The Weekly Liberal: November 13, 2025 | | NOTE: Some e-mail programs will not load the full content of this publication. Please click "View Entire Message" at the bottom if you see it! | |
This is who we are, not simply what we do. | |
Beloveds—thank you! We have already raised over 3K to support our efforts to expand and deepen our Sanctuary and Resistance efforts via this year’s Give to the Max campaign. That’s AWESOME and we are reaching towards 10K. This is especially important as our staff and volunteer team work to settle our newest family, a mom and 3 month old baby (with outrageously fabulous cheeks). We had open space for only one week before we were at capacity again!
Give now and help us meet our match from the First U board!
We’ve sheltered two babies, three young children, six parents, and one young adult so far this year alone. Many in the church have said yes to meeting various needs of all our beloveds by supplying help and services such as moving furniture, food, diapers, supplies, transportation, childcare, legal fees, job hunting, and healthcare. We collaborate as much as possible with other faith communities, organizations, and individuals – all while following the lead of those in sanctuary for their own well being.
On the resistance side? Within our congregation, we’ve provided education and action opportunities, including:
1. The recent UNIDOS-MN Upstander Training for more than 100 participants.
2. "Responding to the Anti-Trans Movement” course offered through MUUSJA alliances with fellow UU churches, Transforming Hearts and others.
3. Immigration court observers in partnership with Advocates for Human Rights.
4. Participation with ICOM (Interfaith Coalition on Immigration) for vigils at the Whipple Federal Building. Note: First Universalist will be organizing the December 9th, 7:30-8:30 a.m. vigil.
We’ve been here before.
The Sanctuary and Resistance Team began during John Cummins’ ministry at First Universalist...
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We are excited to announce that the participant form for the 2025 First Universalist Christmas Pageant is now live!
The Christmas Pageant is a beloved tradition here at First Universalist. It allows our entire community to witness our children and youth re-introducing us to the story of Christmas.
Children and youth ages preschool through 12th grade are invited to participate in the Pageant. Parents and caregivers, please fill out this interest form separately for each interested participant in your family by Sunday, Nov. 23. The rehearsal schedule is included in the interest form. Families will be contacted about roles before Thanksgiving.
In the meantime, we invite all of you to mark your calendars and plan to join us live for the Pageant on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Please email Hirut Hedge with any questions or for more information at hirut@firstuniv.org.
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Coming up for Children, Youth, & Families at First Universalist:
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Saturday, Nov. 15 - Sunday, Nov. 16: Upper Midwest Youth Con for 9th-12th Graders
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Sunday, Nov. 16: Regular Sunday: RE in Classrooms
- Saturday, Nov. 22: Saturday Sprouts for Families
- Sunday, Nov. 23: Intergenerational Worship + Child Dedications and New Member Ceremony
- Sunday, Nov. 30: Common Ground Sunday – All-Ages Religious Education in Cummins Room
- Sunday, Dec. 7: Regular Sunday: RE in Classrooms
- 8th/9th grade OWL Extended Sunday
- Christmas Pageant Rehearsal for registered children and youth: 1-3 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Find information on upcoming programming for Children, Youth, & Families in the all-ages calendar spreadsheet. Find the appropriate age group tab on the bottom for events for your family. This document is updated regularly - please check often.
While Allison is on parental leave, please contact:
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Claire Tralle at claire@firstuniv.org with questions about ministries for kids and youth in any level of Our Whole Lives, in 6th grade Religious Education, or in middle and high school youth groups.
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Hirut Hedge at hirut@firstuniv.org with questions about ministries for kids in 7th grade, K-5th grade, and nursery-PreK, including Saturday Sprouts.
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Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org with general questions about our ministries for children, youth, and families, including to get in touch with the Children, Youth, and Families Advisory Team.
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Gathering for Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color | November 19, 6-8 p.m. This is a gathering and a homecoming, the start of a circle of joy, support, and possibility. | | | | Our next Child Dedication at First Universalist Church is coming up on Sunday, Nov. 23, during both worship services. If you are interested in dedicating your child/ren on November 23, please let us know by using this form. Please complete a separate form for each child being dedicated. Please note: You do need to fill out our form even if we have been in touch about your interest to dedicate your kiddo/s at this service: | | Sunday, November 16 | Embodied Gratitude | Two services: In person at 9 & 11 a.m. Join the livestream at 11 a.m. | This week we explore embodied gratitude as a practice of resistance to authoritarianism. We look to our bodies (wondrous and temporary) as a source of wisdom. We ground and regulate ourselves in body knowing. We pause. And we travel the pathway of gratitude to arrive where we already are - on the journey to justice and resilience. | | |
Religious Education will be in classrooms this Sunday.
Children and youth are always welcome in worship with their families! If you are new or new-ish to First U, please join us at whichever service works best for you, and visit the Welcome Table in the atrium where someone will help orient you and answer your questions.
