First Universalist Church of Minneapolis Sunday Service Podcast

Feb. 18, 2024- From Me to We

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)

 

February 11, 2024- The Love We Make

How does love find voice breaking from silence and unmasking its truer self? This Sunday, we delve into “Expression of Love: From Silence to Vulnerability.” Through twists and turns of human emotions, the burden of societal norms, and the lens of our digital existence, we explore. Posed with questions of love’s ferocity and authenticity, we ponder even further: How can those of us, unversed in the language of vulnerability, learn to speak it? 

This Sunday, we invite a transformative exploration of love unabashed and free. Amidst this interconnected landscape, we collectively weave a tapestry of honest and vulnerable expressions of love. Let’s journey together in search for understanding. What we discover will surely challenge us to open our hearts and free our hands. Love keeps calling us anyway. Joy is waiting.

Opening Hymn- Lean On Me (:30)

Call to Worship and Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (2:20)

Time for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (8:44)

Singing Together- Love Will Guide Us- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout & Paolo Dubuque (15:44)

Community Prayer- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (18:05)

Practice of Giving- Rev. Arif Mamdani and CT Neal-Herman (30:13)

Offertory- Paolo Dubuque (37:13)

Poem- by Gwendolyn Brooks- Rev. Arif Mamdani (41:35)

Message- The Love We Make- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (43:14)

Singing Together- Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire (56:28)

Benediction- Rev. Arif Mamdani and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (58:42)

Feb. 4, 2024- 'Tis a Gift to be Present

In a world too often transactional, we’ll explore the transformative power of a gift economy, where joy is the currency we trade and presence is our shared and most precious commodity. When we choose joy, our lifted spirits are just the first palpable sine of a wave that ripples outward in a wash of positive change throughout our whole community and far beyond.

Together, we’ll delve into the sacredness of intentionality in worship, the heartbeats that synchronize when shared narratives bind us, and the art of presence that turns a gathering into a congregation. This service is an invitation to experience the profound joy that arises when we offer our talents, time, and love as gifts to one another—gifts that nurture our communal well-being and empower us to co-create a church that transcends the ordinary. Come, be part of this joyous communion, and let us journey towards a more empathetic and collaborative world, one heartbeat at a time.

Opening Hymn- Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee- Aimee K. Bryant (:33)

Welcome and Call to Worship- Rev. Arif Mamdani (5:11)

Time for All Ages- Aimee K. Bryant (12:59)

Singing Together- Love Will Guide Us (23:48)

Prayer and Cycle of Life- Nanette Stearns (25:49)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Arif Mamdani (34:41)

Offertory- 'Tis a Gift to be Simple- Aimee K. Bryant and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (44:22)

Reading from Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer- Nanette Stearns (48:03)

Anthem- His Eye Is On the Sparrow by Civilla Durfee Martin- Aimee. K. Bryant and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (52:59)

Message- Tis a Gift to be Present- Rev. Ashley Harness (56:19)

Hymn- Make Channels for the Streams of Love (1:15:19)

Benediction- Rev. Ashley Harness (1:16:56)

Januray 21, 2024- Making Space Face to Face

Immerse yourself in this Sunday’s service, a journey into the heart of our interconnectedness. We will ponder the echoes of our third principle, discovering how it nudges us towards a deeper, more mindful communion with ourselves and each other. Prepare to be drawn into the dance of connection, a ballet of souls turning, reaching, growing. Unearth the profound truth that our shared spiritual practices are the glue that binds us into a resilient community. Witness the revelation that our messiahs walk among us, disguised as everyday leaders, ready to shepherd us into a soul-nourishing retreat. This Sunday, we’re not merely gathering – we’re igniting a beacon of blessing, illumination, and inspiration. Join us, and let the dance of turning transform you.

