A Beautiful Embodiment of Our Faith |
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Dear ones,
As we look forward to being joined in worship this Sunday by leadership from Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU), our Holiday Giving recipient, I want to share with you an excerpt from a sermon I wrote for a Beloved Conversations virtual worship service:
In 2019, Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism held their Harper-Jordan Memorial Symposium, and they opened it for everyone to attend. Black Lives of UU, or BLUU, is a living prophetic voice in our movement today. The symposium gathered visionaries and dreamers in person and—before a pandemic made it the norm—online, too.
Through that virtual portal, I witnessed another world, an embodiment of our faith in community more beautiful than my wildest dreaming. There were Black, Indigenous, white, multiracial and People of Color there, but the space was born in the imaginations of our Black modern day visionaries. And it was more authentically UU than any UU church or fellowship hall I’d ever entered.
Throughout the symposium, one panel of speakers after another was at the front of the room sharing their truth: “I am the child of/grandson of/sister to… I am from far away/here/beside the river/the sea/the mountains... This is my journey, what I have seen, heard, felt, tasted. Here is what I know, in my heart, in my bones, in my soul. This is my piece of the puzzle, my contribution to the whole.”
Their stories were specific and honest, vast and brave. There was no arguing amongst the panelists, nor from the witnesses. One experience, one piece of truth, often contradicted another. There were themes, but the speakers didn’t all agree, even on really important matters. No one paid this any mind. (White people, can you even imagine this!?) Each truth was received with the understanding that it belongs. Is holy.
There was room for it all. Not room for any one person to be right. Rather, room for all who would show up fully, proudly, humbly. A single voice cannot tell this story. It’s too big. Contradiction and complexity are welcome, expected. Disconnection is the thing to drive out.
I watch, weep, sing, and I realize: Love is necessary but not sufficient to manifest this kind of power and connection. There is a reckoning I must be willing to engage. I must make room for so many truths, some built of such deep darkness or such bright light they’re nearly unbearable: We were never destined to be right or whole, on our own. Heaven is for all of us, is all of us, whole and reconciled.
BLUU shows us how the Beloved Community is built, bit by bit, song by song, story by story. This is how change and healing happen. This is where hope and joy are rooted.
A chunk of BLUU’s work is done right here, by Black UU leaders living in the Twin Cities, part of the community of First Universalist Church, collaborating with BLUU Beloveds living in every part of the country. BLUU inspires, guides and urges us on our journey as a congregation through their ministry and their example. For all these reasons and so many more, they are our Holiday Giving recipient. I hope you’ll join us in worship this Sunday as we deepen the conversation about how our support of BLUU matters.
In gratitude,
Lauren
Lauren Wyeth
Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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Worship
Sunday, Dec. 12, 9 & 11am
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7pm
Dec. 5 Worship Recording
Dec. 5 Cycle of Life
Dec. 8 Meditation Recording
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News & Features
Sign Up to Usher & Greet
Enchanted Forest
Holiday Service Schedule
Habitat for Humanity Winter 2022 Work Days
December Faithful Action
Sr. High Service Project
Mental Health Connect: Helpful Hints for the Holidays
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Happenings
Sunday Meditation Group
Daytime Connections 12/16
Accessibility/Inclusion Group
"Eating Our Way to Extinction"
Winter Newcomers Circle
CLNE: Come Together for Racial Justice
Ongoing Gatherings
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MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Dec. 12
In Person at 9 & 11 a.m.
Live-streamed at 11 a.m.
"Community That Holds It All"
Worship leaders: Lena K. Gardner, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Jen Crow, Franco Holder
In these tender times, we turn to our communities to help us hold it all. This Sunday, Lena K. Gardner, Executive Director of Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU), will join Rev. Jen Crow and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout in leading our service as we practice being and building the world we dream about.
JOIN US ONLINE:
JOIN US IN PERSON:
All are welcome to join us for worship in the sanctuary at 9 or 11 a.m. Masks are required at all times, and we ask that you try to maintain a distance of at least three feet between you and anyone not in your household. The service will also be streamed in the Cummins Room, so if the sanctuary fills or you feel uncomfortable with the number of people in the sanctuary, there is an alternative space for you to experience worship in the building.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION THIS SUNDAY
Religious Education classes for Kindergarten through Senior High are offered this Sunday. Children and youth must be registered no later than noon on Saturday in order to attend. Learn more here.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING MEDITATION |
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Wednesday, Dec. 15
at 7 p.m. on Zoom
We invite you into a simple space of meditation, silence, poetry, song, and shared company. Come, tend to your spirit by joining us for this brief (~15–30 minute) midweek time of meditation and connection.
