The Weekly Liberal: October 15, 2026

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This week's message:

This is what we do.

Each year, we the Worship Team creates a document with the theological grounding and themes for the upcoming church year. This year’s document opens with these words from Rev. Jen Crow:

Founded in 1859, our mission has been clear for more than 166 years. We are a people of love and hope who believe that each and every person is born whole and holy and worthy, welcome and wanted exactly as they are, all with room to grow. We believe that the experience of unconditional love is the ground from which Beloved Community grows. We believe that a world of justice and joy is possible not only in the hereafter, but in the here and now, and our faith compels us to do everything we can to create it.

When you join us, you will see people of all ages laughing and crying, singing and praying, learning and laughing. You will see us sharing meals and making friends across generations and across differences. You will see us comforting the sick and the grieving, welcoming the stranger and the outcast, and celebrating the milestones of life and faith. There is no secret about who we are and what we do. As has been true for generations, the church at its best holds up a moral mirror to the empire it finds itself within, and strives to make the largest love available to the most vulnerable among us. This is who we are. This is what we do. This is the work of the church.

The month of October’s focus is This is what we do. Last Sunday, Rev. Jen and I responded to questions of the congregation in a Question Box Service [...]

Weekly News for Familes

2026-2027 Registration for Children and Youth

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

Sunday October 18: MEA Weekend / Common Ground Sunday
Saturday October 24: Saturday Sprouts
Sunday October 25: 10 a.m. Religious Education / 11:30 a.m. Youth Programs + Childcare
Wednesday October 28: Family Night

For more information about these and all our ministries at church please check out the Fall Program Guide or our Children, Youth, and Family Ministries All-Ages Calendar which contains all of our ministries for kids and families separated by age group.

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:

Families Web Page

Notes for The Community

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

SAVE THE DATE: Post-Election Vigil at church

Wednesday, November 4, in the evening

More details to come

First U: Vote Early!

Early voting in person begins October 16! Read more to get the info you need to vote, and help friends and family cast their ballots.

Please stop by our table in the Social Hall after worship for more information or email Margie Nalezny (mnlzny@yahoo.com) or Jenny Thomas (jjt@jjthomas.net).

Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. in person and via livestream

Sunday, October 18: We Practice Being A Community of Belonging

10 a.m. in person and livestreaming

One of the primary reasons people join and come to a church like First Universalist is for a sense of belonging. What does the practice of belonging ask of us as individuals and as a beloved community?

Join on Zoom on Sunday at 10 am

Child Dedication

Sunday, November 8

Child Dedication is a community event, honoring an intentional and ongoing relationship between families and our religious community. Children of members and those on the path to membership may be dedicated at First Universalist. If you are interested in dedicating your child/ren at First Universalist this Fall, please fill out this form.

Child Dedications take place twice each year during a Sunday morning worship service. This Fall, Child Dedication is on Sunday, November 8. Child Dedication is a beloved ritual of our congregation and many UU 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.

Sunday: Children & Youth

This Sunday is a Common Ground Sunday.

Grade-based Religious Education programs resume October 25.

This Sunday and every Sunday we offer staffed childcare during worship from 9:45 – 11:15 a.m. for our youngest children, ages 6 months through PreK in Room 104.

All children and youth in grades K-12 begin in worship and are dismissed as a group to the Cummins Room early in the service. Kids in PreK and younger can be dropped off in room 104 as early as 15 minutes before the start of each service.

Common Ground Sundays take the place of typical Religious Education programming. In the Cummins Room, kids and youth will have time to worship, explore, create, and play centered around the UU symbol of the chalice. Learn more about Common Ground Sundays here.

You may pick up your child or youth from the Cummins Room at 11:15 a.m.., not before, even if worship has ended.

There are no Post-Worship Youth Groups, Coming of Age, or Childcare on Common Ground Sundays.

Caring Corner | Holding it Together

We “Hold This Together” by Caring for Each Other During Life’s Marker Events

Provide Food and Other Basic Needs!

Meals for congregants recovering from surgery, experiencing food insecurity, and sanctuary families.

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:

Our Fall Program season is September 27 - December 20.

