Welcoming Paolo Debuque

Dear Ones,

A Fresh Start for Our Choir

As the gentle leap into March springs new life all around us, our beloved choir is poised for a rejuvenation of its own. With great joy, I announce a new chapter that aligns beautifully with our worship theme for March, Expressing Humility—a reflection on the intricate dance between our personal journeys and the broader tapestry of our community's needs.



Welcoming Paolo Debuque: A Maestro of Unity

In this spirit of communal reflection and growth, we warmly welcome Paolo Debuque as our new choir conductor. Paolo embodies the essence of humility and collaboration, bringing with him not only a wealth of musical expertise but also a heart deeply committed to the principle that every voice matters.

Paolo's rich musical journey—rooted in his Filipino/Chinese-American heritage and nurtured through his studies and mentorship at the University of Michigan—teaches us the beauty of diversity and the strength of unity. His approach to music transcends mere performance, inviting us to see each note and harmony as a celebration of our shared humanity.

Harmonizing with Humility

Under Paolo's guidance, our choir will explore the theme of Expressing Humility through a repertoire that mirrors our collective introspection on how our individual talents and needs contribute to the well-being of our community. His leadership in various musical endeavors, including his significant work with A Thousand Tongues, has prepared him to foster an environment where collaboration and team spirit are not just encouraged but are the foundation of our choir's identity.

An Invitation to Join Our Melody

As we embark on this journey together, your participation becomes a poignant expression of humility—acknowledging the power of our collective voice to uplift, heal, and inspire. We invite each of you to lend your voice to this venture, echoing our March theme's call for a deeper connection with one another through the act of making music together.

Choir Rehearsals Begin

We will start this transformative chapter with Paolo in the first week of March, weaving our individual voices into a harmonious expression of our community's spirit. To express your interest in joining our choir and to be part of our journey of Expressing Humility through music, please fill out this Google Form. Save the date for our inaugural session on Thursday, March 21, from 7-9 pm, where we'll begin our collaborative exploration of humility and community through song.

Together in Song and Spirit

The arrival of Paolo Debuque marks more than a new chapter for our choir; it represents an opportunity for us all to explore the depths of our individual and collective spirits through music. As we welcome Paolo with open hearts, let us also open our minds to the lessons of humility and the strength of our community, united in harmony and purpose.

In Peace and Harmony,

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

Pledge cards due March 17!

Intro

Welcoming Paolo Debuque

Sunday Worship

Expressing Humility: The Lost Art of Sacrifice

This Sunday, March 3,

9 & 11 a.m.

Dave Leppik's Testimonial

Make Your Pledge

Low Sensory Space

Service Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Winter / Spring Programs

#Joyspotting

Mindfulness Meditation

Art Making

Sage-Ing Wisdom Circle

Knitting

Quilting

Community Dinner

UU Wellspring

Newcomers Circle

Membership Class

Young Adults

Newcomers Circle

Neurodivergent Adults

Meditation Group

Fifth Grade OWL

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Caregivers Group

Estrangement from

Adult Children

Faithful Action

First Fridays Film

Atomic Hope

EJ Gathering

Snowshoeing at Bdote

Spiritual Centering

Habitat for Humanity

News

Foundation Board

General Assembly

Church Directory

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

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.

Expressing Humility: The Lost Art of Sacrifice

As March unfolds, we are thrilled to welcome Rev. Kathleen Rolenz to our congregation, marking the beginning of a month dedicated to Expressing Humility and exploring how our personal journeys intertwine with the collective needs of our community. Rev. Rolenz, an esteemed voice in Unitarian Universalist ministry and a luminary in crafting worship that resonates deeply with congregants, brings a wealth of experience and insight to First Universalist. Having collaborated with Kathleen during the creation of the second edition of Worship That Works, I am particularly excited about the rich dialogue and exploration her presence promises.

This Sunday, Rev. Rolenz will lead us in contemplating The Lost Art of Sacrifice, a timely reflection as we navigate the solemn periods of Lent and approach Ramadan. In a world often driven by the quest for instant gratification, Kathleen invites us to reconsider sacrifice as a source of spiritual nourishment and unexpected joy. Drawing on her experiences from serving in diverse communities and her profound understanding of liturgy, Kathleen's sermon promises to be a compelling journey through the complexities of faith, community, and the sacrifices that bind them.

