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October 3, 2021 – Holy on Both Sides

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Service Participants:

Melissa Eggler
Kristian Kennedy
Amy Nelson
Shelly Rohe
Ann Sigford

Musicians:

Ellis Delaney
Ellis Delaney is an open-hearted folk musician from Minneapolis, as well as a Unitarian Universalist. She has played multiple times on a “Prairie Home Companion” and is regularly featured in folk festivals, as an accomplished singer-songwriter.

Austin Ferguson
Joe Mish

Order of Service
Join our livestream HERE.
To view the livestream after 9 am, go HERE.

September 26, 2021 – Soulful Justice
Live and in-person at the Olmsted History Center Schoolhouse Yard.

Finding ourselves where social justice and spiritual practice meet.

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Service Participants:
Amy Nelson
Sandy & John MacLaughlin
Darin Podulke Smith

Musicians:
Jane Foote and Mary Manges
Austin Ferguson
Joe Mish

Order of Service

September 19, 2021 – Turning. Churning. Magic.
Live and in-person at the Olmsted History Center Schoolhouse Yard.

Water Communion & Backpack Blessing
Join us in this annual ritual with music from the choir and a special song from our chalice camp children and youth. Bring some water from home or from far away to pour into a shared bowl, and a backpack (or work bag) for a communal blessing of fall beginnings.

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Service Participants:
Beth Atkinson
Anne Black-Sinak
Gus Braga
Chalice Campers
Melissa Eggler
Chantelle Feddersen
Ann Hutton
Amy Nelson
Derik Robertson

Musicians:
Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Austin Ferguson
Joe Mish

Order of Service

September 12, 2021 – Dusting (n.) (v.)

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Service Participants:
Trish Braga
Melissa Eggler
Amy Nelson

Musicians:
Lori Elward
Austin Ferguson
Joe Mish

Order of Service
Join our livestream HERE.
To view the livestream after 9 am, go HERE.

September 5, 2021 – No Rest for the Weary

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Service Participants:
Erika Beetcher
Melissa Eggler
Amy Nelson

Musicians:
Allen Bishop, oboe
Austin Ferguson
Joe Mish

Order of Service
Join our livestream HERE.
To view the livestream after 9 am, go HERE.

August 29, 2021 – Endless Song
A service celebrating music, with reflections from our Co-Directors of Music, Joe Mish and Austin Ferguson.

Minister:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Featured Musician:
Connie Schuelka, keyboards

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service
Join our livestream HERE.
To view the livestream after 9 am, go HERE.

August 22, 2021 – Lifelines > Pipelines

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Paul Trewartha-Weiner

Featured Musician:
Anne Black-Sinak, cantor

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service
Join our livestream HERE.
To view the livestream after 9 am, go HERE.

August 15, 2021 – More Than We Know

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Greg Wimmer

Featured Musician:
Connie Schuelka

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service
Join our livestream HERE.
To view the livestream after 9 am, go HERE.

August 8, 2021 – Work Hard. Play Hard. Hard Stop.

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Gus Braga

Featured Musician:
Peter Edl

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

August 1, 2021 – In-Between

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Featured Musician:
Morgan Robertson

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards

Order of Service

July 25, 2021 – Balancing What We Don’t Know: A special service marking an end to our practice of 17 months of pre-recorded services. 

Join us for reflections on what we have learned, where we are going, including special appearances from our children’s Chalice Camp.


Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Musicians:
Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

July 18, 2021 – Art and Play: An invitation to do something purposeless, consuming, and fun

Preaching:
Rev. Kelli Clement, Assistant Minister, First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

July 11, 2021 – Money and Reciprocity: Reflections on abundance and common wealth

Preaching:
Rev. Dr. Rita Capezzi, Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Mankato, MN

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

July 4, 2021 – Personal and Political: Living UU Racial Justice

Preaching:
Nico VanOstrand, Racial Justice Coordinator of the MN UU Social Justice Alliance

Musicians:
Joe Mish, strings
Rose Mish, violin and vocals

Order of Service

June 27, 2021 – Until Love Wins
A UUA General Assembly Virtual Service

View the service HERE.

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. Join us as we draw the circle wide, gather our strength, and promise to stay in the struggle and joy until love wins.
List of 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.
Recognizing the importance of shared ministry and the many innovative approaches to worship created by congregations during the pandemic, UUA President, Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick Gray, selected the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis to serve as worship leaders for this year’s GA Sunday Morning Service.
First Universalist has been a model of shared ministry and what it means to put the work of dismantling white supremacy and building anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices at the center of their ministry. They have been on the front lines in support of the Movement for Black Lives in Minneapolis, bringing spiritual care and moral leadership in the wake of George Floyd’s murder by police and the important uprisings for justice that followed. Children and families are a vital part of their ministry, and they have been using creative approaches to engage all ages in worship during the pandemic. Their leadership exemplifies some of the best practices for the creativity, spiritual depth, and moral leadership that is possible when we embrace the work of shared ministry rooted in love and justice.

