Episodes
8 hours ago
8 hours ago
Join us for a transformative service led by our 8th-grade OWL youth, their advisors, and the worship team, as we explore the impactful journey through Our Whole Lives (OWL) program. “Embracing Humility, Fostering Love: Our OWL Journey” promises a heartfelt glimpse into the courageous conversations and learning experiences that shape our community’s approach to sexuality education. Celebrate the insights, growth, and stories of our youth, reinforced by the dedication of our OWL facilitators, embodying the values of respect, relationships, and responsibility.
Opening Hymn- Come And Go With Me- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (:33)
Call to Worship- (4:34)
Words of Welcome- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Allison Connelly-Vetter (8:03)
Story for All Ages- This or That- 5th grade OWLs (14:14)
Singing Together- Make Channels for the Streams of Love- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (16:22)
Prayer and Meditation- Rev. Jen Crow (18:00)
Practice of Stewardship, Giving, Receiving- Rev. Jen Crow, Sarah Heuser, Jack Daniels (24:33)
Offertory- Kiss! by Prince- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (30:33)
Anthem- People Help the People by Birdy (35:31)
Reading- The Masturbation Song by Claire Tralle (40:17)
Reflections- Jill Ferris, Claire Tralle, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (44:29)
Benediction- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (1:04:24)
Song for Going- Where You Go, I Will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Feb. 18, 2024- From Me to We
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
In a world that often celebrates the individual, we invite you to explore the strength and beauty of choosing community. This week, we delve into the power of collective action and shared responsibility—a timely reflection in the wake of the pandemic’s challenges.
Discover how our choices can weave a stronger fabric of support, resilience, and interconnectedness. We’ll explore the transformative potential of moving beyond individualism to embrace the collective—highlighting that our financial contributions are more than just donations; they’re affirmations of our commitment to each other and the world we wish to build together.
Join us for this worship service, where every voice, every contribution, and every heart matters. Together, let’s illuminate the path from ‘me’ to ‘we’ and uncover the real power for social change.
Music, Intro, Welcome- Rev. Ashley Harness (:32)
Singing Together- Oh, We Give Thanks- Allison Connelley-Vetter (8:06)
Story for All Ages- Stone Soup- Allison Connelley-Vetter (11:15)
Sharing our Gifts- Rev. Arif Mamdani (19:38)
Blessings- Rev. Ashley Harness (26:55)
Testimonial and Offering- Janet Merrill, Rev. Ashley Harness (38:38)
Offertory- (43:29)
Meditation and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (45:27)
Message- From Me to We- Allison Connelley-Vetter (51:07)
Closing Song- This Joy by Shirley Caesar (1:02:05)
Benediction- Rev. Arif Mamdani (1:07:05)
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
January 28, 2024- When Voices Dare to Make Visions
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
In the crucible of community, the unique vision of each individual not only reshapes our common goal but experiences a transformation itself. Picture a mosaic, where every piece is indispensable to the whole. Our shared dream materializes as we each offer a piece of our hearts, contributing to a greater design. This dance of unity within individuality beckons you to unearth your unique strengths, to learn how they can enliven our visionary aspirations. It’s about the breathtaking tableau we craft when we are harmonized in purpose and spirit, and how this sense of purpose threads through the tapestry of our everyday existence and builds through us a greater tomorrow. This is our collective mosaic–a pulsing, resonant manifestation of our faith community’s future.
Opening Hymns- Come, Come, Whoever You Are and Guide My Feet (:19)
Time for All Ages- Allison Connelly-Vetter (10:48)
Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Ashley Harness (24:49)
Call to Worship- Deb Keller (31:22)
Reading- To Know Someone Deeply by Mark Nepo- Deb Keller (37:47)
Anthem- When the Storms of Life Are Raging, Stand by Me by Rev. Timothy Flemming- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (40:01)
Mosaic of Voices- Rev. Arif Mamdani, Rasana Mamdani, Jeanne Guignon, Rev. Ashley Horan (43:47)
Closing Hymn- Be Thou My Vision (1:04:14)
Benediction- Rev. Arif Mamdani (1:07:16)
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Oct. 29, 2023- Walden Ripples
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
In a dynamic, multi-generational community, wisdom flows in every direction, reminding us to value the experiences of others to gain a broader understanding of life. It is important to break free from the belief that only older people have wisdom, as this limits our personal growth and potential.
