Stewardship & Budget Update: It's Time, Friends

***Please read this important information about our budget!***

Dear Ones,

This week I attended a community Iftar event. The Iftar is the daily breaking of the fast at sunset for Muslims observing Ramadan. Someone explained to me that fasting is a sacrifice that she makes to be able to deepen her connection to her faith and to the divine. I was in turn reminded of the sermon Rev. Kathleen Rolenz delivered here earlier in March about sacrifice and humility as a source of spiritual nourishment and joy.

This is the time of year when we ask members of First Universalist to make a financial pledge to the church to fund its operations for the coming fiscal year, which begins July 2024. For most of us, a financial contribution is to some extent a sacrifice—not in the sense of suffering or substitution, but as a spiritual act of joy and deepening my connection to something bigger than myself.

And…

And it is also something very practical and necessary. As I pointed out at the mid-year meeting, congregational giving accounts for more than 90% of the funds we have to operate. It’s what pays for our building, our programs, and most of all, for our staff. Our financial support is what gives us worship, community engagement, religious education, opportunities for spiritual growth, and so much more. Simply put, no money, no ministry.

So far this year the pledge drive is off to a good start, but we still have a long way to go. We have only received firm commitments from about 26% of you. Others of you may previously have set up recurring donations – if you have, thank you! – but we don’t know whether you plan to continue it or to increase it for next year. And yet others of you have not yet let us know your plans. As I said, we are off to a good start, but we are far from where we hope to be in terms of pledged giving for next year.

Because we have operated at a deficit for several years and we have drawn down our reserves, we need to achieve a balanced budget for the coming year. Over the coming weeks, Rev. Jen and the team – in consultation with the Finance Committee and Board – will be putting together a draft budget for 2024-25. They will come up with a version based on the level of revenue we can reasonably project according to pledges so far, as well as alternative scenarios: one if we are able to achieve our congregational giving goal of $1.6 million, and one if additional pledges we are currently projecting don’t materialize.

I don’t want to sound alarmist; I do want to be realistic. Even if our current projections are correct, it will require some significant cuts to achieve a balanced budget. Since staff salaries are the largest portion of our budget, that will mean reductions in staff hours or positions, in particular for ministers and directors of worship and child/youth/family ministries. And that, in turn, will affect everything we do as a church.

So if you have not yet made a financial commitment to the church for the coming year, please do so. If you have a recurring donation, consider increasing it, and either way please let us know what your commitment is. We will continue to communicate with those we’ve not heard from, but the sooner we know the easier the process of building the budget will be.

I continue to be immensely grateful for the way so many in this church stepped up to help close the budget gap that developed this year. I am inspired by the sense of energy, hope, optimism, and joy I have been feeling from so many at First Universalist in the past few months. I am fired up to figure out how we are going to continue to build this beloved community together in accordance with the Visionary Goals we adopted in January. And I am confident that we will join together to commit the resources we need to make that happen.

Marc Gorelick

Treasurer, Board of Trustees

From last Sunday: Watch Lynn Broaddus's stewardship testimonial

Intro

Stewardship Update

Make Your Pledge

 Lynn Broaddus' Testimonial

Sunday Worship

Embracing Humility:

Lessons from The Edge of Existence

This Sunday, March 24,

9 & 11 a.m.

Choir Rehearsals

Worship Info

Service Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Winter / Spring Programs

Summer Program Planning

Sage-ing Interest Form

Meditation

Cultivating Joy

Sacred Choices

Saturday Sprouts

Quilting

Membership Class

Centering Prayer

Neurodivergent Adults

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Caregivers Group

Estrangement from

Adult Children

Faithful Action

Immigrant Solidarity

First Fridays Film

News

Board Meeting

Church Library

Church Directory

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

Poetry Reading, AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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Embracing Humility: Lessons from the Edge of Existence

How does our understanding of death, with its inherent humility and vulnerability, deepen our connections and teach us to live with intention and compassion? As we navigate this delicate threshold, we question: How can we hold ourselves together while we’re breaking apart? In the heart of our journey towards Easter, we turn to the second chapter in our three-part series, inviting you into a contemplative exploration of dying and the profound lessons it imparts on communal living. This service weaves together thought, music, prayer, and story, reflecting on our shared human experience and the bonds that sustain us through life's transitions. Join us in this reflective exploration of the spaces between life and death, community and solitude, fear and hope, embracing the full spectrum of our existence with open hearts and minds.

A gentle reminder that our Easter service on March 31st, open and welcoming to attendees of any age, will keep to our regular service schedule with two opportunities to join us, one at 9 AM and another at 11 AM. This day promises a special experience for our entire community, as we gather to celebrate and reflect in unity. We look forward to sharing this meaningful occasion with you, your families, and friends, embracing the joy and spirit of Easter together.

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

Join us this Sunday, March 24 at 9 & 11 a.m., as we explore our March theme, "Expressing Humility."

Why Easter at First U?



At the heart, the commemoration of Easter within First Universalist underscores a multifaceted understanding of resurrection, tradition, and continuity beyond physical existence. This observance serves as a poignant reminder of the cycles of life and renewal, both in the natural world and within ourselves. It speaks to the profound potential for rebirth and transformation inherent in each of us, echoing themes of hope, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of life that persists through change and adversity.

Choir Returns to First U!

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

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

Please fill out the Choir Interest Form here.

