Humility: Finding Our True Ground

Dear Ones,

I am so deeply grateful to all of you, to our staff and our Board for the time away I've experienced this January and February. While I never anticipated that both my father and my close friend and mentor would die in such close proximity to each other, the ability to be fully present with them in their final days and to have some time to begin processing their loss and learning this new landscape of grief has been invaluable to me. Thank you for making this space for me to tend to my loved ones and my own heart and spirit, and for caring for each other and our church with such care and dedication. You all have been modeling what we say in worship. We are not alone, we are holding this together, and I am so very glad to be back.

In this month of March as we explore the theme of humility, especially humility about how our own needs relate to those of our community, I’m finding myself returning to two key teachings I’ve received. The first is a definition. Humility is an accurate assessment and understanding of oneself. Humility is not about humiliation or diminishing oneself. It’s about a realistic picture of our own strengths and weaknesses, and owning them without getting too big or too small in the process. Humility invites us to find that true ground that does not entertain thoughts like, “I’m the best,” or “I’m the worst,” for very long, and instead lands us in a place of equanimity, balance, and acceptance of ourselves as we are.

Bringing this definition of humility into community life, I’m reminded of the caution and question a friend once offered me. What are the things that only you can do? For most of us, the answer to this question does not come down to a particular skill that we possess, but rather a particular relationship we are in. For example, for me, many people can preach a sermon or lead worship in our congregation, but only one person can show up as my father’s daughter. Humility asks me to ask myself - where and in what circumstances am I the only one who can do or be a certain thing? When I ask and answer this question it turns out that there are very few things that only I can do - but those things that only I can do or be are very important. 

In community, these questions and explorations of humility can help us resist the individualistic and fear-based reaction that so often takes shape in many of us when we think things like:

I’m the only one who can do this particular thing or I’m the only one that has a good idea about this particular thing or my wants are more important than others’ needs or wants.

For many of us, noticing or acknowledging that these thoughts come up for us immediately triggers feelings of shame. But in truth, shame has no place when we are trying to live with humility. Humility does not want us to be less than others or more than others. It asks us to be exactly our right size and shape and expression that only we can be. Humility in community invites us to be thoughtful, loving, and generous with ourselves and each other. I’m so glad to be practicing this with all of you. 

In gratitude,

Rev. Jen

From last Sunday: Watch Karen Heegaard's stewardship testimonial

Pledge cards due March 17!

Intro

Humility: Finding Our True Ground

Make Your Pledge

Sunday Worship

Expressing Humility, Embracing Growth: The Wisdom of OWL

This Sunday, March 10,

9 & 11 a.m.

Karen Heegaard's Testimonial

Low Sensory Space

Service Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Winter / Spring Programs

Summer Program Planning

#Joyspotting

Art Making

Knitting

Quilting

Membership Class

Newcomers Circle

Young Adults

Centering Prayer

Daytime Connections

Meditation

Cultivating Joy

Sacred Choices

Neurodivergent Adults

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Caregivers Group

Estrangement from

Adult Children

Faithful Action

Snowshoeing/Hiking

Spiritual Centering

Atomic Hope

Habitat for Humanity

First Fridays Film

News

Survey

Rev. Jen Back

Foundation Board

General Assembly

Church Directory

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

Philip Vance, AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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Embracing Humility, Embracing Growth:

The Wisdom of OWL

Join us for a transformative service led by our 8th-grade OWL youth, their advisors, and the worship team, as we explore the impactful journey through Our Whole Lives (OWL) program. "Embracing Wisdom, Fostering Love: Our OWL Journey" promises a heartfelt glimpse into the courageous conversations and learning experiences that shape our community's approach to sexuality education. Celebrate the insights, growth, and stories of our youth, reinforced by the dedication of our OWL facilitators, embodying the values of respect, relationships, and responsibility.



This service not only highlights the essential role of comprehensive, judgment-free education in empowering individuals but also reaffirms our commitment to inclusivity, social justice, and the UU principles. It's an invitation to support, engage, and be inspired by the transformative power of OWL, as we continue to weave threads of understanding and compassion within our beloved community. Join us in fostering a future where every conversation is an opportunity for learning, love, and liberation.

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

Join us this Sunday, March 10 at 9 & 11 a.m., as we explore our March theme, "Expressing Humility."

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

Special Note for Sunday, March 10:

Religious Education happens as usual for kids and youth in grades 6 and under this Sunday. 

Youth in grades 7 and up will attend and participate in our special Sex Ed Sunday worship service during their 9 & 11 a.m. class times. 7th and 9th graders - and 8th graders who are not helping with the service - should sit with their classmates and leaders on the far left side of the Sanctuary in front of the sound booth.There will be no class outside of worship for 7th-9th graders. Our Senior High Youth Group will meet as usual between services beginning at 10:30 a.m.

