The Care We Give, The Care We Receive

Dear Ones,

How care is showing up in your life right now? Take a minute. Rest in this moment and let your heart wander back over the week. Where did you feel and know yourself to be receiving care? How about giving care? Where in the week we just shared did you know that you were caring for someone? How did that feel?

Care has been the work of the church from its very beginning. Our church’s lineage in Unitarian Universalism is one of love in the form of care. For over 160 years, this congregation has dedicated itself to ministries of care, inspired by those who believed that care could heal the world’s wounds. We have long claimed that care is everyone’s job and that none of us is exempt from caring for those around us.

What might this look like for you? Imagine a rainbow. Or better yet, imagine the Care Bears and their Care Bear Stare. 

Care can look a LOT of different ways. From a small good morning or scooting over to make room for someone in the pew, to singing at the bedside of someone as they take their last breath, and so much in between. Wherever you are, whomever you are, you are already giving care in ways that you're able.

The same is true for the ways that you receive care. Think about your day, your week, the ways you received care—the ways that your heart, your being was able to make your needs known and receive from the people around you.

Find the shades of giving and receiving care that are yours—and congregation, knowing you, loving you, I have to say this: be gentle with yourselves here, ok? No one benefits from beating ourselves up for perceived failings. Wherever you are on that rainbow of care—and in truth you're in different places at different times—wherever you are is perfect.

Care is everyone's responsibility. Giving care. Receiving care. Growing into the people our future needs us to be. The horizon we are moving toward is calling to us. It is whispering even now messages of care and possibility. We create this future together, and you feel curious or called to be part of the caring ministries at church, let us know.

You can learn more about care at First U on our website.

In Care,

Rev. Arif

PS. link to the full sermon here. 

It's Time—24 Days Until The Election!

“Look, I don’t care how you identify politically, whether you are Democrat, Republican, independent, or none of the above. This is our time to stand up for what we know in our hearts is right.” Michelle Obama, DNC, August 20, 2024

Please consider joining us at First U to call or text some of the nearly 15,000 people, primarily apartment dwellers, to whom we have sent postcards to encourage them to vote on or before Nov. 5. Our calls are non-partisan. Current information and speculation suggest that a convincing victory is the only way to assure a peaceful transfer of power and a healthy maintenance of our democracy.

We only have 3 weeks to make those calls before we risk saying, “I should have done more.”

Please find your way to the SignUp Genius to say you are on board.

Questions: Peg Mitchell 612-280-6119 or pegmitch16@gmail.com

Intro

The Care We Give, The Care We Receive



Sunday Worship

This Sunday, Oct. 13

9 & 11 a.m.

Last Sunday's Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Fall Program Guide Wi$dom Path

Improv for Elders

Qigong for Liberation Daytime Connections

Young Adults

Listening Circle

Theologies for Racial Justice

Adult OWL

Saturday Sprouts

Sage-ing Wisdom Circle

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Fall Grief Group

Fall Caregivers Group

Faithful Action

Life After Doom Salon

UUJME

EJ Team

Habitat

Election News

News

COA Retreat Support Aimee

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

Concert at MVUUF, Under Northern Skies, 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.

October 13 - UU Theological History

Two services: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.! Livestream at 11.

See Children & Youth section below for Religious Education Classes.

On October 13, we turn to the evolving theology of Unitarian Universalism. Just as trees deepen their roots to grow stronger, so does our faith. This week, we explore how mental health care becomes a spiritual practice—a way to live out our faith through compassion, listening, and presence. In caring for each other’s well-being, we embody the love that strengthens our community and nurtures the Beloved Community we are always striving to build. The election season challenges us to hold tight to these values, offering care to one another in moments of heightened tension, while remaining grounded in the principles that guide our faith.

Worship Info

IN PERSON AND ONLINE

In person at 9 a.m.

In person and and livestreamed at 11 a.m. Watch the livestream here. 

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

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

CHILDREN & YOUTH 

Religious Education is class this Sunday. 

Please check the website and the Children, Youth, & Families calendar for more information—different age groups frequently have different schedules or special events. 