Fall Program Guide

Building Hope Together: First U Habitat Volunteer Events in 2026-2027

As the Habitat for Humanity coordinator for First Universalist, I’m excited to share our upcoming plans for the year ahead and invite you to join us in making a real impact. Whether you can swing a hammer, prepare lunch for volunteers, advocate for policy change with our state legislature, or support our program financially—there’s a role for everyone in this work of building homes and hope. Here’s a look at what’s ahead for our Habitat partnership. Confirmed dates & sign-up information will be promoted in The Liberal:

Build Days: Nov, Dec, Feb, March, April
Habitat on the Hill (advocacy event at the MN Capitol): May 2027

Together, we’re building more than houses—we’re building community, hope, and justice. Your presence matters, and there’s a place for you in this work. Reach out with any questions: David Harrison - rdavid.harrisonjr@gmail.com

Join the Habitat Interest List

Mindfulness Meditation Practice Online for BIPOC

(BIPOC - Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)

Saturdays, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 19 from 4:00-5:30 pm on Zoom | Connect with the BIPOC Group

A monthly mindfulness meditation practice for First U BIPOC community led by Rebekah Padilla online on the third Saturday of the month. An invitation with a Zoom link will be circulated to the BIPOC Group via email 3-5 days prior to that month’s practice, no need to RSVP, come as you are. Following the December 19th Mindfulness Meditation Practice, the BIPOC group will meet for an end-of-the-year celebratory meal at a restaurant. Details will be emailed to the BIPOC group in early December.

Connecting with Meaning in Times of Uncertainty

Sundays, October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15; 11:30-12:45, Room 204 | RSVP Here - Childcare available

This group will focus on connecting with sources of meaning and purpose 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 often 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. Rachel Bialostosky is a licensed independent clinical social worker who is trained in Meaning Centered Psychotherapy for individuals living with serious illness. This group will be based on that format.

EJ Quarterly Plant Based Potluck & Film Screening

Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the Social Hall

Dinner: 5:30-6:15 pm, Social Hall | Film: 6:15-7:30 RSVP Here | Share your potluck offering here

Plant based meals are a wonderful spiritual practice that plays an important role in limiting greenhouse gases. Join the EJ Team's Food Solutions Group for a potluck supper of scrumptious plant based selections.

About the film: The UN estimates that 200 million to 2 billion people will be displaced by climate change by 2050. Director Josh Fox goes to the frontlines of displacement—across six continents—and meets people faced with the impossible decision to flee their homes. The current global migration policy is based on borders, walls, incarceration, dehumanization and fear. What is possible, if instead, we welcome each other? The Welcome Table brings together the people from these disparate stories for five days in New Orleans to a “metaphorical” table and blends together music, food and conversation.

Chalice Circles

Circle 2: Wednesdays, October 7, October 21, November 4, November 18, December 2, December 16, 7:00-8:30pm in the Library | RSVP Here, Facilitated by Shane Weinand and Karen Kingsley

Interested in discussing the monthly worship themes with fellow congregants? A chalice circle might be the group for you! Led by two facilitators, these groups give folks the opportunity to discuss how the monthly themes intersect with their own lives. Monthly theme packets with quotes, questions, books, podcasts and more will be provided to look over before meetings. These groups are a great opportunity to get to know and be in community with folks that you might not normally reach out to or connect with at church.

Care Partner Support Group

Thursdays, October 22, November 19, December 17, January 21; 2:00-3:30 pm, Room 201 | RSVP Here

This group is specifically for people who have spouses/partners with mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's. Caregiving debbiesueeasterling@gmail.comfor a spouse/partner has its own nuances and realities. This group is an opportunity to share openly and confidentially, learn from one another, and to receive support. Led by Rev Laura Smidzik.

Saturday Sprouts for Families

October 24, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, Drop-in

Saturday Sprouts is a monthly opportunity for families to build relationships with one another, be energized in community, and explore spirituality and our Unitarian Universalist values as a whole family. Saturday Sprouts includes time for snacks and socializing, along with family worship, a parent support group, and childcare for kids.

Saturday Sprouts is oriented towards young children from 6 months through 5th grade, along with all parents and caregivers (with or without kids in tow).

BIPOC Monthly Brunch (Off-site)

(BIPOC - Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) | Connect with the BIPOC Group

Last Sundays of the month, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 29, and Dec 27, following worship, approximately 11:30 am.

We will send out an email letting you know where we will gather for brunch.

Crafting Group

Sundays, Sept 27, Oct 25, Nov 22, Dec 20, 11:30-12:45 pm, in the Social Hall near Library | RSVP Here if you’d like, but please come even if you haven’t! - Childcare available

Are you creative/crafty/artistic (or would 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 we can bring craft items we no longer want or need, 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! This is truly a drop-in group, so come when you can. Facilitated by Chris Chiros.

