Dear ones,
The last time our congregation gathered in the sanctuary of our church building in person for worship was on March 8, 2020. It has been 599 days since we last gathered in our sanctuary for Sunday services in person. I quoted Ecclesiastes that morning, reminding us that the only faithful response to the cycles of life is to turn with them. Joy and pain have come our way. We have lived in isolation and found new ways to be in community. And it is time to turn.
In preparation for our formal building reopening and return to two services (9 & 11 a.m., with a livestream option at 11 a.m.) on Sunday, Nov. 7, we’ll be hosting an open house-style “soft reopening” this Sunday, Oct. 31, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with an online option offered via Zoom at 10:30 a.m. If you’re joining us in the building, we invite you to drop in for a “build your own adventure” time of activities for all ages, tours, co-creation of an altar, and a short ritual (a mini worship service with a musical meditation at the center) in the sanctuary. You can use this as a chance to come back in with an “easy out”—if it’s too much, if you’re not comfortable being here, you can easily leave, at least more easily than on a typical Sunday. If you’re joining us online, we’ll take you on a tour of our newly renovated spaces and then bring you into the 11 a.m. ritual in the sanctuary. You can find more information below.
Many of us have already returned to in-person school and work, to travel and in-person entertainment. Some of us are immunocompromised, at greater risk, or provide care at work or at home in a way that makes us want to avoid any expansion in the circles of potential exposure we already move in. Many of us have been comforted by the mitigation measures that some organizations have put in place to help reduce the spread of illness. Your church leaders have been grateful for the guidance of the CDC, MDH, the UUA, and the American Choral Directors Association, as well as the examples of local institutions. We want to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread as much as possible. And...we are a church, which means that we name out loud things that other institutions may not be quite so comfortable naming, and then we do our best to live with these truths in the most values-aligned way possible.
As we prepare to offer the opportunity to gather in person in our building in the weeks ahead, our faith will guide us. As Unitarian Universalists, and as Universalists in particular, our faith is grounded in a welcome so wide that no one is left outside the circle. This means that we have put guidelines in place to mitigate the spread of illness and help each other feel more at ease, including requiring masking 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.) Church staff and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but we will not be requiring vaccination for everyone who enters the building (though we strongly encourage vaccination for those who are able). Checkpoints at the door are antithetical to the wide welcome we strive to embody. Please see the COVID-19 policies and safety measures below for more details.
We know that these precautions may not be enough for everyone to feel comfortable attending church in person. We trust your judgment and hope that you will make the decisions that feel right for you and your family, knowing that your decisions may change from week to week. We will continue to offer worship online on Wednesdays and Sundays and we value the community that we have created in this new way. Please join us in the way that feels right for you. We’ve been waiting for you.
Love,
Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Sunday, Oct. 31:
Open House, Worship, and Soft Re-Opening
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Please join us for a spacious, open house-style Sunday morning to help us ease back into being at church as we reacquaint ourselves with our renovated building, remember how to be together in person, and mark this season of remembrance. The church building will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and you are welcome to arrive at any time in that window, and to be in any space for as long or as little as you would like. Most activities are ongoing, and start times of the mini-services/rituals and tours are noted below and included on this Open House Schedule. An online option will be offered via Zoom at 10:30 a.m. (see the Worship section below for details).
RITUALS
Instead of our usual hour-long worship service, we invite you to join us in the sanctuary for one of three 20-minute rituals—at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon—with a musical meditation by Franco Holder on piano as the centerpiece. Our hope is that this short meditative time will help you ease back into being in the sanctuary, allow you time to take in the changes (like new carpet and an accessible chancel!) that were made during renovations, and help us all navigate and adjust to what it means to be back in our sanctuary together while still navigating a global pandemic. Masks are required and we ask that you keep a distance of three feet from those not in your household (more on COVID policies below).
