Welcoming Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout |
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Greetings!
It is with great joy that we announce that Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout will be joining First Universalist’s Leadership Team on August 1, 2021, as our new Director of Worship Arts. Glen Thomas comes to us from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he has served in a variety of leadership roles since 2007, including most recently as Director of Worship and Music. Known for his deeply collaborative creation of worship services for congregations and national gatherings, Glen Thomas teaches worship design at Meadville Lombard Theological School and is the author of the curriculum, De-Centering Whiteness in Worship, with Julica Hermann de la Fuente and Rev. Erika Hewitt. A denominational leader, you may remember Glen Thomas from his appearances in our worship services during the pandemic, when he created and shared stunning works of musical beauty to sustain us during our times of all online worship. You can read more about him in his Artist Bio, and you can find an example of his work here: River - McDaniels/Flack, arr. Glen Thomas Rideout (arranger, video and sound capture, singer)
Glen Thomas holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of Michigan, and prior to the pandemic, traveled internationally to support the choir of his youth in its ensemble tours. Glen Thomas will serve on our Leadership Team with Rev. Jen, Rev. Arif, Lauren Wyeth, Rev. Karen, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, and Jenn Stromberg; and will lead our Worship Team, which includes: Dr. Randy Buikema (Choir Director), Franco Holder (pianist), Aimee K. Bryant (Artist-in-Residence), Rev. Jen, Rev. Arif, Lauren, Julica, Rev. Karen, and Jenn Stromberg. We look forward to welcoming him to Minneapolis and to our community at First Universalist. Glen Thomas’ first time in worship with us in his new role will be at the Lake Harriet Bandshell Service on August 15 at 10 a.m. Together, we are taking the turn into greater embodiment and even more musical and creative expression in worship.
In gratitude,
Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worshipping Together In Person Again! |
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First Universalist Church! It is hard to imagine that it has been 459 days since we last gathered together for in-person worship.
As we prepare for this Sunday’s service at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, we thought it’d be helpful to share some information about what to expect. Some things will be familiar, and others will be a little different as we conduct ourselves in ways that are more COVID-friendly and we apply our online gathering learnings to in-person worship.
Also - since it’s been a while since we’ve done this, let’s all extend each other a lot of grace and patience. Even if the tech doesn’t work, even if we don’t quite remember how to sing together, even if everything that could go wrong does, it will still be wonderful to share in each other’s presence and create the sacred space that we make when we gather for worship.
Here’s what to know about this Sunday, June 13:
- We’re gathering online AND at the Lake Harriet Bandshell! The service will be streamed over Zoom like usual, but we’ll be broadcasting from the park and our video and audio may not be top quality. The service will be recorded at a higher quality and made available on YouTube after the service, so if the stream fails, please know there’s a backup.
- This is not our traditional “Service and a Picnic” so don’t plan on bringing all your picnic equipment and food, though you’re welcome to hang out post-service and visit with folks.
- It is going to be HOT - dress accordingly and please bring a filled water bottle, hat, sunscreen, etc
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Our Order of Service will be digital only. There is no wifi at the Bandshell so you will either need to bring a smartphone or device with a cellular internet connection OR download the Order of Service before you leave on Sunday morning. Our ushers will have a special graphic (QR code) that will take you to the digital Order of Service when scanned with your phone’s camera. If you’ve never done this before don’t worry - folks will be there to help!
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Our offering will be almost entirely digital. We’re continuing with our digital offering options as we’ve done since March of 2020. Our ushers will have a special graphic that will take you to the digital offering plate when scanned with your phone’s camera. There will be a basket at the back of the seating area where you can leave a check or cash.
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Our prayer will work a little differently on Sunday. Since we’ll have folks joining us online and in-person, we won’t be able to use the chat as we’ve done when we’ve been online-only. For Sunday’s service, you’ll be able to offer your prayers to the community in the following ways:
- You can fill out this form online by 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 12 and we’ll share it during the prayer in the service.
- At the bandshell, there will be a station at the back of the seating area where prior to the offering collection you can write what you’d like shared.* Those papers will be brought to the worship leader and shared in the service
- If you’re joining online, you can share in the chat as usual but depending on technology capacity on Sunday, this may not be shared with the congregation that gathers in-person.
- *Please note that the worship leader on Sunday may not read what you share exactly as written.
- We won’t be inviting you to join hands when we sing Go Now in Peace. We know this is a beloved tradition for many but for now, as we’re still making our way out of the pandemic, we won’t be joining hands.
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Post-worship gatherings: Please help us anticipate staffing needs for virtual post-worship gathering spaces by letting us know if you plan on joining All Identities or BIPOC coffee hour on Zoom this Sunday. Please email Liz Farmer (liz@firstuniv.org) or call her at 612-825-1701 by Friday, June 11. We’ll announce on Sunday if we will or will not be offering this online space.
