First Universalist Church of Minneapolis Sunday Service Podcast

This Sunday, we’re part of something bigger—the first-ever UU Climate Justice Revival. The Earth needs us, now more than ever. In cities, on streets, in homes, we’re feeling the effects: air pollution, extreme weather, water crises. What’s our response? We’ll gather to talk about how our everyday choices—whether we organize, create, or simply care—can help turn the tide. No more waiting. No more business as usual. The question isn’t whether we can make a difference. It’s how much we’re willing to do. Will you show up?

What happens when fascism creeps into the spaces between us? When disconnection takes hold—relationships fray, truth slips away, and isolation deepens—what then? Gathering more facts won’t close the gap. We need to meet face-to-face, to get in formation, to resist together. Beyoncé’s call to "get in formation" is a matter of survival, a reclamation of our power from the forces pulling us apart. The question isn’t whether we know enough. It's this: Will the future know us by our fear and frenzy in the face of the fascism of our days? Or shall we get our faith in formation and slay?

We come together from one body, each of us bringing what we can to create the Beloved Community—a place free of hate, poverty, and oppression, where all can thrive. As we push back against fascism, we practice love in action, standing strong in shared ministry. It’s not enough to put a hand or a foot in—we’re called to put our whole selves into this work, because building a world where everyone belongs demands nothing less. Together, we lean into our shared power, holding fast to what’s good and just. In the end, that’s what it’s all about: reshaping how we show up for each other, creating spaces where justice quietly but relentlessly weaves us together, making the Beloved Community not just possible, but inevitable.

This Sunday, August 25, is our 10 a.m. Summer Camp Sunday and Backpack Blessing worship service! At this special service, our campers will be leading us in song, story, play, and art created during our week together. We will also celebrate our annual Backpack Blessing. At this service, as we do every year, we will bless our students, teachers, staff, and all who are headed back to school and will share a small token with them to remember the love of the congregation. Please bring your backpack or book bag and plan to join us for this special Sunday!

Our annual Water Communion service is a ritual tradition we share with UUs around the world. The Water Ritual was created by leaders in the UU feminist movement more than four decades ago. Lucile Schuck Longview and Carolyn McDade (also the composer of our beloved song Spirit of Life) made this practice with water (an inclusive symbol of women’s spirituality), to help us all remember how deeply we are each connected to one another, and to all life.  Water Communion is a very special tradition we celebrate each year at First Universalist. All are welcome, whether it’s your first or fortieth time! Come and be a part of this joyous time whether the waters mingle and set a new year of community on its way.  We invite you to bring a small bit of water to the sanctuary with you. Some bring a bottle, others a few drops, some bring water they gathered from a special summer memory, others from the kitchen tap. It doesn’t matter how much or where from–all water is beautiful.  If you can’t collect your own water to bring (or if you forget yours on the counter at home), not to worry. We’ll have pitchers waiting here. We want you to be a part of this important time in our community, where wisdom and joy rush to greet us and show us the way to deeper love. See you there!

Imagination is an essential part of our spiritual lives, and it doesn’t necessarily involve losing ourselves in an otherworldly work of art, though I highly recommend that, too. Sometimes practicing imagination means letting in ideas that on their surface make no sense to us. Sometimes it’s about play or wonder or beauty. Sometimes it’s about imagining the worst possible scenario as preparation. Sometimes practicing imagination is as simple as paying attention to what already is and believing that more of it is possible. More love, more hope, more acts of care and kindness for not only each other, but the animals and plants and earth all around us. This Sunday, we’ll explore the role of imagination in our spiritual lives, and strengthen it together, too. Worship Leaders: Aimee K. Bryant, Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Ashley Harness, Barb Brooks

What does it mean to need each other? Not just in our heads and our theories, but in ways we can feel and perceive, even awkwardly and resentfully? The Disability Justice movement teaches us the wisdom of interdependence, or, in other words, the truth that we need each other. Disabled folks live out interdependence every day. Interdependence doesn’t have to be scary or complicated: it’s as simple as driving each other home, or cooking each other comfort food. It’s as straightforward as soaking in each others’ bathtubs to ease our chronic pain, or playing with each other’s children so their parents can go to therapy.  This Sunday, we’ll explore interdependence in one all-ages worship service at 10 a.m. Join us to sing, share, and wonder, bringing what we need and sharing what we have. Because the truth is we do need each other – even and especially when we don’t want to. Come, help us tell that truth together. 

