The Weekly Liberal: November 6, 2025 | | NOTE: Some e-mail programs will not load the full content of this publication. Please click "View Entire Message" at the bottom if you see it! | |
"How we are at the small scale is how we are at the large scale." | |
This week has me thinking on fractals. Fractals are patterns found in nature that repeat over and over again, such as from the smallest inner circle of a pinecone to the larger, whole pinecone. Broccoli, ferns, seashells, peacock feathers – once you’re looking for them, fractals are everywhere.
Author and activist adrienne maree brown compares fractals to change-making for a better world. She encourages us to “see our own lives and work and relationships as a front line, a first place we can practice justice, liberation, and alignment with each other and the Planet.” In other words, she writes, “How we are at the small scale is how we are at the large scale.”
For many of us, the large scale right now seems pretty bleak. Our SNAP benefits are disappearing. Our childcare is threatened by a looming teacher’s strike. Our immigrant neighbors are being detained and deported. Our trans kids are bullied at school and, sometimes, in their own extended families. It can feel as though there is nothing we can do to change the circumstances that are hurting us and the people we love.
But at church, we know that when we ease the way for even one person, or two, or ten, we are creating meaningful change that ripples out from us in ways we may never fully understand.
And so, at church, we are re-committing ourselves to practicing Beloved Community in a fractal sense. Here’s a snapshot:
- We have Cub gift cards available for you if you have lost your SNAP benefits. Reach out to Rev. Jen at jen@firstuniv.org to receive a gift card.
- We are offering a free Strike Camp to support families in need of childcare during the (likely) upcoming Minneapolis Federation of Teachers’ strike. Learn more and register your family for Strike Camp here.
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Looking to get involved at church in the new year? Join our 6th grade Religious Education team as an adult Advisor! We need 5 total Advisors with openings at both the 9 and 11 a.m. service in order to make this amazing opportunity available to our youth.
Advisors each co-facilitate two Sunday morning sessions per month between January - May. The sessions and all materials are prepared in advance by staff and volunteers. The 6th grade curriculum centers relationship building, covenant, Unitarian Universalism, and growing up in a family- critical topics for this age group. We hope to have found all 5 needed Advisors by December 1 in preparation for Allison's parental leave. Please reach out to Allison if you have any questions, and thanks for considering!
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Coming up for Children, Youth, & Families at First Universalist:
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Sunday, Nov. 9: Regular Sunday: RE in Classrooms / 7th Grade Site Visit: Unity - Unitarian Church
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Wednesday, Nov. 12: Community Dinner + Programs for All Ages
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Saturday, Nov. 15 - Sunday, Nov. 16: Upper Midwest Youth Con for 9th-12th Graders
- Sunday, Nov. 16: Regular Sunday: RE in Classrooms
- Saturday, Nov. 22: Saturday Sprouts for Families
- Sunday, Nov. 23: Intergenerational Worship + Child Dedications and New Member Ceremony
Find information on upcoming programming for Children, Youth, & Families in the all-ages calendar spreadsheet. Find the appropriate age group tab on the bottom for events for your family. This document is updated regularly - please check often.
While Allison is on parental leave, please contact:
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Claire Tralle at claire@firstuniv.org with questions about ministries for kids and youth in any level of Our Whole Lives, in 6th grade Religious Education, or in middle and high school youth groups.
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Hirut Hedge at hirut@firstuniv.org with questions about ministries for kids in 7th grade, K-5th grade, and nursery-PreK, including Saturday Sprouts.
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Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org with general questions about our ministries for children, youth, and families, including to get in touch with the Children, Youth, and Families Advisory Team.
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Offered free of charge for children impacted by the upcoming Minneapolis Federation of Educators strike.
Strike Camp will run from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the strike, beginning on the anticipated strike start date of Tuesday, Nov. 11 and continuing until communicated otherwise.
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Gathering for Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color | November 19, 6-8 p.m. This is a gathering and a homecoming, the start of a circle of joy, support, and possibility. | | | | Our next Child Dedication at First Universalist Church is coming up on Sunday, Nov. 23, during both worship services. If you are interested in dedicating your child/ren on November 23, please let us know by using this form. Please complete a separate form for each child being dedicated. Please note: You do need to fill out our form even if we have been in touch about your interest to dedicate your kiddo/s at this service: | | |
Never has it been more important to be sanctuary. It’s easy to say, but walking the talk, being sanctuary, living sanctuary takes commitment. It takes love. It takes time. And it takes money.
