We've Got This, Together:
Making Our Way Forward in Unprecedented Times
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Dear Church,
What a joy it was to be with so many of you in person last Sunday at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.
To feel the freedom of being outside together.
To be with one another - knowing that those who could not be physically present in that moment would be connected to us later in the day or week as they watched on youtube or listened to the podcast while washing dishes or driving kids to daycare.
To welcome Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, our Director of Worship Arts Ministries, and to experience the power of his invitation into singing and music and the weaving of worship together.
To experience the unique gifts we each bring, together creating something so much larger than the sum of its parts.
I felt the power and the beauty and the possibility of church on Sunday, and I headed into this week trusting that even as life keeps coming at us—with all of its wonder and challenge—we’ve got this, together.
Church — we've got this, together.
Guiding Principles
As more and more people become infected with COVID-19 in the U.S., dashing hopes of a clear end to this pandemic and some semblance of safety and predictability in our lives,
As we await approval of a vaccine for our children,
As leaders continue to play politics with people's lives,
As earthquakes shake our foundation and the Taliban takes over Afghanistan, dashing hopes of human rights and recovery for millions of tired and traumatized people,
As the most vulnerable among us continue to be most negatively affected by the intersecting crises rocking our world,
With all of this and so much more, with all of us at each other’s side, we lean in and trust that when we are guided by our principles and our faith, we’ve got this, together.
As the fall and our long-awaited hopes of a clear return to in-person worship, children, youth and family, music, small group, and faithful action ministries approaches, your Leadership Team has been leaning into our faith, following these guiding principles as we plan for the fall:
- We will base our decisions in reality (science, COVID realities, CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, and construction/building reality).
- We will model making faith-based decisions in public, centering the needs of the most vulnerable.
- We will soften our in-person plans in a way that reduces risk and anxiety and increases care.
- We will offer an accessible path to returning to the building and in-person gathering for those who can and wish to do so.
- We will set reasonable expectations and engage in sustainable practices together.
A Shift in Fall Plans
With our faith and these principles as our guide, we are shifting our plans for in-person gathering for the fall. Construction delays, a reassessment of when we’ll realistically be prepared to offer a welcoming and gracious return to worship in the sanctuary, and concerns about reopening as a fourth wave of COVID-19 hits Minnesota, have led us to change our plans for when we will gather again in our sanctuary.
There’s a lot of information here (and a lot that is yet to be decided), so please take time to take in what we know now, and know that we’ll share more details in the coming weeks.
On Sundays, Sept. 12 & 19, we will offer multigenerational worship in-person, offsite, in the church of the great outdoors. These services will also be available online later for on-demand streaming. On Sept.12 we will gather at the Lyndale Gardens Amphitheater and on Sept. 19 at Minnehaha Falls Park. Activities for children and youth will be offered outside during part of the service on the 19th.
Religious Education for older youth (grades 7-12) will begin in-person on Sept. 19 and will continue in-person through the year unless new direction from the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health directs us differently.
Our sanctuary and social hall will open for in-person and live-streamed Memorial Services beginning on Saturday, Sept. 25.
Sunday services will be live-streamed from the church building beginning on Sunday, Sept. 26, but we will not be gathering in-person for Sunday services in September, nor likely the month of October.
We hope for an in-person and online celebration of our renovated building and our re-gathered community on Sunday, Nov. 7. Religious Education classes for grades 6 and under will likely begin that Sunday, too.
We know these changes to our communal plans can feel hard, and we hope they will also feel like a relief as we make our way forward in unprecedented times, keeping our faith and our care for each other and our larger community as our guide.
In gratitude and with care,
Rev. Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, Aug. 22 Worship
Wednesday, Aug. 25 Worship
Cycle of Life
Aug. 15 Worship Recording: "Lessons from Canada Geese"
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News & Features
Staff & Volunteer Vaccination Policy
Building & Office Manager Joins Staff Team
Volunteers Needed for AFA
August Faithful Action Newsletter
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Happenings
Anti-Racism in the Park
Board of Trustees Meeting
Plant-Based Potluck
Stand Against Line 3
UUs in 12-Step Recovery
September Senior Hike
Ongoing Gatherings
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m.
