We Begin Again Together

Dear Ones,

We have a special shared message today from two of your First U staff members, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Allison Connelly-Vetter:

From Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts Ministries:

The click of a key turning in the lock, the lid of the piano closing for another week—this was the routine. Mr. Ballard, the gruff trustee of my childhood church, would march up to the piano after every service, locking it tight with a stern gaze that dared us to come close. To him, we were troublemakers, and the piano was something to protect.

Years later, when I became a minister of music, that memory stayed with me. The first thing I did in my new church was unlock every piano. I wanted the children to know that music wasn’t something to be kept from them—it was theirs to explore, to feel, to love. This wasn’t about entitlement, but about agency. Welcoming the youngest among us into the heart of the church reminds us how to practice, how to commit, how to find the sacred in play.

Our Visionary Goals ask us to embody love not just within these walls but beyond them. We are called to care for the Earth, to pursue justice in deep relationship with those most impacted by oppression, and to widen the circle of leadership so that every voice, every hand, can shape the future we build together.

This is the kind of leadership we invite you into now, with the opening of the worship associates application process. Becoming a worship associate is more than a role—it’s an opportunity to shape the very heart of our gatherings, to help craft the rituals and moments that connect us all. If you’re ready to step into this shared space of leadership, you can find more details in the application, or reach out directly to me for a conversation with myself or a current Associate at glenthomas@firstuniv.org. The application process is open through September 26. 

Our Interim Director of Children, Youth, and Families, Allison, and I have shared many thoughtful conversations about how we can nurture and grow this community together. It’s been a gift to collaborate with someone so deeply committed to the work of building spaces where all feel welcome, valued, and connected. I’m grateful for Allison’s wisdom and partnership in this shared journey. As she continues the message below, you’ll hear her reflections on how we are called to practice leadership and beloved community in every part of our lives. Together, we’re inviting you into this practice with us.

We’re also in the midst of a transition in our music ministry. My friend Paolo Debuque, with whom I have been partnering to restart our community’s choir, has completed his contract and will be moving on to explore new creative and professional opportunities. It’s been a joy to work with Paolo, and his contributions will be felt here for years to come. As I step into a more hands-on role with the choir, starting October 3rd, we’ll continue building on the collaborative spirit that has always defined our work together. If you’ve been considering joining the choir, now is a wonderful time to jump in! Rehearsals begin Thursday, October 3rd at 7PM, and I’d love for you to be part of this next chapter. Please feel free to reach out at glenthomas@firstuniv.org to sign up or learn more.

This church is one of the few places left where generations gather, not merely to sit side by side, but to truly engage in the shared work of community—where the wisdom of elders, the wonder of children, and the energy of everyone in between come together to create something larger than any one of us could alone.

In the weeks ahead, our worship themes will reflect the questions you’ve asked—the ones that have brought you back, time and time again. Together, we will continue to practice leadership, to collaborate, and to grow into the beloved community we are meant to be.

From Allison Connelly-Vetter, our Interim Director of Children, Youth & Families Ministry:

In the spirit of practicing, starting this Sunday we begin practicing our rhythms of Religious Education all over again! At both 9 and 11 a.m. (and with Senior High in between) our kids and youth from 6 months through 12th grade will gather to learn, grow, and engage the values of our congregation and Unitarian Universalism. 

While our values with kids and youth are unchanging - values like “honoring the spark in each person,” “fostering leadership and friendships between kids and youth,” and “prioritizing inclusivity, supportive relationships” - we are practicing Religious Education differently at church this year. You might notice a difference in the number of adults in the classrooms with our kids (over 80 adults volunteering with our kids every month!) or in the way that our kids and youth dismiss from our Sanctuary to their classrooms. Or, you might notice a difference in the curriculum for our Kindergarten through 5th graders, which has been thoughtfully re-designed by volunteers from our Children, Youth, and Families Advisory Team based on our newly adopted Shared Unitarian Universalist Values of Love, Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity. These shifts have been made collaboratively with the brilliant Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, the dedicated Visual Arts team, our wise Youth Leadership Team, fabulous folks on staff, and many, many faithful parents, caregivers, volunteers, and young people. 

