First Universalist Church

“…sometimes, it can take a long time to sound like yourself.” -Miles Davis This Sunday, Oct. 24, we lead a journey of creative prayer practices. There is no one way to pray, or a specific word you must remember. There are many ways to focus the mind and tune the heart to love. We’ll share music and stories. We’ll have fun together, making space to call the wisdom in each of us, until we hear the singing from within.   Words of Welcome- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:21) Story- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (2:37) Hymn- Standin' in the Need of Prayer (6:27) Invitation into Prayer- Rev. Arif Mamdani and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (9:09) Silence, Community Prayer, and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (17:00) Poems, Prayers, Meditations- Be Your Note- Rev. Arif Mamdani and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (25:39)  

We are coming ’round the mountain – heading toward a critical city election, toward more church gatherings possible in person, toward fall and the winter holidays, through another cycle of life. How might we relax into this familiar rhythm and circle round the mountain, orienting ourselves toward what matters most as we travel through unpredictable terrain? We let story and song and the wisdom of the indomitable Nina Simone guide us. Words of Welcome- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:29) Celebrating 10 Years with Dr. Randal Buikema, Director of Choral Arts (12:23) Community Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Jen Crow (21:38) Anthem- The Us of Me by David L. Brunner- First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema, Franco Holder, piano (27:00) Message- The Demand of Wholeness- Rev. Jen Crow (33:23)

No matter how many times we make our way through the changes life brings, we may still find ourselves wondering if there isn’t some other way around the mountain. This Sunday, October 10, we explore the cycles and spirals of life while challenging ourselves to grow in compassion and commitment each time we make our way through.   Prelude and Words of Welcome- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:35) Story for All Ages- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (14:20) Song- Break Not the Circle- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (21:25) Community Prayer & Cycle of Life- Rev. Jen Crow (25:16) Message- Are We There Yet?- Rev. Jen Crow (33:37) Benediction and Postlude (49:08)

Risk is an inherent part of what it means to be human and alive. As we go about our daily lives, we regularly engage in almost automatic calculations where we assess the risk of a particular action and its reward. We try to achieve a balance between perceived benefit and perceived safety. But what happens when we’re confronted with something new? This Sunday, October 3, join your worship team for an exploration of risk and reward and how we can stay open to wisdom, creativity, and possibility even in the face of new challenges.   Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (1:21) Hymn- Blue Boat Home, First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema, conductor, Franco Holder, piano (5:46) Story for All Ages- Lauren Wyeth (9:37) Collective Prayer - Rev. Jen Crow (16:23) Anthem- O Light, Awaken by Mark Patterson- First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema, conductor, Franco Holder, piano Message- Risking Balance- Rev. Arif Mamdani (25:48)

If we’ve learned anything these last 18 months, we’ve learned that try as we might, we cannot always control how things turn out. If control cannot carry us, then what can? Unitarian Universalist theologian Dr. Sharon Welch suggests that an ethic of risk may be at the center of what allows us to persist in building the world and the lives of love and justice we long for, even in the face of partial victories and continued defeats. Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Franco Holder, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Dr. Randy Buikema, and the First Universalist Choir lead the service.   Words of Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (:30) Story for All Ages- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (4:43) Anthem- The Road Home by Stephen Paulus- First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema- conductor Message- When Control Can't Carry Us- Julica Hermann de la Fuente   Vocalists: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant Pianist: Franco Holder

Gathering in person at Minnehaha Falls, we immerse ourselves in the imagery of water and the power of the river as we remember the strength of the stones in the banks we build, and the well-worn groove of the river bed that waits for us, whatever the season. We remember the ritual of Water Communion and the symbolic ingathering it represents and we will intentionally hold back the waters for now, waiting with each other, for the fullness of our hoped-for return to our building in November and the joy it will bring. Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, Lauren Wyeth, and Revs. Arif Mamdani and Jen Crow lead the service. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:29) Song- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (7:10) Time for All Ages- Aimee K. Bryant (9:47) Body and Community Prayer- Lauren Wyeth and Rev. Arif Mamdani (15:40) Message- Rev. Jen Crow (26:35)

