There are so many ways to connect at church in April and May! We still have openings in some of the programs you may have seen advertised in The Liberal, and there are some new offerings that we hope you'll check out.

You can always visit the website for details and sign-up links.

If you have questions about our programs, please reach out to Liz Farmer (liz@firstuniv.org) this week (Rev. Ashley is out until next week).

April & May Community Dinners

April

Wednesday, April 17, Family Pre-Party 5-6 p.m.; Dinner 6-7 p.m. in the Social Hall; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m. 

Menu: baked ziti, caesar salad, bread, dessert

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.

Breakouts: A Place to Start, Home Buying Help through Habitat for Humanity, Drop-in Parent Support, Board Listening Session, Art Project: Chalice Decorating, and more in the works!

May

Wednesday, May 8, (no family pre-party) Dinner 6-6:45 p.m. in the Social Hall; Coming of Age Ceremony 7 p.m. 

Menu: TBD

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.

After dinner, please join our 9th grade Coming of Age youth, mentors, and Advisors in the Sanctuary to bear witness to the credos our youth have created over the course of this year. These credos or “faith statements” reflect the spiritual journeys and arrivals of our youth at this moment in time. This will be our traditional Coming of Age Ceremony, to be followed by an in-worship recognition of our Coming of Age graduates on Sunday, May 12. 

Online Membership Class

Wednesday, April 10, 6:30-9 p.m. on Zoom

This class is the last chance to become a member in order to vote at the Annual Meeting in June!

Registration closes Monday 4/8 at 4 p.m.

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 below that meets your needs. 

Facilitated by First U Board Members and Liz Farmer, Coordinator of Membership and Congregational Connections

Me, Myself, and OWL: an OWL Class for the Unattached

Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29; 7-9 p.m. Room 201 at church

Registration Required

As the Adult OWL Program continues to grow, we are offering our first affinity group OWL Session. Over a series of 4 weeks, we will explore aspects of sexuality relating to boundaries, fantasy, pleasure, communication, and identify. We will focus most of our discussions on newly forming or potentially forming relationships. This group is an opportunity for individuals to grow individually, not a small dating group. Please note that Older Adult OWL (ages 55+) will be offered in a two-part series during the Fall/Spring of 2024/2025.

Facilitated by members Claire Tralle and CT Neal-Hermann

How to Talk to People

Coffee and Conversation Series

Saturday, April 27, coffee at 9:45, conversation from 10-11:15 a.m. Room 209 at church Registration Requested

How to Not Go It Alone 

We say in church, “you are not alone; we are holding it, together,” but how do we let folks in enough to help us hold it? Being a part of a church is essentially about being a part of a community that cares for one another. We know the support is there, but cultural voices of individualism have us saying to ourselves: I’m a helper- not one who needs help; My life’s a mess- I can’t let others in!; or I don’t want to be a burden. Come to this conversation to explore with others how we can, in a large and loving congregation, not go it alone. 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.

Choir

Rehearsal Schedule: Thursdays, April 25, May 2, May 9; 7-9 p.m., 

Sing in Sunday Worship: May 12 at 9 and 11 a.m. services; 8 a.m. call/arrival

Choir is up and running at First U! We’ve now met for a few weeks and are so thrilled with the energy and enthusiasm in this burgeoning community.

If you’re interested in singing with us, I have great news for you! Rehearsals for our second service (May 12) begin in a few weeks and you are welcome to join us. No experience necessary - currently there are multiple singers with no prior experience with musical notation or musical ensembles, and they’re having a blast! High school youth (9th grade and up) are warmly invited and welcome as well.

If you love to sing and want to deepen your spiritual connection and/or widen your community through music, consider joining us for the May 12 service and the associated rehearsals! You don’t need to bring anything except yourself and your eagerness to sing (and I suppose a pencil and water bottle wouldn’t hurt either 😅).

If you’re interested in singing with us, please fill out this online form, which will get your information to us and get you looped in on choir-related info. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Paolo, choir director at paolo@firstuniv.org.

Looking forward to making music together!

Paolo Debuque

Sage-ing Wisdom Circle

Ongoing first Fridays of the month, starting in May or June; 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in-person when possible, on Zoom when necessary. Register to express interest and receive notification of start date.