In the Cummins Room, Julica Hermann de la Fuente will share a sacred part of her heritage as we co-create an altar in the tradition of Dia de los Muertos. Together we will make a beautiful space that marks this season when the veil between the worlds is thin and many cultures honor their ancestors. You are invited to bring and leave on the altar a copy of a photo of a loved one you’re remembering. (If you do not have a copy you feel comfortable leaving, you can use the photocopier in the office.) The altar we create together during the Open House will be part of our Wednesday evening worship service on November 3. If you would like to participate but are not comfortable in a crowd, you can make a 15-minute private appointment between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. here.
MULTIGENERATIONAL ACTIVITIES
In the Education Wing, we’ll have crafts and activities for preschoolers through 6th graders and their families (bring some colorful Fall leaves to contribute to a shared project if you can!), a dedicated space and activities for 7th–12th graders (in our lovely new Senior High lounge!), and board games. Families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are invited to gather, play, and acquaint themselves with our bright new spaces for our littlest ones.
Rev. Karen Hutt will be leading active social games for all ages in the Social Hall.
FOR BIPOC FOLKS
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) folks of all ages are invited into the space that has been designated as “BIPOC priority space” (Room 201) to help articulate the vision for the space and to co-create what the space might look/feel/be like. We have a lovely blank canvas; how shall we honor our cultural heritages?
TOURS
You are welcome to explore the spaces on your own between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For those who would like a guided experience, tours will be offered at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. You’ll learn about the changes that were made during renovations to improve the accessibility, radical welcome, and sustainability of our building and have an opportunity to ask questions.
We are looking forward to welcoming many of you back into our newly renovated spaces beginning this Sunday!
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COVID-19 Safety Measures & Policies |
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Masks are required in the church building and on the playground 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
- Staff and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- If you are joining us in person, we strongly encourage but do not require vaccination for everyone who is able to be vaccinated
- We ask that you please stay home if you are sick or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19
- We will not be serving food or beverages on Sunday mornings
- For now, we will not be singing together in the sanctuary; masked choir members will sing at some services (on or after Nov. 7)
- Beginning Nov. 7, both services will be live-streamed to the social hall for those seeking more space, or in case the sanctuary fills
- We will not be offering childcare or classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers; they are welcome in the sanctuary, or families can watch the live-streamed service from the toddler-preschool rooms as little ones play (beginning Nov. 7)
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Worship
Sunday, Oct. 31 Livestream at 10:30am: "The Paper-Thin Veils"
Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 7pm
Oct. 24 Worship Recording
Cycle of Life
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News & Happenings
Sunday, Oct. 31 Open House
COVID-19 Safety Measures and Policies
Daytime Connections Resumes
Hearing Loop Installed in Sanctuary
Next Membership Class is Nov. 10
"Faith Like a River" Series Begins Oct. 31
New Caregivers Group Begins Nov. 14
Divorce Group begins Nov. 6
Plant-Based Potluck with the Environmental Justice Team
AUW Kickoff and Retreat is October 30
Ongoing Gatherings, Resources, and Information
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Oct. 31
Open House (in person) 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Live-streamed at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The Paper-Thin Veils
Worship leaders: Franco Holder, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, and Rev. Jen Crow
On this transitional "soft opening" Sunday, instead of our usual one hour worship service, we'll offer three identical 20-minute rituals (mini services)—at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon—as one of several ways to experience church in person. More detailed information about joining us in person is above, under "Sunday, Oct. 31 Open House, Worship & Soft Re-Opening," as well as on this Open House Schedule.
The online worship experience this Sunday will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a live welcome from the sanctuary by Rev. Jen Crow, followed by a narrated video tour of our newly renovated spaces. After that, we'll live stream the 11 a.m. ritual from the sanctuary. This ritual or "mini service" will include a welcome, chalice lighting, a 15 minute musical meditation by pianist Franco Holder, and a blessing.
