December 31, 2023 – Ritual of Change and Growth
An annual service with music, readings, and a fire ritual to mark the threshold between the old and the new year. Each year, we bring to this service things to let go of and intentions to set.
Join our livestream HERE.
December 24, 2023 – A Hushed Song
Traditional services with readings, reflections and carols, including music from the choir, ending in candlelight and singing Silent Night.
Join our livestream HERE.
December 20, 2023 – Winter Solstice Celebration
An annual marking of the longest night of the year, with music, poetry, and stories.
Join our livestream HERE.
December 17, 2023 – Why Not Yule?
A festive telling of winter holiday stories, led by several children and youth, including music from the Chalice Choir.
Join our livestream HERE.
December 10, 2023 – Tending the Lamps
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Stephanie Evans Hanson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Rose Mish, Joe Mish, the Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble, and special guests: Dave Townsend, and musician emerita Connie Schuelka
Join our livestream HERE.
December 3, 2023 – Near. Far. Here. There.
Exploring God, Mystery, and other slightly uncomfortable things for religious liberals
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Paul Trewartha-Weiner, and music from Rose Mish, Joe Mish, and special guests Bass Trio (Chris Kempcke, Andrea Beckendorf, and Joe Mish)
Join our livestream HERE.
November 26, 2023 – Spirit Giving- Audio Only
Everyday living as a practice of generosity
Service Participants:
Heather Vinge-Hanson, Ann Hutton, Greg Wimmer, Melissa Eggler, and music by guest Teresa Tolmie
Join our livestream HERE.
November 19, 2023 – Taste By Heart
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Gus Braga, Amy Nelson, and music from Rose Mish, Joe Mish, the Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble, and guest Sam Buchl
Join our livestream HERE.
November 12, 2023 – Generating Truths
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Heather Vinge-Hanson, Amy Nelson, and music from Rose Mish and the Chalice Choir
Join our livestream HERE.
November 5, 2023 – All the Things
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Trish Braga, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Rose Mish and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
October 29, 2023 – It Is What You Think It Isn’t
All Souls Sunday
A service honoring ancestors and beloveds who have died
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Darin Podulke Smith, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Rose Mish, Joe Mish, Chalice Choir, and the Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Join our livestream HERE.
October 22, 2023 – Growing Up UU
Service Participants:
Laurel Podulke Smith, Mary Amundsen, Anne Black-Sinak, Claire Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Rose Mish and guest Mark Hanson
Join our livestream HERE.
October 15, 2023 – Is This a Trail?
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Stephanie Evans Hanson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Rose Mish, Joe Mish, and guests Prairie Band (Alex Higano and Sam Buchl)
Join our livestream HERE.
October 8, 2023 – Keep the Chalice Burning
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Rev. Vail Weller, and music from Rose Mish, Joe Mish, and special guest Ellis
Guest participants:
Ellis, a folk musician from Minneapolis (and a UU) – find more at her website: https://www.ellisdelaney.com/
Rev. Vail Weller, Congregational Giving Director of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Join our livestream HERE.
October 1, 2023 – Keep the Chalice Burning
Service Participants:
Rev. Meg Riley, Gus Braga, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Matt Schuelka
The Rev. Meg Riley retired in 2020 after 38 years serving in many capacities as a UU religious professional. A lifelong UU, she currently serves as co-moderator of the UUA. She lives in Minneapolis with her two-legged and four-legged family members.
Join our livestream HERE.
September 24, 2023 – A Bit More Than “Ope”
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Darin Podulke-Smith, Amy Nelson, and music from Rose Mish and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
September 17, 2023 – Commotion
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Heather Vinge Hanson, Amy Nelson, and music from Rose Mish, and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
September 10, 2023 – Rocks and Rivers
Welcome back Sunday and Water Communion
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Ann Hutton, Amy Nelson, and music from the Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble, Rose Mish, and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
September 3, 2023 – The Transient and Permanent in Unitarian Universalism
Service Participants:
Meleah Houseknecht, Beth Atkinson, Derik Robertson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Rose Mish and Joe Mish
Our guest speaker will be Meleah Houseknecht. In 2021 she began the journey of following her call to Unitarian Universalist ministry and she is about to start her third year at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Before seminary she spent two decades engaging stakeholders in environmental policy development and implementation, and she holds a master’s degree in environmental management from the Yale School of the Environment. When not studying or parenting to her human and two furry children, Meleah serves Unitarian Universalism as the co-chair of the Faithful Action Council at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis and a trustee for Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice.