Opening Hymn- Hold Everybody Up- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:31)

Call to Worship and Welcome- Kaden Colton (4:07)

Time for All Ages- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (13:49)

Singing Together- Standing Stone and Keep Your Heart Wide Open (23:17)

Community Prayers and Cycle of Life- Rev. Ashley Harness (33:06)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Lyann Broaddus and Rev. Ashley Harness (39:47)

Offertory- Paolo Dubuque and Glen Thomas Rideout (44:12)

Message- Making Space Face to Face- Rev. Arif Mamdani (48:00)

Closing Hymn- (1:08:31)

Benediction- Rev. Ashley Harness (1:10:02)

January 7, 2024- Making Space Starts When You Show Up

In a world relentlessly demanding, it’s easy to feel like we’re never enough, that what we have to give may not make a dent. But when we peel back these layers of fear, we uncover a transformative truth: The act of showing up—of choosing to be present—is a radical catalyst for change. This is more than physical presence; it’s an emotional, spiritual commitment to bear witness, to engage, and to represent. It’s about standing in the face of the grind, against the status quo, and declaring, “I am here.” This conscious choice to show up breathes life into relationships, sustains religions, and builds compassionate communities. It’s the first, crucial step towards creating inclusive spaces. Remember, even when it feels like you have nothing left to give, your presence, your decision to show up, can shake the world.

 

Singing to Gather- Lean On Me by Bill Withers- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (:29)

Welcome and Wisdom Story- Rev. Jen Crow (4:48)

Singing Together- Stand By Me by Ben King- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (13:10)

Prayer- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (15:25)

Foundation Board Announcement- Isabel Quast (25:53)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Jen Crow (28:39)

Offertory- You've Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman- Aimee K. Bryant and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (30:11)

Message- Making Space Starts When You Show Up- Rev. Jen Crow (32:35)

Closing Hymn- Sanctuary- Aimee K. Bryant and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (57:02)

Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (59:28)

Dec. 10, 2023- Still in Motion: The Space Between Who We Are and Who We Want to Be

As we move through the sacred season, marked by the enduring light of Hannukah and the burgeoning anticipation of Advent, we’re invited into a unique space where the realms of time and eternity intersect. Here, every moment becomes an encounter with infinite potential. Amid the whirlwind of holiday activities, the understated power of rest emerges as a counterintuitive path to liberation, offering us a sanctuary within time itself. Taking a step back, we find ourselves attuned to the subtle, beautiful harmonies of our communal existence, appreciating the transitions and transformations that shape our collective journey. In the dance between who we are and who we aim to be, we see success as a delicate balance between progress and patience. Each Sunday becomes a vibrant heartbeat in our relentless pursuit of growth and spiritual elevation, and as the nights lengthen, our collective resolve only strengthens. We invite you to join us on this journey – to pause, reflect, and celebrate the sacred story we’re composing together.

Opening Hymn- Turn the World Around - Belafonte (:25)

Call to Worship and Words of Welcome- Deb Keller (6:52)

Chant- Be Still and Know- pagan chant (12:38)

Time for All Ages- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (15:32)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me (27:01)

Prayer and Meditation- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (28:09)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Jen Crow (37:02)

Offertory- Paolo Dubuque (38:42)

Poem- Mother to Son by Langston Hughes (40:59)

Anthem- Paolo Dubuque (42:24)

Message- Still in Motion- Rev. Jen Crow (45:22)

Singing Together and Benediction- One More Step (1:03:28)

Music for Going- Where You Go, I Will Go by Shoshana Jedwab 

Dec. 3, 2023- Whispers in the Dark: Embracing Advent’s Transformative Stillness

This Advent, let us gather with intention, embracing these ancient narratives not as tales of dread but as prompts for introspection and growth. Together, in our sacred space, we shall seek out the divine amidst the shadows and find within ourselves the ember of transformative hope. Through our listening and reflection, may we uncover that within the darkness, there is not an ending, but the hushed promise of new beginnings.

