Podcast appearances and mentions of Aimee K Bryant

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)

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)

We often exclaim church to each other as a place, a sanctuary, a place away from other places. Isn't it at least as much a moment we make special together? A present-day prophet, the Black science fiction writer Octavia Butler describes “God is change.” How would your relationship with holy things shift if you were looking not for things that have become divine, but instead were on a hunt for the becoming itself in progress? Would that change what goodness you discovered in you? This Sunday, we explore the ways the divine expresses in units of time. Guided by the ancient Hebrew practice of sabbath-keeping, we reflect on the special moments of life that keep us in motion. And we ask ourselves and each other: What will stop to have time for what's holy? What gets a no, so you can be present to what's right in front of you? Music for Gathering- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (:29) Words of Welcome & Call to Worship- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (3:51) Story for All Ages- The Stuff of Stars by Marion Dane Bauer- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (12:49) Meditation on Breathing- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (22:43) Community Practice & Prayer- Rev. Ashley Harness (26:26) Reading- from A Look to the Future (1957) by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (34:17) Anthem- Amazing Grace- Franco Holder on piano (37:22) Message- Why Stop Now?- Rev. Ashley Harness (40:52) Giving and Receiving- (1:02:11) Benediction- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (1:07:41)

Paolo Dubuque and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout talk about re-imagining musical ensembles and using collaborative music to change the world. We make music together for a finale of sorts we're calling We are the ones, after June Jordan's famous end to her poem, “Poem for South African Women.” Together, we make music as a community (that's right–the featured artist is you! But shhhhh…it's a surprise.), and we explore the rich relationships and stories of American singing over centuries, across cultures. You'll hear reflections on the Music Listening Session results. And we embrace the calling of this new day–for communities of justice to know the power of their own voice, and to build up beauty in the world starting from within. Music for Gathering- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (:28) Call to Worship- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (9:14) Words of Welcome- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (16:17) Singing Together- The Way Knows the Way- Shelley Des Islets and Dr. GTR (18:41) Singing Together- With You- Shelley Des Islets and Dr. GTR (25:55) Prayer and Meditation- Rev. Ashley Harness (27:59) Field Trip through our Hymnals- Dr. GTR (31:45) Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Ashley Harness (41:12) Offertory/Singing Together- (43:28) Regarding Choir- Dr. GTR (51:51) Conversation with Paolo Dubuque- (1:05:54) Benediction- Dr. GTR (1:20:00)

Each Sunday in July, worship will feature artists and musicians sharing their craft and some reflections on how their art is connected to their spirituality. We continue this worship series with musician, composer, and First U Member, Ellis Delaney. Ellis is at once funny and wise, thoughtful and uninhibited, with a captivating voice that is matched by tender, sometimes funny, uplifting lyrics. Their music is transformational; leaving audiences feeling better, with softened edges & opened hearts. Music for Gathering and Words of Welome- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (:19) Story for All Ages- Dinosaur Air by Rev. Nancy Shaffer (24:21) Hymn- Building Bridges Between Our Divisions- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (26:15) Meditation, Prayer, and Cycle of Life- Rev. Ashley Harness (33:08) Message- "Art & Soul" with Ellis Delaney (39:44) Transition Music- Prelude in C- The Well-Tempered Clavier (1:14:23) "Art & Soul" with Ellis Delaney- Continued Conversation (1:18:55)

Each Sunday in July, worship will feature artists and musicians sharing their craft and some reflections on how their art is connected to their spirituality. We continue this worship series with two artists who meditate on rhythm, form, repetition, and healing in this world and in worlds beyond our initial perceptions: musician Davu Seru and sculptural basketweaver (and First U member) Martha Bird. Singing to Gather- Now Let Us Sing- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant (:28) Call to Worship- The Larger Circle by Wendell Berry- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (8:27) Poem and Prayer- Bring Your Broken Hallelujah by Theresa I. Soto- Rev. Ashley Harness (14:56) Message- Art & Soul with Martha Bird (19:59) Practice of Generosity- Rev. Ashley Harness (42:25) Offertory- Aimee K. Bryant and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (44:27) Message- Art & Soul with Davu Seru (46:47) Benediction- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (1:13:06)  

Each Sunday in July will feature a different local musician sharing their music and reflection on how their art connected to their spirituality. Sunday, July 2, we begin our July worship series with our own vocalist in residence, Aimee K. Bryant. Worship led by Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant, and Sally Reynolds on piano Singing to Gather (:26) Words of Welcome (4:49) Time for All Ages (13:23) Singing Together- Just As Long As I Have Breath (19:26) Prayer, Poetry, Silence (21:44) Practice of Giving and Receiving (32:16) Offertory- Open the Window, Children (36:10) Message- Art and Soul: Song and Conversation with Aimee K. Bryant (40:13) Benediction and Singing- Where You Go, I Will Go, Beloved (1:13:55)  

