The Weekly Liberal: October 30, 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! | |
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Porch lights blink; the air slims as thin as the veil. Thanksgiving peeks from the horizon, and the gentle persisting call returns to find a way to feed one another. “Come by around six?” In this season, take the invitation by its oldest meaning: I need you alive; I want to help to make it so.
The table stands at the center of that promise. A table speaks in warm specifics—chairs pulled close, time made spacious, bread broken so a story can land without rushing. It becomes workshop, classroom, chapel. At this table we tell the truth: paychecks wobble, benefits shrink, grocery math bites. We also tell another truth: we belong to a wider lineage. Dakota and Ojibwe homelands hold our water and soil; the harvest on our plates carries history and cost.
Repair admits what life does. Promises fray. Systems seize. Hearts split under pressure. Repair answers with skill—quiet, steady work that closes a seam so dignity can hold. The scale looks small; the culture changes because of it...
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Weekly News for Families Integrates into The Liberal
To streamline staff time and to more fully integrate parents/caregivers and our broader congregation, beginning this week, First U will only send one weekly newsletter, The Weekly Liberal. The Liberal will feature a prominent section with information especially pertinent to families. We invite and encourage ALL congregants to read the Weekly News for Families section each week.
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Weekly News for Families | October 30, 2025 |
- Message from the Children, Youth, and Family Advisory Committee
- Worship and RE at 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday
- All-Ages Calendar and Upcoming Events
- Engaging Gen Z in Faith and Meaning Workshop Nov. 9
- Community Dinner: Wednesday, Nov. 12
- Register Your Youth for Upper Midwest Youth Con
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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. | | | |
Smorgasboard: A Message from the Board of Trustees | |
I am frequently asked about how decisions get made at First Universalist. In the previous column I talked about how authority is exercised here, whereby the Board retains authority for strategic decisions, and delegates authority and responsibility for the vast majority of operational and programmatic decisions to the senior minister, who is then accountable for the results of those decisions. One of our goals for the year is to create greater clarity about the decision-making process.
We have agreed to follow a model with the acronym DRIVE. For key decisions, we aim to be specific about the following elements:
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Sanctuary & Resistance Program Receives Grant
We're thrilled to share that the Foundation of First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis has awarded the sanctuary and resistance program at First Universalist a grant of $2,000! Their board sends us congratulations and gratitude for the important work happening at First Universalist, and our congregations continue to look for opportunities to collaborate and amplify our Unitarian Universalist commitment to justice.
| | Sunday, November 2 | Carrying The House | Two services: In person at 9 & 11 a.m. Join the livestream at 11 a.m. | We start where it hurts: the altar beside the work computer, every god and ancestor crowding the edge of the desk. From that honest ground, we take up bayanihan—hands trading the weight so the house keeps traveling. The first question leads the rest: Where are your people. Belonging sets the pace for repair, justice, and gratitude as daily muscle. Prayer begins with I don’t know what to do and finishes when something shifts—breath, call, step, repair. When strength thins, the circle carries the practice by proxy until it returns. We hold one another like precious cargo, eyes on the weather, the umbrella swinging open in time. Come breathe with us, be carried, and carry—one house moving, many shoulders steady. | | Information for Children, Youth & Families on Sunday mornings has moved! Click on the Show Me More button in the Weekly News for Families section above. | | You can watch past worship services and view other First U video content: | | 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). | | |
We “Hold This Together” by Cooking Meals and Helping Each Other During Life’s Marker Events
Cook a Meal
We have several congregants in need of support during life events. Below are links to requests, 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:
Doug Hicks and Susan Shonfeld
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 | | |
Community Dinner
Wednesday, Nov. 12; Dinner 6-6:45; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m.
RSVP REQUESTED
Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. After dinner, choose a drop-in breakout group to connect with others and learn about opportunities to get involved at church this season. All are welcome and there is no charge. Childcare will be available for younger kids (ages 6 months-Grade 3), and breakout groups will be available for older kids, teens, and adults. Menu available on our website, a week in advance. We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free.
NOVEMBER BREAKOUT GROUPS:
High School Youth Group (grades 9-12)
Middle School Group (grades 6-8)
Childcare (6 mos-5th grade)
Parenting As A Spiritual Practice
Service As Spiritual Practice
Free of Gender Binary
Low-Contact/No Contact: A Group for Adults Choosing Estrangement
Habitat for Humanity
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Labyrinth on the Full Moon
Beaver Moon, November 5, 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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Moving Towards Zero Waste
Wednesday, November 5, 7-8pm RSVP Here
Learn steps your household can take towards creating zero waste. We’ll cover the classic 3Rs - reduce, reuse, recycle – plus repair. Also, discover ways to compost, whether you live in an apartment, condo or house. Facilitated by Kira Berglund.