JOIN US ONLINE:
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, Dec. 8 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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Sunday Service Recording & Podcast |
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December 5: "Soft Heart, Open Hands, Clear Boundaries"
Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Karen Hutt, Lauren Wyeth, Franco Holder, Dr. Randy Buikema, and the First Universalist Choir
Reflections on Sunday worship by Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator:
I recently read somewhere that boundaries are for behaviors, not feelings. Welcome the feelings, but place wise boundaries around our own and others' behaviors. Anger—a normal, common, and even helpful emotion—gives us some information about boundaries that may have been crossed, that we may be out of covenant with others, or that we are out of alignment with ourselves. Sometimes, we are angry for good reasons! We’ve been wronged, hurt, or abused. And it is right to express that anger, whether that means calming ourselves eventually if that’s what’s needed, or getting fired up in the right places to set the boundaries we need to. In her message, Rev. Jen offers and guides us through a spiritual practice that has helped her when she experiences anger: soft heart, open hands, clear boundaries. As UUs, we can express our emotions through behaviors that are in alignment with our values: love and hope; welcome, affirm, and protect the light in each human heart (including our own!). May we bring our values into the center of our interactions and relationships.
Listen to the podcast here, or watch the service on our YouTube.
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Image description: a still image from the Dec. 5 worship recording of Rev. Jen Crow at the pulpit. |
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Sunday, Dec. 5 Cycle of Life |
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We hold Carolyn Moe, who was very active at First Universalist, in our hearts this morning. Her short term memory has faded, but her long term memory is great, so she forgets her birthday is coming up, but she will remember you. If you knew her and are so inclined, could you send her a Birthday Card? Her birthday is Dec. 10. Her address is: Carolyn Moe, Minnehaha Senior Living #312, 3733 23rd Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55407.
We hold Kurt Illig and his family in our hearts as they mourn the death of Kurt’s father who died last week. May our love and care surround them in this difficult and tender time.
Our hearts are with our minister emeritus, the Reverend John Cummins, and all who love him, as John enters his final days. May the love of this church and all whose lives John has touched surround him with tenderness and care.
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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Wednesday Meditation Recording |
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December 8
Meditation leader: Aimee K. Bryant
Artist in Residence Aimee K. Bryant leads a silent 15-minute meditation that begins with the Buddhist chant "Suffusion of the Divine Abidings" and concludes with the song "Breathing in, Breathing out." Watch here.
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Image description: a still image from the Dec. 8 meditation recording of Aimee K. Bryant. |
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Greeters & Ushers Needed - Please Sign Up! |
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We need your help welcoming and ushering for Sunday worship! If you are planning to attend worship in person in the coming weeks and months, please pick a few dates to volunteer and sign up here. Reach out to Liz Farmer at liz@firstuniv.org with questions.
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"Enchanted Forest" Holiday Display |
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The sanctuary features an enchanted woods where children are invited to add a stuffed animal to the snowy forest floor (please label with email or phone for return).
Designed by Meredith Sims, the scene was created by the Visual Arts Committee and photographed by Janet Mills. Best holiday wishes to the congregation!
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Holiday Service Schedule 2021 |
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This winter holiday season, as we ease back into some folks gathering at church in person and adapt to offering services in a multi-platform format, we are excited to bring back beloved holiday traditions in a modified way this year.
We'll celebrate the Solstice online. You are invited to join us on Zoom on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. for a reimagined Solstice Gathering that will be offered instead of Wednesday Meditation that week.
Our annual Christmas Pageant will be offered just once this year, at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. You are invited to join us in person in the Sanctuary or online via Zoom, and the recording will be available to stream later as well.
Our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be offered in person at 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and this year we'll also live stream the service on Zoom.
Worship on Sunday, Dec. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 2 will be offered as a single service online only at 10 a.m.
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Habitat for Humanity 2022 Winter Work Days |
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First Universalist has three Habitat for Humanity winter work days coming up in early 2022: Thursdays, Jan.13, Feb. 10 and March 10. All of the builds are in Minneapolis.
Please consider joining in! We’re allowed a maximum of 8 volunteers on site. Volunteers must be over sixteen years of age, and sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The work day is from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and we ask that you bring your own sack lunch.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s current COVID safety protocols require that all volunteers indicate that they have either been vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of volunteering on site. In addition, masks are required indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Sign up to volunteer for one or all of the winter work days by filling out this form.
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December Faithful Action Newsletter |
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Find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Community Partners in our December 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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Sr High Service Project—Last Sunday to Donate |
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The Senior High Youth Group at First Universalist Church is collecting items to make care packages for healthcare workers at Walker Methodist. We chose to make care packages for nursing home workers because they’ve been at risk this entire pandemic and their work is sometimes undervalued when people discuss frontline workers.
For one more Sunday, Dec. 12, there will be a box in the atrium and outside Room 209 where folks can put items to donate for the care packages. Here are some ideas of items you could donate: comfy socks or compression socks; $5 gift cards for coffee shops; tea, hot cocoa, or instant coffee packets; hand lotion; bath bombs; and lip balm.