With and without our permission and participation, life is forever seeking resurrection. Relentlessly, life finds a way in the harshest of circumstances, and even out of death comes new life. How might we join with this turning toward life? And how might we rebuild and resurrect ourselves, our relationships, and even this church in the shape of beloved community through our everyday actions? Join us on this multigenerational Sunday as we lean into these questions through story, song, and ritual. Opening Hymn- Morning Has Come- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (:30) Words of Welcome and Call to Worship- Rev. Ashley Harness (4:40) Singing Together- Allelu, Allelu- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (10:07) Meditation and Prayer- Rev. Ashley Harness (16:45) Invitation to Give and Receieve- Rev. Ashley Harness (19:23) Offertory- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (20:22) Ritual Stations- Rev. Jen Crow, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, and Aimee K. Bryant (23:52) Benediction- from The Book of Delights by Ross Gay- Rev. Jen Crow (46:16) Postlude- Where You Go I Will Go, Beloved by Shoshana Jedwab (  

Time and time again, in stories and scriptures and songs, ancestors have left lessons for building beloved community. Though they come in all languages and expressions, the wisdom persists: to resist materialism and hold on to what truly matters; to unshackle from habits of needless prejudice; to put down the weapons we store in our hands and hearts and study war no more. How much comfort can we take that we aren't nearly the first generation to struggle to live into these communal ways? And what's our part in the progress? Music for Gathering- Come, Come Whoever You Are- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (:29) Words of Welcome & Call to Worship- Rev. Arif Mamdani (5:17) Hymn- 'Tis a Gift to be Simple- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (13:05) Prayer and Meditation- Rev. Jen Crow (15:20) Practice of Giving and Receiving- Rev. Arif Mamdani (22:29) Offertory- We Shall Be Known by Ma Muse- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (23:22) Message- Yesterday Teaches Tomorrow- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (26:11) Benediction- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (52:30) Music for Going- Return Again- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant   

Join us for a time of contemplation and intention setting as we gather on the turning of the year. Together, we'll engage in the spiritual practices of pausing, noticing, settling and resetting—practices that serve us well in living lives of love, purpose and meaning in all the moments of our lives. We'll also enjoy music by special guest Dean Magraw on this Sunday. Words of Welcome- Lóre Stevens (1:13) Singing Together- Breathing Meditation (5:21) Time for All Ages- Slow Motion Freeze Tag- Aimee K. Bryant (7:33) Music- Regeneration by Dean Magraw (12:18) Meditation Prayer and Cycle of Life- Lóre Stevens (15:33) Message- Practicing Pause- Rev. Jen Crow (19:44) Practice of Giving and Receiving (42:29) Offertory- Waterfall / May this Be Love by Jimi Hendrix - Dean Magraw (43:46) Singing Together- My Life Flows On- Dean Magraw and Aimee K. Bryant (46:41) Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (50:06) Music for Going- Where You Go I Will Go by Shoshana Jedwab - Aimee K. Bryant and Dean Magraw  

As our monthly worship theme of “You Can Count On This,” comes to a close this week, we'll turn our attention to the practices of Universalism. Our faith tradition claims a love so strong it will not let any one of us go and a circle so wide that everyone is included, but how do we put that faith into practice in our lives, our congregations, and our communities? You can count on this: the spiritual practices of our faith may not be easy, but they are liberating and life-giving.   Singing to Gather- Breaths by Ysaye M. Barnwell- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (:30) Words of Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (6:42) Hymn- Hold Everybody Up by Melanie Demore- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (14:35) Embodyment Practice- Aimee K. Bryant (17:53) Song- Circle 'Round for Freedom- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (27:02) Story and Cycle of Life- Rev. Ashley Harness (30:09) Practice of Giving- Rev. Ashley Harness (36:36) Offertory- Ordinary People by John Legend (37:41) Message- Drawing the Circle- Rev. Jen Crow (42:43) Singing Meditation- There Is a Love by Elizabeth Norton- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (55:57) Benediction- Rev. Jen Crow (58:35)  

The First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randy Buikema, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Rev. Jen Crow, and Lauren Wyeth will lead and inspire us through music, story, and message. Music for Gathering- Where Do We Come From?- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (19:24) Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (5:39) Call to Worship- Eagle Poem by Joy Harjo (10:53) Singing Together- Open the Window, Children (14:29) Wisdom from the Choir (19:41) Homily- Rev. Jen Crow (26:04) Prayer and Meditation- Rev. Jen Crow and Rev. Arif Mamdani (33:18) Invitation to Give- Lauren Wyeth (39:13) Offertory- Loving Will Lead Us On, by Linda Kachelmeier and Rev. Kate Tucker- First Universalist Choir (42:30) Singing Together - Open the Window, Children; Where You Go I Will Go; (48:42)

