If you have a complete set of boomwhackers, give them to the church!

Dear Ones,

Seriously. If you have a complete set of boomwhackers (click for a video on boomwhackers), give them to the church, or even just let the church borrow them for this Sunday’s service at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. 

Why?

Hospitality and welcome. Let me explain:

Take a minute to feel what it feels like to be authentically and warmly welcomed. Take a minute to feel what it feels like to be met with hospitality. What images or sensations came to you? 

When I recall moments of welcome and hospitality, they are moments in which I was greeted in a way that told me the specificity of me mattered. That I wasn’t just “a visitor” or “a guest” but that the people greeting and welcoming me saw me in my worth and dignity as a being, and invited me to join them, bound together at a fundamental level by our common humanity. 

Now those are some really big words. Really big ideas. So let me try to break them down a little bit more. Here's what this can look like: for sure simply saying “Welcome,” or “Hi,” “I’m so glad you’re here,” those simple words are a great start. 

What’s even better is following them up by attending to a person's needs, or better yet, attending to those needs even before they've arrived. This lets that person know that their specificity matters. That as a host, we’ve thought about them and what they might need, and made the effort to have it there. And then, at least for me, there's the next crucial step of inviting them in some way, large or small, to help create the space that they are being welcomed into.

This can look all kinds of ways. From a word or two that points a guest toward the kind of conversation they might have with someone they’re meeting for the first time, to help with creating the meal you’ll be sharing, to the many other ways we provide people with simple roles that they can fill that help to make the space a collective one.

And the point here is not about giving someone a job to do. The point here is about creating a means for them to express some form of creativity and co-creation. As human beings, creativity is one of our highest callings and it is one that all of us have access to in some form. The ways that we create are nearly unlimited, from the words that come from our hearts, to the music we make with instruments and voices, to the visions that we cast and share, and hold together. Visions that guide our collective future.

Hence the boomwhackers. 

On Sunday when we gather at Lake Harriet for worship together not only are we asking you to show up and be agents of this kind of warm and deep welcome and hospitality. We are also asking you to bring some things that will help us to extend that welcome. In doing so, people know that the space has been created for them, and it supports people in expressing their creativity in community with this congregation. That’s what we’ll do on Sunday: embody who it is that we are as Unitarian Universalists, creating a world where each human in their specificity can flourish and in that flourishing guide our shared work for freedom and liberation.

Want to know what you can bring to help extend a warm and hospitable welcome on Sunday? 

Here’s a list:

• An extra bottle of water—in addition to one for yourself, for someone who may have forgotten one (don’t forget a hat, sunblock, and sunglasses for yourself, too);
• A large parasol or umbrella to help make some shade;
• A dish or beverage to share at the potluck;
• An extra folding chair for someone who may need one at the potluck;
• Some plates, utensils, and napkins, and maybe a few extra;

One more thing:

Why are we worshiping at the Lake Harriet Bandshell anyway? 

For more years than I can remember, First Universalist Church has been part of a group of area churches that brings worship out of our buildings and into the wider world at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Starting in the spring and continuing through September, we are one of the congregations that brings our message to the community. There are many reasons a congregation might do this: from outreach, to evangelizing, to repairs on their sanctuary (just to name a few) - and for us, beyond the opportunity to meet new people, share what we’re about, and enjoy each other’s company outdoors in the best season of the year, there is this: Raising funds for the crisis nursery, a way that helps young children and parents have the resources they need. To get rest and relief, counseling and resources, to learn how to manage and thrive as family units is an important part of why we do this. So, this service is a way that, in serving our own need to feel alive with joy and giving from that place, we help the world to find the same joy--holy one by holy one.

