Summer Sign Up Sunday

What are you longing for? Friendship? Service? Direct Action?

Come learn about the many church groups and teams meeting at First U this summer. Members from each group will be excited to chat with you about what they’ve got going on and how you can join them. Whether you are seeking connection with congregants in small groups, wanting to volunteer in the church, or be active on the housing, environmental, immigration, or racial justice teams, there is something for everyone! Join us in the social hall after the service on Sunday, June 12 to learn more about the following opportunities:

CHURCH VOLUNTEER TEAMS

Care Companions

Care Companions are members of the congregation who’ve been oriented toward the art and practice listening with a caring and confidential ear, and a loving and kind heart. We call and check in on folks in the congregation and accompany them longer term if they’re living with a chronic illness or could use some ongoing support. If you’re interested in being trained as a Care Companion, contact: Anne McBean or Rev. Arif Mamdani

Memorial Service Volunteers

Bake bars ahead of time, set up and clean up the Social Hall for luncheons, and serve as ushers and greeters for memorial services. Volunteers on this team are called a few times a year on an as-needed basis.

Sunday Ushers and Greeters

If you plan to be at church in person, consider ushering or greeting! Greeters provide information, directions, and a smile to those coming to church- perhaps for the first time in a long time! Ushers count attendance and collect the offering during the service. Sign up here.

Library Committee

The library team meets once a month and is planning for a refresh the space in the fall! Be on the team that envisions our library for 2023 and beyond. Contact Robin Morris.

FAITHFUL ACTION TEAMS

Housing Justice Teams

The Housing Justice Team (HJT)  includes Team Leads for Beacon, Habitat, Simpson, Close Knit.  We are combining forces to have more impact; we will continue to hold specific events with our various community partners. Contact Cindy Marsh.

Sanctuary and Resistance

The S&R Team wants to have conversations with congregants who are interested in Immigrant Justice as faithful action.Volunteer as a S&R committee member, 1st U apartment volunteers, financial supporter, and attend the Sept. 13 Vigil. Contact Jeanne Guignon.

Relationships Evolving Possibilities

Relationships Evolving Possibilities (REP) is a network of dedicated abolitionists showing up to support others in moments of crisis or urgency, with care and respect for the full dignity and autonomy of the people in crisis. Attend an info session, found in summer2022 guide or contact Karen Heegard.

UU the Vote at First U

Start gearing up for midterm elections in the fall. Organize on the state and local levels to fight for fair elections, advance voting rights, protect abortion access, and resist the targeting and criminalization of Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities. Contact Rebecca Donley or Karen Wills.

Climate and Environmental Justice Team

Plant trees, support and/or attend Mni Ki Wakan Summit in Rapid City in August, sign petitions regarding environmental issues, maintain church gardens, summer field trips, Water Walks around Mde Maka Ska with our Lakota friends, the LeMoine LaPointe and Nancy Bordeaux family. Contact Cheryl Ritenbaugh or Todd Pierson.

FELLOWSHIP & PROGRAMS

Community Sing

Wednesdays, June 15, July 13 & Aug. 10, 7–8 p.m. in the Social Hall. SIGN UP

Join in an hour of summer singing with Glen Thomas. We’re getting together for the joy of making music in community, and your voice couldn’t be more welcome. No experience or preparation needed. Sign-ups are helpful, but not required. Masks are required. Facilitator: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts Ministries

Food and Fellowship for BIPOC & Multiracial Families

Wednesdays, June 15 & Aug. 10, 5–7 p.m., Cummins Room    REGISTRATION (required)

BIPOC congregants of all ages—and household family members of all racial identities—are invited for a time of joy and fellowship. We’ll light a chalice, break bread, lift our voices in song, and build our connections and community. Everyone, from the newest to the eldest, is joyfully welcomed, and all dietary needs can be accommodated.

Reconnection Circles: Young Adults ages 24-29, Folks in their 30s, Adults of All Ages

As we seek to make meaningful connections in an ongoing pandemic, we may feel a mixture of excitement, loneliness, overwhelm, and awkwardness. And yet, we crave community and friendship. Reconnection Circles help us reconnect emotionally and spiritually as we move back to in-person gatherings and into a new church year together. Details & registration.

Newcomers Circle

Thursdays, July 14 – Aug. 4, 7–8:30 p.m. in person outside at church. REGISTRATION (required)

Join this series of four gatherings for people who are new-ish to a committed spiritual journey at First U. This circle is intended for folks who want to reflect on their spiritual journeys and theology with a new and/or deepening sense of UU identity and rootedness at First Universalist.

Parents/Caregivers of Babies & Preschoolers

Third Thursdays, June 16, July 21 & Aug. 18, 8:30–9:30 p.m. on Zoom. REGISTRATION (required)

This is a casual, conversational, welcoming group that focuses on the realities of parenting and resources we might access to support ourselves through challenges and amplify our joys. We may organize some outdoor meetups.

BIPOC Middle School Book Club

Sundays, July 17, 24 & 31, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Senior High Lounge (Room 211). REGISTRATION (required)

BIPOC youth (entering 6th-9th grade) build community and discuss YA fiction by BIPOC authors. There’s no homework; we’ll read short pieces together when we gather. Come for one or all three meetings. Lunch will be provided

Summer Camp

First Universalist will host summer day camp for kids at church, Tuesday-Friday, July 5-8, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Register here.

Association of Universalist Women (AUW)

AUW sponsors activities for people who identify as women, non-binary or gender fluid to promote three pillars—community building, spiritual deepening and bringing our faith to action to work for women’s justice. This Summer, AUW has Hiking, book group, Camp Unistar week, Sacred Choices, and opportunities for activism together. Contact Kit Ketchum or Velma Wagner.