First Universalist Church of Minneapolis Sunday Service Podcast

April 7, 2024- Community, Our Work of Art

We gather as a community, each of us a unique thread, ready to weave a tapestry that embodies our theme for the month: “Investing Together.” Imagine a morning where every one, young and old and in between, help us make a masterpiece. We’ll share stories with each other, sing melodies that weave through our shared spaces, and create a living mosaic of our collective spirit. This isn’t just about the art we create or the songs we sing; it’s a deeper call to explore the beauty and strength we unlock when we come together, each of us investing our piece of the puzzle. In this gathering, we celebrate not just the power of unity but the joy and growth it brings into our lives.

Singing Together- If I Had a Hammer by Pete Seger- Allison Connelly-Vetter (:30)

Welcome and Call to Worship- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (3:38)

Singing Together- If I Had a Hammer by Pete Seger- Allison Connelly-Vetter (11:11)

Story Sharing- Allison Connelly-Vetter (12:31)

Singing Together- If I Had a Hammer by Pete Seger- Allison Connelly-Vetter (18:20)

Meditation and Cycle of Life- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (20:19)

Investing Conversation- Kaden Colton and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (31:36)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (37:29)

Offertory- We Are a Tower of Strength (39:16)

Singing Together- If I Had a Hammer by Pete Seger- Allison Connelly-Vetter (43:01)

Art Piece- Dallas Rising and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (44:45)

Closing Blessing- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Allison Connelly-Vetter (52:53)

March 31, 2024- Narratives of Renewal

This Easter, what if our affirmations served not only as testaments to our capacity to instigate meaningful change but also as prompts to engage deeply with every soul we encounter. Can we mine our shared experiences for tales of resilience or resignation? Will we amplify the echoes of triumph, or will we underscore the moments of faltering? This selection process crafts the larger narrative of our existence. In this season of reflection and renewal, what narratives will you choose to elevate? How will you demonstrate your belief in the boundless potential for peace, love, and justice in our world?

Opening Song- Allelujah- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Congregation (:34)

Story and Words of Welcome- My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart Rev. Arif Mamdani (4:21)

Singing Together- Sing and Rejoice! - Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Congregation (14:54)

Time for All Ages- Allison Connelly-Vetter (19:17)

Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Ashley Harness (29:28)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Jen Crow (36:17)

Offertory- I Am Light by India.Arie- Glen Thomas Rideout (38:20)

Reading- Mark 16:1-8- Mark Caswell (41:32)

Message- Rev. Jen Crow (43:49)

Singing Together- Sanctuary- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Congregation (53:53)

Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (56:06)

March 24, 2024- Lessons from the Edge of Existence

In the heart of our journey towards Easter, we turn to the second chapter in our three-part series, inviting you into a contemplative exploration of dying and the profound lessons it imparts on communal living. This service weaves together thought, music, prayer, and story, reflecting on our shared human experience and the bonds that sustain us through life’s transitions. Join us in this reflective exploration of the spaces between life and death, community and solitude, fear and hope, embracing the full spectrum of our existence with open hearts and minds.

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

Words of Welcome and Call to Worship- Rev. Arif Mamdani (5:57)

Time for All Ages/Singing Together-The Universe Song- Allison Connelly-Vetter (16:46)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (22:01)

Prayer and Meditation- Meleah Houseknecht (23:49)

Practice of Generosity- Rev. Arif Mamdani (33:18)

Offertory- I am a Poor Pilgrim of Sorrow- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (37:03)

Readings- from Wash Your Hands by Dori Midnight;  John 13:1-5- Meleah Houseknecht (40:18)

Anthem- Take My Hand Precious Lord- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (42:42)

Message- Lessons from the Edge of Existence- Rev. Ashley Harness (47:07)

Closing Song- For All That is Our Life- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (1:08:41)

Benediction- Rev. Ashley Harness (1:10:51)

March 17, 2024- Willing Love

As we embrace this month’s theme of humility, we are called to reflect on our individual needs within the vast expanse of community life. Join us at First Universalist this Sunday for a journey that promises to deepen our collective wisdom, cultivate understanding and love, and reinforce our community’s bonds. This series is not just a retelling of age-old stories but a dynamic engagement with the themes that have shaped humanity’s spiritual journey across millennia.

