The Weekly Liberal: March 26, 2026

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Current Status:

GOAL: $1.5 million

Total Pledged (inculding one-time gifts): $1,388,590.75

Pledges Submitted: 383

Pledge Testimonial: Ada, First U Youth Board Member

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



• Saturday, Mar. 28: Saturday Sprouts from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Sunday, Mar. 29: Regular Sunday: Religious Education in Classrooms at both 9 & 11 a.m. services. 
• Sunday, April 5: Common Ground Sunday: All ages gather in Cummins Room at both 9 & 11 a.m. services.
• Wednesday April 8: Community Dinner + All-Ages Programs
• Sunday, April 12: Intergenerational Worship at both 9 & 11 a.m. services - New Member Sunday + Child Dedication. RE is Worship - nursery-PreK childcare provided; no classes.
• Sunday, April 19: Regular Sunday: Religious Education in Classrooms at both 9 & 11 a.m. services.

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.

Bridging at First Universalist Church

Do you have a youth in your life who is soon becoming a young adult? They may be graduating from high school, turning 18, moving away, beginning trade school, or experiencing another life change that would move them from our youth programming to being a young adult in our community. Whatever the impetus, we want to celebrate and support our youth and families during this milestone moment. 

Here at First Universalist, we call this transition “Bridging,” as youth are crossing the bridge from our youth ministry to young adulthood. All youth who are in the “Bridging” life stage and connected to First Universalist are invited to participate in this year’s Bridging activities, culminating in our Bridging Ceremony in worship on Sunday, May 31. If you have a Bridging youth in your life, please fill out this form by March 29 to let us know how you and your family would like to participate in Bridging this year. We are here for you, rooting for you, and on your team. Congratulations!

Spring Child Dedication

Sunday, April 12, 9 and 11 a.m.

Child Dedication is a beloved ritual of our congregation and many Unitarian Universalist congregations. In Child Dedication, our congregation pledges itself to partner with parents and families in the religious upbringing of their children. We promise to support the family as their child grows. Child Dedication is a community event, honoring an intentional and ongoing relationship between families and our religious community. 

Child Dedications take place twice each year during a Sunday morning worship service. Our next Child Dedication service is coming soon on Sunday, April 12, at both the 9 and 11 a.m. worship services. Children of members and those on the path to membership may be dedicated at First Universalist. After April, our next Child Dedication will take place in Fall 2026.

If you are interested in having your child/ren dedicated in our upcoming service on April 12, please let us know:

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:

Emma's Revolution Rent Fund Benefit Concert

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, April 11, 7 pm CST

at First U and livestreaming (with replay)

***Ticket info coming soon***

Write a thank-you card—or two or three!

Sunday, March 29, after both services, in the Social Hall

All ages are welcome this Sunday as we invite a community spiritual practice of gratitude. More than 560 folks from outside our congregation contributed to our Sanctuary & Resistance Fund during Metro Surge. 

• You’re invited to bring a favorite pen or set of colorful markers!
• Stamp donations (or funds to purchase stamps) will be warmly welcomed
• If you brought cards home with you last Sunday to complete, please return them this Sunday

Sunday Worship

Sunday, March 22

Sex Ed Sunday: Ako ang Bakunawa

Two worship services:

9 a.m. in person

11 a.m. in person and livestreaming

“The story of the Bakunawa began many moons ago. Bakunawa–bent snake–moon-eater–the cause of natural phenomenon. . .” The telling and retelling of this Filipino myth offers wisdom about collective power, grief, and listening to one another. Come along to imagine a world of seven moons, powerful gods, and collective liberation for all.

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, March 22

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

Cycle of Life

Our hearts are with Kim Doyle and Bekah Padilla. Kim's mother, Delores, a polio survivor, died this past week. and we're grateful that she was well-loved to the end. Bekah is currently in Ecuador caring for her father. They welcome your thoughts and prayers of support.

