The Weekly Liberal: August 6, 2026

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!

Cas Burr (he/him) lives in Minneapolis with his girlfriend and her mom. He's a Minnesota Lynx fan, a lover of the outdoors, and an avid reader who loves a good conversation by the campfire. Cas was raised at Unity Church-Unitarian in Saint Paul, and just completed a ministerial internship at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church in Mahtomedi. Cas loves Minnesota with every ounce of his being, and is committed to giving back to the community that has given him so much. 

He's extremely excited to start his work as the Community Connections Coordinator at First U, and can't wait to meet and get to know the community. Cas is thrilled at the prospect of plugging folks into small groups that feed them, and wants to help continue strengthening the church's culture of community and belonging. He'd love it if you stopped by and said hi during social hour after service!

Religious Education is on break for the summer.

Childcare is offered for infants-PreK on Sunday mornings. 

PRIORITY REGISTRATION FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: BY AUGUST 31

Registration is open for the upcoming year of Religious Education and Our Whole Lives (OWL)! Classes will resume on September 20. Please register your children and youth by August 31 to secure their space. After August 31, we will begin confirming section rosters and times for RE with registered families. Registration will remain open after that time, although a family's first choice for class time/section may not be available. OWL registration for Grade 6 and Grades 8/9 will have a registration deadline later in September (details to come).

Have questions...

...about our programs for children, youth, and families?



Allison Connelly-Vetter, our Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, can be reached at allison@firstuniv.org.

Learn more about resources and connection points for Families at First U:

These are highlights. | Please look in Community News and Needs in this newsletter for lots more.

Walk and Talk with Housing in Action

Tuesday, August 18, 9-10:30 a.m.

Meet at Sammy’s Avenue Eatery

15 spaces available. Connect with Karen Heegaard with questions.

First U congregants are invited to an hour-long guided walk to learn more about housing on the Northside with First U Foundation recipient Housing In Action. The walk will be led by their Executive Director, AsaleSol Young. Housing in Action is also acting as the development director for the Black Lives of Unitarian Universalist (BLUU) housing cooperative project.

Sunday Worship

Sunday, August 9 | One service at 10 a.m.

Tales of A Traveling Preacher, with Rev. Jim Foti

10 a.m. in person and livestreaming

This church is special – and so are all the rest. Unitarian Universalist congregations develop their own customs and cultures and face challenges that range from unique to ubiquitous. Come hear roving Rev. Jim Foti’s stories and perspectives as we consider the many ways our movement embodies pluralism.  

Rev. Jim Foti (he/him) is an affiliated community minister of First Universalist Church of Minneapolis. Jim received his Master of Divinity degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School and currently serves on its board of trustees. He served as an assistant minister at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis for eight years, and his current areas of focus include short-term ministries, activism, and writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Jim won the Skinner Sermon Award from the Unitarian Universalist Association in 2023. He and his partner, Ralph Wyman, are members here.

Religious Education is on break for the summer. Childcare is offered for infants-PreK. 

In Case You Missed It:

Last Sunday, August 2

You can watch past worship services and view other First U video content:

Cycle of Life

Our thoughts are with Amy Zimmer, her husband, Mike, and her children, Josh and Grace, on the death of Amy's father, Donald Albert Doeksen, on July 21. Don attended First Universalist during Rev. John Cummins' ministry, and began what became a three-generation family connection with the church.

Wendell Vandersluis’ Celebration of Life is on Friday, August 14 at 2:00 pm, at church and via livestream. Cindy Marsh, spouse, invites all to attend.

You can offer care and support for Wendell Vandersluis’ Memorial (August 14).

Assistance needed for: 

• Set up 12:30 - 2:00
• Greeters 1:30 - 2:15
• Ushers 1:30-3:15
• Servers: 2:45 - 4:30
• Cleanup: 3:30 - 5:00
• Cookies and bars to be delivered at least an hour before service (they can be delivered in advance and frozen)

Please contact Lisa Sinclair for the Memorial Team at lpsinclair7982@yahoo.com.

Thank you in advance for your generosity in supporting Cindy Marsh, family, and friends.