If you have not yet registered your family for this year of Religious Education, please register your family today. All families — new and returning, with babies through high schoolers — must register each church year.

AFTER WORSHIP

Coffee Hour in the Social Hall

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

Listen to Rev. Arif's powerful sermon, excerpted above in today's lead article.

Podcast Archive | Video Archive | Sermon Archive

There will be a memorial service for longtime church member, Nancy Browne, at First Universalist Church, in the Cummins Room, October 12th, at 10:30 am.

Our love and care surrounds Karin Wille and her family as they grieve the death of Karin's mom Ginny. Ginny was joyful, loving, funny, insightful, caring and she died just 10 days short of her 99th birthday. Ginny did at home, surrounded by her loved ones and passed peacefully. Karin and her family appreciate our care and message of love and support. Read Ginny's obituary.

Our love is with the family and friends of Gail Hanson. Gail died on September 27th at the age of 86. Her husband Stuart is grateful for the 75 years of life they shared together, and we will celebrate Gail's life here at church on Saturday, November 30th, at 11am. May all who loved Gail take comfort in the words of our minister emeritus, the Rev. John Cummins, "There is but one place where time and death have no dominion: that place is love." Gail created and donated the six needlepoint creation stories that are in the Cummins Room.

Our care with Shira Rowland and her family as they grieve the death of Shira's mother, Nancy Yoder (Meadow), 88, who passed away peacefully in Shira's arms on October 2nd. She was a feminist, activist, traveler, artist, psychologist, mother to Shira Rowland, sister to Rick Yoder, grandmother to Dayton Rowland, friend and inspiration to so many. She was little, but her presence was huge and the world seems smaller without her.

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.

Fall Program Guide

Fall Programs for Adult Spiritual Growth are open! Click the button above to see the Program Guide, read more about the opportunities to connect at church, and access registration links.

You can always visit the Spiritual Growth page on the new website to access the most current Program Guide (staff will update it as groups fill or if there are changes to dates or new programs added). You'll also see that we have added access to the church calendar, on that web page and throughout the church website. In many cases, Registration links are also available in calendar events.

Improv for Elders

Wednesdays, October 16, 23 and possibly beyond, 10:30 a.m. to noon, in person at church

Registration Required

As we age, opportunities for play are not as plentiful as they used to be. This gathering is a time to imagine, to laugh, and to learn the basics of improvisation.

Facilitated by Meg Riley

Qigong for Liberation

Thursdays, October 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, 4:00-4:45 p.m.

In person at church and via Zoom

Register here

We will gather in person and online to practice the beautiful and healing moving meditation of Spring Forest Qigong created by Master Chun Yi Lin, who I met and began learning from in 2000. This has been a liberating practice for my mind, body and spirit and I want to share it with others. Movements are gentle and accessible and can be done standing, sitting, or lying down.

Facilitated by Denise Konen

Daytime Connections

Thursday, October 17, 9:45 a.m. coffee, 10-noon program, Noon lunch

Registration Requested by the Monday prior for lunch planning purposes. (Attendees are also welcome to bring their own lunch.)

Daytime Connections empowers older adults to live intentional, joyful, purposeful and spiritually fulfilled lives, by building a vibrant community and providing engaging programming that promotes conscious aging and fosters personal and spiritual growth. 

Managing Difficult Conversations in a Polarized Time, with Bill Doherty 

Need some strategies for conversations across our political divide? Come and hear former member Bill Doherty, the founder of Braver Angels, share the insights he’s developed over countless workshops that bring “reds” and “blues” together to find their common ground.

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. 

Young Adults Halloween

Sunday, October 20, 1 pm - 2:30, Room 206

Register Here

Join Cameron, Zoey, and other young adults for a spook-tacular "Crafternoon!” Embrace your creative spirit as we dive into Halloween-themed crafting fun (or just regular crafting if you've already got a project in progress). We'll have a bunch of pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies that need to be transformed (through the art of edible decorations) into grinning Jack-o'-lantern cookies! Don't miss out on this ghoulishly good time with fellow young adults—grab your broomsticks (and/or crafting supplies) and fly on over for a relaxed afternoon of crafting and chatting. See you there!