459 days ago we had no idea that it would be the last time we’d gather for worship together in person for such a long time. We cannot wait to be together in person again and are even more excited to be merging our online and in-person worship experiences. However you plan to join us this Sunday, it will be good to be with you!
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Worship
Sunday, June 13 "Making Room" with Rev. Jen Crow
Wednesday, June 16 Worship with Rev. Karen
Cycle of Life
Sunday, June 6 Recording
Summer Theme: What Now? What Next?
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News & Features
Summer 2021 Programming
Annual Meeting Recording
George Floyd Square Support & Solidarity
Good Goodbye Photos
UUA General Assembly
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Happenings
Tangled Blessings Grief Group
Senior Hikes Resume
Plant-Rich Potluck
In-Person Worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell
Board of Trustees Meeting
Faithful Action Newsletter
Ongoing Gatherings
In the Community
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP |
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Sunday, June 13, 10 a.m.
at the Lake Harriet Bandshell & Streaming Online
"Making Room"
Rev. Jen Crow
After over a year of being physically apart, this Sunday marks our first time together in person and online as a church community. How will it feel to be together in person? How will it feel to be online when others can gather face-to-face? What will it be like? As people of faith, we promise to pay attention, to be curious with ourselves and each other, and to make room for all of who we are and all of the feelings and experiences that arise. We've got this, together.
HOW TO JOIN:
Join us in person if you are able!
The Lake Harriet Bandshell is located at 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway in Minneapolis. There is limited parking on the street and in the adjacent pay lot. Plan extra time to find parking. If you can, biking, transit, and walking are encouraged.
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
Watch the recording of the service at a later time.
Post-Worship Gatherings (find details in the Order of Service above)
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Care Companions Space. This Sunday, our Care Companion will be in-person at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, not on Zoom.
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BIPOC/Multiracial or All Identities Fellowship Hour. Please help us anticipate staffing needs by letting us know if you plan on joining All Identities or BIPOC Fellowship Hour on zoom this Sunday. Email Liz Farmer (liz@firstuniv.org) or call her at 612-825-1701 by Friday, June 11. We’ll announce on Sunday if we will or will not be offering this online space.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, June 16, 7 p.m.
Rev. Karen Hutt
Join Rev. Karen for a midweek worship experience for adults and older youth. This 30-minute service is a brief time of connection, centering, and reflection to help us find and keep our balance.
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, June 16 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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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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Sunday Service Recordings |
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June 6 Worship: "The Stories We Tell"
with Rev. Jen Crow
Sermon summary & reflections by Liz Farmer:
Flower Communion is an annual ritual in which UUs celebrate diversity and belonging in community. Like flowers, as we grow, the stories people tell about us and that we tell about ourselves shape the way we root, grow, and bloom. Right now, we are part of a grand story about a new kind of system that meets — and even exceeds! — individual and community needs. We are part of the story of a congregation that said “yes” to Rev. Justin’s ministry twelve years ago, and that is saying a Good Goodbye to him now. How we tell these stories, and the stories that our lives tell because of our actions, matters.
In the midst of First Universalist's current thresholds, we practice Flower Communion a little differently this Sunday. Having been in the same bunch, held together by a thread of spiritual practice, integrity, and joy, we say “goodbye” to Rev. Justin as we honor that our diversity, beauty, and our very lives have changed one another.
Watch/Listen
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Image description: a still image of Rev. Jen Crow from the YouTube recording of Sunday, June 6 worship. Jen is a white woman with brown hair, and has her hands raised and is in mid-sentence. |
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Summer Worship Theme: What Now? What Next? |
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For nearly a year and a half now, we’ve been in pandemic reality. As we move into the summer, many of us are asking, “When will we be able to hug friends and family again? Sing together again? Return to church? How will we ensure a more fair and just post-pandemic world? What Now? What Next?”
We are living in the tension of these questions. As people of faith, perhaps we can reshape these questions and ask, “What is the spiritual work right now? What spiritual work comes next? How do we hold grief and gratitude, fear and excitement, uncertainty and new found clarity, all at the same time? How can we go slow, and thoughtfully, trusting that the answers will emerge?”
This summer, in worship, we’ll create space to honor and live with these questions, not rushing toward answers, but engaging in spiritual practices and timeless wisdom, as we prepare our hearts for flesh and blood community, for re-engaging with the world, for doing justice work, hand in hand and side by side, with our neighbors and friends. Read more about our Summer worship theme, "What Now? What Next?" on our website.
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Summer 2021 Programs at First U |
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Summer is for fun and building community! There are many groups meeting and programs happening at First U this summer, including gatherings for children, youth, and families, a Newcomers Circle, small groups, racial justice programming, a senior hiking group, and meditation and grief groups. As we navigate a summer of thresholds together, our commitment is to be as widely inclusive as possible! Learn more about our Summer 2021 groups and programs in our Summer 2021 Programs Flyer.
