The Weekly Liberal: May 1, 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! | | Reflecting on Dr. Ortega's Visit to First U | |
We are a faith community of big dreams and collective power. - A message from Rev. Jen | |
A couple dozen lay leaders and First U staff attended Dr. Elías Ortega’s workshop on Forming Our Faith, Shaping our People, and Sustaining Our Mission. I’m still thinking about so much from Dr. Ortega’s visit and from his teaching and preaching with us. As I said on Saturday, I see so much of First Universalist in the ways of being that Dr. Ortega and other religious leaders are naming as essential to meeting this moment. I’ve found myself especially drawn to the Four Pivots outlined by Shawn Ginwright that Dr. Ortega shared:
Awareness
Pivot from problem-solving to possibility-creating
Connection
Pivot from transactional relationships to authentic relationships
Vision
Pivot from scarcity mindset to abundance mindset
Leadership
Pivot from clergy-led/lay-supported to lay-led/clergy-supported
These are pivots we are actively engaged in making as a faith community, and I can already see the strength these changes are seeding in us. And as I reminded us on Saturday, these changes—these culture changes—take sustained effort to come to fruition. Most experts will tell you that culture change takes 5-7 years of concerted effort to truly take hold, and that in times of stress, most individuals and communities revert back to old ways of being, even when they are fully committed to the new, more life-giving ways of doing things they have grown and developed.
What does this have to do with church right now? What might these pivots mean in our own individual spiritual lives and in our collective community life? What shape might these pivots take, and what might they allow us to do?
I know that the leaders in this community are already thinking about these questions, and I look forward to continuing the conversation with them and an ever-widening circle of church members and friends about who and how we are, and the future and present we will shape together. We are a faith community of big dreams and collective power. We are meeting the moment of rising authoritarianism, democracy in peril, and the targeting of maginalized communities with resistance, resilience, and care. We are growing in compassion, community, and justice. There is so much we can do and be together now, and for times we shall never see.
But most immediately, we need to fund our 2025-26 budget. We are $150,000 short of funding our program and staffing goals for the year ahead. What can you commit over the next 14 months to help us get there? And who will you invite to join you in that increase of giving? Every dollar counts. Can you add $100 to your giving this year? Or $1000? Or $10,000? Or more?
If you have already made or increased your pledge, thank you. You are shaping this community, determining who and how we are, and what we can be now and for the future. Who could you call to ask to be your personal “matching gift?” Who could you remind that we are not alone, that we can hold this together if we both give boldly? Whatever you can do, we need you now. Staffing and programming decisions will be made in the next three weeks as we build a budget that matches our financial resources for the church year beginning on July 1, 2025.
It’s time to move from scarcity to abundance and from problem to possibility. How will you make this move with us?
In gratitude for all the ways we shape this community, together,
Rev. Jen
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Saying farewell to Rev. Arif
Join us as we continue to say thank you and goodbye to Rev. Arif Mamdani as he prepares to leave his ministry at First Universalist. Rev. Arif will be with us leading worship this Sunday, May 4th, with Rev. Jen and preaching on May 11th. We hope you'll make a special effort to be with us in worship on May 11th as Rev. Arif reflects on our time together during his ministry and we release him from his call to the congregation. Wednesday, May 14th is another important opportunity to say thank you and goodbye, as we gather for Community Dinner and a final celebration of Rev. Arif's ministry. We hope you'll join us!
A gentle reminder to offer care to Rev. Arif's family in this time by only engaging Arif about his departure and not his family.
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We the People Concert
May 4 at 4 p.m.
Tickets Available Now!
We're celebrating strength, diversity, resistance and joy! Come together for a fabulous fund-raising concert with some of the greatest female vocalists in the Twin Cities. They'll be performing tunes poignant, provocative, jubilant and joyous—all affirming the UU values of Interdependence, Justice, Transformation, Generosity, Equity and LOVE!
