Feb. 26, 1–3 p.m.
Peg Meier, former journalist for the Star Tribune and author of Bring Warm Clothes, will share stories she collected about the women who settled Minnesota.There will be refreshments and the warmth of friendship!
No need to pre-register; just show up at church, or join via Zoom. Attending is FREE for AUW members, $10 for non-members. All people who identify as women, non-binary or gender fluid are welcome.
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Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat |
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Registration is open for the Association of Universalist Women (AUW) Spring Retreat! Register by January 20 to get a discount before the registration fees increase.
THEME: Resilience, Community and Creativity
WHEN: April 22–25, 2022 (Friday - Monday). There is an option to register for Saturday only and an option to stay over Sunday night.
WHERE: Camp Courage near Annandale – a new venue for us!
WHO: Keynote and ceremonies by Rev. Kelli Clement
Breakout Sessions and Activities: Sky Watch; Stretching; Nature Walk; Meditation; Pilates; Writing; Sexuality Discussion; Sound Healing; Book Discussion; Gender Fluid/Expansive Discussion; Board Games; Movies; Talent Show; Dance Party; Labyrinth; Indoor Pool; Healing Sessions and Massage (extra fee); Crafts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION and REGISTRATION: visit the AUW website
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Updated schedule: Sundays at 7 p.m.
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)
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 available at 12stepspirituality.org
Tending and Mending: Grief Group
Sunday, Feb. 20, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tending and Mending is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief and loss they're carrying. Join the Zoom room here. Also offered: Sundays, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Please note: the February meeting will be held on Zoom only
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom or in person. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we take time to discuss our practices. Whether or not you have meditated before, you will be welcomed. Join via Zoom here or meet in the Meditation Room after worship.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom
This group plans to begin a multi-platform gathering model when the church reopens. Contact Sara McMullen at saramcminneapolis@gmail.com for Zoom and in-person meeting information.
Chi Gung
Thursday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Pat,Gottschalk has been leading Chi Gung at First U for over 20 years. Pat leads gentle movements with a focus on harmonizing our personal energies — internal development and peace of mind, not martial arts. Creaky joints, stiff muscles and anxious minds are all welcome. We meet via Zoom until we can meet in person. 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(s)
Thursdays at 5 and 7 p.m.
Join the 5 p.m. Happy Hour here (Meeting ID: 834 7301 7986; Password: 557571).
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 December 12, 2021
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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.
- We will not be serving food or beverages indoors on Sunday mornings.
- For now, we will not be singing together in the sanctuary; worship leaders and masked choir members will sing at some services.
- Both services will be streamed to the Cummins Room or Social Hall for those seeking more space, or in case the sanctuary fills.
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We are offering optional Sunday childcare or classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, effective Sunday, Dec. 12 (advance registration required).
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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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