The Weekly Liberal: January 2, 2025 | |
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Freedom Mid-Voyage: What Guides Us Forward | |
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Even the faintest sound can change everything. A rowing team heard it—a soft scratching, carried through the still January air. At first, they couldn’t place it. Their strokes were strong, their effort relentless, but the boat resisted, dragging against the water. Tiny barnacles had latched onto their oars, invisible but unyielding. Some rowers leaned in, ready to scrape them away. “Stop,” their coach said. “Force will splinter the blade. Let them release.” They paused, softened their approach, and the barnacles fell away. Progress came not from brute strength but from careful attention.
January asks us to pause in the same way. What clings to us, unseen but relentless? What do we carry forward because it steadies us? What must we release to move freely? At First Universalist, midway through this month, we gather for a ritual of remembrance (Remembrance Sunday, January 19). We speak the names of those who shaped us, their stories alive in our sanctuary and in ourselves. Some legacies anchor us, offering direction and strength like a rudder. Others cling like barnacles, asking for care before we let them go. Tearing them away too quickly risks splintering the foundation they supported; leaving them untouched adds weight we cannot bear. With reflection and care, we prepare ourselves for the waters ahead.
But forward motion isn’t just about what we leave behind. In rowing, the real power doesn’t come from the arms but from the legs—hidden inside the boat, unseen even by the rower just ahead. The boat surges when the oars lift cleanly from the water, but balance depends on the crew moving as one. Each rower must sense the rhythm of the team, and trust the coxswain’s call to stay steady. Who calls out for us in this shared effort? Is it the wisdom of this community? The clarity of our shared purpose? Perhaps it is both—a voice that steadies and propels us, that keeps us aligned as we move toward the horizon.
We’re working to complete our annual giving campaign by Inauguration Day, an effort that embodies everything we’re rowing toward. Each pledge strengthens the rhythm that moves us forward—not just financially, but in our shared commitment to care for one another, protect the Earth, and advance justice. Together, we lighten the boat, unburdened by hesitation, and focus fully on what matters. Imagine what becomes possible when we meet these challenges as a united force. Every contribution, no matter the size, becomes part of the steady, collective motion that brings us closer to the future we long for.
And yet, the weight we carry isn’t ours alone. Here in Minneapolis, the urgency of justice feels close and unrelenting. This city bears the marks of struggle and resilience, etched into its streets and its spirit. For Black and brown communities, progress slows under the grind of resistance. For trans people, survival often eclipses safety. For women, battles long thought won rise again, relentless as tides. For men, strength becomes a mask that hides vulnerability and connection. Beneath it all, the Earth carries the heaviest burden: forests fall, waters rise, patience wears thin. Stewardship cannot wait.
Even the smallest actions shift the course of our journey. The grip of an oar, the swing of a back, the unseen push of legs beneath the surface—all remind us that forward motion requires trust, alignment, and care. What might we accomplish if every effort, no matter how small, found its place in the rhythm? What future might unfold if we rowed together, steady and sure?
As we step into this new year, let’s ask ourselves what pulls us back and what propels us forward. What must we release? What must we hold steady? May our stewardship of the Earth and one another be not only the rhythm that carries us, but the purpose that sustains us.
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Make Your Commitment/Pledge by January 20 | |
Can you make your financial commitment/pledge to First Universalist Church for the 2025-2026 Church Year by January 20 - Inauguration Day? Help us secure our budget so that we can focus on what really matters in the months and years to come. | |
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From Marc Gorelick, Treasurer, Board of Trustees:
I have felt deflated and demoralized in recent weeks. I can’t even read the newspaper beyond the crossword puzzle!
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I know I will come around, but I need to be able to focus my energy on fighting the good fight, and focus my giving to places like our church that are fighting that same good fight. | | |
Being able to secure adequate funding for the 2025-26 year in the next 4-6 weeks will allow us to put the next year’s budget to bed and use our time and talent on the issues that matter. | | |
Lynn and I have made a multi-year financial commitment to First Universalist, in an amount that is meaningful to us. In fact, the church is the biggest beneficiary of our giving for the next few years. It’s one of the things that’s giving me hope and allowing me to move from grief to hope, from apathy to action. | | |
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The IDI measures intercultural competency.
The assessment takes about 20 minutes to complete. Your results will be part of an aggregate group report to the congregation. Your individual results are confidential and shared only with the qualified administrator who you will be meeting with to debrief (optional).
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Sunday, Jan. 5
Interconnected Web: Biodiversity and Our Role
What is our place in the web of life? Honor the interconnectedness of all beings, exploring our role in preserving biodiversity and deepening our connection to the Earth.
Join us at 9 or 11 a.m. in person or via livestream at 11 a.m.
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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.
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Last Sunday, Dec. 29: Cultivating Inner Peace & Resilience | |
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We stand in solidarity with our siblings at Temple Israel, who experienced the defacement of their building with anti-semitic graffitit, and we condemn all acts of hatred and oppression.
Our siblings at the Islamic Community Center and leader, Dr. Hamdy El-Sawaf, have asked for our prayers as they care for and worry with their Muslim siblings in Syria and Palestine.
Meg Riley is happily recovering from complete reversal, shoulder surgery on her dominant arm.