"One of Us"
Rev. Arif Mamdani
Going slow to go fast. Heeding the lessons from geese. These last several weeks, our services have invited us to reflect on how it is that we do this thing called religious community. This Sunday, we'll continue this exploration as we lift up a concrete approach to the challenges that can arise when human beings try to do things together.
HOW TO JOIN:
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
Post-Worship Gatherings (find details in the Order of Service above)
Religious Education for Children and Youth is on Summer Break.
Information about registration for next church year can be found on our Religious Education website.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP |
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Wednesday, Aug. 25, 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, Aug. 25 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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We hold the family and friends of Jean Staneslow in our hearts. Jean died last week after a short illness. We will share memorial service information when it is available.
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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August 15: "Lessons from Canada Geese"
with the First Universalist Worship Team
Sermon summary written by Liz Farmer:
As we gathered at Lake Harriet, the breeze was swift and the sun shone bright. We gathered to sing, hear stories, and meet folks we’ve only known thus far through a screen. We came to remember who we are, to name and embody UU values, and to share in joy, sorrow, gratitude, and concern. Having been isolated for the past year and a half, we returned to the flock, to get in formation on the amphitheater benches and in the shade, to affirm through the ritual of worship (to honor that which is of worth) what the Canada Geese teach us: that we belong together, that there are places we need to go and can only go as a group, and that we can encourage and be encouraged by one another.
And this week, we welcome Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, our new Director of Worship Arts, at his first in-person First Universalist service. You can listen to Sunday's service in our worship podcast on Spotify or Podbean, and you can watch Sunday's service on YouTube. Follow along with worship in Sunday's Order of Service.
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Image description: a still image of First Universalist worship leaders from the video recording of Sunday, Aug. 15 worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. |
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Staff and Volunteer Vaccination Policy |
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Joining many other employers and organizations that have begun requiring vaccination against COVID in recent weeks, First Universalist will be implementing a COVID-19 vaccination policy that applies to staff and volunteers effective September 12, 2021.
The purpose of this policy is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among staff, volunteers, and our larger congregation and community, thereby living into our guiding principles of community care, centering the needs of the most vulnerable, and drawing the circle wide by reducing our collective health risk. We intend to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of health status, health vulnerability, or ability. Further, First Universalist recognizes the interdependent web of which we are a part. We acknowledge that our actions as individuals and as a group impact our members and our community.
The policy states, in part, that: "All First Universalist Church employees, contractors, Religious Education volunteers, choir members, musicians, guest worship leaders, greeters, ushers, and in-person small group leaders must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 12, 2021. Should an employee or volunteer have a disability, health condition, or a sincerely held religious belief that impacts compliance with this policy, First Universalist will attempt to provide reasonable accommodation. Such accommodations may include, but are not limited to, working offsite if the job duties make it reasonable for the employee/volunteer to do so."
If you anticipate serving in a volunteer role in person this church year, you can expect to hear from the staff person you work most closely with regarding demonstrating proof of vaccination status, and you may direct any questions to that staff person as well.
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Building & Office Manager Joins Staff Team |
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Last week, we were thrilled to welcome Jim Poulter to our staff team as our new Building and Office Manager. Jim brings years of experience in event coordination, marketing, public relations, and construction to this role, and we are looking forward to his expertise and enthusiasm as we reopen our building to in-person gatherings later this fall.
You may recognize Jim from the pews or from his time as a Coming of Age mentor. Jim and his wife Kim raised their three children at First Universalist and are members of the church. After an unsuccessful public search to fill this newly created and urgently needed position, Rev. Jen and Rev. Arif reached out to Jim - knowing his commitment to the church's vision and mission and his expertise. Jim agreed to come on board in an interim capacity, helping us create the systems and structures we need as we move back into our renovated facility. Thank you, Jim, for answering the call to First Universalist quite literally, and congregation, I hope you will join us in welcoming Jim onto our staff team as we build a new way forward, together.
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Volunteers Needed for Augsburg Fairview Academy |
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Volunteers are needed to help distribute food and snacks from Every Meal at Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA) on Friday afternoons, 1:30–3 p.m. beginning September 10. This will occur in the school cafeteria. Masking is required (AFA staff are 100% fully vaccinated; not all students are fully vaccinated). AFA is located at 2504 Columbus Ave. So.; there is ample parking on the street. For more information and/or to volunteer contact church member Cindy Marsh: cindy.marsh2588@gmail.com or 612-377-7555.
