A Sense of Energy and Excitement |
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Dear ones,
Is it just me, or is there an extra air of excitement and good energy surrounding church lately?
In my work as Communications Manager, it’s rare that I write in my own voice—usually my public writing is done in the church voice. But, I’m feeling inspired this week, so here I am.
The shared experience of online worship has brought me closer to you all these past two years. When running the Zoom webinar, though, I was never able to focus my attention 100% on the messages or the embodied experience of worship. I was always ready for my next tech cue, to troubleshoot something unexpected, or to answer a question in the chat. Now that I'm no longer running the livestream on Sunday mornings, I am free to just take in church. It’s been so nice to simply sit back, watch, and be present for worship from my living room on Sunday mornings in recent weeks. The live streamed experience with the new cameras and streaming software really "levels up" the sense of connection and helps the energy reach through the screen!
This past Sunday afternoon—well, okay I was behind the scenes running Zoom for it but meeting mode is less technical!—I came away from the State of the Church meeting feeling really energized by all of the good things Rev. Jen and other leaders had to report—from a sense that we're turning a significant corner at the two-year mark of the pandemic, to good financial news, and so many things coming into alignment in spite of the challenges of the past two years. If you didn't make it to the meeting, I strongly encourage you to watch the recording so you can get up to speed on the latest church news and share in this sense of energy and excitement.
Speaking of exciting and energizing, two Sundays ago more than 140 people showed up in person and online to experience the joy that was Ann Reed and Joan Griffith in concert entertaining us with story and song. People laughed and clapped, church friends reconnected, and I noticed a number of folks in attendance who were back in the building for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic! I'm really looking forward to the continuation of this concert series (we've been in conversation with Give Get Sistet, The OK Factor, Guante, and Ellis to name a few) because couldn't we all use more joy and connection in our lives right now? Stay tuned for an announcement soon.
I feel lucky to be part of this community and energized by its positive momentum—the way we're increasingly moving into alignment with our values and our vision for the future. We are, indeed, as Rev. Jen reminded us on Sunday, building a new way.
In gratitude,
Jenn
Jenn Stromberg
Communications Manager
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, March 6, 9 & 11am
Wednesday, March 9 Meditation, 7pm
Sunday Podcasts & Recordings
Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Celebrating Rev. Jen's book
Leadership Candidates
March Faithful Action News
Cool Congregations Challenge Runner Up
Chancel Refresh
New Art Exhibit
Chalice Pillow Volunteers
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Happenings
Divorce Small Group
Pathway to Membership
Daytime Connections
Humanism Class
Newcomers Circle
AUW Spring Retreat
In the Community
Ongoing Gatherings
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, March 6 — 9 & 11 a.m.
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? Join us on Sunday—or listen later in the week—as we allow ourselves to imagine and experience a bigger togetherness.
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Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Lauren Wyeth, and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout
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.:
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE
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Wednesday, March 9, 7 p.m.
Three Breaths: 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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Recent Sunday Service Recordings |
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Feb. 27: "Humanism Is Black"
Humanism is a direct response to dehumanization. A distinct theological tradition that emerged from the African American experience of slavery in the United States of America, it was a logical and reasonable response to questions about the nature of evil and the purpose of suffering. UUs have long histories of Black Humanism among us. Rev. Karen encourages, “dive into that history!” Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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Feb. 20: "black magic"
Dr. Glen Thomas encourages us to honor Black History Month in a few specific ways: learn the names and buy the books of Black authors from a Black-owned book store; celebrate the innumerable Black women—trans women especially—who teach us how to love and who have kept many alive; and, liberate yourself. Liberate yourself from the cultural forces that teach you to deny or disrespect what your body tells you. Let your body love what it loves and what it wants to. Listen to the podcast or watch the 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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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. If you prefer to preorder, we recommend a local book seller such as Moon Palace.
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Seeking Candidates for Leadership Positions |
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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 fuller 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 fuller 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 fuller 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 now 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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Cool Congregations Challenge:
First U Food Solutions Team Honored as Runner Up
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Congregants Velma Wagner, Betsy Allis, Stan Sattinger, and Kira Berglund shared recently that they were notified on February 17, 2022 that our Environmental Justice Team's Food Solutions Team won an award as a runner up in the Cool Congregations Challenge, a part of Interfaith Power and Light, a Religious Response to Global Warming. This national award shows that people of faith are united by concerns about the climate crisis and are taking action. First Universalist is one of 12 Runners Up.
The Food Solutions team engaged congregants using a myriad of sustainable food education tools, such as videos, lectures and presentations to help reach their goals of minimizing household food waste and reducing household consumption of animal foods. Approximately 10% of the congregation (100 individuals) was involved in this campaign. The team was also creative in directly engaging congregants through interviewing 14 congregants, holding five plant-based potlucks to demonstrate to participants that plant-based food tastes great, incorporating an educational interlude to their events, and collecting pledges for congregants to partake in emissions-reducing diets. They also will engage youth with a well-rounded sustainable foods curriculum that includes a collaboration with the Midwest Food Connection.