This Sunday we will celebrate the many gifts of growing old, the inevitable resetting and resettling of our hearts and bodies as we experience the physical and mental transitions of aging. Elders in our church will share experiences, insights, challenges, and the joy, sometimes with humor (an essential ingredient in the aging process) of this journey we all are on. There is not only one story–we are as different from each other at 80 as we were at 18, and our effort is to look forward even as we look back. As one wise woman said, “The goal is to get old,” so let’s all learn to celebrate it as we strive to age with acceptance, courage, and, yes, joy.

What hidden stories do photographs reveal? This Sunday, I invite you to join me, and John Steitz as we explore “See and Say” in the final week of our annual Art and Soul series. John, our talented sound engineer and celebrated photographer, will share his journey and the profound moments he’s captured through his lens. Together, we’ll ask: How does photography reveal hidden truths and balance power? What unseen details become visible through the lens? How do images evoke deeper connections and understanding? How can those without sight experience the essence of photography? We’ll delve into how photography can deepen our understanding of social justice, environmental stewardship, and personal connection. Through John’s lens, we are invited to see the unnoticed, to feel the unspoken, and to connect with the world in new ways. This service promises to be a visual and reflective journey, inspiring us to look closer and appreciate the art in everyday life. I also encourage you to visit the Social Hall after the service to view an exhibit of John’s work. This exhibit features powerful excerpts from his documentary collection of George Floyd Square. It captures moments of resistance and relationship in the wake of tragedy. Come ready to be inspired and to see the world through a new lens. Together, let’s explore how photography can help us give, receive, and grow the beloved community. - Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts Ministries   Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant Breathing together (1:27) Singing, Breathing In, Breathing Out (2:50) Singing, Meditation on Breathing (8:18) Words of Welcome and Call to Worship (11:54) Making Art Together (19:36) Singing - There Is A Love (30:56) Prayer (33:00) Art and Soul Presentation (45:20) Closing Hymn (1:22:09)

Imagine life as a giant, ever-changing canvas, where colors shift and blend, sometimes beyond our control. This Sunday, as part of our “Art and Soul” series, we will explore this theme in our service titled “The Rest is Still Unwritten.” We’ll learn how to take life’s unexpected twists and turns and turn them into something beautiful. Our guest artist, Adam Podd, a talented pianist and music director from Brooklyn, will join us to share his experiences of making music a shared, communal joy, even during challenging times. We’ll also hear from Caren Stelson, an award-winning children’s book author, and Selina Alko, a gifted illustrator. They will share their insights on telling important historical stories to young ones with sensitivity and care, despite having completed their work independently. Through music, storytelling, and reflection, we’ll discover how to embrace the unexpected and create harmony from life’s dissonance. Join us for a family-friendly service filled with creativity, inspiration, and the promise that our story is still being written.   Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Ashley Harness Singing to Gather (:23) Words of Welcome and Call to Worship (9:15) Singing Together- This Little Light of Mine (10:53) Story - Aimee K Bryant (21:08) Prayer (32:15) Art and Soul Presentation (45:00) Offering (1:10:23) Offertory (1:11:58) Collaborative Musical Excercise (1:16:13) Closing Hymn (1:30:20) Benediction (1:32:03)

Father’s Day gives us a chance to reflect on the wisdom that often comes wrapped in humor from those who fill the roles of mentors, guides, or fathers. As we explore the lighter side of life, we’re reminded of the broader roles these figures play. Their playful approach teaches us resilience and reveals the human spirit in everyday moments. It shows us how, sometimes, the deepest wisdom is shared in moments of lift and levity, that joy is the vehicle for the strength we need to make change for good! Worship Leaders: Paolo Debuque and Choir, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Rev. Ashley Harness Singing to Gather (:31) Opening Hymn- Though I May Speak With Bravest Fire (3:33) Words of Welcome and Call to Worship (6:04) Singing Together- Guide My Feet (19:01) Prayer (21:49) Offering (33:35) Offertory (36:09) Message (40:13) Closing Hymn (1:05:00) Benediction (1:08:42)

