The Weekly Liberal: November 12, 2026

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Pictured above: First U Boston Pilgrimage youth at Walden Pond, listening to Brent Ranalli, a Henry David Thoreau actor and historian.

The Christmas Pageant

Saturday, December 19 at 4 p.m.

The Christmas Pageant at First Universalist is not a performance to watch but a story to enter—a tale that invites us to see ourselves as seekers, wanderers, and wonderers. Led by our children and youth, this beloved tradition tells the nativity as we know it to be: a celebration of hope, hospitality, and the transformative power of love. Come for carols that lift the room, costumes that sparkle with joy, and the beauty of youth rising into leadership and stardom.

If children and youth in your family would like to participate in the Christmas Pageant, please let us know by Sunday, November 22:

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

• Sunday Nov. 15: 10 a.m. Boston Pilgrimage Worship Service and Religious Education / 11:30 a.m. Youth Programs + Childcare 
• Sunday Nov. 22: 10 a.m. Religious Education / 11:30 a.m. Youth Programs + Childcare
• Sunday Nov. 29: 10 a.m. Common Ground Sunday / No Post-Worship Youth Programs or Childcare
• Sunday Dec. 6: 10 a.m. Religious Education / 11:30 a.m. Youth Programs + Childcare

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:

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

Defense of Democracy Next Steps

November 15, 11:30 to 12:15

Thank you for voting! We can celebrate that our voices were heard. And now we can enter the next stage to advocate for change. Monarca/UNIDOS has a plan for the next stage and has developed a legislative agenda including Immigration, Surveillance, Climate, Affordable Housing, Healthcare, and Money out of Politics. If you are interested in hearing more, and working for change in these areas, please join us!

OWL to receive Give to The Max Day funds

This year at First Universalist Church, our Give to the Max Day donations will fund the OWL operating budget.

• Resources for educators and students,
• Literature that is accessible to all in our First U Library,
• Overnights, retreats, food, supplies,
• And everything it takes to make OWL work for our youth and adults!

Learn more and give now:

Membership Classes at First Universalist

Register for one of the following:

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.

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

Sunday, November 15: Connecting Across Time and Space, led by Boston Pilgrimage Youth

10 a.m. in person and livestreaming

What connects us with our religious ancestors? What do we have in common with Unitarian Universalists who lived in other times and other places? How can we faithfully respond to their actions and beliefs in our own lives? Join us this Sunday to explore these questions and more in worship, led by our Boston Pilgrimage Youth and Advisors. 

This Sunday is a Religious Education Sunday.

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. 

Religious Education for kids in Kindergarten through 8th/9th Grade OWL takes place during our one service at 10 a.m.

Kids in Kindergarten through 7th grade begin in the worship service with their families at 10 a.m. Around 15 to 20 minutes into the service, they will be dismissed to their Religious Education or OWL program. 

Youth in 8th/9th Grade OWL begin their session in Room 201 right at 10 a.m. – they do not begin in the service. 

All Religious Education sessions and childcare end at 11:15 a.m. Kids in childcare through 5th grade must be picked up at their room by a parent or caregiver. Youth in 6th grade and older are dismissed from their rooms by their Advisors and are free to find their families in the Social Hall.

Post-Worship Youth Programs and Childcare take place from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Youth Programs include Coming of Age and Middle School and High School Youth Group. Kids in 5th grade and under can be dropped off in Room 205 at 11:30 a.m. and picked up between 12:45-1 p.m.

In Case You Missed It:

Watch Last Sunday's Worship, November 8:

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

Last Sunday's Offering Recipient: The Lift Garage



Each week, First U gives 60 percent of our "Offering Plate for the Community" to an organization doing good work. Using the dropdown menu, you can give to our shared plate any time. The recipient changes on Sunday mornings and is announced during worship.

Nominate a community organization to receive an upcoming offering:

Cycle of Life

Greg Kaler, beloved father of Amanda Kaler, grandfather of Lydia, and father-in-law of Brian Ellis, passed away suddenly Nov 5. Greg brought joy and wonder to children and families around the country and the world as a professional juggler, magician, and “bubbler.” He will be dearly missed. 

We celebrate with Cameron Smither and his partner, Kathleen, who were married yesterday, surrounded by family, in Louisville, Kentucky. May our joy make its way across the miles to them as they celebrate, and we look forward to continuing to be a community of care, joy, and love for them as they return. 

This week's flowers are in loving memory of Doug Hicks from his wife Susan Schonfeld and family. First Universalist Church brought him much joy and support. He lived his life dedicated to the UU values. He is dearly missed.

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!

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.

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.

Daytime Connections for Older Adults

Minnesota Legislators' Election Analysis

MN legislators Jamie Long and Katie Jones will reflect on election results and help us think about what's next.



Thursday, November 19, 9:45 am coffee, 10-noon program, Noon lunch, in person in the Social Hall and on Zoom; RSVP requested by the Monday prior, for planning purposes | RSVP Here



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.

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.

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.

First U - A Resilience Hub

Sunday, November 22

11:30-12:45 in the Cummins Room | RSVP Here

Find out how First U could become a resilience hub for our church and community when disruptions hit and the recovery is when we need community the most.

