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Congregation, this is a strange time to be alive.
This is a strange time to be alive in this nation, in this state, in these cities. It is a strange time to be inhabiting the identities that we do.
In the last seven days, I’ve been blessed to sit with many of you from across the spectrum that is our church and all of you have said some version of this: “I thought my life was going this way….. And now I see things are going to be quite different.” You’ve named fears for yourself, for your loved ones. You’ve named the loss of so much.
I share to say that in your grief, in your loss, in your wondering, you are not alone, we are truly holding it together. I also share this to say that the form of grief you are moving with right now is particularly complicated and ambiguous. Losing a future story without a new one clearly taking its place is really hard - you are not imagining this. Trust your body to guide you through this grief, and know that you do not need to be alone in your grieving.
Many have described the state of affairs on the horizon as a form of fascism. What we know is that the incoming administration displays authoritarian and anti-democratic tendencies and that it has at its heart a spiritual sickness. “Make American Great Again” rallies a desire to freeze time and revert to a bygone era of fabled American exceptionalism and ease for some, and erasure, repression, and misery for everyone else.
So, what do we do?
The internet is full of resources as I bet are your inboxes. There is no shortage of good ideas. Which do we do? All of them. Really. The spiritual sickness of fascism cannot be combatted by just one right answer. We do not live in “silver bullet” times.
Here are some guideposts, if, like me, you find them helpful right now:
This piece by Daniel Hunter offers clear and straightforward steps for us all, while recognizing that we won’t all be able to show up in the same ways.
Deepa Iyer’s Social Change Map is another tool to support folks in identifying and clarifying their roles.
The UUA’s Side with Love program has upcoming virtual gatherings that I recommend checking out:
Tuesday, November 19, 7pm Central
Forward Together: Anchoring in Community Post-Election Virtual Series (Side with Love/UUA) – The Way Forward
Thursday, November 21, 6-8pm Central
Tools for Tending (Side with Love/Black Lives of UU/DRUUMM)
And this Sunday at 1 p.m., the First U Environmental Justice Team is hosting a listening session in Room 209, open to all. Let them know you’re interested, and join the conversation about what First U’s climate justice activity might look like in the coming months and years.
The spiritual sickness of our times can only be reversed through the slow and patient work of recovery of ourselves and our humanity from the conditions that make fascism a possibility in the first place. If fascism breeds in conditions of loneliness, mistrust, isolation, and economic stagnation or decline, our work is to cultivate community, build deep and wider networks of relationship and care, and strengthen our capacity for mutual aid. Our work is to create spaces of belonging and connection here at church and in our lives so that our spirits and bodies are nourished and strengthened for the times to come. What if every day, we’ve had and helped to create at least one experience of knowing that we are not alone, we are holding it together?
Thanks to Rev. Ashley Harness and Rachel Rott for help in identifying some great resources for this piece.
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Somatic Practice: Pizza Breath | Worship Associate Em Hermann-Johnson offers the second video in our Somatic Practices series. Watch and share! | |
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By Marc Gorelick, Treasurer, Board of Trustees
For those unable to attend our recent first quarter financial update, here are some of the
highlights of what was discussed:
1. Fiscal year 2023-2024. The original budget approved by the congregation in June 2023 budgeted a deficit of just over $100,000. We ended the year with a substantially smaller deficit of $42,206. Expenses were slightly over budget (2.4%), but many people increased their giving in response to an anticipated
shortfall in pledge income. All I can say is THANK YOU!!
2. Fiscal year 2024-25. Through the first quarter (July-September 2024), we are in a
good position. Expenses are close to budget, while overall revenue is well ahead
of budget for this point in the year, so we currently have a surplus of $197,000,
compared with a budgeted deficit of $34,000 through the first quarter. This appears to be primarily a question of timing of donations, but at least at this point there are no red flags and we are on track to meet our goal of breaking even for the year.
