First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

This year at First Universalist Church, we are excited to have our Give to the Max Day donations going to fund the OWL operating budget.  The money raised for the OWL program will go to fund both resources for educators and students along with literature that is accessible to all in our First U Library.  Your contribution will go towards overnights, retreats, food, supplies and everything it takes to make OWL work for our youth and adults.

Our Whole Lives (“OWL”) is a lifespan sexuality program and curriculum that was created in partnership between the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. Congregations in both denominations may offer OWL programming for kindergartners through adults of all ages.  OWL is intimacy and consent education, not just sex education. OWL also addresses body changes that occur at all ages

At First Universalist, OWL classes are an important part of our programming for children and youth as well as adults.  OWL programming at First U is and always will be free. It aligns with our mission and values as a congregation to offer trustworthy, inclusive, affirming sex education programming to all in our community who seek it.

OWL participants have said that they have learned so much that they didn't know about healthy boundaries and relationships-which is so crucial and important.  Not only for our youth, but for those of us that never had that type of education in our formative years.  In fact, adults who have completed the OWL program have learned healthier ways to be in relationship with others and their own bodies.

Whether you’re a member or friend of First U or just looking for information to help answer your children’s questions about human sexuality, the resources in each age group are trustworthy, affirming, and inclusive. 

Our board of trustees has issued a challenge: They will match, dollar for dollar, the first $3,000 raised through Give to the Max. If we hit that first $3,000 – and I know that, with your help, we will – with the match we will be well on our way to raising our full $10,000 goal.  

You can give now, or any time up until 11:59 pm on Thursday, November 20th. As a bonus, every Give to the Max gift enters First Universalist Church into one of multiple drawings for an additional $500. You may be the donor who lands a cash prize “golden ticket”!

Won’t you join me in giving today?  Give now!

In Gratitude,

Sigrid K. Nielsen, Stewardship Committee Member

p.s. We know that there are some people who would like to make a special gift to support our work, but would prefer to do so by check or transfer of stock. If you are one of those people, Brad Schmidt, First Universalist’s Finance Manager, would be happy to talk with you. He can be reached at brad@firstuniv.org