IMPORTANT: This Sunday is PRIDE SUNDAY! Please check the Worship section below for details about how to participate. We gather at 10 a.m.

ALSO: CHURCH STAFF ON VACATION NEXT WEEK; NO PUBLICATION OF THE LIBERAL NEXT THURSDAY, JULY 4 - REGULAR WORSHIP ON JULY 7 AT 10 A.M.

The Cycles of This Life

This month I’ve been reading a book by Caitlin Breedlove titled, All In: Cancer, Near Death, New Life. An activist and organizer, Breedlove’s diagnosis with ovarian cancer forced her to move out of familiar cycles of work and productivity and into the cycles of cancer treatment, illness, and recovery. In her memoir, she reminds us that there are bigger cycles than the artificially (and oppressively) induced and enforced cycles of consumption and productivity, that there are natural cycles occurring all the time for us individually and collectively. She’s had me wondering, what cycles am I in the midst of right now? And where am I in those cycles? 

As a parent, the cycles of school and summer impact my life profoundly, though each year as my children grow and develop, the cycle looks and feels different. I am in the cycle of the church year, which is predictably slower paced after completing the marathon of our annual meeting and the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association each June. I am in the cycle of year-end reviews with all of our staff, which naturally lends itself to reflection on the church year as a whole, and on my own strengths and areas for improvement, too. I am in the cycle of grief, adjusting to my life and the ways that relationships and self-understandings shift after the death of loved ones. I am in the cycle of this country, as a presidential election approaches this fall. I am in the cycle of a planet overheating and weather taking on new patterns. I am in a cycle where the impacts of extraction, consumption, and oppression are crushing us all, though they impact the most marginalized disproportionately. I am in all of these cycles and more. 

As a church, we are in the summer part of our seasonal cycle. We are exploring the theme, “Stop in the Name of Love,” in our Sunday services and our conversations together, leaning into the spiritual practice of rest and pause. Several mornings this week, I found myself staring out the window, or sitting outside letting my attention wander, and I gently set aside the impulse to get moving and start accomplishing things on my mental list. This is what integrating everything, this is what rest looks and feels like, I told and taught myself, as I sat a little longer.

This summer, your church staff will be leading us in these conversations and expressions of rest and pause as a spiritual practice not only by talking about it, but also by doing it. The church office and building will be closed Monday, July 1st - Friday, July 5th, as staff take a welcome break after a very full year. Also, we won’t be sending out this newsletter on July 4. As always, emergency pastoral care is available by calling the church at (612) 815-1701 and following the prompts for pastoral care, even when the building is closed. This July, Rev. Arif Mamdani will be away on sabbatical, returning on August 1st. Rev. Ashley is on vacation now, returning to church on July 8th. I will be away for much of July, returning to church on Tuesday, July 23rd. Most of the rest of the staff will also be taking time off this summer, and we will intentionally stagger our time away so that Sunday services and regular programming and care can continue, even as we encourage each other to slow down, stare out the window a little bit longer, and Stop, in the Name of Love.

See you Sunday,

Rev. Jen

Intro

The Cycles of This Life



Sunday Worship

This Sunday, June 30

PRIDE SUNDAY! GA Service Recording

GA News

Cycle of Life

Programs Calendar

Octavia Butler Youth Book Club Young Adults Mutual Aid Sunday School Playground Meetups

Meditation Group

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Faithful Action Habitat

News Church Office Closed week of July 4

Community Events & Affiliated Orgs:

AUW, 12-Step Spirituality

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Pride Sunday, June 30

This Sunday is a special opportunity for community celebration and connection for First Universalist. We'll begin our morning at church at 10 a.m. for a brief worship service and glitter blessing affirmation–all are welcome! Then, around 10:30, those who choose to will head out to the Twin Cities Pride Parade, where we will watch the parade. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at 3rd & Hennepin and proceeds down Hennepin to Spruce. 

