All That's Missing Is U

Dear Ones,

We are closing in on the March 17th DUE DATE for getting your pledge cards and/or affirmation of your recurring gift to the church. You don't have to wait till the 17th! Send it in now or fill it out online.

Our goal is $1.6 million dollars and to date, we have commitments for $303,217 from 70 households. This means we have about 500 households who have not yet committed their support. In the words of our latest church sign:

[Image of church sign that reads: First _niversalist Ch_rch. All that’s missing is “u”]

We can do this, and, in order to do this, we need you to make your pledge, communicate your commitment (even if you give automatically!), and otherwise let the congregation know that it can count on your support. You can find all the forms here.

We hear from time to time that folks in the congregation have questions about our budget, our finances, our staffing, etc—if this describes you, please ask! And please be sure you check out our FAQ’s about giving here. Stewardship Team and staff are doing our best to get you the information you need, and we are not Minnesota Public Radio or the Guthrie with a fundraising department and a team of dedicated professionals whose only job is to help you support those worthy causes.

This is church. As we often say on Sunday, 

If you have come expecting perfection, we encourage you to change your mind. 

But if you have come to find a place with a people 

who want to build a church

where no one is too young, too old, 

to queer, too hetero, 

too black, too brown to matter, 

too white to get woke, 

too wealthy, too poor, 

too disabled to lead our common journey, 

too ineloquent to have a voice, 

too timid to make a difference that shakes the status quo, 

then you have found just the place. 

Financially supporting the church is a shared labor that only works if we EACH bring our full selves to make this “just the place” the world needs.

In Gratitude,

Rev. Arif & Rev. Ashley

From last Sunday: Watch Sarah Heuser and Jack Daniel's stewardship testimonial

Pledge cards due March 17!

Intro

All That's Missing Is U

Make Your Pledge

 Sarah Heuser and Jack Daniel's Testimonial

Sunday Worship

Embracing Humility:

Willing Love

This Sunday, March 17,

9 & 11 a.m.

Choir Returns

Worship Info

Service Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Winter / Spring Programs

Family Play Time

Summer Program Planning

#Joyspotting

Art Making

Quilting

Membership Class

Newcomers Circle

Young Adults

Centering Prayer

Daytime Connections

Meditation

Cultivating Joy

Sacred Choices

Neurodivergent Adults

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Caregivers Group

Estrangement from

Adult Children

Faithful Action

Habitat for Humanity

Immigrant Solidarity

First Fridays Film

Survivor Advocacy

News

Board Meeting

Survey

Foundation Board

General Assembly

Church Directory

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

Philip Vance, AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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Embracing Humility: Willing Love

The Christian Easter story, a vibrant pastiche woven from a tapestry of ancient traditions such as the Osiris myth, serves as a profound backdrop for this Sunday's series at First Universalist. We delve into the universal themes of birth, loss, and rebirth that have resonated through the ages, exploring how these narratives illuminate the shared human experiences that bind us together. This exploration is an invitation to celebrate life, navigate through loss, and find collective resurgence in the healing of broken hearts and the unity forged from shared meals. Drawing from bell hooks' wisdom that "Love is an act of will—namely, both an intention and an action," we engage with the transformative act of choosing love, a cornerstone in building the Beloved Community we envision. As we embrace this month's theme of humility, we are called to reflect on our individual needs within the vast expanse of community life. Join us at First Universalist this Sunday for a journey that promises to deepen our collective wisdom, cultivate understanding and love, and reinforce our community's bonds. This series is not just a retelling of age-old stories but a dynamic engagement with the themes that have shaped humanity's spiritual journey across millennia.

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

Join us this Sunday, March 17 at 9 & 11 a.m., as we explore our March theme, "Expressing Humility."

Choir Returns to First U!

We are thrilled to welcome Paolo Debuque as our choir conductor, and Paolo is eager to welcome you into the spiritual practice of community singing. All voices are welcome!

A kickoff event will take place on Thursday, March 21, 7-9 pm at church.

Please fill out the Choir Interest Form here.

Visit the Choir's web page to see the rehearsal and Sunday service schedule.

Worship Info

IN PERSON AND ONLINE

In person and livestreamed at 9 a.m

In person and livestreamed at 11 a.m. Watch the livestream here. 