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Join Us for Our Upcoming Habitat for Humanity Builds at The Heights
Saturday, November 8, 8:30am to 3:30pm RSVP Here with Habitat
Location: 1461 McKnight Rd N, Maplewood, MN
Read more about Fall builds with Habitat and First U
Our First Universalist team is gearing up for two upcoming build days at The Heights development in St. Paul—Saturday, November 8 and Saturday, December 13. These are wonderful opportunities to put our covenant into action to help create affordable homes in our community. There's a job for every skill level, and every contribution, big & small, makes a difference.
Both build days have open volunteer spots, and we’d love to have you join us! No experience is necessary—Habitat staff provide all the tools, training, and support needed for a rewarding and fun day of service. Space is limited, so please sign up soon to reserve your spot. Together, we’re not just building houses—we’re building hope and community.
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A Springtide Workshop: Engaging Gen Z in Faith & Meaning
Sunday, Nov. 9, 1-3 p.m. in-person in the Cummins Room | RSVP HERE
Join faith leaders who work with Generation Z in faith-based contexts for a dynamic and thoughtful gathering. Using engaging multimedia resources from Springtide Research Institute, we’ll explore the spiritual and religious lives of Gen Z and discuss practical ways to support their journeys of faith and meaning making.
All are encouraged to join: Congregants and community members, neighbors, Team and committee leaders, Board members, worship associates, Children, Youth, & Families volunteers, staff, parents, grandparents, siblings, youth, and generally interested parties from all generations—including Gen Z.
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Membership at First U
We ask that congregants who are interested in becoming members take the Membership Class. In two sessions, participants have an opportunity to get clear on what they personally are committing to as church members and what a mutual, reciprocal church community commits to them in return. In community, participants explore the practical and spiritual sides of what relevant, sustainable church membership means to them. Even if you’re a lifelong UU interested in membership, we ask that you take the membership class at First Universalist as it helps orient folks to this congregation and helps build community.
We are offering three different membership class times this fall:
Thursday, Oct 30 and Thursday, Nov 13, 6:00-8:00 pm - CLOSED
Tuesday, Nov 11 and Tuesday, Nov 18, 6:00-8:00 pm
Saturday, Dec 13, 9:00am-1:30 pm (potluck)
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Circle Suppers
Saturday, Dec. 6 varied times and locations RSVP to Host before Nov. 7
Circle Suppers are casual, potluck dinners held in people’s homes and apartments. We welcome all in the First Universalist community and encourage invitations to newcomers and guests. It’s a great way to get to know each other better in a relaxed setting, and make new connections and deepen old friendships over great food, drink, and conversation. Sign ups for meals will be available in The Liberal starting Nov. 16.
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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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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 | | |
Single and Solo Parents Group
Tuesdays, Nov. 11, Nov. 25, and Dec. 9, 7-8 p.m. via Zoom
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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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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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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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AFA Thanks First U
Thank you First Universalist for all of the wonderful sweatshirts, jackets, and sweaters! They are flying off the racks! Thank you for supporting us!
Love,
AFA
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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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In search of: Clothes Dresser
The church is seeking a clothes dresser. Do you have one in good condition that you could donate? Please contact Dallas Rising to make arrangements: dallasrising@gmail.com .
| | Community & Affiliated Org Events | | |
Social Change Now
Join MUUSJA for a 3-part, multi-congregation exploration of Deepa Iyer’s book, Social Change Now, through the lens of our UU faith and shared values. This year's UU Common Read offers a path for more authentic, connected, and effective work pursuing the social justice missions we share. We will meet online from 6-8 pm for 3 consecutive Thursdays: 11/6, 11/13 & 11/20. Open to adults and older youth. Register here.
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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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Cultivating Practices for Our Wellness
AUW Fall Mini-Retreat
Women’s Wellness in Today’s Stressful World
November 8, 2025
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wow, 2025 has been an intense year. Many of us are feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, angry, and so much more.
Join us for the fall mini-retreat to cultivate practices for our wellness. New AUW member Gina Ditta-Donahue will share her wisdom and passion for holistic health. She will address the root causes of health issues drawing on her wealth of experience as a functional nurse practitioner. Denise Konen will lead us in a Qigong practice and there will be breakout sessions including sound healing, and music therapy.
Agenda
9:30-9:45 Gather and connect
9:45-10:00 Welcome + announcements
10:00-11:15 Keynote speaker Gina Ditta-Donahue will guide us through defining what wellness means to us and help us create our own wellness goals.
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30-12:00 Qigong led by Denise Konen
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:00 Breakout sessions
2:15-3:00 Closing
Crafts: Make cards with Sydney Dunitz using pre cut materials or your own designs. Keep your creation or donate it to the church.
Sound Healing: mary melia leads us in an ancient therapeutic practice that uses vibrations and frequencies to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Music Therapy: with Mary Ellen Heelan, MT-BC, NMT. What is it? How will it help me?
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**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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