If you have another idea for an item that you think a healthcare worker at Walker Methodist would love, please feel free to bring it. You can also make thank-you cards.
Thank you from our Senior High Youth!
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Mental Health Connect:
Helpful Hints for the Holidays
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Submitted by Janet Houck, Mental Health Connect Ambassador for First Universalist:
As Jenny Hart, noted embroidery artist, recently wrote, "I love the holidays, but they can be an emotional time for grown-ups. Am I a grown-up? I must be because I'm feeling it...."
Maybe you're feeling that way too. Through the holidays we'll be sharing articles that just might help us ease through the rough spots and hold close moments of holiday joy.
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First Sunday Meditation Group Meets this Sunday
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Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom or in person this Sunday, Dec. 12, 12:30–1:30 p.m. (please note date change). After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we take time to discuss our practices. Whether or not you have meditated before, you will be welcomed. Join via Zoom here or meet in the Meditation Room after worship.
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December Board of Trustees Meeting |
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First Universalist's Board of Trustees will hold its next meeting on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Meeting agenda, "board packet" and location/Zoom details will be posted on our website here by midweek next week.
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Daytime Connections: "Back in My Day..."
with Peg Meier on Thursday, Dec. 16
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Thursday, Dec. 16 in the Social Hall at church
Sign in at 9:45 a.m., Program at 10 a.m.
Lunch follows the program
Join Daytime Connections this month as legendary Star Tribune reporter and First Universalist member Peg Meier shares true stories she has uncovered at the Minnesota Historical Society and other local archives. We may hear about a lumberjack in the 1900s, a rambunctious 13-year-old girl who lived on St. Paul’s Summit Avenue in the ‘20s, or tales of woe from the Depression era. Peg will share with us fascinating tales from her research.
We often reminisce about growing up in the “old days.” What stories and anecdotes do you remember that reflect your childhood? You’re invited to bring an interesting memento to share.
An optional soup and salad lunch ($5–$15 sliding scale—more if you can, less if you can’t; no one will be turned away due to lack of funds) will be served following the program.
Register here for the December 16 program only or program and lunch.
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Accessibility & Inclusion Group |
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Monday, Dec. 13, 6:30–8 p.m. on Zoom
Group meets on Zoom the 2nd Monday of every month
First Universalist's Accessibility and Inclusion group is designed for people with all types of physical disabilities, hearing disabilities, and visual disabilities. This is a place to support each other, foster discussions about lived experiences, accessibility, and find ways to promote inclusion within the church. This group is facilitated by, and includes, youth and adult members.
Who's Invited? Ages 13 and older are welcome. Caretakers and interpreters are welcome to join, but not to be active members of the group.
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"Eating Our Way to Extinction" Viewing & Discussion |
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Monday, Dec. 13 on Zoom
Film Viewing at 1 p.m.; Discussion at 2:30 p.m. or 7 p.m.
The First U Climate & Environmental Justice Team invites you to a viewing and discussion of an important new documentary. "Eating Our Way to Extinction" travels the world from the depths of the Amazon rainforests to the Taiwanese Mountains, the Mongolian desert, the US Dust Bowl, the Norwegian Fjords and the Scottish coastlines, telling the story of our planet through shocking testimonials, poignant accounts from indigenous people most affected by our ever-changing planet, globally renowned figures and leading scientists. This powerful documentary sends a simple but impactful message by uncovering hard truths and addressing the most pressing issue of our generation – ecological collapse.
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Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt |
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Sunday, Dec. 19, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tangled Blessings is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt. You're invited to bring your whole self and whatever grief you may be carrying. To receive the Zoom information, RSVP to Rev. Karen Hutt at revkarenhutt@gmail.com. This month, the group meets on Sunday, Dec. 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. Future group meeting dates are: Sundays, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
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Next New Member Class Is Jan. 11 on Zoom |
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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, our Pathway to Membership class involves watching several short videos on different ministry areas in the church, and then attending a class session to reflect on and discuss themes like Faith in Action and Stewardship through the lens of church membership.
Pathway to Membership classes are offered monthly, alternating between being held in person and on Zoom. The next class that you can sign up for will be held:
Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022; 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom
Learn more and register on our website.
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Winter Newcomers Circle Registration Open |
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Newcomer Circles are four-session gatherings of 6-8 participants who are new-ish and want to reflect on their own and listen to stories from the spiritual journeys of other new-ish folks. Membership is not required; the Circle is intended for those who are fairly certain they would like to continue their spiritual journey with those at First Universalist. This Circle will be facilitated by First U member Jill Braithwaite. We will meet four Wednesdays between Jan. 26 and Feb. 23 (skip Feb. 9) from 7–8:30 p.m. The first and fourth sessions will be in person at First Universalist; the second and third sessions will meet on zoom. Those registered will receive the zoom info and additional details via email within a week prior to the first session. Learn more and register here.