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).

We “Hold This Together” by Caring for Each Other During Life’s Marker Events

Provide Food and Other Basic Needs!

Meals for congregants recovering from surgery, experiencing food insecurity, and sanctuary families.

We have community members in need of support during major life events. For meal requests: Please read the instructions carefully so that you can provide the type of meal that will bring the families the most comfort—gift cards are an option, in addition to preparing or purchasing food.

Receive or Offer Support

Do you need support during a challenging time? We are here for one another. Are you able to offer support? On occasion, we receive requests from congregants for distinct needs. If you would like support, or if you can offer support, email or text Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org or 612-405-5583.

Ways to Connect at Church

Coming Up At Church:

Early Adult Fall Planning Meeting

(Early Adults: anyone who is 18+ and out of high school to 39.99 years old)

This Sunday, August 9, immediately after worship, Room TBD

Please bring your calendar or planner and ideas of what you might want to lead to strengthen our beloved community. All Early Adults are welcome! Consider bringing a snack to share. 

Caregivers Support Group (on Zoom) 

Second Sundays: 1:00-2:30 pm: June 14, July 12, Aug 9, Sept 13 | Register to receive Zoom link 

This is a drop-in group. 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 loved one 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. Laura Smidzik.

Journaling Club: Writing with The Book of Alchemy 

Wednesdays, every other week, June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, Aug 12, Aug 26, Sept 9, Sept 23 (Come to all eight or as many as you can make. Drop ins welcome.) 7:00 - 8:30 pm, in the church Library | RSVP Here

What would you write if you weren’t afraid? This summer, we’ll gather every other

Wednesday around one essay and one writing prompt from The Book of Alchemy — Suleika Jaouad’s New York Times bestselling guide to journaling as a practice of creativity, healing, and self-discovery. Each 90-minute session includes a reading, ten quiet minutes of writing, and an open conversation about what surfaces. No writing experience required. Just bring a notebook, a pen, and your curiosity. Facilitated by Katie Stoecker-Strauss.

Mild Cognitive Impairment: We are Holding it Together 

Sunday, August 2, August 23, 11:30 am-12:15 pm, Room 201 | RSVP Here

Early mild cognitive impairment impacts our lives in a number of ways. This group is for people who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment with the goal of sharing stories, creating community, and reducing isolation. 

Facilitated by Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Crafting Group

Sundays, June 28, July 26, August 2, August 23, 12:00-2:00 pm, Social Hall near the Library | RSVP Here

Are you creative/crafty/artistic (or would you like to be?) and like to create in the presence of others? Let's meet up and be creative in community! Imagine: a drop-in space where you come with a project, or use materials from our pop-up free table (i.e., a spot where we can bring craft items to pass to someone else, or to find a new project or hobby). Joy is an act of resistance and connecting with creative folks can be inspiring! Facilitated by Chris Chiros.

First U Environmental Justice (EJ) Community

Plant-based Potluck Supper and Team meeting

Wednesday, August 26

5:30 pm Potluck: Social Hall

6:15 pm EJ Team Gathering: Cummins Room

Gather for food and fellowship and to help plan next steps for the environmental work of the church.

Come explore how to

• get involved
• stay connected
• take leadership 

On climate issues you care about!

Potluck Signup and share what you plan to bring.

Only planning to attend the EJ team gathering at 6:15? Sign up here.

Membership Classes at First U

This class is for congregants who have decided that they want to become members. Participants learn about First Universalist, the broader UU movement, and membership. 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 Summer: 

Class 1: Saturday, June 20, 9:00 am-1:00 pm (potluck)

Class 2: Wednesdays, July 15 and 22, 6:00-8:00 pm

Class 3: Wednesdays, Aug 26 and Sept. 2, 6:00-8:00 pm

Care-Partner Support Group 

Fourth Thursday of the month, 2:00-3:30 pm: July 23, Aug 27, Sept 24, Room 201 | RSVP Here

Caregiving for a spouse/partner has its own nuances and realities for the care provider. This group is an opportunity to confidentially share, learn from one another, and to receive support. Led by Rev Laura Smidzik.