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Annual Meeting Recording Available |
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At the Annual Meeting this past Sunday, members of First Universalist Church approved our 2021–22 Annual Budget, elected members of the congregation to the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, and Nominating Committee, approved delegates to General Assembly, approved a change to our bylaws to encourage youth participation in leadership, and voted to approve the proposed Racial Justice Resolution (with some amended language, which will be shared later this month). We also honored Rev. Justin Schroeder on his last day with the church and presented him with gifts from the congregation. A recording of the Annual Meeting is available here.
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A Note from Member Denise Konen
About George Floyd Square
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George Floyd Square community activists are asking for our solidarity and support. There’s a dance going on at George Floyd Square right now: the barriers are being taken down, then put back up, then taken down. It’s complicated. It’s messy. Here’s how we can help:
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Become familiar with the 24 demands put forth by the community members caring for George Floyd Square here: Justice Resolution
- Make a personal appeal to Minneapolis city council members and ask them to work towards accomplishing the 24 demands. Ask them to work with city council member Andrew Johnson who is bringing people together around the demands.
In solidarity,
Denise Konen
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This past Sunday, we said goodbye to Rev. Justin Schroeder and his family with, among other things, a beautiful in-person reception outside at church.
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UUA General Assembly:
Deadline for Delegates is June 16
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General Assembly 2021 is fast approaching and you’re encouraged to attend! General Assembly - held this year June 23-27 - is the largest gathering of Unitarian Universalists from around the country and the world. Often referred to as “GA,” it is an opportunity to connect with and learn from UUs, experience some of the best of UU worship, and for registered delegates (more on that in a moment), an opportunity to play a role and have a voice in the governance of our association of congregations. In other words, in the world of UU denominational life, it’s a pretty big deal, and it’s an even bigger deal this year for us at First Universalist because our worship team has been asked to lead Sunday worship at this year’s GA!
GA will be entirely online again this year, which means that participation has never been easier - no need to travel, no need to find a place to stay... heck, it’s online - you don’t even need to change out of your pajamas (but that might not be a bad idea…..).
There are a couple ways to participate:
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Attend! To attend GA, register here. Financial assistance is available; if you’re unable to access financial assistance through the UUA, please let us know and we’ll help make sure you can attend.
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Be a delegate! In addition to attending, you can be a delegate. Delegates are eligible to vote on the business of the association which includes things like taking positions on justice related issues and other denominational matters. The agenda for the business portion of the meeting will be posted so you can see what you’ll be able to weigh in on. To be a delegate, here’s what you need to do: 1) be a member of the church! 2) register for GA, 3) send an email to Board representative Daryn Woodson at daryn.woodson@gmail.com so that we can get you set up with delegate credentials. Please note that this is a multi-step process and assigning your delegate credentials relies on your registration being in the GA system. If you’d like to be a delegate, please register and be in touch with Daryn by June 16.
General Assembly is a wonderful way to connect to the wider community of UUs and to represent our church. If you’re interested in participating, please register, sign up to be a delegate if that’s calling to you, and as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to be in touch! Questions can be directed to Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org.
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Tangled Blessings Grief Group |
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Sundays, June 13, July 11 and Aug. 15, 4 – 5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Led by Rev. Karen Hutt, Tangled Blessings is a 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. You are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions. Registration is requested. |
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Thursday, June 24, 10 a.m.
On Thursday, June 24, First Universalist Senior Hikes will resume after a one year delay due to the COVID pandemic. We know that many of our Seniors are now fully vaccinated and outdoor activities may be safely resumed. So, with no further ado, WELCOME BACK, HIKERS!!
Our site for kicking off the new hiking season will be the delightful Silverwood Park, located just north of Minneapolis at the intersection of Silver Lake Rd. and County Road E in St. Anthony Village. Directions to the park can be found on the Silverwood Park website.
Our trail is mostly paved and winds around a small lake with numerous interesting features. Enter the park from County Road E and drive to the large central parking area. We will meet on the front porch of the Visitor Center at 10 a.m.. We'll walk the trail at a leisurely pace, keeping an eye out for many trailside features such as gardens, a fishing pier and outdoor sculpture. Bring your own water.
The trail is less than two miles in length and the terrain is gentle. There are several alternate routes which can shorten the walk. There is a small cafe in the visitor center where those who wish to purchase lunch will find very pleasant outdoor eating areas. Or bring your own lunch. With expected beautiful weather we're looking forward to seeing our great fellow hikers again. For additional information please call Ward at (612) 823-2385. We'll see you on the trail!
