The Weekly Liberal: August 7, 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! | |
Prophethood of All Believers | |
As Unitarian Universalists, we believe in both the priesthood and the prophethood of all people. That is to say that no one person - no priest - has the only access to what is holy and its interpretation, no one person has all the truth. Each of us holds a piece of the truth, each of us has access to the spirit, to love, to the experience of the holy as we name it in our lives.
In 1947, James Luther Adams, Unitarian minister and theologian, wrote the phrase, the prophethood of all believers, and with it he invited us to shift the responsibility for prophecy from the few to the many. Prophecy - to name and call out the truth, even and especially when it is unpopular and inconvenient and uncomfortable and risky to those who speak it and dangerous to the powers that be. Adams believed that prophecy could lead to a change in consciousness, which would in turn lead to a change in mind and heart, which would lead to a change in action and a change in society.
Another way to say it is that experiences of unconditional, transformative love - love that stops us in our tracks and demands that we see and hear and know each other in our differences and our different experiences - changes not just our hearts and minds - but our actions and the structures that guide us. Beloved Community - community free of poverty and racism and violence - arises out of the practice of this kind of love - love that as Dr. Mark Hicks says - will not let us go, will not let us down, and will not let us off the hook.
In a prophethood of all believers, we get close enough to each other and the tender places in our own hearts and the world that love can stop us in our tracks and ultimately, reorient our actions and our lives. This is, in fact, the work of a spiritual life, a way of being to practice for all of our lives - as we let love orient and re-orient our attention and our actions.
The heart of our prophetic voice has always centered on this generations-old Universalist value: Each and every person in all of our kaleidoscopic differences are whole and holy and worthy exactly as we are, all with room to grow. This foundational belief offers a different ground of being - a different way of thinking and acting and shaping our lives and our society - that can get us a whole lot closer to a reality aligned with our vision, where all people and beings can thrive. As Unitarian Universalists, prophecy is all of our responsibilities - and in prophecy, and in our faith, love is an action word.
Where are you using your prophetic voice these days?
Do you hear the generations in your own voice when you tell your trans grandchild that you love them exactly as they are?
When you call and write your legislator, telling them that Palestinians are people who deserve safety and human rights, and demand an end to genocide?
When you add your voice and your resources to care for your neighbors and those you’ve never met yet?
In this priesthood and prophethood of all believers, we are all on the hook for love.
In gratitude,
Rev. Jen
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Worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell
Sunday, August 31 at 10 a.m.
The First U Building will be closed
Mark your calendars - more details to come!
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Dedicate a Flower Arrangement
“I Love You, Thank You, I/we Honor You, Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary,” and more can all be said with a simple bouquet. If you would like to celebrate or mark one of life's many passages with flowers, contact Marjie Smith: marjiesmith1@gmail.com.
A Visual Arts Team member would be happy to create a bouquet to be displayed in the sanctuary during an upcoming Sunday Service. You may take the flowers/bouquet home after the service. It's a fairly painless process so give it a try!
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Submit a program proposal for this fall at church! | Have an idea for a small group or gathering at church? Let us know! | | | | | |
Welcome, Seth!
First Universalist is delighted to welcome Seth Anderson-Matz (he/him) back to our staff! Seth will be with us in a part-time, term-limited role as our Intergenerational Justice, Service, and Leadership Coordinator through the end of May 2026.
Seth brings a wealth of experience in ministry and with kids and youth, including in our own congregation. He is coming on board in a new role with a focus on increasing opportunities for our young folks to participate fully in the life of our congregation. He will be supporting adults who share ministry with youth, and spending time with our kids and youth directly leading service and justice projects.
All members of the hiring team, comprised of staff and lay leaders, made the enthusiastic and unanimous decision to hire Seth.
Please reach out to Seth at seth@firstuniv.org to share a word of welcome, and introduce yourself when you see him around. Thanks for joining the team, Seth!
A Note from Seth:
Beloved First Universalist Community!
I am thrilled to be returning to the First Universalist staff (after another meaningful chapter in the past!) as the Intergenerational Justice, Service, and Leadership Coordinator for the 2025-26 church year!
Since we were last connected, I’ve attended and graduated from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities with an M.A. in Religion and Theology, and I completed an 18-month interim leadership role with First Presbyterian Church of Mankato. I'm now building a community ministry portfolio that includes preaching, liturgical arts, facilitation, and community organizing work with a special focus on queer & trans liberation.
There’s no shortage of work to be done in this world, and it takes every single one of us. I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together this year—across, between, and throughout the many generations who belong to this beloved community.
In gratitude,
Seth Anderson-Matz
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August 10 | Let Grief Stop You
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Last week the invitation was to let love stop you. We grieve because we love. Grief comes whenever there is a loss whether that is the loss of a family member or friend, a dream, a job/role, pet, democracy, or a sense of safety or belonging. Here we welcome each other’s joys and sorrows. Ideally, this is a place where we don’t have to answer “fine” when someone asks how we are doing. Ideally, this is a place where we can be in the beauty and the heartbreak of grief tog
ether.
