Community Dinner

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 6-8 p.m. in the Social Hall (no family pre-party)
RSVP By Jan. 8 Requested
Menu: Taco Bowls – chicken, tofu, lettuce, rice, black beans, peppers, corn, onion, salsa, sour cream. Dessert is brownies (gf available.)

Swing by church for a delicious home-cooked meal at 6 p.m. in the Social Hall. All are welcome and there is no charge. On the menu for January is taco bowls! We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free. Following dinner, stick around and join a breakout group to learn more about one of the many opportunities for deeper engagement at church.

Breakout Group Options:

A Place to Start – Meet Sara by the atrium elevator, head to Chancel Room
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, 45-minute 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.

Neurodivergent Adults –
Neurodivergent means someone’s brain functions differently than typical. Autism and ADHD are often found under this umbrella; and, it applies to anyone who functions in an atypical way. Being a neurodivergent adult can be isolating and sometimes it can feel like nobody else understands, especially when there aren’t a lot of resources specifically for adults. We’re looking to create a support group for neurodivergent adults. Please come and help us figure out how to shape this idea. All who think they are or may be neurodivergent are welcome, official diagnosis or not. Hosted by Merinda Brayfield

Usher and Greeter Teams Training – Sanctuary
Sunday welcome teams are trying something new and something old in 2024! If you’d like to get to know others by working together on tasks and solving problems, consider joining a regular usher/greeter team, which will work together each 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month through May to be an informed and welcoming presence on Sunday mornings. Come join a team and learn the ropes at this training! Facilitated by Liz Farmer.

Habitat Info Session –
The COVID pandemic caused a multi-year hiatus in Habitat home building projects and First Universalist’s participation in those builds. We are now trying to restore our church community’s past involvement by renewing our commitment to working with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. The spark still exists for housing justice at First Universalist, it can be reignited, and our best way to do housing justice is through Twin Cities Habitat. We hope to recruit new First Universalist volunteers to join us as we continue that commitment. Hosted by Chuck Coskran.

Listening Session with The Board – Library
What is your experience at church these days? What is bringing you joy? What is challenging you? The board is here to listen and continue to build the church we all need.

Parents of Adolescents Peer Group –
Do you have a child or children who are in middle or high school? Are you looking for support from other parents about how to best parent your child in this stage and navigate their adolescence together? Do you need a space to share stresses, receive validation, and celebrate the wins of this unique season of parenting? Join Allison Connelly-Vetter for a casual, mutually supportive conversation about parenting adolescents. 

Cleaning up as Spiritual Care
In the book “How to Keep House While Drowning” author KC Davis reframes “chores” as care tasks – things we do to care for our homes because doing them makes us appreciate and enjoy the space more. In doing so, she opens the doorway to see care of community as a spiritual practice. In this spirit, join Rev. Arif for a breakout group where we’ll gather for a few moments of spiritual grounding and then clean up after the dinner. We’ll mostly practice in silence, allowing our care of the community to find expression in the things we do to clean up after our first joyful community gathering of the new year.