Most Religious Education programs are offered during both services. However, there are some exceptions. Please register below to be added to the appropriate roster and you’ll receive communication from Allison about which service to attend.
You may pick up your child or youth from Religious Education at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., not before, even if worship has ended. Having a standard pick up time for all children and youth supports our kids and volunteers in completing the lesson for the day and ending the session thoughtfully and spaciously.
If you have not already, please register here for Religious Education and our additional Children, Youth, & Family Ministries for the 2025-2026 church year. All families, with babies through high schoolers, need to register each church year, regardless of previous registration.
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Upcoming Worship Services:
Intergenerational Worship Nov. 23 and Common Ground Sunday Nov. 30
We hope you and your families will join us for two special upcoming Sundays: November 23 and November 30.
Sunday, November 23 is an intergenerational worship service during which we will celebrate Child Dedications and welcome New Members. On Sundays with intergenerational worship, worship takes the place of Religious Education.
At both services, all children and youth are welcome in the Sanctuary for the duration of worship. Worship will be engaging for all ages, with added movement, music, and opportunity for interaction.
Join us again the following week, Sunday, November 30, for our November Common Ground Sunday. Common Ground Sundays take the place of typical Religious Education programming. At both services, all children and youth in grades K-12 begin in worship and are dismissed as a group to the Cummins Room early in the service, where they will have time to worship, explore, create, and play together as a mixed-age group. Our November Common Ground Sunday centers the theme of food equity and food access.
On Common Ground Sundays you may pick up your child or youth from the Cummins Room at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., not before, even if worship has ended.
On both November 23 and November 30, kids in PreK and younger can participate in childcare in room 104 during both services. And, on both Sundays, kids and youth can attend either service time, regardless of when they typically attend.
| | You can watch past worship services and view other First U video content: | | |
Raleigh Little died on November 7th after a lengthy illness with interstitial lung disease. His Celebration of Life will be held on November 23rd at 2:00 pm at First Universalist. Please contact Janet Merrill if you are willing to help with the reception, can bring a treat to share, or would like to usher: janetmerrill@comcast.net.
Doug Hicks died peacefully at home on November 1. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Universalist on January 10th at 2:00 pm.
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).
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We “Hold This Together” by Cooking Meals and Helping Each Other During Life’s Marker Events
Cook a Meal
We have congregants in need of support during life events. Please read the instructions carefully so that you can provide the type of meal that will bring the families the most comfort. Contact Rev. Laura if you are in need of meals to help you through a transition.
Current Mealtrain Requests:
Zion, Jera, and Baby Violet
Help with Rides, Chores, or Companionship During Worship
On occasion, we receive requests from congregants for distinct needs. If you are willing to help with any of these needs, email or text Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org or 612-405-5583.
- General chores (lawn moving, cleaning) post surgery and when congregants are struggling.
- Rides—sometimes to church and other times to doctor appointments.
- Companionship during worship for congregants with cognitive impairment who need a buddy when in the building.
| | Ways to Connect at Church | | |
Daytime Connections for Older Adults
November 20: An Amazing Memoir from Our Own Kathy Coskran | RSVP for November
Kathy will introduce her memoir Married to Amazement, of an adventurous young adulthood, unconventional family formation, generous engagement in foreign lands and domestic prisons, pilgrimages and a continual capacity for wonder and amazement, all dispensed with the wisdom of her 81 years. Book copies for sale, cash or check only.
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Saturday Sprouts for Families Nov. 22
The fourth Saturday of most months, 10 a.m. to noon
Upcoming dates: November 22, January 24, February 28
No RSVP necessary
Saturday Sprouts is a monthly opportunity for families to socialize, worship, play, and offer and receive peer support. We start with snacks and time to get to know each other before moving into family worship, followed by playtime for kids and a peer sharing group for parents and caregivers. We close by sharing gratitudes and singing together.
Saturday Sprouts is open to all families, with programming geared towards young children (6 months - 5th grade) along with their siblings and parents/caregivers.
If you have questions or would like more information, please email Allison, Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries, at allison@firstuniv.org.
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Feed My Starving Children
Nov. 17, 7:00 p.m. RSVP Here
All are welcome to join the Young Adults at this event.
For more information or questions, please email Raelyn at raelyn.rassett@gmail.com
Join the Young Adults in an adventure to practice our values of justice and interdependence with Feed My Starving Children in Eagan. We will meet at Feed My Starving Children at 7:00 PM on Monday, November 17th. We have 50 spots reserved, let's fill them up! FMSC is welcome to children 5 years and older and is a great family fun experience.
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Instrumental Music
November 16 & 23, December 7, 2-4pm RSVP Here
Calling musicians! We are gathering again this fall to play some holiday music together. We have a set of carols at a very gentle difficulty level that can be played by band and orchestra instruments. We welcome you no matter how much dust has collected on your instrument, and the music will be approachable by youth musicians as well. We will gather a few times this fall to make music together, and music will be shared well in advance for us to practice ahead of time. Facilitated by Elaina Buzzell.