3.Endowments and investments. The church has four endowment funds, with a
total of approximately $3 million in assets. These funds are invested, and while the principal is not meant to be spent, the investment proceeds are available for use. Each endowment has certain restrictions on how the proceeds can be used. The largest, the Foundation endowment, is intended “to meet the social justice needs of the greater Twin Cities metro area." The distribution of these funds is determined by the elected Foundation Board. The proceeds of the second largest endowment, the Legacy Fund, support overall church operations and are included as part of our annual budget. (Depending on investment performance, this ranges from around $60-65,000 each year.)
Speaking of investment performance.... First Universalist has an investment policy to guide our investments, balancing three main considerations. The first is return: the more money our investments yield, the more we have available to advance the intended purpose of the endowments and our Visionary Goals. The second is risk. Typically, higher yields come with higher risks. So like most of us with retirement accounts, the church seeks to spread our investments across different types (e.g., bonds, domestic stocks, foreign stocks). The third consideration is our values. Most of us would feel uncomfortable, for example,
profiting from engaging in illegal activities, or exploiting marginalized people, but that’s a low bar. Most of us would actually want to advance our values through our investment power. That’s where ESG funds come in. ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Basically, every company that is publicly traded is scored on their environmental impact, social impact, and business practices. ESG funds screen out companies that score particularly low; they also screen out certain industries as inherently problematic. At a minimum, they exclude companies that produce thermal coal, tobacco, and controversial weapons, for instance.
But we wanted to see if we could do more. Our policy calls for a minimum of 20% of our investments to be in ESG funds. When we looked into it, there are different tiers of ESG funds, depending on how strict their criteria are. Advanced ESG funds exclude several industries we hoped to divest from, including all fossil fuels, all weapons, gambling, predatory lending, and for-profit prisons. We have directed our investment manager to put 100% of our stock investments into advance ESG funds, so that we can truly live our values through what we do with our money!
4. Looking ahead. While we are certainly pleased to end last year better than expected, and be on a good path so far this year, there are a few warning signs on the horizon we want the congregation to be aware of. One is the fact that budgeted revenue for the current year includes several very large pledges that the donors indicated cannot be repeated in future years (a bit over $200,000 of this year’s pledge income.) While I could not be more grateful to those individuals who stepped up in such a moving way, this is clearly not sustainable into the future. However, it gives us time to prepare, and the Stewardship team is already working on how we can build a more sustainable culture of support going forward.
We also discussed the outstanding construction loan. Several years ago, we had a capital campaign with the goals of paying off the mortgage and funding extensive renovations to our beloved facility. That campaign was largely successful, but did not quite meet the goal. It was decided that we should move forward with the plans for retiring the mortgage and the full scope of the renovation, and to take out a new loan (at a very favorable interest rate) to
finance it. Under the terms of that loan, we have payments of $125-132,000 a year until 2031, when we will have a “balloon” payment of $1.6 million. This is a very common practice among non-profit organizations, and is not inherently concerning. It does mean we need to start thinking about our options (e.g. capital campaign, refinancing), which the Finance Committee will do in collaboration with the staff and the Board.
In summary, I believe we are in a reasonably sound financial position right now, one that bodes well for our future. I hope to be able to provide these kinds of updates quarterly, and am always happy to answer any questions or hear any suggestions you may have. Please feel free to contact me at mhgorelick@gmail.com.
P.S. I learned that I may have given the wrong impression about something in response to a question at the meeting. I noted that in last year’s budget, we inadvertently didn’t budget expenses for the travel for the youth Boston trip, which is approximately $20,000, which was about half of the expenses budget variance we had. I was asked if we budget for fundraising for that trip, and I answered that we do have some fundraising for various specific activities,
including that one, budget, but it’s relatively small amount. My response was specifically about fundraising events (e.g., donut sales), and I didn’t include the fact that participants pay a fee to go. Based on my answer, a few people concluded that the trip is subsidized, which it is not; it is self-funded through fees and fundraising. I apologize for being unclear.
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In this time of uncertainty, build up a place you can count on.
The Stewardship Team's goal is to raise $10,000 on Give to the Max, with a match from the Board of Trustees and generous congregants of $3,300!
We're at $5,210 as of this publication, just over the 50% mark. Can you help us meet—or surpass—our goal?
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Sunday, Nov. 17: Ritual Sunday – New Member Celebration
How does welcoming new members strengthen our commitment to justice and community care?