Rev. Arif Mamdani

Registration is open for Children, Youth, & Family Ministries for the upcoming church year:

Intro

Lend Us Your Boomwhackers



Sunday Worship

This Sunday, August 18

Last Sunday's Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Facilitate A Fall Program Young Adults

Mutual Aid Sunday School Playground Meetups

Octavia Butler 

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Faithful Action

Palestinian Pastor

Election News

News

Board Meeting

Child Dedication

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

Car Wash, AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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Whole, Holy, and Worthy

August 18: Lake Harriet Worship and Potluck

Sunday, August 18; 10 a.m. Worship; 11:15 a.m. Potluck

From the moment we are born to the moment we die, our Unitarian Universalist faith names each and every one of us as whole, holy, and worthy, welcome and wanted exactly as we are. And we all have room to grow. This is true throughout our lifespan. We are a community of individual and collective transformation - flowing and changing throughout our lives, never stagnant, always welcome and wanted, whole and holy and worthy, wherever we are on our journey. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate Child Dedication and as we welcome all those at Lake Harriet to the joy of our community.

Families with children: at our Lake Harriet service, children and youth of all ages are invited to worship together with their families. We will have an area near the Bandshell for kids to play with bubbles and chalk, but we will not provide formal childcare. There is a playground to the back of the Bandshell where parents or caregivers may supervise their own children.

Lake Harriet Potluck Planning Team

The potluck after Lake Harriet worship is a big endeavor that takes people power! The potluck planning team decides on and communicates who will bring what types of food, as well as recruits and organizes a clean-up crew for after the meal. Members of the team can expect to meet as needed before the event, and work until about 1:00 p.m. on August 18. Bonus if you have a vehicle in which we can transport potluck supplies to/from Lake Harriet. Email Building and Events Manager Jim Poulter to join the team! jim@firstuniv.org

No Worship Labor Day Weekend

Sunday, September 1: As a collective sabbath and an honoring of the need to rest and breathe before we begin a new turning of the church year, there will be no worship on Labor Day weekend.

IN PERSON AND ONLINE

No livestream this Sunday. A recording will be available a few days after the service.

Our digital order of service is available here. (Updated weekly before Sunday worship.)

CHILDREN & YOUTH 

From May 19 through Sept. 8, Religious Education is worship. There are no classes or formal curriculum. Kids and youth of all ages are invited to worship in the Sanctuary with their families.

Contact Allison Connelly-Vetter, Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries, with questions or for more information at allison@firstuniv.org.

AFTER WORSHIP

Potluck!

Want to know what you can bring to help extend a warm and hospitable welcome on Sunday? 

Here’s a list:

• An extra bottle of water—in addition to one for yourself, for someone who may have forgotten one (don’t forget a hat, sunblock, and sunglasses for yourself, too);
• A large parasol or umbrella to help make some shade;
• A dish or beverage to share at the potluck;
• An extra folding chair for someone who may need one at the potluck;
• Some plates, utensils, and napkins, and maybe a few extra.

Sunday, August 11: The Grace You Can Imagine

• Last week's worship on YouTube
• Podcast recording of full service
• Podcast recording of sermon

Click thumbnail for a YouTube recording of last week's worship

Podcast Archive | Video Archive | Sermon Archive

Our prayers are with Karin Wille and her mom, Ginny. At the age of 98, Ginny's health is failing, and our hearts are with Ginny and Karin and their whole family, as we pray for ease and tender care for them all.

We send prayers for strength and courage to Brad Schmock as he continues his treatment program. He appreciates our messages of care and support.

Our care and love is with Karen and Laurel Wills as they care for their uncle Leonard in Riverside, CA.

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.

Welcoming Fall Program Proposals

Are you interested in facilitating a small group, workshop or event this fall at church? Let us know what you have in mind and let's work together to create rich and meaningful programs for the community. Program submissions are open now through August 26.

Submit a Program Proposal here.

Young Adults

Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s in varying social/cultural life stages. We are in school, job-searching, and working, single, married, partnered and dating, with kids and without, newly moved to the area and longtime residents. We gather about twice a month at church and in the community for structured and unstructured conversation, spiritual practice, and activities. 

Let us know you're interested! 

Evening of Improv Games

Wednesday, August 21; 6-8 p.m. RSVP Requested 

Rev. Meg Riley will lead us in a fun evening of letting loose, being playful, and building off of each others’ creativity. There will be pizza available, too! Hosted by Zoey Lazere and Libby Crawford.



Second Sundays Lunch at Gigi’s Cafe

Sept. 8; Right after worship, about 11:15 a.m.

