"Empathy is Emancipation"

Dear Ones,

With an incredibly consequential set of elections coming up this November, I’ve been glued to the tv and the radio, listening in to both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions this summer. I’ve heard a lot that has stuck with me. Some of the words inspire me and some scare me. Last night, as I watched Amanda Gorman, the Black poet and activist, speak to the crowd at the Democratic National Convention, she said something that I hope that I, and we, never forget: 

“Empathy is emancipation.”

I pair this up with words from Iris Murdoch, the Irish-British novelist and philosopher, that we’ve shared at church a few times this summer. 

“Love is the extremely difficult realization that something other than oneself is real.” 

When we pause to imagine that someone else’s experience, someone else’s feelings, hopes, and pains, someone else’s way of understanding the world, this moment, their lives, someone else’s dreams, someone else’s culture—that all of them are real. All of them—all of those other people—are whole and holy and worthy, welcome and wanted exactly as they are. And so are you. We stretch our imagination, and we grow in empathy, and in freedom. 

As the pace of things begins to pick up with the turn of summer toward fall, it can be easy to fall into the rush that is coming for many of us, whether it’s the return of kids and adults to school and regularly scheduled activities or work on the upcoming elections or more. Whenever the pace picks up for you I invite you to do the counter-intuitive—to slow down, if only for a few moments each day. We’ll be practicing this at church next week. 

Next week is different at church. From Monday, August 26 through Monday, September 2, the staff will be stepping away from their usual schedules and routines to engage in the same spiritual practices we’ve been inviting the congregation into in this month of August: the spiritual practices of pause, rest, and imagination. The staff will still be working—though email responses will likely be slower, the building will be closed, we won’t be holding meetings, and there will be no worship service on Sunday, September 1st. 

For this last week of summer, the church staff will be creating a clearing, a space to take those all-important intentional breaths, to dream and remember what is most important in our work, and to make the plans of how we might get from here to there: from the vision the congregation has set to living it out in all we do. The spiritual life asks us to to evermore align our actions with our values, to not only think about how we want ourselves and our communities and our world to be, but to do the work—and experience the joy—of making it so. This is the work the staff will be engaging in next week. 

As the staff at church make space for the spiritual practices of pause, rest, imagination, and alignment in this week ahead - I hope you will, too. Maybe it’s a moment of quiet before the kids or the other person/people you care for wake up in the morning or after they go to bed. Maybe it’s taking a cup of coffee outside for those first moments of your day, or a cup of tea in a cozy place at night. Maybe it’s a book or a movie or a piece of music that takes you to another place and time, or a conversation with a friend where you laugh or listen or let them in on something that’s been troubling you. 

There is so much important work ahead. There is work to do as we dedicate ourselves to the individual and collective spiritual practices that move us from what is to what might be, that grow our capacity for empathy and understanding, that help us name where we are and where we’ve been and where we still might be. This is our spiritual work: to continue aligning our actions with our deepest values and greatest aspirations. If we are to build and experience the Beloved Community of love and justice we seek, it will take all of the practice we can muster. What will your practices of pause, rest, imagination, and alignment be?

In gratitude,

Rev. Jen

Registration is open for Children, Youth, & Family Ministries for the upcoming church year:

Intro

Empathy is Emancipation



Sunday Worship

This Sunday, August 25

Last Sunday's Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Facilitate A Fall Program Young Adults

Mutual Aid Sunday School

Community Dinner

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Faithful Action

Election News

News

No Worship Sept 1

Staff Sabbath

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

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.

Annual Summer Camp Sunday &

Backpack Blessing

Sunday, August 25, in person and livestreaming at 10 a.m.

Students and teachers are invited to bring their backpacks/bookbags to be blessed!

This Sunday is our Summer Camp Sunday and Backpack Blessing worship service! At this special service our campers will be leading us in song, story, play, and art created during our week together. We will also celebrate our annual Backpack Blessing. At this service, as we do every year, we will bless our students, teachers, staff, and all who are headed back to school and will share a small token with them to remember the love of the congregation. Please plan to join us for this special Sunday!

