Being Present to Joy and Love:

Remembering Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs

Dear Ones,

In the shared journey of our faith and the unfolding story of our community, it behooves us to pause to honor those whose lives have profoundly impacted our collective spirit. Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs, who served as co-minister alongside her husband Rob at Unity-Unitarian Church in St. Paul, was such a luminary in the Unitarian Universalist movement. Her recent passing, closely following that of Rob, has left a profound void in the hearts of many, including within our own community here. Together, Janne and Rob exemplified a partnership in life and ministry that inspired countless individuals to live with purpose, dedicate their days to the pursuit of justice, and amplify the transforming power of community. Their shared legacy is a testament to the principles of love, justice, and the inherent worth of every single one.

As we navigate the currents of grief and gratitude in the wake of this profound loss, we remember our responsibility as a part of the interconnected web of all existence, to care after our connections, to show up for one another. In keeping with this sacred duty, I have drafted a letter on behalf of our congregation to Unity-Unitarian Church, expressing our condolences and solidarity. We perform this ritual act in a moment of shared sorrow, not only a gesture of sympathy but also to manifest our commitment to ecumenical connection and support. It underscores the importance of nurturing our bonds with fellow faith communities, affirming our shared humanity and our collective journey in the spirit of love and mutual care.

In this spirit of remembrance and connection, we also hold in care our own Rev. Jen, for whom Janne was a guiding light and spiritual companion, as well as a cherished mentor and friend. Their journey together, enriched by mutual learning and affection, exemplifies the profound impact of Janne's mentorship and friendship. We extend our support and compassion to Rev. Jen and to the ministers, staff, members, and friends within our community who have been graced by Janne's life and ministry.

In honoring Janne, we embrace the willful journey back to joy, recognizing it as an inextricable part of the cycle of life. We are reminded of the importance of celebrating life and cherishing the tender gift of our connections with one another. It is in these moments of reflection that Brian Doyle's words from his Last Prayer resonate deeply with our current sentiments: “And here at the very end, here in my last lines, I close my eyes and weep with joy that I was alive, and blessed beyond measure, and might well be headed back home to the incomprehensible Love from which I came, mewling, many years ago.” This profound appreciation for the holy, ordinary moments that make up our lives invites us to see the grace in simplicity, to embrace the beauty in the everyday, and to cherish the connections that enrich our existence.



In the name of one newest ancestor, the Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs, in gratitude for the stunning breath of all the life we breathe and mourn, may love, resilience, and hope also breathe in us. May our gratitude bless the bonds that connect us, the values we hold dear, and the enduring joy that lives on right this moment, for all time.

In heartfelt solidarity and abiding hope,

In the name of love, and joy, and common

Peace, 

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

(Pictured from left to right: Meg Riley, Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs, Rev. Jen Crow)

Intro

Remembering Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs

Sunday Worship

Being Present: From We to Me

This Sunday, Feb. 18,

10 a.m. ONLY

Service Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Winter / Spring Programs

Connection Points

#Joyspotting

Cultivating Joy

Meditation

Coming of Age for Adults

How to Talk to People

Intergen Dance

Young Adults

Art Making

Sage-Ing Wisdom Circle

Knitting

Quilting

Neurodivergent Adults

Meditation Group

Fifth Grade OWL

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Caregivers Group

Faithful Action

Atomic Hope

EJ Gathering

Habitat for Humanity

Multicultural Democracy

Democracy on Film

Spiritual Centering

News

Foundation Board

General Assembly

Board Meeting

Peace Garden

Church Directory

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

Trellis Event, Philip Vance, AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

Some email programs truncate long emails; watch for "message clipped; view entire message" or similar at the bottom of this email if you don't see all contents listed.

Being Present: From Me to We

Step into a shared journey, "From Me to We," this Sunday at 10am. 



In a world that often celebrates the individual, we invite you to explore the strength and beauty of choosing community. This week, we delve into the power of collective action and shared responsibility—a timely reflection in the wake of the pandemic's challenges. 

Discover how our choices can weave a stronger fabric of support, resilience, and interconnectedness. We'll explore the transformative potential of moving beyond individualism to embrace the collective—highlighting that our financial contributions are more than just donations; they're affirmations of our commitment to each other and the world we wish to build together.