We are currently sheltering four families and it takes almost $35,000 per year to operate our program. That’s above and beyond the direct help with medical expenses, rent, transportation, and other direct needs for which we pay. With Give to the Max Day we can ensure that funding for all of these needs is secure.
Our board of trustees has issued a challenge: They will match, dollar for dollar, the first $3,000 raised through Give to the Max.
| | Sunday, November 9 | Start with the Medicine | Two services: In person at 9 & 11 a.m. Join the livestream at 11 a.m. | Archbishop Rowan Williams famously said, “Truth makes love possible; love makes truth bearable." As we nurture sustainable resilience in our spiritual lives in these days, we’ll start with the medicine that heals our spirits and our relationships as we lean into the practices of gratitude, repair, and justice together. | | |
Religious Education will be in classrooms this Sunday.
Children and youth are always welcome in worship with their families! If you are new or new-ish to First U, please join us at whichever service works best for you, and visit the Welcome Table in the atrium where someone will help orient you and answer your questions.
Most Religious Education programs are offered during both services. However, there are some exceptions. Please register below to be added to the appropriate roster and you’ll receive communication from Allison about which service to attend.
You may pick up your child or youth from Religious Education at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., not before, even if worship has ended. Having a standard pick up time for all children and youth supports our kids and volunteers in completing the lesson for the day and ending the session thoughtfully and spaciously.
If you have not already, please register here for Religious Education and our additional Children, Youth, & Family Ministries for the 2025-2026 church year. All families, with babies through high schoolers, need to register each church year, regardless of previous registration.
| | You can watch past worship services and view other First U video content: | | |
Prior member, Liz Dunn, died on October 14th. There will be a service for her on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Edgecumbe Presbyterian Church in St Paul. Music starts at 1:45 and the service starts at 2:00 pm.
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. Laura Smidzik at laura@firstuniv.org or (612) 405-5583 (call or text).
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We “Hold This Together” by Cooking Meals and Helping Each Other During Life’s Marker Events
Cook a Meal
We have congregants in need of support during life events. Please read the instructions carefully so that you can provide the type of meal that will bring the families the most comfort. Contact Rev. Laura if you are in need of meals to help you through a transition.
Current Mealtrain Requests:
Zion, Jera, and Baby Violet
Help with Rides, Chores, or Companionship During Worship
On occasion, we receive requests from congregants for distinct needs. If you are willing to help with any of these needs, email or text Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org or 612-405-5583.
- General chores (lawn moving, cleaning) post surgery and when congregants are struggling.
- Rides—sometimes to church and other times to doctor appointments.
- Companionship during worship for congregants with cognitive impairment who need a buddy when in the building.
| | Ways to Connect at Church | | |
Community Dinner
Wednesday, Nov. 12; Dinner 6-6:45; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m.
RSVP REQUESTED
Menu:
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. Childcare will be available for younger kids (ages 6 months-Grade 3), and breakout groups will be available for older kids, teens, and adults. 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.
NOVEMBER BREAKOUT GROUPS:
High School Youth Group (grades 9-12)
Middle School Group (grades 6-8)
Childcare (6 mos-5th grade)
Parenting As A Spiritual Practice
Service As Spiritual Practice
Low-Contact/No Contact: A Group for Adults Choosing Estrangement
Habitat for Humanity
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Join Us for Our Upcoming Habitat for Humanity Builds at The Heights
Saturday, November 8, 8:30am to 3:30pm RSVP Here with Habitat
Location: 1461 McKnight Rd N, Maplewood, MN
Read more about Fall builds with Habitat and First U
Our First Universalist team is gearing up for two upcoming build days at The Heights development in St. Paul—Saturday, November 8 and Saturday, December 13. These are wonderful opportunities to put our covenant into action to help create affordable homes in our community. There's a job for every skill level, and every contribution, big & small, makes a difference.
Both build days have open volunteer spots, and we’d love to have you join us! No experience is necessary—Habitat staff provide all the tools, training, and support needed for a rewarding and fun day of service. Space is limited, so please sign up soon to reserve your spot. Together, we’re not just building houses—we’re building hope and community.