Masks are welcome but not required in the sanctuary; please review our Covid-19 Gathering Guidelines. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH 

If you have not yet registered your family for this year of Religious Education, please register your family today. All families — new and returning, with babies through high schoolers — must register each church year.

LOW-SENSORY SPACE

This space is for children in K-5 who are overstimulated or overwhelmed by the sensory input of the sanctuary, including noise, light, and movement. All children who are in the low-sensory space must be accompanied by one of their grown-ups at all times. 

The entrance to this space is through Room 104 on the lower level of the education wing close to the parking lot. There is a small room inside of the 104 classroom where we are trying out the low-sensory space.

AFTER WORSHIP

Coffee Hour in the Social Hall

Visit with old friends and meet new ones over coffee and cookies in our social hall. 

A Place to Start

Immediately after each worship service

Are you new or new-ish to First Universalist and wondering where to begin? Here’s “A Place to Start!” Whether you're simply curious or are considering making this your spiritual home, in this casual, 45-minute class, you'll learn some of the basics of Unitarian Universalism, as well as how to get connected to what you’re seeking here at church. Meet at the front of the sanctuary immediately after the service on a first or third Sunday. No RSVP necessary. 

Please note the church does not provide childcare during A Place to Start due to full Sunday morning RE and volunteer schedules. Kids are welcome in A Place to Start after they’re picked up from RE. Options for kids during A Place to Start are the same as in worship: coloring sheets and pipecleaners, and moving to a more kid-friendly space within the sanctuary. You’re also welcome to ask another trusted adult to watch your child(ren) during this time if you prefer. Facilitated by First U members.

From Last Sunday's Service:

"Sex education is immediately lifesaving–calling trans students by their preferred name can drastically reduce the chances of suicide and self-harm.

Stepping into this space each week teaching OWL becomes far more than a mere extension of my professional life;

it transforms into a profound expression of my deepest values, a testament to our shared commitment to nurturing a compassionate, informed and just community."

Jill Farris, First U Member and OWL (Our Whole Lives) Instructor

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

We are holding Kim and Ben Lund in our hearts. Kim’s daughter and Ben’s sister, Ani Lund, passed away at the age of 29 last week after a long illness. May love surround them and all who knew and loved Ani in these early days of loss.

The Caring Corner in the library has cards for those who want to send well wishes to people suffering or celebrating. Stop by the library to share a message of love and care.

If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, celebrating a joy­ or marking a sorrow, please let us know. To be included in our Cycle of Life on Sunday in worship, or if you would like support, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.

First U Family Play Time

Sunday, March 17, following each service

You are invited to “First U Family Play Time,” a monthly gathering for all ages. Join us after service for fellowship, creativity and fun. Using music, story making and theatre games, we’ll build community, and have an embodied experience of the month’s worship theme. By playing together, we’ll create a safe space where we can practice being inclusive, being vulnerable, and living into our shared UU values, while laughing A LOT. No experience necessary; who you are and how you are is perfect for this experience. Come play!

Art Making

All Sundays in March, 1 p.m. Room 206 at church

Registration Required - attend one or more!

Facilitated by Kate Guin and Denise Konen

Creating art as a spiritual practice is similar to other meditative practices. The goal is not the output, but to bathe the mind and soul. We will support each other in using creativity on a regular basis to increase wellness and spiritual connection. 

Quilting

Sunday, April 7; 3-5 p.m. on zoom; Sundays, March 17, April 21; 3-5 p.m. In person

Registration Required - attend one or more!

Facilitated by Chris Chiros 

Chris writes: Quilting is a spiritual practice for me in multiple ways. The creativity fills my cup and thus is an act of self-care. And, it connects me to the greater community. Many of the quilts I make are donated either to the individuals I know (or know of) who are struggling and perhaps don't have a loved one who can make a quilt for them to cocoon into like a warm hug, or to organizations that are asking for quilts. I appreciate that my spiritual practice may bring comfort to another.

Membership at First Universalist

March Session Full

Wednesday, April 10, 6:30-9 p.m. on Zoom

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Joining First Universalist is a symbolic, spiritual act of saying “yes” to growing your soul in this place, with these people, within our free faith tradition. Our membership class offers a chance to inform yourself about the ministry areas of the church, be in community with other new members, and officially join the church. Learn about First Universalist at your own pace through online videos before meeting, then choose a class meeting experience that meets your needs. 

