The Weekly Liberal: October 22, 2026

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Worship

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This week's message:

Get to know your Board: Matt & Emily

From First U Board President, Marc Gorelick: As I mentioned in a previous column, this year the Board is continuing to set its priorities around building trust and creating a greater sense of belonging in the church.


Connection is fundamental to both of these, indeed, it is foundational to practicing Beloved Community. Connection arises when we get to know each other better. In that spirit, over the next few months we will be devoting some of these columns to introducing ourselves. Today, meet Emily Wallace and Matt Keller!

Weekly News for Familes

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


  • Saturday, October 24: Saturday Sprouts for Families / 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
  • Sunday, October 25: 10 a.m. Religious Education / 11:30 a.m. Youth Programs + Childcare
  • Wednesday, October 28: Family Night: Halloween + Haunted Houses
  • Sunday, Nov. 1: 10 a.m. Religious Education / 11:30 a.m. Youth Programs + Childcare
  • Sunday, Nov. 8: 10 a.m. Religious Education / 11:30 a.m. Youth Programs + Childcare
  • Wednesday, Nov. 11: 6 p.m. Community Dinner/ 7 p.m. All-Ages Programs
  • Sunday, Nov. 15: 10 a.m. Religious Education / 11:30 a.m. Youth Programs + Childcare – Boston Pilgrimage Worship Service


For more information about these and all our ministries at church please check out the Fall Program Guide or our Children, Youth, and Family Ministries All-Ages Calendar which contains all of our ministries for kids and families separated by age group.

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:

Notes for The Community

These are highlights. | Please look in Community News and Needs in this newsletter for more.

Did You Commit to Contacting Someone During This Past Sunday's Service? Now Is The Time To Reach Out!

Thank you to all of you who took the risk to give out your contact information and to take a card with someone else's contact information. Please reach out to your person by Sunday. If you are stuck on what to say, ask the other person about a "sparklet" they have experienced recently: When have they stopped to notice and felt joy, awe, wonder, or gratitude? What was the situation? Ask follow up questions or respond with your sparklet. You can also decide to meet face-to-face before church on Sunday or at a cafe. Let this be an opportunity to meet someone new, practice creating a congregation where everyone belongs, or deepen your knowledge of someone you may be familiar with but do not really know. Rev. Laura (laura@firstuniv.org) would love to hear how it went for you. 

Oodles of info: Early Voting, and an easy way to support Election Protection

The Democracy Defense team at First U is doing incredibly diligent and important work. They have information about casting your ballot, and invitations for you:

Please stop by our table in the Social Hall after worship for more information or email Margie Nalezny (mnlzny@yahoo.com) or Jenny Thomas (jjt@jjthomas.net).

AUGSBURG FAIRVIEW ACADEMY

FALL Warm Clothes DRIVE


Gently used sweatshirts, hoodies, fall jackets and new warm socks may be donated in the Social Hall on Sundays:

November 1, 8, and 15 and at the November 11 Community Dinner. 


AFA is a public charter high school; many of its students experience housing and food

insecurity. AFA is a long-term First U Community Partner. Thank you for your generosity!  



If you have questions, contact Cindy Marsh: cindy.marsh2588@gmail.com

Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. in person and via livestream

Sunday, October 25: So What?

10 a.m. in person and livestreaming


From Rev. Jen: My theology professor was famous for closing every class with the question, “So what?” What will be different for you because we had this conversation? What will you do with your new or deeper understanding of your faith? Or as our own Minister Emeritus, the Reverend John Cummins used to ask: If you were put on trial for being a Unitarian Universalist, what evidence would there be to convict you? In this final Sunday in our worship series on “This is what we do,” we’ll ask ourselves how our lineage at First Universalist shapes our lives in the here and now.

