First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

Welcome

Our church, its ministers and members have nourished the flame of liberal religion in Minneapolis for almost 150 years, and we are numbered among the foremost Unitarian-Universalist congregations in the United States. We invite others of free faith and open mind to join us on our journey. The task of understanding our lives, our relationships with each other, and our connections to the larger world is difficult and life-long--but it is easier when we undertake it together.

From the church's beginning, we have been a presence for justice within our community. First Universalist founded the first major immigrant settlement house in Minneapolis at the end of the 19th century. We were advocates for civil rights a half century later. Today we work on a wide variety of social justice projects such as housing.

First Universalist is a welcoming congregation that draws strength from people of all racial, ethnic and national backgrounds, of all sexual orientations, and of a wide range of abilities. We are home to a vibrant religious education program that serves as a model for our entire denomination; over 400 children and youth are formally enrolled in classes. Adults may participate in numerous classes, support groups, and other interest groups. First Universalist is a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association and of the Prairie Star District.

January Congregational Meeting & Updated Governing Documents

Special Meeting of the Members
Sunday, January 11, 2009
12:15 - 12:35 PM - Sanctuary

The 2007-2008 Annual Report is available for download! Download Now!
Church Vision Approved download it now.
Global Ends Policies download it now.

Extremely important changes in our governance system and bylaws are being proposed for adoption in the coming months. All members need to understand what is being proposed and why. Staff and lay leadership roles would change to be more congruent with a congregation of our size. The following three (PDF) documents are must-reads.

A summary of the proposed changes with Frequently Asked Questions.
The exact text of the proposed revisions to Bylaws of the congregation. The Bylaws are the legal document that has governed the congregation for almost 150 years.
The Board's role in the proposed system is to have responsibility for the Governing Policies of the church. Staff, with lay support, will be accountable for carrying out these policies.

These documents are the result of extensive work by our Board of Trustees and Interim Minister, Rev. Charlotte Cowtan. Several forums will be held where members are welcome to comment and ask questions. The proposed changes are still subject to revision, but will eventually be put to a vote of the members.

Ministerial Search

You can also read Our Congregational Record, which is what we use to draw potential candidates to apply for the Settled Minister position at our church.
Also read about Ministerial Search happenings on their webpage.

The Settled Minister Search Committee has been chosen, read about the members.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Ministerial Search Survey. The results are now in, see the presentation!

New Photo Directory!

We are beginning the process to get a new photo directory made in time for the new Senior Minister's arrival.
Go to the Photo Directory page to sign up!

Give thanks with a donation to UUSC

Make a donation to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) between now and December 31 as part of the Guest At Your Table campaign, and you donation will be matched by a group of First Universalist congregants. UUSC is working to improve safety for women and girls in Darfur, to establish the right to water in South Africa, and to preserve women's property rights in Myanmar in the wake of cyclone Nargis. Stop by the UUSC table in the Social Hall after the service to find out more about UUSC and make your donation to support our UU human rights organization!

Donations to First Universalist may now be made online. This includes regular pledges, religious education fees, or special gifts. You only need a credit card number or bank account information. Please click here to access the secure server. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

E-mail us!

This site is maintained by Kevin Watson
Communications Coordinator of First Universalist Church