The Salonek Schladt family would love to be included in your prayers. Nicole's mom, Teresa Schladt, was admitted to the hospital at the University of Kentucky on the Monday before Christmas. Her transplanted liver—which she received 18 years ago—is in severe failure. If she doesn’t end up making a huge recovery in the next two or three days, then they anticipate getting hospice involved. The whole family is devastated, and would love the support and encouragement of their church family from afar.
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).
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Ways to Connect at Church | |
Submit a Program Proposal for Winter/Spring | |
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Do you have an idea for an event, workshop, circle, or other gathering for adults in the winter/spring of 2025? Our upcoming program cycle will run from February 2-May 18, 2025. Program submissions will be open through January 12. You can learn more about what those programs might look like on our website. Reach out to Rachel Rott with questions about adult programs at church: rachel@firstuniv.org.
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January Community Dinner
January 8, Dinner from 6-7 p.m., optional breakout groups from 7-8:15 p.m.
Menu: Tater tot hot dish for dinner; popcorn as a pre-meal snack, and cake for dessert!
RSVP Here
Every second Wednesday of the month, swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. After dinner, from 7-8:15 p.m.
All are welcome and there is no charge. All church events are alcohol-free.
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Improv for Elders
Wednesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 (no gathering on Dec. 25, or Jan. 1) 10:30 a.m. to noon
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Young Adults Lunch at Gigi's
January 12, 12:10 p.m.
E-mail Liz to connect with the Young Adults group: liz@firstuniv.org
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Daytime Connections: Choices to Combat Global Warming
Thursday, January 16
9:45 a.m. coffee, 10-noon program, Noon lunch, in person in the Social Hall and on Zoom
Registration Requested by the Monday prior. (Suggested donation for catered lunch is $0-20 as you are able. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own lunch.)
Organized and hosted by the Daytime Connections Planning Team
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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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Winter/Spring Membership Class
2 sessions, both required: Sundays, March 16 & 23; Lunch 12:45 p.m., Class 1-3 p.m. in person at church
New Member ritual in worship April 6
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All Ages Church Prom!
Saturday, Jan. 18 from 5-8 p.m.
Select "Through the Ages Prom" for tickets
We suggest ticket donations on this sliding scale:
- $20-$50 for an individual
- $35-$70 for a couple
- $50 – $150 for a family
This fabulous event is planned by our Youth Leadership Team with support from our Stewardship Team and our Senior High Youth Group.
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For the most complete and up-to-date listing of Programs, Gatherings, & Events at Church, visit our church calendar, or view the Program Guide: | |
First U Foundation Nominations Are Open | |
Community & Affiliated Org Events | |
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12-Stepd 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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Join our friends at the Spark and Stitch institute for their event "Raising Love & Grief" with Sharon Bridgforth.
Details: January 11, 2024 from 10 am – 12 p.m. at The Playwright Center in Minneapolis. Free childcare provided.
More information: Raising Love & Grief is intended for people who are currently parents who are also navigating the complex task of caretaking their own parents or grieving their loss.
The event will feature nationally celebrated queer, Black playwright and healer Sharon Bridgforth who will read from her soon-to-be-released book Before You Go: An Offering (Tripwire Harlot Press).
Sharon describes the book as “a collection of prayers, fragile memories, heartache, questions, and conjurings of physical release, offered in support of Shifting.” Participants at the event will listen to Sharon's poetic meditations on self-forgiveness, grief, and love, and be given prompts and practices to support them through the complexities of their unfolding caretaking journey.
Please register here.
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AUW Winter Event: Unleashing Creativity
Saturday, February 8, 2025 10 am - 1:30 pm at First U
RSVP / Tickets Here
Our speaker will be Mary Helmin. Creative opportunities will include making a greeting card and planting a paper hyacinth bulb to take home. A chili lunch will be served. This event will be free to AUW members and $10 for non-members.
AUW Spring Retreat at Camp Courage
May 2-4, 2025
REGISTER BY JAN. 31 FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!
“Let it Go & Imagine!
Celebrating 25 Years & Beyond!”
For more information, click here.
Hiking Group: For questions or to get on the hiking group mailing list, contact: Marie Sorensen, 612-419-3620, mariefsor@aol.com.
Marie will have limited availability to lead hikes in January and February. AUW members and friends who wish to convene hikes are encouraged to do so through the AUW Facebook group.
Game Group
January 9, 7-9 p.m. at church
Contact: Anne Frenchick
Women Who Read
Mon., Monday, January 27, 2025, 7 p.m.
Topic: An Invisible Thread: the True Story of An 11-year-old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and An Unlikely Meeting With Destiny by Laura Schroff.
RSVP for location: Abbie Finger
The Sandwich Project Potluck and Service Project
Saturday, January 25, 6 - 8 pm First U Social Hall
Questions: Contact event sponsors, Beth and Sandy at bumble9lol@gmail.com.
| Twin Cities Congregational Spiritual Care Training | |
How do you care?
Two Saturdays: January 25 and February 15 | 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | Unity Church and Zoom
Details and Registration Here
Rev. Karen Hutt will lead this series of two workshops for people to deepen their practice of giving and receiving compassionate care for one another in times of joy, sorrow and transition. We are called, in these times, to level up the ways extend radical, inclusive welcome, to offer a true experience of sanctuary, care and belonging to our members, newcomers, friends and community.
Attendance at both is required for participation. Lunch is included for those attending in-person.
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