Día de Muertos 

Many Indigenous peoples from what we now know as Mexico and Central America did not recognize Halloween or All Saints Day at the end of October and the beginning of November. El Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a tradition that many Latinos still recognize and practice today. The tradition includes setting up an ofrenda, or offering, to welcome the spirits of one’s ancestors to the land of the living. Some of our Latino and Indigenous beloveds of our church community want to create an ofrenda for our church community. 


An Invitation for Everyone - Please bring framed pictures (preferably copies) of your departed loved ones to church between this Sunday, October 25, and Sunday, November 1. (Note: If you are not Indigenous or Latino, please only bring photos and no other items.) You will notice a table set up at the front of the sanctuary near the pulpit under the wooden tree memorial (called the “triptych”). Look for an empty area on the ofrenda to place your picture of your late beloved. Do not move other people’s items! Everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, is invited to bring a few pictures of your late beloveds. This includes images of ALL of our relatives, including our four-legged animal relatives. 


Indigenous and Latino members of our community may bring additional items to place near your loved ones on the ofrenda or to recognize the departed of our community as a whole. These items might include, but are not limited to: 

  • Zempasuchitl or Marigold Flowers
  • Water in either glass or clay pitchers only, please (no plastic) 
  • Sealed favorite foods and treats. Items that won’t spoil, please! 
  • Sugar Skulls - Sealed in a glass container please! 
  • Copal incense or other important medicines
  • Non-scented candles


Everyone:

  • Please plan to pick up any items that you want to keep by Sunday, November 9 by 11:30 am at the latest! Anything not picked up will be respectfully discarded or donated to the ofrenda for next year! 
  • Please do not move other people’s items. If our ofrenda grows more than anticipated, we will set up another space the following week. 


Want to learn more about Dia de Muertos or ofrendas? Read about Dia de Muertos from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. 


Questions? Feel free to reach out to member Amelia Marquez at amelia.marquez@proton.me 

Post-Election Vigil at church

Wednesday, November 4, 6:00 gathering and refreshments, service at 6:30

Child Dedication

Sunday, November 8

Child Dedication is a community event, honoring an intentional and ongoing relationship between families and our religious community. Children of members and those on the path to membership may be dedicated at First Universalist. If you are interested in dedicating your child/ren at First Universalist this Fall, please fill out this form.

Sunday: Children & Youth

This Sunday is a Religious Education Sunday.


This Sunday and every Sunday we offer staffed childcare during worship from 9:45 – 11:15 a.m. for our youngest children, ages 6 months through PreK in Room 104. 


Religious Education for kids in Kindergarten through 8th/9th Grade OWL takes place during our one service at 10 a.m.


Kids in Kindergarten through 7th grade begin in the worship service with their families at 10 a.m. Around 15 to 20 minutes into the service, they will be dismissed to their Religious Education or OWL program. 


Youth in 8th/9th Grade OWL begin their session in Room 201 right at 10 a.m. – they do not begin in the service. 


All Religious Education sessions and childcare end at 11:15 a.m. Kids in childcare through 5th grade must be picked up at their room by a parent or caregiver. Youth in 6th grade and older are dismissed from their rooms by their Advisors and are free to find their families in the Social Hall.


Post-Worship Youth Programs and Childcare take place from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Youth Programs include Coming of Age and Middle School and High School Youth Group. Kids in 5th grade and under can be dropped off in Room 205 at 11:30 a.m. and picked up between 12:45-1 p.m.

In Case You Missed It:

Watch Last Sunday's Worship, October 18:

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

Last Sunday's Offering Recipient: First U's Democracy Defense Initiative



Each week, First U gives 60 percent of our "Offering Plate for the Community" to an organization doing good work. Using the dropdown menu, you can give to our shared plate any time. The recipient changes on Sunday mornings and is announced during worship.


Nominate a community organization to receive an upcoming offering:

Cycle of Life

This Sunday's pulpit flowers are dedicated to Gabe. From Gabe's family: "Remembering our beautiful Gabe Mersy, who loved the Earth, animals, tasty food, research, and a good pun. We continue to look for you in nature as we carry you with us always. Our love for you is eternal."


