The Weekly Liberal: June 25, 2026

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NOTE: Next week’s newsletter (Thursday, July 2) will be limited to information about worship for Sunday, July 5. We hope you’ll use the Summer Program Guide (you can always find the most current version here) to find ways to connect during that time, and we’ll see you at church! If you have questions about the newsletter or items to submit, reach out to staff member Rachel Rott: rachel@firstuniv.org.

Religious Education is on break for the summer.

Childcare is offered for infants-PreK on Sunday mornings. 

Registration is open for the upcoming year of Religious Education and Our Whole Lives! Classes will resume in September. Please register your children and youth:

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.

Sunday Worship

Sunday, June 28 | One service at 10 a.m.

Fill Your Life With Life

NOTE: ONE Worship Service

10 a.m. in person and livestreaming

Several months ago, when I found myself stuck in more than a little bit of heartache over the state of the world, the country, and our city, a friend offered up an antidote to the despair. They were words she, too, had received from a friend. “Fill your life with life,” they said. And this is what I have been doing. In ways big and small, I am filling my life with life. Welcoming in and creating joy and connection. Fostering experiences of Beloved Community in the here and now. This Sunday, grounded in the wisdom of our ancestors, we will fill our worship time with life, with joy, with connection, liberation, and hope. Let’s fill our life with life, together.

Religious Education is on break for the summer. Childcare is offered for infants-PreK. 

In Case You Missed It:

Last Sunday, June 21: General Assembly Worship

June 2026 Annual Congregational Meeting:

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

Cycle of Life

Our hearts are with Cindy Marsh as she mourns the death of her beloved husband, Wendell Vandersluis, who passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 17 after a long journey with Alzheimer’s. A celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, August 14 at 2 pm at church.

Harry Pontiff's Celebration of Life is on Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 pm. at church.

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 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.

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

Coming Up At Church:

Journaling Club: Writing with The Book of Alchemy 

Wednesdays, every other week, June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, Aug 12, Aug 26, Sept 9, Sept 23 (Come to all eight or as many as you can make. Drop ins welcome.) 7:00 - 8:30 pm, in the church Library | RSVP Here

What would you write if you weren’t afraid? This summer, we’ll gather every other

Wednesday around one essay and one writing prompt from The Book of Alchemy — Suleika Jaouad’s New York Times bestselling guide to journaling as a practice of creativity, healing, and self-discovery. Each 90-minute session includes a reading, ten quiet minutes of writing, and an open conversation about what surfaces. No writing experience required. Just bring a notebook, a pen, and your curiosity. Facilitated by Katie Stoecker-Strauss.

Grief Group (on Zoom)

First Sundays, June 7, July 5, Aug 2, Sept 6, 4:00-5:30 pm | Register to receive Zoom link 

The Grief Group meets the first Sunday on Zoom. It is a gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with the loss of a loved one. A group of souls who share, listen and care. A community interested in exploring new life invitations. Come as you are, when you feel moved to attend. (This is a drop-in group). We will be here for you. Faciltited by Jen Keating, Seminarian at United Theological Seminary.

Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything, by Rev. Jen Crow | Book discussion group

Thursdays, June 18, July 9, July 23, Aug 6, 11:30 am-1:00 pm, Room 209 | RSVP Here

Rev. Jen Crow’s book reflects on the unexpected turns our lives can take--and all the ways we can pay attention to what we truly need to survive the painful moments and live lives of meaning. Described as a “Survival guide, spiritual companion, and a light in the dark, Take What You Need offers hope, humor, and real-life spiritual tools to meet the hardest moments of our lives.” Join a facilitated book reflection/discussion group led by Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Hiking, history and nature at Bdote-Ft. Snelling State Park

Saturday, July 11, 9:30-11:30 am | RSVP Here 

Please join church member Cathy Geist and a park naturalist as we hike at Ft. Snelling State Park. We will walk to Bdote, where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers converge. Dakota people consider this location as a sacred place of creation. Together, in the context of this area’s indigenous history, we’ll learn more about the amazing diversity of life here and why this spot is sacred. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the Visitor Center, where the park road ends. Stop at the entrance building to purchase a 1-day park pass if you need one.

First PolycUUle: ENM & Polyamory Community Group

Sunday, July 12, 12:00-1:00 pm, Room 201 | RSVP Here

Looking for a welcoming space to connect with other ethically non-monogamous (ENM) and polyamorous folks at First U? Join us this summer for a very low-key, casual chitchat to say hi, share experiences, and build community together. We will be gathering right after the service to catch up and support one another in a relaxed, friendly environment. Whether you are new to the community or have been practicing for years, we would love to have you join the conversation! Facilitated by Sherry Merriam.

Membership Classes at First U

This class is for congregants who have decided that they want to become members. Participants learn about First Universalist, the broader UU movement, and membership. 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 Summer: 

Class 2: Wednesdays, July 15 and 22, 6:00-8:00 pm

Class 3: Wednesdays, Aug 26 and Sept. 2, 6:00-8:00 pm

Pancake Breakfast and Game Playing for Trans and Gender Expansive Folx 

Saturday, July 18; Breakfast 9:30-10:30 am, Games/conversation 10:30 am to noon, at First U | RSVP Here 

Join us at a pancake breakfast open to individuals and families with trans and gender expansive identities. This is an opportunity to see how large and varied our community is. We build community by being together. You may even make some new connections. We will eat and then have time for games. Bring a game for all ages, if you would like to share! (If you prefer to hang out and connect with folks around the table, that is fine as well.)