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.’”

Parent Groups: Elementary & Teen/Tween

Based on your input, we are hosting parent peer groups this Spring! These are opportunities for you to offer and receive support and build and deepen relationships with other parents and caregivers. Please see more information below and register for the groups.

Note: these groups are different in several ways, including date/time of meeting and whether or not food and childcare are involved. If you have a child/ren in both age groups, please feel free to attend one or both, whatever works for your schedule.

Parents of Elementary-Aged Children at First Universalist Church are invited to a six-week small group and family dinner on Monday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning April 15 and ending May 20 in-person at the church.

We will begin with a potluck with kids and adults all together - please bring a dish to share - and then move into separate spaces. We will hire youth staff to provide childcare for the kids while the adults have time to build relationships, share, and learn together.

These gatherings will be co-led by Allison Connelly-Vetter, Hirut Hedge, and parents of First Universalist Church.

Please RSVP here so we know who to expect, and reach out to Allison Connelly-Vetter with questions, suggestions, or for more information at allison@firstuniv.org.

Parents of Teens and Tweens at First Universalist Church are invited to a six-week small group focused on building community with kindred parents and sharing the joys and challenges of this unique season of parenting.

This group will meet in-person at the church on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday, April 16 and ending Tuesday, May 21. Together we will deepen peer relationships, make space for ritual and sharing, and dig deeper into our current and multifaceted roles and identities.

This group will be led by Rev. Arif, with support from Allison Connelly-Vetter and other congregants.

Please RSVP here so we know who to expect, and reach out to Allison Connelly-Vetter with questions, suggestions, or for more information at allison@firstuniv.org.

Grades 2-5 Family Overnight!

Saturday, April 20 - Sunday, April 21

RSVP Here

This highly-anticipated annual overnight is for families with children in 2nd-5th grade along with siblings in-person at the church. We'll have lots of fun cooking together, playing games, exploring the church via a scavenger hunt, putting on a talent show for each other, and more.

Check-in is at 4 p.m. on Saturday and we will wrap-up at 9 a.m. on Sunday in time for worship. You can find the full schedule and packing list here.

Please contact Hirut Hedge at hirut@firstuniv.org with any questions, concerns, or for more information.

Saturday Sprouts

Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-noon

RSVP Here

Saturday Sprouts is an opportunity for families to be nourished in community, deepen relationships, and grow together in our First U values and faith. We include time for family worship, parent & caregiver support; and play, formation, and creative time for our kids and youth. These gatherings are for children in grades 5 and younger, and for folks parenting kids and youth of all ages. Both parent and kid programming will connect with our monthly worship themes. Light snacks and beverages are provided for all ages. 

Celebrating High School Seniors

We are looking to connect with families who have a current high school senior who has been involved with First Universalist Church sometime in the past several years. Whether or not these seniors have been involved in our programming this year (or even since COVID), we would love to celebrate them at church this May.

We have several opportunities to celebrate your youth over the next few months, include joining a small group with peers that would meet a few times in April and/or May, attending a celebratory dinner for parents and youth on Wednesday, May 15, and youth being recognized in our 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, May 19.

If you have a youth who is a current high school senior, please fill out this form by Saturday, April 13, letting us know how you and your youth would like to participate in these celebrations. If you do not have a current student who is a senior but know others in our congregation who do, whether or not they have been involved this year, please share this information with them so we can celebrate their young people in May.

We are so, so proud of your young folks, and we are cheering them and their families on all the way.

With care,

Allison

Seniors

Daytime Connections

April 18 & May 16, 9:45 a.m. gathering, 10-noon program, Noon lunch

Details and Registration - Please register the Monday before the program

April 18 Program: AI for Creativity or Fakery

Artificial Intelligence is in the news practically every day, affecting such things as how people write or create art and videos, increase their productivity, and deceive unwitting audiences. Bill McTeer and David Leppik will guide us through the things we need to know about this double-edged tool. 

Young Adults

Young Adults will go to nearby Gigi's Cafe for a casual lunch after worship this Sunday, April 7. Meet in the Social Hall after church and we'll head over together about 11:20-ish. 

Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s in varying social/cultural life stages. 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.

