August 25, 2026
The Weekly Liberal, August 20, 2026
Marc Gorelick "SmorgasBoard: How Did That Happen?" | Submit a Fall Program Proposal! | Finish The Promise
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For all communications-related questions, please email Rev. Laura Smidzik, laura [at] firstuniv.org.
The Weekly Liberal
The Weekly Liberal email newsletter is sent every Thursday and published on our website.
We are happy to consider submissions sent by email to our Communications Assistant, Rachel Rott: rachel [at] firstuniv.org. Please note that we are unable to accept submissions on paper or by phone. Publication is at the discretion of Rev. Ashley.
Deadline for submissions: Tuesday at 10 a.m. the week of desired publication. The Weekly Liberal is typically published on Thursdays.
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August 20, 2026
SmorgasBoard: How Did That Happen?
Board President Marc Gorelick writes about the decision-making process used by the First U Board, and the move to a single service beyond summer.
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August 20, 2026
Finish The Promise
We can free up $132,000 per year in bank loans and put that money toward our life-affirming mission! The Finish The Promise Campaign Team shares what they're up to and how you can help.
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August 18, 2026
Rev. Jen & First U Board take part in press conference addressing DHS surveillance
Rev. Jen: "In times like these, silence is not an option. We can never become too scared to care for each other."
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August 18, 2026
Who we are and what we are about
Video/Statement: A recent disclosure from the federal government revealed that an undercover agent from the Department of Homeland Security engaged in surveillance within our building.
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August 14, 2026
The Weekly Liberal, August 13, 2026
Allison: "The Magic and Ministry of First U Summer Camp" | No in-person meetings at church next week, please!
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August 13, 2026
Join The Magic and Ministry of First U Summer Camp!
Our First U Summer Camp is a joyful ministry that we offer every year. You can get a bit of the magic in your own life next week!
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August 13, 2026
Vote to Save Democracy: An Update and What’s Next
Thank you for voting in the Primary Election! The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office announced that this primary saw the most pre-election ballots cast in any non-presidential primary in the history of the state. Watch for more information in the Liberal leading up to the General Election on November…
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August 7, 2026
The Weekly Liberal, August 6, 2026
Rev. Laura: "An Openness to Change" | Welcome, Cas Burr, to the First U Staff!
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August 6, 2026
An Openness to Change
"I have come to understand that to move beyond reacting or simply coping I need to be proactive in finding spiritual practices that let me acknowledge my anxieties and then to let them go (or at least to calm them)."
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