Adult Faith Formation Listening Circle

October 21 at 1 p.m., and at the November 13 Community Dinner (breakout group)

No RSVP necessary - join us!

What are you spiritual needs? What are the world's needs? Where do they meet? Join us to talk about the future of faith formation for adults at First U and help make it real.

Theologies for Racial Justice

Tuesday evenings, October 22 and 29, 6:30-8pm, in person in Room 207

Register here

Why does theology matter for the work of dismantling white supremacy culture? What theological resources equip UUs to live out the anti-racist, anti-oppression values of our faith? This two-part series will explore Unitarian Universalist theologies for racial justice and the liberal theological tradition in which they are rooted. Part 1 explores Martin Luther King’s vision of Beloved Community and Bernard Loomer’s pantheistic theology of the divine. Part 2 explores African American religious humanism and Feminist Liberation Theology. Come for a conversation with Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson about how theologies for racial justice can add rigor, passion, and fresh inspiration for our work around liberative truth-telling, transformation, and reparations. Facilitated by Rev. Andrea Johnson

Adult OWL (Our Whole Lives)

Fridays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, Dec 6, 13, 20. No class Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to noon

In person at church in Room 201

Register here

Welcome to OWL (Our Whole Lives) for older adults! OWL has programs and curriculum for adults as well as youth. We welcome all adults aged 55 and older for this small group. As language, understanding, and ideas change, so must our ability to communicate about all things from healthy relationships, healthy bodies, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexuality and aging, and more.

The class will follow the OWL for older adults curriculum, and we will focus on the first half of the curriculum in the fall, and the second half in spring. We encourage participants to attend this 16-week session (spread over the two halves of the year), but we will not turn away any participant who can only attend for the fall or only attend for the spring class. Questions about this class can be directed to Claire Tralle, OWL Program Coordinator: claire [at] firstuniv.org.

Facilitated by CT Neal-Herman and Jane Jordan

Saturday Sprouts

Saturdays once per month, 10 a.m. to noon: October 26, November 23

No RSVP necessary

Saturday Sprouts is a monthly opportunity for families to socialize, worship, play, and offer and receive peer support. We start with snacks and time to get to know each other before moving into family worship, followed by playtime for kids and a peer sharing group for parents and caregivers. We close by sharing gratitudes and singing together.

Sage-ing Wisdom Circle

First Fridays of every month, 11-12:30 in Room 209

Registration Required

In Zalman Schachter-Shalomi’s book From Age-ing to Sage-ing, he introduced us to “Sage-ing,” which is “a new model of late-life development…a process that enables older people to become spiritually radiant, physically vital, and socially responsible ‘elders of the tribe.’” Karen West, a Certified Sage-ing Leader (sage-ing.org), and a member of First Universalist is inviting you to join a Sage-ing Wisdom Circle in which members explore how to “age triumphantly” together.

Facilitated by Karen West

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.

Fall Grief Group (Online)

Oct. 20, Nov. 10, 24, Dec. 8, 22

4:30-6pm

RSVP for Zoom link

The Grief Group meets second and fourth Sundays on Zoom. It is 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. We will be here for you.

Facilitated by Mark Caswell, church member and Ministerial Aspirant

Fall Caregivers Group (online)

Sundays, Oct. 13, 2-3:30 p.m., and Nov. 17 and Dec. 8, 1-2:30 p.m. on Zoom

RSVP for Zoom link

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 child 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. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister

​​Life After Doom Salon

Mondays through December 9, 7-8:30 PM, On Zoom only

Register Here

This is a come-as-you-are-able conversation based on Brian McLaren's book Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for A World Falling Apart. Drawing on science and spiritual traditions, including 12-Step Spirituality, we will work through the sections "Letting Go, Letting Be, Letting Come, and Setting Free." Reading is encouraged, summary-support notes provided, and all are encouraged to dip their toes into this caring conversation. We will hold particularly our Visionary Goal of connection and care for Earth.

