Fall Connection Points for Families

Every Second Wednesday | Upcoming dates: Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10
Dinner 6-6:45; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m. RSVP REQUESTED

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 and learn about opportunities to get involved at church this season. All are welcome and there is no charge. Childcare will be available for younger kids (ages 6 months-Grade 3), and breakout groups will be available for older kids, teens, and adults. Menu available on our website, a week in advance. We always offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free and kid-friendly options. All church events are alcohol-free. 

Post-Community-Dinner breakout groups for children, youth, and families always include:

Parenting as Spiritual Practice (for all parents and caregivers)

Childcare (for children ages 6 months – 5th grade)

Middle School Youth Group (6th-8th grades)

High School Youth Group (9th-12th grades)

This year, First Universalist offers two youth groups. 

Youth in 6th-8th grades are invited to join our Middle School Youth Group, which meets twice a month from 7-8:15 p.m. on most second and fourth Wednesdays (the second Wednesday is immediately following Community Dinners).

Youth in 9th-12th grades are invited to join our High School Youth Group. This youth group meets on Sunday mornings when Religious Education is offered during the 11 a.m. service only. This group also meets on Wednesday evenings twice a month from 7-8:15 p.m. on most second and fourth Wednesdays (the second Wednesday is immediately following Community Dinners).

These gatherings are led by trained adults and include time for checking in, playing games, learning new skills, service projects, fun activities, and exploring the big questions of life, all while deepening relationships with peers. 

Middle School and High School Youth Groups kickoff with a joint gathering following the Sept. 10 Community Dinner with a campfire and games outside. 

There is no membership requirement or Sunday morning attendance requirement. Bring a friend or a neighbor—all are welcome!

On Sunday, Sept. 14, we return to offering two worship services – at 9 and 11 a.m. – and Religious Education. 

Most Religious Education programs are offered during both services. However, there are some exceptions. Please review the roster shared by Allison for more information about your family’s service time. 

As a reminder, you may pick up your child or youth from Religious Education at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., not before, even if worship has ended. Having a standard pick up time for all children and youth supports our kids and volunteers in completing the lesson for the day and ending the session thoughtfully and spaciously. 

Join us for our Fall Family Overnight Friday, Sept. 26 – Saturday, Sept. 27! Please RSVP here by Sunday, Sept. 21. 

This overnight is for families with children in grades K-5 along with siblings. We will play games, share a meal or two (and snacks!), walk the labyrinth, and even have a talent show! 

Check-in is at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday morning, our overnight programming will end around 9:30 a.m. All overnighters are encouraged to stay for our first Saturday Sprouts of the year from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Sept. 27 (see more information below). 

We will share the full schedule and packing list with registered families in advance of the overnight.

Please contact Hirut Hedge at hirut@firstuniv.org with any questions, concerns, or for more information. We can’t wait for the overnight!

Every 4th Saturday EXCEPT December and May, 10 a.m.-noon
Upcoming dates: Sept. 27, Oct. 26, Nov. 23
No RSVP necessary
Saturday Sprouts is a monthly opportunity for families to socialize, worship, play, and offer and receive peer support. We start with snacks and time to get to know each other before moving into family worship, followed by playtime for kids and a peer sharing group for parents and caregivers. We close by sharing gratitudes and singing together.

Saturday Sprouts is open to all families, with programming geared towards young children (6 months – 5th grade) along with their siblings and parents/caregivers.

All high school youth (9th-12th grades) are encouraged to join our Fall retreat from Friday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 28! We will gather at the church at 5 p.m. on Friday and return at noon on Sunday. Our retreat will take place at Camp Friendship in Annondale, MN. 

The retreat includes fun and meaningful activities including teambuilding, games, campfires, and more. More information on schedule and a packing list will be emailed to participants in advance.

Please fill out this form to RSVP. We can’t wait to retreat together!

Upper Midwest Youth Con: Saturday, Nov. 15 – Sunday, Nov. 16. More info and register here. 

Fall Child Dedication: Sunday, Nov. 23, at both 9 and 11 a.m.

Family Holiday Potluck: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m. 

Christmas Pageant: Saturday, Dec. 20, 4 p.m.