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A Springtide Workshop: Engaging Gen Z in Faith & Meaning
Sunday, Nov. 9, 1-3 p.m. in-person in the Cummins Room | RSVP HERE
Join faith leaders who work with Generation Z in faith-based contexts for a dynamic and thoughtful gathering. Using engaging multimedia resources from Springtide Research Institute, we’ll explore the spiritual and religious lives of Gen Z and discuss practical ways to support their journeys of faith and meaning making.
All are encouraged to join: Congregants and community members, neighbors, Team and committee leaders, Board members, worship associates, Children, Youth, & Families volunteers, staff, parents, grandparents, siblings, youth, and generally interested parties from all generations—including Gen Z.
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Membership at First U
We ask that congregants who are interested in becoming members take the Membership Class. In two sessions, participants have an opportunity to get clear on what they personally are committing to as church members and what a mutual, reciprocal church community commits to them in return. In community, participants explore the practical and spiritual sides of what relevant, sustainable church membership means to them. Even if you’re a lifelong UU interested in membership, we ask that you take the membership class at First Universalist as it helps orient folks to this congregation and helps build community.
We are offering three different membership class times this fall:
Thursday, Oct 30 and Thursday, Nov 13, 6:00-8:00 pm - CLOSED
Tuesday, Nov 11 and Tuesday, Nov 18, 6:00-8:00 pm
Saturday, Dec 13, 9:00am-1:30 pm (potluck)
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Circle Suppers
Saturday, Dec. 6 varied times and locations RSVP to Host before Nov. 7
Circle Suppers are casual, potluck dinners held in people’s homes and apartments. We welcome all in the First Universalist community and encourage invitations to newcomers and guests. It’s a great way to get to know each other better in a relaxed setting, and make new connections and deepen old friendships over great food, drink, and conversation. Sign ups for meals will be available in The Liberal starting Nov. 16.
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Feed My Starving Children
Nov. 17, 7:00 p.m. RSVP Here
All are welcome to join the Young Adults at this event.
For more information or questions, please email Raelyn at raelyn.rassett@gmail.com
Join the Young Adults in an adventure to practice our values of justice and interdependence with Feed My Starving Children in Eagan. We will meet at Feed My Starving Children at 7:00 PM on Monday, November 17th. We have 50 spots reserved, let's fill them up! FMSC is welcome to children 5 years and older and is a great family fun experience.
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Instrumental Music
November 16 & 23, December 7, 2-4pm RSVP Here
Calling musicians! We are gathering again this fall to play some holiday music together. We have a set of carols at a very gentle difficulty level that can be played by band and orchestra instruments. We welcome you no matter how much dust has collected on your instrument, and the music will be approachable by youth musicians as well. We will gather a few times this fall to make music together, and music will be shared well in advance for us to practice ahead of time. Facilitated by Elaina Buzzell.
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Young Adults ONLY
Folks in their 20s and 30s
Friendsgiving- YA Lead: CT
Saturday, Nov 15 5pm-ish, location TBD
You’ve got friends and you’ve got food. Can’t get more descriptive than that! CT plans to host a Friendsgiving potluck for the Young Adults crew. Contact CT for location details and to get the potluck signup spreadsheet.
| | Coming up this Fall Session | | |
Single and Solo Parents Group
Tuesdays, Nov. 11, Nov. 25, and Dec. 9, 7-8 p.m. via Zoom
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Instrumental Music
November 16 & 23, December 7, 2-4pm
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Crafting Group
November 16, December 28, 1-3pm
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Daytime Connections
November 20, 10-12, in person or on Zoom
An Amazing Memoir from Our Own Kathy Cochran
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Saturday Sprouts
Saturdays once per month, 10 a.m. to noon: November 22
No RSVP necessary
Saturday Sprouts is open to all families, with programming geared towards young children (6 months - 5th grade) along with their siblings and parents/caregivers.
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Grief is Political: Expressions and Strategies
The last Sundays of the month- Nov 30, Dec 28, 1:00-2:00pm (feel free to bring a lunch or snack)
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Labyrinth on the Full Moon
December 4, 2025, 5-7 p.m. in the Social Hall
No RSVP Necessary | Join the Labyrinth Interest List
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Grief Group (on zoom)
First Sundays, 4:00-5:30 pm: Dec 7
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Qigong for Liberation
Tuesdays, October 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16, (No practice Dec. 23)Dec. 30, 4:30-5:15pm (zoom and in person)
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Improv for Elders
Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30, ongoing, in person at church
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Don’t Miss this Author’s Talk!
