Dear Ones,

There’s a concert here at the church tomorrow evening at 7.

My friends, fellow artists, and Uptown neighbors Paolo Dubuque and Laura Clapp have just founded a collective of pro musicians they’re calling Homespun. Homespun is creating musical spaces that prioritize empathy, openness, and joy. Homespun thinks and grows from grassroots and real relationship. They’re wondering what music becomes when a community of people craft a concert in conversation and collective insight. And I’m glad to say that Homespun is starting this journey at First Universalist. They’ve been together for some days now, making a fresh way through an ancient tradition right here in our space. 

Tickets are available at the door. For the First Universalist community, tickets are available on a pay-as-you-can-pay-what-you-will scale, from $0 to $20 (so don’t let money get between you and living art). All proceeds will go directly to support the artists that make Homespun possible. Your showing up can do the same! 

I’ve been called to similar questions this summer, as I’ve spent time with your insights in the past year’s Music Ministry Listening Sessions.  Where’s love calling for our voice to rise next? What difference does it make in the world whether a church sings well? What does community-powered music look like for us? How can our singing help us chart courses of change? 

I’m confident love’s calling us to sing beyond what we already know, to allow music to open channels for understanding, empathy, and relationship.

I’m confident love’s asking us to liberate our minds from perfectionism, to turn away from the idolatry of “just right” at the cost of what matters. I know that it’s communities who use their voice wisely and without fear that can snuff out the trillion injustices ever done. I know singing heals hearts and bonds in the cracks. I know in our 2023 multi-platform community, that Sunday morning is where the music we make will start, but it’s not nearly where it ends. I know we’ll need the power to sing a wall of discrimination to dust, and we’ll need to sing lullabies to new lives, bring the community in melodies of comfort and prayer as lives end. In so many moments, we will want to know the power of musical togetherness we made ourselves. This doesn’t happen at the whim of a decent music director, only by the will and work of all the people.

I’m calling together a team of volunteers of all ages, and backgrounds, and gifts, and dreams for music at First Universalist. We're forming a team of people who will help imagine, plan, and power our next chapter of singing in community. If you will help the community start to realize what love can do through a church that knows its voice, if you can dream and plan with me, or move chairs, or make phone calls, coordinate snacks, teach lessons…we need to hear from you. Your willingness to be a part is all you're signing up for now. And I'll be in contact in August to connect about ways you'd like to be a part of the movement. 

• Use Use this link to say you want to be a part. 
• Email me (glenthomas@firstuniv.org) if you've got questions or wonder how you might contribute. 

The space to dream big enough to bring change in the world starts only when we create an opening for insight to find us. When we take enough time to rest (a whole year now, for our group singing ministries) and wait with listening attention, the stillness settles us, changes the questions we ask and the premises we are willing to accept. This same stillness calms us even in conflict, waits out our noises of fear and frenzy, so that we can hear love calling us to revival and revolution. 

Sometimes, what’s needed of us isn’t sound but silence together. Stopping, pausing, reflecting, listening for understanding–these aren’t pastimes while we wait for the next thing to do. No— they are part of the cycles of life that heal us, make us wise, and keep our calling clear. 

August’s worship at First Universalist goes by the name “Stop in the Name of Love.” We’re exploring the spiritual disciplines of rest, reflection, and readying well for what’s ahead. Join us for a journey of community, worship in shared company, in silence, story, and song. 

Peace,

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Intro

Stop In the Name of Love

Sunday Worship

Sunday, August 6, 10 a.m.

Sunday, July 30 Recordings

Cycle of Life

News & Features

Staffing Updates

Special August Sundays

Calendar

RE Registration

Liberation Book Group

Community Events & Affiliated Organizations:

AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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Sunday, August 6 — 10 a.m.

Backing into the Big Questions

Shifted schedules, evening sunshine, produce that doesn’t fit anybody’s plan for the week, movies and music and sunsets that take our breath away and demand that we stop and pay attention. As we feel the stretch of summer into August, the Big Questions call to us. Join us for worship this Sunday, August 6 as we ask: what are yours and ours, and how might we respond?

IN PERSON AT 10 A.M.

This Sunday, we worship in person at 10 a.m. Masks are welcome but not required in the sanctuary; please review our Covid-19 Gathering Guidelines. 

ONLINE AT 10 A.M.

This service is live-streamed at 10 a.m. Watch the livestream here. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Childcare is available in the nursery starting at 9:45 for babies through preeschoolers. Children ages 5-12 attend the first part of worship and are released partway through worship for crafts, games, and playing outside. Learn more here.