Join us for this singular service, where every voice, every contribution, and every heart matters. Together, let's illuminate the path from 'me' to 'we' and uncover the real power for social change.

Join us this Sunday, February 11, for a single service at 10 a.m. as we explore our February theme, "Being Present."

From last Sunday: Watch CT Neal-Herman's stewardship testimonial

Worship Info

IN PERSON AND ONLINE AT 10 A.M. ONLY

In person and livestreamed at 10 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.

A Place to Start - in person, immediately 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 45-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! 

Please note the church does not provide childcare during A Place to Start due to full Sunday morning RE and volunteer schedules. Kids are welcome in A Place to Start after they’re picked up from RE. Options for kids during A Place to Start are the same as in worship: coloring sheets and pipecleaners, and moving to a more kid-friendly space within the sanctuary. You’re also welcome to ask another trusted adult to watch your child(ren) during this time if you prefer. 

We host A Place to Start next on Marce 3 & 19. If you can't make it, or prefer to connect with a staff person one on one, please fill out the Visitor Connect form so we can follow up with you. Thank you!

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

Baby Corinne Elizabeth Slembarski (pictured here) arrived on Saturday morning. Parents Emily Wallace and Rob Slembarski, and daughter Vivian, are all home, adjusting, and doing well. Vivian is excited to be a big sister, and the family looks forward to bringing Corinne to church to meet everyone.

Martha Bird's beloved service dog died on Monday, February 12. It was sudden and unexpected. She feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to hold him in her arms as he made the transition from life to death. She is grateful for the 9 years they spent together as a team.

Our love and care is with Pam Berry and her family as they mourn the death of Pam's sister Nancy who died from cancer earlier this week.

We hold Marjie Smith and her family in our care as they accompany Marjie's sister Fran as she begins hospice.

Zoe Beck is in our prayers as she recovers from a recent hospitalization.

We continue to hold Rev. Jen in love and care as she prepares for her father's memorial on Monday at 1 pm CT in Maryland. You can join the service via livestream.

We hold all who loved Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs in prayer this week. Rev. Janne, longtime co-pastor at Unity Unitarian Church In St. Paul and beloved mentor to Rev. Jen, Rev. Arif and many others among us, died this week.

Geraldine “Jerry” A. Sattinger, age 80, passed away suddenly and peacefully on February 1st at her home in Minneapolis, MN. We are holding her husband, Stan Sattinger, in deepest compassion. A Celebration of Her Life will be held at The Cremation Society of Minnesota at 4343 Nicollet Avenue South in Minneapolis on Monday, February 19th at 4 PM. Obituary

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.

Deep Winter #Joyspotting

Join/participate as you’re able, February-April

Registration Recommended to receive email prompts

This is an online practice that will include weekly email prompts. Joy is not just a feeling, but a spiritual practice. Join a group of us seeking and spotting joy as a spiritual practice in the depths of winter. We'll offer weekly email and social media prompts to help you cultivate joy and we invite you to share your "joyspotting" via social media with each other and our wider community with the hashtags #deepwinterjoyspotting and #FirstUnivPractice

Cultivating Joy

Mondays, Feb. 26, March 25, April 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Room 209 at church

Registration Required

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.

Meditation

Sundays, Feb. 18, March 24, April 28; 1-2:30 p.m. in person at church

Registration Required

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.

Coming of Age for Adults

Sundays, Feb. 18, 12:15-2:15 p.m.; March 3, 17, April 14, 28, 1:15-3:15 p.m. in person at church Registration Required - Registration closes Friday 2/16 at 6 p.m.!

Our religious education programs explicitly embrace the goal of building UU identity in our children and youth but the work of figuring out “who I am” and what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist is just as meaningful for adults. Unitarian Universalism requires us to be active participants in building our religious identity, a task that sometimes invites letting go or “unlearning” lessons from our past. What does it mean to “be” a Unitarian Universalist? In community, how do we form (and re-form) religious identity that matches your particular experience, behavior, and ongoing journey? We will engage these important questions and provide pathways for exploring and settling into a current version of our UU theology and identity.

Facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani and Membership Coordinator Liz Farmer

How to Talk to People

Coffee and Conversation Series

Two Saturday mornings; coffee at 9:45, conversation from 10-11:15 a.m. Room 209 at church Registration Requested

Feb. 24 - The Infrastructure of Community; April 27- How to Not Go It Alone 

Feb. 24 - We go urgently from one thing to another, rushing to get things done. White Scandinavian folks especially have a norm of ‘keeping to ourselves.’ But it’s conversation, hanging out together, that slows us down and opens us to what emerges. What are we missing when we rush from one thing to another, keeping to ourselves in order to manage our time and get things done? How can our spiritual and social lives nourish one another? Let’s name and imagine what “infrastructure” we need to make that happen as a spiritual community! These workshops, based on three different episodes from the podcast How to Talk to People, are meant to open us up to possibilities in moving toward deeper relationships through talking and listening, and to brainstorm about ways that church gatherings and infrastructure could facilitate these kinds of interactions and relationships. Register for one, two, or all three. We encourage listening to at least part of the podcast episode (or reading the transcript) before attending. 

Facilitated by member Nancy Nyquist Potter and Membership Coordinator Liz Farmer.

Intergenerational Partner Dance Class

Sunday, Feb. 25; Lunch at 1 p.m., Dance class 1:30-2:30 p.m. RSVP for Lunch Requested; Dance Lessons Drop In 

Partner dancing is a social tradition that, for generations, has brought people of all ages and backgrounds together to mingle, move, and enjoy some music. Come join the Senior High RE group for lunch and an intergenerational dance lesson in waltz or tango (depending on the mood that strikes us). This event will be a great way to meet new people in a structured social environment, as well as to brush up your dance skills to impress your friends!

Young Adults

Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s in varying social/cultural life stages. We are in school, job-searching, and working, single, married, partnered and dating, with kids and without, newly moved to the area and longtime residents. We gather on the first Sundays of the month after the 11 a.m. service for lunch at Gigi’s Cafe, conversation on spiritual topics relevant to young adults, and fun activities. Email liz@firstuniv.org to be added to the Young Adults facebook group and email list. Gatherings are added throughout the spring; Check the Sign Up Genius for what’s coming up.

Dinner for the Week

Sunday, Feb. 25; 2-4:30 p.m. 

Sometimes cooking is recharging... but at other times, it's just another thing to do and the thought of food waiting for you at home sounds like the greatest thing ever! If you can relate, Cameron is looking for 3-4 folks to *pilot* a little let's-cook-a-bunch-of-food-together activity where the goal is to leave with your own tupperware(s) filled with food -- all with the help of First U's awesome kitchen. What's the best way to divide up our labor? How cheap can we get the serving cost down to (while trying to stay healthy?) What would this look like with more people? How much will we cry cutting onions? Email Cameron (cam.smither@gmail.com) to sign up and we'll find out together.

Art Making

All Sundays in February and March, 1 p.m.  Room 206 at church

Registration Required

Facilitated by Kate Guin and Denise Konen

Creating art as a spiritual practice is similar to other meditative practices. The goal is not the output, but to bathe the mind and soul. We will support each other in using creativity on a regular basis to increase wellness and spiritual connection. 

Sage-ing Wisdom Circle

Ongoing first Fridays of the month, starting March 1; 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Room 209 when possible, on zoom when necessary 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.’”

Knitting

Sundays, March 3 at 1 p.m. April 7 at noon (March and April dates subject to change). In person at church

Registration Requested

Facilitated by Merinda Brayfield

Knitting can be soothing and meditative. It invites us to slow down and take things one stitch at a time. It teaches us patience as well as trust and faith in your own abilities. 

Quilting

Sundays, March 3, April 7; 3-5 p.m. on zoom Sundays, Feb. 18, March 17, April 21; 3-5 p.m. In person

Registration Required

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.

Adult Neurodivergent Peer Support

Dates TBD. 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.

Fifth Grade OWL Registration Open

5th grade OWL (Our Whole Lives) at First Universalist is an opt-in class. If you choose not to opt-in and specifically register your child, they will continue to attend their regular RE programming. There is a mandatory parent/caregiver registration for 5th grade OWL on Saturday, March 2, 2024. 5th grade OWL classes will begin Sunday, March 3, 2024, and conclude Sunday, May 12, 2024. There are no RE classes on Sunday, March 31, 2024 nor on Sunday, April 7, 2024. A calendar of classes will be shared at the parent/caregiver orientation. Registration for 5th grade OWL is NOW OPEN! Registration can be found HERE. Please email Claire Tralle (claire@firstuniv.org) with any questions. 