We're sending care and compassion to the family and friends of Jeanne Campbell, mother of Charmagne Campbell-Patton, mother-in-law of Jeremy Burke, and grandmother to Calla and Jasper, Jeanne passed away on Thursday following a recent diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family during her final moments.

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. 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

Habitat for Humanity Build

Saturday, March 28th, 8:30am to 3:30pm, 1400 North Winthrop Street, St Paul (a.k.a. The Heights)

RSVP at the Habitat Website

A new rehab project is beginning to take shape in our neighborhood that will provide First U members opportunities to impact our direct neighborhood. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or brand new to Habitat, all skill levels are welcome. Every hour you contribute helps create safe, stable homes for families in our community. First U Habitat Team Lead: David Harrison - rdavid.harrisonjr@gmail.com

Saturday Sprouts

Saturdays once per month, 10 a.m. to noon: March 28, April 25 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.

Feed My Starving Children

Tuesday March 31, 7:00 pm to 8:45, at FMSC in Eagan

30 spots available; sign up to join here or send a text to Raelyn: 612-554-4934

Labyrinth on the Full Moon

Wednesday, April 1 - Full Moon in Libra 

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!

Medicines for the Long Dark:

Sharing Circles to Hold These Times of Turmoil

Sharing Circle 3: Thursday, April 2, 10:30 am (in person), with Rev. Roberta

Sharing Circle 4: Wednesday, April 8, 7:00 pm after Community Dinner, Room 207, with Rev. Ruth

Join a Circle Supper Potluck

Saturday, April 4, various times

A number of congregants are hosting "circle suppers" at their homes. Dinners are in Minneapolis, Richfield, Minnetonka, and Hopkins. Bring a dish to share and get to know people from First Universalist over a meal. You will be contacted by your host with specifics once you have signed up. 

Connecting with meaning in uncertain times  

Sundays, April 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2:00-3:30, at church | RSVP Here

This group will focus on connecting with sources of meaning in these times of uncertainty using a model based on "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl. Together, we will use structured questions and self reflection to identify how we can face these uncertain and painful times in ways that feel grounded in our values and sense of meaning; While we cannot control the limitations that we face in our lives, we have autonomy in how we respond. Facilitator Rachel Bialostosky is a licensed independent clinical social worker who is trained in Meaning Centered Psychotherapy for individuals living with serious illness and this group will be based on that format.

Beyond Philanthropy: What does sharing financial resources look like for you?

Tuesdays, April 14, 21, 28, and May 12,19; 7:00 to 8:45 p.m. at church, Room 207 | RSVP Here

This is a group for folks who wrestle with questions of money, wealth, sharing resources and our work of creating the world we want to live in. This topic can evoke discomfort, guilt or shame, comparison and irritation with donation culture. What if we started with gratitude to explore just how we want to relate to our resources? This group will begin with gratitude and use story, spiritual and embodiment practices, and deep listening to ask (with open, honest hearts) what it means to have more than we need, what is wrong with donation culture, are there other models for sharing and what is my personal sharing compass. One session will be devoted to church stewardship. Facilitated by Karen Heegaard and Drew Rosielle.

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)

Early Adult Monthly Dinner

Friday, March 20th, 6:30, at Maria’s House

RSVP to Maria: 815-821-4674

Speed Bingo

Saturday, April 11, 12pm, at Sociable Cider Works

RSVP to Unique: 806-316-9660

Second Sunday Early Adult Brunch & Summer Planning Meeting

Sunday, April 12, After second service, at Pizza Luce

RSVP to Corey/Maria: 715-451-6131 

Coming up:

Medicines for the Long Dark:

Sharing Circles to Hold These Times of Turmoil

Sharing Circle 3: Thursday, April 2, 10:30 am (in person)

Sharing Circle 4: Wednesday, April 8, 7:00 pm after Community Dinner, Room 207

Resistance Reflection Circle

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

First U Instrumental Music

Additional Spring dates TBD, 1:30-3 pm, at church

Community News & Needs

Help care for baby Violet

I have been taking care of baby Violet along with Christine Markel since Violet was four months old. (She is now 10 months old.) Christine Markel is no longer able to do this with me, so I am looking for someone else. Since we are doing this through First Universalist, the law requires that we have a background check and two people caring for Violet.  