This summer, as we explore the theme of The Bigger Story, we reflect on how we live in stories and also how stories live in us. Spiritual growth can mean giving up stories that have become too small.   This Sunday, join us for a message from Minister Emerita Rev. Kate Tucker, who will lead worship alongside Rev. Arif Mamdani, vocalist Aimee K. Bryant, and guest pianist Tim Kraack.   Music for Gathering- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Tim Kraack (:30)   Words of Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (3:49)   Story for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (9:36)   Hymn- Circle 'Round for Freedom- Aimee K. Bryant and Tim Kraack (15:54)   Prayer- Rev. Arif Mamdani (17:14)   Message- The World Was Made to be Free In- Rev. Kate Tucker (29:37)   Invitation to Give to Our Justice- Rev. Arif Mamdani (50:25)  

The equation for calculating price per unit is a simple one, handy for finding the best value at a store. Yet trying to fit our values and Principles into that equation complicates it quite a bit. In this time of rainbow capitalism, performative activism, and faltering progress, let us double check our trajectory. Are we on our way to the heaven on earth Universalists dreamed of, or do we need a new equation? Join us this Sunday as we welcome guest preacher Nico Van Ostrand, who will lead worship along with Rev. Kate Tucker, Lauren Wyeth, Aimee K. Bryant, and pianist Barb Brooks. Words of Welcome- Rev. Kate Tucker (:30) Time for All Ages- Lauren Wyeth (4:13) Hymn- Gather the Spirit (7:45) Reflection and Prayer- Rev. Kate Tucker (8:54) Message- BOGO Worth and Dignity- Nico Van Ostrand (12:39) Invitation to Give to CLNE- Rev. Kate Tucker (26:26) Benediction- Rev. Kate Tucker (27:28)  

This Sunday, April 17, we will rise in the fullness of our community – inviting people in every age and stage of life to join together as one body. We've designed an Easter church experience with elements to engage the imagination and spirit of every age, with music, rituals, art, and movement that will help us all consider what boulders stand in the way of the flow of love in our life, and how we might remove them, together. Guest musicians Dean Magraw, Ian Young, and JT Bates will join our own Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder as they lead us in soulful songs familiar to young and old.   Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:20) Wisdom Story- Stephanie Vos (5:57) Invation to Ritual Stations- Rev. Jen Crow (8:32) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Lauren Wyeth (17:37) Homily- Rev. Arif Mamdani (23:20) Chant- We Rise (28:54) Invitation to Give & Receive- Rev. Arif Mamdani (32:08) Music Throughout - Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, Dean Magraw, Ian Young, and JT Bates  

Things rise and fall every day: not just baked items in the oven but energies, emotions, commitments, willingness. Though the idea of ‘onward and upward forever' has been long proven to be a lie; most of us use our days trying to create more of what we want in ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. What are some of the obstacles and what can help us to rise, even a tiny bit? Words of Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (:29) Call to Worship- David Bach (7:59) Story for All Ages- Grandmother Spider Weaves the World (12:53) Prayer and Meditation- Rev. Arif Mamdani (20:56) Reading- The Butterfly Effect by Rev. Theresa I. Soto- Rev. Arif Mamdani Sermon- Yeast, Baking Powder, and Other Ways We Rise- Rev. Meg Riley (29:21) Piano throughout- Franco Holder; Vocals throughout- Aimee K. Bryant

BlackLivesMatter. Self-care. Intersectionality. The Underground Railroad. Fractal world change–the power in communities of communities. “We are the ones we have been waiting for.” pleasure activism. Warrior poetry. Stonewall, and the countless other times a drag queen gets her life, and saves another. Women are powerful and dangerous, Audre Lorde writes. Thank goodness. We're conjuring a joyful celebration of the million ways black female and trans pioneers make justice and love more real, every day and night.   Prelude- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (:29) Words of Welcome and Land Acknowledgement- Rev. Arif Mamdani (2:10) Call to Worship- Rev. Arif Mamdani (4:33) Story for All Ages- Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (8:48) Interlude- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (18:13) Community Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (22:35) Message- black magic- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (29:10) Dr. Rideout's message was interspersed between clips from this video.  Offering- Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism- Rev. Arif Mamdani (41:21)

Guest speaker Vicki Elliott, Executive Director of Mental Health Connect, joins our team of worship leaders this week to talk about her own journey with mental health, how it's impacted her family, and why it matters that faith communities work to destigmatize mental illness and ensure that everyone has access to the mental health care resources they need. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Call to Worship- Rev. Karen Hutt (9:42) Blessing for Spiritual Growth- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (18:21) Paryer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Jen Crow (21:22) Message- Vicki Elliott, E.D. of Mental Health Connect (27:09) Vocals throughout- Aimee K. Bryant and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

This Sunday, December 19, we enter into the heart of this question: what does Unitarian Universalism have to say when it all hits the fan? How can our faith and the commitments we hold in common help us to hold together when it all feels like it's falling apart?   Words of Welcome and Calling Our Ancestors- Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Story for All Ages- Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch- Rev. Arif Mamdani (8:19) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (23:11) Message- What Does UUism Say to Our Suffering?- Lauren Wyeth (34:52)   voice- Aimee K. Bryant; piano- Franco Holder      