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Saturday, May 17: Talent Show & Trivia Night! | Support our youth and our church programs: Get tickets for the Talent Show & Trivia Night on May 17! | | | | |
May 4 – Power and The People
With Lead Artist, Aimee K. Bryant and guest musician, Dean Magraw
There is a joy and a disappointment in learning that there is no singular savior to lead the way and do the work that will bring love to life in this world. It is up to us. In our lives and in our world, the power is there to bring love alive. Join us as we find our way again to the individual and collective transformation that love makes possible.
Join us at 9 or 11 a.m. in person or via livestream at 11 a.m.
Sunday’s Order of Service (updated each week before worship)
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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
Immediately after worship services, meets at the front of the sanctuary
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.
| | April 20 – Ritual Sunday | The Spiral Path: Easter & Earth Day | | |
We celebrate with all of the graduates of the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, and especially with church members Mark Caswell and Meleah Houseknecht and their families, and Nico Van Ostrand, who will serve as our ministerial intern here at First Universalist beginning this fall.
We celebrate with Rev. Kelli Clement, who heard her call to ministry as a member of this church, on her installation as the settled minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, Iowa, on Saturday, April 26.
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 | | Summer programs at church need YOU! | | |
Sacred Sites Tour
Sunday, May 4, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
We have 30 spots for adults to join our 7th grade Neighboring Faiths youth on a modified Sacred Sites Tour. The group will meet at First Universalist at 12:30 p.m. and return around 3:30 p.m. and carpool to and from the starting site. The tour is led by Jim Bear Jacobs. First Universalist connection facilitated by Allison Connelly-Vetter and Bee Harrison.
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Upcoming: Environmental Justice at First U | |
Take a Stand: Close the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center Now
May 6 on Zoom
Seeding Change: The Power of Conscious Commerce
May 16 at church
First U EJ Team gathering
Sunday, May 18 at church
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May Community Dinner
Wednesday, May 14 at 6:00, Coming of Age ceremony at 7 p.m. All are welcome and there is no charge. All church events are alcohol-free.
Please RSVP by Sunday, May 11 (this allows us to purchase and prepare the right amount of food).
Following Community Dinner, join us in the Sanctuary at 7 p.m. for our annual Coming of Age Ceremony honoring our 9th grade Coming of Age youth These amazing, thoughtful, creative young people will share spiritual statements they have worked on all year reflecting their beliefs and faith commitments at this point in their lives.Together we will bless and encourage these youth as full members of our congregation and offer them gifts to demonstrate our affirmation and support. Please join us to receive this holy glimpse into their journey and brilliance and to remind them that they are held in love and pride by our entire First Universalist congregation.
| | | Coming up in the next few weeks | | |
Authentic Selves Book Group | UU Common Read
Attend as many sessions as you are able:
Sat, May 3, 10-11 a.m. at church
Wed, May 7, 7-8 p.m., on Zoom
Sat, May 10, 10-11 a.m. at church
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Winter/Spring Grief Group
May 4, 18; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Facilitated by Mark Caswell, church member and ministerial aspirant
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Young Adults: Second Sundays Lunch at Gigi’s
May 11; 12:15 p.m.
Young Adults (folks in their 20s and 30s) informally gather in the Social Hall after the second service to travel to nearby Gigi’s Cafe for lunch and conversation.
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Caregivers Support Group
Second Sundays: May 11; 1:00 - 2:30 pm on Zoom
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Labyrinth on the Full Moon
May 12; drop in from 5-7 p.m. in the Social Hall
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May Community Dinner
Wednesday, May 14
Dinner at 6 p.m., special Coming of Age program at 7—not to be missed!
