The Weekly Liberal: May 7, 2026

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NOTE: We are moving into our summer worship schedule!

This Sunday, May 10, we will have ONE worship service at 10 a.m.—in person and livestreaming.

Check out key dates for summer worship here.

Here's what's coming up for Children, Youth, & Families at First Universalist:



• Sunday, May 10: Common Ground Sunday and Worship Both at 10 a.m. Only. All children and youth begin in worship and are dismissed together to the Cummins Room. Worship will begin on our Summer Schedule of one service at 10 a.m. only. Childcare offered for infants-PreK.
• Wednesday, May 13: Community Dinner and Coming of Age Ceremony. Final Community Dinner of the program year at 6 p.m. followed by the Coming of Age Ceremony at 7 p.m. Youth groups are encouraged to attend the Coming of Age Ceremony and will not meet separately. Childcare is provided for children in 5th grade and younger during the Coming of Age Ceremony. 
• Sunday, May 17: Coming of Age Worship Service at 10 a.m. Only. Summer Sunday: Religious Education is on break for the summer. Childcare is offered for infants-PreK. 
• Sunday, May 24: Summer Sunday: Religious Education is on break for the summer. Childcare is offered for infants-PreK. 
• Saturday May 30: Saturday Sprouts for Families, 10 a.m.-noon.
• Sunday May 31: Bridging Worship Service at 10 a.m. Only. Summer Sunday: Religious Education is on break for the summer. Childcare is offered for infants-PreK.

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.

Saturday Sprouts for Families

Saturday, May 30, 10-noon at church

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.

Saturday Sprouts is open to all families, with programming geared towards young children (6 months - 5th grade) along with their siblings and parents/caregivers.

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.

Emma’s Revolution Concert Raised almost $9k!

The Emma’s Revolution benefit concert hosted by First U a few weeks ago has raised $8,725.44. All funds will be given to the Wilson Foundation, which is matching up to $16 million in donations to disperse to rent assistance organizations. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets, came out and sang along, and to the volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly.

Sunday Worship

Sunday, May 10 | Summer Worship Schedule Begins: One service at 10 a.m.

Mothering - It’s Complicated

NOTE: ONE Worship Service

10 a.m. in person and livestreaming

Mother’s Day is a warm and wonderful day for some and brings up grief and trauma for others. With tenderness, we will crack open the idea of mothering, share the history of Mother’s Day, and reflect on the cultural perspective on the role of mothers.

Smudging Ceremony this Sunday: Following our single 10 a.m. service, join the ceremony on the front steps of the church. We will practice a sacred ceremony and smudge together as one sacred beloved community. Regardless of age, race, gender, sexuality, or any other identities, all are welcome to join in this sacred ceremony.

May is American Indian Month in Minnesota, recognizing the vibrant and diverse American Indian community comprised of 11 sovereign tribal governments in the state and American Indians with tribal affiliations from across the country and the world.

This Sunday is a Common Ground Sunday. After this Sunday, Religious Education is on break for the Summer and will resume in September. 

At both services, all children and youth in grades K-12 begin in worship and are dismissed as a group to the Cummins Room early in the service. Kids in PreK and younger can be dropped off in room 104 as early as 15 minutes before the start of each service. On Common Ground Sundays, all kids and youth can attend either service time, regardless of when they are registered or typically attend.

Common Ground Sundays take the place of typical Religious Education programming. In the Cummins Room, kids and youth will have time to worship, explore, create, and play. This month’s Common Ground Sunday theme is gratitude. . Learn more about Common Ground Sundays here.

You may pick up your child or youth from the Cummins Room at 10:30 a.m., not before, even if worship has ended.

In Case You Missed It:

Last Sunday, May 3

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

Cycle of Life

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

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

Host a Small Group or Gathering this Summer at church!

Would you like to host a discussion or affinity group? Perhaps a book study? A hiking group? We welcome your ideas for summer programs at First U! 

We're trying something new this summer: We are inviting in-person gatherings at church be scheduled on Wednesdays and/or Sundays. You are welcome to schedule your in-person event at a different location (park or other community location) for any day that works for you! Virtual events are welcome any day of the week.

The deadline to submit your program idea is May 17.

Featured Programs

Beyond the Gender Binary

Saturdays, May 9, 16, 23 and June 6, 10-11 am, at church | RSVP Here

Cat Hammond and forrest Mainville invite you to listen to their gender stories and share yours. We will discuss the impact of dismantling the gender binary and offer an exercise to see the world with more fluidity, movement and spaciousness. Together, we will consider ways that gender and sexuality intersect and diverge, reflecting on gender diversity's place within the past and present of LGBTQ communities. In our last class, we will discuss ways to support trans and gender expansive people and to celebrate and embrace all of our gender identities.

Caregivers Support Group (on zoom) 

Sunday, May 10, 1:00-2:30 pm 

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. 

Community Dinners

Second Wednesdays: May 13, Dinner 6-6:45; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m.

RSVP REQUESTED All are welcome and there is no charge.

Menu: Pizza, watermelon, salad, cookies We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and kid-friendly options.

Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. Childcare will be available for younger kids (ages 6 months-Grade 5). All church events are alcohol-free. Instead of breakout groups after the May dinner, please join our 9th grade Coming of Age youth, mentors, and Advisors in the Sanctuary where they will share their COA ‘Zine. The ‘Zine will be a collection of our youth’s learning, processing, and overall experiencing as part of COA. The celebration will include short essays, poems, drawings, and creations from others that have inspired the COA youth. 

