First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

A digital graphic honoring James Joseph Reeb (January 1, 1927 – March 11, 1965) features a black-and-white photograph of him on the right side. He is a young white man with neatly combed dark hair, smiling, and wearing glasses with thick black frames, a dark suit, a white dress shirt, and a patterned bow tie. To left of his image is a quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in white text against a teal-blue background. It reads: "He dared to live his faith; he placed himself alongside the disinherited black brethren of this community... He was a witness to the truth that men of different races and classes might live, eat, and work together as brothers." "—Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his eulogy for James Reeb" The white UUA flaming chalice logo is in the bottom left corner. The UU World logo appears in the bottom right corner. The URL “uuworld.org” is in the top right corner.

On this day in 1965, the Reverend James Reeb—a Unitarian Universalist minister, pastor, and civil rights activist—was killed in Selma, Alabama, in while supporting the fight for justice. #JamesReeb #CivilRights #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #MLK #RacialJustice #BelovedCommunity #UUSharedValues

Here at First Universalist, we love our trans kids. We love our trans teens. We love our trans adults. We love our trans elders.

We show that love and welcome in many ways, including by having all-gender bathrooms. We offer inclusive sexuality education from first grade through older adults that affirms trans, non-binary and gender expansive identities and truths.

We wear shirts on a regular basis that proudly share our values, like celebrate trans kids, trans rights are human rights, and leave trans kids alone you absolute freaks.

“Leave trans kids alone you absolute freaks.”

“Collective action also requires us to build trust. Trust is forged through an exchange of vulnerability. It is built through experiments in interdependence.”

2025 PHOTO A DAY #UULent Join a Unitarian Universalist practice of Lent! Each day, Unitarian Universalists and our friends and family intentionally reflect on a daily word, carry our awareness throughout the day, and capture an image that represents the word for us. We share our reflections and images on social media with the hashtag #UULent. On Sundays, we challenge each other to reflect on the daily word and also embody and enact it in our lives. (Created by Rev. Mr. Barb Greve; designed by Alex Kapitan.) MARCH 5 loss 6 chaos 7 anger 8 mourning 9 love 10 deconstruction 11 curiosity 12 faith 13 humility 14 change 15 consent 16 equity 17 resistance 18 fear 19 grace 20 blessing 21 vulnerable 22 safety 23 interdependence 24 liberation 25 bravery 26 dignity 27 courage 28 weeping 29 rest 30 justice 31 suffering APRIL 1 goodness 2 hope 3 relationship 4 receive 5 kindness 6 generosity 7 commitment 8 resilience 9 surrender 10 sweetness 11 family 12 creativity 13 pluralism 14 power 15 friends 16 grief 17 waiting 18 mercy 19 wonder 20 transformation NURTURE Your Spirit. Help HEAL Our World.

Preparing for #UULent. Thank you to volunteers that make this happen each year.

Practicing my #zinemaking skills teaching prep for kids next Sunday. I drew all of this during my morning coffee today.

#grateful #UUvalues: justice, interdependence, generosity, love, pluralism, equity and transformation.

#religiouseducator #bipocunitarianuniversalist #UnitarianUniversalist

"A Unitarian, she was one of the first leaders to identify housing segregation and limited employment opportunities as crucial issues for racial justice."

"Fannie Barrier Williams addressed the World's Congress of Representative Women in 1893 and disputed the notion that slavery had rendered black American women incapable of the same moral and intellectual levels as other women.

"The shortest distance between two people is a song."

- Pete Seeger (Unitarian Universalist, Folk Singer-songwriter, Activist, TV Host, Author, & Banjo Player) 1919 - 2014.

YouTube video by First Universalist Church of Minneapolis Sunday, Feb 23rd Worship with First Universalist Church

Last week we celebrated our annual “Sex-Ed Sunday” worship. We are proud to be a “tower of strength” for trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive folx, as we sang together in the sanctuary (song by Sobonfu Somé).

#TransJoyIsSacred #NonBinaryIsBeautiful #ProtectTransKids #UnitarianUniversalist

Ramadan is in less than two days. The holy month is upon us all. This is a time where we surrender our hunger to seek what nourishes our soul. Each fast a step closer to the Creator. May this month soften our hearts, cleanse our spirits, and heal those suffering around the world.

