The Weekly Liberal: April 24, 2025 | | NOTE: Some e-mail programs will not load the full content of this publication. Please click "View Entire Message" at the bottom if you see it! | | This Summer at church: Where does your deep gladness meet the world's deep need? | |
Got an idea for the summer at church? | |
Beloveds,
In these relentless times, I keep returning to one of my favorite questions rooted in the wisdom of Frederick Buechner: Where does your deep gladness meet the world’s deep need?
As we sink into the long haul ahead of us to salvage democracy, the world’s needs are daunting. So I’ve brought this question to meetings with some of you over the last weeks. And each time there has been a sigh of relief. The room settles. A different set of possibilities emerges with this question, when we allow our gladness to be our guide alongside the endless needs within and around us.
What do you love to do as the weather warms in Minnesota? How do you play? What do you want to learn? What nourishes your aliveness? In other words, what brings you gladness? And do you want to facilitate some form of that gladness for a group of fellow church members at First U?
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Sunday, April 27: Dr. Elías Ortega to preach at First U | |
Dr. Elías Ortega is reshaping what it means to lead in the spirit of a living Universalism. He’s a knitter. A drummer. A thinker who grew up in Puerto Rico and the Bronx—carrying the memory of colonization and the brilliance of diaspora into classrooms, pulpits, and boardrooms. Now President of Meadville Lombard Theological School, he’s working to make theological education serve the living, not just the legacy.
His scholarship spans religious ethics, critical race theory, and Latinx and Africana studies. He helped lead the UUA’s Commission on Institutional Change, shaping Widening the Circle of Concern—a groundbreaking call to dismantle white supremacy within our faith...
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Invitation to Mutual Mentorships Pilot at First Universalist | Are you longing for intergenerational relationships? Would you be nourished by growing alongside people in a different life stage? Do you want to be mentored by people younger, older, or just different from your primary social group? | | | | |
We the People Concert
SAVE THE DATE: May 4 at 4 p.m.
Tickets Available Now!
We're celebrating strength, diversity, resistance and joy! Come together for a fabulous fund-raising concert with some of the greatest female vocalists in the Twin Cities. They'll be performing tunes poignant, provocative, jubilant and joyous—all affirming the UU values of Interdependence, Justice, Transformation, Generosity, Equity and LOVE!
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Saturday, May 17: Talent Show & Trivia Night! | Support our youth and our church programs: Get tickets for the Talent Show & Trivia Night on May 17! | | | | |
April 27 – Across the Web
Dr. Elías Ortega will be guest-preaching at First U
How do we belong to a world that speaks in many voices?
After resurrection comes the season of rooting. What breaks open must find its place in the weave of life. Beneath our feet, mycelium carries stories. Rivers remember. Trees speak in chemistry and time.
This Sunday, we lean into the truth of interconnection. Indigenous wisdom, Black earth stewardship, and community knowledge remind us that justice is not abstract—it is relational.
To belong here is to listen. To care is to respond. What happens when we let the Earth teach us how to stay?
Join us at 9 or 11 a.m. in person or via livestream at 11 a.m.
Sunday’s Order of Service (updated each week before worship)
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After Worship
Coffee Hour in the Social Hall
Visit with old friends and meet new ones over coffee and cookies in our social hall.
| | April 20 – Ritual Sunday | The Spiral Path: Easter & Earth Day | | |
No items for the community this week
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 pastoralcare@firstuniv.org or (612) 405-5583 (call or text).
| | Ways to Connect at Church | |
Authentic Selves Book Group (UU Common Read)
Attend as many sessions as you are able: Wed., April 30, 7-8 p.m. on Zoom; Sat., May 3, 10-11 a.m. at church; Wed., May 7, 7-8 p.m., on Zoom; Sat., May 10, 10-11 a.m. at church
Register Here
People of all gender identities are invited to read the UU Common Read Authentic Selves, a sweeping compilation of life stories and portraits of trans and nonbinary people, as well as their partners, parents, children, siblings, and chosen family members. More than an introduction to gender identity, with Love at the center, the sessions will encourage participants to better know and love themselves and others. Copies of the book are available for purchase widely online and at InSpirit. Contact claire@firstuniv.org if you’d like the church to purchase a copy of the book for you. Facilitated by members Troi Ferguson and Claire Tralle.
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Newcomers Circle
The Spring Newcomers Circle has filled, but we hope you'll mark your calendar and register for the circle in June!