In this intergenerational service, we’ll gather in a story circle and participate in the planting of a welcome tree, symbolizing growth, unity, and our shared journey toward a community rooted in justice.
Join us at 9 or 11 a.m. in person or via livestream at 11 a.m.
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Religious Education is in worship this Sunday.
Please join us with your children and youth in the Sanctuary for our 45-minute, interactive, Ritual Sunday worship at 9 or 11 a.m. To nurture intergenerational, full-family worship, we will not hold classes for children or youth this Sunday.
We will offer staffed childcare for children ages 6 mos-PreK in room 104, and Senior High Youth Group will meet for bagels at 10:30 a.m. and attend the 11 a.m. worship service together.
All other children and youth are encouraged to worship together with their families in the Sanctuary at 9 or 11 a.m. for our November Ritual Sunday.
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.
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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.
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Environmental Justice Listening Session | |
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1 p.m. in Room 209
Join Cathy Geist, Susan Keller, Stan Sattinger, and the EJ team as we listen to your fears and concerns, as well as hopes and dreams, for our environment. What can we do individually and collectively to push back on the changes coming our way? What next steps should the EJ team be making?
Let us know you are coming at bit.ly/firstuEJfallgatherings
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Last Sunday, Nov. 10: "Post-Election Witness and Regroup – Singing in Solidarity" | | |
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Video: Feel your spirit be lifted and connected to the community as the First U Choir sings "The Storm Is Passing Over" | | |
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It matters where we put our energy, our attention, our focus, our time, our resources. It matters so very much how are we going to be with each other and with ourselves.
What are we going to commit ourselves to? What institutions that are going to outlive and outlast us are we going to put our energy and attention and resources into?
What real sanctuary will we create?
Rev. Jen Crow, Senior Minister
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There will be a memorial and reception for Gail Hanson on November 30 at 11 a.m. We hope you will make a plan to attend. If you are able to offer your help alongside the Memorial Reception Team to create a welcoming and caring space for all, please contact Roberta at roberta.haskin@gmail.com.
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.
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Ways to Connect at Church | |
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Improv for Elders
Wednesdays, Nov. 20, and Dec. 4, 11, 18, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 (no gathering on Nov. 27, Dec. 25, or Jan. 1) 10:30 a.m. to noon
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Qigong for Liberation
Thursdays, Nov. 14, 21, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 4:00-4:45 p.m.–no meeting on Thanksgiving or December 26.
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Caregivers group (online)
Sundays, Nov. 17 and Dec. 8, 1-2:30 p.m. on Zoom
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Environmental Justice Gathering
Sunday, Nov. 17, 1-2:30 p.m. in Room 209
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Fall Grief group (online)
Sundays, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, 15, 4:00-5:30 pm
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Habitat for Humanity
November 20, 8:30-2:30
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Plant-based Friendsgiving Potluck
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 5:30-7:00 pm
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What Now? An EJ Team Workshop
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7:00-8:15 (following the Friendsgiving Potluck)
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Daytime Connections: Mark Ritchie & Minnesota History
Thurs., Nov. 21, 9:45 a.m. coffee, 10-noon program, Noon lunch - Please RSVP by the Monday before
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"Life After Doom" Salon
Mondays through December 9, 7-8:30 PM, On Zoom only
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Meditation Tuesday Mornings
Every Tuesday, all year/every week; 9:00-10:15 a.m.; gather at 8:45; in person in Room 209 and on Zoom
Email Sara McMullen to RSVP: saramcminneapolis@gmail.com
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Welcome to the new format for how we share events at church! Let us know if you have questions or thoughts about how this is working: rachel@firstuniv.org. | |
For the most complete and up-to-date listing of Programs, Gatherings, & Events at Church, visit our church calendar, or view the Program Guide: | |
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Our Senior High Youth Group will be selling homemade pies after both services on Sunday, Nov. 24!
Pies will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be on sale in the Social Hall during coffee hour between services and after the 11 a.m. service. Bring cash or donate day-of via the church website.
