First Universalist Church of Minneapolis Sunday Service Podcast

August 2, 2020 - Through It- Rev. Justin Schroeder

In the popular children’s book and song, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,” the refrain is “Can’t go over it, can’t go under it, we’ll have to go through it.” It’s a silly, fun story, with a piercing truth. Sometimes there aren’t any work arounds, short cuts, or easy hacks for particular situations, moments, challenging experiences, and hard feelings. Sometimes, “through” is the only way you can go. In a time like this, how do we make it through? What and who do we need to make it through? How do we go through, together? Go with us, this Sunday, as we go on a spiritual bear hunt.

 

Words of Welcome- Rev. Justin (:31)

 

Story for All Ages- Rev. Karen (2:00)

 

Sermon- "Through It"- Rev. Justin (6:55)

July 19, 2020- The Languages We Speak

This Sunday, through story, song, prayer, and word, we open up this question of what it means to exist in and between multiple worlds, cultures, and realities as we continue to explore our summer worship theme of “Here We Are.” Arif Mamdani will be joined on the virtual chancel by Isabela Alvarez, with music from Seth Matz. 

 

Wisdom Story- Isabela (:32)

 

Song- Seth (6:30)

 

Sermon- Arif (8:42)

July 12, 2020 - Humility and Power

In this week's service, Zoe Mulvihill and Katelyn Berry share a story, Seth Matz sings, and Rev. Justin preaches the sermon. 

Welcome - Rev. Justin (:30)

Wisdom Story- Zoe and Katelyn (3:56)

Community Singing- Seth (9:16)

Sermon- Rev. Justin (11:14)

June 28, 2020- A Good Goodbye for Rev. Ruth

In this Sunday’s worship service, we say a good goodbye to Rev. Ruth and bless her as she retires, hear special music, and more.

Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:30)

Wisdom Story- Lauren Wyeth (4:24)

Reflections for Rev. Ruth- Michael Dotson, Daryn Woodson, Adrian Ali-Caccamo (11:28)

Anthem- First Universalist Choir (26:28)

Blessing for Rev. Ruth (28:47)

June 21, 2020- They'll Remember How You Made Them Feel

In this episode, hear a welcome from Rev. Justin, a story from Young Children's Program Coordinator Seth Matz, an anthem from the Choir, Rev. Ruth's last sermon with us before retirement, and her beautiful goodbye gift to the congregation. 

Words of Welcome- Rev. Justin Schroeder (:30)

Wisdom Story- Seth Matz (3:54)

Anthem- First Universalist Choir (8:10)

Sermon- Rev. Ruth MacKenzie (10:40)

Rev. Ruth's gift to the congregation (39:44)

 

June 14, 2020- Political Hope, pt. 2

In this episode of the podcast, Sue Searing tells a story for all ages, Ani Peichel sings, and Rev. Karen Hutt preaches. 

Wisdom Story, Sue Searing (:21)

Interlude, Ani Peichel (1:24)

Sermon, Rev. Karen Hutt (2:24)

March 1, 2020- Mine, Mine, Mine

As soon as a toddler starts to learn to grasp they also learn to claim objects as theirs, but whet happens when we hold onto to this behavior in daily lives as adults? What are ideas and stories we holding on to? When does sharing cease to be a natural instinct? The culture of MINE limits our ability to grow and evolve authentically with others. This Sunday, we explore what might happen as we practice creating a culture of sharing in our families, our communities and our earth.

Wisdom Story- Sue Searing (:31)

Sermon- Rev. Karen Hutt (6:50)

February 16, 2020- When Things Fall Apart

At the heart of despair is a sense of alienation and meaninglessness. What is the alternative to despair when the flames of hate are fanned, when ecological realities are ignored, and suffering deepens? What are the practices of hope and transformation we can learn from each other? How do we lift our gaze and act for the future? How do we participate in hope that is real and faith that is relevant? This Sunday, we explore the place of Universalism in the ongoing cycle of things falling apart and coming back together.

Wisdom Story- Seth Matz (:31)

Sermon- Rev. Ruth MacKenzie (4:28)

February 2, 2020- Surviving the Wilderness

In a society of increasing inequality and cruelty, it can feel overwhelming and beyond our ability to forge communities grounded in fairness and opportunity. How should we understand ourselves in this moment and how might we reflect on our purpose. Eric K. Ward, author of “Skin in the Game: How Antisemitism Animates White Nationalism” and executive director of Western States Center will explore wrestling with antisemitism, democracy, and identity in our current world. 

Please note: both of Eric's sermons- 9:30 and 11:15- are included on this podcast. 

Wisdom Story- read by Lauren Wyeth (:29)

9:30 Sermon- Eric Ward (8:32)

11:15 Sermon- Eric Ward (28:47)

January 19, 2020- Radical Imagination

On this Dr.King Sunday, we hear a Wisdom Story and a sermon from Rev. Jen Crow.

Wisdom Story- Sue Searing (:30)

Reading- In the Spirit of Martin, by Nikki Giovanni (7:28)

Anthem- Rise Up, featuring Anoka-Hennepin Community College musicians Thomas Yoder, Danny Thompson, and Maddy Stoeckmann (10:50)

Sermon- Radical Imagination, Rev. Jen Crow (14:10)