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

Worship Info

IN PERSON AND ONLINE

In person and livestreamed at 9 a.m

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

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

CHILDREN & YOUTH 

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

LOW-SENSORY SPACE

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

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

AFTER WORSHIP

Coffee Hour in the Social Hall

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

From Last Sunday's Service:

"Years ago, our minister, the Reverend Bob Doss, now deceased, implored his congregants to 'Give until it feels good.' Never have I felt this more genuinely.

I know that we are all in this together, we are holding our church together. Said differently, we are together, holding our church." - Lynn Broaddus, Member, First U

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

We rejoice with Kaden Colton on being granted Aspirant Status with the UUA on Kaden's pathway toward ministry.

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

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

Interest Form for Sage-ing Wisdom Circle

Ongoing first Fridays of the month, starting in May or June; 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in-person when possible, on Zoom when necessary.

Register to express interest and receive notification of start date. Registration Required

In From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Revolutionary Approach to Growing Older, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi shows us “sage-ing, a process that enables older people to become spiritually radiant, physically vital, and socially responsible ‘elders of the tribe.’” He also stresses that the importance of doing the “inner work” of this stage requires a community of what he calls “spiritual intimates.” And where better to find “spiritual intimates” than at First Universalist?

Karen West is a Certified Sage-ing Leader for Sage-ing International (www.sage-ing.org) and long-time member of First Universalist. “I hope you will join this Sage-ing Wisdom Circle so that together we can explore this new life stage and learn what it means to, as Rabbi Zalman puts it, age ‘triumphantly.’”

Meditation

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

Registration Required - single-session attendees welcome!

facilitated by Nancy Nyquist Potter

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

Cultivating Joy 

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

Registration Required - single-session attendees welcome!

facilitated by Bee Harrison

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

Sacred Choices for All of Us –

We Still Need to Talk

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

Registration Required

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

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

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

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

Saturday Sprouts

Join us on Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m.-noon for our March and Easter Saturday Sprouts gathering!

RSVP Requested

Saturday Sprouts is a new seasonal opportunity for families to be nourished in community, deepen relationships, and grow together in our First U values and faith.

Saturday Sprouts includes time for family worship, parent & caregiver support, and play and creative time for our kids and youth. Children in grades 5 and younger are welcome to join, as are parents and caregivers of children and youth of all ages. 

At this Saturday Sprouts gathering we will celebrate Easter with an Easter egg hunt and other Easter-themed activities for our children! Please bring a bag or basket to collect Easter eggs if your children will be participating. 

If you have questions, suggestions, feedback, or would like more information about this event, please email Allison, Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries, at allison@firstuniv.org.

Quilting

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

Registration Required - attend one or more!

Facilitated by Chris Chiros 

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

Membership at First Universalist

March Session Full

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

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

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

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

Centering Prayer

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

Registration Required - single-session attendees welcome!

facilitated by Dick Young

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

Adult Neurodivergent Peer Support

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

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

Hosted by Merinda Brayfield.

Tuesday Meditation Group

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

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

Grief Group (online)

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

Registration Required

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

Facilitated by Mark Caswell, church member and Ministerial Aspirant

Caregivers group (online)

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

Registration Required

Caring for a family member who needs special care is a demanding and often unseen or unacknowledged role. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or a child with a chronic health condition, join the Caregivers group for mutual support, connection, and community building. When we gather, we’ll light a chalice, have time for introductions, and share a reading, then move into deeper sharing, support, and reflection. 

Facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister

Estrangement from Adult Children

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

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

Solidarity with MN Immigrants

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

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

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

First Fridays: Democracy on Film

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

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

Board Meeting

The Church Board will have their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 21. You can view the Board packet here.

See What's New in The Church Library

Let the kiddos sit on the Library floor and read their books to Ace the Library Book Hound while you browse.

Check out the new Graphic Histories books like John Lewis’ March or Sapiens.

Coming soon is the new Justice Section: Environmental Justice, Peace Justice, and Racial Justice. The books are displayed together to make them easier to find. If you have Justice books you’ve already read, consider donating them to the Library.

Want to be part of the revitalization of the library? Make book suggestions, donate books, share ideas of what would make the Library more useful to you. Or join the Library Committee. But be sure to visit the Library on Sunday after each service.

Church Directory Update

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

Queer Poetry, Stories, and Place

Sunday, March 24th at 3pm 

Moon Palace Books

3032 Minnehaha Ave.

Minneapolis, MN

Sunu Chandy is a member of All Souls in Washington, D.C. and will be part of a special event at Moon Palace this coming Sunday, March 24th at 3pm. Sunu will be reading from her collection of poems, My Dear Comrades, alongside local LGBTQ+ author, Garry Eldon Peter. More information can be found below. The event details are also linked here, and please RSVP to the event here at this link.

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

AUW Spring Retreat

April 26-28, 2024

Camp Courage, Annandale, MN

Igniting Change

The Light we Carry in a Barbie World

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

Building your Toolbox 

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

Greta Gerwig

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

Register HERE!

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

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

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

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

Game Group: Meets at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. You are welcome to bring snacks to share and a game you would enjoy teaching others. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. The next game night is April 11. If no one responds to Anne that they are coming, the Game Night will be canceled early that day. Please let Anne know if you plan to attend.

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

Give or Take a Book!

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

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

Weekly on Zoom

and

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

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

In-person and Zoom meeting details are available here.



Church Office & Building Access

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

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