Augsburg Fairview Academy is one of First Universalist's Faithful Action partner organizations. For more Faithful Action news and volunteer opportunities, read the August Faithful Action newsletter linked below.
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August Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Community Partners in our August Faithful Action Newsletter. This newsletter contains opportunities to connect through volunteering, donating, advocating, and learning. Our Faithful Action Community Partners are community organizations that share our vision of love and justice. We work through Faithful Action Community Partnerships in order to leverage our energy, commitment and expertise. You can find more information about our Faithful Action Community Partnerships on our website.
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Final Session of Anti-Racism in the Park |
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Monday, Aug. 23, 7–8:30 p.m.
Join us at the Amphitheater at Lyndale Gardens for our final session of this series about anti-racism and the challenges we encounter as we work and learn to get free. The topic for this Monday's conversation is "The Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Rubric for UU Congregations." The session will begin with Julica Hermann de la Fuente sharing one of her favorite tools or frameworks to assess/make change, followed by guided small group conversations.
The Amphitheater is located at 6400 Lyndale Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423. It is accessible via bus routes 4L and 515. If driving, please park on the street or in the vacant lot east of the Amphitheater.
If you have them, please bring a lawn chair for yourself and one to share. There is seating in the Amphitheater itself, but lawn chairs will make it possible for us to gather under the canopy in the shade.
The Amphitheater is accessible to wheelchair users. Julica will be using a microphone and speaker for amplification; please be in touch ( julica@firstuniv.org) if you need other accommodations for hearing accessibility.
This is a multi-racial, multi-generational offering for high school youth and adults. Small group conversations will occur in racial/ethnic caucuses.
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August Board of Trustees Meeting |
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The First Universalist Board of Trustees met on Thursday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m. The Board meets the third Thursday of most months, August through June. The August Board meeting materials are available here on our website.
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Environmental Justice Team
Plant-Based Backyard Potluck
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Tuesday, Aug. 24, 6–8 p.m.
The Environmental Justice Team invites you to reconnect with UU friends (kids included) at its third backyard potluck at the home of Carol Gilbert and Liz Permar. Relax and enjoy tasty dishes and a short talk by Jodi Gruhn (Wholesome Minnesota) who enables colleges, hospitals, and other institutions to provide more plant-based foods to consumers. 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. For address and directions, RSVP here by August 22.
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Environmental Justice Team Invites You
to Stand Against Line 3
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Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2 p.m.
Submitted by Roberta Haskin
The “Keep it in the Ground” subcommittee of the Environmental Justice Team invites you to stand against line 3 by attending: Treaties Not Tar Sands; Capitol Action to Stop Line 3, on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol. As Enbridge nears completion of line 3, we will greet water protectors who began a walk on August 7 from the headwaters of the Mississippi to the State Capitol.
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Tuesday, Aug 31 at 7 p.m.; Sundays, Aug. 22 & Sept. 5 at 11:30 a.m., on Zoom
Do you identify as someone in 12-Step recovery? Would you like to build community at church and add a layer of support for yourself and others? Join this drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. We’ll join in a time of silent meditation, explore a topic, and share our experience, strength, and hope with each other. Participation in the meeting is confidential, and no sign up is required. Join the Zoom gathering here (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151; Passcode: 839388). Contact the church office to be put in touch with someone for more information. |
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Senior Hiking Group: September Hike |
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Thursday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.
The Senior Hiking group will meet at at Lake Rebecca Park on Thursday, September 24 at 10 a.m. No reservations required - just come! More information will be made available on our website closer to the date of the hike. You may also call Ward Lyndall at (612) 823-2385 for more info. |
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Aug. 22 & Sept. 5)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Aug. 31 & Sept. 14)
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
No meeting in September; resumes Sunday, Oct. 3, 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. Join the Zoom gathering here.
Weekly Meditation Group
The Weekly Meditation Group is meeting on Tuesday mornings from 9–10:15 a.m. by 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.
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)
Every Thursday at 5 and 7 p.m. Come to one or both! These are ongoing Zoom events and the 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).
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 on summer break. Registration for fall classes is now open. Details available on our Religious Education website.
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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 Zoom Space
Sometimes after a service you might find yourself stirred up and wanting to talk. Care companions are here after services to meet with you one on one and you can find us in this Zoom room. To access 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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