On Aug. 15, we welcomed our new Cummins Ministerial Intern, Lóre Stevens, to First Universalist! Lóre will be with us and part of our ministry team through June of 2023.

About Lóre Stevens

Lóre (rhymes with ‘story’) Stevens is your new intern minister and a candidate for Unitarian Universalist ordination.

After spending her childhood in Tennessee and adolescence in Michigan, Lóre attended Eastern Michigan University for both her BA in Literature and her MA in Gender, Media, and Culture. In 2017, she worked at First UU Nashville as their Membership Coordinator, before choosing to resign and become an active lay leader: choir member, Sunday school teacher, and Worship Associate. She worked at the Nashville Public Library as a Public Technology Specialist, helping folks experiencing homelessness enjoy the library’s many services, from magazines to virtual reality. During that time and with the encouragement of her home congregation, Lóre discerned her path towards ordained ministry.

Lóre recently graduated with her Master’s of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School (HDS). She has served as a Board member for the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF), Harvard UU Ministry for Students (HUUMS), and the HDS Student Council. She was a finalist for the the HDS Billings Preaching Prize and the recipient of the Dana McClean Greeley Sermon Award as well as the UU History & Heritage Society’s Research Prize. She identifies as a queer Latina atheist mystic and loves sci-fi, illustrated journaling, and her black cat Tezzy.

What is an intern minister?

An intern minister is someone in the process of becoming a Unitarian Universalist minister who works alongside and under the supervision of an experienced minister for the equivalent of one year of full-time ministry. The internship may occur near the end of the candidate’s time in seminary or after graduation from seminary. Along with a Master’s in Divinity and other training, evaluation and paperwork, the internship is a requirement to become a minister with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

What is a teaching congregation?

Teaching congregations make a commitment to serve our Unitarian Universalist movement by helping form new ministers. The congregation makes a financial commitment to provide compensation for the intern. The congregation also provides an internship committee to support and provide feedback to the intern. Staff works with and supports the intern, and a portion of the Senior Minister’s time and energy goes toward mentoring. The congregation gains the benefit of having a new voice in the pulpit, new energy, and the skills that come with each intern.

What is unique about First Universalist’s internship?

First Universalist has a strong history as a teaching congregation, and we are excited to begin again, honoring the legacy of The Reverend John Cummins by offering a ministerial internship specifically for ministerial candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a person of color. Impediments to a successful and life-giving career in ministry are many, and they are historically (and presently) much greater for ministers of color. We hope to offer an internship experience supported by a multicultural, multi-racial ministry team and a congregation eager to offer care, learning, and support. First Universalist offers internships that run from mid-August through June, and which include regular preaching opportunities and flexibility to engage in a wide variety of projects from leading lifespan faith formation experiences to engaging in social justice endeavors. The intern gains well rounded parish experience working in this vibrant large congregation.

There are so many ways to connect at church this summer, in worship and beyond!

Worship at 10 a.m. on Summer Sundays

Get details about worshiping with us online or in person here.

Get details about Sunday morning childcare and fun for kids, ages 6 months to 12 years, here.

Sunday Community Gatherings

July 10 Blessing of the Animals

11 a.m. Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Blessing, 12 p.m. Dog Walk

August 14 Open Eye Theatre Puppet Show

11 a.m. Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Driveway Tour Puppet Show: “Tucker’s Robot”

August 21 Worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell

10 a.m. worship, 11 a.m. potluck picnic

Fellowship for All Ages

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

Pastoral & Community Care

Grief Group

Sundays, June 5 & 19, July 10 & 24, August 7 & 21, 4–5:30 p.m. on Zoom. REGISTRATION (requested) JOIN

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. Facilitator: Rev. Stephanie Vos, community minister and First U member

Caregivers Group

Sundays, June 5, July 10 & Aug. 7, 1–2:30 p.m. on Zoom REGISTRATION (requested)

Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or a child with a chronic health condition, this group offers mutual support, connection, and community building. Facilitator: Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister

UUs in 12-Step Recovery

CURRENTLY ON BREAK; RESUMES IN SEPTEMBER, EXACT DATE TBA Sundays, 7 p.m. on Zoom

Connect with others at church who are working a 12-step program of recovery. Anyone in any 12-step program is welcome. The focus is on building community and relationships. Facilitated by: First U members in recovery

Abortion and Reproductive Healthcare Experiences Small Group 

Sundays, June 12, 19 & 26, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. at church.
— Registration closed —

The recent news around Roe and Casey rulings has, for many, come with a sense of grief and anger. If you have a personal experience of abortion or reproductive healthcare and would like to gather to listen to truth unveil and speak your story in community, we hope you will join us. Facilitator: Katherine Harrell, First U member

Moving, Breathing, and Writing through Grief 

Wednesdays, June 15, 22, 29 & July 6, 5:30–7 p.m. at church. REGISTRATION (required)

We’ll care for our bodies with gentle movement and breathwork followed by writing from a prompt about an aspect of grief. Please bring a yoga mat, a journal/notebook, and a pen. If you don’t have a yoga mat, please let us know and we can arrange to have one available for you. Best suited for people who are grieving the death of a loved one, recent or not. Facilitator: Dallas Rising, First U member, yoga instructor and specialist in somatic grief work

Journey Conversation: Finding Your Way in a Broken World

Mondays, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 7–8 p.m. on Zoom REGISTRATION (required)

A pandemic is wreaking havoc across the globe, hate and bigotry are rising, and our personal challenges do not evaporate in the wake of world upheaval. Illness, family dysfunction, abuse, economic distress, and more continue to plague us even as the world seems to be falling apart. What can we do? Is there a spiritual solution? Gather with other seekers who are finding direction in these challenging times. Facilitator: Frederic McDonald-Dennis, First U member

Adults Who Are Newer to First Universalist

First Step

Sundays, June 12 & 19, July 10 & 17, Aug. 7 & 14, 11 a.m. at church (drop in)

First Step is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. During this 40-minute class, participants will learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. 

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. Facilitator: Ellen Kluz, First U member 

Pathway to Membership 

MORE INFO & REGISTRATION (required)

Pathway to Membership is a class for those who want to become members. Learn at your own pace through online videos, then choose a class experience that meets your needs. Facilitator: Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator

2-Session class: Sundays, July 17 & 24, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. at church

1-Session class: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Zoom

2-Session class for parents/caregivers with children in Religious Education: Part 1 Wednesday, Aug. 24, time TBD, on Zoom; Part 2 Sunday, Aug. 28, 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at church

BIPOC-Specific Opportunities (Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Multiracial)

Food and Fellowship for BIPOC Folks and Multiracial Families

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

BIPOC congregants of all ages—and our 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. Facilitators: Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts Ministries

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 Facilitators: 1st U BIPOC youth/young adult staff: Liv Dalby, Rui Rui Bleifuss & Zoe Mulvihill, led by Eleanor Kline-Olson

Reconnection Circles

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. 

Reconnection Circle for Young Adults ages 24–29 years 

Wednesdays, Aug. 10 – Sept. 14, 7:30–9 p.m. at church. REGISTRATION (required)

Facilitators: Emma Paskewitz, Youth Programs Coordinator, and Mats Jacobsson, First Umember

Reconnection Circle for Young Adults in their 30s 

Six weekly meetings, early August – mid-September, at church. Please indicate your preferred meeting times at registration.  REGISTRATION (required)

Facilitators: Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator, and Kelly Prosen, First U member

Reconnection Circle for Adults of All Ages 

Thursdays, Aug. 11 – Sept. 15, 7–8:30 p.m. at church. REGISTRATION (required)

Facilitators: Ray Dillon and Katie Fox, First U members

Families/Parents/Babies–Middle Schoolers

Chalice Camp (1st–5th grades) and Adventure Camp (6th–8th grades) 

July 5–8 (Tuesday–Friday), 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at church. REGISTRATION (required)

