Read the full issue of this week’s newsletter here: The Weekly Liberal Oct. 8

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In this week’s issue, Rev. Jen Crow, Co-Senior Minister, writes:

Sometime last month I read an article about preparing for Minnesota winter in this time of pandemic. The article had all kinds of good ideas, like: make sure you have some really comfy pants, take care of that nagging health issue you’ve been avoiding, do the final steps of setting up your work from home space (if you are working from home), and basically take care of anything that might be harder to take care of a few months from now when the weather is colder or pandemic restrictions become stricter again. All of that was good advice, but the line that really stuck with me was this one: If you are not already in therapy, get in now. 

Now I know that therapy isn’t the right thing for everyone and that the cost of therapy can be prohibitive, but the essence of the message was clear. Now is the time to cultivate additional layers of support so that when the harder times come, those connections are already in place. Maybe that looks like trying spiritual direction for the first time, or joining a group at church. Maybe it looks like making our Wednesday evening worship service a regular part of your week, or joining a recovery group. Maybe it looks like establishing or re-establishing that weekly Friday night Zoom call with friends or family, or joining an online exercise class. Maybe it means bookmarking the resources in this column and committing to using them in the months ahead. 

Whatever this looks like for you, I hope you will consider adding some extra layers of support as we move into the months ahead. As Minnesotans, we know the annual ritual of bringing out the bins of winter stuff and sorting through to see what still fits, what needs to be replaced, and what might need an upgrade. It’s time to do that same sorting and upgrading with our spiritual, mental, and physical resources, too. Think about it as layering up for winter. What practices, relationships, and routines do you need to add, upgrade, or reinforce with a few extra layers as we move into the months ahead? 

We don’t know how long this pandemic or this crisis in our democracy will last, but we do know that these are extraordinary times. We can make it together, letting our values shine through as we extend boundless love and care to ourselves and each other. Let’s layer up, friends. We’re going to need it.

In gratitude,
Rev. Jen

Resources: Caring for Ourselves and Each Other

You know that we are here for each other in times of crisis, but did you know we are here for each other all the time, too? Whether you are in an intense time of need or you could just use a little extra support, when one more layer might make the difference between shivering and struggling through on our own and feeling cozy and cared for, we are here for each other. Here are some of the ways you can layer up this winter:

Spiritual Care – Your ministers and program staff are here for one-on-one confidential conversations of support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us to connect. 

Counseling – The Walk In Counseling Center offers free counseling by phone or computer. Find out how to “walk in” here.

Cycle of Life – Every Sunday we name the challenges and joys that we are experiencing. If you have experienced a loss, are living with a new or ongoing health concern, are celebrating a transition, or would like us to name your joy or sorrow in worship on Sunday, please let Rev. Jen know. (jen@firstuniv.org) 

Grief Kits – Have you or someone else you know in our congregation lost a loved one? Please let Rev. Jen Crow (jen@firstuniv.org) or Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.

Love Kits – Are you or someone you love ill? Is your family struggling? Do you live alone or feel isolated? Do you know someone else from church who might answer yes to any of these questions? If so, please let Rev. Jen Crow (jen@firstuniv.org) or Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.

Meal Trains – Sometimes receiving a meal one time or over the course of a couple of weeks can be just the thing to lighten the load and remind us that we are loved. If you or someone you know at church would welcome a meal to help them through a difficult time, or if you or your family have experienced a loss or are living with an illness or injury and having someone else do the cooking for a bit would help, please let us know. You can contact Rev. Jen or Rev. Karen, or contact our Congregational Care Coordinators, Nick (nicholasnier@gmail.com) and Julia (jskow@fastmail.com) directly.

Minister’s Emergency Fund – For many of us, these are difficult financial times. If you need help with a car repair bill, making rent, a doctor’s bill, groceries, gas, a mortgage payment, affording your medication, a bus card, or any other financial situation – please be in touch with any staff member. We have financial resources available, and we can get a confidential check to you quickly. Please contact Rev. Jen Crow (jen@firstuniv.org) or any of the ministers on staff. 

Winter Buddies – Would it help to get a regular phone call from someone who cares? What about a check-in over zoom or phone once a month, or once a week? Our Pastoral Visitors are a group of congregants who provide confidential companionship and support to fellow members and friends of the church. They offer compassionate presence through a one-time call or an on-going relationship. Please contact Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) if you’d like to be connected with a companion.

Mental Health Connect – www.mhconnect.org – Need help finding a therapist? Want to learn more about particular mental health conditions and resources? Check out Mental Health Connect, a local organization supported by congregations like ours, that provides community-based resources, support and education to improve access to mental health services and connect individuals and families with the services they need. 

Mental Health Navigators – If you are trying to access therapy or counseling services, navigate the insurance system, speak to a financial counselor, connect with housing services, or support loved ones with mental illness, a Mental Health Navigator can help. They journey alongside you to help remove barriers and complexity so that you can gain access to the right providers and resources for your unique situation. Navigation and follow-up services are free, confidential, and tailored to your individual situation. Learn more here: What Is a Mental Health Navigator? And get started here.

UUs in 12-Step Recovery – Want to build community and share support with other Unitarian Universalists in 12-Step recovery? Connect with Dick Young (dickyoung1@comcast.net) or Rev. Jen (jen@firstuniv.org) to learn more and join in.

Community Groups for Families:

1) Rainbow Kids and FamiliesTuesdays, Oct. 13 to Nov. 17, 7-8 p.m.LGBTQ+/Rainbow kids, parents and families gather for a chalice lighting and story, followed by a chance to get to know one another in three smaller breakout groups.

2) BIPOC/Multiracial Kids and FamiliesWednesdays, Oct. 14 to Nov. 18, 6-7 p.m.Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Multiracial kids, parents and families gather for a chalice lighting and story, and a chance to get to know one another in three smaller breakout groups.

3) Neurodiverse and Diverse Learners and their FamiliesThursdays, Oct. 15 to Nov.19, time TBDNeurodiverse and Diverse Learners gather for a chalice lighting and story, followed by a chance to get to know one another in three smaller breakout groups.

4) Single/Co-parenting/Solo Parents and Caregivers continue weekly meetingsTuesdays, 8 p.m.This group offers spiritual support, meaning-making and community. Facilitated by congregant and fellow single mom Sara Smalley.

More groups will be rolled out soon, including:

• Parents and Caregivers as Sexuality Educators
• Spiritual Care for Parents and Caregivers who are struggling, or with kids who are struggling
• Skills for White Kids Building Beloved Community
• Antiracist Parenting

Our first round of these small groups for families will meet weekly for six sessions beginning next week. To participate, make sure you’ve registered your child(ren)/youth for Religious Education or email Lauren Wyeth, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries at lauren@firstuniv.org.

Register for Religious Education here.