The Weekly Liberal: February 26, 2026

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As an agnostic, I don’t invest in this church—my church—because I fear what will happen if I don’t. I don’t expect any kind of reward after death for my sacrifices in life.

I invest in this church because this community has been giving me hope since I first logged on in 2020.



I give my time and money here because it helps me be accountable for what I say I believe in.

While my income may vary, my commitment to this place does not.

Pledge: Make your Annual Financial Commitment

Please complete the pledge form ASAP, or by March 13:

Here's what's coming up for Children, Youth, & Families at First Universalist:

• Saturday, Feb. 28: Saturday Sprouts from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Sunday, Mar. 1: Regular Sunday: Religious Education in Classrooms at both 9 & 11 a.m. services. 
• Sunday, Mar. 8: Regular Sunday: Religious Education in Classrooms at both 9 & 11 a.m. services. **1st/2nd Grade OWL Begins**
• Wednesday, Mar. 11: Community Dinner at 6, breakout groups, childcare, and Middle and High School Youth groups from 7-8:15 p.m.
• Friday, Mar. 13: Talent and Trivia Show from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Mar. 15: Regular Sunday: Religious Education in Classrooms at both 9 & 11 a.m. services. 
• Friday, Mar. 20: Family Overnight!

Find information on upcoming programming for Children, Youth, & Families in the all-ages calendar spreadsheet. Find the appropriate age group tab on the bottom for events for your family. This document is updated regularly - please check often.

1st/2nd Grade OWL Registration is live! HERE is the registration form.  Our 9 a.m. class is now full, but we have spots open at 11 a.m. and an opportunity to register for 11 a.m. and be on the 9 a.m. waitlist.  Families should have received an email from Claire, if you have not, please email her with questions: claire@firstuniv.org.

Allison Connelly-Vetter, our Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, is currently on parental leave through March 2026.

Find out how to get support while she's out on our Families Web Page:

RESERVE YOUR SEAT!

Talent Show & Trivia Night... and Dinner, too!

Friday, March 13, 5:30-8:00 p.m. at church

The Senior High Youth Leadership Team is bringing back the wildly successful Talent Show & Trivia Night! This event is a fundraiser for the church, and First U youth leaders are counting on all ages to bring their talent (and their wallets!) as we build community and fortify our church for the coming year.

GET TICKETS: Give between $0-500—the amount that is right for your household to support this fundraiser—by choosing Youth-Led Talent Show & Trivia Night in the dropdown menu:

Sunday Worship

Sunday, March 1

The Honest Truth - We Make the Road by Walking

Two worship services:

9 a.m. in person

11 a.m. in person and livestreaming

As we begin our exploration of this month’s worship theme: Truth, Power, and Repair we’ll look to the intersection of these three powerful concepts. We’ll introduce a shared spiritual practice to ground us throughout the month, keeping an eye out for the repair aka grace/healing/restoration/joy that is happening even within these days. We’ll remember our shared power and creativity, trusting that together when we share what we have we can all have what we need.

A Place to Start

Sundays: February 15, March 1 & 15, April 5 & 19, May 3 & 17, Immediately after worship services, meets at the front of the sanctuary, no RSVP necessary

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. Facilitated by First U members.

Religious Education will be in classrooms this Sunday.

Children and youth are always welcome in worship with their families! If you are new or new-ish to First U, please join us at whichever service works best for you, and visit the Welcome Table in the atrium where someone will help orient you and answer your questions.

Most Religious Education programs are offered during both services. However, there are some exceptions. Please register below to be added to the appropriate roster and you’ll receive communication from Allison about which service to attend.

You may pick up your child or youth from Religious Education at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., not before, even if worship has ended. Having a standard pick up time for all children and youth supports our kids and volunteers in completing the lesson for the day and ending the session thoughtfully and spaciously.

If you have not already, please register here for Religious Education and our additional Children, Youth, & Family Ministries for the 2025-2026 church year. All families, with babies through high schoolers, need to register each church year, regardless of previous registration.

