The Weekly Liberal: July 17, 2025

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An Apology



Sometimes we have the opportunity to apologize for our mistakes out loud. That is why we are writing today. The ministers and staff at First Universalist regularly talk to congregants about the difference between “intent” and “impact” and we have learned a humbling lesson about the gap between the two. 

Last week Rev, Laura quickly pulled together a piece for The Liberal about Rev. Meg Riley and Rev. Kate Tucker attending the memorial service for Rep. Melissa Hortman who was murdered by a domestic terrorist a month ago. It is hard to write that sentence when the reality of Rep. Hortman’s death still feels terrifying, raw, and incredibly sad. 

Here at First Universalist, we changed the Sunday service so we could honor our communal shock and grief on the weekend the Hortmans were killed and Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were hospitalized after being shot by the same gunman. The grief in the sanctuary that Sunday was palpable. Several of us attended the vigil at the Capitol for the Hortmans as well. It was profound to return to the place where Rep. Hortman spent endless hours working on legislation that positively impacted the lives of Minnesotans. 

The Downtown Clergy group were invited as a group, most likely to symbolize interfaith leadership honoring a beloved public servant. Rev. Meg and Rev. Kate were asked to attend the service as affiliated minister of First Universalist when the rest of the ministry staff was unable to attend. They were so grateful to be present with their grief and appreciation of Rep. Hortman’s public service, especially since they were unable to attend the protest the day after the assisination or the vigil a few days later.

Meg, who served as the minister for the Church of the Larger Fellowship (a congregation without walls) has spent years of her life ministering online. When she returned home after the service, she posted photos and her reflections on the service. Her friends and colleagues from out of town were grateful to gain virtual access to the service for a woman who represents progressive politics grounded in authenticity and care across the country. Rev. Laura’s abridged piece was switched out for Meg’s full Facebook post and a new introduction was written without her knowing. 

A few days after The Liberal went out, CT Neal-Herman sent an email to the ministers and a few staff last Saturday. He wrote about how he and others found the piece jarring and unsettling, especially in light of the gravity of the murders. He said “it felt like a personal travelogue rather than a communal reckoning.” For him and some others it felt opportunistic instead of honoring and the tragedy of the murders of Rep. Melissa, her husband Mark, and dog Gilbert. 

Being called out—or called in—is often uncomfortable. CT’s note struck us in the heart. Had we really been so cavalier and unaware when we put together the piece? We have to say the answer is “yes.” Every hand that touched the article was operating under stressful circumstances, some professional and some personal. We did not show up as our best selves. 

Truly, we were focusing on the beauty experienced when UU clergy and colleagues of many other faiths constantly show up and support one another in times of joy and in times of sorrow. Just this past Sunday, Rev. Laura preached a new sermon on resiliency and stressed how important it is to find joy even in this horrific time. We were leaning into the joy that we’ve found when we see others we love in public times of great pain and mourning. We did not think about how what we included in The Liberal would “land” in inboxes and the impact on congregants who were not given a broader context. 

If we could take it back, we would. And yet, there are so many actions that we, and all of us, take each day. Inevitably some of them will miss the mark. We sincerely apologize for not thinking through the  piece more thoroughly. We apologize for prioritizing deadlines over being thoughtful, pastoral, and careful at a time when all of us are feeling tender and in grief. 

We are also grateful for CT’s courage. Difficult conversations took place with CT and with staff. How else are any of us to grow and learn if we don’t risk being honest with each other? As staff we asked each other what we needed to feel heard and what was needed for repair. So much grace was offered along the way.  We hope we can continue to practice honesty, compassion, and confronting the hard stuff together. 

With Love, Rev. Laura and Rev. Ashley

August 1-22: No in-person gatherings at church, except worship



If you have a group, gathering, or meeting scheduled at church between August 1 – 22, we ask you to reschedule, gather virtually, or meet off-site instead. We have multiple summer camp programs taking place during that time, and our space will be filled with children and youth, and all sorts of summer camp equipment. Thank you so much for helping to make space for these wonderful and affirming programs at church.

Sunday Worship

July 20 | And the rest is music

One service at 10 a.m.

A Place to Start

This Sunday, immediately after worship

No RSVP Necessary

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. Facilitated by First U members.

Children & Youth

SUMMER: Religious Education is in worship through September 7. All ages and voices are welcome in the Sanctuary! Childcare will be available for ages 6 months through PreK in Room 104.



Registration is open for the upcoming 2025-2026 church year, which will begin in September. All families — new and returning, with babies through high schoolers — must register each church year.

In Case You Missed It:

Last Sunday, July 13

WATCH: Dr. Glen Thomas invites all of us into radical truth-telling, and the necessity of rest

You can see past worship services and other video content:

Cycle of Life

With heavy hearts we share that beloved member Jeni Klotz has moved into hospice care following a rapid decline of her dementia. Jeni is living in Rose Court Memory Care down the street from her old house. Her days are made up of mostly silence and rest but there are occasional times of laughter and singing. If you want more information or would like to visit or send a card, contact Martha Bird.

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 pastoralcare@firstuniv.org or (612) 405-5583 (call or text).

Ways to Connect at Church

Host a Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Gathering

Saturday, August 16 (multiple times and locations)

RSVP to host by July 27

If you stay put in the Twin Cities over August and are looking for a fun activity, sign up to host or attend a potluck event where you live. We will recruit hosts from across the cities and then open up the events for congregants in their area to join them. We are intentionally an intergenerational congregation: all potluck gatherings are open to families and individuals. We ask hosts to give information about their space in this form. All kids of high school age and younger have to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Gatherings are about coming together—nothing fancy—just a time to enjoy each other’s company and create community outside of church. If you are interested in hosting let us know by July 27 by filling out this host form.

Have You Been Personally Impacted by the Mass Deportations and Targeting of Immigrant Communities and Individuals? 

Sunday, July 20, 11:30 am-12:30pm, Room 201

RSVP Here

It has been a time of terror and harassment for people in our country who are targeted by ICE and other government officials who are operating without regard for the law or decency. We need to hear each other’s stories and witness each other’s experiences. Rev. Laura will hold a circle where all can share and all voices will be heard.

Do You Have a Person in Your Life with Dementia? The Dementia Friends of Minnesota Program Can Help You Understand What is Happening with Your Loved One

Sunday, July 27, 11:30am-12:30pm, Room 201

RSVP Here

The Congregational Care Team is offering Dementia Friends of Minnesota’s 60-minute information session where they describe different types of dementia, help normalize living with dementia, and share effective approaches to communicate and care for someone living with dementia. 

Community News & Needs

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

Visit the website • Join or renew membership • AUW Facebook Group

Association of Universalist Women

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.