Like all things we practice—riding a bike, baking a dessert, playing the drums—we start off less skilled and become much more skilled. In the first few weeks of the Religious Education year, we might be a little less skilled. The transition from the Sanctuary to the classrooms might be loud, or you might need help finding your kid’s classroom after the service, or your first few volunteer shifts might have a few bumps. But, over the course of the coming weeks and months we will practice, and we will get better at doing church with one another, both in the Sanctuary and beyond. 

Dear ones, we hope you will join us this Sunday at 9 or 11 a.m. as we practice the rhythms of all-ages community life together. May we be welcoming, helpful, gracious, and flexible, knowing that practice might not make perfect (because who wants perfect, anyway?), but that practice will help us grow, together, into the beloved community we are called to be, within and beyond the walls of this church. 

Intro

We Begin Again Together



Sunday Worship

This Sunday, Sept. 15

9 & 11 a.m.

Last Sunday's Recordings

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Community Dinner

80+ Spirituality Circle

Daytime Connections Senior High Retreat Fall Sign-Up Sunday

Improv for Elders Fall Family Overnight

Qigong for Liberation Newcomers Circle

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Fall Grief Group

Faithful Action

EJ Team Meeting Food Rescue Habitat Election News

News

Chancel Art Community Safety

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

Community Safety, MUUSJA, Under Northern Skies, AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

Some email programs truncate long emails; watch for "message clipped; view entire message" or similar at the bottom of this email if you don't see all contents listed.

Whole Self In: Beloved Community in Practice

We return to two services: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.! Livestream at 11.

Religious Education classes for children and youth are also starting back up—see Children & Youth section below.

We come together from one body, each of us bringing what we can to create the Beloved Community—a place free of hate, poverty, and oppression, where all can thrive. As we push back against fascism, we practice love in action, standing strong in shared ministry. It’s not enough to put a hand or a foot in—we’re called to put our whole selves into this work, because building a world where everyone belongs demands nothing less. Together, we lean into our shared power, holding fast to what’s good and just. In the end, that’s what it’s all about: reshaping how we show up for each other, creating spaces where justice quietly but relentlessly weaves us together, making the Beloved Community not just possible, but inevitable.

Worship Info

IN PERSON AND ONLINE

In person at 9 a.m.

In person and and livestreamed at 11 a.m. Watch the livestream here. 

Our digital order of service is available here. (Updated weekly before worship.)

Masks are welcome but not required in the sanctuary; please review our Covid-19 Gathering Guidelines. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH 

Religious Education is class this Sunday. 

Please check the website and the Children, Youth, & Families calendar for more information—different age groups frequently have different schedules or special events. 

If you have not yet registered your family for this year of Religious Education, please register your family today. All families — new and returning, with babies through high schoolers — must register each church year.

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

Facilitated by one of our members, A Place to Start is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. During this 45-minute class, participants will learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. The facilitator will be holding a green "Here is A Place to Start" sign at the front of the sanctuary after the worship services. We look forward to welcoming you! 

Please note the church does not provide childcare during A Place to Start due to full Sunday morning RE and volunteer schedules. Kids are welcome in A Place to Start after they’re picked up from RE. Options for kids during A Place to Start are the same as in worship: coloring sheets and pipe cleaners, and moving to a more kid-friendly space within the sanctuary. You’re also welcome to ask another trusted adult to watch your child(ren) during this time if you prefer. 

If you can't make it, or prefer to connect with a staff person one on one, please fill out the Visitor Connect form so we can follow up with you. Thank you!

Watch Dr. Glen Thomas invite the congregation to create a rainstorm together last Sunday--click the video thumbnail above.

Podcast Archive | Video Archive | Sermon Archive

There will be a memorial service at church for Maria DuBois Genné, on Saturday, September 21 at 11 a.m. Maria was a longtime member of First U and she will be deeply missed. Maria died peacefully on June 28. Maria's obituary is here. (Please connect with Janet Merrill if you can help with welcoming and hospitality on the day of the memorial: janetmerrill@comcast.net.)