AFTER WORSHIP

A Place to Start - 11:15 a.m. or right after worship

Facilitated by one of our members, A Place to Start is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. During this 40-minute class, participants will learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. The facilitator will be holding a green “Here is A Place to Start” sign at the front of the sanctuary after the worship services. We look forward to welcoming you!

A Place to Start is next offered on August 13 and September 2.

July 30 Worship Recap:

"Art & Soul" with Paolo Dubuque

Each Sunday in July, worship features artists and musicians sharing their craft and some reflections on how their art is connected to their spirituality. This past Sunday, Paolo Dubuque and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout talk about re-imagining musical ensembles and using collaborative music to change the world. We embrace the calling of this new day–for communities of justice to know the power of their own voice, and to build up beauty in the world starting from within.



Listen to the entire July 30 worship here

*New* Each week, the "sermon" or "message" recording is posted separately from the podcast of the entire service. Listen to Glen Thomas' Message and the conversation with Paolo here.

Watch the July 30 service on YouTube here

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive 

Zoe Beck asks for prayers for her brother, Bob Beck, 87, who had a severe stroke this week. She asks us to join her in praying that the blood on the brain reabsorbs and that they don’t have to do surgery. She also asks for prayers for her sister Mary Van Lare who is suffering from dementia. Finally, we pray with her for acceptance of her own process of aging and all the limitations that are keeping her from visiting her brother or her sister in person.

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. Ashley Harness at ashley@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY MINISTRIES

We are delighted to be welcoming Allison Connelly-Vetter, incoming Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, on Monday, August 7th. Opportunities to meet Allison will be shared in weeks ahead. We can’t wait for her inclusive, innovative, and deeply grounded ministry to take shape among us.

From Allison:

I am Allison Connelly-Vetter, I use she/her pronouns, and I am truly excited to get started as the Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Families Ministries at First Universalist Church. 

As I begin this role, I bring my years of professional experience in church communications, congregational organizing, and children, youth, and families ministry, including experience as a facilitator of the Our Whole Lives program for grades 7–9. I also bring my lived experience as a queer, disabled woman, and my experience nourishing and being nourished by queer and disabled communities. 

I gained some of my professional experience in church communications right here at First Universalist in 2021! It was a joy to work with you then and I know it will be a joy to work with you again in this new role. 

My ministry with children, youth, and families and my theology of faith formation centers four themes: nourishment, community, wonder, and care. I also believe strongly that children, youth, and families ministry is not just for young people, but also enthusiastically supports and equips parents, siblings, grandparents, and all sorts of biological, raising, and chosen family. I look forward to exploring these themes and commitments together as we continue First Universalist’s long standing tradition of welcoming, supporting, celebrating, and forming community members of all ages. 

I also look forward to diving more deeply into Unitarian Universalist theology, ritual, and practice. As I come from a catholic and United Church of Christ background, I will appreciate your companionship as I learn and will be seeking out your own stories and faith journeys with Unitarian Universalism.

Again, I am delighted by the opportunity to (re-)join First Universalist in just a few short weeks, and honored by the sacred responsibility of this role. 

With care,

Allison

WORSHIP MINISTRIES

It's been almost 6 years since Franco Holder joined us as pianist at First Universalist. His quiet care for our community - bringing beauty through music and exceptional talent - has been a tremendous gift to us all. Franco has recently let us know that he'll be leaving his position at First Universalist at the end of August. Please join us in thanking him and celebrating his time with us this month in worship, and in particular on Sunday, August 27th, when we send him off with our blessings and gratitude.

COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRIES

The hiring process is well underway for our new part-time Communications Assistant position. We expect to complete final interviews soon, and are on track for a hoped-for September start date for this position.

"Homespun" Concerts

As recently announced in worship with Director Paolo Dubuque, join Homespun, a Twin-Cities-based chamber music collective, for their debut concert, this Friday, August 4 at 7 p.m. at First Universalist. Program to include works by Florence Price, J.S. Bach, Jessie Montgomery, Johannes Brahms, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Missy Mazzoli, and more! Pay-as-you-can; tickets available on Eventbrite and at the door.

Coming Up: Special August Sundays

August 20- Lake Harriet Worship at 10 a.m.

Our Lake Harriet Sunday is a summer highlight! It is part of an annual outdoor worship series at the Lake Harriet bandshell with about 15 neighborhood congregations participating. This year we're excited to once again enjoy a potluck picnic together after the service.

Please note: this will be our only worship service on Sunday, Aug. 20. There will not be a service at 3400 Dupont, and the service will not be live-streamed

August 27- Backpack Blessing

As summer comes to an end, don’t miss our annual Backpack Blessing and worship service this Sunday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. The multigenerational service will offer children, youth, and adults of all ages the opportunity to reflect upon how we might carry the love of our church community and the tools of our faith with us wherever we go.