8th graders who are helping lead the service should check in with Claire Tralle at claire@firstuniv.org if they need more information about their roles or schedules. 

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 Rev. Kathleen's Sermon:

"It gets hard to stay positive. What can we do? What should we do? There is much we can do and are doing, but spiritually there is at least one thing we must do: Gather up all those terrors and put them on the altar.

...Sacrifice them to the spirit that has kept faith with you and has surrounded you with love, this universalist love that will not let you go.

...I think you will find no small measure of relief and joy in doing so. It is this altar that is at the center of the world to which we bow and bend in humble gratitude."

Rev. Kathleen Rolenz

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

For Daibelys Galinda, and Gustavo, Mateo and Elijah Contreras, the family living in our church apartment. Daibelys had a critical out-patient surgery on Friday Mar. 1 and is back home recovering. They are grateful to have been able to get the medical care that Daibelys has needed since before they arrived here. Cards and prayers are appreciated.

They are also celebrating Gustavo passing his driving tests, and he now has a MN driver's license! This was part of the recent progressive MN law that took effect in October 2023 - allowing those who are non-citizens to apply for a license - and the freedom to drive safely and without fear of repercussions.

Our love and care is with the family of Joanna Lees and all those who loved her following her death on Monday. Though not active in the congregation for some time, she was loved and remembered by many here. We're in contact with her family and will share information on her celebration of life as soon as it is available.

We hold Cathy Strub in our care as she mourns the recent death of her dear godfather Cyril Hawes.

We hold David Fry, Andrea Johnson, and their children Alex, Ben, and Kate in our care this morning. David's father, Andrea's father-in-law, John William Fry passed away Wednesdsay night. May our love and care surround them in this tender time.

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.

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

Art Making

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

Registration Required - attend one or more!

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. 

Quilting

Sunday, April 7; 3-5 p.m. on zoom; Sundays, March 17, 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

Attend two sessions in person at church

Sundays, March 17 and 24, 1-3 p.m. (optional lunch provided at 12:45 p.m.; class begins at 1 p.m.)

- Or - 

Attend one session online

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

Newcomers Circle

Spring Session Full

Summer Registration available now: May 29, June 5, 12, 19

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Offered each season, Newcomers Circle creates a rich, supportive environment in which to share and grapple with our emerging UU values, theology, identity, and sense of belonging. This 4-session gathering is a caring and structured group to dig deeper into Unitarian Universalism and further connection at church, sometimes before “taking the leap" to membership. Newcomers Circle is intended for those who are discerning if and/or how they will commit to and continue their spiritual journey at First Universalist. The first session is required to establish group trust and cohesion. Plan to attend at least three of the four sessions.

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.

Young Adults Join a Habitat Build Day

Saturday, March 16; 8:30-3:30 p.m.

Registration through Habitat Required

Do you find it's easier to get to know someone while working together on a project? How cool would it be if that project also helped improve housing in our community? Let's do both as a Young Adult group by joining a Habitat Build Day one Saturday this Winter -- we can lend our hands to a good cause while getting to know each other (and other FirstU-ers!) outside of the Sunday morning context. All experience levels welcome and lunch is provided. Hosted by Cameron Smither.

Centering Prayer

Sundays, March 17, 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.

Daytime Connections

Thursday, Mar 21st 10 a.m. 

9:45 a.m. coffee. 10 a.m. Presentation in the Social Hall and on Zoom.

12:00 lunch available or bring your own. 

Seniors Coming of Age



Each year, 9th graders in Religious Education can choose to participate in the "Coming of Age" program. This program leads them through a series of lessons, questions, and work with a sacred text, all designed to help them grapple with the "big questions" in life and religion: Why are we here? What happens when we die? What does it mean to be human? What is good? How does one make ethical decisions? and more. All of this culminates in our youth writing a statement of faith that captures, for that moment in time, what they believe. These statements are shared in front of the congregation and are a highlight for many because of the ways they inspire and provoke us to think about what we believe. Now it's your turn to grapple with the same large questions as the youth, but drawing on your more extensive experience of life and further on your journey. Rev. Arif will help us get into the frame of mind for this exercise, get us started reflecting on some questions, and give us a chance to write or draw and talk about them with table mates. No polished product or public speech expected.

Please register here by Monday Mar 18 to facilitate planning.

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.

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, March 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

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.

Snowshoeing/Hiking at Bdote

Saturday, March 9; 1-3:30 p.m.

Contact Cathy: 612-384-2723 / cathy.geist@minneapolis.edu to register or with questions.