Rev. Jen Crow, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Isabel Quast, Franco Holder and Aimee K. Bryant lead an intergenerational service of story and song as we invite each other into the spiritual practices of giving and receiving and growing. Come find out more about Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism and our annual Holiday Giving project, and leave lifted up by our collective power that comes together when each of us shares what we can.   Humming Meditation- Aimee K. Bryant (:27) Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (9:48) Music- Wake Now My Vision- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder (18:17) Story for All Ages and Calling our Ancestors- Rev. Jen Crow (20:12) Music- Wake Now My Vision- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder (28:45) Meditation and Cycle of Life- Rev. Jen Crow (30:16) Message- Giving, Receiving, as Love Shows Us How- Rev. Jen Crow and Isabel Quast Outro Music- Aimee K. Bryant and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout  

If we've learned anything these last 18 months, we've learned that try as we might, we cannot always control how things turn out. If control cannot carry us, then what can? Unitarian Universalist theologian Dr. Sharon Welch suggests that an ethic of risk may be at the center of what allows us to persist in building the world and the lives of love and justice we long for, even in the face of partial victories and continued defeats. Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Franco Holder, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Dr. Randy Buikema, and the First Universalist Choir lead the service.   Words of Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (:30) Story for All Ages- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (4:43) Anthem- The Road Home by Stephen Paulus- First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema- conductor Message- When Control Can't Carry Us- Juica Hermann de la Fuente   Vocalists: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant Pianist: Franco Holder

Gathering in person at Minnehaha Falls, we immerse ourselves in the imagery of water and the power of the river as we remember the strength of the stones in the banks we build, and the well-worn groove of the river bed that waits for us, whatever the season. We remember the ritual of Water Communion and the symbolic ingathering it represents and we will intentionally hold back the waters for now, waiting with each other, for the fullness of our hoped-for return to our building in November and the joy it will bring. Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, Lauren Wyeth, and Revs. Arif Mamdani and Jen Crow lead the service. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:29) Song- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout and Aimee K. Bryant (7:10) Time for All Ages- Aimee K. Bryant (9:47) Body and Community Prayer- Lauren Wyeth and Rev. Arif Mamdani (15:40) Message- Rev. Jen Crow (26:35)

This Sunday, we worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell! Worship leaders Aimee K. Bryant, Franco Holder, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Rev. Arif Mamdani, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, Rev. Jen Crow, Lauren Wyeth, and Rev. Karen Hutt will lead and inspire us through music, story, and message, and challenge us to consider what we might learn from — among other things — Canadian geese. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Story for All Ages- Sue Searing (7:08) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (12:26) Reading- Lessons from Canada Geese- Julica Hermann de la Fuente and Rev. Karen Hutt (21:51) Song- What Wonderous Love- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (24:54) Message- Rev. Karen Hutt and Lauren Wyeth (27:39)

Change is ever-present these days, a constant cycle of new information, new experiences and new understandings of ourselves, each other, and the larger world keep coming our way. This Sunday, we continue our exploration of the nature of change and how we, as people of faith, continue to align our actions with our values. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Story for All Ages- The Water Cycle- Aimee K. Bryant (4:58) Blessing in Song- Breaths- Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout (9:37) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (14:21) Sermon- Roots Hold Me Close- Rev. Jen Crow (23:12) Outro music- Shenandoah- First Universalist Church Choir, conducted by Dr. Randy Buikema

This Sunday, August 1, Julica Hermann de la Fuente guides us in using Martha Beck's Change Cycle to explore how we navigate and make meaning of change. Join us to inquire into the nature of change, the possibilities and challenges of change, and the ways that change will continue to be with us personally and congregationally.  Words of Welcome- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (:30) Story for All Ages- Suzy Messerole (2:37) Interlude - Building a New Way- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (9:00) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (11:28) Message- Harnessing (and Being Harnessed by) Change- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (16:03) Outro Music- I Am Willing by Holly Near  

This Sunday, Rev. Karen shares her humanist journey from Yankee Stadium to the Rift Valley in East Africa. We will also explore opportunities for Unitarian Universalism and humanism in the coming years as we reflect on our 5th Source. Words of Welcome- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (:19) Wisdom Story- Anansi- Sue Searing (4:38) Interlude- We Shall Be Known- Seth Anderson-Matz (10:31) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (12:43) Message- What Kind of Humanist Are You?: A Colored Kid's Journey- Rev. Karen Hutt (18:23) Outro Music- Lean On Me, by Bill Withers- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder

Prophets are often treated like icons. How many prophetic people can you rattle off the names of? What characteristics do they display? Our 2nd Source as UU's provides us with some interesting human centered guidance, if we parse the words enough and dive deeply. This Sunday, we continue to learn how to walk the walk that we talk of so much. Words of Welcome- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (:30) Wisdom Tale- The Emperor's New Clothes- Aimee K. Bryant (3:30) Interlude- Shine On Me, by Melanie DeMore (11:16) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (14:50) Sermon- A Prophetic Encounter: Have You Had One Lately?- Rev. Karen Hutt (20:23) Outro music- Show Up, by Joe Davis