Violet’s family lives very close to First Universalist. Basically, we pick Violet up at 11 am on Friday and return her by 3pm. It is the only time her parents have time to themselves. They appreciate it very, very much.

Violet's parents are Jera and Zion, who our congregation has been supporting during the last year. They are the kindest and most loving parents of Violet. I feel so glad that I am able to give them this time once a week. It's such a joy to be part of Violet's life and watch her grow. 

We have been going to Christine's home which is near Turtle Bread on Chicago Ave. 

I live in Saint Paul in the Highland Bridge area. If you live closer to church than I do, it would be preferable to do this in your home to help keep the driving time down for Violet. 

If you are interested and have questions, please feel free to call me: 612-805-5059.

Thank you for considering this request.

Sara McMullen, Member of First Universalist since 1988

Center Down, Rise Ready Noncooperation Trainings

Two trainings coming up:

Thursday, April 9, 5pm - 7:30pm

Thursday, May 14, 5pm - 7:30pm

Presented by Center Down Rise Ready, a branch of MARCH (Multifaith Anti-racism, Change and Healing) 

Dinner will be served, childcare is available.

Winnie the Pooh tells us: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” We trust in these words from Winnie the Pooh. We are a movement of spiritually minded folks that are grounded in love, courage, faith, and humility. Join us for a workshop to learn about a national noncooperation strategy and growing movement. We explore the power of collective noncompliance and mass noncooperation. This training is from the Freedom Trainers noncooperation curriculum and will be infused with a spiritually minded and expansive theological framework. All are welcome to this event, whether you identify as someone who is a person of faith or not, Atheist or believer, this is a welcoming space for all who believe in the worth and dignity of every human.

Request for Prom Clothes for Augsburg Fairview Academy (AFA)

First Universalist Church will host AFA’s third annual prom in our social hall on April 18. The school has requested donations of gently used prom clothes:

"Our students are starting to get really excited for prom, and we want to help make sure everyone has the chance to attend feeling confident and dressed for the occasion. Our theme this year is the 80's with a ton of vibrant colors.” 

Donations can be made on Sundays: March 22, March 29 and April 5. Requested items (not limited to 80’s attire) are:

• Prom dresses
• Dress pants
• Blazers or suit jackets
• Dress shirts
• Dress shoes and accessories

Please donate only clean and unwrinkled clothes in good repair. Please contact Cindy Marsh if questions at cindy.marsh2588@gmail.com; she is also seeking volunteers who can help take donations from Church to AFA (3109 50th St E, Mpls., 55417).

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 an Improv session:

Improvisation is not only a fun activity, with lots of laughter, joy, and connection with others, it is also a resilience-building activity, and a spiritual practice.

Register below. Come join us!

AUW 2026 Spring Retreat "Belonging" | AUW Website

The next Art Explorers gathering will be a tour of the exhibit Queering Indigeneity at the Minnesota Museum of American Art (the M), Saturday, May 2.

This is a private tour, so we are capping attendance at  20 guests per the M’s requirements. After our tour and gallery time, we will move to the nearby F-O-K Studios, where we have reserved the community lounge for conversation and (bring your own!) lunch. Art Explorers will provide filtered water, coffee, and dessert. Martha Bird’s studio is in the F-O-K Studios building, and – in a wonderful continuity from our first event – she will open her studio for a peek inside! 

This event is free, but registration* is required. Attendees pay for their parking ($4.00) and bring-your-own bag lunch. Carpooling facilitated.

This event is organized by Art Explorers, a subgroup of the AUW. 



*To receive the link to register, and the full schedule, email Bette DeMars at jbdemars2@gmail.com.

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.