Hold On to the Threads of Connection |
|
Dear Church,
It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to be together at church. Our outdoor in-person Sunday worship services have been a balm for some of us, and for others they are one more reminder of what is still not possible. This past Sunday, when some of us gathered for worship at the Lyndale Gardens Amphitheatre - the reality of the length of time that has passed since our last in person service in the sanctuary hit home for me.
As I was leading on Sunday, I looked out at many of you, and off to the side of the cement seating I saw a couple and their baby. I first met these folks in March of 2020 when the full impact of the pandemic had just reached us, and this couple reached out to talk. Their love was strong, their commitment clear, and just as it was for so many of us - the pandemic and the daily realization of our mortality had clarified how they wanted to live. They wanted to get married. I met them on zoom and then I met them at the river - a small handful of family and friends standing 20 feet away and the OK Factor playing at a distance. They made their promises and we signed their marriage license. A few months later they let me know they were pregnant, and this past Sunday, I met their six month old baby. It really has been a long time since we’ve been able to be together at church.
This Sunday, many of us will gather at 9 and 11 a.m. at the bandstand at Minnehaha Park. Children, youth and adults will share in story and song, and part way through the service children and youth will head off with Lauren and Emma and our teachers for some shared activities. Later on in the day, we’ll be able to share a recording of the service online so everyone can connect with the community.
We know that the threads of connection have grown thin for some of us, and I’m reminded of what so often happens when we are just around the corner from a change. Maybe we’ve held it together for someone else—someone we’re caring for—and when they start to get better we start to feel worse, once there’s finally room for our exhaustion or pain. Maybe when the turn ahead is something we can sense, the fullness of what we’ve experienced can finally be felt. Wherever you are in your connection to our community, I invite you to hold on. Hold on to the joy that you feel when we gather in the ways we can. Hold on to the relief of laying down your burdens at Wednesday night worship. Hold on to the coming reality that in just a few weeks, our building and our sanctuary will be open again, and many more of you will be in it.
Hold on, and know that your church is here, holding the other end of the thread with and for you.
Love,
Rev. Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
|
|
Worship & Services
Sunday, Sept. 19 Worship
Wednesday, Sept. 22 Worship
Cycle of Life
Memorial Services
September Worship Theme
Sept. 12 Worship Recording
|
|
News & Features
Registration Open for Abolition 101 Circles
Registration Open for Legacy Circles
September Faithful Action Newsletter
|
|
Happenings
September Board of Trustees Meeting
Women's Ritual Circle
September Senior Hike
Young Adult Meet Up
Monthly Grief Group
Plant-Based Potluck
Ongoing Gatherings
|
|
MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY WORSHIP |
|
Sunday, Sept. 19, 9 & 11 a.m.
Minnehaha Regional Park Bandstand
"Holding Back the Water"
Worship leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, Lauren Wyeth, and Revs. Arif Mamdani and Jen Crow
Gathering in person at the bandstand in Minnehaha Park (and online throughout the week), we’ll immerse ourselves in the imagery of water and the power of the river as we remember the strength of the stones in the banks we build, and the well-worn groove of the river bed that waits for us whatever the season. We’ll remember the ritual of Water Communion and the symbolic ingathering it represents and we will intentionally hold back the waters for now, waiting with each other, for the fullness of our hoped-for return to our building in November and the joy it will bring.
JOIN US:
Join us in person at the Minnehaha Regional Park Bandstand, located at 4801 S Minnehaha Drive in Minneapolis. The bandstand is very near the parking lot for Sea Salt Eatery and the Falls. There may be traffic and more limited parking, particularly for the 11 a.m. service. We encourage you to arrive by 8:45 or 10:45 a.m.
Watch the recording: This service will not be livestreamed due to lack of adequate technology onsite, but it will be recorded and made available on our YouTube channel on Sunday evening.
Directions & access info: Minnehaha Park is located in the southeastern part of Minneapolis, just off of Highway 55 and 46th Street. The park is accessible via Metro Transit bus routes 23, 46, 74, and the A line, and the light rail’s Blue line. The bandstand at the park is located just to the east of Sea Salt, and south of the parking lots.
Parking: There are two paid parking lots on the northern side of the park, off of Godfrey Parkway. There is free street parking on city streets to the north of the park. Bike parking is available on the southeastern side of Sea Salt.
|
|
Accessibility: The bandstand is wheelchair accessible via paved paths from the parking areas.