Chalice Campers have a full morning, with active games, a children’s chapel with stories and singing, and small group activities. After lunch, Chalice Campers play outside or head to a local park, then return for a closing meeting and choice activities at church. Adventure Campers spend the morning in team building activities including games and cooking. They might share lunch at church or out in the world. Their week will include three fun field trips, such as heading to a lake, water park, or movie for the afternoon. Facilitators: Lauren Wyeth, Emma Paskewitz and Hirut Hedge and a radically-welcoming team of First U high school youth

Parents/Caregivers of Babies and 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, too. Facilitator: Lauren Wyeth, Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages

Neighboring Faiths Visit Series (8th–9th grade families) 

Orientation: Sunday, June 12, 9–10 a.m. at church. REGISTRATION (required)

Due to the pandemic, our rising 8th and 9th graders weren’t able to participate in the faith community visits that are part of the Neighboring Faiths class. This summer, those students and their families are invited to visit Shir Tikvah, Baha’i Center of Minneapolis, Hindu Temple of Minnesota, and Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Facilitators: Kara Yorkhall and Channing McKinley, First U members, and Emma Paskewitz, Youth Programs Coordinator 

Faithful Action

Twin Cities Pride with MUUSJA

Saturday, June 25 & Sunday, June 26 at Loring Park. SIGN UP (required)

Join UUs from congregations across the metro under the umbrella of MUUSJA (MN UU Social Justic Alliance) at Twin Cities Pride. Sign up to march in the parade or staff the UU table at the festival. 

Information Session: Relationships Evolving Possibilities

Wednesday, July 20, 7–8:30 p.m. under the tent at church. SIGN UP

Learn about Relationships Evolving Possibilities (REP), an organization that has been nominated to become one of our Faithful Action partners. 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. Facilitators: Susan Raffo, REP Core Group member, and Rebecca Donley, Karen Heegard, and Denise Konen, First U members

Information Session: CloseKnit

Wednesday, Aug. 3, 7–8:15 p.m. under the tent at church. SIGN UP

First Universalist is exploring a new Faithful Action partnership with Closeknit: Loving Youth out of Homelessness. Learn about CloseKnit, discover how you might become involved, and expand your understanding of youth homelessness and the systemic racial, economic and structural and barriers that family and friends face when they try to support young people seeking housing. Facilitators: Jacqueline White, CloseKnit Founder and Executive Director, and Karen Heegard, Peg Mitchell, and Polly Talen, First U members

Habitat for Humanity Lunch & Learn

RESCHEDULED Sunday, Aug. 7, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at church. REGISTRATION

The church has had a long and deep relationship with our partner organization Habitat for Humanity, from countless build days to funding a complete “House That Love Built” in 2014 when the congregation raised $120,000. Join the Habitat team at church for lunch, and  learn more about plans for the fall and how you can participate. 

Volunteer with Families Moving Forward 

Sunday, Sept. 4 – Saturday, Sept. 17. SIGN UP (required)

Families Moving Forward is a program of Beacon, an interfaith housing collaborative, which provides temporary housing for people seeking permanent shelter. During a two week period, First U volunteers will provide prepared meals and snacks for families housed in a local hotel. Sign up to help pick up groceries, cook at home or church, or deliver prepared meals. FMF Coordinator: Peg Mitchell, First U member

Learning Opportunities

Humanism Through Multiple Lenses 

Thursdays, June 30 & July 28, 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom
REGISTRATION (required)

In this class, we explore humanist geographies and intellectual histories from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa; examine the cultural production of humanism in sports, film, literature and music; and analyze humanism in the public arena, private life and in social issues. Facilitator: Rev. Andrea Johnson, Community Minister and First U member

Spiritual Growth: Charting Our Course 

Thursdays, Aug. 11 & 25, 7:30–9 p.m. on Zoom. REGISTRATION (required)

One way we live out the mission and vision of First Universalist Church is by doing spiritual development together in community – in small groups, on faithful action teams, working for liberation, in classes and support groups and shared spiritual practice. In this conversation series, we’ll explore foundational approaches to spiritual growth and maturity, and we’ll discuss our spiritual needs both as individuals and as a community. This series is designed for those who are interested in understanding and shaping how we support spiritual growth in our congregation. Come be part of charting our church’s future plans and programming. Facilitator: Lauren Wyeth, Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages

We are pleased to once again offer resources for those who would like to create their own Winter Solstice ritual at home—this year in addition to offering an adapted Solstice Ritual on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

1. Preparing for the Solstice (read first)

2. Winter Solstice Ritual Script

Winter Solstice is one of the seasonal points on the Wheel of the Year. It is often celebrated in an earth-based meditative ritual practiced around the world in a variety of ways, adapted to the culture, beliefs and creativity of those participating. Walking a labyrinth, singing chants and doing the Spiral Dance are part of our ritual at church.

