The Weekly Liberal: June 18, 2026

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THIS SUNDAY: Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly Worship



Sunday, June 21, 9:30 Gather | 10 a.m. Worship, at the Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave S., Minneapolis

NO IN PERSON WORSHIP AT FIRST U | Livestream available here on Sunday morning

First U will worship together with other Twin Cities UUs at the Riverside Theater

After worship, you can join First U folks and other UU siblings for a bring-your-own-lunch picnic.

Summer Programs are here! Find your way into community this summer:

Religious Education is on break for the summer.

Childcare is offered for infants-PreK on Sunday mornings. 

Registration is open for the upcoming year of Religious Education and Our Whole Lives! Classes will resume in September. Please register your children and youth:

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:

These are highlights. | Please look in Community News and Needs in this newsletter for lots more.

JOB LISTING: First U Seeks Community Connections Coordinator

POSITION OVERVIEW:

• Articulates a comprehensive faith formation and community engagement program for everyone who connects with the church—from first-time visitors to long-time members;
• Is responsible for coordinating the membership and adult programming of the church; 
• Supports group leaders and facilitates connections for congregants as they deepen their spiritual practice and their relationship with First Universalist and each other.

Sunday Worship

Sunday, June 14 | One service at 10 a.m. at the Riverview Theater | No worship at First U

General Assembly Sunday Worship

NOTE: ONE Worship Service

10 a.m. in person and livestreaming

Riverview Theater

3800 42nd Ave S., Minneapolis

Join us in person at the Riverview Theater for General Assembly Sunday Worship on June 21, 2026, at 10:00 am CST, for a powerful and communal experience—the largest annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists in worship. 

Religious Education is on break for the summer. Childcare is offered for infants-PreK. 

In Case You Missed It:

Last Sunday, June 14

Last Sunday, we thanked Nico Van Ostrand and wished him well, as he concludes his time at First U as the Cummins Ministerial Intern.

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

Cycle of Life

Phyllis Stenerson's Celebration of Life will be this Saturday, June 20, at 2:00 pm at church and livestreaming. Watch the service on livestream.

Our hearts are with Cindy as she mourns the death of her husband, Wendell Vandersluis. Wendell died at home last night after a long journey with Alzheimers. A service will be held later this summer or this fall. 

David Kinnamon Schroer asks that he be held in prayer as he moves from intensive mental health treatment at the University of MN Medical Center to a harm reduction residence. He reports that he is feeling good and that he appreciates the congregation and its care. 

Harry Pontiff's Celebration of Life is on Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 pm.

Please contribute a story or memory about Harry for the Collage of Voices. Rev. Laura needs submissions by noon this Sunday at laura@firstuniv.org

Watch the service on livestream.

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.

Receive or Offer Support

Do you need support during a challenging time? We are here for one another. Are you able to offer support? On occasion, we receive requests from congregants for distinct needs. If you would like support, or if you can offer support, email or text Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org or 612-405-5583.

Ways to Connect at Church

Coming Up At Church:

Membership Classes at First U

This class is for congregants who have decided that they want to become members. Participants learn about First Universalist, the broader UU movement, and membership. 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 Summer: 

Class 1: Saturday, June 20, 9:00 am-1:00 pm (potluck)

Class 2: Wednesdays, July 15 and 22, 6:00-8:00 pm

Class 3: Wednesdays, Aug 26 and Sept. 2, 6:00-8:00 pm

In the Weeds

Wednesdays, beginning June 24, 5:00-6:15 pm at church | RSVP Here

Spirituality is often found in small, routine tasks. If getting your hands dirty and pulling a few weeds (or picking up litter, or whatever is needed) in the company of others speaks to you, please join us. We’ll build new connections while keeping our campus looking its best and being a good neighbor to those who live nearby. Come once or come weekly, come alone or come with a friend, but come! Facilitated by Lynn Broaddus.

Crafting Group

Sundays, June 28, July 26, August 2, August 23, 12:00-2:00 pm, Social Hall near the Library | RSVP Here

Are you creative/crafty/artistic (or would you like to be?) and like to create in the presence of others? Let's meet up and be creative in community! Imagine: a drop-in space where you come with a project, or use materials from our pop-up free table (i.e., a spot where we can bring craft items to pass to someone else, or to find a new project or hobby). Joy is an act of resistance and connecting with creative folks can be inspiring! Facilitated by Chris Chiros.