Recently, our youth returned from a trip to Boston, a city rich in Unitarian Universalism history, and their fresh perspectives and thought-provoking questions are reshaping our understanding of our common faith. Through their encounters with our traditions, legends, and seminarians, their connection to our faith and our spiritual community deepens. Their reflections are sure to have a profound impact on your journey, too.
Opening Hymn- Centering Prayer by The Porter's Gate- Allison Connelly-Vetter (:32)
Call to Worship and Welcome- Nancy Nyquist Potter (5:34)
Boston Pilgrimage Introduction- Rev. Arif Mamdani (15:18)
Land Acknowledgement- Rev. Jen Crow (18:28)
Hymn- Lean On Me by Bill Withers- Ani Peichel and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, piano (19:53)
Story for All Ages- Rasana Mandani (23:40)
Prayer- Rev. Jen Crow (29:41)
Invitation to Giving and Receiving- Jo Murphy (37:05)
Homilies by Rasana Mamdani, Isla Mysenburg, and Max Rosielle (37:45)
Hymn- #1064 Blue Boat Home (50:22)
Benediction- Rasana Mamdani (53:13)
Music for Going- Where You Go I Will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, piano
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
July 2, 2023- ”Art & Soul” with Aimee K. Bryant
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Each Sunday in July will feature a different local musician sharing their music and reflection on how their art connected to their spirituality. Sunday, July 2, we begin our July worship series with our own vocalist in residence, Aimee K. Bryant.
Worship led by Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant, and Sally Reynolds on piano
Singing to Gather (:26)
Words of Welcome (4:49)
Time for All Ages (13:23)
Singing Together- Just As Long As I Have Breath (19:26)
Prayer, Poetry, Silence (21:44)
Practice of Giving and Receiving (32:16)
Offertory- Open the Window, Children (36:10)
Message- Art and Soul: Song and Conversation with Aimee K. Bryant (40:13)
Benediction and Singing- Where You Go, I Will Go, Beloved (1:13:55)
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
April 2, 2023- Trusting Life
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
As we make the sometimes slow and halting turn toward spring and the emergence of new life, we continue our journey of pausing to pay attention. Together, we pick up the practice of noticing and naming the changes and losses among us and tentatively begin to trust again the turning and motion that life offers. This Sunday, April 2 we join each other in the collective practice of letting go as we do our part to make room for all that is about to emerge.
Opening Hymn- Open the Window- Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder (:22)
Words of Welcome and Call to Worship- Rev. Jen Crow (5:11)
Story for All Ages- Little Mole Finds Hope by Glenys Nellist (12:47)
Singing Together- There's a River Flowin' in my Soul - Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder (17:09)
Poem- The Thing Is by Ellen Bass- Rev. Jen Crow (20:03)
Singing- A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke- Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder (21:20)
Message- Trusting Life- Rev. Jen Crow (25:47)
Meditation and Cycle of Life- Rev. Ashley Harness (42:45)
Reflection on Giving- Kerstin Beyer Lajuzan (51:23)
Offertory- Franco Holder (59:32)
Hymn- Make Channels for the Streams of Love- Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder (1:01:31)
Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (1:03:06)
Postlude- Where You Go I Will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
March 26, 2023- This Isn’t a Crisis; This is Your Life
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
This isn’t a crisis, this is your life.
These wise words arrived at my mental doorstep a few weeks back, and they stopped me in my tracks. How might I – and we – make space to breathe and reflect, to name and collectively acknowledge the losses and changes that have impacted us all in different ways over the last three years?