What to bring: We encourage you to bring water and to check the forecast and dress for the weather (layers!). Sunday afternoon is supposed to be sunny and hot, but the morning could be cool. The bandstand benches are slatted and wooden; please bring a cushion or folding chair if you have difficulty sitting on a hard surface.
Post-Worship Gatherings
- There will be an in-person, casual, un-facilitated fellowship hour immediately following both services.
|
|
WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP |
|
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m.
on Zoom
Join us 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, Sept. 22 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.
|
|
We hold JoAnne Berkenkamp and her family in our hearts as they mourn the death and celebrate the life of JoAnne’s father Fred who died recently in Arizona at the age of 95.
We hold Suzy Messerole and her family as they mourn the death and celebrate the life of Suzy’s mother Mary Margaret who died on Saturday, Sept. 4 after a brief time in hospice. She died at home in Iowa surrounded by her family and her memorial service was held this past week. Suzy, Diane, and Solvei appreciate the message of support, love, and care they’ve received from the congregation.
We celebrate the birth of one more redeemer. Carl Bodin Tanita was born September 2 to First U member Chris Tanita. Chris shares that she’s so grateful for the extra support over the last week and that she welcomes your messages of encouragement, support, and humor.
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.
|
|
A memorial service for Ada Jeanette Miller will be held in-person and on Zoom on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary, with a reception to follow. All are welcome and all in attendance are required to wear a mask and encouraged to social distance while in the building. The service will be live-streamed on Zoom. Mother of Byron Miller, mother-in-law of Jennifer Weiss, grandmother of Marissa Weiss-Miller, and long-time friend of the church, Jeanette died peacefully on June 18, 2020. Rev. Jen Crow and Rabbi Ed Rothman will lead the service. Stream the service on Zoom here. Webinar ID: 862 5184 7682 Passcode: 080822
Peter May, beloved husband, father, brother, grandpa, friend, and member of this church community passed away following a months-long illness with cancer and then a stroke. Please join family and friends to celebrate his life with memories and laughter. Join us on Zoom or in-person on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. for a memorial service in the sanctuary, with a reception to follow in the social hall. Masks are required and social distancing is encouraged in the church building. Stream the service on Zoom here. Webinar ID: 838 4068 3401 Passcode: 888177
|
|
September Worship Theme:
When the Waters Are Held Back
|
|
Maybe it’s Moses parting the sea so the people could flee the Pharaoh, or the levees that protected the people of New Orleans from even worse suffering when Hurricane Ida arrived. Maybe it’s the memory of the empty highways and the parked passenger jets or the silent school rooms. Maybe it’s the reality of how you hold back your own tears trying to shield yourself or others from the depth of your grief. Whatever it looks and feels like for each of us, there are days and decades when we hold back the water for ourselves and each other, doing what we can to offer care and protection from threats real and perceived.
Other times, the water is held back through no active intention of our own. As recently as a few weeks ago, the water that typically churns over Minnehaha Falls had slowed to a trickle, and restrictions on water use took hold in our city as the drought that passed over the plains landed here. In Flint, Michigan and in communities all over the world, water we once trusted to sustain life turned toxic, and as the climate crisis comes home to roost the wells and taps so many of us rely on are running dry.
Sometimes the water is held back for protection, and sometimes the water is held back from us, a signal, perhaps, to pay attention and change course quickly and with care.
In these last 18 months, the water has been held back in so many ways. Construction delays keep us from a long-awaited return to our building on the schedule we had hoped for. The continued reality of Covid-19 keeps us caring for each other by connecting online or gathering in person in smaller groups and outside. We wait in patient and impatient expectation for the days when the waters of our community can flow freely again, filling us with the embodied experience of holding all of life’s joy and wonder and creativity and pain together.
This month, we will explore what it means to live in this present moment, when the waters are held back through no intention of our own and as we continue to hold back the waters for each other. Patience, resilience, doing what we can with what we have, and caring for each other and those most at risk of harm will continue to be our guides as we strengthen our spirits through story and song, joy and lament, moving together wherever we are in the shared rhythm of community.
|
|
Sunday Service Recording & Podcast |
|
September 12: What We Need is Here
Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Lauren Wyeth, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Karen Hutt
Service summary written by Liz Farmer:
As we return to Fall, we adjust yet again to changing rhythms. We may be returning to school, campus, the office, practice, postponed gatherings, and alarm clocks. The rhythms of nature are changing, too. Later dawns, dwindling twilight, a chill in the air. As we experience the reality of impermanence that was always there, but that summer obscures, we may want to tuck ourselves into our shells — our tough exteriors — like acorns, to weather these changes. But of course, acorns don’t stay acorns forever, either. They, like us, must undergo change. But they don't do it alone. As the end of summer nears, and you’re thrust into your new day-to-day norms, remember the wisdom of acorns: what you need is already within you and around you. Reach towards what you love, that which gives you energy, and those who help you grow, and you will find what you need as you become a big, mighty, beautiful oak tree.
