September at First U: The seasons are shifting and so is the church schedule
News –
This Sunday, August 31, we will be at the Lake Harriet Bandshell for the beloved annual tradition of worship followed by a potluck picnic. More about Lake Harriet here.
In September, we’ll begin to shift into new rhythms:
Sunday, September 7, one service at 10 a.m. | Water Communion
Coming up soon is our annual Water Communion service, a ritual tradition we share with UUs around the world. The Water Ritual was created by leaders in the UU feminist movement more than four decades ago. Lucile Schuck Longview and Carolyn McDade (also the composer of our beloved song Spirit of Life) made this practice with water (an inclusive symbol of women’s spirituality), to help us all remember how deeply we are each connected to one another, and to all life.
Water Communion is a very special tradition we celebrate each year at First Universalist. All are welcome, whether it’s your first or fortieth time! Come and be a part of this joyous time whether the waters mingle and set a new year of community on its way.
We’re having our Water Communion ritual in Sunday worship on September 7th at 10am. We invite you to bring a small bit of water to the sanctuary with you. Some bring a bottle, others a few drops, some bring water they gathered from a special summer memory, others from the kitchen tap. It doesn’t matter how much or where from–all water is beautiful.
If you can’t collect your own water to bring (or if you forget yours on the counter at home), not to worry. We’ll have pitchers waiting here. We want you to be a part of this important time in our community, where wisdom and joy rush to greet us and show us the way to deeper love. See you there!
Wednesday, September 10 | Monthly Community Dinners resume
Dinner 6-6:45; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m.
Every second Wednesday of the month, swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. After dinner, choose a drop-in breakout group to connect with others.
We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free, and kid-friendly options.
All are welcome and there is no charge. All church events are alcohol-free.
Sunday, September 15, two services | In person at 9 and 11 a.m. and livestreaming at 11 a.m.
On September 15, we will return to offering two services each Sunday. We will offer in person worship at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and our livestream will take place during the 11 a.m. worship.
We also return to our Religious Education programming on Sunday, September 15. Our Children, Youth, and Families Ministry has an exciting and robust church year planned for all ages. You can see more here, broken out by age group. Please register your family for this year right away—ideally by next Wednesday, September 3.
NOTE: Youth Groups for middle school and high school will kick off at the September 10 Community Dinner (following the meal).
Sunday, September 21, after both services in the Social Hall | Sign-Up Sunday
Our Fall Programs for Spiritual Growth will commence with Sign-Up Sunday, when all are invited to visit tables in the Social Hall and sign up for small groups, gatherings, and ministries.
Fall Programs at First U will run from September 28 – December 21. The Program Guide will be available at Sign-Up Sunday.