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).

Caring Corner | Holding it Together

We “Hold This Together” by Caring for Each Other During Life’s Marker Events


Provide Food and Other Basic Needs!

Meals for congregants recovering from surgery, experiencing food insecurity, and sanctuary families.

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

Coming Up At Church:

Our Fall Program season is September 27 - December 20.

Saturday Sprouts for Families 

October 24, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, Drop-in

Saturday Sprouts is a monthly opportunity for families to build relationships with one another, be energized in community, and explore spirituality and our Unitarian Universalist values as a whole family. Saturday Sprouts includes time for snacks and socializing, along with family worship, a parent support group, and childcare for kids. 


Saturday Sprouts is oriented towards young children from 6 months through 5th grade, along with all parents and caregivers (with or without kids in tow).

BIPOC Monthly Brunch (Off-site)

(BIPOC - Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) | Connect with the BIPOC Group

Last Sundays of the month, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 29, and Dec 27, following worship, approximately 11:30 am. 

We will send out an email letting you know where we will gather for brunch.

Crafting Group

Sundays, Sept 27, Oct 25, Nov 22, Dec 20, 11:30-12:45 pm, in the Social Hall near Library | RSVP Here if you’d like, but please come even if you haven’t! - Childcare available

Are you creative/crafty/artistic (or would like to be!) and like to create in the presence of others? Let's meet up and be creative in community! Imagine: a drop-in space where you come with a project or use materials from our pop-up free table (i.e., a spot we can bring craft items we no longer want or need, to pass to someone else, or to find a new project or hobby). Joy is an act of resistance and connecting with creative folks can be inspiring! This is truly a drop-in group, so come when you can. Facilitated by Chris Chiros.

Connecting with Meaning in Times of Uncertainty

Sundays, October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15; 11:30-12:45, Room 204 | RSVP Here - Childcare available

This group will focus on connecting with sources of meaning and purpose in these times of uncertainty using a model based on "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl. Together, we will use structured questions and self reflection to identify how we can face these uncertain and often painful times in ways that feel grounded in our values and sense of meaning; While we cannot control the limitations that we face in our lives, we have autonomy in how we respond. Rachel Bialostosky is a licensed independent clinical social worker who is trained in Meaning Centered Psychotherapy for individuals living with serious illness. This group will be based on that format.

EJ Screening: Part 2 Welcome Table, HBO Documentary

Sunday, Oct. 25, 11:30am-12:45 pm Cummins Room | RSVP Here - Childcare available

About the film: The UN estimates that 200 million to 2 billion people will be displaced by climate change by 2050. Director Josh Fox goes to the frontlines of displacement—across six continents—and meets people faced with the impossible decision to flee their homes. The current global migration policy is based on borders, walls, incarceration, dehumanization and fear. What is possible, if instead, we welcome each other? The Welcome Table brings together the people from these disparate stories for five days in New Orleans to a “metaphorical” table and blends together music, food and conversation.

Labyrinth on the Full Moon

Monthly (dates below), 5:00-7:00 pm in the Social Hall

No RSVP Necessary | Join the Labyrinth Interest List

First U has a long history of labyrinth walking, please join us for this relaxing and contemplative open walk each month. You don't need to come every time, and you don't need any experience. Bring a friend!

Saturday, September 26

Sunday, October 25

Tuesday, November 24

Wednesday, December 23

Women's Ritual Circle

Every New and Full Moon: September 26, October 10 (Oct 10 is OFFSITE at a member home), October 25, November 8; 7:00-9:00 pm, Room 209 | RSVP Here

In the Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle, 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. We gather on the new and full moons to acknowledge the cycles of life and nature in member-led and -designed rituals that explore and honor a wide range of pagan practices and beliefs. Our group is open to all women (cis and trans) and non-binary people who find their home in women-centric spaces, age 18+.