Grief Group (online)

Sundays, Feb. 18, March 3, 17, 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, March 10, 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

"Atomic Hope"

Environmental Justice Gathering

March 3, 3-4:30 p.m. Cummins Room at church Registration Requested

The EJ Team currently meets quarterly, with primary justice action occurring through the EJ team's working groups (see church website for a listing of working groups). People attending will share environmental concerns and actions in which they have recently been involved. All interested people in the First U community are welcome to attend the gathering.

Habitat for Humanity

We have one work day scheduled at

219 James Avenue N, Minneapolis

March 16, 2024

Sign up here

Working on Habitat for Humanity projects with other First U volunteers has been a very satisfying experience for me. Not only do we have the satisfaction of helping to build more affordable housing and reduce wealth disparities, but I personally have found that working in solidarity with other like-minded people is a deeply meaningful activity in itself. The Habitat supervisors are adept at matching jobs with skills and preferences, so everybody has useful work to do, nobody has a job too difficult or scary for them, and everybody is very helpful. It’s a great opportunity to obey the law of service and help one another at the same time.

Robert Kimball

Multicultural Democracy in MN: First U’s Team Launch

Contact Karen Wills to be on the First U Democracy Team that will mutually decide when to meet.

Direct action to strengthen an inclusive multicultural democracy brings us together to live into our UU 5th Principle of “supporting the democratic process.” Let’s meet together monthly at times to be determined by First U team members. Want to be in the loop, but can’t attend meetings? No problem, you can still “be the change!”  Contact Karen Wills, First U Member and MUUSJA Democracy Strategist, to be on the First U Democracy Team that will mutually decide when to meet. kwmuusja@gmail.com or 612-270-6559.

First Fridays: Democracy on Film

Fridays, March 1, 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. 

Spiritual Centering for Justice Seekers

Sundays, March 10, April 14, May 12; 7-8 p.m. on zoom. Drop In; Register for the zoom link and attend as you’re able.

How do we create sustainable practices in this age of burnout and compassion fatigue? This monthly online group from MUUSJA brings together UU's across Minnesota to nourish the spirit and strengthen solidarity among those committed to social justice work in 2024. It offers spiritual practices to fuel, nurture, and support your justice work, and connects you with supportive colleagues across Minnesota UU congregations, so all are stronger and more effective. Facilitated by MUUSJA's spiritual director, UU Rev. Leslie Mills. Contact First U Member Karen Wills with questions. 

Apply for the Foundation Board

The Nominating Committee is now recruiting candidates for positions on the Foundation Board for the 2024-2025 church year. We invite and encourage members to nominate themselves to serve in this role. Serving on the Foundation Board enables you to collaborate with other lay leaders to advance the church’s mission! Positions are for a three-year term. Below is a brief description of the opportunity:

Member of First Universalist Foundation Board: Board members serve as stewards of the Foundation endowment. They solicit grant applications, review applications, and select grantees to be awarded funding. A fuller description of the position can be found here.

Requirements: You must be a member in good standing of the church.  Please consider either nominating yourself or encouraging a fellow church member to apply for this important work. 

Applications are due by Friday, March 15, and the application form can be filled out here. All applications will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee and followed up by interviews. Elections will occur at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 9.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Ray Dillon, the Nominating Committee chair, at dillonrueter@usinternet.com 612-759-5295, or contact any of the members of the Nominating Committee:  Evelyn Browne, Chad Anderson, Katie Fox, David Bach, and Sandy Culpepper.

All Virtual General Assembly

First U folks who are planning to attend this year's *VIRTUAL* General Assembly: Please let us know here.

General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. Please join us online Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, 2024 for this 4-day immersive experience where we participate in inspirational worship services and informative workshops, reconvene with friends and colleagues, and explore our virtual exhibit hall. GA is an unforgettable experience for the thousands of UUs who participate. You’ll leave with renewed energy and innovative ideas to share with your congregation and community-at-large!

From the GA Planning Committee: Reserve your space by registering now. Knowing our audience size and demographics helps us more effectively navigate logistics and curate content. Also, when registration numbers are high, sponsors and exhibitors are encouraged to invest more time and money into the event. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, this is your opportunity to be a part of an extraordinary gathering. Register now through March 15th for the lowest rates and to take advantage of the payment plan.