This Sunday, we explore how ordinary people can create extraordinary change. Retelling the stories of Norbert Čapek and Waitstill and Martha Sharp, as well as the village of Le Chambon, we’ll reflect on the profound impact of simple acts of courage and compassion. By examining historical and modern examples of collective action and resilience, we’ll see how our community can support and inspire each other in the face of challenges. Join us to deepen our commitment to justice and compassion, to realize the extraordinary potential within each of us. Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Katherine Harrell, Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Ashley Harness Opening Hymn- We Rise (:22) Words of Welcome (3:09) Call to Worship (9:51) Singing Together- We Are Building a New Way (15:50) Prayers and Cycle of Life (18:54) Offering (28:24) Reading- Courage by Anne Sexton (32:53) Anthem- If I Can Help Somebody by Mahalia Jackson (34:30) Message- Stop in the Name of Love (37:12) Singing Together- Woyaya (59:45) Benediction (1:01:32)

The opportunity has come again, as it has for a century (to say the least), for the flowers to remind us of the audacious beauty of collective action; to remind us to love differences that define and distinguish us; to keep our faith in the call of love in common. Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Mark Caswell, Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Rev. Ashley Harness, Barb Brooks Opening Hymn: Come Sing a Song With Me (:23) Words of Welcome and Call to Worship (3:12) Singing Together: We Would Be One (8:35) Flower Communion Ceremony (11:26) Offering Intro and Collection (22:42) Offertory- This Little Light of Mine (26:16) Flower Communion, continued (30:37) Prayer and Cycle of Life (39:54) Benediction (48:07)

What rituals and practices help us remember and bring care to the grief and loss we know as individuals and communities? How might we move it through our bodies, and what roles do beauty and singing and laughter have to play? How might we hold multiple stories and experiences within and among ourselves all at once? Join us on Sunday for shared song and story and searching as we explore the origins of Memorial Day and strengthen ourselves for the journey ahead. Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Nancy Nyquist Potter, Allison Connelly-Vetter, Rev. Jen Crow Opening Song- Hold Everybody Up! (:33) Words of Welcome (4:57) Singing Together (8:47) Prayer and Cycle of Life (13:21) Offering Recipient Intro (22:20) Offertory (25:47) Message- The Body Knows (29:07) Closing Hymn (59:05) Benediction (1:03:51)

Share in a celebration of life’s meaningful moments this Sunday at First Universalist. As we proudly honor our high school graduates moving forward into new adventures, we also widen our embrace to acknowledge all the transitions our community members are navigating. We welcome back the soul-stirring music of Ellis Delaney, to grace our gathering with stories sung to life. Big or small, each change marks a meaningful point in our journey. We offer a space for everyone to share their experiences, reflect on personal growth, and cross a symbolic bridge in supportive community. Join us to celebrate these transitions together, reinforcing the ties that bind us one with another, loving the stories that make each one of us whole. Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Allison Connelly-Vetter, Ellis Delaney, Deb Keller Opening Hymn- Where Do We Come From? (:33) Words of Welcome and Call to Worship (1:42) Time for All Ages (6:51) Singing Together- Come and Go With Me (12:44) Prayers and Cycle of Life (15:52) Practice of Giving and Recieving (31:24) Offertory (34:22) Briding Ritual (38:24) Benediction (58:23)  

This Sunday, we are Navigating Transitions: From Loyalty to Legacy, a gentle exploration of the threads that connect one generation to the next. As we honor the voices of our Coming of Age youth and pause to lift up those who love and guide us as mothers of all kinds, we’ll weave together the timeless stories of loyalty and the quiet, steadfast acts that shape our stories. Come, be part of crafting a future rich with wisdom and guided by the cherished values passed down through the ages. Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Kaden Colton, Coming of Age Youth, First Universalist Choir   Opening Song- There Is a Love (:27) Words of Welcome (4:04) Hymn- Lean On Me by Bill Withers (9:52) Community Prayers- (13:33) Practice of Giving and Receiving (21:44) Offertory- Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder (23:51) Reading- From Generation to Generation by Antoine de St.Exupery (28:47) Anthem- 23rd Psalm (30:49) Introduction to and Reading of Coming of Age Credos (34:12) Singing Together- Love Will Guide Us (55:50) Blessing of Coming of Age Youth, Mentors, and Advisors (57:33) Benediction (59:19)