Schedule and Things to Note:

• 10 a.m. Service and Glitter Blessing inside the sanctuary (note that, in order to offer a more accessible space for this special service, we have decided to start inside instead of under the tent). Begin the day with a brief, 30-minute service, including a glitter blessing to spark our spirits. 
• 10:30 - ? Parade - We'll then carry our energized spirits to the Pride Parade and Festival. You can join a group biking to the parade, or taking the #6 bus together. We will have free bus passes printed out for those who need one. We are not marching in the parade. This invitation is to attend the parade together. We will arrive together, stay as long as you like, and then head back to the church on our own schedules. 
• Join us virtually - Not up to joining in the parade in person but want to go with us in spirit? Join the livestream here. 
• Self Care - Remember to bring a water bottle and any sun protection you may need (sunscreen, hat, etc.). You’ll be able to grab a snack and fill up your water bottle at church before we head out to the parade, or bring a snack or two of your own from home. 
• Coffee Hour - There won’t be a full coffee/social hour after the worship service this week. An abbreviated and casual Place to Start visitor class will still take place after service at the front of the sanctuary. 

A Place to Start

This Sunday's "A Place to Start" will be abbreviated and more casual than usual due to the special Pride service and Parade.

Are you new or new-ish to First Universalist and wondering where to begin? Here’s “A Place to Start!” Whether you're simply curious or are considering making this your spiritual home, in this casual class, you'll learn some of the basics of Unitarian Universalism, as well as how to get connected to what you’re seeking here at church. Meet at the front of the sanctuary immediately after the service on a first or third Sunday. No RSVP necessary.Facilitated by First U members.

Podcast Archive | Recording Archive | Sermon Archive

News & Notes from General Assembly

Our Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly ("GA"), the annual meeting of UUs, took place from June 20-23. This year's gathering was all virtual.

Enormous gratitude and congratulations goes out to both Meg Riley, Co-Moderator of the UUA, and Satya Mamdani, a member of the Article II Study Commission. Both of them had incredibly important roles in this GA and beyond, and we are so proud that they are "ours!"

GA Reflection from First U Member & Delegate, Rebecca Donley

One thing I appreciated about GA was that we had a chance to actually live into our UU values by holding deep, difficult conversations that are necessary if we're serious about being an inclusive and multi-racial faith. So often we bypass these convos for the sake of comfort, which leads to us staying in our heads and thinking everything is out of our hands. Conversation was definitely hard over GA--there were some ouch+ moments. We need practice to hold these discussions. I'd love to see us doing more discussing of the "elephants in our rooms" at First U so that we can practice the skills of curiosity, care, and courage that our faith (and national dialogue) need. I also would love to see us forming our delegate panel earlier at First U, so our members are well-informed and well-connected to each other, and so that our whole congregation feels represented at GA.

From UU World:

"The faith’s new expression of shared values was adopted by a vote of 2,025 (80.2 percent) to 499 (19.8 percent) with 21 abstaining at General Assembly 2024, held online June 20-23.

The new values are Equity, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism, and Transformation, centered around Love."

From Religion News Service

“At their annual General Assembly, Unitarian Universalists voted for a new statement of values and affirmed their commitment to issues around climate change; to the inclusion of transgender, nonbinary and intersex people; to addressing the affects of COVID-19; and to solidarity with Palestinians, as well as Israeli hostages.”

Keeping the Conversations Going After GA

For folks interested in learning more about UUJME and getting involved in our local Unitarian Universalists for Justice in The Middle East chapter's work for justice in the Middle East/ Southwest Asia North Africa (SWANA) region: Twin Cities UUJME will be holding meet and greets at First Universalist in the library after services at 11:15am on Sunday, July 7, and Sunday August 4. This is a chance to chat with others working for a ceasefire and to hold the grief and heartache that comes with bearing witness to the famine and devastation in Palestine and Israel. For more information about UUJME, folks can check out the website, or email the Twin Cities chapter at tcuujme@gmail.com.

Thanks to our First U delegates to General Assembly:

Karen Wills

Carol Jackson

Rebecca Donley

Meleah Houseknecht

Mark Caswell

Ralph Wyman

Amelia Marquez

Ginny McAninch

Ray Goebel

Caitlin Jones

CT Neal-Herman

Liz Fendley

David Juncker

Sandy Culpepper

Cindy Marsh

Margie Nalezny

Claire Tralle

We are holding the family and friends of Dorothy Sylvestre in love, especially her son Jeff, daughter-in-law, Mary Bohman, and their children, Nora and Emily, and all of Dorothy's children and grandchildren. Dorothy died at the age of 97, just a day after a visit to the arboretum, and a life full of love, feminism, and faith. A memorial service will be held here at First Universalist on Saturday, July 27 at 1 p.m.