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The Visual Arts Committee has provided a fresh look for our sanctuary chancel. Anticipating spring, the trees are bursting with leaves and maypole-colored ribbons.
The mysterious River of Life textile by artist Joan Solomon (pictured here), which has been incorporated into the spring decor, offers an opportunity for us to explore our spiritual journeys as we travel through life.
This banner was a gift to the congregation from the Association of Universalist Women (AUW) in 2002.
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New Art Exhibit: Visual Prayer
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The multi media exhibit Visual Prayer is presently on display in our Social Hall Universal Gallery, through April 10. It can also be viewed online. Several items are for sale.
The exhibit was created by the Interfaith Artists Circle, artists who are diverse in traditions, observance, and beliefs. An important component of the Circle is study. The artists select a theme and invite distinguished scholars to teach them, offering a foundation in spiritual learning and an opportunity to inspire them as they create their individual works.
The artists chose Visual Prayer as the theme for this exhibit, feeling that prayer is the human connection to a higher presence, personally and communally. As they explored prayer through art, their goal was to find commonality and connectivity among religions and to appreciate and respect our similarities and differences.
Image above: "Shehecheyanu" (reverse paint on hand blown glass) by Lucy Rose Fischer
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Call for Chalice Pillow Volunteers |
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This year's Youth Sunday worship service will be on Sunday, May 22. During the service, our graduating seniors receive their beautiful chalice pillows as we send them out into the next phase of their lives with love. We have 36 graduating seniors this year so we need your help! If you would like to volunteer, please contact Carolyn Liebler (liebler@umn.edu or 612-716-0665). It is great if you have sewing experience, but it is not required.
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First Sunday Meditation Group Discontinued |
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The congregant-led First Sunday Meditation group shared hope, love, and support during the pandemic’s shutdown. Now it is time for this group to end. If you are interested in a Tuesday morning meditation group, contact Sara McMullen for meeting information.
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Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings |
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Saturday, March 12 from 1-4 p.m.
Every other Wednesday March 16–June 8, 7–8:30 p.m.
Are you going through a divorce? Would it be helpful for you to meet with others and work through some questions to help you process and harvest the meaning out of this challenging experience? If so, this group might be just what you are looking for.
This newly formed Divorce Small Group will meet for an in-person kick off meeting on Saturday, March 12 from 1-4 p.m. We'll then meet virtually every other Wednesday evening March 16 through June 8, 7–8:30 p.m., with an in-person closing retreat on Saturday, June 18, 1–4 p.m. Sign up here.
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Pathway to Membership Class |
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Wednesday, March 16, 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom
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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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.
Soup & salad lunch: $5 – $15 sliding scale (more if you can; less if you can’t. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.)
Sign in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. Program starts at 10 a.m.
Registration is requested a minimum of four days in advance of each program 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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Humanism Through Multiple Lenses Class
First Session Postponed; Scheduled to begin March 31
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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. Please register to receive the Zoom information. Registration is on a rolling basis. Zoom info is always the same, so 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.
If you are in a “church shopping” phase of your journey and are considering Newcomers Circle, we instead invite you to attend worship regularly, talk with congregants before and after the service, consider joining a shared identity group, or schedule time with a minister to learn more.
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Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat |
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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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ICE Out of Sherburne County 2022 |
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Tuesday, March 8, 8:45 a.m.
Sherburne County Government Center
On March 8, led by the group SARI, Sanctuary and Resistance Against Injustice, there will be a vigil outside of the Sherburne County Government Center, Jail and Immigrant Detention Center, (13880 Business Center Dr. NW, Elk River) while a group of SARI leaders present this letter, signed onto by First Universalist Church Sanctuary and Resistance and MUUSJA, to the Sherburne County Board.
The campaign to end immigrant detention in Sherburne began in 2018, and now the county jail contract with ICE ends in 2023, and we are asking that they not renew that contract and end immigrant detention at this jail.
The event begins at 8:45 a.m. and will be outside while a few leaders present the letter to the Board inside. There is also a Live Stream event on Facebook here.
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MNIPL Be the Spark Leadership Development |
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Sundays, March 13 & 27, 1–5 p.m.
First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light’s Be the Spark leadership development program shares tools and practices for how to build positive, creative, and committed teams so you can fuel energized action on climate within your congregation. Gain premier organizing skills and learn strategic approaches for engaging more deeply in the climate justice movement. This month, they are offering a two-session, in-person training series specifically for Unitarian Universalists. Join our Be the Spark UU Cohort hosted by First Unitarian Society. We will meet on March 13 and 27 from 1–5 p.m. at 900 Mt Curve Ave, Minneapolis. There is no online component, and participants are asked to attend both sessions. Everyone attending must be fully vaccinated and feeling well. Masks are required. The building is fully accessible, and all bathrooms are gender-neutral. Register here.
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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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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Updated schedule: 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 13, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tending and Mending is a 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. Normally a monthly group, this group will meet twice monthly through the winter months: Sundays, March 13 and 27. 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(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 March 3, 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.
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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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