Dear Ones,

It is such an exciting—and important—time to be a Unitarian Universalist! In my experience, this year’s General Assembly was spirited, challenging, at times tense (even painful), and in the end, joyously hopeful. Over the course of the last 200 years, our religious movement has seen several major shifts as we have adapted to the changing realities and needs of our beautiful - yet also unjust and hurting - world. As a covenantal faith we commit to a shared orthopraxy, rather than orthodoxy. This means that what brings, and holds, us together is a shared commitment to continuous learning as to what constitutes “right” action rather than “right” belief. We hold a beautiful mosaic of diverse theological and philosophical beliefs, but we share a commitment to act for justice, compassion, equity, and indeed love. To do this, we also commit to supporting each other in community and in caring (and yes, accountable) relationships to do the never-ending work of learning what it means to apply our values to every aspect of how we live. This is how we build the Beloved Community. It is also more countercultural than it sounds because so many aspects of our individualistic consumer culture, and the exploitation that it was founded and still depends on, run counter to that which we profess to be our deepest values.

At this year’s General Assembly, we had the opportunity to participate in the process of updating our covenant language (as written into our association’s bylaws), also known as “Article II.” It was helpful to be reminded that Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s bylaws isn’t a personal faith statement, and it is not ever to be used as a creedal test. It is an articulation of our current understanding of why we come together (i.e., associate) and what we believe we can (and must) promise to one another as communities in order to support each other in our congregational/communal life as we pursue common purpose. The changes were big—the most significant that we have made since the UUA was created from the merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America in 1961. 

As could be expected of a movement grounded in the ideas of human agency and pluralism (in other words, a movement that encourages us to act on our strong convictions, even while recognizing the existence of multiple truths), there was not perfect agreement on the best language, structure, or magnitude for these changes. It was evident that a tremendous amount of spiritual discernment, deep listening, and thoughtful effort went into both creating the proposed updates to Article II and the many, many amendments that were put forth. The discussion was mostly respectful, although at times we failed to live up to our own highest ideals and covenants in an emotional conversation with thousands of participants that touched on not only what we do, but how we understand who we are together and to each other.

When it came time for a vote on the (amended) amendments, the measure to spend the next year continuing to discuss and explore these changes passed by a wide margin. To me, this is a sign that, although we don’t agree on every aspect of how we should articulate our shared values, we are ready to move together towards the future—ready to position ourselves so that we can be a transformational force and source of healing in a time of rising fascism, contested truth, and very real harm, ironically being done in the name of “freedom and liberty.”

And then we sang. One of the most beautiful things about General Assembly is that, after a day of difficult conversations and no small amount of disappointment and frustration—sometimes with the challenges of collective decision-making and sometimes with each other—we get to worship together. We got to see our own amazing Liv Dalby support other youth in bridging from childhood into the wonders that lie beyond. We got to cry tears of pride as the young adults offered a prayer of protest to our failings to yet fully live our values when it comes to our collective investments and the imperative of reparations for harms that we know we have committed. We honored those who have become our good ancestors and those who have dedicated themselves to provide leadership and support to our communities as we all work to become good ancestors. We smiled when others read our nametags and confessed their envy upon realizing that we came from the church that got to be led in song by Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout every week! Getting to worship together was the healing we needed at the end of hard days and was probably the greatest pleasure of being at this year’s important, if challenging, General Assembly. 

Meleah Houseknecht

Member, GA Delegate, and Seminarian

Intro

General Assembly 2023

Sunday Worship

Sunday, July 16, 10 a.m.

Sunday, July 9 Recording

Cycle of Life

News & Features

Blessing of the Wheels

Summer Spiritual Practice

Calendar

Visit to Bdote

Membership Classes

Book Groups

Community Events & Affiliated Organizations:

AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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Sunday, July 16 — 10 a.m.

"Art & Soul" with Davu Seru and Martha Bird

Each Sunday in July, worship will feature artists and musicians sharing their craft and some reflections on how their art is connected to their spirituality. This Sunday, we continue this worship series with two artists who meditate on form, rhythm, repetition, and healing in this world and in worlds beyond our initial perceptions: musician Davu Seru and sculptural basketweaver (and First U member) Martha Bird.

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 the service for crafts, games, and playing outside. Learn more here.

AFTER WORSHIP

Cookout Under the Tent and Blessing of the Wheels

We’ll gather under the tent in the parking lot for a cookout at 11:15 - Hotdogs (beef and plant-based), chips, watermelon, and lemonade. Bring your wheels for a short Blessing of the Wheels at 11:45 a.m. Two optional group bike rides will head out from the parking lot around noon-- 5 blocks and 5 miles. Choose which ride is best for you and your family. No one will be left behind!

July 9 Worship Recap:

"Art & Soul" with Dean Magraw

Each Sunday in July, worship will feature a different local musician sharing their music and some reflections on how their art is connected to their spirituality. Dean Magraw is a consummate guitarist, playing with wit and soulful abandon. A performer like no other, he is part-comedian, part-philosopher and all-around musical genius. This past Sunday, he and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout talked poetry, impressionists, and John Coltrane.