This bake sale is a fundraiser for the Senior High Youth Group. All proceeds raised will support their youth-led community-building and spiritual growth throughout the coming year and beyond.
Members of the youth group and adult Advisors will bake the pies themselves at church the night before, so they will be fresh for you and your families to take home in the morning. These pies will be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table, or a great treat in the week leading up to the big feast.
Reach out to Allison at allison@firstuniv.org with any questions. Support our youth while eating tasty pie - what could be better!
| Seeking New Habitat Leadership | |
First Universalist is looking for a new coordinator to continue our long-standing work with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity to begin January 2025.
The responsibilities include coordinating with Habitat staff to plan our work days and working with church staff to let church members and friends know of these opportunities. In the past, First U has worked as few as two or three months out of the year (one day a month), or as many as eight or nine months during the year.
It’s a rewarding job. Those church members who have worked with Habitat over a number of years…affectionately known as “The Old Guard”…can attest to the rewards of friendship this has produced.
Those interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact Rev. Jen Crow by calling the church office (612-825-1701) or email (jen@firstuniv.org).
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Donation-based Queer Yoga
November 23, and 30 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.
Facilitated by Dallas Rising
Click on any of the dates above on the church calendar for more details
First U member Dallas Rising (she/they) has been teaching a queer community yoga class on Saturday mornings for six years. You don't have to identify as queer to attend.
We are a very welcoming, friendly, fluid group with a strong core of regulars. Classes are most often vinyasa/flow-based, with the occasional yin or workshop class. You are always welcome to adapt and do whatever serves your body and heart best – we don’t need to practice alike to practice together.
No yoga experience is needed!
To receive email updates, click here.
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Pavia Wind Quintet at First Universalist Church!
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
See more details by visiting the event on the church calendar.
Greetings! My name is Denise Konen and I’ve been attending First Universalist Church since 2000. I’d like to invite you to enjoy a performance by the Pavia Wind Quintet right here at church! My son, Ryan Golden, plays the clarinet and was one of the founding members. Come enjoy their beautiful music!
See the event on Facebook
| Seeking Childcare Volunteers | |
We need volunteers to supervise children during two key events every month:
- after Community Dinners (7-8:15 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of the month)
- during Saturday Sprouts (9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the 4th Saturday of most months)
The role of adult childcare volunteers is simply to supervise play among children in 5th grade and younger. Childcare is provided in rooms with plenty of toys and books for children to engage with. No preparation is needed on the part of the volunteer.
If you are interested in providing childcare for one or multiple of these events, please contact Allison at allison@firstuniv.org. She will be delighted to hear from you!
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Community & Affiliated Org Events | |
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Association of Universalist Women
Visit their website
Hiking Group: Look for Lynn in the red shirt. 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.
November 23, 1pm Lake Harriet, Mpls. Meet by the bandstand stage. Parking is available at the pay lot or park on the parkway. About 3 miles of asphalt trail.
November 30, 1pm Westwood Nature Center, 8300 West Franklin Street, St Louis Park, MN. Use your GPS device to find this location. The trail is about 2 miles (possibly more if additional paths are added) of asphalt and wood chips.
December 7, 1pm Saturday Normandale Lake, 8416 Chalet Road, Bloomington, MN. Park in the big parking lot on the west side of Chalet Road. Meet at Normandale Lake Sign across from the parking lot.1.9 miles around once.
December 14, 1pm Saturday Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield. Meet in the parking lot by the entrance. Flat paths with wood chips
December 21, 1pm Lakewood Cemetery. 3600 Hennepin Avenue South, Mpls. Meet by small round Chapel. Park on side of the driveway. Walk is on asphalt. Slight hills depending on the way we go. Mileage depends on the group.
Game Group
December 12, 7-9 p.m. at church
Contact: Anne Frenchick
Women Who Read
Mon., Nov. 25, 7 p.m.
Topic: Master Slave Husband Wife, by Ilyon Woo
RSVP for location: Abbie Finger
SAVE THE DATE: May 2-4, 2025 - AUW Spring Retreat at Camp Courage
Registration will open in early December.
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12-Step Spirituality
Visit the website for details.
First Saturday of each month through May 3, 2025, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
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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