This Sunday’s service will be followed by small groups facilitated by ministers affiliated with First Universalist and seasoned lay small group leaders. The groups will focus on the following areas:
- The death of a loved one (family member/friend)
- Political grief (including environmental grief)
- Loss of any kind (loss of a job, dream, role, health challenges)
- The death or decline of a pet
We are working with space limitations so it would be helpful to know if you want to attend. We are also offering a group online for any type of grief. Please send an email or text to Rev. Laura letting her know which group you would like to be a part of by the end of the day this Saturday if possible. laura@firstuniv.org or 612-405-5583
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SUMMER: Religious Education is in worship through September 7. All ages and voices are welcome in the Sanctuary! Childcare will be available for ages 6 months through PreK in Room 104.
Registration is open for the upcoming 2025-2026 church year, which will begin in September. All families — new and returning, with babies through high schoolers — must register each church year.
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Young Adults Brunch at Gigi’s Cafe
After Worship This Sunday, August 10
Meet on the front steps about 15 minutes after the service ends to walk together to nearby Gigi’s Cafe for lunch and community.
| | WATCH: Rev. Jen invites you to ask yourself, How does love stop you in your tracks? | | You can see past worship services and other video content: | | |
We celebrate with Noa Kim and Gwen Neumeister, who were married on Saturday, August 2nd here at church.
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).
| | Ways to Connect at Church | | |
Fall Program Submissions are open through August 24!
Submit an idea for a group or gathering at church:
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Featured Summer Programs
Coming up soon:
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Join a Potluck on August 16 | Please review the potluck locations, times, and details and sign up to attend. Thanks for being part of our community! | | | | Coming up in the next few weeks | |
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Caregivers Support Group
Second Sundays: August 10, Sept 14; 1:00 - 2:30 pm on zoom Facilitated by Rev. Laura Smidzik.
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Trans & Gender Expansive Support Group
Saturdays: August 24, September 28, 12-1:30 at church
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Crafting Group
Sundays: September 7, 21, 12-2 p.m. at church
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Summer Grief Group
Aug. 3 & 17, Sept. 7; 4:00-5:30 p.m. on zoom
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Summer Instrumental Music
Thursday evenings, beginning June 12, no meeting August 7, 14, or 21; 7-8:30 p.m. in the Cummins Room
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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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Improv for Elders
Wednesdays, ongoing, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at church
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Qigong for Liberation
Thursdays; 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. at church
Facilitated by Denise Konen.
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Group Spiritual Support: Fatigue and The Long Haul
Thursday, August 28, 2025 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT
Virtual/Online
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Training: Responding to the Anti-Trans Movement
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 • 6:00-8:00 PM CT
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 • 6:00-8:00 PM CT
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 • 6:00-8:00 PM CT
Virtual/Online
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Amsterdam presents... Emmy Woods + Flamy Grant | 6:00PM Doors ✖ Hall ✖ $20.00 ADV / $25.00 DOS ✖ All Ages Award-winning, Billboard-charting songwriter Flamy Grant does it like no one else... in drag. Join the shame-slaying, hip-swaying... | | | |
Becoming Dementia Friendly Congregation | |
This past Sunday we had our second Dementia Friends training led by First Universalist congregant, Maren Levad. Maren works with Trellis which is an organization that helps people optimize well-being as we age. I learn something new every time I attend a Dementia Friends program and we will continue to offer the program a few times a year going forward so any of you who are interested can attend.
What I love most about church life is that it includes people across the spectrum of ages. We welcome the sounds of children in the sanctuary and also welcome those beloveds who have moved into varying stages of dementia. Part of this support has been congregants who have volunteered to joyfully accompany congregants who need to have companionship when they are in the building so that they stay safe and connected through worship and fellowship time.
If you are willing to be on a list of people who accompany congregants, please let me know. We are looking for no more than one Sunday a month commitment during the summer service and 11 o’clock service starting in September. I will be supporting volunteers throughout the year. Please email me at laura@firstuniv.org or send a text to 612-405-5583 if you are interested.
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Call for cardboard!
Our First Universalist Summer Campers will be building with cardboard during our camp from August 18-22. If you have cardboard boxes you could donate to camp, please reach out to Program Specialist Hirut Hedge at hirut@firstuniv.org to coordinate drop-off.
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One Million Rising Resistance Gatherings
Ready to stand up for democracy? First Universalist congregants are hosting gatherings to learn noncooperation techniques to resist attempts to undermine democracy. This is part of One Million Rising from Indivisible, the group behind the No Kings rally. Each of the three small-group gatherings will cover the same material, so choose the one that works best for you.
Two gatherings:
Saturday, Aug. 9, 2 PM
Hosted by: Dave Leppik (david@leppik.net)
Where: St. Louis Park
RSVP Here
RESCHEDULED Friday, Aug 15, 10:0am Potluck Brunch
Hosted by: Karen Wills (IndivisibleSouthMetroMN@gmail.com)
Where: Bloomington
RSVP Here
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August 1-22: No in-person gatherings at church, except worship
If you have a group, gathering, or meeting scheduled at church between August 1 – 22, we ask you to reschedule, gather virtually, or meet off-site instead. We have multiple summer camp programs taking place during that time, and our space will be filled with children and youth, and all sorts of summer camp equipment. Thank you so much for helping to make space for these wonderful and affirming programs at church.
| | Community & Affiliated Org Events | | |
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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Association of Universalist Women
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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