After worship on the 27th, we'll enjoy a community lunch under the tent and an Open Eye Theater Driveway Tour performance of Molly and the Magic Boot.

10-Year Anniversary of the "Big Gay Wedding"

Check out the beautiful story that Jana Shortal and the team at Kare 11 put together about Minnesota's 10 years of marriage eqaulity, including our own Rev. Jen Crow, Carol Gilbert, and Liz Permar! Get inspired for the work of liberation to conitue, especially in protection of trans* beloveds across the country. Watch the story.

2023-24 Religious Education Registration

Religious education runs from Sept. 10, 2023-May 19, 2024. Learn more and register your family today.

In RE, and in all stages of life, we seek to expand our hearts and minds, make a difference in the world, mark important milestones, and explore big questions in the context of a supportive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, radically welcoming religious community.

We are a church dedicated to racial justice, and we honor all kinds of families, recognizing our interdependence and our common foundation of love.

Dreaming Liberation Book Group

No More Police

RESCHEDULED to Tuesday, August 15, 4-6 p.m. at Church  

Learn from and integrate the wisdom of beloved authors and movement leaders, Mariame Kaba and Andrea Ritchie, with others who are interested in diving into their new book, No More Police, which passionately synthesizes the experiences and expertise necessary for building a new world with less violence. The book is readily available for purchase online or at local libraries. First U can provide a copy upon request.



Co-facilitated by Denise Kohnen and Rev. Ashley Harness

REGISTRATION REQUESTED

Young Adults go to Music in the Parks

Friday, August 18, 6:30 p.m. BYO meal, 7:30- 9 p.m. music

Dine al fresco by Lake Harriet and enjoy live music from Minneapolis-based Nunnabove. Heralded as “the next generation of Minneapolis sound,” the sibling quartet produces danceable, soul-pop grooves. RSVP Requested.

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

Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trailhead at

10 a.m. Bring sun protection, sunscreen, and bug spray. For questions, contact Marie Sorenson, 612-419-3620 or Lynn Richardson, 612-323-2776.

August 5 Westwood Nature Center. 8300 West Franklin, St Louis Park, MN 

August 12 MN River Valley Wildlife Center. 3875 American Blvd, Bloomington, MN.

August 19 Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Drive , Richfield, MN.  

August 26 Normandale Lake. 84th and Chalet Road. Bloomington, MN.

Game Group: Meets at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. The next game night is August 10. You are welcome to bring snacks to share and a game you would enjoy teaching others. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. 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.

Weekly Happy Hour: This online Zoom gathering is a way to stay connected with AUW friends. We meet at 7 p.m. every Thursday. Hosts are Liz and Carol. Here is the Zoom info to tune in: Evening Happy Hour

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 invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your contact info to Abbie Finger. 

CORRECTION: The next meeting will be Monday, Ausust 28 at the home of Debbie Cash (612-363-7794). We will be discussing The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré. In Person Potluckat 6:30 p.m.; discussion at 7:30 p.m.; Zoom Discussion at 7 p.m.

Give and Take a Book! *new!*

To share books we love and build more literary connections, we are starting a new project. If interested, please bring 1 or 2 books (no more!) to give at the monthly book club. If interested, pick a book to take home. To help make connections, put a post-it note on the book with your name and a reason you liked the book. 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 cell 612-250–1661.

Saturdays, 9:30–10:45 a.m. online via Zoom

This weekly online meeting focuses on people who are actively working in any of 12 Step programs. It is focused on the 11th step through the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. Meeting details are available at 12stepspirituality.org.



Based on ongoing monitoring of COVID levels in Hennepin County, our current COVID Community Care Policies are:

• Masking is welcome, but not required, inside the building—including the sanctuary—when Covid community/hospital admission levels in Hennepin County are Low or Medium. Masks will be required inside the building when levels are High.
• High quality KN95/N95 masks are available free of charge for anyone who wishes to use one when in the building.
• Creating an intentionally inclusive space where masking is respected and welcomed without question is all of our responsibility.
• We continue to encourage all who can be vaccinated against Covid-19 to receive the initial vaccination and subsequent boosters to reduce the impact of Covid 19 for each person individually and for our wider community, collectively.
• We continue to ask people to stay home if they are feeling sick. 
• We continue to offer online and multi-platform opportunities for spiritual growth and focus resources on strengthening our online and multi-platform community. 
• We will work with congregants and families on an individual basis to address health and accessibility concerns, and to find creative ways to care for each other and connect. Please reach out to Rev. Ashley Harness to brainstorm together. 

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.