Opening Hymn- Come Sing a Song With Me (:29)
Words of Welcome & Call to Worship- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (3:02)
Time for All Ages- Rev. Jen Crow (7:51)
Breathing Meditation- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (17:47)
Message- This Isn't a Crisis; This is Your Life- Rev. Jen Crow (23:11)
Meditation and Cycle of Life- Rev. Jen Crow (52:28)
Reflection on Stewardship- Shelley des Islets- (57:14)
Invitation to Give and Receive- Rev. Ashley Harness (1:03:18)
Offertory- Light of a Clear Blue Morning by Dolly Parton- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (1:04:13)
Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (1:08:51)
Monday Mar 20, 2023
March 12, 2023- The Seeds We Plant
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Robin Wall Kimmerer says that our deepest longing is to belong to each other and to belong to the larger community of life. She says that this longing is expressed in the idea of tending a garden, which is itself an expression of belonging on many different scales. There is a persistence in this belonging—one that speaks to us of our lives here, together at church, and of the audacity to plant seeds that will nourish the generations that come after us, knowing that we have been fed by work of the generations that came before. This too is tending a garden, and is itself an expression of belonging and extending belonging. As we continue with this month’s theme of persistence, we’ll journey with stories of planting and harvesting, wondering about which part of this collective garden we tend, and what seeds we’re planting for our future.
Music for Gathering and Opening Hymn- Gather the Spirit (:24)
Words of Welcome and Land Acknowledgement- Rev. Arif Mamdani (4:18)
Story for All Ages- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (10:26)
Centering Prayer and Meditation- from Robin Wall Kimmerer- Rev. Ashley Harness (15:40)
Singing Together- Morning Has Broken (19:18)
Annual Giving Reflection- Meleah Houseknecht (21:36)
Invitation to Give and Receive- Rev. Arif Mamdani (24:09)
Offertory- Garden Song by John Denver- Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder (25:47)
Message- The Seeds We Plant- Rev. Arif Mamdani (29:12)
Singing Together- Blue Boat Home (44:43)
Benediction- Rev. Arif Mamdani (47:52)
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
March 5, 2023- Persisting with Love
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
This Sunday, we begin our March worship theme, Persistence, with a focus on advocacy. Congregants leading some of our legislative advocacy ministries will share their stories along with guest speaker Rev. Terri Burnor, Senior Movement Builder with Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light. We’ll also share a special blessing with and for our trans* beloveds and families who have been under recent attack by legislative measures.
Opening Hymn- The Fire of Commitment - Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:50)
Words of Welcome- Rev. Ashley Harness (4:19)
Land Acknowledgement- Rev. Terri Burnor (7:04)
Call to Worship- Peg Mitchell (9:25)
Blessing for our Trans* Beloveds- Kaden Colton, Lauren Wyeth, and Rev. Arif Mamdani (13:22)
Hymn- This Joy- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (22:32)
Prayers and Meditation- Rev. Arif Mamdani (28:36)
Reflections- Rev. Terri Burnor, Sara McMullen, Susan Willhite (32:46)
Practice of Giving and Receiving- Karen Wills (56:25)
Offertory- Franco Holder, piano (59:20)
Benediction- Rev. Terri Burnor (1:00:04)
Music for Going- Where You Go I Will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab
Monday Feb 06, 2023
February 5, 2023- Accompaniment in Sanctuary & Resistance
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Monday Feb 06, 2023
The Sanctuary and Resistance Team at First Universalist Church works to accompany immigrants in the struggle within an immigration system which criminalizes migration, incarcerates immigrants in detention, and separates families. Since November 2016, we carry out this work as an emergent strategy team, and in conjunction with many community partners, by providing sanctuary space in the church, observing at immigration court, distributing financial resources, and resisting to change the system by advocating for policy changes, namely to make Minnesota a Sanctuary State.
On Sunday, Feb. 5, we explore and reflect upon how our UU faith and this congregation give us the courage, strength, and hope to accompany immigrant partners in the struggle for justice in our immigration system.
Opening Hymn- Come, Come, Whoever You Are- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (:23)
Words of Welcome- Rev. Ashley Harness (1:47)
Land Acknowledgement- Karen Wills (6:14)
Call to Worship- Sara Adams (11:56)
Time for All Ages- Jeanne Guignon and Rev. Ashley Harness (13:36)
Singing Together- Love Will Guide Us- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (21:48)
Reflection- Joan Naymark (23:47)
Singing Together- Courage, My Friend- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (27:09)
Prayer and Meditation- Lóre Stevens (29:08)
Reflections- Sara Adams and Heidi Romanish (35:45)
Practice of Giving and Receiving- Karen Wills (49:44)
Offertory- Franco Holder (51:47)
Closing Hymn- Sanctuary- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (54:04)
Benediction- Rev. Ashley Harness (55:48)
Song for Going- Where You Go I WIll Go, Beloeved by Shoshana Jedwab