The Weekly Liberal: February 5, 2026

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Pledge: Make your Annual Financial Commitment

Whether you have been attending First U for decades and give by auto-pay, or you just joined us last week, submitting a pledge form lets us know what we can expect to receive in the coming church year—allowing us to budget appropriately.

Please complete the pledge form ASAP, or by March 6:

Changes in Religious Education and Coming of Age-Information and Listening Sessions

Please join members of the Children, Youth, and Families Advisory Council and Working Group to learn more about the process for the updates to our RE programming. We will share about the changes made in the past two years for updating all of our RE programs to be more in line with our UU Shared Values and developmental needs of our children and youth. We'll highlight changes in K-8 and take a deeper dive into the updates to our 9th grade Coming of Age program. After we discuss the process, there will be time for any questions.

We will have an in-person session in the Sanctuary on Saturday, February 7 at 9:00-10:00 a.m.



We will have a Zoom session on Thursday, February 12, 7:00-8:00 p.m. The Zoom session will be recorded for those interested, but who cannot attend. Join the Zoom session here.

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

• Friday, Feb 6 - Saturday, Feb 7: Middle School (grades 6-8) Youth Group Overnight.
• Sunday, Feb 8: Regular Sunday: Religious Education in Classrooms at both 9 & 11 a.m. services. 
• Sunday, Feb. 8: COA Extended Sunday: Class 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb 11: Community Dinner (starting at 6 pm) and Middle and High School Youth groups (starting at 7 pm)
• Friday, Feb 13 - Sunday, Feb 15: Senior High (grades 11-12) OWL Retreat at Camp Eden Wood.
• Sunday, Feb. 15: Common Ground Sunday in Cummins at both 9 & 11 a.m.
• Sunday, Feb 22: Regular Sunday: Religious Education in Classrooms at both 9 & 11 a.m. services. 
• Wednesday, Feb. 25: Middle and High School Youth Groups meet, 7:00-8:15 p.m.

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.

Senior High OWL Registration is live!

If you have an 11th or 12th grader who would like to participate, you should have received an email from Claire. If you would like information, please email Claire: claire@firstuniv.org.

Allison Connelly-Vetter, our Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, is currently on parental leave through March 2026.

Find out how to get support while she's out on our Families Web Page:

First U Seeks Choral Accompanist/Worship Pianist

Help us find our next music leader to work with Paolo! We're looking for someone with skills as an accompanist and music leader who can join the worship team at First Universalist. Please share the job description in your networks, and remember, our policy is to hire non-church members for staff positions.

Mid-Year Informational Meeting

Please join us for a mid-year informational meeting on Sunday, February 8, at 1:00 in the sanctuary. Updates will be provided by Rev. Jen, President Marc Gorelick, Treasurer

Cameron Smither, and the Stewardship Team. We will also have time for your

questions. We hope to see you there!

This meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube Live. You can join the livestream via our YouTube page:

Sunday Worship

Sunday, February 8

Be careful, it's my heart

Two worship services:

9 a.m. in person

11 a.m. in person and livestreaming

On this second Sunday in our February worship theme of Universalist Love at the Margins—on this Superbowl Sunday—we’ll remember that there are many ways to do gender and we’ll explore the variety of ways that masculinities take shape in life-affirming ways in Unitarian Universalism and in our lives. In a faith tradition that expects us to learn and grow, explore and choose how we live in alignment with our values and our deepest selves, what does it look and feel like to intentionally choose what masculinity means for each of us?

Pickup Choir

This Sunday, February, 8, 10:15 in the Cummins Room

Come sing with us this Sunday at Pickup Choir! Join Paolo in the sanctuary at 10:15 to learn a new tune, then sing it in the 11am service. No experience necessary, just bring yourself, your voice, and excitement to sing!

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, February 1

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

Cycle of Life

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 Cooking Meals and Helping Each Other During Life’s Marker Events

Cook a Meal

We have congregants in need of support during life events. Please read the instructions carefully so that you can provide the type of meal that will bring the families the most comfort. Contact Rev. Laura if you are in need of meals to help you through a transition. 

Current Mealtrain Requests:

Zion, Jera, and Baby Violet

Help with Rides, Chores, or Companionship During Worship

On occasion, we receive requests from congregants for distinct needs. If you are willing to help with any of these needs, email or text Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org or 612-405-5583.

• General chores (lawn moving, cleaning) post surgery and when congregants are struggling. 
• Rides—sometimes to church and other times to doctor appointments. 
• Companionship during worship for congregants with cognitive impairment who need a buddy when in the building.

Ways to Connect at Church

Featured Programs

February Community Dinner

Wednesday, February 11 

Dinner 6-6:45; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m. RSVP REQUESTED

All are welcome and there is no charge.

Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. After dinner, choose a drop-in breakout group to connect with others and learn about opportunities to get involved at church this season. Childcare will be available for younger kids (ages 6 months-Grade 5), and youth groups will meet for older kids and teens. Menu available on our website a week in advance. We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free.

Resistance Reflection Circle

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

This circle is for any 1st UU members currently involved in doing resistance work, Our purpose is to create a space where we can “hold it together” in real time. Bring your self-mind, body and spirit-to share how you are, what you are learning, and what nurturing can look like now. Come as you are! Hosted by the First U Sanctuary and Resistance Team.

Sage-ing Wisdom Circle

February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, 11-12:30, Room 209 | RSVP Here

Sage-ing Wisdom Circle: In Zalman Schachter-Shalomi’s book From Age-ing to Sage-ing, he introduced us to “Sage-ing,” which is “a new model of late-life development…a process that enables older people to become spiritually radiant, physically vital, and socially responsible ‘elders of the tribe.’” (5) Karen West, a Certified Sage-ing Leader (sage-ing.org), and a member of First Universalist is inviting you to join a Sage-ing Wisdom Circle in which members explore how to “age triumphantly” together. Group members take turns facilitating; organized by Karen West.

Caregivers Support Group (on zoom) 

Second Sundays: 1:00-2:30 pm: Feb 8, March 8, April 12, May 10 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.

First U Instrumental Music

Sundays, February 8, March 1 and 15, 1:30-3 pm, at church, Cummins Room | RSVP Here

The First U Instrumental Music group welcomes musicians to join us for music and fellowship. We will meet 2-3 times this spring to rehearse and we will look for opportunities to perform at service. Our music is at a lower high school level, so we can welcome youth musicians as well as adults who may have let some dust gather on their instruments. Facilitated by Elaina Buzzell.

Get to know the Intercultural Development Continuum

Wednesday evenings: February 11 & 25, March 4 & 18, April 1, 7pm - 8:30pm at church | RSVP Here

For members who are interested in learning more about the culture and its connection to creating a beloved community. Participants need to have completed the IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory). This group will use the UU Institute's "Co-Creating Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Our Congregations" course to dig deeper into understanding how we interact across differences in a way that promotes diversity, inclusion and equity in our congregation that builds deep relationships and an inviting congregational culture. Over five sessions, we'll explore the Intercultural Development Continuum and reflect on our congregational culture and experience. Facilitated by Martha Moriarty.

Single and Solo Parents Group 

Wednesdays, Feb 11, March 11, April 8 from 7:00-8:15pm 

Saturdays Feb 28, March 28, and April 25 from 10:45 am-12:00 noon, Library RSVP Here

All single and solo parents and caregivers are invited to join this group for community, connection, and solidarity with people who really get it. This will be a space for connecting with others who have shared experience, taking time for a spiritual practice or reflection, and receiving care, tenderness, and grace from one another. We are scheduling these during Community Dinner and Saturday morning Sprouts so childcare will be available. We encourage you to attend as many of these gatherings as you can to support trust-building and community. Reach out to Rev. Laura with questions or for more information. Groups will be facilitated by affiliated ministers, current ministers, and staff.

Membership Class at First U

We ask that congregants who are interested in becoming members take a membership class. Participants have an opportunity to get clear on what they personally are committing to as church members and what a mutual, reciprocal church community commits to them in return. In community, participants explore the practical and spiritual sides of what relevant, sustainable church membership means to them. 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 spring:

Thursday, February 12 and Thursday, February 19, 6:00-8:00 pm RSVP

Saturday, March 21, 9:00am-1:30 pm (potluck) RSVP

Tuesday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 28, 6:00-8:00 pm RSVP

Caregivers of Spouses 

Meeting schedule to be determined by participants. RSVP Here by Feb 14 

Caregiving for a spouse/partner has its own nuances and realities for the care provider. This group is an opportunity to share confidentially, learn from one another, and to receive support. We will begin in February and find a common time that works for all participants. Led by Rev Laura Smidzik.

Habitat for Humanity Builds

Saturday, February 14th, 8:30am to 3:30pm, 3149 Park Avenue, Minneapolis

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 - (920) 225-9153

Pancake Breakfast for Trans and Gender Expansive Folx

Saturday February 14; Breakfast 9:30-10:30 a.m., Short program 10:00, Breakouts 10:30-11:15, Closing 11:15-11:30.

RSVP

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. Imagine a room filled with transgender and gender expansive adults, youth, and children. We build community by being together. You may even make some new connections! We will eat, have a short program, and then create breakout groups. 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.