Sundays, June 1, 15, 22, 29, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at church
Register Here
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 Jeanne Guignon and Ralph Wyman
| | | Coming up in the next few weeks | | |
Deepening Ties Among Young Adults
Sundays: April 27, May 18; 12:30-2 p.m. at church
(Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s)
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Authentic Selves Book Group | UU Common Read
Attend as many sessions as you are able:
Wed, April 30, 7-8 p.m. on Zoom
Sat, May 3, 10-11 a.m. at church
Wed, May 7, 7-8 p.m., on Zoom
Sat, May 10, 10-11 a.m. at church
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Winter/Spring Grief Group
May 4, 18; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. on Zoom
Facilitated by Mark Caswell, church member and ministerial aspirant
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Young Adults: Second Sundays Lunch at Gigi’s
May 11; 12:15 p.m.
Young Adults (folks in their 20s and 30s) informally gather in the Social Hall after the second service to travel to nearby Gigi’s Cafe for lunch and conversation.
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Caregivers Support Group
Second Sundays: May 11; 1:00 - 2:30 pm on Zoom
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Labyrinth on the Full Moon
May 12; drop in from 5-7 p.m. in the Social Hall
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May Community Dinner
Wednesday, May 14
Dinner at 6 p.m., special Coming of Age program at 7—not to be missed!
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Daytime Connections
"Fraud and Scams in The Age of AI"
Thursday, May 15; 10-noon program, Noon lunch, in person in the Social Hall and on Zoom
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Newcomers Circle
Sundays, June 1, 15, 22, 29, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at church
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Life After Doom Salon
Meets as determined by participants, first week of February - mid May
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Meditation Tuesday Mornings
On Zoom only
Every Tuesday, all year/every week; 9:00-10:15 a.m.; gather at 8:45;
Email Martha Easter-Wells to RSVP: ewellsm@gmail.com
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Improv for Elders
Wednesdays, ongoing, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at church
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Qigong for Liberation
Thursdays; 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. at church
Facilitated by Denise Konen.
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Trans, Non-binary and Gender Expansive Community and Support Group
Will meet once/month based on participant availability. Contact Kaden Colton for information.
| | For details and the most complete and up-to-date listing of Programs, Gatherings, & Events at Church, visit our church calendar, or view the Program Guide: | |
Bring Your Flower Bounty to Worship This Summer
If you are getting ready to plant a garden of flowers, the Visual Arts Committee would like you to consider sharing it with the congregation at Sunday services this summer. There is one service each Sunday during the summer. You would pick flowers from your garden and put together an arrangement. We would supply the vase at church. After the service, it's yours!. No experience needed and it could be a great family project. If you would like to try it out, please contact Marjie Smith at marjiesmith1@gmail.com.
Dates available: June 15, 22 and 29; July 13, 20 and 27; August 17, 24 and 31 (Lake Harriet worship would not require flowers–date TBD)
| | | Community & Affiliated Org Events | |
Act for a Change: Improvising Answers to Hate Speech | Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Open Book, Minneapolis, MN. | | | |
Looking for Spiritual Support in These Unprecedented Times?
Meet virtually on Saturday, May 3 from 2-3 pm with other UUs as we bolster our resilience and open up ways to ground ourselves for the times and work before us.
MUUSJA (Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance) is hosting a series of one-time Spiritual Support gatherings led by Nico Van Ostrand (they/them). Nico will be at First Universalist beginning this fall as our Ministerial Intern. The groups are on varied nights through August from 7:00-8:00 pm on Zoom. Each group has a specific focus including: Trans; LGBTQ & Family; UU Values in Action; Belonging; Grief; and Fatigue for the Long Haul. More details and sign up here.
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Tuesday, May 13, 9:30 a.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol
Sign Up to Attend
From David Harrison, First U Member and our Habitat Lead:
Habitat for Humanity has long been a vital partner in our shared commitment to justice, equity, and compassion in action. While many of us know Habitat through recent build days at The Heights project in St. Paul, there's another powerful way to make a difference: by showing up to advocate for affordable housing policies that impact families across Minnesota. I invite you to join us for Habitat on the Hill, a day of advocacy at the Minnesota State Capitol on Tuesday, May 13. This is an opportunity to raise our collective voice in support of affordable homeownership and equitable housing access—especially for those who may not be able to swing a hammer but still want to build a more just world.
No prior advocacy experience is needed—just your presence and willingness to speak from the heart. The registration page includes helpful tools and guidance to prepare you for meaningful conversations with legislators and other participants. You’ll meet legislators, connect with fellow advocates, and help shape the future of housing policy in Minnesota. Register at the link below, and let’s show up as a faith community that lives our values out loud:
Register for Habitat on the Hill 2025
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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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Association of Universalist Women
AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.
Games Group
Meet at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. The next Games Group meeting is May 8. Please let Anne know if you plan to attend.
Women Who Read
We read books written by women. RSVP to Abbie Finger. On Monday, April 28 the book selection will be West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. The in-person potluck will begin at 6 pm, followed by discussion at 7.
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. The Zoom version of the meeting convenes online at 7:00 pm; click here to join by Zoom.
| | 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.
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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.
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