This Sunday, First Universalist joyfully celebrates New Member Sunday, a testament to our community’s growth and resilience. Worship Leaders will guide us through a reflective conversation on the essence of openness. They invite us to examine how vulnerability, grace, and kindness are more than spiritual practices—they are vital for deepening our communal bonds. This service challenges us to dismantle the barriers that often lead to isolation, making every interaction a profound connection. As we celebrate this enriching occasion, reflect on your journey: What is your next step toward deeper engagement in our community? Join us for a transformative experience. Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Meleah Houseknecht, Rev. Jen Crow, Liz Farmer, Matt Keller Opening Hymn- Building Bridges (:27) Call to Worship and Words of Welcome (4:37) Wisdom Story (10:39) Singing Together- Come and Go With Me (20:14) New Member Welcome Ritual (21:41) Prayers and Cycle of Life (28:50) Practice of Giving and Receiving (37:17) Offertory- If You're Out There by John Legend (43:07) Reading- Safety Net by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer (46:06) Anthem- Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand) by Diana Ross (47:18) Message- A Community of Practice (49:35) Closing Song- Love Will Guide Us (1:08:06) Benediction (1:10:00)

This Sunday, we kick off a four-week Season of Gratitude, and immerse ourselves in the rich languages of love and gratitude. We warmly invite everyone to join us as we explore how these sincere expressions deepen our bonds and strengthen the fabric of our community. It’s an ideal moment to celebrate the diverse ways we can express our appreciation for each other’s efforts within our beloved community. Worship Leaders: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Ashley Harness, Rev. Arif Mamdani Singing to Gather- Morning Has Come (:18) Call to Worship and Welcome (1:44) Singing Together- Oh, We Give Thanks (12:15) Community Prayer (13:23) Stewardship Update (20:18) Celebrating Volunteers (27:46) Offering and Offertory (32:35) Readings- from All About Love by bell hooks and What is Love? by Haddaway (36:23) Message- Count the Ways (38:14) Singing- Make Channels for the Streams of Love (54:29) Benediction (56:08)

On Earth Day, we come together for a service developed in collaboration with our Environmental Justice Team. This day, we reaffirm our sacred bond with the Earth, confronting the environmental crisis with courage, creativity, and collective action. Stories of resilience from communities around the globe will guide us in redefining our relationship with the planet. This service is an invitation to reflect and find inspiration, a calling to realize our commitment to respectful relationship with the natural world. As one, we forge a path forward to notice our role in the delicate balance of life. Together, we honor our responsibility to shape a legacy of hope and healing for future generations. Opening Hymn- Love's In Need of Love Today by Stevie Wonder- Paolo Debuque and Choir (:25) Call to Worship- Nancy Potter (6:10) Words of Welcome- Cathy Geist (11:43) Time for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (17:30) Singing Together- Come and Go With Me- Paolo Debuque (25:05) Invitation to Conversation- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (26:53) Prayer and Meditation- Rev. Arif Mamdani (32:15) Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Jen Crow (38:55) Reading from A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough- Stan Sattinger (49:10) Anthem- This I Know- Paolo Debuque, Aimee K. Bryant, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (51:38) Message- Reimagine That!: Earth Day - Rev. Arif Mamdani (57:04) Closing Hymn- Blue Boat Home (1:23:00) Benediction- Rev. Arif Mamdani, Bob Friedman (1:26:02)

This Sunday marks a special journey led by our high school youth group, as they invite us into an exploration of abundance and collective growth. They’ve crafted an interactive service that promises not just to engage but to weave our vibrant community energies into a living tapestry of action and shared dreams. With each of us contributing to a communal symbol of unity, we’ll reflect, give thanks, and envision a humanity grown in the spring of our collective efforts. Under the inspired guidance of our youth, we are sowing seeds of hope to nurture the garden of our gathered dreams. Singing to Gather- Woyaya- Paolo Dubuque (:33) Words of Welcome- Allison Connelly-Vetter (2:07) Call to Worship- Willa Maynor (3:19) Singing Together- Lean on Me by Bill Withers (7:57) Story for All Ages- Henry at Home by Megan Maynor- Max and Bobbi (11:47) Practice of Giving and Receiving- Isla Mysenburg and Rev. Jen Crow (17:12) Offertory- Paolo Dubuque (25:32) Prayer and Meditation- Isla Mysenburg and Rev. Jen Crow (29:30) Poem and Blessing- We Need Each Other by m jade kaiser- Rasana Mamdani (34:33) Planting Together- Rasana Mamdani (41:44) Singing Togther- Blue Boat Home (44:06) Benediction- Rasana Mamdani (47:00)