The Caring Corner in the library has cards for those who want to send well wishes to people suffering or celebrating. Stop by the library to share a message of love and care.

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.

Octavia E. Butler’s “Parables” Summer Book Salon

Every other Monday at 6 PM under the tent--July 8 and 22, August 5 and 19. Drop ins welcome—join us!; 6-7:30 p.m. REGISTRATION

Let’s dig into these particular, timely novels written by Octavia E. Butler. We will deepen relationships and focus on how the ideas and insights expressed in these novels help to shape our individual and collective spiritual journey. It is not necessary to make it to the first gathering to join future ones, which will be arranged by the group and communicated as we go, so sign up if you’re interested in learning about any of the gatherings. We may meet by a lake, in a backyard, or a local coffee shop! Facilitated by Gary Hoover.

Amulet Book Club (graphic novel)

NOTE NEW JUNE MEETING DATE -

July 12, 7-8 p.m., August date TBD; on zoom REGISTRATION - Please register to receive Zoom link

Love to read? Want to connect with other kids who read at First U? Join the inaugural First U family book club to read the popular Amulet graphic novel series! Each month we'll meet over Zoom to discuss three books of the series (June 21 we’ll discuss books 1-3; July books 4-6; and August books 7-9). Young readers and their grown-ups are welcome! New attendees are welcome to join our discussions of books 4-6 in July and books 7-9 in August.

Facilitated by Rebecca Donley.

Young Adults

Young Adults are folks in their 20s and 30s in varying social/cultural life stages. We are in school, job-searching, and working, single, married, partnered and dating, with kids and without, newly moved to the area and longtime residents. We gather about twice a month at church and in the community for structured and unstructured conversation, spiritual practice, and activities. 

Let us know you're interested! 

Second Sundays Lunch at Gigi’s Cafe

July 14, August 11, Sept. 8; Right after worship, about 11:15 a.m.

RSVP Requested 

Gather in the Social Hall after worship to travel to nearby Gigi's Cafe for casual conversation and building friendships over lunch. If cost is a barrier, please do reach out to Rev. Ashley for resources!

Mutual Aid Sunday School

Second and Fourth Sundays: July 14 & 28, Aug. 11 & 25, Sept. 8 & 22 

11:15 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. In person at church, on zoom as needed

REGISTRATION

This group will meet on second and fourth Sundays of the month in room 209 at First Universalist. Folks are welcome to drop in to these meetings, though registration is recommended to ensure for communication about meeting updates and changes.

Are you curious about mutual aid and community care? Want to learn together with members of First U as we practice new ways of living together? Join us for First U Mutual Aid Sunday School this summer, a program for adults who want to learn together about the history of mutual aid and community care and how we can build these practices into our daily lives. This study group may include readings, videos, podcasts and other sources and in true mutual learning form we'll build our curriculum together as we learn!

Facilitated by Rebecca Donley.

First U Playground Meetups

Third Sundays: July 21, leave from church around 11:15 a.m. August 18 at Lake Harriet after lakeside worship and potluck; RSVP REQUESTED

Meet First U families at church after summer Sunday services, then walk together to a nearby playground suited for many ages and abilities for family fun and connection. Location will be communicated to those registered. Facilitated by Rebecca Donley.

Tuesday Meditation Group

Weekly Practice: 8:45-10:15 a.m. online and in-person

You are invited to meditate with our lay-led practice group. None of us are experts. Our practices come out of our own experiences, and we share inspiration from many sources including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Pema Chodron, Thich Nhat Hanh, Tara Brach, Tai Chi, Loving Kindness, poetry and more. We don't follow one method or another, but we do share what we learn with each other. After meditation we practice deep listening to hear from each person, if they choose. No registration required. Email Sara McMullen for Zoom details.

Peer-Led Grief Group

1st and 3rd Sundays, 4-5:30 p.m. on zoom

A gathering for those who are grappling with the web of feelings associated with loss. 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 on any or all dates. We will be here for you. Over the summer, facilitation is shared amongst group members.

Contact group member Kathie Simon Frank (kathie@umn.edu) for the zoom link and to be added to the contact list.

First U & Habitat for Humanity

Upcoming First U Habitat Work Days:

July 26, Friday

All are welcome!