Facilitated by First U Board Members and Liz Farmer, Coordinator of Membership and Congregational Connections

Newcomers Circle

Spring Session Full



Summer Registration available now: May 29, June 5, 12, 19

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Offered each season, Newcomers Circle creates a rich, supportive environment in which to share and grapple with our emerging UU values, theology, identity, and sense of belonging. This 4-session gathering is a caring and structured group to dig deeper into Unitarian Universalism and further connection at church, sometimes before “taking the leap" to membership. Newcomers Circle is intended for those who are discerning if and/or how they will commit to and continue their spiritual journey at First Universalist. The first session is required to establish group trust and cohesion. Plan to attend at least three of the four sessions.

Young Adults

Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s in varying social/cultural life stages. We are in school, job-searching, and working, single, married, partnered and dating, with kids and without, newly moved to the area and longtime residents. We gather on the first Sundays of the month after the 11 a.m. service for lunch at Gigi’s Cafe, conversation on spiritual topics relevant to young adults, and fun activities. Email liz@firstuniv.org to be added to the Young Adults facebook group and email list. Gatherings are added throughout the spring; Check the Sign Up Genius for what’s coming up.

Young Adults Join a Habitat Build Day

Saturday, March 16; 8:30-3:30 p.m.

Registration through Habitat Required

Do you find it's easier to get to know someone while working together on a project? How cool would it be if that project also helped improve housing in our community? Let's do both as a Young Adult group by joining a Habitat Build Day one Saturday this Winter -- we can lend our hands to a good cause while getting to know each other (and other FirstU-ers!) outside of the Sunday morning context. All experience levels welcome and lunch is provided. Hosted by Cameron Smither.

Centering Prayer

Sundays, March 17, April 21; 1-2:30 p.m. in person at church

Registration Required - single-session attendees welcome!

facilitated by Dick Young

Centering Prayer is a meditation practice that opens you to your higher power. It has the power to heal you while also opening you to characteristics that separate you from your higher power.

Daytime Connections

Thursday, Mar 21st 10 a.m. 

9:45 a.m. coffee. 10 a.m. Presentation in the Social Hall and on Zoom.

12:00 lunch available or bring your own. 

Seniors Coming of Age



Each year, 9th graders in Religious Education can choose to participate in the "Coming of Age" program. This program leads them through a series of lessons, questions, and work with a sacred text, all designed to help them grapple with the "big questions" in life and religion: Why are we here? What happens when we die? What does it mean to be human? What is good? How does one make ethical decisions? and more. All of this culminates in our youth writing a statement of faith that captures, for that moment in time, what they believe. These statements are shared in front of the congregation and are a highlight for many because of the ways they inspire and provoke us to think about what we believe. Now it's your turn to grapple with the same large questions as the youth, but drawing on your more extensive experience of life and further on your journey. Rev. Arif will help us get into the frame of mind for this exercise, get us started reflecting on some questions, and give us a chance to write or draw and talk about them with table mates. No polished product or public speech expected.

Please register here by Monday Mar 18 to facilitate planning.

Meditation

Sundays, March 24, April 28; 1-2:30 p.m. in person at church, attend one or all sessions

Registration Required - single-session attendees welcome!

facilitated by Nancy Nyquist Potter

The meditation practices we will explore draw on a variety of resources including Sharon Salzberg, Tara Brach, insight meditation, Thich Nhat Hahn, Christina Feldman, and ourselves. Along the way, we will explore virtues such as lovingkindness, self-compassion, joy, generosity, forgiveness, and other ideas that will move us in our spiritual paths. All levels of experience welcome.

Cultivating Joy 

Mondays, March 25, April 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Room 209 at church

Registration Required - single-session attendees welcome!

facilitated by Bee Harrison

"May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses," writes John O'Donohue. Through a variety of heart-centered practices like storytelling, (gentle) movement, meditation, music, mindfulness, and more, we will explore how we might invite, reveal, and experience greater joy in our lives by connecting deeply to our inner worlds. In these monthly meetings, we'll share our own practices and support one another in cultivating joy.