Join our livestream HERE.
August 27, 2023 – Animating Hope: Reflections of Pilgrimage
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Amy Nelson, Derik Robertson, Various Pilgrims, and music from Rose Mish and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
August 20, 2023 – A Formulaic Life
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Stephanie Evans Hanson, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from the Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble, Rose Mish, and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
August 13, 2023 – Correct Pronouns: An Act of Love
Service Participants:
Rev. Jack Gaede, Gus Braga, Melissa Eggler, and music from Rose Mish and Joe Mish
Guest Speaker:
Rev. Jack Gaede is in his sixth year serving as the Assistant Minister at the White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church. He lives in St. Paul with his partner, and he loves puzzles, theater, and good conversation. They don’t have any dogs yet, but maybe they will soon.
Join our livestream HERE.
August 6, 2023 – Don’t Open Until Now
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Beth Atkinson, Amy Nelson, and music from Sam Buchl and Rose Mish
Guest Musician:
Sam Buchl is a pianist and researcher in Rochester, Minnesota. He studied piano with Goldie McCoy in his hometown, Kasson, and has accompanied high school choir concerts, church events, and weddings. Sam studied psychology & cognitive science at Swarthmore College and currently studies regenerative neurobiology at Mayo Clinic. He is excited to make music with and for Rochester’s Unitarian Universalist community.
Join our livestream HERE.
July 30, 2023 – Wonderstruck
Recognizing Delight in Our Lives
Service Participants:
Stephanie Evans Hanson, Ann Hutton, Greg Wimmer, Paul Trewartha-Weiner, Heather Vinge Hanson and music from Rose Mish and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
July 23, 2023 – Beloved is Where We Begin
Service Participants:
Rev. Sara Smalley, Anne Black-Sinak, Amy Nelson, and music from Laurie Helmers
Rev. Sara Smalley is passionate about the promise of Unitarian Universalism as a faith that honors sorrow and amplifies joy; that creates authentic communities of transformation and belonging; and that inspires and challenges us each to do our part to heal this broken and beautiful world. She serves the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northfield, Minnesota, as its minister and lives in Minneapolis.
Join our livestream HERE.
July 16, 2023 – Troubling the Water
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Heather Vinge-Hanson, Amy Nelson, and music from the Chalice Camp Choir, Rose Mish, and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
July 9, 2023 – Caught Among Roots and Stars
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Stephanie Evans Hanson, Amy Nelson, and music from Joe Mish and Rose Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
July 2, 2023 – This Land is Your Land
Service Participants:
Rev. Sara Goodman, Gus Braga, Melissa Eggler, and music from Jan Matson
Join our livestream HERE.
June 25, 2023 – A Disturbing Tent: Unitarian Universalist Identity, Belief, and Pluralism
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Ann Hutton, Melissa Eggler, and music from Joe Mish, and Rose Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
June 18, 2023 – Juneteenth and Environmental Justice
Service Participants:
Rev. Terri Burnor, Heather Vinge-Hanson, Amy Nelson, and music from Joe Mish, Rose Mish, and the Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Join our livestream HERE.
June 11, 2023 – (De)Light Within
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Darin Podulke-Smith, Amy Nelson, and music from Joe Mish and Rose Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
June 4, 2023 – Brevity and Blossom
Flower Communion Sunday – Our annual threshold service to summer
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Ann Hutton, Amy Nelson, and music from the Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble, Chalice Choir, Joe Mish, Rose Mish, and musician emerita Connie Schuelka
Join our livestream HERE.
May 28, 2023 – The Audacity to Imagine Sisyphus Happy
As we mark the 3rd anniversary of the murder of George Floyd how can we both declare that black lives are sacred while locating our commitment to racial justice in the struggle itself. As we continue to push “the rock” of injustice up the hill we can find hope in the sheer strength of human will and in solidarity with our neighbors.