Opening Hymn- Love Will Guide Us- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (:29)

Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (2:40)

Building Community- Building Bridges- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (7:54)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (12:25)

Prayer and Meditation- Rev. Ashley Harness (14:18)

Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Ashley Harness, Lynn Broaddus (24:14)

Offertory- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (31:49)

Readings- If bell hooks wrote I Corinthians by Tess Baumberger (34:42); poem by Aurora Levins Morales (36:47)- Lynn Broaddus and Rev. Jen Crow

Anthem- No One Is Alone by Stephen Sondheim- Aimee K. Bryant, Paolo Dubuque (38:52)

Message- Willing Love- Rev. Jen Crow (42:18)

Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (1:03:11)

March 10, 2024- Sex Ed. Sunday: The Wisdom of OWL

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

March 3, 2024- The Lost Art of Sacrifice

This Sunday, Rev. Rolenz will lead us in contemplating The Lost Art of Sacrifice, a timely reflection as we navigate the solemn periods of Lent and approach Ramadan. In a world often driven by the quest for instant gratification, Kathleen invites us to reconsider sacrifice as a source of spiritual nourishment and unexpected joy. Drawing on her experiences from serving in diverse communities and her profound understanding of liturgy, Kathleen’s sermon promises to be a compelling journey through the complexities of faith, community, and the sacrifices that bind them.

Join us in welcoming Rev. Kathleen Rolenz and immerse yourself in a service that promises not just to explore the depths of humility and sacrifice but also to celebrate the communal spirit that defines our congregation. Let’s gather together to discover the joy and enrichment that humility can bring to our lives and our community.

Music for Gathering- Woyaya- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:19)

Story for All Ages- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, Nanette Stearns (4:03)

Words of Welcome and Call to Worship- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (10:00)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me (20:00)

Meditation and Prayer- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (22:19)

Practice of Sharing and Receiving- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Karen Heegaard, Nanette Stearns (33:06)

Offertory- Barbara Brooks, piano (45:49)

Poem- Altar by Deborah Leipziger (47:45)

Message- The Lost Art of Sacrifice- Rev. Kathleen Rolenz (49:59)

Singing Together- Make Channels for the Streams of Love (1:09:34)

Benediction- Rev. Kathleen Rolenz (1:11:08)

Outgoing Song- Where You Go, I Will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab

Feb. 25, 2024- Unshackling the Chains of Numbness

This Sunday at First Universalist, we invite you to a special service, “Awakening Presence: A Journey From Numbness to Engagement,” as we explore the transformative power of reconnecting with our emotions and each other. Dive deep into the essence of presence, overcoming the barriers of emotional numbness that hinder our personal growth and communal vitality. Engage in a meaningful exploration of how mindfulness and empathy can not only enrich our personal journeys but also empower our collective commitment to justice and compassion.

As we continue our stewardship campaign, remember that your support breathes life into the heart of our community, helping to revive the emotional nerve endings of our congregation. Join us in fostering a vibrant, engaged, and empathetic community, ready to embrace the full spectrum of life’s experiences together. Your presence and contribution are the keys to unlocking a more present, connected, and lively congregation.

 

Welcome and Call to Worship- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:24)

Story for All Ages- Adaptation of a story by Leo Tolstoy- Em Herman-Johnson and the congregation (4:15)

Singing Together- Come and Go With Me and What Wondrous Love is This?- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (16:35)

Community Prayers- Katherine Harrell (23:00)

Invitation to Give and Receive- Rev. Ashley Harness and David Leppik (30:37)

Offertory- I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free by Nina Simone- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (36:18)

Greeting One Another- Em Herman-Johnson (38:38)

Reading- Go to the Limits of Your Longing by Rainer Maria Rilke (40:48)

Message- Unshackling the Chains of Emotional Numbness- Rev. Ashley Harness and Dick Young (42:41)

Benediction- words by David Gate in memory of Nex Benedict (57:45)

Closing Song- Where You Go, I will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab

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)