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Daytime Connections
"Fraud and Scams in The Age of AI"
Thursday, May 15; 10-noon program, Noon lunch, in person in the Social Hall and on Zoom
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Deepening Ties Among Young Adults
Sunday, May 18; 12:30-2 p.m. at church
(Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s)
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Newcomers Circle
Sundays, June 1, 15, 22, 29, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at church
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Life After Doom Salon
Meets as determined by participants, first week of February - mid May
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Meditation Tuesday Mornings
On Zoom only
Every Tuesday, all year/every week; 9:00-10:15 a.m.; gather at 8:45;
Email Martha Easter-Wells to RSVP: ewellsm@gmail.com
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Improv for Elders
Wednesdays, ongoing, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at church
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Qigong for Liberation
Thursdays; 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. at church
Facilitated by Denise Konen.
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Trans, Non-binary and Gender Expansive Community and Support Group
Will meet once/month based on participant availability. Contact Kaden Colton for information.
| | For details and the most complete and up-to-date listing of Programs, Gatherings, & Events at Church, visit our church calendar, or view the Program Guide: | | | | |
Annual Congregational Meeting
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, June 8, beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Our annual meeting will take place shortly after the single 10 a.m. service ends, on June 8. All members are strongly encouraged to attend, and all are welcome. The meeting will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us!
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Bring Your Flower Bounty to Worship This Summer
If you are getting ready to plant a garden of flowers, the Visual Arts Committee would like you to consider sharing it with the congregation at Sunday services this summer. There is one service each Sunday during the summer. You would pick flowers from your garden and put together an arrangement. We would supply the vase at church. After the service, it's yours!. No experience needed and it could be a great family project. If you would like to try it out, please contact Marjie Smith at marjiesmith1@gmail.com.
Dates available: June 15, 22 and 29; July 13, 20 and 27; August 17, 24 and 31 (Lake Harriet worship would not require flowers–date TBD)
| | | Community & Affiliated Org Events | | |
Looking for Spiritual Support in These Unprecedented Times?
Meet virtually on Saturday, May 3 from 2-3 pm with other UUs as we bolster our resilience and open up ways to ground ourselves for the times and work before us.
MUUSJA (Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance) is hosting a series of one-time Spiritual Support gatherings led by Nico Van Ostrand (they/them). Nico will be at First Universalist beginning this fall as our Ministerial Intern. The groups are on varied nights through August from 7:00-8:00 pm on Zoom. Each group has a specific focus including: Trans; LGBTQ & Family; UU Values in Action; Belonging; Grief; and Fatigue for the Long Haul. More details and sign up here.
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Tuesday, May 13, 9:30 a.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol
Sign Up to Attend
From David Harrison, First U Member and our Habitat Lead:
Habitat for Humanity has long been a vital partner in our shared commitment to justice, equity, and compassion in action. While many of us know Habitat through recent build days at The Heights project in St. Paul, there's another powerful way to make a difference: by showing up to advocate for affordable housing policies that impact families across Minnesota. I invite you to join us for Habitat on the Hill, a day of advocacy at the Minnesota State Capitol on Tuesday, May 13. This is an opportunity to raise our collective voice in support of affordable homeownership and equitable housing access—especially for those who may not be able to swing a hammer but still want to build a more just world.
No prior advocacy experience is needed—just your presence and willingness to speak from the heart. The registration page includes helpful tools and guidance to prepare you for meaningful conversations with legislators and other participants. You’ll meet legislators, connect with fellow advocates, and help shape the future of housing policy in Minnesota. Register at the link below, and let’s show up as a faith community that lives our values out loud:
Register for Habitat on the Hill 2025
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12-Step Spirituality
Visit the website for details.
First Saturday of each month through May 3, 2025, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
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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Association of Universalist Women
AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.
Games Group
Meet at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. The next Games Group meeting is May 8. Please let Anne know if you plan to attend.
Women Who Read
We read books written by women. RSVP to Abbie Finger. On Monday, May 19 the book selection will be The Women by Kristin Hannah. The in-person potluck will begin at 6 pm, followed by discussion at 7. June 23 will be in-person only as we decide the books for next year.
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; click here to join by Zoom.
| | 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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