  • Learn what a resilience hub is

  • Share ideas and build community together

PolycUUle: ENM & Polyamory Community Group 

Sundays, September 27 and November 22, 11:30 am-12:45 pm in person, Room 201 | RSVP Here - Childcare available

Looking for a welcoming space to connect with other ethically non-monogamous (ENM) and polyamorous folks at First U? Join us for a very low-key, casual chitchat to say hi, share experiences, and build community together. We will be gathering right after the service to catch up and support one another in a relaxed, friendly environment. Whether you are new to the community or have been practicing for years, we would love to have you join the conversation!

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.

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

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.

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.

Grief Group (on zoom)

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

Register to receive Zoom link or contact Rev. Laura at laura@firstuniv.org.

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.

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.

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

Join the Habitat Interest List

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.

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

Reach out with any questions: David Harrison - rdavid.harrisonjr@gmail.com

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.

Mini Ted Talks

Monday November 16, 7:00-9:00pm in the Cummins Room | RSVP Here

Got a topic you love to talk about? Come share a short presentation (PPT, demo, or just talk) with a group! Topics can be anything up to 8 minutes (educational, favorite media, persuasive, special interests). No food provided, feel free to bring snacks.

Community News & Needs

The First U Board of Trustees will hold their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19, beginning at 6:30 pm. You can look for their packet of meeting documents here a few days in advance.

Pictured above: The individuals Guiding and Caring for our Congregation. This display board was created by the Visual Arts Committee, to help you all see and get to know the Staff and elected leaders of First U. You can find it in the Social Hall.

Don’t throw out those holiday lights!

Broken or unusable strings of holiday lights, a form of e-waste, contain valuable copper but cannot be recycled with our normal curbside recycling. To help keep them out of the waste stream, First Universalist Church will again be collecting broken holiday lights from now through mid-January and then recycling them through a local scrap yard. Better yet, we’ll get paid for every pound we bring!

Here's what you need to know: Bring your light strands to the large bin at the back of the Social Hall. We’ll collect them each week and then store them onsite until the end of the drive. You don’t need to remove the light bulbs. If you have “coated copper wire” (i.e. old charging cords) you can also include those. It’s that simple!

Please share this message with your neighbors, family members, and co-workers. If you offer to collect their broken strands and bring them with you to church, you’ll be helping the community, helping the environment, and helping the church all at the same time.

Questions? Lynn Broaddus (LBroaddus@BroadviewCollaborative.com) or Lane Ayres (lanebfa@gmail.com) are happy to help.

Knit hats for those in need | Give the gift of warmth

Drop off donations now through February, look for the basket by the First U elevator

Think…Big…Warm…Wooly

FOR THOSE IN NEED, all genders and all ages. 

Scarves, gloves and mittens needed too!

Items will be distributed to local shelters, neighborhood schools, food shelves, and community services agencies.

barbmelom@gmail.com

Book Launch: First U member Karin Wille’s memoir

Sunday, November 22, 11:30 to 12:45, at First U and via livestream

Rev. Jen will moderate a panel discussion with former Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie, Tom Berg, the Hon. Elizabeth Cutter and Karin, after which Karin will sign and sell books. Cash, check, or Venmo preferred.

In A Place to Stand, Karin recounts her coming of age between two powerful influences: the heritage of women who came before her and the burgeoning women’s movement. From intergenerational farm life to law school and a career, her life traces the arc of a generation of women who stepped through doors just beginning to open.

“This book is a treasure, with insights for all. Karin Wille has captured a lifetime of lessons and emotions and brought them to you and me in a beautifully written and

powerfully presented memoir. Farm roots run deep; this comes to the surface over and over in this marvelous storyteller’s gift to us all.”

— Mark Ritchie, former Minnesota Secretary of State 

AUGSBURG FAIRVIEW ACADEMY

FALL Warm Clothes DRIVE

Gently used sweatshirts, hoodies, fall jackets and new warm socks may be donated in the Social Hall on Sundays:

November 1, 8, and 15 and at the November 11 Community Dinner. 

AFA is a public charter high school; many of its students experience housing and food

insecurity. AFA is a long-term First U Community Partner. Thank you for your generosity!  



If you have questions, contact Cindy Marsh: cindy.marsh2588@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.

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.

Spring Retreat: April 23-25, 2027

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

Early bird registration: Dec 1 - Jan 15

Full price registration begins January 16

2027 AUW Spring Retreat theme is

Circles of Care–Beginning with Ourselves

Many women are socialized to be the “shock absorbers” of their families, workplaces, and communities–frequently placing themselves in the outermost ring of their own lives.

This retreat is an opportunity to come together, learn how to care for ourselves, and reach out for help instead of trying to do everything alone. 

Our keynote speaker will be Carolyn Kolovitz.

Carolyn received her master’s degree in theology and her certificate in spiritual direction from St. Catherine University. She also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and a master’s degree in women’s studies. Carolyn loves film festivals, party games, and ghost stories. Additionally, she has written and performed plays around the Twin Cities.

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.