Journaling Club: Writing with The Book of Alchemy 

Wednesdays, every other week, June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, Aug 12, Aug 26, Sept 9, Sept 23 (Come to all eight or as many as you can make. Drop ins welcome.) 7:00 - 8:30 pm, in the church Library | RSVP Here

What would you write if you weren’t afraid? This summer, we’ll gather every other

Wednesday around one essay and one writing prompt from The Book of Alchemy — Suleika Jaouad’s New York Times bestselling guide to journaling as a practice of creativity, healing, and self-discovery. Each 90-minute session includes a reading, ten quiet minutes of writing, and an open conversation about what surfaces. No writing experience required. Just bring a notebook, a pen, and your curiosity. Facilitated by Katie Stoecker-Strauss.

Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything, by Rev. Jen Crow | Book discussion group

Thursdays, June 18, July 9, July 23, Aug 6, 11:30 am-1:00 pm, Room 209 | RSVP Here

Rev. Jen Crow’s book reflects on the unexpected turns our lives can take--and all the ways we can pay attention to what we truly need to survive the painful moments and live lives of meaning. Described as a “Survival guide, spiritual companion, and a light in the dark, Take What You Need offers hope, humor, and real-life spiritual tools to meet the hardest moments of our lives.” Join a facilitated book reflection/discussion group led by Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Caregivers Support Group (on zoom) 

Second Sundays: 1:00-2:30 pm: June 14, July 12, Aug 9, Sept 13 | 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.

Mild Cognitive Impairment: We are Holding it Together 

(Time and format to be determined) | RSVP Here by July 4

Early mild cognitive impairment impacts our lives in a number of ways. This group is for people who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment with the goal of sharing stories, creating community, and reducing isolation. We will contact all who are interested and decide on dates, time, and if it will be in person or online. Facilitated by Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Grief Group (on zoom)

First Sundays, June 7, July 5, Aug 2, Sept 6, 4:00-5:30 pm | Register to receive Zoom link 

The Grief Group meets the first Sunday on Zoom. It is a gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with the loss of a loved one. 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. (This is a drop-in group). We will be here for you. Faciltited by Jen Keating, Seminarian at United Theological Seminary.

Weekly Meditation Group

Tuesdays at 9:00 am on Zoom | Email Martha at ewellsm@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link

The Weekly Meditation Group is an ongoing group to which new members are always welcome. We meet on zoom every Tuesday from 9-10:15 with a rotating group of facilitators. People come with whatever experience they have and we learn from each other. Facilitated by Martha Easter-Wells, Amy Marquart, Anne McBean, Julie Gottes, and Diane Torrannce.

Qigong for Liberation

Every Tuesday (no in-person meeting August 18), 4:30-5:15 pm in Room 201 | RSVP Here

Gather with us in person or online for an ongoing practice of the beautiful and healing movement meditation, 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.” Come when you can. A recording is also included each week so you can practice when you choose. Movements are gentle and accessible for everyone. Spring Forest Qigong is a liberating practice that provides a way to return to who we have always been - energy beings, who, when given the space and time to heal, can bring more unconditional love, forgiveness, and kindness to ourselves, each other, and a hurting world. As our strength and resilience grow we become fortified to respond with courage and compassion to the intensifying fascism. 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.

Improv for Elders

Wednesdays (no meeting August 19), 10:00-11:30 am, Room 209 | RSVP Here

Come and join the laughter and fun. We who laugh, last. This is a group for games and teamwork, but not production or performance oriented. It’s just for us. Participants say it is their favorite day of the week because we need joy now more than ever. Facilitated by Rev. Meg Riley.

Fiber Artists Circle

Every Wednesday, June 17 to September 16 (no meeting August 19), 3:00-5:00 pm, Room 207 | RSVP Here

Do you crochet, knit, or craft with yarn in any way? Want to learn how? Bring your projects and sit with us in a warm and friendly environment while we work and chat! Facilitated by Jera Forrester.

BIPOC Group

Fill out the interest form for meeting details.

The First Universalist BIPOC Group is a sacred time of community, support, and joy. Come be, laugh, and connect with other Unitarian Universalists who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color. This is a closed space for BIPOC adults, including multiracial people. This is not a group for white people, including white people who have BIPOC family members.

Community News & Needs

Tonight, June 18, Board of Trustees Meeting

The First U Board will hold their regular monthly meeting this evening at 6:30. Their meeting agenda and meeting materials are here.

Members are always welcome to attend Board Meetings any time after 7:00 p.m., in person or via the Zoom livestream of the meeting.

Please note that there will be no regular Board meeting in July.

An Invitation from The Visual Arts Committee

Happy Summer!

As your gardens grow, you can share the beauty of your flowers at Sunday services.

The available Sundays are listed below. Just drop me an email and let me know

which date works for you. We have plenty of vases behind the chancel or you can

use your own mason jar or vase from home. You may take it all home after the

service. Thank you! marjiesmith1@gmail.com

Available dates:

June 28

July 5, 12, 26

August 2, 9, 23, 30

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.

Association of Universalist Women

AUW 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.