Service Participants:
Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson, Beth Atkinson, Amy Nelson, and music from Austin Ferguson
Guest Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson:
Andrea Johnson is a Unitarian Universalist community minister based in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated in April from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities with her Doctor of Divinity. Her dissertation is titled: Human Liberation, Sacred Nature, and the Inescapable Network of Mutuality: Theologically Grounding Unitarian Universalism’s quest to dismantle White Supremacy.
Join our livestream HERE.
May 21, 2023 – Dawn. Dusk. Twilight
Celebrating the call to create broader boundaries of love
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Trish Braga, Jade Joyce, Amy Nelson, and music from Austin Ferguson, Joe Mish, Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble, and guest Mike Jensen
Guest Musician Mike Jensen:
Mike Jensen (he/him or they/them) is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist based in Minneapolis. Originally from Nebraska, Mike has performed with several groups in the Lincoln area, singing as a Tenor in First Plymouth’s Cantorei and Schola Cantorum ensembles. Alongside the Schola, Mike performed on the 2022 ACDA conference’s main stage at Chicago’s Harris Theater. Additionally, they have toured the Midwest several times as an ensemble vocalist for sounding light, a Detroit-based professional chamber choir.
Join our livestream HERE.
May 14, 2023 – Creating Intersections
Finding ways to create justice and beauty where our shared life intersects with the world around us.
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Ann Hutton, and music from Joe Mish and guest Emily Whitcomb
Guest Musician: Emily Whitcomb
The daughter of a luthier and a seasoned music lesson check writer, Emily got her start performing her original songs at folk music festivals across the Midwest. Emily’s songs showcase a wide variety of subject matters and highlight human emotions in a poetic and profound manner. Her songs are primarily based on her own experiences, which she hopes will provide comfort and connection to the listener.
Join our livestream HERE.
May 7, 2023 – Interweaving Colorful Lives
Maypole Sunday and Youth Service
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Derik Robertson, and the Youth: Rose Tacinelli, Kyla Robertson, Trygve Nelson, Jasper Vinge Hanson, Kay Fetterman, Sylvia Thompson-Jewell, Daria Robertson, and Claire Nelson, music from Austin Ferguson and Loud Mouth Brass
Guest musicians Loud Mouth Brass
Becca Combs-Cawley (sousaphone), Zach Sander (tenor sax), Eric Stasheck (bari sax), Jon Knutson (trumpet), Nick Novotny (drum set), and John Sievers (trombone)
Join our livestream HERE.
April 30, 2023 – This I Believe
A tradition of church members reflecting on their own spiritual beliefs and journey
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Abby Lohr, Darin Podulke-Smith, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Katrina Chan, pianist.
Katrina currently serves as a student assistant to Jeff Daehn, interim music director at Calvary Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN. Originally from New Orleans, she started taking piano lessons when she was 5 years old. She began organ lessons with Jeff in November 2022, and has played piano, organ, and harpsichord for services at Calvary, as well as singing in its Motet Choir. Katrina works full-time as a clinical research medical writer for the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Join our livestream HERE.
April 23, 2023 – The Grass is Greener…
Reflections on the intertwining of humanity and the natural world
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Gus Braga, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, music from Austin Ferguson, Joe Mish, Rose Mish, and the Chalice Choir
Join our livestream HERE.
April 16, 2023 – Resisting Routine
Reflections on practices of fasting, feasting, and simplicity
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Stephanie Evans Hanson, Melissa Eggler, music from Austin Ferguson and guest musicians Jealous Brother
Jealous Brother is a local rock and folk group that consists of James Rechs, Jessica Daly and Jon Sailer. James and Jon have played in bands since the 1990s but began writing music together and performing in 2007. They joined up with Jessica in 2016. Jessica is a classically trained violinist and has taught violin to both children and adults for over a decade. They will perform at Taco Jed April 22nd, and Little Thistle for the Art(is)t Therapy Artisan Market on June 4, 2023.
Join our livestream HERE.
