The Weekly Liberal: May 15, 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! | | Grab Your Spot for Saturday night! | |
Church is for everybody | Join us Saturday for a youth-led fundraiser! | |
I’ve always been a church kid. Growing up in East Tennessee, I spent a LOT of time at church. I sat with my family in the front pews at 8:30 a.m. every Sunday morning. I sang in the church choir. I was a counselor at our summer camp. I ate pizza and played games with our youth group. I read scripture and assisted in worship. I strummed my guitar in the worship band with my friends. I participated in rites of passage supported by family and adult mentors. And, like every kid, I sprinted downstairs for the donuts in the social hall after every service.
While the church I grew up in was different from ours in many ways, I witness our young people here at First Universalist having similarly positive, affirming experiences at church. We often say that at church, every person is “whole, holy, and worthy, welcome and wanted.” We mean that every time we dedicate a baby and every time we host a memorial service, and we mean it in all the moments in between.
One of those in-between moments, our Coming of Age Ceremony, happened just last night in our Sanctuary. Our amazing, thoughtful, creative 9th graders shared spiritual statements they have worked on all year reflecting their beliefs and faith commitments at this point in their lives. Then, we, as a congregation, blessed these youth as full members of our congregation and offered them gifts to demonstrate our affirmation and support. This ceremony is a holy glimpse into their journey and brilliance, and it is a joy to remind these young people that they are held in love and pride by our entire First Universalist community.
Coming of Age, like all of our programming for children, youth, and families, is only possible because of the financial support of people like you. Without full funding, the ministries that create formative memories for kids at church – memories like I have, and memories like our 9th graders made last night – are out of reach.
Luckily for you, this Saturday our youth are putting the “fun” in “fundraising” and YOU can be part of it! Join us in the Social Hall for our Trivia and Talent Show Fundraiser from 5-8 p.m., planned and led by our Youth Leadership Team and benefitting our Children, Youth, & Family Ministries. Get your tickets today to celebrate our programs for kids and youth in a delightful, casual, family-friendly environment, with amazing talents from people of all ages and high-stakes fundraising incentives! Will Rev. Laura get pied in the face? Will the youth dump a bucket of water on my head? Join us, chip in, and find out. Let’s keep church what it should be – for everybody.
We’ll see you Saturday,
Allison
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Saturday, May 17: Talent Show & Trivia Night! | Support our youth and our church programs: Get tickets for the Talent Show & Trivia Night on May 17! | | | | NOTE: Summer Schedule Begins this Sunday, May 18 | One service at 10 a.m. | |
May 18 – Annual Bridging Ritual
Share in a celebration of life’s meaningful moments this Sunday at First Universalist. As we proudly honor our high school graduates moving forward into new adventures, we also widen our embrace to acknowledge all the transitions our community members are navigating. Big or small, each change marks a meaningful point in our journey. We offer a space for everyone to share their experiences, reflect on personal growth, and cross a symbolic bridge in supportive community. Join us to celebrate these transitions together, reinforcing the ties that bind us one with another, loving the stories that make each one of us whole.
Join us at 10 a.m. in person or via livestream.
Sunday’s Order of Service (updated each week before worship)
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SUMMER: Religious Education is in worship this Sunday and 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.
Please check the website and the Children, Youth, & Families calendar for more information.
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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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
Immediately after worship services, meets at the front of the sanctuary
Are you new or new-ish to First Universalist and wondering where to begin? Here’s “A Place to Start!” Whether you're simply curious or are considering making this your spiritual home, in this casual, 45-minute class, you'll learn some of the basics of Unitarian Universalism, as well as how to get connected to what you’re seeking here at church. Meet at the front of the sanctuary immediately after the service on a first or third Sunday. No RSVP necessary. Facilitated by First U members.
| | May 11 – The only lasting truth is change. | | |
We are sending love and strength to Cassie Bonstrom and her whole family, especially her parents Kim Kammeier, Harlan Limpert, and Chris Keane as Cassie faces a new diagnosis of breast cancer.
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 | | Summer programs at church need YOU! | | |
Environmental Justice (EJ) Team Gathering | Explore Climate Conversation Takeaways
Sunday, May 18, 11:30 pizza; 11:45-1:30
Join the EJ Gathering at 11:30 in Room 209 for pizza and a time to explore climate conversation takeaways. Conversation facilitators will share their report of the big ideas and action steps that surfaced in our 45 conversations with First U congregants and friends. Help the EJ team determine next steps to help realize our church’s visionary goal: Foster our connection with, care for, and action on behalf of Earth’s environment and all of life.
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Newcomers Circle
Sundays, June 1, 15, 22, 29, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at church (Room 201), includes lunch
RSVP HERE
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. The first session is required to establish group trust and cohesion. Plan to attend at least three of the four sessions. Please register only when it works for your schedule. This Circle is offered each fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Facilitated by Ginny Belden-Charles and Dylan Bijnagte
| | Coming up in the next few weeks | | |
EJ Team
Seeding Change: The Power of Conscious Commerce
May 16 at church
First U EJ Team gathering
Sunday, May 18 at church
DETAILS
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Deepening Ties Among Young Adults
Sunday, May 18; 12:30-2 p.m. at church
(Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s)
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Newcomers Circle
Sundays, June 1, 15, 22, 29, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at church
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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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Trans, Non-binary and Gender Expansive Community and Support Group
Will meet once/month based on participant availability. Contact Kaden Colton for information.
| | For details and the most complete and up-to-date listing of Programs, Gatherings, & Events at Church, visit our church calendar, or view the Program Guide: | |
Building Hope from the Capitol: My Day at Habitat on the Hill | |
David Harrison recaps a powerful day at the Capitol-and offers an easy way to take action for fair and affordable housing. Photos included!