Listen to the podcast on Podbean or Spotify, and watch the service on YouTube, which includes music, a body and community prayer, and a Backpack Blessing. Follow along with the Order of Service.
|
|
Image description: a still image of Lauren Wyeth with her arms stretched wide open from our Sept. 12 worship service at the Lyndale Gardens Amphitheatre. |
|
Registration Open for Abolition 101 Circles |
|
Wednesday evenings, Sept. 22–Oct. 20, 5:15–6:45 p.m.
Thursday evenings, Sept. 23–Oct. 21, 7:30–9 p.m.
Sunday evenings, Oct. 3–Nov. 7 (except Oct. 31), 5:30–7 p.m.
Join us for an upcoming circle to discuss abolition in an online small group setting! This is an opportunity for First Universalist congregants who identify as white.
More than 100 people in this church have already participated. These next three circles are an opportunity—if you haven’t already—to learn about abolition, grounded in our faith and values, before the vote on the Minneapolis charter amendment this November.
In this video, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, First Universalist’s Director of Liberation and Transformation Ministries, offers more information and invites you to participate beginning in the next couple of weeks, to learn about abolition and alternatives to support the safely, welfare, and wellbeing of all.
|
|
Sign up for one of three upcoming Abolition 101 Circles:
About Abolition 101 Circles: What do "abolition" and "defunding the police" mean in the context of our personal and faith values? What can we learn from the experience and expertise of Black feminists and others who understand the impact of policing and mass incarceration and are creating and imagining a world of care and transformative justice that brings safety and freedom for everyone? Join us in this five-week circle to reflect on the wisdom of long-time abolitionists and those exploring ways to create communities and institutions that support the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of every person.
|
|
Registration Open for Legacy Circles |
|
Registration is now open for two online Legacy Circles that begin the first week of October.
Legacy Circles are open to seniors who have completed writing their legacy stories or who plan to finish them before mid-November. Legacy Circles are uniquely fascinating because the curriculum is you! The format is simple. Before each Zoom session, the facilitator sends the stories of two volunteers from the circle to all the other participants. The other participants come to the session ready to ask the volunteers some open-ended questions about their life stories. Each volunteer is in the spotlight for about half an hour. The resulting discussions have been frank, deep, and humorous in turn. It appears that this format gives a unique opportunity to get to know the whole person, because you can see their development from childhood to the present, and the person is right there to answer your questions!
One Legacy Circle will be led by Kathy Coskran and Ray Dillon, meeting from 3 to 4:45 p.m. every other Monday (Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Nov. 29, and Dec. 13). Sign up here.
The other Legacy Circle will be led by Ben Cooper and Ray Dillon, meeting from 10 to 11:45 a.m. every other Wednesday (Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, and Dec. 15). Sign up here.
Whether you participate in a legacy circle or not, we highly encourage all our seniors to write their “legacy stories.” They are four or five pages long, telling the story of a person’s life – their childhood and family background, their career, their challenges and successes, the personhood that they have gradually achieved – with a focus on their spiritual journey and the values that they have held most dear. The process of writing your legacy story is a helpful spiritual exercise, prompting you to take stock of where you have come from and where you want to go. The stories are also very helpful to ministers, as they eventually come to prepare for the person’s memorial service. So far, over one hundred of our seniors have written their legacy stories and have them on file with the ministers. The great majority of the legacy writers have also given permission for their stories to be read by other church members. Those stories are kept in a large binder in the church library, and you’re invited to read them when the church construction is done.
This is exactly what First Universalist needs to be doing: building the Beloved Community, and strengthening the senior community within our community of communities.
The circles will close when they reach twelve participants, so register soon! If you have any questions or concerns, contact church member Ray Dillon at 621-759-5295 or dillonrueter@usinternet.com for more details.
|
|
September Faithful Action Newsletter |
|
Find ways to get involved with our Faithful Action Community Partners in our September 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.
|
|
September Board of Trustees Meeting |
|
Thursday, Sept. 16, 6:30–9 p.m.
The First Universalist Church Board of Trustees typically meets the third Thursday of each month, August through June.