Join us in welcoming Rev. Kathleen Rolenz and immerse yourself in a service that promises not just to explore the depths of humility and sacrifice but also to celebrate the communal spirit that defines our congregation. Let's gather together to discover the joy and enrichment that humility can bring to our lives and our community.

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Director of Worship Arts Ministries

Join us this Sunday, March 3 at 9 & 11 a.m., as we explore our March theme, "Expressing Humility."

From last Sunday: Watch Dave Leppik's stewardship testimonial

Worship Info

IN PERSON AND ONLINE

In person and livestreamed at 9 a.m

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

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

CHILDREN & YOUTH

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

LOW-SENSORY SPACE

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

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

AFTER WORSHIP

Coffee Hour in the Social Hall

The Environmental Justice team invites you to the social hall for bagels after the service. They will be showcasing the Earth ball and previewing upcoming EJ events, including EJ's quarterly gathering happening this Sunday afternoon at 3:30. Find out more about their "Electrify Everything" campaign.  

A Place to Start

Immediately after each worship service

After the second service, you may join in person or via Zoom

Are you new or new-ish to First Universalist and wondering where to begin? Here’s “A Place to Start!” Whether you're simply curious or are considering making this your spiritual home, in this casual, 45-minute class, you'll learn some of the basics of Unitarian Universalism, as well as how to get connected to what you’re seeking here at church. Meet at the front of the sanctuary immediately after the service on a first or third Sunday. No RSVP necessary. 

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. Facilitated by First U members.

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

Our love and care is with Rochelle Hammer and her family as they grieve the death of Rochelle’s father, Bob Hammer, grandpa to Neela, Kennion, Zoe, and Niko. Bob passed away on Thursday after a somewhat sudden transition into and through hospice that same week. Bob, who was just shy of 95 years old, was a kind, quiet, hardworking person who tended beautiful vegetable gardens, cheered on the Green Bay Packers, loved just a spoonful of local maple syrup each day, and passed along his keen agate hunting ability to Rochelle.

May our love and care surround Kate & Tim Rosok, and their children Annika, Teddy, and Julia as they mourn the loss of Kate's dad on January 30th. Our hearts are with them in this time of grief and memory.

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

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

Sundays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7; 4-5 p.m. on zoom

Registration Required

Facilitated by Pam Berry

This course will consist of five 60-minute sessions. The topics will include: Mindfulness of the Body, Mindfulness of Emotions, Mindfulness of Thoughts, and Lovingkindness Meditation. Please plan to attend as many sessions as possible as each session will build upon the former sessions.

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. 

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 - attend one or more!

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, 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.

Community Dinner

Wednesday, March 6 (no family pre-party) Dinner 6-7 p.m. in the Social Hall; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m.

RSVP REQUESTED

Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. All are welcome and there is no charge. Menu available on our website, a week in advance. We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free. Following dinner, stick around and join a breakout group to learn more about one of the many opportunities for deeper engagement at church.

UU Wellspring - Crises of Life

Wednesdays, March 6, 7-8:30; March 20, 6:30-8; April 3, 6:30-8; April 17, 7-8:30; May 1, 6:30-8; May 8, 7-8:30 p.m. Room 211 at church Registration Required

Crises of Life explores how the wisdom and understanding of our chosen faith supports us during the challenges and crises of life. In this program we combine Rev. Crow’s wisdom with the poetry and life experiences of Ross Gay, African American poet, educator and dedicated community gardener, to understand that even in oppressive situations beauty and delight offer us unparalleled joy. During the six sessions we provide spiritual practices and writing exercises that encourage participants to open to their own inner voice, their personal narratives and to connections in our beloved communities. Materials suggested: The Book of Delights by Ross Gay and Take What You Need by Rev. Jen Crow. Take What You Need is available from the church for a suggested $20 donation.

Facilitated by Rev. Jen Crow

Newcomers Circle

Tuesdays, March 12, 19, 26, and April 2; Optional informal dinner at 6 p.m. Circle 6:30-8 p.m.

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.

Facilitated by Jane Jordan and CT Neal-Herman

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

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.

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, 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

Estrangement from Adult Children

Thursdays, March 21, April 4, April 18, May 2; 7-8:30 p.m. in person at church REGISTRATION REQUIRED

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.

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. 

"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.

Snowshoeing at Bdote

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

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.) Contact Cathy: 612-384-2723 / cathy.geist@minneapolis.edu with questions. She will send out driving directions after you register, so please make sure to include your email.