We hold Carol Jackson in our hearts as she mourns the loss of her sister, Ethel Jackson, who died of cancer last week.

The Caring Corner in the library has cards for those who want to send well wishes to people suffering or celebrating. Stop by the library to share a message of love and care.

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. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.

80+ Spirituality Circle

2nd Tuesdays, monthly through May, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in person at church

Registration Required

Join us once a month in this closed group for those who are age 80 and up as we explore and deepen our spirituality in this phase of life. Each group will include time for spiritual practice, sharing what is moving in our lives, and exploration of a topic and reflection time. Together, we’ll explore topics chosen by group members. This is an ongoing group with a few openings for new members.

Facilitated by Rev. Jen and Rev. Ashley

Daytime Connections

Sept 19: Reconnecting with conversations and lunch



9:45 a.m. coffee, 10-noon program, Noon lunch, in person and on Zoom

Register here

Have you been waiting for a good opportunity to renew old friendships and maybe start some new ones? Join us as we kick off our “third Thursdays” with a program that’s designed for both purposeful sharing and simple catching up. We’ll also give you a peek ahead at some of the dynamic presenters and interesting topics we are lining up for our October through May programs. Sign-in and coffee at 9:45 a.m. We strongly urge you to register in advance at least by the preceding Monday to let us know if you will be attending in person or virtually.

Registration Requested by the Monday prior for lunch planning purposes—attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch as well. The provided lunch will be a shared cost amongst attendees (suggested donation up to $20, as you are able).

Organized and hosted by the Daytime Connections Planning Team

Senior High Retreat

September 20-22

Youth in grades 10-12 are invited to join us for a Senior High Retreat! Please register here.

We will meet at the church and carpool to and from the retreat, which will be held at Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN. 

We'll play games, get good rest, reconnect after the summer, cook and share meals, chat around a campfire, dream for the year, and more. Led by Senior High Advisors Tami, Maria, Ragnar, Cameron, and Jane, along with Allison, Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries. 

Email Allison with any questions at allison [at] firstuniv.org.

Fall Sign-Up Sunday

Sunday, September 22; In the social hall after each worship service

Learn about the variety of ways to get involved and get connected at church this season through volunteering, justice teams, and other opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. Team leaders and small group facilitators will be excited to chat with you about what they’ve got going on and how you can join.

Improv for Elders

NOTE MEETING DATE CHANGE: Wednesdays, September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23 and possibly beyond, 10 a.m. to noon, in person at church

Registration Required

As we age, opportunities for play are not as plentiful as they used to be. This gathering is a time to imagine, to laugh, and to learn the basics of improvisation.

Facilitated by Meg Riley

Fall Family Overnight

Saturday, September 28-Sunday morning, September 29 

Families with kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade, along with siblings, are welcome to join us for our Fall Family Overnight!

RSVP for the overnight here

We will play games, share a meal or two (and snacks!), walk the labyrinth, and even have a talent show! 

Check-in is at 4 p.m. on Saturday, and we will wrap up by 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. 

Please reach out to Allison, Interim Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries, with questions or for more information at allison [at] firstuniv.org.

Qigong for Liberation

Thursdays, Sept. 26, October 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, 4:00-4:45 p.m.

In person at church

Register here

We will gather in person to practice the beautiful and healing moving meditation of Spring Forest Qigong created by Master Chun Yi Lin, who I met and began learning from in 2000. This has been a liberating practice for my mind, body and spirit and I want to share it with others. Movements are gentle and accessible and can be done standing, sitting, or lying down.

Facilitated by Denise Konen

Newcomers Circle

Tuesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22; Optional casual dinner provided at 6; Circle from 6:30-8 p.m. at church

Registration Required

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. 

Facilitated by Channing McKinley and Steve Paquin.