April 9, 2023 – Resurrecting Miracles
Reflections on Elijah, Jesus, and Easter in our free faith traditions
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Heather Vinge Hanson, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Austin Ferguson, Joe Mish, and the Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Join our livestream HERE.
April 2, 2023 – Because Every Body is Sacred
What does our UU tradition offer us as an antidote to toxic theologies of coercion and control that are fueling the current culture wars? Join us for a conversation about intersectionality, radical spiritual imagination, and the liberation of all our sacred bodies.
Service Participants:
Rev. Ashley Horan, Organizing Strategy Director of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Anne Black-Sinak, Melissa Eggler, and music from Austin Ferguson and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
March 26, 2023 – Pace Your Heart
Reflections of the vulnerability of being open-hearted in a harsh world
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Darin Podulke-Smith, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Connie Schuelka
Guest Musicians: Rochester Symphony Orchestra Bass Ensemble
Christopher Kempke, Andrea Beckendorf, Blake Bonde, Joseph Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
March 19, 2023 – Comp-Art-Ments
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Paul Trewartha-Weiner, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler and music from Sarah Stender and Donivan Hill
Sarah has prepared concerts and recitals as a soloist and also a collaborative keyboardist with hundreds of musicians, from singers to trombonists and everyone in between, over the past 15 years. She has also spent a lot of time on the stage performing in and being a part of dozens of operas and musicals. In addition to all the time on the stage, Sarah has grown up singing and working in sacred music congregations in myriad ways in every town and city she has lived in over the years.
Join our livestream HERE.
March 12, 2023 – The Crack in Everything
What if our beauty and our power lies in the particular configuration of our “cracks”? Let’s explore beautiful brokenness together.
Service Participants:
Guest Rev. J Sylvan, Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler and music from Austin Ferguson and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
March 5, 2023 – More Than a Trickle
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Stephanie Evans Hanson, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Austin Ferguson, Joe Mish, and the Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Guest Musician: Peter Mayer
Join our livestream HERE.
February 26, 2023 – Love the Hell Out of the World
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Trish Braga, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Austin Ferguson and D’Sievers
Join our livestream HERE.
February 19, 2023 – Do No Harm
Reflections on health and wellness from members working in medicine
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Ann Hutton, Stephanie Evans Hanson, Aleta Borrud, Jennifer Dens Higano, Melissa Eggler, and music from Connie Schuelka and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
February 12, 2023 – For the Love of…
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Heather Vinge-Hanson, Amy Nelson, and music from Prairie Band
Join our livestream HERE.
February 5, 2023 – Signs of Love
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Paul Trewartha-Weiner, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Austin Ferguson and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
January 29, 2023 – Sound and Spirit
A celebration of music, the instruments that hold our shared space and invite our voices to expressions of gratitude, beauty, wisdom, and love
Service Participants:
Austin Ferguson and Joe Mish, Co-Directors of Music, Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble, Rod Milbrandt, Charyssa Cobb, Anne Black-Sinak, Kathy Miner, and Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Join our livestream HERE.
January 22, 2023 – Forward Together
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Heather Vinge-Hanson, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Austin Ferguson and Joe Mish
Join our livestream HERE.
January 15, 2023 – Dream Center
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Gus Braga, Amy Nelson, Melissa Eggler, and music from Austin Ferguson, Joe Mish, and the Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Join our livestream HERE.
January 8, 2023 – Intuition and Dream
Reflections on sacred journeys from those who travelled a UU Pilgrimage to Gloucester, Concord, and Boston this past summer.
Service Participants:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Trish Braga, Pete Dvorak, Melissa Eggler, Ann Hutton, Jim & Judy Jenson, Amy Nelson, Kim & Joel Reid, Derik Robertson, Roxanne Schlasner, Lisa Talcott, and music from Connie Schuelka
Join our livestream HERE.
January 1, 2023 – Ritual of Change and Growth
An annual ritual of celebrating the threshold of the new year with gratitude, openness, and possibility. We will gather around a special chalice flame to offer our words of letting go and moving forward.
Service Participants:
Ann Hutton, Gus Braga, and music from Matt Schuelka
Join our livestream HERE.