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. 

Habitat for Humanity

We have a work day scheduled at

219 James Avenue N, Minneapolis

March 16, 2024

Sign up here

I’m a senior woman volunteer for Habitat: Harrison was my first build. Here are some thoughts from my inaugural day.

My first  impression on arrival at the work site was how attractive the housing is that we worked on. Solid, spacious and simple. Townhouses have an organic feeling of community, connected side by side.

The “call to order” and morning organizing was conducted by two young Habitat people, which is delightful. I like seeing young people take the helm of real life-changing work like house building. I liked how unpretentious Will and Porcha were, and how welcoming. 

I was  bit confused initially about all of the tasks available to do, but that subsided quickly. The day’s work was grouped into seven different tasks being carried out in four units, each unit at slightly different stages of completion. Most of the tasks consisted of some type of painting, as well as appliance moving and plumbing assembly. Each person volunteered for a task, and worked in a team. Site managers outlined how to do the work, and sent us off to our units to get started. We all had lots of autonomy getting our respective work done, though the managers were close by for consultation.

We broke for lunch at noon for 30 minutes. Vegetarian chili for over twenty volunteers was provided by Sarah McMullen. I met new people and dished with old friends I hadn’t talked with since the pandemic.

Our team of two painted for another 2.5 hours in the afternoon. Clean up consisted of tidying our workspace: cleaning paint brushes and rollers, capping paint cans and sizing up our paint jobs for any misses that called attention to themselves. It was very satisfying to look at our good work as consistent with the effort put in by Habitat teams that had preceded us. 

I’m planning on being back at Harrison on March 16–who wouldn’t want to double down on a satisfying day? I made two new acquaintances; ate a good bowl of chili, confirmed I could still move a 10-foot ladder around and was happy to cut in and roll several tall walls as part of an able senior duo. I’ll be back to see what has happened in the meantime time, lend a hand and try something new.

Susan Hoffman

THE RETURN OF REV. CROW!!!

Perhaps the unusually warm weather is making me a bit silly, but I couldn’t resist framing the title of this piece as if it were a Star Wars movie. And yes, that would mean that Rev. Jen is a Jedi knight, which, to be honest, isn’t far from the truth. 

Seriously though, after time away to care for herself and her family following her father’s death, and followed by a planned sabbatical time, Rev. Jen is returning to church on March 5th and will be in the pulpit on March 17th. She’s planning to be back full time starting next week, andI know that we'll all be excited to welcome her back.

One last thing: I’m pretty sure that she hasn’t been looking at email all that much while she’s been gone, and I can only imagine what her inbox looks like. If you’d like to send a message welcoming her back, feel free to drop off cards at the church, and maybe don’t send the welcome back email until late next week when she’s had a chance to get caught up to the backlog. 

Rev. Arif Mamdani

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.

Support for Philip Vance

Would You Like to Meet Others Working for Justice and Raise Money to Free an Innocent Man? 

Right now there is a critical need to raise funds for the legal counsel that Philip Vance has chosen. Philip is in Stillwater Prison for a crime he did not commit. Learn more about the injustices he has experienced through reading information on the website, www.freephilipvance.com. With the help of some First Universalist folks we have already raised over $14, 000 of the $50,000 needed to pay the attorney fees! Together we can raise the rest and make sure Philip's truth is heard! 

The next fundraiser and free flowing social and learning event, hosted by Professor Jason Sole, will be on Saturday, March 9 at the Phoenix Theater on 26th and Hennepin Avenue. This would be a great time for all of us who care about Philip’s liberation to get to know one another! Please register: Jason Sole Fundraising and Socializing.

Do you have a fundraising idea that could help Philip get the legal counsel he deserves?Folks are looking for ways to connect and work for justice - and fundraisers where folks can socialize or take action, work, or learn together give us a great opportunity to do that! You don't have to do it alone! We have people who can help you make it a reality! If anyone from our faith community knows of a person or organization that gives out grants for important justice causes like this could you please contact me?

Coming soon: Curling for Justice, Online 30 minutes of Action, and Painting for Justice!  

Please let me know if you have any questions or ideas!

with respect and solidarity,

Denise and The Free Philip Vance Campaign denise@netgains.net

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 2 - 2pm - Wood Lake Nature Center.   6710 Lake Shore Drive Richfield MN. Meet in front of Visitor Center. Lynn will lead.

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.