Tuesday Meditation Group

Weekly Practice: 8:45-10:15 a.m. online and in-person

You are invited to meditate with our lay-led practice group. None of us are experts. Our practices come out of our own experiences, and we share inspiration from many sources including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Pema Chodron, Thich Nhat Hanh, Tara Brach, Tai Chi, Loving Kindness, poetry and more. We don't follow one method or another, but we do share what we learn with each other. After meditation we practice deep listening to hear from each person, if they choose. No registration required. Email Sara McMullen for Zoom details.

Fall Grief Group

Sept. 8, 22, Oct. 6, 20, Nov. 10, 24, Dec. 8, 22

4:30-6pm

RSVP for Zoom link

The Grief Group meets second and fourth Sundays on Zoom. It is a gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with loss. 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. We will be here for you.

Facilitated by Mark Caswell, church member and Ministerial Aspirant

Environmental Justice Team Meeting

Sept. 15, 1-2:30pm, in person at church in Room 209

Sign up for EJ Team Communications

All are welcome to join fellow First U congregants and friends to discuss and explore personal and communal steps we can take to help address climate change. The format will be open and all will be encouraged to contribute. As environmental issues emerge in the coming months, topics and actions will be collected and advertised in advance of monthly meeting. RSVP to receive updates via email prior to the monthly gathering.

Food Rescue at The Farmers Market

Sunday, September 29, 12-3pm, in person at the Minneapolis farmer’s market

Registration Required

Join us to rescue excess produce at the Minneapolis Farmers Market. Volunteers collect excess produce from vendors for the Food Group, who then donates it to food shelves and meal programs. The farmers market is located at 312 East Lyndale Ave N. Event organizers will be in touch with participants about the details of meeting up and possibly carpooling from church. This event is for ages 15+, and minors must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

This event is organized by the Food Solutions Committee, part of First Universalist's Environmental Justice team.

Habitat for Humanity

October 23 and November 20, 8:30-2:30

Registration with Habitat Required

October 23: 

3094 Victoria St. North

Roseville, 55113

November 20: 

The Heights

1672 Hoyt Ave

St Paul, 55106

Sign up here

Exciting news from Twin Cities Habitat:

“Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is honored to be named host of the 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in fall 2024! During its nearly 40-year history, the Carter Work Project has traveled to 14 countries and brings together thousands of volunteers, celebrities, elected officials, and other VIPs to build homes and cast a global spotlight on the urgent importance of affordable housing. The 2024 Carter Work Project will launch Habitat’s construction efforts at The Heights on St. Paul's East Side, Twin Cities Habitat's largest-ever development!”

The Heights: beginning this fall, Twin Cities Habitat will build up to 150 homes on one site in east St Paul. To learn more about this exciting and ambitious new project, click here.

2024 Election News

Countdown – 60 days

“So, we cannot afford for anyone, anyone, anyone in America to sit on their hands and wait to be called. Don’t complain if no one from the campaign has specifically reached out to you to ask you for your support. There is simply no time for that kind of foolishness. You know what you need to do. So, consider this to be your official ask. Michelle Obama is asking you — no, I’m telling y’all — do something!“ – Michelle Obama, speech at the Democratic National Convention, August 20, 2024.

Consider joining our effort at UU the Vote Minnesota as we send postcards and make phone calls to 15,000 apartment residents in our state. 18-34 year-olds are a critical demographic in this election and many just need to be encouraged to register and vote. How to support the effort:

1. Help us mail 15,000 postcards by September 17 (our target date) by contributing to the cost of postage. Postcards are $.57 a card, so we have been working to raise the nearly $7000 needed to mail. Select Give to UU The Vote here.
2. Join us for a Breakout Session at the Sept. 11 Community Dinner. 
3. Join us on Wednesdays during September and October as we collectively make calls--more to come on that.
4. Plan to join the Zoom “Fair Enough” session with Steve Simons (MN Sec of State) on September 25 from 6:30 to 7:30. Register here.
5. If you took a packet of postcards, please return to the church no later than September 4. If you weren’t able to complete them, return anyway – we have people ready to write more. You don’t risk any recrimination!

Questions? Comments. Suggestions: 

Peg Mitchell: Pegmitch16@gmail.com

Remember: We are 501(c) 3 and therefore are non-partisan. We avoid promoting any party or candidate.