Solidarity and Community after George Floyd’s Death
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Room 209
Shari Seifert will read from her book, "Ashes to Action: Finding Myself at the Intersection of the Minneapolis Uprising."
Shari will share some of her own racial justice journey and why and how members of her congregation were ready to meet the moment when George Floyd was murdered one block from their faith community, Calvary Lutheran Church. The book explores the congregation's response to the uprising, emphasizing faith-based racial justice work and listening to and responding with community. Shari wrote the book to encourage other faith communities to prepare for and engage in the work.
Denise Konen, member of First Universalist Church, and Shari, along with members of MARCH (multi-faith, anti-racist, change and healing) worked together in solidarity with the community at George Floyd Square. What can we, in our First Universalist faith community, learn from Shari’s story about how to respond to the current moment we are in? Contact Denise Konen with questions: konenbrown@gmail.com
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Give the Gift of Warmth
This is our 21st year to collect "Gifts of Warmth" to distribute to our neighbors needing a bit of warmth. Over the years we have collected thousands of hats, scarves, and mittens and distributed them to schools, food shelves, ER rooms and social service agencies in our community. If you do not knit, purchased and gently used items are welcome.
Items can be dropped off in the baskets near the elevator. We collect through the end of January. For more information contact: barbmelom@gmail.om
Thank you for your kindness.
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Joyce Uptown Food Shelf's mission is to distribute food to those in need, with respect and dignity. As you likely heard SNAP benefits were cut off last week. Many recipients of food assistance are children, elderly people and low-income workers. You can help by donating money or food. We collect nonperishable items at church and deliver them to Joyce Food Shelf. Currently the high demand items are:
- Spaghetti
- Canned Proteins (Peanut Butter, Tuna, Beans, Chicken, Sardines, Spam, Tofu)
- Instant Oatmeal Packets
- Tampons and Pads
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
- Ramen
- Paper Grocery Bags with Handles
| | Community & Affiliated Org Events | | |
Social Change Now
Join MUUSJA for a 3-part, multi-congregation exploration of Deepa Iyer’s book, Social Change Now, through the lens of our UU faith and shared values. This year's UU Common Read offers a path for more authentic, connected, and effective work pursuing the social justice missions we share. We will meet online from 6-8 pm for 3 consecutive Thursdays: 11/6, 11/13 & 11/20. Open to adults and older youth. Register here.
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12-Step Spirituality
Visit the website for details.
In person – at First Universalist Church
And on Zoom - get the link here.
These meetings are for people who are actively working any 12-step program.
The meetings focus on the 11th step, prayer and meditation, by using the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation.
We teach Centering Prayer Meditation, meditate for 20 minutes, visit in small groups and practice two other forms of prayer.
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Cultivating Practices for Our Wellness
IT’S NOT TOO LATE
Register now or at the event.
AUW Fall Mini-Retreat
Women’s Wellness in Today’s Stressful World
November 8, 2025
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wow, 2025 has been an intense year. Many of us are feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, angry, and so much more.
Join us for the fall mini-retreat to cultivate practices for our wellness. New AUW member Gina Ditta-Donahue will share her wisdom and passion for holistic health. She will address the root causes of health issues drawing on her wealth of experience as a functional nurse practitioner. Denise Konen will lead us in a Qigong practice and there will be breakout sessions including sound healing, and music therapy.
Members: $20.00
Non-members: $40.00
Student/financial need: $10.00
For further details go to auwfirstuniv.org .
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Prepare to beat the January blahs!
Put this in your calendar: Movie night Friday, January 16, 2026.
Look forward to a FREE movie (TBD), FREE popcorn, and a FREE awesome discussion.
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**SAVE THE DATE** The AUW Spring Retreat is April 17-19, 2026
This year's theme is "Belonging" and the keynote speaker is Rev. Karen Hutt.
Watch this space for upcoming details about the programing and breakout sessions.
| AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid. | | Need to make a connection or ask for care?Find what you need here. | |
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701
firstuniversalistchurch.org
For staff contact information, please visit our Ministers and Staff page.
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Weekly Liberal Submissions
We encourage you to submit church news! To do so, email your content to Rachel Rott: rachel@firstuniv.org. Edits for length and/or content may occur. The deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday the week of publication. Past issues can be found on our website.
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