Listen to the July 9 podcast here*

Watch the July 9 service here

*significant edits/cuts have been made due to original sound recording quality

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive 

Last Tuesday, Mary Sanbo broke her ankle in 2 places. She was at a dog park with her dogs when another dog jumped up on her and she fell. She is currently at home, but the breaks require surgery this week. We hold her in healing Love.

Our beloved Lauren Wyeth’s month off between jobs has been interrupted by a breast cancer diagnosis. She’s grateful for both First Universalist and the UUA for their grace and care as she makes a significant job transition while making medical decisions and starting treatment. She welcomes your prayers and healing energy as she approaches surgery and learns whether additional treatment will be necessary. If you are feeling the pull to share your prayers with her directly, you are welcome to send a card to church and we will make sure it gets to her.

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.

After the service on Sunday, July 16, we’ll gather under the tent in the parking lot for a cookout with hotdogs (beef and plant-based), chips, watermelon, and lemonade at 11:15 and a short Blessing of the Wheels at 11:45 a.m. Together, we’ll celebrate summer – with its sunshine, ice-free sidewalks and open paths – and the bikes, trikes, strollers, scooters, wheelchairs, skateboards and all-things-wheeled we depend on and enjoy. Bring your wheels for a blessing, and leave with a smile on your face and a blessing card in your spokes.

Two optional group bike rides will head out from the parking lot around noon-- 5 blocks and 5 miles. Choose which ride is best for you and your family. No one will be left behind!

Invitations to Summer Spiritual Practice

Practicing and Connecting from Wherever We Are

Recently, Rev. Jen shared: Summer is upon us, and with it comes new rhythms and practices to help us slow down, stay connected, and start up some shared spiritual practices. Join me in joyspotting, daily nature sits, or body prayer practices as we share in spiritual practice together this summer. I’m looking forward to receiving reflection prompts and encouragement throughout the summer as I combine two of the spiritual practices into one daily action - a walk or time to sit outside spotting joy. Knowing that so many of you will also be joining in our shared spiritual practices will help me feel connected to you, even as I travel and take time off in July. I hope these practices will do the same for you. Sign up for the shared Summer Spiritual Practice possibilities here. May the slower pace allow for the deepening of connection to ourselves, each other, and the spirit that moves within, among, and beyond us.

1. Register for one of the practices: Nature Sit Spot or Joyspotting
2. Pay attention, again and again
3. Receive regular reflection prompts and steady encouragement to your inbox along the way.
4. Tell about and connect over your experiences on Facebook and/or Instagram with #FirstUnivPractice
5. Gather at the potluck after the Lake Harriet service on August 20 to share about how we’ve been challenged and changed by our practices

Enjoy the Biodiversity of

Bdote/Fort Snelling State Park

Saturday, July 15, 1:30-3 p.m.

Join EJ Team member Cathy Geist and a Conservation Corps member as we hike by the Mississippi River at Bdote (known by the settler colonial name, Fort Snelling State Park.) Together, in the context of this area's indigenous history, we'll learn about the diversity of plants, animals, and other organisms there. Meet in the parking lot near the Bdote/Fort Snelling State Park Visitor Center, where the park road ends. (Stop at the building at the bottom of the hill near the entrance to purchase a 1-day park pass if you need one.) RSVP to Cathy at 612-384-2723.

This fall, we'll also be exploring the indigenous sacred story of creation and colonial war history of Bdote in partnership with Healing MN Stories and hope you will join us.

Dreaming Liberation Book Groups

No More Police

Tuesday, August 1, 4-6 p.m. on Zoom  

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

Rust in the Root book group, for teens and young adults, has been postponed until Fall.

Membership Classes

Wednesday, July 26, 6:30-9 p.m. on zoom

or

Sundays, August 6 & 13, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at church

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 attend class on zoom or in person.



Facilitated by Ginny McAninch, First U member, and Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

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.

July 15, 10 a.m. Eloise Butler Flower Garden. 1 Theodore Wirth Parkway. Mpls.

July 22, 10 a.m. Roseville Central Park. 2540 Lexington Ave N, Roseville. Beautiful Garden. 

July 29, 10 a.m. MN River Valley Wildlife Center. 3875 American Blvd, Bloomington. Steps at beginning and end. Marie will be there.

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 17. 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. We will be meeting next on Monday, July 24 to discuss Today a Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket by Hilma Wolitzer. In Person Potluck at 6:30 pm; discussion at 7:30 pm.

A separete conversation on zoom is the same eveing at 7 p.m.

AUW Summer Potluck – Saturday, July 29 at the home of Carol Gilbert and Liz Permar, 7340 Fremont Avenue South, Richfield. We will gather at 5 pm, or whenever you can make it, rain or shine. Bring a dish to share and bug spray. Weather permitting, we will be outside enjoying nature and yard games, but we can take refuge inside if need be. Come for great conversations!

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.



After careful consideration of local and national health guidelines, which have continued to evolve over the past year, and ongoing monitoring of COVID levels in Hennepin County, we have updated our COVID Community Care Policies, as of Sunday, May 21:

• 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.