New Chancel Art

Our beautiful new chancel art!

Lisa & Nikki work on assembly of the right side of the chancel art.

Artist Kerstin Beyer Lajuzan adds finishing touches to the left side of the chancel art.

Kerstin Beyer Lajuzan led the Visual Arts Committee in decorating the chancel for fall. This is what she wrote to other team members upon the project's completion:

Thanks to each of you for ALL the time and energy you gave to cutting, sewing, and hanging our fall chancel decor on Saturday. For years, I have secretly watched and attended services with ideas for chancel decor flowing through my head, so seeing one come to life was fun. I love how it turned out, especially since we made it together, and your additional ideas and innovations improved it.

Dear First U Members and Friends,

Some of us from First Universalist Church have registered for a 4-week online congregational safety training called Building Congregational Community Safety. The first session on August 19 was well done and discussed the growing fascism in our country with an example of what happened at a UU church in Arizona. There are still two left on September 23 and 30, and it’s okay if you can’t make the Zoom meetings because you will receive a video link to those you missed to watch on your own schedule.  

We invite others in our church to attend so that more of us are ready to respond to incidences like the challenging and upsetting one that occurred after the church service on Sunday, August 25. (Watch a video from Dr. Glen Thomas about this.) By participating in these workshops, in whatever way works best for your schedule, we are demonstrating that we are deeply committed and willing to do the work necessary to keep each other safe, especially those most targeted. For everyone who is interested, we will be meeting with Rev. Jen Crow sometime after the series is complete to have a conversation about next steps in our congregation.    

The curriculum was created by a group called Liberating Lineages, and the series is hosted by the United Church of Christ's Frontline Faith and is open to all faith traditions. “How can congregations build an ecology of community safety that is rooted in care, investing in each other, believing in each other, and trusting each other and the rhythms and cycles around/within us? What community safety practices can we engage in now that also help us build the world we long for? Our experienced trainers will expand on our “Ecology of Community Safety” guide to offer practical skills, psycho-social care practices, planning tools, and analysis of current conditions, all towards practicing new ways of creating safety within our own congregational contexts.”  Register Here! 

Feel free to contact me, Denise Konen dkonen10@gmail.com, a member of First Universalist with any suggestions, questions, or ideas. My hope is that through our participation we will learn approaches that will keep church staff and each other safer, and that we might grow in our ability to respond in ways that create less harm and more healing for folks in our faith community targeted because of our beliefs and/or identities and for those who would harm themselves or others.  

MUUSJA

Saturday, Sept 14th 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Central Time) 

KEEP OUR MN DEMOCRACY: Saturday September 14th, "Operation: Keep Our Democracy" (from MUUSJA with We Choose Us MN)

WHERE: Cross of Glory, 5929 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 & ZOOM

REGISTRATION.

CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS: Karen Wills, 612-270-6559 or kwmuusja[at]gmail.com 

SEPT. 17 = NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY is our statewide mailing date for all of MUUSJA's Postcards to Young Renters. Please return all postcards ASAP! 

Every Wednesday, 9/4/24-10/30/24, at 5:00pm AND by appointment:

Call or Text Young Minnesota Renters to Get Out the Vote in Key Districts

Save Minnesota as a "state of refuge" for reproductive & gender-affirming healthcare. Learn to text or call young renters to get out the vote in key legislative districts. Once trained, send messages from home, on your own schedule.

REGISTER FOR DETAILS

CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS: Karen Wills, 612-270-6559 or kwmuusja[at]gmail.com 

Under Northern Skies

Tue, Sept. 17, Full Moon in Pisces

Gathering time 7:00 p.m.  Ritual begins at 7:30p.m. in Room 209

Under Northern Skies rituals are open to all women (cis and trans) and non-binary people who find their homes in women-centric spaces. Our group is restricted to people 18 years of age and older, women with many different life experiences, backgrounds, and belief systems come together to change, grow, and celebrate the Divine in each other through earth centered ritual.  The gathering dates are every new and full moon.  