Hosted by the Environmental Justice Team

UUJME Monthly Meeting

Second Sundays of the month, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, 1-2 pm, in person at church

Sign up for UUJME Communications

This group will be a collaboration between UU congregations in the area. Our hope is to create spaces and opportunities for UUs who want to deepen their understanding of collective liberation in the context of Israel and Palestine. From the Action of Immediate Witness, "Solidarity with Palestinians," passed at the 2024 UUA General Assembly: "Our faith community embraces the moral imperative of radical love, advocating for a world where liberation is realized for all and where every individual can thrive.“ Join us as we seek to broaden and deepen the Beloved Community!

EJ Team Monthly Meeting

Third Sunday of the month, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, 1-2:30 pm, in person at church in Room 209

Sign up for EJ Team Communications

All are welcome to join fellow First U congregants and friends to discuss and explore personal and communal steps we can take to help address climate change. The format will be open and all will be encouraged to contribute. As environmental issues emerge in the coming months, topics and actions will be collected and advertised in advance of monthly meeting. RSVP to receive updates via email prior to the monthly gathering.

Habitat for Humanity

October's work site: 3094 Victoria north, Roseville, MN.

The October work site is a side by side duplex that had extensive water damage requiring a total renovation of the inside

one of our work crews on the Harrison townhomes we worked on this past spring, most all of which now have families in residence, at home…a magical word.

October 23 and November 20, 8:30-2:30

Registration with Habitat Required

October 23 - Only one spot remains! Help us get a full crew by signing up!

3094 Victoria St. North

Roseville, 55113

November 20 (10 open spots)

The Heights

1672 Hoyt Ave

St Paul, 55106

“Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is proud to partner with the City of St. Paul, St. Paul Port Authority, Sherman Associates, and BIPOC development partner JO Companies on the largest modern-day investment in St. Paul’s East Side. The project is a redevelopment of the 112-acre former Hillcrest Golf Course at the intersection of Larpenteur Avenue and McKnight Road that will prioritize community connectivity, affordable housing, and outdoor amenities to residents who live, work, and visit the area. Construction is currently underway!

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity will create 147 mid-density affordable housing units on 12 acres. The majority will be townhomes (twin homes, triplexes, and fourplexes), with some single-family homes. This will be the largest project in Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s history, and was the site of the 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project!”

Sign up here

2024 Election News

Congratulations, together we've mailed 70,000 postcards to renters in key MN districts! Let's double our impact! Getting a friendly text or call to follow up on a postcard can double turn-out when folks are uncertain whether or not to vote. To plan your follow-up with our apartment buddies, read MUUSJA's tips & tune in for training, at bit.ly/UUTVMN24 or call Karen at 612-270-6559, kwmuusja [at] gmail [dot] com.

Every Wednesday through 10/30/24, at 5:00pm AND by appointment:

Call or Text Young Minnesota Renters to Get Out the Vote in Key Districts

Save Minnesota as a "state of refuge" for reproductive and gender-affirming

healthcare. Learn to text or call young renters to get out the vote in key legislative

districts. Once trained, send messages from home, on your own schedule.

REGISTER FOR DETAILS 

CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS: Karen Wills, 612-270-6559 or

kwmuusja[at]gmail.com

Coming of Age (COA) Retreat

The purpose of the Coming of Age (COA) retreat is to help build community within the group. The youth in COA are being asked to do a lot of deep reflection around what values they believe in, how they want to interact with the world, and what they hold to be truths for themselves at this stage of their lives.

At the retreat, there are several different physical and mental challenges that are only successful if everyone works together as a team.

Support Aimee's Work

Dear ones,

I’m thrilled to share that our own Aimee K. Bryant is starring in the world premiere of A Walless Church at Pillsbury House Theatre. This powerful production asks us to reflect on the themes we hold dear: healing, justice, and community. Aimee, along with a dynamic ensemble, invites us to explore what it means to be a Black woman and the divine connections that guide us.

Why You Should Go

If you’ve ever been moved by Aimee’s presence here at First Universalist, you won’t want to miss seeing her in this transformative role. Her performance breathes life into the questions of what it means to build community without walls—something we’re all working towards in our shared faith journey.