Join the Environmental and Climate Justice Team’s Biodiversity Working Group. The group who hiked at our event in October enthusiastically requested another event at this park in the winter–snowshoeing! (If there’s not enough snow, we’ll hike instead.) Whether you attended the October event or not, please join EJ Team member Cathy Geist and a park naturalist as we snowshoe by the Mississippi River at Bdote/Fort Snelling State Park, where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers converge. Please note that this State Park is not at the same location as Historic Fort Snelling. Snowshoes will be provided by the State Park. Together, in the context of this area’s indigenous history, we’ll learn more about the amazing diversity of life here as winter continues and the plants, animals, and other organisms adjust to winter conditions. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the State Park Visitor Center, where the park road ends. (Please stop at the building at the bottom of the hill near the park entrance to purchase a 1-day park pass if you need one.)

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. 

Watch "Atomic Hope" from Home

Did you miss the in person showing on March 3?

View the film at home before the end of the month

Join the online discussion on Mar. 12

Sign up here



Fifteen of our fellow First U’ers saw the film on Sunday and found it informative and thought-provoking! 

View the film at home any time this month! 

Atomic Hope: Inside the Pro-Nuclear Movement

Sponsored by the Environmental Justice team

at First Universalist Church 

Online event Tuesday, March 12

2:30 Film screening via zoom

4pm discussion via zoom

With Eric Meyer, founder and executive director of Generation Atomic, an advocacy group for advancing nuclear power. Eric is featured in the film.

Links to access the film and to the March 12 discussion HERE. 

ATOMIC HOPE is a feature documentary, following a tiny global movement of unpopular pro-nuclear activists, who strongly believe we need nuclear power in order to decarbonize our energy systems, before catastrophic climate change occurs. It’s the science they base their environmental movement on, which directly challenges popular beliefs and myths around nuclear energy and these prevailing issues. 

Habitat for Humanity

March 16, 2024

We have a work day scheduled at

219 James Avenue N, Minneapolis

Sign up here

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. 

Survey: Tell Us Where You Connect

Church wants to know about the social messaging apps you use! 

The breadth of ways that folks communicate with church is pretty amazing. There are congregants at First Universalist who only want paper, and there are folks who won't pay attention to things if it isn't via text on their phone. And if those two demarcate ends of a spectrum, there's everything in between too.

Realizing this, we are learning that we'd like to know more about the messaging apps folks at First U use, to help inform how we think about the different forms of engagement we're supporting, and how we're helping folks to be connected.

We'd welcome your participation in a short survey about what apps you use. Thanks!

Apply for the Foundation Board

The Nominating Committee is very pleased to announce that all current members of the

Board of Trustees and the Nominating Committee are returning to serve our church for the 2024-2025 church year. If you know any of these members, please thank them for their dedication!

As a consequence, we are now recruiting candidates only for positions on the

Foundation Board. We invite and encourage members to nominate themselves to serve in this fulfilling work. Participating 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

very substantial Foundation endowment. They solicit grant applications, review applications, and select grantees to be awarded the funding that can make such a difference in the real world. 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 role.

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 Johnson, 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.

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

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.

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.

Update on Philip Vance

Philip Vance is being move to another prison – possibly maximum security!

Dear Friends and Supporters of Philip Vance,

On Wednesday morning, Philip Vance was told to pack up his things to be moved to another facility, after just being released from six months of solitary confinement (15 days in solitary is considered torture by the United Nations!) in Stillwater prison. The Department of Corrections is running scared! They have put up many barriers and have had some of us followed. This is what happens to an innocent man when he speaks his truth and has supporters who fight with him for his freedom! No matter what they do and where they send him, we will not rest until he is out of prison.

I am writing with an urgent request for action so he can retain the legal counsel immediately. Please check out the website, and do what you can so that Philip can retain the lawyers immediately and have the opportunity for his truth to be heard! My friend is going through something that is anyone’s worst nightmare. I want him to know that there are people who care about his suffering and this injustice.

Please send this message to everyone you know who has a heart for justice and understands the reality that people who are Black, Indigenous and people of color are targeted by racist police and a deeply flawed criminal punishment system. 

Let’s not be deterred by any barriers the DOC puts in our way! We are determined to see Philip Vance walk out of prison this year! 

In love and solidarity,

Denise and the Free Philip Vance campaign 

Contact Denise Konen, denise@netgains.net  with questions or suggestions.

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 (except for March 9).

March 9 - Note time change in time to 1 pm. Fort Snelling State Park.  The AUW Hiking Group will join the First Universalist Environmental Justice Group for a joint event, either snowshoeing or hiking depending on weather led by a naturalist from the park. Pre-register here to attend.. There is a park daily admission fee of $7.00 fee per car if you do not have an annual MN state park sticker. Carpooling will help reduce cost. All are welcome. Marie will attend.

March 16 - 2pm Westwood Nature Center, 8300 West Franklin, St Louis Park, MN. Marie will lead.

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. To volunteer or 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 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, 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.