Sacred Choices for All of Us –

We Still Need to Talk

Thursday, March 28; 6:30-8:15 p.m. Room 209 at church

Registration Required

We’ve talked a lot about abortion rights over the past year. We’ve grieved, screamed, marched, lobbied, voted, and written letters to the editor. Now that there is a breather in the immediate work to be done in Minnesota, let’s take this moment to talk about our individual relationships to abortion and reproductive justice. We invite people of all genders to a safe space to talk about the personal side of reproductive justice, to share and listen to one another in a guided conversation. 

People of all genders have “abortion stories,” whether or not we have personally experienced abortion. We will explore our abortion stories and how they have shaped us. What difference has the access or lack of access to abortion care made in your life or the life of those you love? How has your relationship to abortion rights changed/remained the same since Roe vs. Wade and the Dobbs decision? Are you weary of the fight in the face of Dobbs? How do we stay engaged when so many important issues ask for our attention?

People over 18 of all genders are welcome to join the conversation. We will begin as a larger group and break into smaller groups based on the needs of those attending. In this conversation, it will be particularly important that we pay attention to our 7 principles to create a foundation of safety and understanding. 

Facilitated by members Jane Jordan, Kit Ketchum, and Evelyn Browne. Jane, as a volunteer and previously professionally, travels/ed with people as they have navigated challenging choices. She has been a First U small group leader since 2018. Kit has been a feminist and reproductive justice activist since 1973, re-invigorated in retirement. Evelyn is a retired clinical psychologist and a longtime member of First U.

Adult Neurodivergent Peer Support

A first gathering took place at the March 6 Community Dinner Breakout. Register to be informed about upcoming gatherings of this currently-forming group.

Being a neurodivergent adult comes with its own unique challenges and experiences. We’re looking to create a support group to help one another navigate and spend time with other adults like us.

Hosted by Merinda Brayfield.

Tuesday Meditation Group

Weekly Practice: 8:45-10:15 a.m. online and in-person

You are invited to meditate with our lay-led practice group. None of us are experts. Our practices come out of our own experiences, and we share inspiration from many sources including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Pema Chodron, Thich Nhat Hanh, Tara Brach, Tai Chi, Loving Kindness, poetry and more. We don't follow one method or another, but we do share what we learn with each other. After meditation we practice deep listening to hear from each person, if they choose. No registration required. Email Sara McMullen for Zoom details.

Grief Group (online)

Sundays, March 17, April 7, 21, May 5, 19, 4-5:30 p.m. on Zoom

Registration Required

The Grief Group meets second and fourth Sundays on Zoom. It is a gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with loss. A group of souls who share, listen and care. A community interested in exploring new life invitations. Come as you are, when you feel moved to attend. We will be here for you.

Facilitated by Mark Caswell, church member and Ministerial Aspirant

Caregivers group (online)

Sundays, April 14, May and June TBD by group; 1-2:30 p.m. on Zoom

Registration Required

Caring for a family member who needs special care is a demanding and often 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. 

Facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister

Estrangement from Adult Children

Thursdays, March 21, April 4, April 18, May 2; 7-8:30 p.m. in person at church Registration Suggested - Come as you are able

Some adult children, for various reasons, view independence as distancing themselves or cutting themselves off from their parents. This estrangement from one's adult children can be very painful and often isolating. Join others with similar challenges and find support and ideas for resilience and spiritual healing.

Habitat for Humanity

March 16, 2024

We have a work day scheduled at

219 James Avenue N, Minneapolis

No building experience necessary! Spend the day doing meaningful work and making some new friends.

Sign up here

Solidarity with MN Immigrants

Register for the zoom link for small group meetings Sundays, March 24, April 28; 7-8 p.m. on zoom.

In 2024, some folks will use anti-immigrant rhetoric to divide the people and gain power, but we will build solidarity. The North Star Act will stop Minnesota police from detaining or reporting immigrants to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for minor infractions, such as traffic violations. Join members of First U’s Sanctuary & Resistance Team for small group Zoom meetings for First U (and area UUs), advocating to help inform policy-makers and public awareness. 

Small group facilitated by First U member Karen Wills and Heidi Romanish.

First Fridays: Democracy on Film

Fridays, April 5, May 3; 6:30-9 p.m. Online only. Register for the zoom link to join the watch party from home.