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Young Adults ONLY
Folks in their 20s and 30s
Friendsgiving- YA Lead: CT
Saturday, Nov 15 5pm-ish, location TBD
You’ve got friends and you’ve got food. Can’t get more descriptive than that! CT plans to host a Friendsgiving potluck for the Young Adults crew. Contact CT for location details and to get the potluck signup spreadsheet.
| | Coming up this Fall Session | | |
Instrumental Music
November 16 & 23, December 7, 2-4pm
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Crafting Group
November 16, December 28, 1-3pm
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Daytime Connections
November 20, 10-12, in person or on Zoom
An Amazing Memoir from Our Own Kathy Cochran
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Saturday Sprouts
Saturdays once per month, 10 a.m. to noon: November 22
No RSVP necessary
Saturday Sprouts is open to all families, with programming geared towards young children (6 months - 5th grade) along with their siblings and parents/caregivers.
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Single and Solo Parents Group
Tuesdays, Nov. 25, and Dec. 9, 7-8 p.m. via Zoom
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Grief is Political: Expressions and Strategies
The last Sundays of the month- Nov 30, Dec 28, 1:00-2:00pm (feel free to bring a lunch or snack)
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Labyrinth on the Full Moon
December 4, 2025, 5-7 p.m. in the Social Hall
No RSVP Necessary | Join the Labyrinth Interest List
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Grief Group (on zoom)
First Sundays, 4:00-5:30 pm: Dec 7
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Qigong for Liberation
Tuesdays, October 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16, (No practice Dec. 23)Dec. 30, 4:30-5:15pm (zoom and in person)
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Improv for Elders
Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30, ongoing, in person at church
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The StarTribune Investigative Report about Philip Vance!
Philip's voice is finally heard! The StarTribune has written an in-depth report on how an innocent man, Philip Vance, is still behind bars, when there's never been any evidence of him committing the crime!
Prisoner’s case puts wrongful conviction unit under scrutiny
The article emphasizes the stalling tactics of the Conviction Review Unit and that there is absolutely no evidence against Philip Vance, except what was said by paid informants and corrupt, fired, police officers.
This is an amazing development that could change everything! You can help by sharing the news with everyone you know. We will win his freedom when the public knows the real truth!
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Give the Gift of Warmth
This is our 21st year to collect "Gifts of Warmth" to distribute to our neighbors needing a bit of warmth. Over the years we have collected thousands of hats, scarves, and mittens and distributed them to schools, food shelves, ER rooms and social service agencies in our community. If you do not knit, purchased and gently used items are welcome.
Items can be dropped off in the baskets near the elevator. We collect through the end of January. For more information contact: barbmelom@gmail.om
Thank you for your kindness.
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Joyce Uptown Food Shelf's mission is to distribute food to those in need, with respect and dignity. As you likely heard SNAP benefits were cut off last week. Many recipients of food assistance are children, elderly people and low-income workers. You can help by donating money or food. We collect nonperishable items at church and deliver them to Joyce Food Shelf. Currently the high demand items are:
- Spaghetti
- Canned Proteins (Peanut Butter, Tuna, Beans, Chicken, Sardines, Spam, Tofu)
- Instant Oatmeal Packets
- Tampons and Pads
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
- Ramen
- Paper Grocery Bags with Handles
| | Community & Affiliated Org Events | | |
MUUSJA is Celebrating 25 Years!
Tuesday, December 2, 6:00-7:30 pm - Online & in St. Paul
MUUSJA’s story is the story of all of us! Come celebrate 25 years of UUs in Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and the Dakotas organizing for social change. With these deep roots, MUUSJA builds community and capacity so UUs can be strong, nimble, grounded, and courageous in confronting the intersecting crises and harm so many are facing right now. Together, we can unleash the collective power needed to shape a just and loving world. Join us online or in person on December 2. Hear inspiring stories of how area UUs have taken action. Be part of a recommissioning ceremony. Help sustain MUUSJA’s work so we can keep spreading our wings! Click here to register.
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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.
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Prepare to beat the January blahs!
Put this in your calendar: Movie night Friday, January 16, 2026.
Look forward to a FREE movie (TBD), FREE popcorn, and a FREE awesome discussion.
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ATTENTION! There will be no Game Group on Thursday November 13. Our next group will be on December 11. Hope to see you then!
Thank you to all of the attendees and volunteers who made our mini-retreat so successful. Special thanks to our main speaker, Gina Dita-Donahue, and our breakout leaders, mary melia, Sydney Dunitz, Denise Konen, and Mary Ellen Heelan.
**SAVE THE DATE** The AUW Spring Retreat is April 17-19, 2026
This year's theme is "Belonging" and the keynote speaker is Rev. Karen Hutt.
Watch this space for upcoming details about the programing and breakout sessions.
| AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid. | | 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.
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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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