This multigenerational service of song, story, and strength as we remember that no matter what is going on around us or within us, when we are in it together – what we need is here. Backpacks will be blessed for those who carry them, and all of us will come away with the joy of community and a grounding in our deepest commitments. Worship leaders: Rev. Jen Crow, Lauren Wyeth, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Karen Hutt

Where love and connection reside, there is the location of god. Join Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Franco Holder, the First Universalist Choir (directed by Dr. Randy Buikema), and other worship leaders for worship at on Sunday, August 29 as we gather and reflect, held together by story, prayer, poem, and song. Words of Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (:31) Story for All Ages- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (10:47) Prayer and Meditation- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (24:38) Anthem- Shenandoah- First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema, conductor (35:52) Interlude- Franco Holder, piano (39:44) Closing Words- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (41:31)  

Going slow to go fast. Heeding the lessons from geese. These last several weeks, our services have invited us to reflect on how it is that we do this thing called religious community. This Sunday, we continue this exploration as we lift up a concrete approach to the challenges that can arise when human beings try to do things together. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Story for All Ages- The Messiah is Amongst You- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (8:07) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Karen Hutt (14:43) Message- One Of Us- Rev. Arif Mamdani (21:04) Introduction and Anthem- How Can I Keep from Singing- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema (conductor), Franco Holder (piano), and the First Universalist Orchestra. (38:13)

This Sunday, we worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell! Worship leaders Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Jen Crow, Lauren Wyeth, and Rev. Karen Hutt will lead and inspire us through music, story, and message, and challenge us to consider what we might learn from — among other things — Canadian geese. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Story for All Ages- Sue Searing (7:08) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (12:26) Reading- Lessons from Canada Geese- Julica Hermann de la Fuente and Rev. Karen Hutt (21:51) Song- What Wonderous Love- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (24:54) Message- Rev. Karen Hutt and Lauren Wyeth (27:39)

Change is ever-present these days, a constant cycle of new information, new experiences and new understandings of ourselves, each other, and the larger world keep coming our way. This Sunday, we continue our exploration of the nature of change and how we, as people of faith, continue to align our actions with our values. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Story for All Ages- The Water Cycle- Aimee K. Bryant (4:58) Blessing in Song- Breaths- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (9:37) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (14:21) Sermon- Roots Hold Me Close- Rev. Jen Crow (23:12) Outro music- Shenandoah- First Universalist Church Choir, conducted by Dr. Randy Buikema

This Sunday, August 1, Julica Hermann de la Fuente guides us in using Martha Beck’s Change Cycle to explore how we navigate and make meaning of change. Join us to inquire into the nature of change, the possibilities and challenges of change, and the ways that change will continue to be with us personally and congregationally.  Words of Welcome- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (:30) Story for All Ages- Suzy Messerole (2:37) Interlude - Building a New Way- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (9:00) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (11:28) Message- Harnessing (and Being Harnessed by) Change- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (16:03) Outro Music- I Am Willing by Holly Near  

This Sunday, Rev. Karen shares her humanist journey from Yankee Stadium to the Rift Valley in East Africa. We will also explore opportunities for Unitarian Universalism and humanism in the coming years as we reflect on our 5th Source. Words of Welcome- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (:19) Wisdom Story- Anansi- Sue Searing (4:38) Interlude- We Shall Be Known- Seth Anderson-Matz (10:31) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (12:43) Message- What Kind of Humanist Are You?: A Colored Kid's Journey- Rev. Karen Hutt (18:23) Outro Music- Lean On Me, by Bill Withers- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder

Prophets are often treated like icons. How many prophetic people can you rattle off the names of? What characteristics do they display? Our 2nd Source as UU’s provides us with some interesting human centered guidance, if we parse the words enough and dive deeply. This Sunday, we continue to learn how to walk the walk that we talk of so much. Words of Welcome- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (:30) Wisdom Tale- The Emperor's New Clothes- Aimee K. Bryant (3:30) Interlude- Shine On Me, by Melanie DeMore (11:16) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (14:50) Sermon- A Prophetic Encounter: Have You Had One Lately?- Rev. Karen Hutt (20:23) Outro music- Show Up, by Joe Davis