Every organizer needs relaxation, and some may enjoy some (virtual) company, community, and inspiration from classic pro-democracy films to help us get through 2024. At First Friday Films, we will light a chalice and check in using Zoom at 6:30, then watch a movie together from our own devices, starting at 7:00pm. As participants watch together online, we build a sense of shared community. We’ll start with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington on Friday, Feb. 2, then choose other films by group vote. Register on the zoom link to be in the loop about the group’s future film showings! Other films could include A Face in the Crowd, Strong Female Lead, All the President's Men, Malcolm X, The Candidate, Election, Lincoln, Primary, Shouting Down Midnight, and Milk. Online gathering hosted by First U member Karen Wills. 

Save the Date

Tuesday, April 30 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Online via Zoom

Register HERE: 

Supporting Abuse Survivors in Congregational Communities

Facilitated by Rebecca Donley

Intimate partner violence and sexual abuse are issues that impact us all. We all have family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and congregation members who are survivors of abuse, and we may be survivors ourselves. But how many of us know someone who is a trauma-informed advocate for survivors? This 90-minute skill share is to help us all build up our toolbox for supporting survivors of abuse, so we can create a larger pool of skilled advocates ready to hold space for survivors and their families.

Rebecca Donley (she/her) began work in the field of domestic violence support over twenty years ago. She has provided trainings on intimate partner violence on the local, state, and national levels. She has spent thousands of hours holding space for survivors as a crisis line advocate for various hotlines. Rebecca has also trained and supported survivor advocates and other service providers. She currently organizes the project Community Advocates Creating Healing Everywhere (CACHE), to support community members in building trauma-informed advocacy skills to support survivors and their families.

Board Meeting

The Church Board will have their regular monthly meeting on March 21. You can view Board materials here.

Survey: Tell Us Where You Connect

Church wants to know about the social messaging apps you use! 

The breadth of ways that folks communicate with church is pretty amazing. There are congregants at First Universalist who only want paper, and there are folks who won't pay attention to things if it isn't via text on their phone. And if those two demarcate ends of a spectrum, there's everything in between too.

Realizing this, we are learning that we'd like to know more about the messaging apps folks at First U use, to help inform how we think about the different forms of engagement we're supporting, and how we're helping folks to be connected.

We'd welcome your participation in a short survey about what apps you use. Thanks!

Apply for the Foundation Board

The Nominating Committee is very pleased to announce that all current members of the

Board of Trustees and the Nominating Committee are returning to serve our church for the 2024-2025 church year. If you know any of these members, please thank them for their dedication!

As a consequence, we are now recruiting candidates only for positions on the

Foundation Board. We invite and encourage members to nominate themselves to serve in this fulfilling work. Participating on the Foundation Board enables you to collaborate with other lay leaders to advance the church’s mission. Positions are for a three-year term. Below is a brief description of the opportunity:

Member of First Universalist Foundation Board: Board members serve as stewards of the

very substantial Foundation endowment. They solicit grant applications, review applications, and select grantees to be awarded the funding that can make such a difference in the real world. A fuller description of the position can be found here.

Requirements: You must be a member in good standing of the church. Please consider

either nominating yourself or encouraging a fellow church member to apply for this important role.

Applications are due by Friday, March 15, and the application form can be filled out here. All applications will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee and followed up by interviews. Elections will occur at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 9.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Ray Dillon, the

Nominating Committee chair, at dillonrueter@usinternet.com 612-759-5295, or contact any of the members of the Nominating Committee: Evelyn Browne, Chad Johnson, Katie Fox, David Bach, and Sandy Culpepper.

All Virtual General Assembly

First U folks who are planning to attend this year's *VIRTUAL* General Assembly: Please let us know here.

Register now for General Assembly--rates go up on March 15.

General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. Please join us online Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, 2024 for this 4-day immersive experience where we participate in inspirational worship services and informative workshops, reconvene with friends and colleagues, and explore our virtual exhibit hall. GA is an unforgettable experience for the thousands of UUs who participate. You’ll leave with renewed energy and innovative ideas to share with your congregation and community-at-large!

From the GA Planning Committee: Reserve your space by registering now. Knowing our audience size and demographics helps us more effectively navigate logistics and curate content. Also, when registration numbers are high, sponsors and exhibitors are encouraged to invest more time and money into the event. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, this is your opportunity to be a part of an extraordinary gathering. Register now through March 15th for the lowest rates and to take advantage of the payment plan.