RSVP Requested 

Gather in the Social Hall after worship to travel to nearby Gigi's Cafe for casual conversation and building friendships over lunch. If cost is a barrier, please do reach out to Rev. Ashley for resources!

Mutual Aid Sunday School

Final Session: Sept. 8 - All are welcome!

11:15 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. In person at church in room 209, on zoom as needed

REGISTRATION

Folks are welcome to drop in to these meetings, though registration is recommended to ensure for communication about meeting updates and changes.

Are you curious about mutual aid and community care? Want to learn together with members of First U as we practice new ways of living together? Join us for First U Mutual Aid Sunday School this summer, a program for adults who want to learn together about the history of mutual aid and community care and how we can build these practices into our daily lives. This study group may include readings, videos, podcasts and other sources and in true mutual learning form we'll build our curriculum together as we learn!

Facilitated by Rebecca Donley.

First U Playground Meetups

August 18 at Lake Harriet after lakeside worship and potluck; RSVP REQUESTED

Meet First U families at church after summer Sunday services, then walk together to a nearby playground suited for many ages and abilities for family fun and connection. Location will be communicated to those registered. Facilitated by Rebecca Donley.

Octavia E. Butler’s “Parables” Summer Book Salon

August 19. Drop ins welcome—join us!; 6-7:30 p.m., under the tent REGISTRATION

Let’s dig into these particular, timely novels written by Octavia E. Butler. We will deepen relationships and focus on how the ideas and insights expressed in these novels help to shape our individual and collective spiritual journey. It is not necessary to make it to the first gathering to join future ones, which will be arranged by the group and communicated as we go, so sign up if you’re interested in learning about any of the gatherings. We may meet by a lake, in a backyard, or a local coffee shop! Facilitated by Gary Hoover.

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.

Peer-Led Grief Group

1st and 3rd Sundays, 4-5:30 p.m. on zoom

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 on any or all dates. We will be here for you. Over the summer, facilitation is shared amongst group members.

Contact group member Kathie Simon Frank (kathie@umn.edu) for the zoom link and to be added to the contact list.

First UUs Welcome Palestinian Pastor

On Wednesday, August 7 members of First Universalist and other local UU congregations joined with local faith leaders and activists to welcome Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Christian pastor, theologian, educator, and advocate to Minneapolis as part of his US tour sponsored by Friends of Sabeel North America. While already a renowned author and the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference director and academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College, Rev. Dr. Isaac gained world-wide attention for his powerful Christmas sermon Christ in the Rubble: A Liturgy of Lament that called for an end to genocide and occupation of Palestine.

Prior to Rev. Dr. Isaac’s speaking engagement, community members were invited to join him on a pilgrimage to George Floyd Square led by members of Rise and Remember. Reflecting on his visit, Rev. Dr. Isaac read from a sermon he wrote on June 6, 2020, just days after George Floyd was murdered by state violence.

Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac’s talk and panel discussion can be viewed here.

After the talk, First Universalist member Gary Hoover reflected on the event: 

“One of the most profound things that Rev. Dr Munther Isaac said for me was: ‘we need to stop lying. The churches need to stop lying.’ We talk about Gaza - and George Floyd, and settler colonialism - with euphemisms that actually distort reality so that we do not have to face it and repent, or call for immediate change in the way we relate as well as in the formal policies that comprise genocide. This same theme is true of ecocide. We are complicit and we don’t name what it is we are doing. This prevents change.”

For UUs in the Twin Cities interested in learning more about showing up in solidarity with Palestine and others experiencing state violence, we want to invite you to join us in building a Twin Cities chapter of Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East! Connect with us by emailing tcuujme@gmail.com. We also hope to have a table at First Universalist’s “Sign Up Sunday” this fall to share more about our work in the Twin Cities Unitarian Universalist community.

2024 Election News

Let’s Keep Up the “Good Trouble”

Wednesdays and Fridays, 5-7pm, August 7th through November 1st:

Engage young, diverse, Minnesota renters and students to vote. REGISTER for details of statewide follow-up texting/voicemails to our "MUUSJA Postcard Buddies.”