This breakfast is open to transgender and gender expansive kids, youth, and adults, and to cisgender allies who are parents and siblings of trans and gender expansive children and youth. Otherwise, cisgender folks are not invited to the breakfast. However, they can be allies by spreading the word about the breakfast to trans and gender expansive loved ones in their lives and encouraging them to come! Please spread the invitation widely: church membership is not required for attendance.

In the Weeds

Wednesdays, beginning June 24, 5:00-6:15 pm at church | RSVP Here

Spirituality is often found in small, routine tasks. If getting your hands dirty and pulling a few weeds (or picking up litter, or whatever is needed) in the company of others speaks to you, please join us. We’ll build new connections while keeping our campus looking its best and being a good neighbor to those who live nearby. Come once or come weekly, come alone or come with a friend, but come! Facilitated by Lynn Broaddus.

Crafting Group

Sundays, June 28, July 26, August 2, August 23, 12:00-2:00 pm, Social Hall near the Library | RSVP Here

Are you creative/crafty/artistic (or would you like to be?) and like to create in the presence of others? Let's meet up and be creative in community! Imagine: a drop-in space where you come with a project, or use materials from our pop-up free table (i.e., a spot where we can bring craft items to pass to someone else, or to find a new project or hobby). Joy is an act of resistance and connecting with creative folks can be inspiring! Facilitated by Chris Chiros.

Caregivers Support Group (on Zoom) 

Second Sundays: 1:00-2:30 pm: June 14, July 12, Aug 9, Sept 13 | Register to receive Zoom link 

This is a drop-in group. Caring for a family member who needs special care is a demanding and often unseen or unacknowledged role. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, or a loved one with a chronic health condition, join the Caregivers group for mutual support, connection, and community building. When we gather, we’ll light a chalice, have time for introductions, and share a reading, then move into deeper sharing, support, and reflection. Facilitated by Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Mild Cognitive Impairment: We are Holding it Together 

(Time and format to be determined) | RSVP Here by July 4

Early mild cognitive impairment impacts our lives in a number of ways. This group is for people who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment with the goal of sharing stories, creating community, and reducing isolation. We will contact all who are interested and decide on dates, time, and if it will be in person or online. Facilitated by Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Care-Partner Support Group 

Fourth Thursday of the month, 2:00-3:30 pm: July 23, Aug 27, Sept 24, Room 201 | RSVP Here

Caregiving for a spouse/partner has its own nuances and realities for the care provider. This group is an opportunity to confidentially share, learn from one another, and to receive support. Led by Rev Laura Smidzik.

Weekly Meditation Group

Tuesdays at 9:00 am on Zoom | Email Martha at ewellsm@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link

The Weekly Meditation Group is an ongoing group to which new members are always welcome. We meet on Zoom every Tuesday from 9-10:15 with a rotating group of facilitators. People come with whatever experience they have and we learn from each other. Facilitated by Martha Easter-Wells, Amy Marquart, Anne McBean, Julie Gottes, and Diane Torrannce.

Qigong for Liberation

Every Tuesday (no in-person meeting August 18), 4:30-5:15 pm in Room 201 | RSVP Here

Gather with us in person or online for an ongoing practice of the beautiful and healing movement meditation, Spring Forest Qigong, created by Master Chunyi Lin, who notes, “by harmonizing Qi, the body’s vital energy, Qigong supports physical vitality, emotional balance, and spiritual growth.” Come when you can. A recording is also included each week so you can practice when you choose. Movements are gentle and accessible for everyone. Spring Forest Qigong is a liberating practice that provides a way to return to who we have always been - energy beings, who, when given the space and time to heal, can bring more unconditional love, forgiveness, and kindness to ourselves, each other, and a hurting world. As our strength and resilience grow we become fortified to respond with courage and compassion to the intensifying fascism. Facilitator will reach out when you register so that you can get to know one another and she can better understand your needs for your qigong practice.

Improv for Elders

Wednesdays (no meeting August 19), 10:00-11:30 am, Room 209 | RSVP Here

Come and join the laughter and fun. We who laugh, last. This is a group for games and teamwork, but not production or performance oriented. It’s just for us. Participants say it is their favorite day of the week because we need joy now more than ever. Facilitated by Rev. Meg Riley.

Fiber Artists Circle

Every Wednesday, June 17 to September 16 (no meeting August 19), 3:00-5:00 pm, Room 207 | RSVP Here

Do you crochet, knit, or craft with yarn in any way? Want to learn how? Bring your projects and sit with us in a warm and friendly environment while we work and chat! Facilitated by Jera Forrester.

BIPOC Group

Fill out the interest form for meeting details.

The First Universalist BIPOC Group is a sacred time of community, support, and joy. Come be, laugh, and connect with other Unitarian Universalists who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color. This is a closed space for BIPOC adults, including multiracial people. This is not a group for white people, including white people who have BIPOC family members.

Community News & Needs

JOB LISTING: First U Seeks Community Connections Coordinator

POSITION OVERVIEW:

• Articulates a comprehensive faith formation and community engagement program for everyone who connects with the church—from first-time visitors to long-time members;
• Is responsible for coordinating the membership and adult programming of the church; 
• Supports group leaders and facilitates connections for congregants as they deepen their spiritual practice and their relationship with First Universalist and each other.

An Invitation from The Visual Arts Committee

Happy Summer!

As your gardens grow, you can share the beauty of your flowers at Sunday services.

The available Sundays are listed below. Just drop me an email and let me know

which date works for you. We have plenty of vases behind the chancel or you can

use your own mason jar or vase from home. You may take it all home after the

service. Thank you! marjiesmith1@gmail.com

Available dates:

June 28

July 5, 12, 26

August 2, 9, 23, 30

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.

Association of Universalist Women

AUW 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.