Church Directory Update

Our church member directory will be temporarily unavailable due to our database vendor’s decision to end support for our database product. This has required a change in our database platform and we are moving through the transition, prioritizing the core aspects of church - tracking pastoral contacts, internal communications, and giving. As we move through this transition, we expect to have our new member directory available for members to access sometime in February. If you need contact info for a member or members in the interim, please contact Liz Farmer. We would greatly appreciate help in the transition and onboarding our congregation to the new directory. If you’re technically skilled and available to help, please contact Liz Farmer.

Support Augsburg Fairview Academy

Our longstanding community partner Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) is holding a fundraiser to help with their moving expenses to a new site. AFA was housed in the Ebenezer Church Education Building for over 10 years but the building was recently sold.

Visit their website to learn more!



AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.

AUW Spring Retreat

April 26-28, 2024

Camp Courage, Annandale, MN

Igniting Change

The Light we Carry in a Barbie World

Are you wondering what types of things you might learn at this retreat? Well, here’s a peak into two of the sessions.

Building your Toolbox 

Come build a toolbox to keep your light shiny, bright, sparkly, and full of color. This will be a time to gather tools you already have and yet may have forgotten--and gain new ones. You can never have too many tools. You never know which one is needed until the time arrives. 

Greta Gerwig

With Barbie, Greta Gerwig becomes the first woman to direct a b-b-billion dollar movie. Did you know - Greta Gerwig is a UU! Let's get to know her better. The workshop will delve into the director and writer's art. And how (and whether) Gerwig's UU and Catholic school upbringing also star in her films.

Register HERE!

Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trail head. Hikes begin at 2 p.m. For questions or to get on the hiking group mailing list, contact: Marie Sorensen, phone / email, or Lynn Richardson phone / email. Kalelynn19@gmail.com   Note: Hikes begin at 2 pm.

March 16 - 2pm Westwood Nature Center, 8300 West Franklin, St Louis Park, MN. Marie will lead.

March 23 - 2pm Lakewood Cemetery. 3600 Hennepin Avenue So, Mpls, MN. Meet by Chapel. Park side of road. Marie will lead.

March 30 - 2pm. Cedar Lake, Mpls MN. More details to follow. Lynn will lead.

OWL Dinner Volunteer Opportunity: AUW will cater a dinner for OWL (Our Whole Lives) program students on Saturday evening, March 23 as they settle in for their overnight. We are being asked to provide and prepare food for 36 students plus our volunteers. The AUW board has already agreed that we will prepare the meal, now we are seeking eager volunteers to sign up to be part of the team that plans and prepares the meal. Sign up online here.

Game Group: Meets at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. You are welcome to bring snacks to share and a game you would enjoy teaching others. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. The next game night is March 14. If no one responds to Anne that they are coming, the Game Night will be canceled early that day. Please let Anne know if you plan to attend.

Women Who Read: We read books written by women. We host an in-person and a virtual meeting on the fourth Monday of each month. Request an email invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your name and email address to Abbie Finger. The next meeting will be Monday, March 25. We will be discussing Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Location of the in-person meeting is available to those on the mailing list. The Zoom version of the meeting convenes online at 7:00 pm.

Give or Take a Book!

To share books we love and build more literary connections, we are going to start a new project. If interested please bring 1-2 books (no more!) to share with someone at the monthly book club. Pick a book to take home. To help make connections pls put a post-it note on the book with your name and the reason you liked the book. (Post-it notes will be available). If a book you brought is left over please take it home or it will be donated to a Free Little Library. Any questions or ideas contact Nora Whiteman.

These meetings are intended for people who are actively working any 12-step program. The program is focused on the 11th step and the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. 

Weekly on Zoom

and

First Saturdays of each month, 9:30 a.m. to noon, in person at First Universalist

In-person 12-step spirituality meetings gather in the church on the 1st Saturday of each month, ending on May 4, 2024.

In-person and Zoom meeting details are available here.



Church Office & Building Access

The church office is open on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The door bells are not monitored outside of this time. Access to the building at times on other days can be arranged by contacting Jim Poulter, Building & Office Manager, at jim@firstuniv.org.

Based on ongoing monitoring of COVID levels in Hennepin County, masking is welcome, but not required, inside the building—including the sanctuary. Learn more about our Covid and Community safety policies on our website.