Faithful Action

Eco Film Screening and Discussion:

Common Ground

Sunday, April 14; 1-3 p.m. in person at church Registration Requested

In anticipation of Earth Day at First U, April 21 2024, the EJ team invites you to a screening of Common Ground, from the creators of Kiss the Ground, a favorite film of the EJ team, which emphasized the need to move away from industrial agriculture to regenerative practices that will preserve our soil and our environment. Sobering yet hopeful, Common Ground exposes the toxic interconnections of American farming policy, politics, and health, by sharing stories of destruction and healing, and how regenerative agriculture and soil health plays a vitally important role in changing these systems for the better. At its root, the film explores how people from different walks of life, different political backgrounds, and different places share one thing in common – the very soil beneath their feet. 

Earth Day at First U - Electrify Sunday

Sunday, April 21; in the Social Hall after each service

Refreshments will be served.

Come celebrate our resilient Earth with the Environmental Justice Team (EJT) on First U’s Earth Day 2024. Join our team in the social hall to honor the diversity of the world around us, to gain new insights into how to preserve its future, and to take action now to make a difference for our children. EJ working groups will be tabling to include healthy soils, food solutions, keeping fossil fuels in the ground, regenerative ag solutions, and, of course, electrifying everything.  

Discover a multitude of ways you can help mitigate the climate crisis by electrifying everything in your life! The federal Inflation Reduction Act has provided all of us with rebates and tax credits to help us make the shift to electrify our world. Come explore electric appliances and heat pumps for heating (and cooling) as well as heating your water. Congregants with electric vehicles will be showcasing their cars in our parking lot and discussing charging options. 

Arts & Spiritual Practice

Knitting

Sunday, April 7 at noon. In person at church.

Details and Registration

Single-session attendees welcome!

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

Quilting

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

Sunday, April 21; 3-5 p.m. In person

Details and Registration

Single-session attendees welcome!

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.

Centering Prayer

Sunday, April 21; 1-2:30 p.m. in person at church

Details and Registration

Single-session attendees welcome!

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.

Meditation

Sunday, April 28; 1-2:30 p.m. in person at church, attend one or all sessions

Details and Registration

Single-session attendees welcome!

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

Monday April 29, 7-8:30 p.m.

Details and Registration

Single-session attendees welcome!

"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.

Mindfulness during Times of Grief and Loss

Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30; 6:30-8 p.m. on zoom

Details and Registration

This course for Grief and/or Loss will focus on Mindfulness of Emotions, the practice of RAIN, and the topic of Impermanence.

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Sundays, April 7, 21, May 5, 19, 4-5:30 p.m. on Zoom

Details and Registration

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

Sunday April 14, May and June TBD by group; 1-2:30 p.m. on Zoom

Details and Registration

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, April 4, April 18, May 2; 7-8:30 p.m. in person at church

Details and Registration

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.

Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA)

Multicultural Democracy in MN: First U’s Team Launch

Contact Karen Wills, First U Member and MUUSJA Democracy Strategist, to be on the First U Democracy Team

First Fridays: Democracy on Film

Friday, April 5, May 3; 6:30-9 p.m. Online only. Register for the zoom link to join the watch party from home.

The North Star Act, in Solidarity with MN Immigrants

Register for the zoom link for small group meetings Sunday, April 28; 7-8 p.m. on zoom.

Supporting Abuse Survivors in Congregational Communities

Tuesday, April 30 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Online via Zoom

Register Here

Facilitated by Rebecca Donley

Intimate partner violence and sexual abuse are issues that impact us all. We all have family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and congregation members who are survivors of abuse, and we may be survivors ourselves. But how many of us know someone who is a trauma-informed advocate for survivors? This 90-minute skill share is to help us all build up our toolbox for supporting survivors of abuse, so we can create a larger pool of skilled advocates ready to hold space for survivors and their families.

Rebecca Donley (she/her) began work in the field of domestic violence support over twenty years ago. She has provided trainings on intimate partner violence on the local, state, and national levels. She has spent thousands of hours holding space for survivors as a crisis line advocate for various hotlines. Rebecca has also trained and supported survivor advocates and other service providers. She currently organizes the project Community Advocates Creating Healing Everywhere (CACHE), to support community members in building trauma-informed advocacy skills to support survivors and their families.

Visit the church website for details and registration!