Mild Cognitive Impairment: We are Holding it Together 

Wednesdays, Oct 28, Nov 18, Dec 9, Jan 6, Jan 27, 2:00-3:30 pm, Room 201 | RSVP Here

Early mild cognitive impairment (MCI) impacts our lives in a number of ways. This group is for people who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment with the goal of sharing stories, creating community, and reducing isolation. Facilitated by Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Family Nights: New This Year! 

Fall Dates: September 23 and October 28, Potluck Dinner: 6:00 pm; Activities and youth groups: 7:00-8:15 pm, no RSVP Needed

Family Nights are a new opportunity for families to gather at church on the fourth Wednesday of most months (skipping November and December). Family Nights begin with a potluck dinner at 6:00 pm for all families. From 7:00-8:15 pm, family-focused activities will be offered for children in 5th grade and younger and their parents and caregivers. Youth groups are available for middle and high school youth. 


In support of our efforts to include all members of our community, including those with serious allergies, potluck dishes must not contain the following ingredients:

  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Sesame (including hummus) 


We will have cards to label all homemade or unlabeled dishes. Any dishes which contain peanuts, tree nuts, or sesame will not be served. The church will provide a food option for those with allergens or dietary needs to ensure they can participate in the meal. Thank you for helping us welcome all families to our table.

Membership Classes at First Universalist

Register for one of the following:

Membership Class 1 Saturday, Oct 31, 9:00am-1:00 pm, Cummins Room (Potluck)

Membership Class 2, Tuesdays, Nov 17 (Room 209) & 24 (Cummins), 6:00-8:00 pm 

Membership Class 3, Wednesdays, Jan 20 (Room 207) & 27 (Chancel Room), 6:00-8:00 pm

This class is for congregants who have decided that they want to become members. Participants learn about First Universalist, the broader UU movement, and membership. Even if you’re a lifelong UU interested in membership, we ask that you take the membership class at First Universalist as it helps orient folks to this congregation and helps build community.

Newcomers Circle

Sundays, 11:30-12:45 pm: November 1, 8, 15, 22, Room 207 | RSVP Here - Childcare available

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.

Grief Group (on zoom)

First Sunday of each month, October 4, November 1, December 6; 4:00-5:30 pm

Register to receive Zoom link or contact Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org.

Grief Group meets on the first Sunday of the month on Zoom. It is a gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with the loss of a person, an important event in their lives, or a significant change of circumstances. This is 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. This is a drop-in group. We will be here for you. Facilitated by Jen Keating, a UU seminarian.

Care Partner Support Group

Thursdays, October 22, November 19, December 17, January 21; 2:00-3:30 pm, Room 201 | RSVP Here

This group is specifically for people who have spouses/partners with mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's. Caregiving debbiesueeasterling@gmail.comfor a spouse/partner has its own nuances and realities. This group is an opportunity to share openly and confidentially, learn from one another, and to receive support. Led by Rev Laura Smidzik.

Mindfulness Meditation Practice Online for BIPOC

(BIPOC - Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)

Saturdays, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 19 from 4:00-5:30 pm on Zoom | Connect with the BIPOC Group

A monthly mindfulness meditation practice for First U BIPOC community led by Rebekah Padilla online on the third Saturday of the month. An invitation with a Zoom link will be circulated to the BIPOC Group via email 3-5 days prior to that month’s practice, no need to RSVP, come as you are. Following the December 19th Mindfulness Meditation Practice, the BIPOC group will meet for an end-of-the-year celebratory meal at a restaurant. Details will be emailed to the BIPOC group in early December.

Sacred Sites Tour

Sunday, Nov. 1, four hours in length, meet off-site at 1:00 pm. Details will be sent to registrants. 