In Case You Missed It:

Last Sunday, February 22

You can watch past worship services and view other First U video content:

Cycle of Life

Tom MacLeod's father, Thomas Woodward MacLeod, died on February 9. He was 95 and his family reports that "his last months in hospice were filled with a gratitude so brilliant it outshone his life's challenges." A Celebration of Life will take place on April 9 at 2pm, Wayzata Community Church. Visitation an hour before and a reception follows.

Jill Farris' mother, Connie Farris, is resting peacefully with family as she approaches her final days. Our prayers are with Jill, Mike, Beatrice and Sylvia.

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 congregants in need of support during life events. 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. 

Help with Rides, Chores, or Companionship During Worship

On occasion, we receive requests from congregants for distinct needs. If you are willing to help, email or text Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org or 612-405-5583.

Ways to Connect at Church

Featured Programs

Saturday Sprouts

Saturdays once per month, 10 a.m. to noon: February 28

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. If you have questions or would like more information, please email Hirut Hedge, Program Specialist, at hirut@firstuniv.org.

Circle Suppers  

Saturday, April 4, varied times and locations RSVP to be a Host by March 13

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 up for dinners will happen at church and through a link in The Liberal.

Early Adults:

Early Adults at First U are folks who are 18 years old - 39 years old (No High School Students Please 🙂 High Schoolers are invited to take part in our Youth Group)

Full Moon Walk at the U of M Arboretum in Chaska

Tuesday March 3, 7:00 to 10:30 

RSVP to Raelyn R: 612-554-4934

Tickets are required prior to the event—there is a fee but mutual aid will cover costs and can carpool

Second Sunday Early Adult Brunch

Sunday, March 8, After second service, at Pizza Luce

RSVP to Corey/Maria: 715-451-6131

Speed Bingo

Saturday, March 14, 12pm, at Sociable Cider Works

RSVP to Unique: 806-316-9660

Coming up:

Get to know the Intercultural Development Continuum

Wednesday evenings: February 25, March 4 & 18, April 1, 7pm - 8:30pm at church

Single and Solo Parents Group 

Saturdays Feb 28, March 28, and April 25 from 10:45 am-12:00 noon (fourth Saturday of the month)

Wednesdays, March 11, April 8 from 7:00-8:15pm 

Resistance Reflection Circle

Friday mornings, 9-10 a.m. on Zoom | RSVP Here

Community News & Needs

Mutual Aid to Support Animal Companions

Church member Dallas Rising has created a mutual aid group focused on meeting animals' needs during, and in the wake of, the federal occupation of Minnesota. If you are connected to a family sheltering in place, a school providing groceries and other necessities, a grocery delivery group, or other space where people seeking support find resources, please feel free to share the website: www.ICEHurtsAnimalsTooMN.org.

They provide home deliveries of pet supplies, dog walking, and connections to free or low-cost vetting services that include volunteer transport to clinics, free in-home euthanasia, and Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for traveling internationally with animals. They can also help with spay/neuter services, respite care, and rehoming for animals affected by ICE. Follow on Instagram at @icehurtsanimalstoo.

First U Seeks Choral Accompanist/Worship Pianist

Help us find our next music leader to work with Paolo! We're looking for someone with skills as an accompanist and music leader who can join the worship team at First Universalist. Please share the job description in your networks, and remember, our policy is to hire non-church members for staff positions.

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.

2026 AUW Spring Retreat “Belonging”  

Keynote speaker: Rev. Karen Hutt 

One of the workshops offered is Beginning Anew, by Alison Kemlitz:

Part of feeling like we belong, comes from being truly seen, heard, and understood. This breakout session will explore a Buddhist practice called Beginning Anew — a ceremony to care for our relationships and heal them when needed.

We will:

• Learn the four steps of beginning anew 
• Explore how it helps with common relationship challenges
• Practice some of the steps together
• Journal about a relationship or a hurt we are currently holding in our hearts, and what we might say if we used this practice there. 

Whether you're maintaining a great friendship, or facing a painful disconnect, Beginning Anew offers a way forward. When practiced regularly, it can be a tool to build the depth, trust, and understanding we all need to truly feel like we belong.

Register below. Come join us!

AUW 2026 Spring Retreat "Belonging" | AUW Website

Association of Universalist Women

Visit the website • Join or renew membership • AUW Facebook Group

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.

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.