The Weekly Liberal: December 12, 2024 | |
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This past Sunday, I shared the story of a colleague and their family that has captivated me all year.
It was the beginning of December, much like it is right now - and one of my colleagues' kids experienced a health scare that had them in the hospital and back and forth to doctors appointments and invasive testing that was rough on both the kid and the parents and the sibling. Once the health scare had passed and thankfully turned out not to be the very challenging things the doctors had predicted, the 5 year old who had experienced all that testing said something to my friend that absolutely broke their heart. They said, “I don’t feel like I’m part of this family anymore.”
And then the kiddo said, and did, something amazing. That 5 year-old insisted that the whole family sit on the couch, and in fact physically directed them there. They placed their sibling on one parent’s lap and instructed the parent to hold them just so. Then they put themself on the other parent’s lap and instructed them to hold them just so. They told them all to be quiet and to look at the admittedly terrible Christmas tree they had put up in haste that week. And the child narrated what they saw, essentially guiding the whole family through a meditation about the tree, first the lights, then the ornaments and the memories associated with each one. The child was literally knitting themself back into the family, back into the web of life, back into the kind of connection and belonging that could move this experience they all had out of the category of ongoing trauma and into the category of healing from trauma. It turned out that what they did was healing for the whole family, too. They named this practice tree-gazing, and it turned into something they looked forward to each evening of advent—a spiritual practice of connection with something larger than themselves alone, a practice of connection with each other, with the tree, with the experience of paying attention, with connection that goes backward and forward in time with memory and anticipation.
Healing like this doesn’t always happen in our family of origin, and while that is absolutely disappointing and heartbreaking at times, it is also not the only way to heal. We heal when we know our place in the larger family of things. When we know who and what we belong to—what we are a part of.
Prentis Hemphill, the Black and non-binary therapist, somatics teacher and facilitator, political organizer, writer and the founder of The Embodiment Institute, wrote in their book, What it Takes to Heal:
“Healing always happens through relationship, whether it is a relationship with a therapist, a tree, or a grandmother.” (76)
As we approach the deepest dark of the winter, I invite you into your own practice of tree-gazing. I invite you to deepen your relationship with this congregation. Whether it’s for the Winter Solstice, the Christmas Pageant, Blue Holidays or Christmas Eve or all of the above—come in. Come in close in this time of cold and dark. Put yourself in the pews or join us online. Allow yourself the set apart time and space to pause, to reflect, to remember and to wonder. Allow yourself to be held by the music and poetry and stories. Invite someone you long to see to join you. Knit yourself and each other into the family of things with your presence and care.
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Winter Solstice Ritual
Friday, December 20 at 7 p.m.
In a time that races toward the light without pausing to honor the wisdom of the dark, the Winter Solstice calls us to linger, to sit with the questions that only the night can hold, and to trust the turning of the earth beneath us. This ceremony, created together as a community, weaves music, silence, and firelight. In the hush of the night, we share stories, light candles, and draw warmth from one another as we welcome the sun’s slow return.
All are welcome, but this contemplative ritual is best suited for youth ages 12 and older. Join us in the sanctuary or via YouTube Live.
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Christmas Pageant
Saturday, December 21 at 4 p.m.
The Christmas Pageant at First Universalist is not a performance to watch but a story to enter—a tale that invites us to see ourselves as seekers, wanderers, and wonderers. Led by our children and youth, this beloved tradition tells the nativity as we know it to be: a celebration of hope, hospitality, and the transformative power of love. Come for carols that lift the room, costumes that sparkle with joy, and the beauty of youth rising into leadership (stardom?). After the performance, join us in the Social Hall for hot cocoa and cookies—a chance to savor the season’s simple joys in community.
The pageant is designed for all ages, especially families with young children. The pageant will be presented in-person only.
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Blue Holidays
Sunday, December 22 at 7 p.m.
The world often tells us that the holidays must be merry, bright, and perfect. Here, we hold space for the fuller truth: that joy and sorrow often walk hand in hand. Blue Holidays offers a tender gathering for those carrying grief, longing, or quiet reflection during the season. Together, we create a sanctuary where all emotions are welcome. Through poetry, shared song, and a candle-lighting ritual, we invite the gentle warmth of community to meet us where we are.
All are welcome, but this contemplative ritual is best suited for youth ages 12 and older. Join us in the sanctuary or via YouTube Live.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight
Service
Tuesday, December 24 at 7 p.m.
On Christmas Eve, we gather to hear an ancient story and to look toward the possibilities it still holds for us. The nativity, with its quiet courage and radical hospitality, reminds us of the power of love born anew in the world. In the glow of candlelight, we listen to scripture and poetry, sing carols that echo through generations, and hold moments of stillness that feel like a gift in themselves. This service is not a performance but a quiet act of hope, a reminder that even in the chaos of the world, there is another way.
All are welcome, but this candlelight ritual is best suited for youth ages 12 and older. Join us in the sanctuary or via YouTube Live.