Newcomer Circle

Tuesdays, May 12, 19, 26, and June 2, 6:00-8:00 pm  

RSVP for May Circle

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 8. 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.

First U Instrumental Music

Sunday, May 17, 1:30-3 pm, at church, Cummins Room | RSVP Here

The First U Instrumental Music group welcomes musicians to join us for music and fellowship. Our music is at a lower high school level, so we can welcome youth musicians as well as adults who may have let some dust gather on their instruments. Facilitated by Elaina Buzzell.

Early Adults:

Early Adults at First U are folks who are 18 years old - 39 years old (No High School Students Please 🙂 High Schoolers are invited to take part in our Youth Group)

Second Sunday Early Adult Brunch

Sunday, May 10, After second service, at Pizza Luce

RSVP to Corey/Maria: 715-451-6131

Speed Bingo

Saturday, May 16, 12pm, at Sociable Cider Works

RSVP to Unique: 806-316-9660

Early Adult Potluck

Saturday, May 23, 1pm, at Brackett Field Park

RSVP to Unique: 806-316-9660

Coming up:

Resistance Reflection Circle

Friday mornings, 9-10 a.m. on Zoom | RSVP Here

Community News & Needs

JOB LISTING: First U Seeks Childcare Provider

POSITION OVERVIEW:

• Provides supervision and care for babies, toddlers and preschoolers while their parents and caregivers attend worship services and church activities on-site
• Works Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. with potential for additional hours on Wednesday evenings if desired 

New Art Installation in the Sanctuary

The First U Visual Arts Committee has installed new artwork at the front of the sanctuary!

The textile on the left is an ethereal green, soft, airy plant with strands that drift across the image like whispers of wind. The delicate green filaments blur into a dreamy gradient, evoking movement and lightness.  

The textile on the right has a bumble bee on a purple globe thistle flower. The spiky bloom in soft purples and blues, stands out against a gently blurred green background. The round, fuzzy bumblebee clings to the flower. (This graphic is also featured in the newsletter header for May.)

Looking for a lay-led team for the Lake Harriet Picnic

We are holding our annual Lake Harriet worship service on Labor Day weekend. In the spirit of shared ministry, we are looking for a team to plan and host the picnic part of the morning. The picnic takes place immediately after the service (up the hill where there’s picnic tables and a grassy area). Congregants bring dishes to share.

The staff can talk the team through logistics, but we were we are looking for this to be a lay-led community gathering. If you are interested in leading or being a part of the team contact Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org. If a team does not come together, we will forgo any formal picnic and folks can gather up the hill if they’d like or just come for the service.

Looking for summer reading?

First Universalist members who are authors have choices for all ages in the Library (back right corner of the Social Hall).

• Marion Dane Bauer has 7 books for elementary age and 11 books for young children, including her latest, “Our Home, Our Only Home.” 
• A memoir “Married to Amazement “ by Kathy Coskran
• “Take What You Need” Life Lessons After Losing Everything by Rev. Jen Crow
• A memoir “Do No Harm” by A. Stuart Hanson, MD
• “A Senior’s Guide for Living Well and Dying Well” Conversations that Matter Thinking Ahead by A. Stuart Hanson, MD

Books can be checked out for three weeks to registered patrons who simply sign up to our computer database. Return your books to a basket on the desk. Children’s books are very popular! We have added a basket of mini stuffed animals to the library so adults can sit and read a book to a child holding a stuffed animal.

Non-cooperation Training for People of Faith: 

When ordinary people stop cooperating, authoritarians fall

Saturday, May 9, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. (followed by optional potluck dinner)

Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka

2030 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata, MN 55391

Join us for an interactive training on civil resistance and noncooperation. This training will include tactics that every one of us can use to not cooperate with the systems (“pillars”) that prop up authoritarian power. This training is being offered to congregations throughout the West Metro and will be an opportunity to build relationships and strategize with neighboring communities of faith interested in being a part of the growing civil resistance movement. 

Email Meleah Houseknecht at intern@uucmtka.org with questions or register HERE.

Center Down, Rise Ready Noncooperation Trainings

Thursday, May 14, 5pm - 7:30pm

Presented by Center Down Rise Ready, a branch of MARCH (Multifaith Anti-racism, Change and Healing) 

Dinner will be served, childcare is available.

Winnie the Pooh tells us: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” We trust in these words from Winnie the Pooh. We are a movement of spiritually minded folks that are grounded in love, courage, faith, and humility. Join us for a workshop to learn about a national noncooperation strategy and growing movement. We explore the power of collective noncompliance and mass noncooperation. This training is from the Freedom Trainers noncooperation curriculum and will be infused with a spiritually minded and expansive theological framework. All are welcome to this event, whether you identify as someone who is a person of faith or not, Atheist or believer, this is a welcoming space for all who believe in the worth and dignity of every human.

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.

AUW Website

AUW Annual Meeting and Celebration

Saturday, May 30 in the First U Social Hall

9:00 – 9:30 Social with light food

9:30 – 11:30 Meeting

A special AUW member mailing containing the annual meeting material will arrive the week of May 3. Please familiarize yourself with the contents before the meeting. 

Also, we will be inducting to Wise Women those AUW members who have reached 80 years or more and who are not yet on our list. Please let us know who these women are at auwfirstuniv@gmail.com so we can celebrate this milestone.

You will find much more information at auwfirstuniv.org.

Please register here for the meeting:

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.