The Weekly Liberal: November 21, 2024 | |
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Sometimes you miss the easy layup.
CORRECTION: Under Notes for the Community below, we gave you the wrong number to use to sign up for text messages. Please text YES to 87447 to opt in.
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If you’ve been at church on Sundays over the last couple of weeks since the election, you may have noticed something new: the presence of a team from Sequeerity. Sequeerity is a Minneapolis based de-escalation team that is owned and operated by queer, and poc womxn, with a goal of creating and maintaining safer spaces for everyone, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. We’ve also been—and will continue to be—encouraging everyone to enter through the central atrium doors where we’ll have volunteer greeters and staff present to welcome you into the building.
These changes are both proactive and reactive. Proactive in that we know that our LGBTQIA+ siblings are already and will continue to be targeted for exclusion, oppression, and violence in this political and social moment and we want to ensure a safer space at church. These changes are reactive because twice this fall individuals from the community with patterns of targeting organizations that share values like ours have caused disruptions on Sunday mornings and have focused their anger toward staff of color. There is a larger pattern across the country of harassment of Unitarian Universalist clergy and disruption of Unitarian Universalist congregations that exists beyond our individual circumstances, and unfortunately it is reasonable to expect and prepare for an uptick in experiences like this going forward. One of the ways that institutions that care for the most vulnerable and movements for justice are disrupted is through the intentional creation of conflict and distraction from mission through grievance and harassment of those in leadership.
As Rev. Arif said earlier this week, let’s consider the situations we’ve encountered so far as a fire drill, helping us to get clear on our values and priorities and practices. In all situations of disruption, our primary goals are safety and care for all—both those causing disruption and the congregation as a whole. Our goal will also be to ensure that the ministry and mission of the church continues with minimal impact from safety and security concerns. We will strive first to keep each other safe, and when additional resources are needed (like Sequeerity), we’ll invite them in. Reliance on the police and the legal system will be a last resort. Our goal will be to have a team of volunteers who are trained and ready to be first responders to any disruptions or safety concerns so that other leaders and staff can focus on the ministries they are leading. We are also committed to noticing, naming, and tending to the identities of the people involved in each specific situation, particularly the biases and systems of oppression that might be at play.
As we practice creating beloved community—community free of racism, violence, and poverty—community where love is powerful enough to transform individuals and society—we will need to change not just our thoughts, but our actions. We’ll have Sequeerity with us on Sundays going forward, and I also invite you to let me know if you are willing—with training—to be one of our volunteers trained in de-escalation and ready to serve as a building host at church. While our Universalist faith calls us to welcome all people, we do not welcome all behaviors, and with love and clarity, we will work together to keep each other safe.
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Give to the Max 2024 - Wow! | Today, Thursday, November 21 is officially Give to The Max Day. If you have the means, please support our campaign with a financial gift. | |
Dear Beloved Congregation,
Wow, we did it! You all showed how much this community means to you and how much you want it to mean something to the wider world. We met our $10,000 goal for Give to the Max AND unlocked our matching funds from the board. Thank you so very much for your generosity.
You can still give TODAY to our campaign and help us go beyond our goal!
Every dollar we raise is helping to support a place where you can be your authentic self, and know that you are valued, whole, holy, and worthy.
The Stewardship Team
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Be on The Lookout for Staff E-mail Spoofing | |
Some folks recently received e-mails that appeared to be from Rev. Jen, saying that she needed to be in contact "urgently and discreetly." These are scams that are intended to steal from you if you respond to them, often by asking you to purchase gift cards—you can report them as phishing to your e-mail host or simply delete them.
Staff at First Universalist have e-mail addresses that end in @firstuniv.org. You can always check for that to decipher if an e-mail is from one of the First U staff.
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No Newsletter Next Week (Thanksgiving) | The Liberal will not be published next week (Thursday, November 28—Thanksgiving). You can always check the church calendar for event information, and the worship page for information about attending worship, in person or virtually. Families can take a look at the Children, Youth & Families Calendar for details about kids' and youth programming (see the tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet for age group details). | |
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Our new church database allows the option for you to receive text messages from the church.
(For example, reminders about single-Sunday services)
To give us permission to text you, send the word YES to 87447. You can choose to opt out of text messages at any time by texting STOP to 87447.
E-mail Rachel Rott with questions about the text program: rachel@firstuniv.org.
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Sunday, Nov. 24: How Do We Dismantle the Structures of Oppression?
What role does each of us play in creating a community rooted in justice and equity?
We’ll reaffirm our commitment to anti-oppression work and explore what it means to actively build a community of accountability, compassion, and shared purpose.
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 classrooms this Sunday.
Please check the website and the Children, Youth, & Families calendar for more information - different age groups frequently have different schedules or special events.
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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NOTE: December 1 - Single Worship Service | |
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On Sunday, December 1, we will have a single worship service at 10 a.m.--in person and livestreaming. Please plan to join us for our annual service honoring the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address.
Religious Education on Single-Service Sundays:
We will offer staffed childcare for children ages 6 mos-PreK in room 104.
All other children and youth are encouraged to worship together with their families in the Sanctuary at 10 a.m.
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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Last Sunday, Nov. 17: Ritual Sunday—New Member Welcome | | |
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Video: Celebrate with the community as we welcome new members at First Universalist! | |
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Paul Carlson
I am looking to give back
and find community.