Registration is limited to 50 people | RSVP here

The Twin Cities are built on the traditional homelands of the Dakota, and this region is home to sites of significance for the Indigenous people who have lived here and still call this place home. Sacred Sites Tours invite us to learn the history and importance of these sacred sites, to reflect on our own roles in the continuing systems of colonization and extraction, and to develop plans for future action on reparation and repair. Participants move beyond just learning about the history of these places and into a deeper relationship with their own responsibility for honoring, protecting, and repairing our relationship with these places and the Indigenous people who originated here.The tour lasts about 4 hours and includes a visit to three sacred sites throughout the Cities. Led by Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs, this tour offers an opportunity to learn about history through story-telling and experiencing the sites in silence/meditation/reflection.

Aging as a Spiritual Practice: A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser Book Group 

Thursdays, 11:30-1:00 pm, November 5, December 3, January 7, in Room 201 | RSVP here

Zen Buddhist priest and meditation teacher, Lewis Richmond, re-imagines growing older as a meaningful and transformative journey. Each chapter includes “contemplative reflections” which participants are encouraged to do. Join us in a rich and reflective small group with Aging as a Spiritual Practice as a launching point. Please read pages 3-39 for the Oct 8 session.  Facilitated by Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Expanded Library and Book Review

Second Sundays, October 11, November 8, December 13, 11:30-12:15 pm in the Library | RSVP Here - Childcare available until 12:45

This group meeting will have two parts: From 11:30 to 12:15 pm, participants will discuss books, make book recommendations to help determine which books will be added to the Library collection, share ideas on how to improve the Library, and potentially volunteer to write reviews of books they feel are important. At 12:15 participants are invited to stay if they’d like and support the functioning work of the Library (processing and shelving books). Come to one or all three sessions.

Caregivers Support Group (on Google Meet)

Second Sundays, October 11, November 8, December 13, January 10; 1:00-2:30 pm | Register to receive Google Meet 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 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 Debbie Easterling and Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Book and Topical Discussion: I Eat the Stars: How to Live Fully and Beautifully in a Collapsing World, by Sarah Wilson

Dates and times TBD by group | Join the Interest List

Let’s get together, hold it together, and hold each other with care as we soak up the wise, compassionate guidance of Sarah Wilson. As the world goes through fundamental shifts — ecological, institutional, societal, and civilizational crises — how can we live beautifully amidst the chaos? What does this moment ask of us? How can we connect in loving, creative, and courageous ways? How do we deepen our rootedness in beloved community come what may? Please join us for caring, careful conversations! Facilitated by Gary Hoover.

White Men For Racial Justice Fall Cohort

Every Monday through November 9, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm in Room 209 | RSVP Here


White Men For Racial Justice is a group designed to help grow white men’s (cis and trans) overall multicultural awareness and build their racial justice reflection and practice. 

Weekly Meditation Group

Tuesdays at 9:00 am on Zoom | Email Martha at ewellsm@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link

The Weekly Meditation Group is an ongoing group to which new members are always welcome. We meet on Zoom every Tuesday from 9-10:15 with a rotating group of facilitators. People come with whatever experience they have and we learn from each other. Facilitated by Martha Easter-Wells, Amy Marquart, Anne McBean, Julie Gottesleben, and Diane Torrannce.

Qigong for Liberation

Every Tuesday from 4:30-5:15 pm, Room 201 | RSVP Here

Gather with us in person or online for an ongoing practice of the healing movement meditation, Spring Forest Qigong, created by Master Chunyi Lin, who notes, “by harmonizing Qi, the body’s vital energy, Qigong supports physical vitality, emotional balance, and spiritual growth.” Come when you can. A recording is included each week so you can practice when you choose. Movements are gentle and accessible for everyone. Spring Forest Qigong is a liberating practice that provides a way to return to who we have always been - energy beings, who, when given the space and time to heal, can bring more unconditional love, forgiveness, and kindness to ourselves, each other, and a hurting world. As our strength and resilience grow we become fortified to respond with courage and compassion to the intensifying fascism. The facilitator will reach out when you register so that you can get to know one another and she can better understand your needs for your qigong practice. Facilitated by Denise Konen.