If you are in a “church shopping” phase of your journey, we invite you to attend worship, talk with congregants before and after the service, consider joining a shared identity group, or schedule time with a minister to learn more.
About the facilitator, Jill Braithwaite: Jill has worked in book publishing for more than 25 years. She has been a member of First Universalist Church since 2004 and has taught Religious Education and First Step classes and has served on the Board of Trustees and the Welcome Team. She has an M.A. in theology and the arts from United Theological Seminary and is currently studying there in the Master of Divinity program. Jill loves tennis, art, novels, Unitarian Universalism, the North Shore, and her little dog, Betsy.
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CLNE's Come Together for Racial Justice |
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Thursday, Dec. 16, 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom
The Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Engagements’s December Come Together online program will welcome young Black voices in the space so we can center on their stories, experience, and wisdom. CLNE is one of our Faithful Action Community partners.
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Updated schedule: Sundays at 7 p.m.
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)
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 available at 12stepspirituality.org
Tangled Blessings Grief Group
Sunday, Dec. 19, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Tangled Blessings is a monthly grief group led by Rev. Karen Hutt in which participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. To receive the Zoom information, RSVP to Rev. Karen Hutt at revkarenhutt@gmail.com. Future dates are: Sundays, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
First Sunday Meditation Group
Sunday, Dec. 12, 12:30–1:30 p.m. (please note date change)
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom or in person. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence we take time to discuss our practices. Whether or not you have meditated before, you will be welcomed. Join via Zoom here or meet in the Meditation Room after worship.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m. on Zoom
This group plans to begin a multi-platform gathering model when the church reopens. Contact Sara McMullen at saramcminneapolis@gmail.com for Zoom and in-person meeting information.
Chi Gung
Thursday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Pat,Gottschalk has been leading Chi Gung at First U for over 20 years. Pat leads gentle movements with a focus on harmonizing our personal energies — internal development and peace of mind, not martial arts. Creaky joints, stiff muscles and anxious minds are all welcome. We meet via Zoom until we can meet in person. Contact Judy Broad at jab679@gmail.com for Zoom information.
Poetry Lovers Group
First Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m.
Reacquaint yourself with poets you love and discover other poets who are new to you while connecting with fellow Poetry Lovers at church. More information.
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour(s)
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 November 10, 2021
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Masks are required in the church building and on the playground for everyone ages 2 and up (accommodation will be made for those unable to tolerate a face covering due to health condition, disability, or behavioral or developmental condition.)
- We ask that you do your best to maintain a distance of at least 3 feet between you and those who are not in your household
- 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.
- Staff and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- If you are joining us in person, we strongly encourage but do not require vaccination for everyone who is able to be vaccinated
- We ask that you please stay home and join us online if you are sick 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 will not be serving food or beverages on Sunday mornings
- For now, we will not be singing together in the sanctuary; masked choir members will sing at some services
- Both services will be streamed to the Social Hall or Cummins Room for those seeking more space, or in case the sanctuary fills
- We will not be offering childcare or classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers; they are welcome in the sanctuary, or families can watch the live-streamed service from the toddler-preschool rooms as little ones play.
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Care Resources
Spiritual Care - Your ministers and program staff are here for one-on-one confidential conversations of support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us to connect.
Care Companions - Care companions are members of the congregation who’ve been oriented toward the art and practice listening with a caring and confidential ear, and a loving and kind heart. They call and check-in on folks in the congregation and are here to accompany you longer term if you’re living with a chronic illness or could use some ongoing support. To connect with a Care Companion (or to become one), contact karen@firstuniv.org
Love Kits - Are you or someone you love ill? Is your family struggling? Do you live alone or feel isolated? Do you know someone else from church who might be? If so, please let Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.
Meal Trains - If you or someone you know at church would welcome a meal to help them through a difficult time, loss, illness or injury — and having someone else do the cooking for a bit would help —please let us know. Contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org.
Minister’s Emergency Fund - For many of us, these are difficult financial times. If you need help with a car repair bill, making rent, a doctor’s bill, groceries, gas, a mortgage payment, affording your medication, a bus card, or any other financial situation - please be in touch. We have financial resources available. Please contact a minister/staff member.
Mental Health Connect - www.mhconnect.org - Need help finding a therapist? Want to learn more about particular mental health conditions and resources? Check out Mental Health Connect, a local organization supported by congregations like ours, that provides community-based resources, support and education to improve access to mental health services and connect individuals and families with the services they need.
Counseling - The Walk In Counseling Center offers free counseling by phone or computer. Find out how to “walk in” on their website.
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit news!
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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