Hello! Straight/cis allies! It isn’t necessarily helpful to offer sympathy to your queer/trans friends by saying things like “I can’t even *imagine* how scared you are” or “I can’t even *fathom* how hard this is for you.” Instead try: “I will fight for you no matter what” or “I’m in this with you.”

A photo of Christopher Reeve in costume as Superman is superimposed over a photo of him after he was injured and permanently paralyzed—the headrest on his wheelchair is visible and a microphone is near his mouth.

This is my credo as a Unitarian Universalist. It is what Superman and I have in common.”

- Christopher Reeve, from his book “Nothing is Impossible”

I believe that gratitude is in order despite all the difficulties that come our way. I believe that we're all one family and need each other in times of grief and gladness. And I believe in the power of human ingenuity and people of goodwill to make a difference in the world…

I don't think everything happens for a purpose. I know that life isn't always fair. But I still believe that the world holds out possibilities for creativity and enrichment that are open to every one of us…

“Given all the inexplicable acts of violence, injustice, and cruelty, mixed with the unexpected small miracles of kindness and happiness that we see in the world every day, I remain convinced that life is chaos, but that it is within our power to establish order and meaning. I believe that too…

Two large boxes filled with smaller packages. A sign in front reads “Free Plan B for anyone”

Today at church we blessed boxes of emergency contraception, condoms, HIV tests and more—sacred tools for bodily autonomy.

Photo of Marsha P Johnston, a smiling black woman in a pink dress with a flower crown on her head.

Photo of Sylvia Rivera, a Latina woman looking to the side with a small smile. She has wavy dark hair falling past her shoulders.

Photo of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, an older Black woman with wavy silver hair, wearing a dress and wrap in blues and purples. She is smiling broadly.

Photo of Stormé DeLarverie, a masculine-presenting woman with close-cropped hair wearing a tuxedo. She has her hands raised near her face and has a triumphant look.

Marsha, Sylvia, Miss Major, Stormé. They can remove you from a website and we will still remember your courage, your leadership, your commitment to queer liberation.

#Stonewall

I savor moments of quiet communion with earth more every day. Even in urban Minneapolis, I can feel the loving communion of life all around me. I do not despair for myself, for our species, or for the earth.

Once I was full of fear and anger over the human predicament. The fear and anger are still there, but I have moved to a place of radical acceptance that is rooted in deep trust. I focus increasingly upon creating safe, brave, loving community. Come what may, we will face it best if we choose to love one another.

Wisdom from First U member, Gary Hoover.

UUA, Other Religious Groups Sue Trump Administration to Halt Immigration Arrests at Houses of Worship The Trump policy allowing raids in houses of worship violates the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), the lawsuit argues.

UUA Executive Vice President Carey McDonald: “Our sacred spaces must continue to offer sanctuary to those who face oppression, violence, or alienation, including immigrant communities.”

Check out the February 10 edition of The Sweet Potato, our roundup of online UU Young Adult Ministries, Pastoral Care offerings, educational programs, job opportunities, support groups, media, Young Adult owned creative enterprises and more. icont.ac/50XLi 💗

Congrats to the good folks in DeKalb!

George Floyd Memorial on a early February evening

The George Floyd Memorial in George Floyd Square at the start of Black History Month.

Minneapolis February 2025

❤️❤️❤️

a cartoon character from inside out is saying hi while stretching her arms . Alt: a cartoon character from inside out is saying hi while stretching her arms .

Good to see you here!

Worship - First Universalist Church of Minneapolis Sundays at First U Experience moments of transcendence, peace, inspiration and connection as we collectively pursue a deeper understanding of our humanity and the universe. Join us in this sacred spac...

Join us in person or virtually on Sunday mornings. This month our theme is Black History, Justice, & Collective Liberation. In word, song, and movement, we’re exploring what these ideas mean in this moment, and how we will show up with and for Love and Justice.

firstuniversalistchurch.org/worship/

Perfection is a myth. Community is the truth. - Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout Includes a photo of Dr. GTR: a smiling Black man with short cropped hair wearing a black shirt.

“Perfection is a myth.

Community is the truth.”

A word from our Director of Worship Arts Ministries, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

The First Universalist Church of Minneapolis marquee reads: Trans kids are loved here

Trans kids are loved here. Always will be.

Oh, wonderful! ❤️