The Weekly Liberal: May 28, 2026 | | 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! | |
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Dear First Universalist Church,
Over the past four weeks, our youth have led us in several powerful worship services. From Youth Sunday to the Coming of Age Ceremony and Coming of Age Sunday, our young people have thoroughly blessed us with their brilliance and wisdom.
I am delighted to tell you that this Sunday is another opportunity—and the last for a while!—to celebrate our youth through our annual Bridging Worship Service. Bridging is a long-time ritual in Unitarian Universalism. In it we mark the moment that our young folks cross the metaphorical “bridge” from being youth in our congregation to take their place as adults in our faith tradition.
This year, 13 youth are participating in Bridging in one way or another. Whether these young folks were dedicated here as babies or joined the youth group just a few years ago, they have all been taught, mentored, and advised by you and your kindred congregants. They know the songs and praying words and covenants that are most core to our community, sometimes more fluently than our adults. They have successfully learned to strike matches—even the tricky fold-over matchbook kind—for the countless chalices they have lit in this place. They have played sardines in the dark Sanctuary and slept on the floor of the Cummins Room and eaten their weight in graham crackers and popcorn. And they have become themselves—their magical, complicated, sacred selves—in this place, with all of us as their witnesses.
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Religious Education is on break for the summer.
Childcare is offered for infants-PreK on Sunday mornings.
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Saturday Sprouts for Families
Saturday, May 30, 10-noon at church
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.
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Register for First Universalist Summer Camp 2026! | Registration is live for First U Summer Camp! Learn more about camp and register now: | | | | |
Have questions...
...about our programs for children, youth, and families?
Allison Connelly-Vetter, our Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, can be reached at allison@firstuniv.org.
Learn more about resources and connection points for Families at First U:
| | These are highlights. | Please look in Community News and Needs in this newsletter for lots more. | | |
A Message of Gratitude
My Dear Community,
As my daughter, Violet Forrester, celebrates her first year on Earth, I’m reflecting on the year this little family has had, how we got here, and the people who made this possible.
A little over a year ago, Zion and I were facing hardships no one should have to go through. We were in a situation where one missed paycheck meant homelessness or starvation. Our “support system” created more stress and strife than they alleviated. And, the cherry on top, our state and city was becoming increasingly more terrifying to live in as transgender individuals. All of that with a baby on the way was terrifying in and of itself, and then, when Zion’s hours were cut and the reality of homelessness with a child set in, panic was the only option. I found myself digging and looking for any resource I could possibly find to get us out of this terrible situation. When a friend of a friend told me about the work they did helping transgender individuals seek asylum in safer states, I leapt at the opportunity. I was acquainted with Jen Crow and several other individuals who set to work helping us.
Since that decision was made by this community, my family has flourished in ways I never imagined possible. We have a home now, and the biggest, most loving community. We have people in our lives that I consider cherished, beloved family. I see a path forward in life, something I don’t think I would’ve believed if I had been told a year ago. And, most importantly, my daughter is happy, loved, and will grow up in a community that cheers her on rather than treating her or her parents as anything less than human.
Because of you, we can live life to the absolute fullest.
From the bottom of my heart, I can’t tell you enough just how grateful I am.
Thank you.
- Jera Forrester (it/its)
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Info Session: Support Trans Refugees
May 31, noon in Room 209 | Drop-in, no RSVP needed
All across the country, trans people are facing various forms of state violence and anti-trans oppression. Many are fleeing legislatively hostile states, but relocating is a difficult process and often requires community support. First Universalist's Sanctuary and Resistance Team is seeking new accompaniment volunteers to be in relationship with our next TRANSplant(s).
In this info session, we'll share about how you can welcome trans/nonbinary folks who are choosing Minnesota as their safe haven. The two main paths we will be exploring are our Host Home Program and our Accompaniment Team Program.
Hosts provide a room in a shared living space, a private area, or an empty property. Accompaniment volunteers provide emotional, social, and practical support by being in relationship with trans/nonbinary folks who have relocated to MN, potentially helping with things such as job searches, local travel, or navigating a new city.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, June 14:
- Flower Communion (bring a flower if you wish!)
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Nico’s last day as our ministerial intern
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Annual Congregational Meeting, following worship | agenda and member pre-registration to come
| | Sunday, May 31 | One service at 10 a.m. | |
NOTE: ONE Worship Service
10 a.m. in person and livestreaming
| | This Sunday we celebrate our oldest youth in Bridging, the Unitarian Universalist ritual that marks our youth’s transition into adulthood. Join us to honor them as they take their place among us as adults in our faith tradition, and to consider the places we are all always taking in the circle of things. | | Religious Education is on break for the summer. Childcare is offered for infants-PreK. | | You can watch past worship services and view other First U video content: | | |
Doug Hannan died last week. Doug had Cholangiocarcinoma (a rare liver cancer) and outlived his prognosis of three years by seeking and using every treatment possible. We hold his wife, Tiffani, and sons Seamus and Redmond in our hearts.
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).
| | Caring Corner | Holding it Together | | |
We “Hold This Together” by Caring for Each Other During Life’s Marker Events
Provide Food and Other Basic Needs
We have community members in need of support during major life events. For meal requests: Please read the instructions carefully so that you can provide the type of meal that will bring the families the most comfort—gift cards are an option, in addition to preparing or purchasing food.