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Rev. Arif's Leave & Pastoral Care | |
Rev. Arif and the Board sent out an email over the weekend letting the congregation know that Rev. Arif is on leave. You can read the full message here.
Watch Jen's message about Arif's leave during last Sunday's service.
Next week we'll be sharing details about how we'll cover Arif's duties during his absence.
Pastoral Care
If you are experiencing a pastoral emergency and need immediate assistance, please call the church at (612) 825-1701 and follow the prompts for "pastoral care."
You can also email pastoralcare@firstuniv.org to be connected with support.
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CORRECTED: Holiday Schedules at Church | |
CORRECTION: We have a single service at 10 a.m. on December 29, not two services.
The Church office will be closed Monday, December 23 - January 1.
Staff will be on holiday vacation from 12/24-12/27, and 12/30-1/1.
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There are spots left to take the IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory). The IDI measures intercultural competency.
The assessment takes about 20 minutes to complete. Your results will be part of an aggregate group report to the congregation. Your individual results are confidential and shared only with the qualified administrator who you will be meeting with to debrief (optional).
If you’d like to learn more about the IDI, here’s an introduction video to the assessment. You can also visit www.idiinventory.com to learn more.
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Sunday, Dec. 15: Ritual Sunday - Fire Communion
Ritual Sundays at First Universalist engage all ages in spiritual practices that connect and inspire.
This month, we honor the bonds of mutual support that make our congregation thrive. Through shared symbols and sacred presence, we recommit to the practices of care that sustain our community.
Join us at 9 or 11 a.m. in person or via livestream at 11 a.m.
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Religious Education is in worship this Sunday.
Please join us with your children and youth in the Sanctuary for our interactive, Ritual Sunday worship at 9 or 11 a.m. This is a shorter worship than most Sundays.
We will offer staffed childcare for children ages 6 mos-PreK in room 104, and the Senior High Youth Group will meet for bagels at 10:30 a.m. and attend the 11 a.m. worship service together.
This Sunday, 8th grade OWL participants will also meet as usual at both 9 and 11 a.m.
All other children and youth are encouraged to worship together with their families in the Sanctuary at 9 or 11 a.m.; there are no additional Religious Education classes.
Please check the website and the Children, Youth, & Families calendar for more information.
If you have not yet registered your family for this year of Religious Education, please register your family today. All families — new and returning, with babies through high schoolers — must register each church year.
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After Worship
Coffee Hour in the Social Hall
Visit with old friends and meet new ones over coffee and cookies in our social hall.
A Place to Start
In person, immediately after worship
Facilitated by one of our members, A Place to Start is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. During this 45-minute class, participants will learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. The facilitator will be holding a green “Here is A Place to Start” sign at the front of the sanctuary after the worship services. We look forward to welcoming you!
Please note the church does not provide childcare during A Place to Start due to full Sunday morning Religious Education and volunteer schedules. Kids are welcome in A Place to Start after they’re picked up from RE. Options for kids during A Place to Start are the same as in worship: coloring sheets and pipe cleaners, and moving to a more kid-friendly space within the sanctuary. You’re also welcome to ask another trusted adult to watch your child(ren) during this time if you prefer.
If you can’t make it, or prefer to connect with a staff person one on one, please fill out the Visitor Connect Form so we can follow up with you. We do our best to respond to submissions within two business days. Thank you!
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NOTE: Sunday, December 22 is Wear Your Holiday PJs to Church Day - ALL AGES! | |
Last Sunday, Dec. 8: Presence & Care - Healing from Trauma | | |
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Video: Dr. Glen Thomas presents his profoundly moving version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." | |
From Last Sunday:
Full Worship Video
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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. | |
Ways to Connect at Church | |
Submit a Program Proposal for Winter/Spring | |
Do you have an idea for an event, workshop, circle, or other gathering for adults in the winter/spring of 2025? Our upcoming program cycle will run from February 2-May 18, 2025. Program submissions will be open through January 12. You can learn more about what those programs might look like on our website. Reach out to Rachel Rott with questions about adult programs at church: rachel@firstuniv.org. | |
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Qigong for Liberation
Thursdays, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 4:00-4:45 p.m.–no meeting on Thanksgiving or December 26.
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Improv for Elders
Wednesdays, Dec. 11, 18, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 (no gathering on Nov. 27, Dec. 25, or Jan. 1) 10:30 a.m. to noon
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Fall Grief group (online)
Sunday, Dec. 15, 4:00-5:30 pm
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Family Holiday Potluck
Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m.
RSVP Here
Half holiday dinner, half Friendsgiving, you are invited to bring a favorite holiday or potluck dish to share if you are able, or just bring yourself and your family. Last year this was a delightfully kid-friendly potluck with great community energy, and we are truly looking forward to repeating it this year.
There will be Christmas Pageant rehearsals on either side of the dinner, but your family does not need to be involved in the Pageant to join for dinner.