Connect with me about: Mutual aid; How we can
lift each other up.
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je’taylor coylewright
I am excited to join a community of relationship, love, service and connection and to continue working toward safer spaces with Queer, Gender Expansive and Transgender community.
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Meg Coylewright
Our family is excited to work collectively to create
spaces of safety.
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Debbie Easterling
I am joining so that I may support First U and be supported, as well.
Connect with me about: MUUSJA, trans kids, volunteering on the memorial service team.
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Maria Heath
I commit myself to this community, whose values I believe in and want to uphold.
Connect with me about: Music, choir, fantasy/sci-fi books, volunteer opportunities.
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Anne Holtzclaw
It’s meaningful for my family to create and experience safe spaces.
Connect with me about: Plants, climate change, healing, cycle breaking, mutual aid, and your favorite book or song-and why!
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Emily Murphy
We have been Friends of the Church for several years, and I have volunteered in RE for three. Now is the time to build connection, and center Love above all else.
Connect with me about: How wonderful it is to be an RE volunteer!
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Scott Murphy
I am joining First Universalist at this time to make connections, to build friendships, and contribute meaningfully to the broader community.
Connect with me about: Environmental Justice and Habitat for Humanity.
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Sigrid Nielsen
I believe in the message and efforts of First U in our spiritual community and the larger world. It is my intention to be a part of a community taking positive action.
Connect with me about: Inclusion and diversity efforts, spiritual growth.
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Holly Taylor
I want to build strong community- both that I can feed into and have at my back.
Connect with me about: Groups and activities that I may not yet be aware of!
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Nikki Townsend
I love being part of a community that helps me grow and to whom I can be of service.
Connect with me about: Movement as spiritual practice, happiness & joy, running, reading, and community gathering.
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Gene Whipple
I arrived in Minneapolis searching for a way to care for my and others’ spiritual needs. First U lifts my spirit towards justice in the world.
Connect with me about: Food justice, gardening, sustainability.
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Our care surrounds Eric Berglund as he recovers from surgery, and Lisa in her care for Eric.
Maggie Collins is in our hearts as she recovers from surgery.
Our care is with all who loved Emiliano Enriquez and his family. Emiliano died last weekend in a tragic accident. He was 17, had attended church for a while for OWL, and he and his family were known and loved by so many in this congregation. If you were connected to Emiliano or his family, the church is here to support you in your grieving, please contact Rev. Arif (arif@firstuniv.org).
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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Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m. to noon, in the Social Hall & Other Spaces
No RSVP necessary
Saturday Sprouts is a monthly opportunity for families to socialize, worship, play, and offer and receive peer support. We start with snacks and time to get to know each other before moving into family worship, followed by playtime for kids and a peer sharing group for parents and caregivers. We close by sharing gratitudes and singing together.
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Qigong for Liberation
Thursdays, Nov. 21, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 4:00-4:45 p.m.–no meeting on Thanksgiving or December 26.
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Fall Grief group (online)
Sundays, Dec. 1, 15, 4:00-5:30 pm
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Improv for Elders
Wednesdays, 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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Caregivers group (online)
Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-2:30 p.m. on Zoom
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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
On Zoom only
Every Tuesday, all year/every week; 9:00-10:15 a.m.; gather at 8:45;
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: | |
Board Meeting Tonight 11/21 | The First U Board of Trustees has their monthly meeting this evening. Current Board meeting documents are always available here. | |
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
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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!
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Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
November 28 at 10 a.m.
Hosted by Hennepin Ave. United Methodist Church
511 Groveland Ave, Minneapolis
Each year, Rev. Jen Crow joins with colleagues in the Minneapolis Downtown Interfaith Senior Clergy group for this service. There will be leaders from Muslim, Jewish, UU, and Christian communities. We hope you'll begin your Thanksgiving day with this morning of interfaith grounding and connection. Rev. Jen hopes to see you there!
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Think Ahead--UUA General Assembly
June 18-22, 2024
In Baltimore and also Virtual
General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. Please join us Wednesday, June 18 through Sunday, June 22, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland and/or online for this 5-day immersive experience where we participate in inspirational worship services and informative workshops, reconvene with friends and colleagues, and explore our bustling exhibit hall. GA is an unforgettable experience for the thousands of UUs who attend. Meet us online or in Baltimore and you’ll leave with renewed energy and innovative ideas to share with your congregation and community-at-large!
| 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).
| A Note From Karen Wills of MUUSJA | |
Hi, First Univ "UU the Vote" folks, and AUW beloveds:
On behalf of MUUSJA, I want to say thank you for your work throughout this year and all the years. I am particularly grateful to you, of course, for your presence and collaboration with MUUSJA's Voter outreach to young renters across our state.
I will be taking a look at some statistics when they are available, But I do believe the work we did together helped hold on (barely!) to a Minnesota legislature that will stand against demonizing immigrants, LGBTQ+ families, and other vulnerable communities.
And it is our big wondrous "community of communities" which sustains me, and I hope will sustain us all.
With respect and gratitude,
Karen
Karen Wills (she/her),
612-270-6559, kwmuusja@gmail.com
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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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Upcoming Side with Love Virtual Gatherings
Thursday, November 21, 6-8pm Central
Tools for Tending (Side with Love/Black Lives of UU/DRUUMM)
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