Offering: the offering this Sunday will support the work of the church. We won't be making a verbal ask as part of the ritual this Sunday, but we invite your generosity by making a gift to the church using one of the giving methods here.
JOIN US ONLINE:
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP |
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Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. on Zoom
This week, Wednesday worship will center around the altar that we co-create in the Cummins Room on October 31. We hope you'll join us for this midweek worship experience geared toward adults and older youth. This brief service is a time of connection, centering, and reflection to help us find and keep our balance.
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, Nov. 3 between 6:55 and 7 p.m.: Enter the Wednesday Zoom webinar here. (webinar ID: 117-312-320). To join by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the webinar ID.
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Service Recording & Podcast |
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October 24: "Be Your Note: Journeys into Prayer"
Worship leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Franco Holder, and Rev. Arif Mamdani
Service summary written by First Universalist Membership Coordinator, Liz Farmer:
There are many ways that Unitarian Universalists interpret and enter into prayer. If you don’t use the word “prayer” for your practice, perhaps “unmixed attention,” or “finding a space of resonance” allows you to connect with the Divine. If this sounds completely preposterous in these hectic and uncertain days, you’re not alone. The soul reveals itself not because of discipline but in response to gentleness. You simply must let yourself experience prayer. Surrender to it; embody it; let your life become it.
The Order of Service each week serves as not just a guide to the service, but as a guide to the days between worship, as well. This week, in the "Reflection and Listening Guide," you will find materials referenced in the service that may help you remember yourself into prayer. Listen to the service on the podcast here or watch on our YouTube channel.
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Image description: a still image from the Oct. 24 worship recording with a play symbol superimposed. |
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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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Daytime Connections Resumes with November Program: "Meet Julica" |
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Third Thursday Daytime Connections programming for older adults is set to resume next month, after being on hiatus since March 2020!
On Thursday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m., you're invited to come and meet Julica Hermann de la Fuente, our Director of Liberation and Transformation Ministries. Our racial justice work at First Universalist has been both exciting and challenging. This will be a unique opportunity to understand this work of our church more deeply and to learn how Julica's presence will shape our ongoing journey.
Daytime Connections meets in the Social Hall at church. Sign in and coffee at 9:45 a.m.; program begins at 10 a.m. Following the program, a soup and salad lunch will be served ($5–15 sliding scale; more if you can, less if you can't. No one will be turned away for lack of funds).
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Hearing Loop Installed in Sanctuary |
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A hearing loop has been installed in our newly renovated sanctuary. Its addition is one of many improvements made during renovations, and funded by our capital campaign Not for Ourselves Alone: Building an Inclusive Future, to make our spaces more accessible.
What is a Hearing Loop & How Does It Work?
Hearing loops broadcast sound from the PA system wirelessly directly into hearing aids equipped with telecoil (T-coils).
With hearing loops, it's much easier to hear the speaker, without background noise.
The T-coil on a hearing aid is usually turned on by simply pushing a button on the aid. But, the T-coil must be activated by your provider to use.
Do you use hearing aids?
Ask your audiologist if your hearing aid has this wireless telecoil. Your audiologist can activate it. Ask for a demonstration on how to use it and written instructions.
No hearing aids? No problem.
Try our headset devices.
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Ready to Become a Member? |
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There’s still time to sign up for the Pathway to Membership class on Wednesday, Nov. 10 (6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom) before our next New Member ceremony in worship on Sunday, Nov. 14!
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, Pathway to Membership involves watching several short videos on different ministry areas in the church, and then attending a 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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"Faith Like a River" Begins This Sunday |
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This four-session workshop explores Unitarian Universalist history as one current in the stream of human history, with its own themes of thought and action that swirl, eddy, and bubble to prominence at different points in time. A selection of stories from our faith heritage offers not only a grounding of knowledge, but also insights into contemporary issues, practices, challenges, and trends in our faith movement. This time, we'll be covering the "Freedom of Belief" series which includes workshops on "Orthodoxy and Heresy," "Reform(ation)," and "Martyrs and Sacrifice."