Both work days are 8:30 to 3:30, lunch is provided. No experience is necessary—this is a wonderful way to connect with a small group of folks from church, and do good work together!

Sign up here

Church Office Closure ~ No Weekly Newsletter

The church office and building will be closed Monday, July 1st - Friday, July 5th, as staff take a welcome break after a very full year. As always, emergency pastoral care is available by calling the church at (612) 815-1701 and following the prompts for pastoral care, even when the building is closed.

There will be no publication of The Liberal on July 4. Please reach out to Communications Assistant Rachel Rott to coordinate any publications that need to go out following that week: rachel@firstuniv.org.

Support First U Musician!

Board of Trustees member, Matt Keller, plays trombone in a cover band called Misspent Youth. They play everything from Van Morrison to Springsteen to Bonnie Raitt. 

Come see them play at Giggles Campfire Grill on the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 13 at 6:30 pm (free) or at the State Fair on Wednesday, August 28 at 7:45 pm also at Giggles Campfire Grill.  

AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary and/or gender fluid.

Renew AUW Membership - all AUW memberships (except Wise Women status) end on June 30, 2024. Beat the rush and pay for your 2024-25 membership now! Here is a link.

Hiking Group: Meets most Saturdays at a park or trail head. 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

June 29, 2pm. Wood Lake Nature Center. 6710 Lake Shore Drive. Mpls., MN. Leader not

determined.

July 6, 2pm  Lake Harriet Meet by the Bandstand benches. Marie will be the leader and will be wearing a red shirt. Maybe ice cream or a glass of wine after? Use the pay parking lot or look for a space along the Parkway.

July 13, 2pm. Minnehaha Falls/Creek. 4801 South Minnehaha Drive. Meet by the stone wall near the Falls. The Falls are bursting with water, so they should be fun to see. Use the pay parking lot or look for a free spot on Longfellow. Marie will be the leader wearing a red shirt.

July 20, 2pm. 9 Mile Creek. Moir Park. 10320 Morgan Avenue South, Bloomington, MN. (Morgan Avenue South and 104th). Meet in the parking lot that has the portalet/s). There are stairs at the beginning and end of the trail). The trail follows 9 Mile Creek. Hopefully it will not still be flooded. Marie will be lead.

July 27, 2pm. Lakewood Cemetery. 3500 Hennepin Avenue South, Mpls, MN. Meet by the Chapel (round shaped building). Park along the drive. Marie will be the leader in her red shirt. 

If anyone wants to volunteer to lead a “Hike With Friends”, let Marie know. It just means showing up at the meeting place or canceling a hike for bad weather.

Game Group – Meets at the church on the second Thursday of each month to play board games and socialize. You are welcome to bring snacks to share and a game you would enjoy teaching others. To receive email updates, contact Anne Frenchick. The next Game Group meeting is July 11. If no one responds to Anne that they are coming, the Game Night will be canceled early that day. Please let Anne know if you plan to attend.

Women Who Read: We read books written by women. We host an in-person and a virtual meeting on the fourth Monday of each month. The next meeting will be Monday, July 22. Request an email invitation to our next meeting and be added to our email list by sending your name and email address to Abbie Finger. The book list for the 2024-25 program year will be published when available. Location of the in-person meeting is available to those on the mailing list. The Zoom version of the meeting convenes online at 7:00 pm; the zoom meeting link is here.

Give or Take a Book!

To share books we love and build more literary connections, we are going to start a new project. If interested please bring 1-2 books (no more!) to share with someone at the monthly book club. If interested, pick a book to take home. Any questions or ideas contact Nora Whiteman cell 612-250-1661.

NOTE: This group will be meeting only on Zoom until October. We will return to meeting in person, with a Zoom option, in October.

These meetings are intended for people who are actively working any 12-step program. The program is focused on the 11th step and the practice of Centering Prayer Meditation. 

Weekly on Zoom 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

More details about this group can be found here.



Church Office & Building Access

The church office is open on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The door bells are not monitored outside of this time. Access to the building at times on other days can be arranged by contacting Jim Poulter, Building & Office Manager, at jim@firstuniv.org.

Based on ongoing monitoring of COVID levels in Hennepin County, masking is welcome, but not required, inside the building—including the sanctuary. Learn more about our Covid and Community safety policies on our website.