Improv for Elders

Wednesdays from 10:00-11:30 am; Room 209 | RSVP Here

Join this lively cohort of elders as we laugh, play, and improvise together. We are not bound for the stage, just enjoying one another as we play improv games and do scene work. Laughter is a form of resistance, improv practice can enhance our daily lives as we navigate these turbulent times.

BIPOC Group

Fill out the interest form for meeting details.

The First Universalist BIPOC Group is a sacred time of community, support, and joy. Come be, laugh, and connect with other Unitarian Universalists who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color. This is a closed space for BIPOC adults, including multiracial people. This is not a group for white people, including white people who have BIPOC family members.

Building Hope Together: First U Habitat Volunteer Events in 2026-2027

Join the Habitat Interest List

Whether you can swing a hammer, prepare lunch for volunteers, advocate for policy change with our state legislature, or support our program financially—there’s a role for everyone in this work of building homes and hope.

  • Build Days: Nov, Dec, Feb, March, April
  • Habitat on the Hill (advocacy event at the MN Capitol): May 2027

Reach out with any questions: David Harrison - rdavid.harrisonjr@gmail.com

Early Adult Only Programs:

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) | Join the Early Adults Interest List to connect and RSVP for events


Asynchronous Low-Stakes Book Club

Any time, Bookclubbish Channel in Discord

Read one (or however many) book(s) you want, send your thoughts on it/them and send it to the channel if you recommend it at any time on the last Monday of the month. The general goal is just to read something you’ve been meaning to and share with others! No theme, no pressure.


Over the Garden Wall Watch Party

Saturday October 24, 7:00 pm in 211 | RSVP Here

Showing of Over The Garden Wall, a lovely autumnal animated series about two young boys lost in The Unknown. Watching all episodes at once. Bring movie snacks!

Community News & Needs

Minneapolis district drops proposal to close schools next year - First U youth quoted

From the article:

Harriet Tralle, a sixth grader, outlined all the changes that had taken place in their educational career. Harriet started kindergarten on Zoom during COVID, and when they went back in person switched to a new class. 


“That was a pretty big interruption,” Harriet said. 


As Harriet started first grade in 2021, the Comprehensive District Design — the district’s last major overhaul — went into effect, changing the focus and grade levels of their school. 


The following year, an educator strike closed schools for three weeks, adding time to the end of the school year. In fourth and fifth grade, Harriet’s class size grew large, reaching 39 kids at one point.


“Don’t you think my education has been interrupted enough?” Harriet asked. “Please be careful about what other changes you make to my education. Can you please wait to make another plan so you won’t be changing it again before I graduate?”

Mosques around the state are inviting neighbors to join them during Friday prayers from 12 - 2:30 PM on October 16th, 23rd, and 30th. By showing up, we can offer a warm welcome, demonstrate solidarity, and help our Somali neighbors feel supported and safe.


Invite a friend, bring a sign that reads “Minnesotans Stand Together" or something similar, and greet your neighbors as they arrive for prayer.

Community & Affiliated Org Events

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Starring First U's Worship Accompanist Jay Albright as Charlie Brown!

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is the delightful, feel-good musical that brings the beloved Peanuts gang to life onstage! Featuring a cast of seasoned Twin Cities' performers, the crew navigates the ups and downs of childhood in a series of hilarious and heartwarming vignettes.

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.

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.

AUW Fall Mini-Retreat: Leading with Body & Spirit

Saturday, November 7, 2026: 9:30 am -3:00 pm, at First U


We spend a lot of time in our heads and not enough in our bodies and spirits. Following an enlightening keynote and baked potato bar lunch, afternoon breakouts will be devoted to more sensory experiences. Don't worry, accommodation will be made for those with limited mobility!


Keynote speaker Elizabeth Hale will present: 

Sustainable Vibrance: How Creative Practices Can Help Us Retain Glowing Health, Cognitive Function, Mobility, and Joy


See details here.

Register for Fall Mini-Retreat

Save the Date!


Spring Retreat: April 23-25, 2027.

Connect with Us

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. 

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