Performance Dates & Times

Runs: 9/26–10/13 (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7pm, Sundays at 2pm)

Get Your Tickets

Buy Tickets

Let’s support Aimee as she brings this important work to life. Share the experience with friends and family, and spread the word about this powerful story of resilience and transformation.

peace, 

Glen Thomas

Concert at MVUUF

MVUUF Presents Hiroya Tsukamoto

Sunday, Oct 13th 2 pm, Suggested donation of $20

Tsukamoto brings a blend of masterful fingerstyle guitar and evocative storytelling that transcends cultural barriers. His artistry, honed at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, has been celebrated on renowned stages like the Blue Note in NYC and the United Nations, and lauded for its “delicate, fluid, and beautifully detailed” style by Acoustic Guitar magazine.

For more information, please visit our website: mnvalleyuu.org office@mnvalleyuu.org 952-884-8956

Under Northern Skies

Under Northern Skies rituals are open to all women (cis and trans) and non-binary

people who find their homes in women-centric spaces. Our group is restricted to people

18 years of age and older, women with many different life experiences, backgrounds,

and belief systems come together to change, grow, and celebrate the Divine in each

other through earth centered ritual. The gathering dates are every new and full moon.

Attend the last gathering to learn if this experience is for you.

Thurs, Oct. 17, Full Moon in Aries

Gathering time 7:00 p.m. Ritual begins at 7:30p.m. in Room 209

There is not a permanent group leader. Volunteers take turns to design, guide, and

direct the new and full moon rituals. The date's astrological aspects may guide the

topics and themes rituals explore. Rituals also draw inspiration and meaning found in

many other earth centered practices and beliefs.

One does not have to espouse any religion or philosophy or believe in any particular

deity or deities to participate in the group and derive meaning from its activities. All one

needs is a desire to live in a way that acknowledges the cycles of life and nature, and to

grow spiritually and personally alongside a mutually supportive group.

Questions: Contact Lexi @ lcinde@gmail.com

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

Fall Mini Retreat

November 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Keynote: “Luminous Pragmatism 

What will we carry now into the future? Historian Tiya Miles uses the term “luminous pragmatism” to describe how the activist/healer Harriet Tubman answered her lifelong calling with all of her powers: her deep understanding of nature and human nature, her astute reading of the signs of her times, her will to serve, her mystical and unwavering spirituality. When the AUW gathers in November, our American landscape will be differently mapped than it is right now. No matter the outcome of this year’s election, how will we choose to move forward one-by-one in community?

Victoria Safford, our keynote speaker has served UU congregations in Massachusetts and Minnesota and currently serves as part time co-chaplain for the staff of the UUA. She lives with her family on the west side of St. Paul.

In addition to the keynote, we will have various breakout sessions including, a movement session, singing, how to write persuasive letters, needle felting and a more! Admission will be free to AUW members, $10 for non-members. All women are welcome! Registration is requested. Here is a link.

Church Volunteer Opportunity: Jane Jordan has volunteered to coordinate volunteers who wish to cook food to be served to OWL students at an overnight on Saturday, October 12. The request is for crockpots of soup, salads and brownies to be dropped off at First Universalist for the participants. Contact Jane directly at 920-313-9445 for more information or to volunteer. 

Hiking Group: A list of hikes is not available at this time. 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. Bring hats, bug repellent, sunglasses.

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 October 10. The following meeting will be November 14. 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 Monday,

October 28 when the topic will be Absolution by Alice McDermott. 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.

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.

SAVE THE DATE: May 2-4, 2025 - AUW Spring Retreat

“Let it Go & Imagine! Celebrating 25 Years & Beyond!”

We will gather again at Camp Courage True Friends, just an hour west of Minneapolis, 8046 83rd St NW, Maple Lake, MN, for a weekend of rest, renewal, laughter, & community. Stay tuned for more 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:

The link to connect to Zoom is 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.

More information may be found at our group website.

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.

Care Resources

First Universalist offers a variety of care resources to our community. Find details on our website.