Radical acceptance, as defined by Buddhist teacher Tara Brach, is the spiritual practice of accepting reality exactly as it is, without trying to control or judge or pull away. When we're feeling stuck and unable to make a change, radical acceptance can help us move forward. Join Jill Braithwaite for a reflection on what can happen when we step into radical acceptance and let go. Jill Braithwaite has been a member of First Universalist Church since 2004. She has an M.A. in theology and the arts from United Theological Seminary and is currently studying there in the Master of Divinity program with a concentration in UU Studies. Words of Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (:20) Story for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (3:56) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (8:41) Message- Cinnamon Sticks and God- Jill Braithwaite (13:49) Outro music- We Are Building a New Way - Aimee K. Bryant

Whole-hearted spiritual living invites us to learn how to tell our stories with honesty, humility and care - celebrating our learning and joy while simultaneously acknowledging the places we still need to grow. This Sunday we'll explore how we might own the fullness of our stories as individuals and as a nation.  Prelude- Aimee K. Bryant (:30) Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (2:28) Story for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (7:15) Music- A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cook- Aimee K. Bryant (12:51) Reading- Let America Be America Again by Langston Hughes- Yahanna, Aliana, Satya (15:44) Musical Response- Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson & J. Rosamond Johnson- Aimee K. Bryant (22:51) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (25:13) Message- Owning Our Stories- Rev. Jen Crow (33:01) Outro Music- Respect by Aretha Franklin - Aimee K. Bryant (49:16)  

On Sunday, June 27, 2021, the largest annual gathering of UUs joined in worship together. The Sunday Worship from the UUA General Assembly was led by the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis.Until Love Wins–Today's challenging times require a nimble and resilient spirituality. We need a demanding, inspiring faith and a love strong enough that it will not let us go. We draw the circle wide, gathered our strength, and promised to stay in the struggle and joy until love wins.Presenters: Musicians, Franco Holder, Aimee K. Bryant, and Dr. Randal Buikema, and religious professionals, Lauren Wyeth, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, and Revs. Arif Mamdani, Karen Hutt, and Jen Crow will lead the service.

Scholar Mariame Kaba reminds us that abolition is a “positive vision:” one that is fundamentally about building a world in which all people can be free and flourish. In this season of reckoning, as we commemorate the anniversary of George Floyd's murder and contemplate how we are called to build a world in which all of us are free, we will step into the practice of radical imagination together as we work to conceive of a world without policing and prisons, and with resources, accountability, and safety for all. Words of Welcome- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (:30) Story for All Ages-  Julica Hermann de la Fuente (4:35) Hymn- Gather the Spirit- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (13:22) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (16:16) Interude- from Imagine by John Lennon- David Lauth (22:05) Message- Tending the Soil of Radical Imagination- Rev. Ashley Horan (22:57)

The phrase “mind the gap” serves as a warning on the London subway system, encouraging riders to pay attention to the threshold between the subway platform and the subway car. A little closer to home, the phrase “mind the gap” also highlights the importance of thresholds in our own lives. This month, our May worship theme of “thresholds” invites us to be mindful of our own thresholds and the thresholds in the world around us. Join Rev. Arif, Aimee K. Bryant, and Rev. Justin for a service that opens up this theme of thresholds and invites us to notice the many thresholds in our lives, past, present, and future. Words of Welcome- Rev. Arif Mamdani (:29) Wisdom Story- Aimee K. Bryant (4:04) Special Music- Come My Way, Travis Waymon and Franco Holder (13:52) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Justin Schroeder (15:38) Special Music- Holy Now by Peter Mayer- David Lauth (22:51) Message- Mind the Gap- Rev. Arif Mamdani (27:16) Outro Music- For All That Is Our Life- Fawzia Khan   

Each week, we encourage and inspire one another in our transformational spiritual practices. Together, we practice recovery from racism and white supremacy culture. We practice connection with ourselves, each other, the earth, and the holy. We practice creating community that embodies love, joy, and liberation. We practice not to arrive at some one-and-done finish line, but to transform and be transformed. This Sunday, April 25, we gather strength for the journey of transformation. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:29) Wisdom Story- Aimee K. Bryant (2:18) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (8:38) Message- Transformational Practice- Rev. Jen Crow (14:27) Welcoming Our Newest Members- Rev. Arif Mamdani (35:04)  

In the midst of unending human-made sorrow, how can we feel what we need to feel and keep on moving toward transformation? How will we ever find the Universalist paradise of a circle wide enough to include us all and a love so strong that it will not let any one of us go? Author Rebecca Solnit offers up this possibility: perhaps paradise is as simple as unbroken solidarity. This Sunday, April 18, we explore the possibility of a world of unbroken solidarities. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:21) Wisdom Story for All Ages- Rev. Arif Mamdani (3:09) Musical Response- Motherless Child - Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (8:34) Prayer - Julica Hermann de la Fuente and Lauren Wyeth (12:00) Message, pt. 1- Yahanna Mackbee (15:58) Musical Response- Ella's Song- Ani Peichel (23:47) Message, pt. 2- The Paradise of Unbroken Solidarities, Rev. Jen Crow- (25:45)