June 20, 2021 – Of Legends, Lives, and Light: A reflection of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s thoughts

Preaching:
Derik Robertson, Youth Program Coordinator of First UU

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

June 13, 2021 – Neighboring Faiths: Reflections from a longtime partner in community ministry

Preaching:
Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay, Pastor of Christ United Methodist Church of Rochester

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

June 6, 2021 – Amidst Eternity – Live Flower Communion Service

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Ann Hutton

Musicians:
Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

May 23, 2021 – Best Of

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Various Guests

Order of Service

May 16, 2021 – Still it Speaks: Building Our Future

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Greg Wimmer

Guest Musician:
Brenham Adams
Brenham Adams is a baritone based in Austin, TX. In addition to performing, he is an aspiring music teacher with plans to teach middle school choir in the upcoming school year. Brenham received his Bachelor of Music from The University of Texas at Austin in 2015.

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

May 9, 2021 – Echoing Everywhere

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Anne Black-Sinak

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

May 2, 2021 – A Tangled Web – May Day Sunday

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Paul Trewartha-Weiner

Musicians:
Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

April 25, 2021 – Awakening to Spring: Earth Day Sunday

Service Participants:
Special guest speakers and musicians from UU Ministry for the Earth, along with
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler,
and Music from Austin Ferguson and Joe Mish.

Order of Service

April 18, 2021 – How Many Names

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Ann Hutton

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

April 11, 2021 – One At a Time

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Beth Atkinson

Guest Musician:
Peter Mayer

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

April 4, 2021 – Easter Service – Loved Back to Life

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associates:
Trish Braga
Gus Braga

Guest Musicians:
Prairie Revival String Band
Jane Foote, guitar/vocals
Rose Marie Shepel Mish, violin/mandolin
Carl Stephenson, banjo/mandolin
Alex Higano, percussion
Joe Mish, cello
Austin Ferguson, piano

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

April 1, 2021 – The Welcome Table

A service of poetry, music, and reflections, echoing the Jewish Passover and Christian Holy Week, including a traditional Universalist Communion.

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Reflections From:
Paula Horner
Jodi Edmonson
Joe Lobl

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

March 28, 2021 – Worth It

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Dave Siljenberg

Musicians:
Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

March 21, 2021 – The Fire of Commitment: Reflections from First UU Youth

We welcome Claire Nelson and Ani Bulbulian to the pulpit, sharing their reflections on the monthly theme of Commitment – during and beyond pandemic time.

Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Guest Musicians:
The OK Factor
New-classical crossover duo, The OK Factor is cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Colahan. Based in Minneapolis, Olivia and Karla are passionate about composing, performing, and teaching, creating unique and unexpected musical experiences for their audiences all across the Midwest.

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

March 14, 2021 – Promises in Fog

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Greg Wimmer

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

March 7, 2021 – The Air (Is/Is Not) Ours

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Guest Musicians:
Jane Foote and Carl Stephenson
Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

February 28, 2021 – Mid-Topia

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Gus Braga

Guest Musician:
Ellis Delaney
Ellis Delaney is an open-hearted folk musician from Minneapolis, as well as a Unitarian Universalist. She has played multiple times on a Prairie Home Companion, and is regularly featured in folk festivals as an accomplished singer-songwriter.

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

February 21, 2021 – On Call

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Anne Black-Sinak

Guest Musician:
Debbie Winters
Debbie Winters studied piano under Evelyn Miller in Knoxville, Tennessee, and clarinet under Gary Sperl at the University of Tennessee. Even though she began taking piano lessons at a young age, Ms. Winters’ interest in music truly began at the age of 10 when her father randomly brought home a clarinet from a garage sale and gave it to her. She enjoys teaching piano and clarinet lessons in Rochester.

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

February 14, 2021 – Side With Love Sunday – A UUA Service

Order of Service

February 7, 2021 – Watch Out!

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Ann Hutton

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

January 31, 2021 – Images and Idols

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Trish Braga

Guest Musician:
Matt Gender
Dr. Matt Gender is currently the Director of Music and organist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City, Iowa. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida where he studied organ, harpsichord, and carillon. He completed graduate degrees in organ performance at the University of Kansas. In addition to his work with the organ, he is also involved with electroacoustic composition and specializes in granular and particle synthesis.

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

January 24, 2021 – Always (For Now)

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Worship Associate:
Anne Black-Sinak

Guest Musician:
Yaneui Riba-Marmolejo, bass

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

January 17, 2021 – (Dis)Agreeable

Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer

Musicians:
Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

January 10, 2021 – Imagine That

Preaching:
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service

January 3, 2021 – So Here’s What I Want You to Do

Preaching:
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie

Guest Musician:
Rose Mish

Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings

Order of Service