Spiritual Growth for All Ages |
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Dear ones,
Every year on her birthday, when someone asks my wife how she feels about getting older, she says: “It’s better than the alternative!” Getting older isn’t easy. Living in a constantly aging body requires constant adjustment and adaptation. But it’s better than the alternative.
It’s like that with spiritual growth, too. Spiritual growth can be joyful, painful, transcendent, terrifying. But it’s better than the alternative.
Spiritual deadening is what we experience when we refuse growth – when we resort to going through the motions without wonder and gratitude, when we close our hearts to the possibility of loving and knowing ourselves beloved.
But with awareness, persistence and practice, our spirit grows. We are able to meet what each day brings, make choices about how we will live, nurture loving relationships, participate in community, and build and rebuild our sense of meaning and purpose.
Our Third Principle has been on my mind lately, because it reminds us of the role of our religious community in this process, calling us to focus on “acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.”
In ten years working with kids and families, I’ve written hundreds of religious education lessons and scores of small group session plans. I’ve become familiar with most of the popular current UU religious education curricula. And I’ve field tested a lot of different approaches to engaging and supporting folks of all ages in the work of faith development and spiritual growth.
The best approaches have one thing in common: the content, the questions, and the conversations they inspire encourage us to stretch and grow individually—and invite us to be shaped by interactions we have with others. This is a critical element. Side by side, we read the book or attend the event, listen to the sermon or show up to be of service — and then, together, we reflect on how it calls us to expand our minds, open our hearts, grow our spirits. We attend to one another through the discomfort of growth, encouraging one another that we’re on the right path, because where we’re going is better than the alternative.
For a decade now, this congregation has been showing me what can happen when we accept and encourage one another in this way. I’ve watched people of all ages — hundreds of you — be transformed through your engagement in this community. Just off the top of my head, I remember…
- a 2nd grader initiating a vulnerable conversation about race with her parents, inspired by that Sunday’s lesson
- A 9th grader finding the courage to claim their truth in their Coming of Age statement, though their theology differed significantly from their parent’s
- Someone struggling with addiction coming to church for the first time and serendipitously finding a sponsor at coffee hour
- Too many people to count dedicating themselves to the work of abolition
- And over the course of the years, I’ve witnessed couples with different ideas about religion finding a shared spiritual home, new UUs who answered the call to ministry, middle-aged adults transformed into wise elders, and so much more.
This week, I mark ten years of service to First Universalist Church, and I also embrace a larger portfolio and a new title: Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it looks like to be a church that actively and intentionally supports spiritual growth. I hope to have some conversations with you about how First Universalist does this for you, or how it could. I’m especially interested — in our large congregation that can sometimes feel hard to navigate — in how we might set up avenues to help those who are seeking a smaller circle of folks find their way into deeper, sustained relationships with fellow travelers—"their people."
If you’d like to talk about how you might find “acceptance and encouragement to spiritual growth” from others here at church, please reach out. Spiritual growth is not an individual project. We need each other. I’d love the opportunity to connect by phone, on zoom or in person to hear your story and help you find your people. It’s better than the alternative!
Warmly,
Lauren
Lauren Wyeth
Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, March 13, 9 & 11am
Wednesday, March 16 Meditation, 7pm
Sunday Podcasts & Recordings
March 6 Cycle of Life
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News & Features
Celebrating Rev. Jen's book
Leadership Candidates
March Faithful Action News
Chancel Refresh
"Visual Prayer" Art Exhibit
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Happenings
Divorce Small Group
Pathway to Membership
Daytime Connections
Grief Group
Humanism Class
Newcomers Circle
AUW Spring Retreat
In the Community
Ongoing Gatherings
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Don't forget: Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday!
Set your clocks an hour ahead before bed this Saturday so you're not late to church.
See you bright and early on Sunday!
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Sunday, March 13 — 9 & 11 a.m. CDT
"Living in Full Progress"
ORDER OF SERVICE will be available here on Sunday
Sometimes the swirl of the world, our communities, our lives, is just too much. Rest and stillness are part of the story—and so is change. This week we’ll explore what it means to let go of perfection and live together in full progress—risky, messy, beautiful becoming.
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Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Lauren Wyeth, Franco Holder, Claire Tralle, Liv Dalby, and Todd Pierson.
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, 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.
ONLINE AT 11 A.M.:
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
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Wednesday, March 16, 7 p.m.
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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March 6: "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? Listen to the podcast or watch the recording.
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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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Sunday, March 6 Cycle of Life |
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We hold in our hearts those in Ukraine in their continued resistance to Russian invasion. We hold all those who find themselves under occupation by imperialism.
Our hearts this morning are with the teachers and students in Minneapolis and St. Paul as time for striking draws near. We pray that solutions be found, and that agreements be reached.
We hold friends and family of Herb Jaehne in our hearts. Herb Jaehne passed away on January 10, 2022, of a heart attack in Hawaii, while paddling a canoe with six others in the Pacific Ocean. A service was held locally, then his ashes were put to sea, where he always liked to be surfing or paddling. A local Minneapolis memorial will be held this April, at a time and place to be determined. Herb was among the founders of the men's group meeting at First U.
We hold Richard Kain in our hearts this morning as he and his family grieve the sudden loss of daughter Karen Kain who was killed in a hit and run accident in Portland, OR, on Friday evening. May our love and care surround them in this sad and difficult time.
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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Church Leadership Applications Due March 18 |
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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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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, which has been incorporated into the spring decor, offers an opportunity for us to explore our spiritual journeys as we travel through life. The banner was a gift to the congregation from the Association of Universalist Women (AUW) in 2002.
Photo: Janet Mills
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Art Exhibit in the Social Hall: 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: Artwork title "She Poured the Elixir of Mercy into the Watershed that Reaches the World Ocean," Acrylic, 15" x 30" by Susan Peploe
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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.
Sign in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. Program starts at 10 a.m. Soup & salad lunch follows: $5 – $15 sliding scale (more if you can; less if you can’t. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.)
Registration is requested a minimum of four days in advance 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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Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt |
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Sunday, March 27, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
In a season where we have experienced so much and such complicated grief and loss, gathering with a group for support and companionship is so important. Rev. Karen Hutt facilitates this monthly grief group where participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. Through sharing, silence, ritual, and reflection, we will offer each other support and companionship.
Please note: this group will not meet on Sunday, March 13 as previously announced. The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 27. Join via Zoom on March 27 here.
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Humanism Through Multiple Lenses Class |
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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. Register once and come when you’re able.
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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. Registration closes March 28.
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Association of Universalist Women Spring Retreat |
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THEME: Resilience, Community and Creativity
WHEN: April 22–25, 2022
WHERE: Camp Courage near Annandale
WHAT: Keynote and ceremonies by Rev. Kelli Clement, and a variety of breakout sessions and activities
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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 27, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
(please note: this group will not meet March 13 as originally scheduled)
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. 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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