Our ritual is a journey, a slow walk to know the dark, and a slow walk to rejoice in the returning light. Whether you are young or old, living alone, with family or have friends doing this ritual with you, we hope you enjoy the gifts that it offers in this season of illumination.

Thanks to Bob Friedman and Debbie Cash who originally created these resources along with Rev. Justin Schroeder, and who have updated them for this year.

Our June Faithful Action newsletter is now available here! This newsletter contains information about our Faithful Action Community Partners and provides concrete ways to get involved and take action through our Faithful Action Community Partner organizations. In this newsletter you will find invitations to volunteer, advocate, give, and learn with others at First Universalist and in our broader community through the work of our partner organizations. You can learn more about our Faithful Action Community Partners and find out how to get involved in their work in this newsletter.

Read this week’s edition of The Weekly Liberal here: The Weekly Liberal May 6. If you are not currently receiving our email and would like to, sign up here.

Our May Faithful Action newsletter is now available here! This newsletter contains information about our Faithful Action Community Partners and provides concrete ways to get involved and take action through our Faithful Action Community Partner organizations. In this newsletter you will find invitations to volunteer, advocate, give, and learn with others at First Universalist and in our broader community through the work of our partner organizations. You can learn more about our Faithful Action Community Partners and find out how to get involved in their work in this newsletter.

Read this week’s edition of the Liberal here: The Weekly Liberal April 22. If you are not receiving our emails and would like to, sign up here.

“Mending the Web…with the Light of Healing and Hope”

1. Preparing for the Solstice (read first)

2. Winter Solstice Ritual Script

Winter Solstice is one of the seasonal points on the Wheel of the Year. It is often celebrated in an earth-based meditative ritual practiced around the world in a variety of ways, adapted to the culture, beliefs and creativity of those participating. Walking a labyrinth, singing chants and doing the Spiral Dance are part of our ritual at church.

Our ritual is a journey, a slow walk to know the dark, and a slow walk to rejoice in the returning light. Whether you are young or old, living alone, with family or have “pod-mates” doing this ritual with you, we hope you enjoy the gifts that it offers in this season of illumination.

Read our December 10 newsletter here: The Weekly Liberal Dec. 10

~11 a.m. Care Companions Space
We know that worship can take us into deep and surprising places. If you find yourself needing to talk with someone about what is stirring for you on a Sunday morning, please speak with one of our Care Companions in a confidential breakout room after the service. You can join here.

~11 a.m. First Step (First & Third Sundays)
First Step is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. Newcomers are welcome to join us to learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. Offered first and third Sundays. Join here. (Meeting ID: 881 2661 8139 Passcode: 396179)

11/11:15 a.m. Sunday Small Groups and Fellowship Hour Small groups and fellowship hours now funnel through one zoom space. Join here. (Meeting ID: 914 2086 6900; Passcode: 197968). Breakout room options are:

• Six-Week Sunday Small Groups (pre-registration required)
• All-Identities Fellowship Hour
• BIPOC/multiracial Fellowship Hour

11:30 a.m. UUs in 12-Step Recovery (every other Sunday: 7/11, 7/25…)
Do you identify as someone in 12-Step recovery? Would you like to build community at church and add a layer of support for yourself and others as we head into the winter? Join us for this weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. We’ll join in a time of silent meditation, explore a topic, and share our experience, strength and hope with each other. Participation in the meeting is confidential, and no sign up is required. Meets every other Sunday (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) and every other Tuesday (7-8 p.m.). Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more information reach out to member Dick Young (see the Liberal newsletter or contact the church office for contact information).