Grief Group (on Zoom)

First Sundays, June 7, July 5, Aug 2, Sept 6, 4:00-5:30 pm | Register to receive Zoom link 

The Grief Group meets the first Sunday on Zoom. It is a gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with the loss of a loved one. 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. (This is a drop-in group). We will be here for you. Faciltited by Jen Keating, Seminarian at United Theological Seminary.

Newcomers Circle - September

Wednesdays, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, 6:00-8:00 pm | RSVP Here

(Note: The first meeting will include sitting together at the Sept. 9 Community Dinner, then gathering in a classroom for the rest of the program that evening.)

Newcomers Circles create 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. This Circle is intended for members and non-members alike who are discerning if and/or how they will commit to and continue their spiritual journey at First U as Unitarian Universalists. Please plan to attend at least three of the four sessions. Registration is limited to 9. The first session is required for group cohesion and trust building. Newcomers Circle is not a replacement or prerequisite for the Membership Class—they are complimentary curriculums that may be done in any order. Facilitated by Ginny Belden-Charles.

In the Weeds

Wednesdays, 5:00-6:15 pm at church | RSVP Here

Spirituality is often found in small, routine tasks. If getting your hands dirty and pulling a few weeds (or picking up litter, or whatever is needed) in the company of others speaks to you, please join us. We’ll build new connections while keeping our campus looking its best and being a good neighbor to those who live nearby. Come once or come weekly, come alone or come with a friend, but come! Facilitated by Lynn Broaddus.

Weekly Meditation Group

Tuesdays at 9:00 am on Zoom | Email Martha at ewellsm@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link

The Weekly Meditation Group is an ongoing group to which new members are always welcome. We meet on Zoom every Tuesday from 9-10:15 with a rotating group of facilitators. People come with whatever experience they have and we learn from each other. Facilitated by Martha Easter-Wells, Amy Marquart, Anne McBean, Julie Gottesleben, and Diane Torrannce.

Qigong for Liberation

Every Tuesday (no in-person meeting August 18), 4:30-5:15 pm in Room 201 | RSVP Here

Gather with us in person or online for an ongoing practice of the beautiful and healing movement meditation, Spring Forest Qigong, created by Master Chunyi Lin, who notes, “by harmonizing Qi, the body’s vital energy, Qigong supports physical vitality, emotional balance, and spiritual growth.” Come when you can. A recording is also included each week so you can practice when you choose. Movements are gentle and accessible for everyone. Spring Forest Qigong is a liberating practice that provides a way to return to who we have always been - energy beings, who, when given the space and time to heal, can bring more unconditional love, forgiveness, and kindness to ourselves, each other, and a hurting world. As our strength and resilience grow we become fortified to respond with courage and compassion to the intensifying fascism. Facilitator will reach out when you register so that you can get to know one another and she can better understand your needs for your qigong practice.

Improv for Elders

Wednesdays (no meeting August 19), 10:00-11:30 am, Room 209 | RSVP Here

Come and join the laughter and fun. We who laugh, last. This is a group for games and teamwork, but not production or performance oriented. It’s just for us. Participants say it is their favorite day of the week because we need joy now more than ever. Facilitated by Rev. Meg Riley.

BIPOC Group

Fill out the interest form for meeting details.

The First Universalist BIPOC Group is a sacred time of community, support, and joy. Come be, laugh, and connect with other Unitarian Universalists who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color. This is a closed space for BIPOC adults, including multiracial people. This is not a group for white people, including white people who have BIPOC family members.

Community News & Needs

Seeking Research Study Participants

Hello First Universalist! My name is Sam Theesfeld and I'm a graduate student at the University of Minnesota. I'm a regular visitor to church and my husband is a member. I'm looking for LGBTQ+ people, 50 years-of-age and older, to participate in a research study on cardiovascular health literacy. Participants must have access to an iPhone or iPad. Please scan the QR code to learn more about the study and requirements for participating. If interested, please complete the interest form and I will follow-up with you directly. Thank you! 

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.

Association of Universalist Women

AUW website • Join or renew membership • AUW Facebook Group

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.

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.