Fall Programs for Spiritual Growth!

Dear Ones,

Whether you are brand new to First Universalist or have been here for decades, there is a place for you here. Now is the time to find it anew as we launch our program year with a gorgeous crop of opportunities for learning and deepening connection. 

This Sunday, September 22, most of the facilitators of our Fall Spiritual Growth Programs will be in the Social Hall after both the 9am and 11am services for Sign-Up Sunday. Stop by, see what's happening, and sign up for groups and events that sound like they'll feed your spirit.

Or check out our Program Guide online and get registered now. With the new website, you will find all our program offerings on the Spiritual Growth page. The calendar on that page is the best place to get up-to-date information about what's happening. We're working on including all of our church programs, PLUS events that are sponsored by partner and affiliated organizations. You can register for fall programs through the calendar listings directly or through the downloadable PDF.

We’re also working on shaping the future of our spiritual growth programs for adults and looking to you for your wisdom. Please consider joining us for a listening session to share your ideas and dreams on Sunday, November 10 at 1 p.m. or at the November 13 Community Dinner (breakout group) No RSVP necessary - join us!

First U families will notice that we have brought our Children, Youth, & Families Ministries web presence together with everyone else on our new website. Check it out here—you'll see that they have calendars for all of their programming so you can easily see what's coming up for your kids and youth, and you can RSVP through the event listings in the calendar.

We're trying some new things, and let's be clear—we'll make some mistakes and we'll find that some things don't work well (that’s what faith AND new websites are all about). And as Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout reminds us:

If you have come expecting perfection, I encourage you to change your mind. 

But if you have come to find a place with a people

who want to build a church

where no one is too young, too old,

to queer, too hetero,

too black, too brown to matter,

too white to get woke,

too wealthy, too poor,

too disabled to lead our common journey,

too ineloquent to have a voice,

too timid to make a difference that shakes the status quo,

then you have found just the place. 

Welcome to Fall, beloveds. It is good to be together!

Rev. Ashley Harness, Assistant Minister

Rachel Rott, Communications Assistant

Intro

Fall Programs



Sunday Worship

This Sunday, Sept. 22

9 & 11 a.m.

Last Sunday's Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Sign-Up Sunday

Senior High Retreat

Improv for Elders

Climate Justice Revival

Fall Family Overnight

Qigong for Liberation

Newcomers Circle

Community Dinner

Sage-ing Wisdom Circle

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Fall Grief Group

Fall Caregivers Group

Faithful Action

Food Rescue

Life After Doom Salon

Habitat

Election News

News

Board Meeting

Visual Arts Cmte

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

CTUL Gala, Defend Trans Lives, 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.

Sept. 22 - The F-Words: Formation Against Fascism, Faith as a Force

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

See Children & Youth section below for Religious Education Classes.

What happens when fascism creeps into the spaces between us? When disconnection takes hold—relationships fray, truth slips away, and isolation deepens—what then? Gathering more facts won’t close the gap. We need to meet face-to-face, to get in formation, to resist together. Beyoncé’s call to "get in formation" is a matter of survival, a reclamation of our power from the forces pulling us apart. The question isn’t whether we know enough. It's this: Will the future know us by our fear and frenzy in the face of the fascism of our days? Or shall we get our faith in formation and slay?

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.

Sign-Up Sunday in the Social Hall

Learn about the variety of ways to get involved and get connected at church this season through volunteering, justice teams, and other opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. Team leaders and small group facilitators will be excited to chat with you about what they’ve got going on and how you can join.

Sing along with the congregation: "This Little Light of Mine"

Podcast Archive | Video Archive | Sermon Archive

Our healing wishes surround Laurel Browne who fell earlier this week and is healing from three fractures.

There will be a memorial service at church for Maria DuBois Genné, on Saturday, September 21 at 11 a.m. Maria was a longtime member of First U and she will be deeply missed. Maria died peacefully on June 28. Maria's obituary is here. (Please connect with Janet Merrill if you can help with welcoming and hospitality on the day of the memorial: janetmerrill@comcast.net.)

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.

Senior High Retreat

September 20-22

Youth in grades 10-12 are invited to join us for a Senior High Retreat! Please register here.

We will meet at the church and carpool to and from the retreat, which will be held at Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN. 

We'll play games, get good rest, reconnect after the summer, cook and share meals, chat around a campfire, dream for the year, and more. Led by Senior High Advisors Tami, Maria, Ragnar, Cameron, and Jane, along with Allison, Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries. 

Email Allison with any questions at allison [at] firstuniv.org.

Improv for Elders

NOTE MEETING DATE CHANGE: Wednesdays, September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23 and possibly beyond, 10 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

Climate Justice Revival

First Universalist’s Environmental Justice Team invites you to participate in the nationwide UU Climate Justice Revival on Saturday, September 28 & Sunday, September 29.

RSVP Here for Sat. Sept 28 - All are welcome on Sunday, Sept. 29 - no RSVP necessary!

Saturday, September 28, 9-noon, Cummins Room

Led by Rev Arif and members of Environmental Justice Team where we will process our hopes, dreams, & aspirations.

Sunday, September 29, 1-2 pm Listening Session 

Please come and tell us how you see the climate future we are living into:

How do you dream of living into that future with love, joy, and healing intention? And do tell us what you need or would like from our beloved community to make your dreams come true!

The EJ Team would love to hear from you about the climate revival that is arising within your heart, your family, and our beloved community!

Congratulations to Rev Arif and to Meleah Houseknecht, seminarian & member for winning 2 of the 6 sermon entries for the Revival!