No Worship September 1

Sunday, September 1: As a collective sabbath and an honoring of the need to rest and breathe before we begin a new turning of the church year, there will be no worship on Labor Day weekend. Staff will also be on a collective sabbath from Monday, August 26, through Sunday, September 1. They will be working, but will not be holding meetings and may respond more slowly to messages.

IN PERSON AND ONLINE

In person and and livestreaming at 10 a.m. Watch the livestream here. 

Our digital order of service is available here. (Updated weekly before Sunday worship.)

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

CHILDREN & YOUTH 

From May 19 through Sept. 8, Religious Education is worship. There are no classes or formal curriculum. Kids and youth of all ages are invited to worship in the Sanctuary with their families.



In the summer months, childcare is available for children ages 6 months to Kindergarten in rooms 102 and 104 during Sunday worship from 9:45-11:15 a.m. 

The Cummins Room on Sunday mornings will have a worship livestream. It will not be staffed, and all children must be accompanied by one of their adults at all times.

Religious Education classes and curriculum resume Sept. 15. You can register now. We are looking for more volunteers to minister with our kids and youth in the Fall.

Contact Allison Connelly-Vetter, Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries, with questions or for more information at allison@firstuniv.org.

AFTER WORSHIP

Coffee Hour in the Social Hall

Visit with old friends and meet new ones over coffee and cookies in our social hall.

A Place to Start

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. Facilitated by First U members.

Sunday, August 18: Whole, Holy, and Worthy - at the Lake Harriet Bandshell

• Last week's worship on YouTube
• Podcasts will be available in two weeks

Click thumbnail for a YouTube recording of last week's worship

Podcast Archive | Video Archive | Sermon Archive

Our love and care is with Marjie Smith as she prepares for surgery on Monday, August 26th, to remove a spot on her lung.

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.

Welcoming Fall Program Proposals

Are you interested in facilitating a small group, workshop or event this fall at church? Let us know what you have in mind and let's work together to create rich and meaningful programs for the community. Program submissions are open now through August 26.

Thinking about a program but want to talk through your idea? Reach out to Rev. Ashley: ashley@firstuniv.org.

Submit a Program Proposal here.

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 about twice a month at church and in the community for structured and unstructured conversation, spiritual practice, and activities. 

Let us know you're interested! 

Evening of Improv Games

Wednesday, August 21; 6-8 p.m. RSVP Requested 

Rev. Meg Riley will lead us in a fun evening of letting loose, being playful, and building off of each others’ creativity. There will be pizza available, too! Hosted by Zoey Lazere and Libby Crawford.



Second Sundays Lunch at Gigi’s Cafe

Sept. 8; Right after worship, about 11:15 a.m.

RSVP Requested 

Gather in the Social Hall after worship to travel to nearby Gigi's Cafe for casual conversation and building friendships over lunch. If cost is a barrier, please do reach out to Rev. Ashley for resources!

Mutual Aid Sunday School

Final Session: Sept. 8 - All are welcome!

11:15 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. In person at church in room 209, on zoom as needed

REGISTRATION

Folks are welcome to drop in to these meetings, though registration is recommended to ensure for communication about meeting updates and changes.

Are you curious about mutual aid and community care? Want to learn together with members of First U as we practice new ways of living together? Join us for First U Mutual Aid Sunday School this summer, a program for adults who want to learn together about the history of mutual aid and community care and how we can build these practices into our daily lives. This study group may include readings, videos, podcasts and other sources and in true mutual learning form we'll build our curriculum together as we learn!

Facilitated by Rebecca Donley.

Community Dinner

Monthly Community Dinners Resume!

Wednesday, Sept. 11; Dinner 6-6:45; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m. RSVP REQUESTED

Community dinners for the 2024-2025 church year will happen every second Wednesday, beginning Wednesday, September 11. Please note the change from the originally-scheduled September 18. Dinner will take place from 6-7 p.m., and from 7-8:15 we will offer adult programming, childcare (for kids in 5th grade and younger), and Junior High Youth Group (for youth in grades 7-9). There will be no family pre-parties this coming program year. 

Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. After dinner, choose a drop-in breakout group to connect with others and learn about opportunities to get involved at church this season. 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.

Please note these fabulous offerings planned for every Community Dinner this year:

• Senior High Youth Group (grades 10-12)
• Junior High Youth Group (grades 7-9)
• Older kids games (grades 4-6)
• Childcare (6 mos- 3rd grade)

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.

Peer-Led Grief Group

1st and 3rd Sundays, 4-5:30 p.m. on zoom

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 on any or all dates. We will be here for you. Over the summer, facilitation is shared amongst group members.

Contact group member Kathie Simon Frank (kathie@umn.edu) for the zoom link and to be added to the contact list.

2024 Election News

Let’s Keep Up the “Good Trouble”

Wednesdays and Fridays, 5-7pm, through November 1st:

Engage young, diverse, Minnesota renters and students to vote. REGISTER for details of statewide follow-up texting/voicemails to our "MUUSJA Postcard Buddies.”

WHERE: On Zoom statewide, with small groups at various congregations – First Universalist on August 7 – be among the first to be trained!

REGISTRATION (everyone MUST pre-register so we avoid trolls).

No Worship Sept. 1 & Staff on Sabbath

Staff will be on a Sabbath of sorts next week (Monday, August 26-Sunday, September 1). There will be no worship (in person or virtual) on Sunday, September 1. Staff will be working, but taking time for rest, reflection, and imagination for the ramping up of the church year. If you have messages that will require a response, you may wish to hold off on sending them until September 2, or offer patience and grace for slower response times. We hope that you may have the ability to create some space for yourself to rest and reflect during this time as well.

Revolutionary Love Bus Tour

AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.

Renew AUW Membership - all AUW memberships (except Wise Women status) ended on June 30, 2024. Benefits of AUW membership include reduced registration rate to annual AUW Retreat, free lunch at our events, free or reduced price at paid AUW events, inclusion of your name in the AUW Directory and the knowledge that your membership helps keep AUW the wonderful organization it has been for over a CENTURY!

Here is a link.

Let’s Gather, Let’s Go! Come to the AUW Kick-off!

September 13, 5:30pm - 8:30pm. (Program will begin at 6pm.)

Our kick-off will embody this year’s AUW theme: “Let’s Gather, Let’s Go!” We will share

a light dinner, introduce upcoming AUW events, and spend time getting to know each

other better.

It’s the perfect opportunity to renew your AUW connections. There will be no charge for

this event for members OR visitors, so be sure to bring friends who might be interested

in becoming part of our sisterhood.

Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trail head. For questions or to get on the hiking group mailing list, contact: Marie Sorensen, 612-419-3620,

mariefsor@aol.com, or Lynn Richardson 612-323-2776, Kalelynn19@gmail.com. Hat, sunglasses, and bug repellent recommended.

In the event of thunder, lightning, or pouring rain, assume there will be NO hike. If it is drizzling, you can show up with a raincoat and see who else is hardy. Dogs are not invited to join us for hikes.

If anyone wants to volunteer to lead a “Hike With Friends”, let Marie know. It just means showing up at the meeting place or canceling a hike for bad weather.

August 24, 2 pm. Wood Lake Nature Center. 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield. Meet the door to the interpretive center building. Flat walk. Marie will NOT be there. We need a volunteer to lead.

August 31, 2pm. Eloise Butler Flower Garden. 1 Theodore Wirth Parkway. Park in the pay lot or park free down the hill at Wirth Lake Beach House. Slower nature walk with some hills depending on the route we take. Marie will lead.

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 Group meeting is September 12. 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. The next meeting will be August 26. Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. 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 reading list for 2024-25 is posted on the AUW website here. 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; the zoom meeting link is here.

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. If interested, pick a book to take home. Any questions or ideas contact Nora Whiteman cell 612-250-1661.

NOTE: This group will be meeting only on Zoom until October. We will return to meeting in person, with a Zoom option, in October.

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 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

More details about this group can be found 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.