Volume 9 Issue 28 | July 14, 2022
In this Issue
Worship
Sunday, July 17, 10 a.m.
Recordings & Podcasts
Cycle of Life
News & Features
Lake Harriet Worship, Potluck
Faithful Action News
Pastoral Care in July
Happenings
Pathway to Membership
REP Info Session
Spiritual Growth: Charting Our Course
Co-op Farm Tour
Care Groups
Worship
Sunday, July 17 — 10 a.m.
"Gather the Spirit, Harvest the Power"
Poet Marge Piercy writes that "a good anger acted upon is beautiful as lightning and swift with power." Who teaches us about that kind of anger and power? How do we learn? What kind of inner transformation does it invite or require?
Worship leaders: Rev. Kate Tucker, Zoe Mulvihill, Rev. Andrea Johnson, Aimee K. Bryant, and Franco Holder


Summer Worship Theme: A Bigger Story
IN PERSON AT 10 A.M.
In person worship over the summer months is offered as a single service at 10 a.m. Please review our current COVID-19 policies for gathering. Can you help as an usher or greeter? Sign up here!.

ONLINE AT 10 A.M.
This service will live-streamed on Zoom and YouTube Live at 10 a.m. Join the Zoom livestream here (Webinar ID: 861 805 984) or watch on YouTube. The recording will be available here after worship.

CHILDREN & YOUTH
You can find information about Summer Sundays for children and youth ages 6 months through 12 years here.

FIRST STEP AT ~11 A.M.
First Step is a casual, drop-in orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist that meets for about 40 minutes right after the service ends. Learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. In-person only this Sunday.
Recordings & Podcasts
7/10: "The S-I-Z-E of Our Soul"
When we are faced with a difficult situation, it can be challenging to greet it, not necessarily with agreement, but to simply take it in and receive it as another truth. This is what Unitarian Universalist process theologian Bernard Loomer describes as the essence of the spiritual path—the practice of receiving rather than resisting reality in the fullest possible sense. Come explore how we can grow our souls together in light of the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade with guest preacher Rev. Andrea Johnson. Watch the recording here. Or, listen to the podcast.
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 during the month of July, contact Rev. Andrea Johnson at [email protected] or 612-825-1701.
News & Features
Lake Harriet Bandshell Service (and Picnic!):
Mark Your Calendar + Volunteers Needed
Mark your calendars for one of our favorite services of the year: Sunday, Aug. 21 will be our annual service at the Lake Harriet Bandshell! And after a two year hiatus, this year we will also be enjoying our post-service potluck picnic! 

It's been way too long since we've gathered in the grass after a service for food, games, and fellowship. This service and picnic is a big undertaking and we'd love your help to make it happen, particularly in helping organize the potluck. Please email Rev. Arif at [email protected] if you can help!
Faithful Action News: Opportunities to Take Action
Faithful Action is how we describe our justice ministry. It is where justice work and personal spiritual growth intersect; we act on our faith!

Our Faithful Action Teams are in the process of assembling information about a wide variety of opportunities - from learning to volunteering to advocacy - for you this summer. We invite you to read our July/August Faithful Action News and pick an opportunity or two that speaks to you. We'll be adding to this as we go along, so check back later for more opportunities as well!
Andrea Johnson Leading Pastoral Care in July
Rev. Arif and Rev. Jen are both out on vacation and study leave for much of the month of July. During their absence, Rev. Andrea Johnson is covering pastoral care for the month of July. This means that if you are in need of pastoral care, please reach out to Rev. Andrea. She can be reached at 612-825-1701 ext 113 or [email protected].

Programs, Classes, Events, and Meetings
Pathway to Membership
Pathway to Membership is a class for those who want to become members. Learn at your own pace through online videos, then choose a class experience that meets your needs. Facilitator: Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator

Upcoming classes are offered:

Sundays, July 17 & 24, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. at church (2-session class)
Tuesday, Aug. 2, 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom (1-session class)

Relationships Evolving Possibilities Info Session
Wednesday, July 20, 7–8:30 p.m. under the tent 

Learn about Relationships Evolving Possibilities (REP), an organization that has been nominated to become one of our Faithful Action partners. REP is a network of dedicated abolitionists showing up to support others in moments of crisis or urgency, with care and respect for the full dignity and autonomy of the people in crisis. Facilitators: Susan Raffo, REP Core Group member, and Rebecca Donley, Karen Heegard, and Denise Konen, First U members
Spiritual Growth: Charting Our Course
Thursdays, July 28, Aug. 11 and 25, 7:30–9 p.m. on Zoom

One way we live out the mission and vision of First Universalist Church is by doing spiritual development together in community – in small groups, on faithful action teams, working for liberation, in classes and support groups and shared spiritual practice. In this conversation series, we’ll explore foundational approaches to spiritual growth and maturity, and we’ll discuss our spiritual needs both as individuals and as a community.
Facilitated by Lauren Wyeth, Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages, this series is designed for those who are interested in understanding and shaping how we support spiritual growth in our congregation. Come be part of charting our church’s future plans and programming.
Climate & Environmental Justice Team Invites You to the 2022 Coop Farm Tour
Saturday, July 16
Meet at church at 9 a.m. to organize

The Climate and Environmental Justice (C&EJ) Team would like to invite you to participate in the 2022 Co-op Farm Tour—a great opportunity to “meet the local farmers of the Twin Cities Region.” This farm tour is supported by many of the food co-ops in the Twin Cities and is available to everyone. It is a way to begin connecting the dots of how healthy food is grown locally and where it is available for purchase.  


If you have ever wondered what the difference is between organic, sustainable, and regenerative, join us! Gain a clearer understanding of the human health and environmental benefits of food grown with soil health as a major goal. Learn how these agricultural practices are part of solutions to the Climate Crisis.

More information about the C&EJ field trip plan for the day

Questions? Contact Susan Keller at [email protected].
Pastoral & Community Care Groups
Grief Group
Sunday, July 24, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom | Register | Join Meeting
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. Facilitator: Rev. Stephanie Vos, community minister and First U member

Caregivers Group
Sunday, Aug. 7, 1–2:30 p.m. on Zoom Register
Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or a child with a chronic health condition, this group offers mutual support, connection, and community building. Facilitator: Rev. Arif

UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Sundays, 7 p.m. on Zoom Join Meeting
Connect with others at church who are working a 12-step program of recovery. Anyone in any 12-step program is welcome. The focus is on building community and relationships. Facilitated by: First U members in recovery
Get Connected at Church this Summer
There are so many ways to connect at church this summer! We've compiled all the opportunities and details here on our Summer 2022 web page. From Sunday community gatherings like the return of our potluck picnic after our Lake Harriet Bandshell service in August to pastoral and community care groups, faithful action opportunities, and more - there's something beyond Sunday morning worship for everyone at church this summer!
Resources & Information
Church Office & Building Access by Appointment Only in July

The church office is open by appointment only during the month of July. For pastoral care, call Rev. Andrea Johnson at 612-825-1701 ext 113 or email [email protected]. For building access, reach out to Facilities Manager Tracy Van Epps at [email protected]

Wednesday office open hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will resume in August!
Care Resources

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

We encourage you to submit church news! To do so, fill out our online submission form. Edits for length and/or content may occur. The deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday the week of publication. The Weekly Liberal is compiled and edited by Communications Manager Jenn Stromberg. Past issues and policies can be found on our website
Contact Us

First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
3400 Dupont Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825 1701  

For staff contact information, please visit our Ministers and Staff page.