Fall Family Overnight

Saturday, September 28-Sunday morning, September 29 

Families with kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade, along with siblings, are welcome to join us for our Fall Family Overnight!

RSVP for the overnight here

We will play games, share a meal or two (and snacks!), walk the labyrinth, and even have a talent show! 

Check-in is at 4 p.m. on Saturday, and we will wrap up by 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. 

Please reach out to Allison, Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries, with questions or for more information at allison [at] firstuniv.org.

Qigong for Liberation

Thursdays, Sept. 26, 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

Newcomers Circle

Tuesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22; Optional casual dinner provided at 6; Circle from 6:30-8 p.m. at church

Registration Required

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. 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 Channing McKinley and Steve Paquin.

October 9 Community Dinner

Wednesday, Oct. 9; Dinner 6-6:45; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m. RSVP REQUESTED

Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. After dinner, choose a drop-in breakout group to connect with others and learn about opportunities to get involved at church this season. All are welcome and there is no charge. Childcare will be available for younger kids (ages 6 months-Grade 3), and breakout groups will be available for older kids, teens, and adults. Menu available on our website, a week in advance. We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free.

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)

Sept. 8, 22, Oct. 6, 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

Food Rescue at The Farmers Market

Sunday, September 29, 12-3pm, in person at the Minneapolis farmer’s market

Registration Required

Join us to rescue excess produce at the Minneapolis Farmers Market. Volunteers collect excess produce from vendors for the Food Group, who then donates it to food shelves and meal programs. The farmers market is located at 312 East Lyndale Ave N. Event organizers will be in touch with participants about the details of meeting up and possibly carpooling from church. This event is for ages 15+, and minors must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

This event is organized by the Food Solutions Committee, part of First Universalist's Environmental Justice team.

​​Life After Doom Salon

Mondays, October 7 - 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

Habitat for Humanity

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

Registration with Habitat Required

October 23: 

3094 Victoria St. North

Roseville, 55113

November 20: 

The Heights

1672 Hoyt Ave

St Paul, 55106

Sign up here

Exciting news from Twin Cities Habitat:

“Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is honored to be named host of the 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in fall 2024! During its nearly 40-year history, the Carter Work Project has traveled to 14 countries and brings together thousands of volunteers, celebrities, elected officials, and other VIPs to build homes and cast a global spotlight on the urgent importance of affordable housing. The 2024 Carter Work Project will launch Habitat’s construction efforts at The Heights on St. Paul's East Side, Twin Cities Habitat's largest-ever development!”

The Heights: beginning this fall, Twin Cities Habitat will build up to 150 homes on one site in east St Paul. To learn more about this exciting and ambitious new project, click here.

2024 Election News

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

___________

Wednesday, September 25, 6:30 to 7:30

Register here

Join the "watch party" at First Universalist or join us live in Mankato, to PRESERVE OUR DEMOCRACY with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon.

You may also Register for the ZOOM Link.

CONTACT: Karen Wills, 612-270-6559 or kwmuusja [at] gmail.com

Board Meeting

The First U Board of Trustees meets this evening, Thursday, September 19. You can view their meeting agenda here.

Honor Them with Flowers

For those of you who would like to celebrate or honor people in their life with flowers, the Visual Arts Committee is here to help. You can contact Marjie Smith @ 612-825-1125 or marjiesmith1@gmail.com. A Sunday date is set and you will donate funds for the flowers.

A Visual Arts team member will create a unique arrangement for you and the congregation to enjoy. After the service, you will be able to take home the arrangement. Birthdays, anniversaries, or any rite of passage can be acknowledged with joy and flowers!

CTUL Gala at Church

Thursday, September 26, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

at First Universalist

You're invited!! CTUL's Annual Anniversary Gala is a lively family-friendly event to celebrate the better world we're building together! Your support and attendance will help ensure the strength and longevity of Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha and the workers' movement here in MN. Bring your family and friends for a night of music, raffles, good food, and good conversation. Tickets: here! or at the door.

People of Faith: Defend Trans Lives

Transforming Hearts Collective is offering a webinar that equips people of faith—leaders and lay—to address legislative and political attacks that trans and nonbinary people are currently facing. The program will address what we can access to advocate for trans rights, and ensure our congregations are welcoming and safe spaces for trans/nonbinary people and our families in this difficult time. 

There are two webinars for people in different areas: 

• Monday September 16, 8-9:30pm Eastern / 5-6:30pm Pacific: for UUs in legislatively hostile areas
• Tuesday October 1, 8-9:30pm Eastern / 5-6:30pm Pacific: for UUs in legislatively protective areas

People in areas where the legislative landscape is complicated are very welcome to attend either or both webinars. The main content of the webinars will be recorded and shared with registrants, so folks who are interested in receiving a recording are encouraged to register. 

Sign up now for one of these webinars or get more information at tinyurl.com/build-trans-justice.

Under Northern Skies

Wed, Oct 2, New Moon in Libra

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

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.  

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.

Renew AUW Membership or Become a New Member!

Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trailhead. 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.

September 21, 12 Noon - Lakewood Cemetery. 3500 Hennepin Avenue South, Mpls, MN. Meet by the chapel. Park at the side of the driveway. Look for Marie, who will be wearing a red shirt.

September 28, 12 Noon - Lake Harriet. Meet in front of band-shell by the benches. Park in the pay lot or on the parkway. This is a 3 mile walk unless you turn around. The group has the option to separate if some want to go faster. Look for Marie, who will be wearing a red shirt.

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. 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, September 23 when the topic will be Lillian Boxfish Takes A Walk by Kathleen Rooney.  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.

First Saturday of each month

From October 5, 2024 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.