All parents, caregivers, children, youth, and chosen family are warmly welcome. Come, build community and share a meal with us.
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Daytime Connections: Author Kao Kalia Yang
Thursday, December 19, 9:45 a.m. coffee, 10-noon program, Noon lunch
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January Community Dinner
January 8, Dinner from 6-7 p.m., optional breakout groups from 7-8:15 p.m.
RSVP Here
Every second Wednesday of the month, swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. After dinner, from 7-8:15 p.m.
All are welcome and there is no charge. All church events are alcohol-free.
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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 Sara McMullen to RSVP: saramcminneapolis@gmail.com
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Winter/Spring Membership Class
2 sessions, both required: Sundays, March 16 & 23; Lunch 12:45 p.m., Class 1-3 p.m. in person at church
New Member ritual in worship April 6
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Save the Date: All Ages Church Prom!
Saturday, Jan. 18 from 5-8 p.m.
Tickets coming soon!
This fabulous event is planned by our Youth Leadership Team with support from our Stewardship Team and our Senior High Youth Group. Join us for a wonderful evening of dancing, community, and fun!
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For the most complete and up-to-date listing of Programs, Gatherings, & Events at Church, visit our church calendar, or view the Program Guide: | |
We’re excited to introduce David Harrison as the new coordinator for First U's ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Over the past year, David has been a dedicated volunteer on several build days, and we’re thrilled to have him take on this new role within our volunteer team. David, along with his wife Bee and their children, Zoe and Oliver, have been active members of our church since 2022 and live in South Minneapolis. In the coming weeks, David will be sharing the 2025 workday schedule for Habitat for Humanity, so stay tuned for more details! | |
Community & Affiliated Org Events | |
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Pink Haven Coalition Information and Organizing Session
Thursday, December 12 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm CT
As many of you know, our trans and gender-expansive beloveds are under attack and being criminalized in many US states right now. This is so serious that they fit the criteria to be designated as internally displaced people (IDPs) by the United Nations. The UUA and UUSC are partnering directly with frontline trans-led organizing to create networks of safety and direct support for beloveds who need to relocate, access healthcare across state lines, or stay as safe as possible where they are. Join MUUSJA to learn more about what is happening and how you can organize for trans liberation, safety, and joy on December 12. This event is free and virtual, and we encourage multiple people from each congregation or fellowship to attend.
You can share our Facebook Event or register directly here.
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12-Step Spirituality
Visit the website for details.
First Saturday of each month through May 3, 2025, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
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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Join our friends at the Spark and Stitch institute for their event "Raising Love & Grief" with Sharon Bridgforth.
Details: January 11, 2024 from 10 am – 12 p.m. at The Playwright Center in Minneapolis. Free childcare provided.
More information: Raising Love & Grief is intended for people who are currently parents who are also navigating the complex task of caretaking their own parents or grieving their loss.
The event will feature nationally celebrated queer, Black playwright and healer Sharon Bridgforth who will read from her soon-to-be-released book Before You Go: An Offering (Tripwire Harlot Press).
Sharon describes the book as “a collection of prayers, fragile memories, heartache, questions, and conjurings of physical release, offered in support of Shifting.” Participants at the event will listen to Sharon's poetic meditations on self-forgiveness, grief, and love, and be given prompts and practices to support them through the complexities of their unfolding caretaking journey.
Please register here.
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Association of Universalist Women
Visit the website • Join or renew membership • AUW Facebook Group
Hiking Group: 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.
December 14, 1pm Saturday Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield. Meet in the parking lot by the entrance. Flat paths with wood chips
December 21, 1pm Lakewood Cemetery. 3600 Hennepin Avenue South, Mpls. Meet by small round Chapel. Park on side of the driveway. Walk is on asphalt. Slight hills depending on the way we go. Mileage depends on the group.
Bonus: Wood Lake Nature Center offers a New Year's Eve event called Candlelight and Ice on the evening of December 31. Entrance is by ticket only. Admission is $8 per person. A limited number of tickets are available here. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance. If there is interest in meeting up as AUW members, coordinate through the new AUW Facebook Group.
Game Group
December 12, 7-9 p.m. at church
The following gathering will be January 9. Contact: Anne Frenchick
Women Who Read
Mon., Monday, January 27, 2025, 7 p.m.
Topic: An Invisible Thread: the True Story of An 11-year-old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and An Unlikely Meeting With Destiny by Laura Schroff.
RSVP for location: Abbie Finger
The Sandwich Project Potluck and Service Project
Saturday, January 25, 6 - 8 pm First U Social Hall
Bring a dish to share, something to tie back/cover your hair, and willing hands.
Monetary donations will be accepted to cover the cost of the sandwich items.
Questions: Contact event sponsors, Beth and Sandy at bumble9lol@gmail.com.
REGISTER NOW: May 2-4, 2025 - AUW Spring Retreat at Camp Courage
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