Daytime Connections for Older Adults

Topic: Health Support for Trans Youth | RSVP Here

Thursday, February 19, 9:45 a.m. coffee, 10-noon program, Noon lunch, in person in the Social Hall and on Zoom

Would you like to know more about the program at Children’s Hospital that works to

support transgender youth? Dr. Kade Goepferd, the founder and director of that

program for the past eight years, will tell us about the many ways that the hospital helps trans youth and their families through the transition process.

Daytime Connections empowers older adults to live intentional, joyful, purposeful and spiritually fulfilled lives, by building a vibrant community and providing engaging programming that promotes conscious aging and fosters personal and spiritual growth. 

Qigong for Liberation 

Tuesdays, 4:30 - 5:15 online, facilitator will keep participants informed of any dates we don't meet | RSVP Here

We gather in person in good weather and on Zoom in the snowy months, to practice the beautiful and healing movement meditation of 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.” Movements are gentle and accessible and can be done standing, sitting, or lying down. 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. Facilitated by Denise Konen. 

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)

Karaoke

Friday, February 6, 7pm, Location TBD 

RSVP to JT: 952-520-4237

Super Bowl Party

Sunday, February 8, 5pm

Potluck Style, At CT’s House, CT will provide chili and other snacks

RSVP to CT: 832-646-8150

Coming up in the next few weeks:

Grief Group (on zoom) 

First Sundays, 4:00-5:30 pm: Feb 1, March 1, April 5, May 3 

Register to receive Zoom link 

Candlelit Labyrinth Walk on the Full Moon

Tuesday, Mar. 3, Wednesday, April 1, Sunday, May 31, 5-7 p.m. in the Social Hall

No RSVP Necessary | Join the Labyrinth Interest List

Sage-ing Wisdom Circle

February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, 11-12:30

First U Instrumental Music

Sundays, February 8, March 1 and 15, 1:30-3 pm, at church

Caregivers Support Group (on zoom)

Second Sundays: 1:00-2:30 pm: Feb 8, March 8, April 12, May 10

Get to know the Intercultural Development Continuum

Wednesday evenings: February 11 & 25, March 4 & 18, April 1, 7pm - 8:30pm at church

Single and Solo Parents Group 

Wednesdays, Feb 11, March 11, April 8 from 7:00-8:15pm 

Saturdays Feb 28, March 28, and April 25 from 10:45 am-12:00 noon (fourth Saturday of the month)

Membership Class at First U

Thursday, February 12 and Thursday, February 19, 6:00-8:00 pm RSVP

Resistance Reflection Circle

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

Crafting Group

Sundays, February 15, March 1 & 15, April 5 & 19, May 3, 1-3 p.m. at church

Community News & Needs

Shared Ministry Opportunities!

As we say in worship, “You are not alone. We are holding it together.” This is the essence of shared ministry. We have two small projects that need some assistance to help get completed:

1. Sabbatical grant application. The Lilly Endowment offers funding to congregations to support ministerial sabbaticals. We are looking for someone

who is willing to work with staff to coordinate the completion of the application. We anticipate about 10-12 hours of work. The application deadline is March 18. If interested, please contact Rev. Jen.

2. Employee handbook revision. Rev. Jen is updating and revising the employee handbook, and could use additional help. If interested, please contact her directly.

First U Artist

Fiber, Fragment and Form

January 30 - March 15, 2026



Martha Bird’s work plays with the traditional weave of functional baskets, twisting and expanding them into sculptural willow and rattan forms. She draws her inspiration from French, Irish and Japanese basketry that allow viewers to experience the art form in new ways.  

Her 22 “baskets" are on display throughout the Spring Flower Show, with a focus on her Japanese-inspired basketry in the Andersen Horticultural Library (some with ikebana flower arrangements).

Location:

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

3675 Arboretum Dr.

Chaska, MN 55318

Link to event.

Opening Reception: Friday, January 30, 2026 6-8 pm (ticketed event)

Artist Talk by Martha Bird Saturday, February 21, 2026 1 - 2 pm "Cultivating Willow: Building Community through the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum”

(free admission on 2/21 offered by contacting marthabirdart@gmail.com)

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.

February Hygge* Event: Chastity Brown Concert

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Renowned singer-songwriter Chastity Brown will perform a one hour concert just for us.

1:00 pm: Doors open

1:15 pm: Introduction

1:30 pm: Concert begins promptly

2:30-4:00: Desserts and conversation

Register here by February 5, 2026.

See AUW website for more information.

Spring Retreat: April 17-19, 2026

2026 AUW Spring Retreat “Belonging.”  

Keynote speaker Rev. Karen Hutt.

One breakout session will be a walking meditation on a labyrinth!

The link to register is below. Come join us!

AUW 2026 Spring Retreat "Belonging"

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.