The September meeting took place on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
|
|
Women's Ritual Circle: Open Rituals this Fall |
|
Monday, Sept. 20, and Wednesdays, Oct. 6 and Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m.
Women (cis and trans) as well as non-binary folks who find their home in women-centric spaces who are interested in earth-based and pagan spirituality are invited to the upcoming open rituals of the Under Northern Skies Women’s Ritual Circle. The circle is open to newcomers on Monday, Sept. 20; Wednesday, Oct. 6; and Wednesday, Oct. 20. For people who choose to join the circle, there will be a commitment ritual on Thursday, Nov. 4, after which the circle will close to new members until fall of 2022. The circle currently hold rituals via Zoom, beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. and meeting for about an hour. Contact Beth at belovedporcupine@gmail.com for more information and Zoom information if you would like to attend. |
|
Senior Hiking Group: September Hike |
|
Thursday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m.
Tom Saterstrom will lead the September Senior Hike in Bloomington along Nine Mile Creek, starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23. The group will meet at Moir Park (address: 10320 Morgan Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431), and have lunch at Willie McCoy’s Restaurant after the hike. Willie McCoy’s is located at 10700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431. Since attendance at some recent hikes has been unpredictable we ask that all who plan to join this hike please notify Tom ( saterstromtom@yahoo.com) ahead of time so that we can provide a head count to the restaurant. |
|
Young Adult Group Meet-Up |
|
Sunday, Sept. 26, noon – 1:30 p.m.
Wanting to connect with other young adults (20s and 30s), but unsure of how to do so as COVID continues to change? Feeling a little lost as you decide what might feel best on a given day: social time? alone time? screen time? face to face time? Cool! We’re right there with you! So let’s talk about it!
Here’s what we know for sure:
We want to be together! Young Adults (and honorary Young Adult, Rev. Arif!) will gather on Sunday, Sept. 26 after the live-streamed service from 12–1:30 p.m. for conversation and fun. We’ll discuss how we’re all navigating this time: what ways of connection feel both energy-giving for our spirits and healthy for our bodies? How might we want to be together as a group in the future? We’ll follow recommendations as given by CDC, MDH, and First U surrounding masking, distancing, etc. In addition, please let us know what additional guidelines or practices will help you feel most comfortable.
Here’s what we will determine together:
We intend to gather with food available at an outdoor space in Minneapolis, and that exact location will depend on how many folks wish to join us. So, please let Angela Bowles Edwards ( angelambedwards@gmail.com) know if you’re interested! Also, please pass along any suggestions you have of a good location! We’ll confirm the location by Thursday, September 23rd, and will provide updates on any COVID-related precautions via email if/when they are announced. |
|
Monthly Grief Group with Rev. Karen Hutt |
|
Sunday, Sept. 26, 4–5:30 p.m.
In a season where we have experienced so much and such complicated grief and loss, gathering with a group for support and companionship is so important. Tangled Blessings is a monthly grief group where participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. Through sharing, silence, ritual, and reflection, we will offer each other support and companionship. The group meets online, one Sunday per month (full schedule is available here on our website). You are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions. To receive the link, please RSVP to Rev. Karen Hutt - revkarenhutt@gmail.com
|
|
September Plant-Based Potluck |
|
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6–8 p.m.
Submitted by First U member Betsy Allis:
Reconnect with UU friends (kids welcome!) at our fourth backyard potluck at the Richfield home of Carol and Liz. Relax and enjoy a variety of yummy plant-based dishes with UU friends, new and old. Then see a short demo of ways to reduce food waste in this season of plenty (think trimming a pineapple!). Bring your questions or tips about storing or preserving your favorite veggies. 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 directions, RSVP here by September 26. |
|
UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (No meeting this Sunday, Sept. 19, due to in-person worship. The next Sunday gatherings are Oct. 3 & 17)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Sept. 28 & Oct. 12)
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
Sunday, Oct. 3, 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.
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 resuming in a staggered fashion. Programming for youth in grades 7 - 12 will begin at our in-person service this Sunday, Sept. 19, at Minnehaha Falls and Park. Details available on our Religious Education website.
|
|
We Care Ministries at First Universalist Church |
|
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 Love Kits
In March 2020, we created Love Kits as a way to provide some resources and support to folks who were isolated, experiencing loss, families having a difficult time with the reality of COVID, and those experiencing hospitalization or illness in this time of enforced distance. To receive a Love Kit or to access any of our other caring resources, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Contact Us
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825 1701
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