EJ Screening: Part 2 Welcome Table, HBO Documentary

Sunday, Oct. 25, 11:30am-12:45 pm Cummins Room | RSVP Here - Childcare available

Labyrinth on the Full Moon

Monthly (dates below), 5:00-7:00 pm 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!

Saturday, September 26

Sunday, October 25

Tuesday, November 24

Wednesday, December 23

Women's Ritual Circle

Every New and Full Moon: September 26, October 10 (Oct 10 is OFFSITE at a member home), October 25, November 8; 7:00-9:00 pm, Room 209 | RSVP Here

In the Under Northern Skies Women's Ritual Circle, women with many different life experiences, backgrounds, and belief systems come together to change, grow, and celebrate the Divine in each other through earth-centered ritual. We gather on the new and full moons to acknowledge the cycles of life and nature in member-led and -designed rituals that explore and honor a wide range of pagan practices and beliefs. Our group is open to all women (cis and trans) and non-binary people who find their home in women-centric spaces, age 18+.

Mild Cognitive Impairment: We are Holding it Together

Wednesdays, Oct 28, Nov 18, Dec 9, Jan 6, Jan 27, 2:00-3:30 pm, Room 201 | RSVP Here

Early mild cognitive impairment (MCI) 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. Facilitated by Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Family Nights: New This Year!

Fall Dates: September 23 and October 28, Potluck Dinner: 6:00 pm; Activities and youth groups: 7:00-8:15 pm, no RSVP Needed

Family Nights are a new opportunity for families to gather at church on the fourth Wednesday of most months (skipping November and December). Family Nights begin with a potluck dinner at 6:00 pm for all families. From 7:00-8:15 pm, family-focused activities will be offered for children in 5th grade and younger and their parents and caregivers. Youth groups are available for middle and high school youth.

In support of our efforts to include all members of our community, including those with serious allergies, potluck dishes must not contain the following ingredients:

Peanuts
Tree nuts
Sesame (including hummus)

We will have cards to label all homemade or unlabeled dishes. Any dishes which contain peanuts, tree nuts, or sesame will not be served. The church will provide a food option for those with allergens or dietary needs to ensure they can participate in the meal. Thank you for helping us welcome all families to our table.

Membership Classes at First Universalist

Membership Class 1 Saturday, Oct 31, 9:00am-1:00 pm, Cummins Room (Potluck)

Membership Class 2, Tuesdays, Nov 17 (Room 209) & 24 (Cummins), 6:00-8:00 pm

Membership Class 3, Wednesdays, Jan 20 (Room 207) & 27 (Chancel Room), 6:00-8:00 pm

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.

Newcomers Circle

Sundays, 11:30-12:45 pm: November 1, 8, 15, 22, Room 207 | RSVP Here - Childcare available

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.

Grief Group (on zoom)

First Sunday of each month, October 4, November 1, December 6; 4:00-5:30 pm

Grief Group meets on the first Sunday of the month on Zoom. It is a gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with the loss of a person, an important event in their lives, or a significant change of circumstances. This is 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. Facilitated by Jen Keating, a UU seminarian.

Sacred Sites Tour

Sunday, Nov 1, four hours in length, meet off-site at 1:00pm. Details will be sent to registrants.

Registration is limited to 50 people | RSVP here

The Twin Cities are built on the traditional homelands of the Dakota, and this region is home to sites of significance for the Indigenous people who have lived here and still call this place home. Sacred Sites Tours invite us to learn the history and importance of these sacred sites, to reflect on our own roles in the continuing systems of colonization and extraction, and to develop plans for future action on reparation and repair. Participants move beyond just learning about the history of these places and into a deeper relationship with their own responsibility for honoring, protecting, and repairing our relationship with these places and the Indigenous people who originated here.The tour lasts about 4 hours and includes a visit to three sacred sites throughout the Cities. Led by Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs, this tour offers an opportunity to learn about history through story-telling and experiencing the sites in silence/meditation/reflection.