Sometimes we think of the religious life as serious and staid. But in every faith and spiritual tradition, there exists a trickster, fool, clown, jester, buffoon, or “simpleton” that disrupts, mocks, pokes fun at, and questions authority—religious and otherwise. The purpose of the “holy fool” is to upend what we think we know, to shatter our perceptions of what is real, and to reveal a deeper truth. Play, playfulness, riddles, and humor are all tools of the “holy fool,” designed to snap us out of our waking slumber, out of our certainty, and into a new understanding of life and ourselves. In this time of environmental collapse, of racial justice uprising, of life altered by a pandemic, what might we learn from the “holy fools” of history, from the “holy fools” of our own time, and how might we embody and practice holy foolishness? Worship on Sunday, April 11 at 10 a.m. includes a story for all ages, sharing our joys and concerns, special music, and a message. Words of Welcome- Rev. Justin Schroeder (:31) Wisdom Story- Aimee K. Bryant (5:54) Prayer and Cycle of Life (10:50) Anthem- Concerto: A Pandemic-Inspired Performance- Members of First Universalist Choir; Dr. Randy Buikema, conductor; Franco Holder, pianist (17:32) Message- The Holy Fool- Rev. Justin Schroeder (23:11)

Easter is about new life, new hope, and resurrection of the spirit in the face of despair. Easter speaks to a miraculous force and a love that is stronger than death. In this time of global pandemic and this time of the trial of Derek Chauvin (which has global implications), how do we make sense of Easter? Easter speaks to the timeless cycle of death and rebirth, and this Easter, we ask, “Given the world as it is, what in us might die, so that something new and life giving might be born?”    Words of Welcome- Rev. Justin Schroeder (:30) Wisdom Story - Lauren Wyeth (5:31) Interlude- Lo The Earth Awakes Again- Members of First Universalist Choir Message pt. 1- Practicing Resurrection in this Moment- Rev. Justin Schroeder (13:28) Special Music- Lift Every Voice and Sing- Give Get Sistet (26:41) Message pt. 2- Practicing Resurrection in this Moment- Rev. Justin Schroeder and Julica Hermann de la Fuente (28:44) Hymn- Over My Head- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (39:41)  

Aimee speaks of being from Detroit, raised southerners that migrated there. A founding company member of Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago, Aimee encourages emerging artists to build a Life and career centered in being kind, empathic, compassionate and Loving. She says, “Take a leap of faith, move towards what you want, what feels good - even if it is scary.” https://www.whoyopeopleis.com/season-3

First Universalist is a church that cares about its members and friends. We demonstrate this care in all kinds of ways and we also care deeply about the world outside of ourselves. Yet sometimes, the historic nature of liberal religious enlightenment takes us away from feelings, suffering and pain. Many of us do not reach out when we need help, when we need healing, or when we need the nurturing of human care. This Sunday, March 28 at 10 a.m., learn about WE CARE Ministries at First Universalist. Find out more about how to become a care seeker or a care provider.   Words of Welcome- Rev Karen Hutt (:21) Wisdom Story- Seth Anderson-Matz (1:47) Anthem- I Just Called to Say I Love You- First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema, conductor (4:02) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Arif Mamdani (6:42) Message- To Care About One Another... It's Not That Hard!- Rev. Karen Hutt (12:59) Outro- Lean On Me- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder 

Each of us has a piece of the truth, and together, we are so much wiser and braver. Together, we have strength and imagination, accountability and encouragement big enough for transformation. When each of us brings what we can, including our vulnerability, we have the collective power to build a community of liberation and joy.  Join us as we explore our collective truth and our collective power, with a special cameo appearance from a modern day UU superhero. Words of Welcome - Rev. Jen Crow (:31) Story for All Ages- Aimee K. Bryant (4:46) Hymn- All Creatures of the Earth and Sky- First Universalist Choir, Dr. Randal Buikema, Franco Holder- (8:30) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Justin Schroeder (11:10) Message- Collective Truth, Collective Power- Rev. Jen Crow (22:50) Outro Music - Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder

What does it mean to act on your faith? This Sunday, March 7, you’ll hear moving testimony and reflections from members of our Faithful Action Council, the group that oversees the church’s Faithful Action Ministries, and you’ll hear from congregants involved with our Faithful Action Partners*, and how this involvement has grown their spirits, deepened their faith, and given them hope when things have seemed hopeless. *Our Faithful Action Partners are Augsburg Fairview Academy, Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, Habitat for Humanity, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, Simpson Housing, a variety of Immigration Justice Organizations and the Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Engagement (CLNE.)   Words of Welcome- Rev. Justin Schreoder (:31) Spoken Word- Joe Davis (5:11) Story for All Ages- Aimee K. Bryant (8:35) Hymn- We Shall Be Known- Seth Anderson-Matz (17:04) Faithful Action Team Conversations (19:16) Interlude- We'll Build a Land- Sarah Lindsay and Franco Holder (27:49)