Register now for General Assembly--rates go up on March 15.

Board Meeting

The next meeting of the Board of First U is on February 15. You can see the draft agenda here.

Creating A New Peace Garden

While recent landscape projects have greatly enhanced the front and the parking lot areas of our church, the north side of the building on 34th Street definitely needs to be improved. The hope is that this area will become our new Peace Garden.

Last fall, Cathy Manning, Tom Saterstrom and a few others started work on this area by removing weeds and brush. We now need a landscape plan before we can move ahead with this project. Several congregants are interested in offering ideas, but we now need someone (Maybe you?) to help create a comprehensive landscape design to guide the selection and placement of plants and materials as the work continues in stages, over time. Limited funds are available from the Lynn Elling Memorial Fund to help purchase plants and exterior furniture, but we need an initial plan first.

If you have an interest in creating such a plan, please contact SPIFF (Space Improvement, Facilities & Furnishings) chair Lynne Stanley: lynne.e.stanley@gmail.com   

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.

Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Aging

Sunday, February 18, 3 - 4:30 p.m., at church

RSVP and let us know you'll be there 

You’ve probably been hearing a lot in the news the past few years about the health impacts of social isolation and loneliness. But what are the actual causes of loneliness? How does it affect people differently and why are caregivers and older folks at a higher risk for it? And why doesn’t your neighbor--who you know is lonely--never accept your offer to come over for dinner? Let’s talk about all these things and then learn about individual and community-led solutions to the loneliness epidemic. This conversation will help First Universalist Church take steps to choose a program or intervention to address loneliness within our own community.

This program is related to our work with Trellis and their Dementia Friendly Community Initiatives program. 

The purpose of the program is to help us think concretely about how our church can better support people with dementia (and other brain injuries) as well as what we can do to address loneliness within the congregation (and perhaps beyond). 

Facilitator: Maren Levad, Dementia Friendly Program Manager at Trellis.

Support Philip Vance

Deep appreciation for everyone that came to the community fundraiser for Philip Vance on Saturday. We had a powerful start to our GoFundMe! At the end of the event on Saturday we had raised $13,520 and had some fun and relaxing time together! Unfortunately, the campaign for Philip’s liberation has continually faced content being removed from social media platforms and now GoFundMe was taken down for the second time! We will not give up. 

Since we are not permitted to put anything about Philip’s innocence or how the system harmed him on GoFundMe, here’s what you need to know. Philip Vance is innocent, and everyone will know that if we can make sure he gets a strong legal defense and his day in court! He was imprisoned because he was Black and poor and didn’t have money for a competent lawyer to defend him against a racist criminal punishment system. It’s urgent that we raise $30,000 by the beginning of March so that he can retain the lawyers he chose or this chance at freedom may be lost. Please go to the website www.freephilipvance.com to find out more! During this week focused on love, how do you extend love beyond those closest to you? How do you show love to your community? How do you act out of love for the good of humanity? Please join me in learning the story of Philip & in raising funds to secure his lawyer! Here’s the new link. 

Denise Konen

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

Register HERE!

Save the Date: AUW Winter Event is coming up on February 17, 12 noon - 2 pm. A light lunch buffet will be served. Admission to this event is free to members and $10 for nonmembers. The AUW Board is offering attendees the opportunity to help select this year's recipient nonprofit that will receive a $1000 donation from AUW. The candidates are: : Cornerstone Advocacy, Family Tree Medical and UnRestrict Minnesota.

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. Note: Hikes begin at 2 pm.

February 17 - 2pm, Cedar Lake, Meet on path across from house at 2101 Cedar Lake Parkway. There is free parking on 21st street there. (Some people do not want to pay and this gives clear address to meet at). Lynn will lead.

February 24 - 2024 2pm Lake Harriet , Meet at Bandshell, pay lot or park on Parkway for free. 4135 Lake Harriet Parkway, Mpls., MN 55410 Marie 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. We will have a signup sheet at the AUW Winter Event to volunteer or sign up online here. We are also seeking donations to help defray the cost of the food. There will be a basket where you can donate cash at the Winter Event. or you can donate through PayPal 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 March 14. 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, February 26. We will be discussing

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray 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.