WHERE: On Zoom statewide, with small groups at various congregations – First Universalist on August 7 – be among the first to be trained!

REGISTRATION (everyone MUST pre-register so we avoid trolls).

Board Meeting

The First U Board of Trustees will meet tonight, Thursday, August 15. You can view this month's board packet, as well as previous meeting materials here.

Child Dedication

Would you like to celebrate a Child Dedication with your family at First Universalist Church?

In Child Dedication, our congregation pledges itself to partner with and support parents and families in the religious upbringing of your children. We promise to support your family as your child grows. Child dedication is a community event, honoring an intentional and ongoing relationship between your family and your religious community.

Dedication at First Universalist Church will happen next on Sunday, August 18, at 10 a.m. at the Lake Harriet Bandshell during our annual Lake Harriet service. Children of members and those on the path to membership may be dedicated at First Universalist.

Please register your child(ren) for Child Dedication using this form. Complete a separate form for each child being dedicated.

Car Wash & Bake Sale

Sunday, August 18, 11:30 - 2:30

If raining, 2 - 5 p.m. assuming better weather

Support the Institute of Aspiring Abolitionists and my courageous, compassionate friend, Jason Sole in buying a safe space for sanctuary for those who will be most targeted in the challenging times to come. Stop by the church parking lot after attending the service at 10:00 a.m. at Lake Harriet Bandshell or anytime from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We will be there to accept donations for a car wash, thirst-quenching lemonade, delicious baked goodies, and some fun and connecting community time!

If you’d like to participate in helping this happen, please contact Denise Konen. (denise@netgains.net)  Please share the flyer below with your family, friends, and networks via email, text, and social media! (If it rains from 11:30-2:30 p.m. we will hold it from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. - if it is not raining at that time.)

Thank you!! We look forward to seeing you there! 

AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.

Renew AUW Membership - all AUW memberships (except Wise Women status) ended on June 30, 2024. Benefits of AUW membership include reduced registration rate to annual AUW Retreat, free lunch at our events, free or reduced price at paid AUW events, inclusion of your name in the AUW Directory and the knowledge that your membership helps keep AUW the wonderful organization it has been for over a CENTURY!

Here is a link.

Date Correction! Let’s Gather, Let’s Go! Come to the AUW Kick-off!

Join us at the kick-off: September 13, 5:30pm - 8:30pm. (Program starts at 6)

Our kick-off will embody this year’s AUW theme: “Let’s Gather, Let’s Go!” We will share

a light dinner, introduce upcoming AUW events, and spend time getting to know each

other better.

It’s the perfect opportunity to renew your AUW connections. There will be no charge for

this event for members OR visitors, so be sure to bring friends who might be interested

in becoming part of our sisterhood.

Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trail head. 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. Hat, sunglasses, and bug repellent recommended.

In the event of thunder, lightning, or pouring rain, assume there will be NO hike. If it is drizzling, you can show up with a raincoat and see who else is hardy. Dogs are not invited to join us for hikes.

If anyone wants to volunteer to lead a “Hike With Friends”, let Marie know. It just means showing up at the meeting place or canceling a hike for bad weather.

August 17, 2pm. Lake Nokomis. 4955 West Lake Nokomis Parkway. Parking options include the pay lot or take your chances on the parkway. Meet at the beach building with the turtle mural. Marie will NOT be there. We need a volunteer to lead.

August 24, 2 pm. Wood Lake Nature Center. 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield. Meet the door to the interpretive center building. Flat walk. Marie will NOT be there. We need a volunteer to lead.

August 31, 2pm. Eloise Butler Flower Garden. 1 Theodore Wirth Parkway. Park in the pay lot or park free down the hill at Wirth Lake Beach House. Slower nature walk with some hills depending on the route we take. Marie will lead.

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 September 12. 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 August 26. Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. 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. The Zoom version of the meeting convenes online at 7:00 pm; the zoom meeting link is here.

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.

NOTE: This group will be meeting only on Zoom until October. We will return to meeting in person, with a Zoom option, in October.

These meetings are intended for people who are actively working any 12-step program. The program is focused on the 11th step and the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. 

Weekly on Zoom 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

More details about this group can be found here.



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.