 

Music to Gather- It is Love- Ellis Delaney (:33)

 

Call to Worship- Meleah Houseknecht (6:09)

 

Lighting the Advent Wreath and the Chalice- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (14:49)

 

Time for All Ages- Rev. Jen Crow (23:19)

 

Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Jen Crow (32:19)

 

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Jen Crow (38:42)

 

Offertory- Right on Time- Ellis Delaney (42:49)

 

Poem- by Rainer Maria Rilke- Meleah Houseknecht (47:05)

 

Anthem- 500 Crows- Ellis Delaney (48:04)

 

Message- Whispers in the Dark: Embracing Advent's Stillness- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (52:54)

 

Singing- Ordinary Love- Ellis Delaney (1:10:32)

 

Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (1:14:13)

Nov. 19, Staying at the Table Starts with Grace

This Sunday’s ‘Staying at the Table: Starts with Grace’ celebrates the joy of embracing new members, showcasing the grace that defines our community spirit across our whole lives long. As Thanksgiving approaches, bringing its complex weave of anticipation and anxiety around encounters with all kinds, we invite you to a service that rekindles the essence of connection through the simple, yet profound act of sharing grace. 

Opening Hymn- Gathered Here - Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:31)

Call to Worship and Welcome- Sherry Merriam (5:04)

Time for All Ages- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (13:10)

Welcoming New Members Ritual- Jeff Snyder, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Liz Farmer (19:53)

Prayer- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (28:38)

Giving and Receiving- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (36:01)

Wisdom Story- The Parable of the Lost Spoons- Sherry Merriam (40:31)

Amthem- Building Bridges- Paolo Dubuque and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (42:02)

Message- Staying at the Table Starts with Grace- Rev. Arif Mamdani (46:04)

Singing Together- Love Will Guide Us - Paolo Dubuque and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (1:00:56)

Benediction- Rev. Arif Mamdani (1:02:57)

Nov. 12, 2023- Scooching Over

As a kid and now as a parent, the word “scooch” carries at least two meanings. It can mean scooch, as in move along and get out of here, and it can also mean scooch, as in scooch over and make room for whoever might be joining us. This Sunday, we’ll explore the spiritual practice of scooching over to make room as one way of embodying our Unitarian Universalist belief in the worth and dignity of every person.

Music for Gathering- We Are Creators- Paolo Dubuque (:26)

Call to Worship and Welcome- Katherine Harrell- (6:38)

Singing Together- We All Do Better- Paolo Dubuque (17:21)

Time for All Ages- Rev. Jen Crow- (21:01)

Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Ashley Harness (25:51)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Ashley Harness (32:10)

Offertory- Give Yourself to Love by Kate Wolf - Paolo Dubuque (35:26)

Poem- by Joy Harjo- Rev. Jen Crow (39:37)

Message- Scooching Over- Rev. Jen Crow (42:06)

Singing Together- Love Will Guide Us (1:02:31)

Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (1:04:36)

 

Nov. 5, 2023- Staying at the Table Makes All the Difference

"The world begins at a kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat to live." 

- Joy Harjo

Our spiritual gathering - much like a meal at a table, nourishes us, but also requires our participation. How does this 'meal' feed us and what does it ask of us in return? There might be instances that provoke us to consider leaving this 'table'. Yet, when should such a step become the necessary course?

Addressing our relevance in the contemporary world, why do we choose to belong to the church today? And how do we ready ourselves and our community for the church love calls us now to become? What do we do with our own resistance?

Our journey is about growing faith into real resilience, cultivating the skills we need to navigate challenging exchanges and open ourselves to evolving perspectives.

In worship this Sunday, we connect with our spiritual community to mutually nourish and learn from one another, to remember why we’re here, to gather the tools we need for a future arriving already and always. We warmly invite you to join us in this journey of self-discovery and collective growth. In staying at the table, we're choosing to make a difference, together.

Singing to Gather- We Are a Tower of Strength- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:30)

Introduction and Hymn- We Shall Not Be Moved- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (5:51)

Call to Worship and Welcome- Meleah Houseknecht (10:06)

Hymn- Somos el Barco- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (18:39)

Time for All Ages- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (22:06)

Introducing the Contreras Family - Rev. Jen Crow (28:09)

Offertory- Ordinary People by John Legend - Aimee K. Bryant and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (35:44)

Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Jen Crow (40:34)

Wisdom Story- The Coal- Meleah Houseknecht (46:36)

Message- Staying At the Table Makes All the Difference- Rev. Jen Crow (49:48)

Hymn- Make Channels for the Streams of Love- Aimee K. Bryant and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (1:08:27)

Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (1:09:56)

Outro Music- Where You Go I Will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab