First Universalist Church of Minneapolis Sunday Service Podcast

November 11, 2018 - And Isn't That Enough?

In her poem, “A New National Anthem,” the poet Ada Limon writes, “Perhaps, the truth is, every song of this country has an unsung third stanza, something brutal snaking underneath us as we blindly sing the high notes with a beer sloshing in the stands hoping our team wins.” Over these past two years, the veil has been pulled back on the ugliness that is a part of our country and its founding – racism, anti-semitism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and white nationalism – all of which have been given oxygen by the words and rhetoric of the leaders of our country. It’s enough. It’s enough to destroy our democracy. Enough to destroy our moral compass. It’s enough, and it’s time to sing a new song.

Call to Worship by Daryn Woodson, Sermon by Rev. Justin Schroeder

November 4, 2018 - A Heart That Beats Loudly

What do you say when asked what Unitarian Universalism consists of, what defines us as religious people? Does Unitarian Universalism matter in the face of rising authoritarianism and nationalism? In this month we tackle the non-negotiables, those things that are the bedrock of our faith, the soil in which we grow our souls and the foundation on which we aspire to create a just and whole world for all.

Call to Worship: Prayer for Living in Tension by Rev. Joseph Cherry, read by Liv Dalby; sermon by Rev. Ruth MacKenzie

October 28, 2018 - The Boundaries of Our Hearts

First Universalist is a multi-racial, multi-cultural, and intergenerational faith community of mutual caring and support where people bring all of who they are and welcome each other with joy. Our sense of who we are as a community of faith is ever expanding. These words cast a vision of who we are and who we are becoming. Join us as we do the spiritual work of learning to expand the boundaries of our hearts and our community.

Call to Worship by Emily Murphrey, sermon by Rev. Jen Crow

October 21, 2018 - Making Room

It’s easy to talk a good talk about welcoming, hospitality, and inclusion at church. After all, this ancient practice still lives at the core of our tradition. However, the Rev. Karen Hering poses a good question, “Are we accountable to people we do not know?” As we deal with the complications, hardships, and commitments of our lives from day to day, why should we prioritize welcoming the stranger? Is it possible to live a whole and wholesome life in the comfort of what/who we currently know? Join us for an exploration of hospitality, the stranger, our deepest yearnings, and the life-saving wisdom of Universalism.

Call to Worship by Daryn Woodson, Sermon by Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink

October 14, 2018 - Longing for Belonging

One of the most important and powerful longings of the human heart is for belonging. More important even than food or shelter, belonging can offer us a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection that can sustain us no matter what ups and downs life may throw our way. Come explore what it might mean to honor that human longing for belonging, for ourselves and each other.

Call to Worship by Drew Rosielle, sermon by Rev. Jen Crow

September 30, 2018 - This Is What Democracy Looks Like

Shake that malaise off!

Read our constitution with fresh eyes!

We still live in a representative democracy!

 

Call to Worship by Richard Lopez, sermon by Rev. Karen Hutt

September 23, 2018 - Loving and Loathing a Miracle

This being human is not easy. Habits (good and bad) form. Thought patterns shape us. We neglect parts of ourselves and they drift away. Or, we wish certain parts of ourselves would drift away. We slip into autopilot. Later, pieces of ourselves drift back, tectonic plates of the spirit shift within, and we’re delighted to discover a new continent has emerged internally. Being human means we shift between loathing and loving the miracle that is our life, and the miracle that is this planet. How do we hold the beautiful mess of it all and say, “Here is where we are. Now is what we have. This is how we start”?

Call to Worship by Pamela Reed, Sermon by Rev. Justin Schroeder

September 9, 2018 - Here. Now. Start.

Every time we gather for worship, we begin anew. We set intentions for the week and for our lives. We chart the course we hope to travel, as we become the people we long to be. During the week and during our lives, there is much that distracts, snags us, pulls us off course. Church and worship are a time to course correct.

On this intergenerational Water Communion/Homecoming Sunday, we gather and merge the Waters from sacred places, as we reconnect with the story and power of this life-sustaining and life-giving resource. We  begin a new church year together. We begin again in love.

Message for All Ages by Rev. Jen Crow, Homily by Rev. Justin Schroeder

September 2, 2018 - Seen and Heard

What if we all spent some time listening to our neighbors who seem so different from us? The illusion that we are separate would disappear. There would be no us and them, there would be only us!

Call to Worship by Rev. Justin Schroeder; Sermon by Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Executive Director of City House

August 26, 2018 -- Backpack Blessing Sunday

In this season of returning and restarting, we affirm the boundless worth of each and every person, and encourage one another to act with courage and compassion. The multigenerational service offers children, youth, and adults of all ages the opportunity to reflect upon how we might carry the love of our church community and the tools of our faith with us wherever we go. Expect some fun and surprises!

Children and youth are invited to wear their school backpacks to church so that we can include them in the Backpack Blessing ritual.

Call to Worship by Lauren Wyeth, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries at First Universalist Church and sermon by Rev. Jen Crow.