Aging as a Spiritual Practice: A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser Book Group

Thursdays, 11:30-1:00 pm, November 5, December 3, January 7, in Room 201 | RSVP here

Zen Buddhist priest and meditation teacher, Lewis Richmond, re-imagines growing older as a meaningful and transformative journey. Each chapter includes “contemplative reflections” which participants are encouraged to do. Join us in a rich and reflective small group with Aging as a Spiritual Practice as a launching point. Please read pages 3-39 for the Oct 8 session. Facilitated by Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Expanded Library and Book Review

Second Sundays, October 11, November 8, December 13, 11:30-12:15 pm in the Library | RSVP Here - Childcare available until 12:45

This group meeting will have two parts: From 11:30 to 12:15 pm, participants will discuss books, make book recommendations to help determine which books will be added to the Library collection, share ideas on how to improve the Library, and potentially volunteer to write reviews of books they feel are important. At 12:15 participants are invited to stay if they’d like and support the functioning work of the Library (processing and shelving books). Come to one or all three sessions.

Caregivers Support Group (on Google Meet)

Second Sundays, October 11, November 8, December 13, January 10; 1:00-2:30 pm | Register to receive Google Meet link

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 Debbie Easterling and Rev. Laura Smidzik.

Book and Topical Discussion: I Eat the Stars: How to Live Fully and Beautifully in a Collapsing World, by Sarah Wilson

Dates and times TBD by group | Join the Interest List

Let’s get together, hold it together, and hold each other with care as we soak up the wise, compassionate guidance of Sarah Wilson. As the world goes through fundamental shifts — ecological, institutional, societal, and civilizational crises — how can we live beautifully amidst the chaos? What does this moment ask of us? How can we connect in loving, creative, and courageous ways? How do we deepen our rootedness in beloved community come what may? Please join us for caring, careful conversations! Facilitated by Gary Hoover.

White Men For Racial Justice Fall Cohort

Every Monday through November 9, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm in Room 209 | RSVP Here

White Men For Racial Justice is a group designed to help grow white men’s (cis and trans) overall multicultural awareness and build their racial justice reflection and practice.

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 Gottesleben, and Diane Torrannce.

Qigong for Liberation

Every Tuesday from 4:30-5:15 pm, Room 201 | RSVP Here

Gather with us in person or online for an ongoing practice of the 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 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. The 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.

Improv for Elders

Wednesdays from 10:00-11:30 am; Room 209 | RSVP Here

Join this lively cohort of elders as we laugh, play, and improvise together. We are not bound for the stage, just enjoying one another as we play improv games and do scene work. Laughter is a form of resistance, improv practice can enhance our daily lives as we navigate these turbulent times.

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.

Early Adult Only Programs:

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) | Join the Early Adults Interest List to connect and RSVP for events

Asynchronous Low-Stakes Book Club

Any time, Bookclubbish Channel in Discord

Read one (or however many) book(s) you want, send your thoughts on it/them and send it to the channel if you recommend it at any time on the last Monday of the month. The general goal is just to read something you’ve been meaning to and share with others! No theme, no pressure.

Over the Garden Wall Watch Party

Saturday October 24, 7:00 pm in 211 | RSVP Here

Showing of Over The Garden Wall, a lovely autumnal animated series about two young boys lost in The Unknown. Watching all episodes at once. Bring movie snacks!

Church Calendar

Community News & Needs

Mosques around the state are inviting neighbors to join them during Friday prayers from 12 - 2:30 PM on October 16th, 23rd, and 30th. By showing up, we can offer a warm welcome, demonstrate solidarity, and help our Somali neighbors feel supported and safe.

Invite a friend, bring a sign that reads “Minnesotans Stand Together" or something similar, and greet your neighbors as they arrive for prayer.

Community & Affiliated Org Events

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Starring First U's Worship Accompanist Jay Albright as Charlie Brown!

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is the delightful, feel-good musical that brings the beloved Peanuts gang to life onstage! Featuring a cast of seasoned Twin Cities' performers, the crew navigates the ups and downs of childhood in a series of hilarious and heartwarming vignettes.

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.

AUW Fall Mini-Retreat: Leading with Body & Spirit

Saturday, November 7, 2026: 9:30 am -3:00 pm, at First U

We spend a lot of time in our heads and not enough in our bodies and spirits. Following an enlightening keynote and baked potato bar lunch, afternoon breakouts will be devoted to more sensory experiences. Don't worry, accommodation will be made for those with limited mobility!

Keynote speaker Elizabeth Hale will present:

Sustainable Vibrance: How Creative Practices Can Help Us Retain Glowing Health, Cognitive Function, Mobility, and Joy

See details here.

Save the Date!

Spring Retreat: April 23-25, 2027.

Connect with Us

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.