Register for services and watch previous services
Register for services
To watch the livestream, subscribe to our YouTube Channel HERE. Click the bell to receive notifications of future services.
Giving Links:
Offering or Pledge Payment
Website
Realm
Vanco App
Make a Pledge
Mail a check to:
First UU
1727 Walden Lane SW
Rochester, MN 55902
October 24, 2021 – Disabilities: Inclusion, Accessibility, and Identity
Join guest speaker, Pey Carter, as they talk about their journey from able-bodied to disabled as well as disability theology and how congregations can be more inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Preaching:
Pey Carter
Pey Carter is a 4th year seminary student at Iliff School of Theology. Their focus in ministry is storytelling and narrative justice primarily in relation to disabilities. Pey is a mother of 2, an artist, veteran, and a person with multiple disabilities. They have an Etsy store, Love Action Art, and have recently started a podcast with the same name.
Service Participants:
Gus Braga
Melissa Eggler
Musicians:
Joe Mish
Connie Schuelka, musician emerita
Matt Schuelka
October 17, 2021 – Hollowed Holding
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Service Participants:
Melissa Eggler
Ann Hutton
Amy Nelson
Musicians:
Dylan and Hannah Rudzik
Austin Ferguson
Order of Service
Join our livestream HERE.
To view the livestream after 9 am, go HERE.
October 10, 2021 – It Can’t Wait
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Service Participants:
Melissa Eggler
Amy Nelson
Greg Wimmer
Musicians:
Morgan Robertson
Austin Ferguson
Joe Mish
Order of Service
Join our livestream HERE.
To view the livestream after 9 am, go HERE.
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
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
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
Join our livestream or View anytime after the service HERE.
August 1, 2021 – In-Between
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Featured Musician:
Morgan Robertson
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
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
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
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
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
June 27, 2021 – Until Love Wins
A UUA General Assembly Virtual Service
View the service HERE.
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
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
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
May 23, 2021 – Best Of
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Various Guests
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
May 9, 2021 – Echoing Everywhere
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Worship Associate:
Anne Black-Sinak
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
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
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.
April 18, 2021 – How Many Names
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Worship Associate:
Ann Hutton
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
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
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
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
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
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
March 14, 2021 – Promises in Fog
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Worship Associate:
Greg Wimmer
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
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
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
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
February 14, 2021 – Side With Love Sunday – A UUA Service
February 7, 2021 – Watch Out!
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Worship Associate:
Ann Hutton
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
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
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
January 17, 2021 – (Dis)Agreeable
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Worship Associate:
Mark Brutinel
Musicians:
Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
January 10, 2021 – Imagine That
Preaching:
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
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
December 27, 2020 – Ritual of Change and Growth
An annual ritual of celebrating the threshold of the new year with gratitude, openness, and possibility.
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Reflections:
Austin Ferguson
Linda Ortiz
Readers:
Trish Braga
Ann Hutton
Gus Braga
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
December 24, 2020 – Christmas Eve Service – Distant Light
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Musicians:
Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
December 21, 2020 – Winter Solstice Service 2020
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Guests:
Angela Davey
Anne Black-Sinak
Kate Thompson Jewell
Amy Nelson
Ramona Barr
Autumn Harff
Kim Edson
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
December 20, 2020 – Still, in Winter, There is Green
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Worship Associate:
Trish Braga
Guest Musicians: WyBlue
Andrew Hanson – vocals & guitar
Rose Mish – vocals & violin
Lekenneth Miller – drum set & cello
Will Deblaey- bass guitar
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
December 13, 2020 – Don’t Let the Light Go Out
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Reflections:
Jodi Edmonson
Paula Horner
Jerry Katzmann
Joe Lobl
Guest Musician:
Emilie Mish
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
December 6, 2020 – Blizzard Mind
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Worship Associate:
Paul Trewartha-Weiner
Musicians:
Connie Schuelka, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
November 29, 2020 – This I Believe
A regular tradition of spiritual reflections from members of our church.
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Reflections from:
Aaron McGrath
Patty Trnka
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
November 22, 2020 – Pull Up Another Chair
Preaching: Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Worship Associate: Greg Wimmer
Additional Reader: Jessica Hoffman
Musicians:
Walden Hill Vocal Ensemble
Austin Ferguson, keyboards
Joe Mish, strings
November 15, 2020 -Speak. Hum. Hurt. Love.
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Worship Associate:
Mark Brutinel
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, piano
Joe Mish, cello
Service information: Click HERE
Reading:
My President by Danez Smith
November 1, 2020 -May Their Dreams Be Ours To Do
All Souls Sunday
A service that focused on ancestors – both their lasting presence in our lives and in the world, but also that we are the continuation of their hopes, dreams, and work – that we are the living embodiment of them, and that we honor their legacy with our living, our voting, and our action.
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Guest Musician:
Morgan Robertson
Worship Associate:
Ann Hutton
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, piano
Joe Mish, cello
Service information: Click HERE
Readings:
Visitations by Deborah Gordon Cooper
And Do I Die by Kathleen Horb
October 25, 2020 -Universal(ism) Sin
Preaching:
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer
Worship Associates:
Stephanie Evans Hanson
Alex Higano
Guest Musician:
Vona Murrell
Vona Murrell is a Minnesota native and long-time Rochester resident with a love of all things music since her early childhood. She has been playing the piano, singing, and teaching in the area for more than 25 years and is grateful for the incredible privilege to help students develop on their musical journey.
Musicians:
Austin Ferguson, piano
Joe Mish, cello
Service information: Click HERE
Readings:
Why There Will Always Be Thistle by Maxine Kumin
A New World by Arundhati Roy