Radical acceptance, as defined by Buddhist teacher Tara Brach, is the spiritual practice of accepting reality exactly as it is, without trying to control or judge or pull away. When we’re feeling stuck and unable to make a change, radical acceptance can help us move forward. Join Jill Braithwaite for a reflection on what can happen when we step into radical acceptance and let go. Jill Braithwaite has been a member of First Universalist Church since 2004. She has an M.A. in theology and the arts from United Theological Seminary and is currently studying there in the Master of Divinity program with a concentration in UU Studies. Words of Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (:20) Story for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (3:56) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (8:41) Message- Cinnamon Sticks and God- Jill Braithwaite (13:49) Outro music- We Are Building a New Way - Aimee K. Bryant

Whole-hearted spiritual living invites us to learn how to tell our stories with honesty, humility and care - celebrating our learning and joy while simultaneously acknowledging the places we still need to grow. This Sunday we'll explore how we might own the fullness of our stories as individuals and as a nation.  Prelude- Aimee K. Bryant (:30) Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (2:28) Story for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (7:15) Music- A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cook- Aimee K. Bryant (12:51) Reading- Let America Be America Again by Langston Hughes- Yahanna, Aliana, Satya (15:44) Musical Response- Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson & J. Rosamond Johnson- Aimee K. Bryant (22:51) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (25:13) Message- Owning Our Stories- Rev. Jen Crow (33:01) Outro Music- Respect by Aretha Franklin - Aimee K. Bryant (49:16)  

After over a year of being physically apart, this Sunday, June 13 marks our first time together in person and online as a church community when we gather at the Lake Harriet Bandshell and on zoom. How will it feel to be together in person? How will it feel to be online when others can gather face-to-face? What will it be like? As people of faith, we promise to pay attention, to be curious with ourselves and each other, and to make room for all of who we are and all of the feelings and experiences that arise. We’ve got this, together. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Prelude- How Can I Keep From Singing, First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema conducting, Franco Holder on piano (6:09) Story for All Ages- Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor- Jill Braithwaite (10:56) Reading- Spilling the Light by Rev. Theresa I. Soto- Jill Braithwaite (16:56) Anthem- Love Is Love by Abbie Betinis- First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema conducting, Franco Holder on piano (18:50) Message- Making Room- Rev. Jen Crow (19:58

This Sunday, we say a final Good Goodbye to Rev. Justin through story, song, ritual, and a message from Rev. Jen Crow.  Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Story for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (5:22) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (11:21) Ritual of Relinquishment- Worship Leaders (18:52) Message- The Stories We Tell, Rev. Jen Crow (24:09) Outro Music- For Good by Stephen Schwartz- Franco Holder

Scholar Mariame Kaba reminds us that abolition is a “positive vision:” one that is fundamentally about building a world in which all people can be free and flourish. In this season of reckoning, as we commemorate the anniversary of George Floyd's murder and contemplate how we are called to build a world in which all of us are free, we will step into the practice of radical imagination together as we work to conceive of a world without policing and prisons, and with resources, accountability, and safety for all. Words of Welcome- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (:30) Story for All Ages-  Julica Hermann de la Fuente (4:35) Hymn- Gather the Spirit- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (13:22) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (16:16) Interude- from Imagine by John Lennon- David Lauth (22:05) Message- Tending the Soil of Radical Imagination- Rev. Ashley Horan (22:57)

In our annual beloved Youth Sunday worship, our senior high youth offer a message, story and music to remind us to cross the thresholds in our lives with care, creativity and courage. This Sunday, May 23, the service includes a Bridging Ritual to honor our graduating seniors, marking the end of their time as First Universalist youth and welcoming them into young adulthood in our church. Youth Sunday is a moving expression of our vibrant multigenerational religious community that you won’t want to miss. Words of Welcome- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (:28) Story for All Ages- Sylvia (3:35) Musical Offering- Wherever Is Your Heart by Brandi Carlile, Juliet and Theo (7:00) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (8:40) Message- Liv (12:45) Special Music- Swimming to the Other Side by Pat Humphries, David and Lisa Carnes (12:51) Bridging Ritual- Lindsey Thomas, Lauren Wyeth, Emma Paskewitz (22:25) Closing Words - Julica Hermann de la Fuente (27:52)