Last week, I joined fellow advocates from across the state for Habitat on the Hill, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s annual day of advocacy at the Minnesota State Capitol. It was a powerful experience—one rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to meet directly with both my Senate and House representatives to speak about the importance of affordable homeownership in Minnesota. I shared my belief, shaped by our Unitarian Universalist values and our church’s commitment to justice and equity, that housing is more than a need—it’s a foundation for opportunity, dignity, and thriving communities.
In these meetings, my neighbors and I urged lawmakers to prioritize legislation that addresses Minnesota’s severe racial homeownership gap and the ongoing housing crisis. Specifically, I advocated for...
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Ways you can support a trans refuge family
First Universalist is so happy to welcome Zion (she/her) and Jera (it/she/any) who recently moved to Minnesota through Pink Haven. In addition to adjusting to a new city, Jera and Zion will be welcoming a new baby the day after they move into their new apartment! And you are invited to celebrate with and support them!
Because of the timing and circumstances of their move, Zion and Jera are in need of a number of items for their new baby and would be very grateful for new or gently used items we’ve put onto a registry for them. Please note that the items listed on the registry are examples. Gently used items and any store or brand items are welcome. They also welcome children’s books your family has loved, especially any featuring LGBTQ and mixed race families. If you would like to contribute a gift, please reach out to Sara Olson or Sara McMullen.
AND:
We are writing with an urgent and emergent opportunity to support some of our newest community members who are joining us as a part of the Trans Refuge community, moving to the Twin Cities to find a safe place to call home. A small group of us have been working to gather household furniture and supplies for a couple who are expecting a baby any day now, and we are so excited to say that through generous donations, we have already been able to acquire half of the items requested by the family. Now, we are honored to have the opportunity to invite you into this opportunity to share gifts you or those you know may have available. Below is a list of items we are looking for in the seven days. We need them to be gently used or new, and we can make arrangements for them to either be picked up as soon as it can be arranged, or, if you can hold them for a few days, we will follow up about when a drop off would work at an arranged location. If you have any questions or have one (or more) of the items listed, please email church member Christina Nicholson at cmnicholson43@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your generosity and support!
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Annual Congregational Meeting
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, June 8, beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Our annual meeting will take place shortly after the single 10 a.m. service ends, on June 8. All members are strongly encouraged to attend, and all are welcome. The meeting will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us!
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Bring Your Flower Bounty to Worship This Summer
If you are getting ready to plant a garden of flowers, the Visual Arts Committee would like you to consider sharing it with the congregation at Sunday services this summer. There is one service each Sunday during the summer. You would pick flowers from your garden and put together an arrangement. We would supply the vase at church. After the service, it's yours!. No experience needed and it could be a great family project. If you would like to try it out, please contact Marjie Smith at marjiesmith1@gmail.com.
Dates available: June 15, 22 and 29; July 13, 20 and 27; August 17, 24 and 31 (Lake Harriet worship would not require flowers–date TBD)
| | | Community & Affiliated Org Events | | |
5th Annual RISE & REMEMBER Festival at George Floyd Square
May 23, 24, 25, 2025
Sign up to support the event
Our annual event, Rise & Remember Festival, exists to hold in remembrance George Floyd and those we have lost unjustly to the pervasive impacts of systemic racism. Activities focus on education, empowerment, healing, celebration, and our collective pursuit for racial justice and equity. Through Rise & Remember Festival, we will host a candlelight vigil, a Night of Honor, and the street festival that continues to highlight the role of community-rooted healing and art as activism. Our vision is that this experience inspires people to rise to the occasion to come together in community and build racial justice and equity.
Please come volunteer at this meaningful community gathering of healing, honesty, resilience, and joy! There are a variety of opportunities and time commitments. Contact Denise Konen, dkonen10@gmail.com with questions, who is volunteering on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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From Fork to Forest
Webinar (Zoom) hosted by MUUSJA
A 45-minute presentation, followed by Q&A
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Register here
Our current system of animal agriculture generates as much greenhouse gas as the entire transportation sector, but few people are talking about it. Even if we stopped using fossil fuels today, emissions from our food system would still cause the Earth to exceed targets.
This lively presentation will discuss our food system's underappreciated climate and environmental impact. You’ll learn actions you can take at your very next meal to start changing things for the better.
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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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Association of Universalist Women
AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.
AUW Annual Meeting
Saturday, May 31, 10:15 am - 1:30 pm, First Universalist Church
RSVP Here
Non-members are welcome and are invited to donate $10 at check-in.
AUW ERA Minnesota Matching Donation Campaign
The AUW board, in considering the long history of AUW and its ongoing commitment to the rights of women and girls, to UU principles and the current threat to those rights and principles has decided to invest some of our financial reserves in a matching grant in support of ERA MN. AUW will invest up to $2000 of its reserve funds to match donations made between April 30 and June 15 by our members and friends through our website here.
Games Group
Meet at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. The next Games Group meeting is June 12. Please let Anne know if you plan to attend.
Women Who Read
We read books written by women. RSVP to Abbie Finger. On Monday, May 19 the book selection will be The Women by Kristin Hannah. The in-person potluck will begin at 6 pm, followed by discussion at 7. June 23 will be in-person only as we decide the books for next year.
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; click here to join by Zoom.
| | 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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