Offered virtually (on Zoom) on Sundays, Oct. 31, Nov. 21, Dec. 19 & Jan. 23, 1:30–3 p.m. Led by Rev. Arif Mamdani and member Troy Behnke.
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New: Caregivers Small Group |
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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 on Sundays, Nov. 14, Dec. 5, and Jan. 9 from 1:30–3 p.m. Register here. Contact Rev. Arif Mamdani (arif@firstuniv.org) with questions and for more information.
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Divorce Small Group Begins Nov. 6 |
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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.
The newly formed Divorce Small Group will meet for an in-person kick off meeting Saturday, Nov. 6 from 1–4 p.m. We'll then meet virtually two to three Wednesday evenings per month through January.
If you are wondering if this is the group for you, it probably is. Sign up here.
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Poetry Lovers Group Meets Nov. 4 |
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Thursday, Nov. 4, 7–8:30 p.m. at church
Reacquaint yourself with poets you love and discover other poets who are new to you while connecting with fellow Poetry Lovers at church. Most of our time is devoted to reading aloud and discussing works by the featured poet. Discussions tend to focus on what resonates with us rather than on academic analysis. Poets from a variety of styles, eras, and origins. Poetry Lovers meets on the first Thursday of every month from 7–8:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 7 and ending on May 5. The Nov. 4 and May 5 gatherings will be in-person; all other months will meet on Zoom. Come for one, some, or all months.
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Plant-Based Potluck
with the Environmental Justice Team
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Tuesday, Nov. 9, 5:30–7 p.m.* in the Social Hall
The Environmental Justice Team at First Universalist invites you to join UU friends, old and new, at a fall potluck in the beautiful newly renovated Social Hall at church. Enjoy a variety of yummy plant-based dishes while catching up and making new connections. Includes a short, compelling educational interlude about the impact of food solutions on climate warming. Sponsored by First U’s Environmental Justice “Food Solutions” team, part of a fast-growing movement of Americans (now 30 percent) eating less meat and more plant foods to reduce climate warming and improve animal and human health.
RSVP here to help us create a comfortable space for our potluck group.
*Please note the time change: this event had been previously advertised as beginning at 6 p.m., but will now begin at 5:30 p.m.
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Association of Universalist Women
Kickoff & Fall Retreat
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Saturday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
The Association of Universalist Women (AUW) invites all women, gender-fluid, and non-binary people to join us for our combined Kick-Off event and Fall Retreat on October 30 from 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at First Universalist Church.
The day’s program includes:
- singer/songwriter Ellis Delaney
- panel of five gender expansive/fluid folks telling their stories
- reproductive rights talk led by Unrestrict Minnesota
- tours of the newly remodeled church
- short video premier
- lunch provided
Masks are required for everyone in the church building, at all times except when actively eating/drinking.
If you cannot attend in person, a Zoom connection to the panel discussion during this event will be available. Zoom information can be found here on the AUW website. |
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Oct. 31 & Nov. 14)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Oct. 26 & Nov. 9)
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
Sunday, Nov. 7, 12:15–1:30 p.m. at church
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence, we share experiences from our practices.
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.
Tangled Blessings Grief Group
Sunday, Nov. 21, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tangled Blessings is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. To receive the Zoom information, RSVP to Rev. Karen Hutt at revkarenhutt@gmail.com. Future dates are: Sundays, Dec. 19, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
First Universalist Accessibility and Inclusion Group
This 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 and schedule please contact BOTH Lauren Wyeth at lauren@firstuniv.org and Birch Cappetta at birch.cappetta@gmail.com.
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)
Every Thursday at 5 and 7 p.m. Come to one or both! Zoom information is the same every week. The two gatherings have different Zoom information. 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.
12 Step Spirituality
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
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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’re living with a chronic illness or 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 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!
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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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