There is not a permanent group leader. Volunteers take turns to design, guide, and direct the new and full moon rituals. The date's astrological aspects may guide the topics and themes rituals explore. Rituals also draw inspiration and meaning found in many other earth centered practices and beliefs. 

One does not have to espouse any religion or philosophy or believe in any particular deity or deities to participate in the group and derive meaning from its activities. All one needs is a desire to live in a way that acknowledges the cycles of life and nature, and to grow spiritually and personally alongside a mutually supportive group.

Questions: Contact Lexi - lcinde@gmail.com

AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid. Visit their website.

Renew AUW Membership - all AUW memberships (except Wise Women status) ended on June 30, 2024. Benefits of AUW membership include reduced registration rate to annual AUW Retreat, free lunch at our events, free or reduced price at paid AUW events, inclusion of your name in the AUW Directory and the knowledge that your membership helps keep AUW the wonderful organization it has been for over a CENTURY!

Here is a link.

Let’s Gather, Let’s Go! Come to the AUW Kick-off!

September 13, 5:30pm - 8:30pm. (Program will begin at 6pm.)

Our kick-off will embody this year’s AUW theme: “Let’s Gather, Let’s Go!” We will share

a light dinner, introduce upcoming AUW events, and spend time getting to know each

other better.

It’s the perfect opportunity to renew your AUW connections. There will be no charge for

this event for members OR visitors, so be sure to bring friends who might be interested

in becoming part of our sisterhood.

Hiking Group: The first 2 hikes will start at 2 pm , then we will try starting at 12 noon for the second 2 hikes this month. Meets most Saturdays at a park or trailhead. For questions or to get on the hiking group mailing list, contact: Marie Sorensen, 612-419-3620, mariefsor@aol.com or Lynn Richardson 612-323-2776, Kalelynn19@gmail.com. Bring hats, bug repellent, sunglasses.

September 14, 2pm. - Westwood Nature Center. 8300 Franklin Avenue. St Louis Park. Meet outside the Interpretive Center. We often see deer here. Marsh. Marie may not be there. We need a volunteer to lead.

September 21, 12 Noon - Lakewood Cemetery. 3500 Hennepin Avenue South, Mpls, MN. Meet by the chapel. Park at the side of the driveway. Look for Marie, who will be wearing a red shirt.

September 28, 12 Noon - Lake Harriet. Meet in front of band-shell by the benches. Park in the pay lot or on the parkway. This is a 3 mile walk unless you turn around. The group has the option to separate if some want to go faster. Look for Marie, who will be wearing a red shirt.

Game Group – Meets at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. You are welcome to bring snacks to share and a game you would enjoy teaching others. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. The next Game Group meeting is September 12. If no one responds to Anne that they are coming, the Game Night will be canceled early that day. Please let Anne know if you plan to attend.

Women Who Read: We read books written by women. We host an in-person and a virtual meeting on the fourth Monday of each month. The next meeting will be Monday, September 23 when the topic will be Lillian Boxfish Takes A Walk by Kathleen Rooney.  Request an email invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your name and email address to Abbie Finger. 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.

Give or Take a Book!

To share books we love and build more literary connections, we are going to start a new project. If interested please bring 1-2 books (no more!) to share with someone at the monthly book club. If interested, pick a book to take home. Any questions or ideas contact Nora Whiteman cell 612-250-1661.

First Saturday of each month

From October 5, 2024 through May 3, 2025, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.

In person – at 1st Universalist church, 3400 Dupont Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Zoom, Every Saturday, 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM.

The link to connect to Zoom is 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.

More information may be found at our group website.

Church Office & Building Access

The church office is open on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The door bells are not monitored outside of this time. Access to the building at times on other days can be arranged by contacting Jim Poulter, Building & Office Manager, at jim@firstuniv.org.

Based on ongoing monitoring of COVID levels in Hennepin County, masking is welcome, but not required, inside the building—including the sanctuary. Learn more about our Covid and Community safety policies on our website.

Care Resources

First Universalist offers a variety of care resources to our community. Find details on our website.