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Receive or Offer Support
Do you need support during a challenging time? We are here for one another. Are you able to offer support? On occasion, we receive requests from congregants for distinct needs. If you would like support, or if you can offer support, email or text Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org or 612-405-5583.
| | Ways to Connect at Church | | |
Sign-Up Sunday
June 7, following worship, in the Social Hall
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All members, friends, and guests are invited to the Social Hall following worship on June 7 to chat with small group leaders about what’s happening this summer. You’ll have the opportunity to be first to sign up for groups and gatherings! The Summer Program Guide will be available the following week in the newsletter and on the website.
Would you like table space? Groups who submitted Summer Program ideas to staff are already included on the list for tabling during Sign-Up Sunday. If you have a group or committee that does not need space at church this summer, but you’d like to have table space at Sign-Up Sunday, please reach out to Rachel by Thursday, June 4, with the name of your group or committee (rachel@firstuniv.org).
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Labyrinth on the Full Moon
May 31, Full moon in Sagittarius, 5-7 p.m. in the Social Hall
No RSVP Necessary | Join the Labyrinth Interest List
First U has a long history of labyrinth walking, please join us for this relaxing and contemplative open walk each month. You don't need to come every time, and you don't need any experience. Bring a friend!
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Beyond the Gender Binary
Saturday, June 6, 10-11 am, at church
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Saturday Sprouts for Families
Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. to noon
No RSVP necessary
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Candlelit Labyrinth Walk on the Full Moon
Sunday, May 31, 5-7 p.m. in the Social Hall
No RSVP Necessary | Join the Labyrinth Interest List
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Weekly meditation group on zoom
Tuesdays 9:00-10:15 am, gather at 8:50.
Contact Martha Easter-Wells ewellsm@gmail.com to join and for the zoom link.
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BIPOC Group
Fill out the interest form or email Nico (nico@firstuniv.org) for meeting details; in person and online available.
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Trans, Non-binary and Gender Expansive Community and Support Group
Will meet once/month based on participant availability. Contact Kaden at kaden.e.colton@gmail.com to express interest and for more information.
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Qigong for Liberation
Tuesdays, ongoing, 4:30-5:15pm (zoom and in person)
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Resistance Reflection Circle
Friday mornings, 9-10 a.m. on Zoom | RSVP Here
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JOB LISTING: First U Seeks Childcare Provider
POSITION OVERVIEW:
- Provides supervision and care for babies, toddlers and preschoolers while their parents and caregivers attend worship services and church activities on-site
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Works Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. with potential for additional hours on Wednesday evenings if desired
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Staff member wins essay contest | |
Read Allison Connelly-Vetter's winning essay, "Mothering Another World:"
It is January 2, 2026, and predictably dark, cold, and wet here in Minneapolis. I am riding in the backseat of our Toyota Corolla, which my wife is driving. In the car seat beside me is our newborn baby, Frances, all of six pounds and ten days old. [...]
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Concert Series at First U | A four-part benefit concert series is coming to First U this summer. The first program is Friday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets! | | | |
Volunteer with MUUSJA at TC Pride 2026 | |
June 27-28
MUUSJA will be in booth #92 in the Blue zone. Our presence at TC Pride takes a lot of volunteers. Sign up for a shift (or two!) on either day of the festival and help us share blessings and celebrate joyful abundance and love!
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Volunteer: Sunday Morning Childcare
We need YOU to keep our Sunday morning childcare running this Summer! We are committed to providing childcare for our youngest children (ages 6 months - PreK) in the nursery during worship every Sunday so that their parents can worship and connect with other adults. With recent childcare staff transitions and volunteers taking a well-deserved break, we need help to keep this option open for the summer. If you can spend time with these youngsters for even a few Sundays between now and September, please email Hirut at hirut@firstuniv.org. Thank you for making church possible!
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Seeking Delegates for General Assembly! | The Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly, or "GA" as it is known, is an annual gathering of delegates from member UU congregations for several days of conducting UUA business, worship, inspiring speakers, and networking with fellow UUs from around the country. It's a great way to get more connected to the larger UU movement, and [...] | | | |
Institute on Theology and Disability 2026 | |
June 15 at 9:00 AM to June 17 at 5:30 PM CDT in St. Paul
First Universalist Church is a co-sponsor; we encourage you to register!
Join us in St. Paul, Minnesota, for three days of deep learning, community-building, and practice-based sharing.
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Looking for a lay-led team for the Lake Harriet Picnic
We are holding our annual Lake Harriet worship service on Labor Day weekend. In the spirit of shared ministry, we are looking for a team to plan and host the picnic part of the morning. The picnic takes place immediately after the service (up the hill where there’s picnic tables and a grassy area). Congregants bring dishes to share.
The staff can talk the team through logistics, but we were we are looking for this to be a lay-led community gathering. If you are interested in leading or being a part of the team contact Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org. If a team does not come together, we will forgo any formal picnic and folks can gather up the hill if they’d like or just come for the service.
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Totally Fabulous, All-Generations Queer Prom: Disco Inferno | |
Saturday, May 30, 2026 at SpringHouse Ministry Center, Minneapolis, MN.
Find event and ticket information:
| | | | 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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AUW Annual Meeting and Celebration
Saturday, May 30 in the First U Social Hall
9:00 – 9:30 Social with light food
9:30 – 11:30 Meeting
A special AUW member mailing containing the annual meeting material will arrive the week of May 3. Please familiarize yourself with the contents before the meeting.
Also, we will be inducting to Wise Women those AUW members who have reached 80 years or more and who are not yet on our list. Please let us know who these women are at auwfirstuniv@gmail.com so we can celebrate this milestone.
You will find much more information at auwfirstuniv.org.
Please register here for the meeting:
| 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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