All in: Summer 2024 Gatherings & Programs at Church
Summer is a time for outdoor fun and fellowship! Below you’ll find a myriad of entry points for all ages.
Summer Sign Up Sunday
Sunday, May 19; 9:30-10 a.m. and 11 a.m. -noon in the Social Hall
Learn about the variety of ways to get involved and get connected at church this season through volunteering, justice teams, and other opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. Team leaders and small group facilitators will be excited to chat with you about what they’ve got going on and how you can join.
Flower Communion and Lunch Under the Tent
Sunday, June 2; 10 a.m. Worship, 11:15 a.m. Lunch
Flower Communion is an annual ritual and summer blessing during worship. Bring a flower to share to this 101-year-old celebration of giving and receiving, of connecting with the beauty in each of us, and the bigger story of that beauty when we come together in community, in fellowship, and in the spirit of love that is this church. After worship, everyone is invited to enjoy hot dogs (vegan available), chips, and watermelon under the tent.
Annual Meeting of the Membership
Sunday, June 2; 12:30 p.m.
After Flower Communion worship and lunch, anyone may observe, and members in good standing may participate and vote in the Annual Meeting of the Membership. At this meeting, members vote on committee membership and the next fiscal year’s budget. Members, register here. Membership will be verified the week prior to the meeting.
Plant-Based Potluck with the EJ Team
Wednesday, August 7; 5:30- 7 p.m. Under the First U Tent
Bring a plant-based dish to share to a lively gathering of UU friends old and new under First U’s backyard tent. All ages and families are invited! Leave with satisfied taste buds and a few tips from EJ Team Members on integrating food solutions into your life to cool the planet.
Lake Harriet Worship and Potluck
Sunday, August 18; 10 a.m. Worship; 11:15 a.m. Potluck
Our annual worship at the Lake Harriet bandshell is a favorite of many! Bring your hat and water bottle for the lakeside service and a dish to pass at the potluck meal afterwards, just adjacent the bandshell.
Water Communion Worship
Sunday, September 8; 10 a.m.
Water Communion Sunday is a worship service for all ages of reunion and recommitment. One of the meanings for the word communion is: united in a common fellowship. Bring a small sample of water from home or summer travels further afar. We will merge them together in a ritual of re-membering.
Monthly Community Dinners Resume
Wednesday, Sept. 11; Dinner 6-6:45; Breakout Groups 7-8:15 p.m. RSVP REQUESTED
Community dinners for the 2024-2025 church year will happen every second Wednesday, beginning Wednesday, September 11. Please note the change from the originally-scheduled September 18. Dinner will take place from 6-7 p.m., and from 7-8:15 we will offer adult programming, childcare (for kids in 5th grade and younger), and Junior High Youth Group (for youth in grades 7-9). There will be no family pre-parties this coming program year.
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. 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.
VISITORS/NEWCOMERS/NEW-ISH
- A Place to Start (visitor class to get to know us a bit and introduce yourself)
- Newcomers Circle (dig deeper, reflect on your spiritual journey alongside others who are also new)
- Membership Classes (commitment to relevant, sustainable membership in this community throughout the lifespan)
FAITHFUL ACTION
Visit our Faithful Action page for details and registration for:
- Habitat for Humanity Build Days
- Gatherings with the First U Climate and Environmental Justice Team.
PASTORAL & COMMUNITY CARE
Visit our Pastoral and Community Care page for details and registration for:
- Grief Group
ARTS & SPIRITUAL PRACTICE GROUPS
Visit our Spiritual Practice Groups page for details and registration for:
- Tuesday Morning Meditation
- Jogging Toward Spirituality
- Sunday Welcome Team
CHILDREN, YOUTH, and FAMILIES
Visit our Youth and Families page for details and registration for:
- “Amulet” Book Group
- Playground Meetups
- Summer Camp
YOUNG ADULTS (20s and 30s)
Visit our Young Adults page for details and registration for:
- Monthly Gatherings
- Second Sundays Lunch at Gigi’s Cafe
SMALL GROUPS, BOOK GROUPS, AND CLASSES FOR ADULTS
Visit our Adult Ministries page for details and registration for:
- Mutual Aid Sunday School
- Octavia E. Butler’s “Parables” Summer Book Salon
SENIORS & ELDERS
Visit our Seniors & Elders page for details and registration for:
- Sage-ing Wisdom Circle
- Daytime Connections (through May)