In worship this Sunday, Rev. Justin offers reflections on his ministry with First Universalist, speaks to how his faith is guiding him into a new season, and most importantly, reflects on what it means for all of us to follow the call of love, to live our deepest truths, and to trust our innermost knowings. We are held by music from Franco Holder, Andrew Tralle, and a story from Aimee K. Bryant. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:31) Story for All Ages- Aimee K. Bryant (7:37) Song- One Voice, by the Wailin' Jennys- Andrew Tralle (14:41) Sermon- Following the Thread - Rev. Justin Schroeder (17:58)

The word “truth” is a major construct in any discussion of Unitarian Universalism. We pride ourselves on being seekers of truth, but who has this truth? How is it confirmed? What happens when the truth appears broken? Can we let go of our need for universal truths? This Sunday, we delve into our February worship theme, “Truth Telling,” with this message from Rev. Karen Hutt. Rev. Jen Crow and Lauren Wyeth will share a story for all ages, and we’ll also enjoy newly recorded music from Franco Holder and Aimee K. Bryant — and a special reading and musical reflection from Franco.   Words of Welcome - Rev. Jen Crow (:30) Story for All Ages- Rev. Jen Crow and Lauren Wyeth (3:37) Hymn- For All That Is Our Life- Fawzia Khan (12:05) Sermon- Is the Truth Broken? - Rev. Karen Hutt (12:40)

While Dr. King fervently spoke about the “dream” of country where character mattered more than skin color, this dream has failed to materialize. More often than not, the dream is simply given lip service, while structures and practices of oppression and harm remain in place. What is required for the dream to truly come alive, for justice to roll down like waters, and peace like an ever flowing stream? Words of Welcome- Rev. Justin Schroeder (:24) Story for All Ages- The Castle With Three Windows- Aimee K. Bryant (3:06) Hymn- Gather The Spirit- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (10:45) Sermon- A Dream or a Nightmare?- Rev. Justin Schroeder (13:48)  

What will be different in 2021? What dreams for our lives and our community have been shaped by the pandemic, the racial justice uprising, and the questions still unanswered of whether or not the United States can actually become a pluralistic, equitable, multi-racial democracy? What dreams of yours – and what collective dreams of ours – might come to life in 2021? For dreams to be born, we must choose change, be courageous and brave, and let old habits and patterns fade and die, so something new and life giving can blossom. Story for All Ages- Aimee K. Bryant (:21) Hymn- Voice Still and Small, Erin Segrue (6:40) Sermon- Impossible Dreams, Rev. Justin Schroeder (8:16) Closing Hymn- We'll Build a Land, Sarah Lindsay

Our beloved annual Christmas Pageant, adapted for the small screen with creativity, humor, and extra layers of meaning will remind you of what matters most in this extraordinary season, as 2020 draws to a close. This year’s Pageant is born of the time and talents of so many, including: our children and youth, who will co-lead the service and act out our story; Aimee K. Bryant, Randy Buikema, Franco Holder, the First Universalist Choir, Seth Anderson-Matz, Andrew Tralle, Dave and Ani Peichel, several caroling families and our virtual children’s chorus, who crafted amazing music; and a great deal of technical wizardry from dedicated church members and staff.

In his poem, “For the Interim Time,” John O’Donahue writes, “You are in this time of the interim/Where everything seems withheld,” and “The old is not old enough to have died away; the new is still too young to be born.” These words capture right where we are: we are in a season of waiting, of anticipating the arrival of Christmas, of the Solstice, of Hannukah, of the turning of the planet, and the returning of the light. We are in a season of waiting, anticipating the vaccine for Covid-19 and the end of the pandemic, but “when?” and “how?” remain just out of reach. We are in the in-between place, the liminal space, a time of miracle and magic, fear and anxiety, wonder and grief. In such a space, where do we cast our eyes for hope? In such a space, what is the spiritual work as we wait for the new dawn?   Words of Welcome - Rev. Justin Schroeder (:31) Wisdom Story - Aimee K. Bryant (1:45) Hymn- Lo, How a Rose/The Rose - First Universalist Choir (12:54) Sermon - In the Interim Time - Rev. Justin Schroeder (18:18) Interlude - Why Shouldn't We - David Lauth (34:20) Blessing - Rev. Justin Schroeder (34:56)