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Mark Your Calendar for a Plant-Rich Potluck, Tuesday, June 29 |
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Submitted by Betsy Allis with the EJ Committee Food Solutions Team:
UU families and friends, we invite you to bring a plant-rich dish to an outdoor potluck on June 29 at 5:30 p.m. Connect with others over a tasty meal and hear from First U food justice advocate, John Stockman, owner of a mobile food company with a progressive vision. Bring the kids! More details to come. Sponsored by First U Environmental Justice Committee’s Food Solutions team, part of a fast growing movement of Americans (now 30 percent) eating less meat and more plant foods.
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In-Person Worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell |
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With our building under construction, we will continue to worship online on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the summer, just like we have since March 2020.
We also look forward to worshipping with many of you in person, outside at the Lake Harriet Bandshell (4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409) on three dates this summer:
Sunday, June 13 at 10 a.m.
Sunday, July 4 at 10 a.m.
Sunday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m.
We’ll use these Sundays to learn and practice live-streaming in-person services, and we’ll share details with you as the dates approach about how to access these Sunday services online, as well as in person.
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June Board of Trustees Meeting |
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The First Universalist Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, June 17, at 6:30 p.m. The Board is currently meeting on Zoom. Information about the June Board meeting, including the agenda and Zoom information, will be available here on our website next week. |
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June Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Partners in our June Faithful Action Newsletter. The newsletter contains opportunities to connect through volunteering, donating, advocating, and learning. Our Faithful Action Partners are community organizations that share our vision of love and justice. We work through Faithful Action Partnerships in order to leverage our energy, commitment and expertise. You can find more information about our Faithful Action Partnerships on our website.
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (June 13 & 27)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (June 22 & July 6)
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.
Sunday Meditation Group
Sundays, July 11 and Aug. 1, at 11:15 a.m.
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. The Zoom space opens at 11:15 a.m.; meditation starts at 11:30 a.m.
Weekly Meditation Group
The Weekly Meditation Group is meeting by Zoom. Contact Martha Easter-Wells at mm3second@aol.com for Zoom information.
Single Parents Gathering
Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email church member Rev. Sara Smalley (smalley.sara@gmail.com) to be connected to the group.
First Universalist Accessibility and Inclusion Group
(note: this group is on break for the Summer and will resume in the Fall)
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 please contact BOTH Lauren Wyeth at lauren@firstuniv.org and Birch Cappetta at birch.cappetta@gmail.com.
Young Adults Group
(note: this group is on break for the Summer and will resume in the Fall)
Connect with fellow First U young adults (20s & 30s).
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour(s)
Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m. OR 7–8:30 p.m. (weekly)
Parents of Babies and Preschoolers (ages 0-4 years)
(Note: this group is on break for the Summer and will resume in the Fall)
Parents/guardians of little ones gather with Lauren 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.
All people in or interested in 12 steps are welcome - Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, CODA, etc. The workshop includes meditation, Centering Prayer meditation instructions, a short talk and small groups. Meeting details available at 12stepspirituality.org
Religious Education for Children and Youth
Religious Education classes for children & youth are now on summer break. Registration for fall classes is now open. Details available on our Religious Education website.
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Upcoming Events to Promote Mental Wellness |
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From Janet Houck, MHC Ambassador:
Monday Night Speaker Series with Mental Health Connect
Monday, June 14, 6:30 – 8 p.m. via Zoom
Trauma: Understanding the Impact & How it Shows Up
Featuring Birgit Kelly, LICSW (she/her), Tubman Center, Director of Clinical Services
The Monday Night Mental Health monthly speaker series is free and open to the public. Find more information — including Zoom information — on the MHC website. .
Caring for Caregivers — Growing Together
Mind-Body Skills Online Group for health care workers, parents, caregivers and others
Thursdays, June 17 – August 5, 2021, 6 – 8 p.m. Central Time Via Zoom. Register by June 10, 2021. Find more information in this flyer.
Health and Happiness Workshop
Monday, June 14, 12 p.m.
The Art of Living brings you this free holistic and integrated workshop called Health and Happiness which provides unique tools and techniques which help combat stress accumulated in our daily, modern life. Find more information here. |
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We Care Ministries at First Universalist Church |
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The care team at First Universalist is here to help in a whole lot of ways—from phone calls to say we’re thinking about you to a listening ear when you need someone to accompany you through whatever’s happening in your life. COVID-19 has changed some of the ways we provide care, but there is a lot we’re still doing. Here is one of the ways we’re here to provide support:
We Care Rides
Though we’re not currently driving folks to medical appointments and the like, church is happy to help with an Uber or Taxi ride. As a member recently said, “I broke my foot last year, and wouldn’t you know it, it was my right one and my doctor wouldn’t let me drive with my left! Thank goodness the rides ministry at church was there to help.” If you would like to access a ride or any of our other caring resources, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.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.
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!
To do so, fill out our online submission form. Edits for length and/or content may occur. The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg and Communications Assistant Allison Connelly. 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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