The costs of the global pandemic have been high: lives and jobs lost; family gatherings, celebrations, and memorial services postponed, or cancelled; and physical contact limited with friends and loved ones. At the same time, for some of us, the lockdowns and different pace of life have given us a glimpse of what else might be possible. For a time, the smoggy sky over major world cities cleared. Carbon emissions dropped. Many of us became more clear what really mattered and why. How might these new “pandemic insights” shape our holiday season this year? What would it mean to put the earth first this year? To prioritize what really matters? Though the votes have been counted, and a new president elected, every day, we get to vote with our dollars, our actions, and our relationships. Everyday, we can cast a vote for a more just and fair world, or a vote for the status quo. This Sunday, we explore these questions as we launch our annual Holiday Giving Project, in support of Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism.   Words of Welcome- Rev. Schroeder (:21) Story for All Ages- Lauren Wyeth (2:28) Hymn, Glory Glory- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder Holiday Giving Reflections- Rev. Schroeder, Lena K. Gardner, Lamboglia Family, Isabel Quast (7:00) Outro Music, We Shall Be Known - Seth Anderson-Matz  

The election is over. The votes counted and still being counted. What now? What next? What guides, holds, and shapes us in these coming months? How might we live with, wrestle, and be challenged by these words of the great American poet, Langston Hughes, who wrote, “Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death,The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies,We, the people, must redeemThe land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.The mountains and the endless plain—All, all the stretch of these great green states—And make America again!”   Words of Welcome - Rev. Justin Schroeder (:32) Story for All Ages- Aimee K. Bryant (2:59) Sermon- What Now? - Rev. Justin Schroeder (9:11)

Some say that the most unique element of Unitarian Universalism is its individualism - the idea that each one of us is an essential source of religious authority for our own spiritual journey. But individualism and personal authority are not all there is to it. Our faith requires community, and our faith communities call out the good - and the god - in us. This Sunday, we set one among us apart as we ordain Arif Mamdani to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Our faith community will call out the good - and the god - in him - and we will reaffirm our commitment to call out the good and the god in ourselves and each other.   Words of Welcome, Rev. Justin Schroeder (:30) Story for All Ages, Seth Matz (2:29) Hymn: Gather the Spirit, Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (7:38) Homily, Rev. Jen Crow (10:30) Act of Ordination, Bryana French and congregants (21:42) Presentation of Stole (26:20) Laying on of Hands, Revs. Janne and Rob Eller-Isaacs (31:00) Hand of Kinship, Rev. Ashley Horan (35:45) Charge to the Minister, Rev. Karen Hutt (39:33) Charge to the Congregation, Rev. Meg Riley (46:10) Hymn: For All That is Our Life, Fawzia Khan and Franco Holder (49:11) Benediction, Rev. Arif Mamdani (51:14)

The poet Gwendolyn Brooks, in a poem and tribute to Paul Robeson writes “…we are each other’s harvest/ We are each other’s business/ We are each other’s magnitude and bond.” These lines reflect one way we might understand what we’re driving at at church when we talk about being a community of communities. This Sunday, Aimee Bryant, Arif Mamdani, and Lauren Wyeth weave together music, story, and prayer and in the process endeavor to lift up some ways we might enter into all this: these words from Gwendolyn Brooks, the invitation of community, and a heart’s yearning to be known and beloved.   Wisdom Story- Lauren Wyeth (:29) Hymn- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder (5:08) Sermon- Arif Mamdani (6:30)  

In these extraordinary times, we are called to care for ourselves and each other with extraordinary discipline and extraordinary tenderness. This Sunday, we explore how we might lean into vulnerability and expand our resources as we name the mental health challenges of this and every time.   Words of Welcome, Rev. Jen Crow (:27) Wisdom Sharing, Julica Hermann de la Fuente (3:22) Humming Meditation, Aimee K. Bryant (10:27) Sermon, Rev. Jen Crow (17:48)

Although the focus of Universalism has shifted over the years – today’s Universalists are far less focused on Universal salvation and everyone going to Heaven than our forebears were – the essential message of Universalism (there is something of value in every human being; or said another way, there are no fundamentally bad people, only bad and deeply harmful behaviors) remains a challenging, potent, and powerful roadmap for building the Beloved Community here on earth. Universalism is no easy faith. It demands we do away with either/or, right/wrong, good/bad thinking, and hold a more honest and nuanced understanding of what it means to be human, and how love can shape and change us. It calls us into the difficult, uncomfortable work of loving the hell out of ourselves, our communities, and ultimately, the world. Story for All Ages- Aimee K. Bryant (:20) Sermon- Rev. Justin Schroeder (5:46)

In this Sunday Service podcast, we remember the tools, practices, and habits that will sustain us through election season, winter, and a pandemic. Words of Welcome- Rev. Justin Schroeder (:31) Story for All Ages- Aimee K. Bryant (2:52) Sermon- Rev. Justin Schroeder (10:35)

 On Sunday morning, August 23, we celebrated our annual back-to-school ritual (formerly known as Backpack Blessing) in a new way for new times.   Song- Seth Matz (:22) Wisdom Story- Aimee K. Bryant (2:49) Song- Count on Me by Bruno Mars, First Universalist Choir (11:25) Sermon-Rev. Jen Crow (14:43) Back-to-School Blessing- Ministers and Staff (30:36) Song- Go On Your Way in Peace, First U Summer Campers (32:57)