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Sunday Worship,
September 7th, 2025
at 10:30 am
Like Water
Rev. Mike Morran
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Join us on September 7th at 10:30 am. On this In-Gathering Sunday, we will celebrate our annual Water Communion while we explore water as a powerful metaphor for community and spiritual growth.
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Giving in Action this Sunday – Denver Kids
(Thanks to Peter Swanson for the post)
Our Giving in Action recipient this Sunday is Denver Kids.
For nearly 80 years, Denver Kids has walked alongside Denver Public Schools students, empowering them to shape their lives with purpose, graduate from high school, and pursue bright futures through college, career, or service. Denver Kids provides a whole-student approach, combining consistent, trusted relationships with practical tools for long-term success. Each year, we serve between 900-1,000 students, 97% of whom qualify for free or reduced lunch. In recent years, we’ve enrolled a large number of immigrant students who have come to Denver from places ranging from Afghanistan to Venezuela. More recently we have responded to the growing demand for mental health support. Colorado has seen suicide become a leading cause of death for youth, and our schools are struggling to meet the increasing mental health needs of their students. Our relational model centered on trust, consistency, and emotional support directly addresses these growing mental health concerns. We offer students a safe place to be seen, heard, and supported. Your support can be the difference between a student feeling isolated and hopeless, and a student who feels believed in, connected, and empowered. Thank you for joining Denver Kids in the pursuit of empowerment through education, connection, and purpose.
Learn more and follow Denver Kids!
– Website: denverkids.org
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denverkidsinc
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/denverkidsinc/
– Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DenverKidsInc/
-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DenverKidsInc
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Whole Souul Studio – Sunday, September 7th at noon
Whole SoUUl Studio will be a monthly, faithful, educational, communal gathering with a focus on religion and community. We will gather in the sanctuary at 12:00 on the first (or occasionally second) Sunday of each month, after Sunday service, to learn, explore, share, and grow together for about 45 minutes. Facilitated by Rev. Mike and occasionally others, Whole SoUUl Studio is intended to be connective and nourishing for all our members and friends!
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
Mark your calendars and RSVP for these upcoming activities at First Unitarian:
- September 6th (4:00-700PM): ReUUnion- sing along, tacos, ice cream, face painting and fun! Please RSVP here.
- September 7th: Intergenerational Service Ingathering/Water Ceremony- congregants are invited to bring water to add to the communal water jars
- September 13th (11:00-2:00): Intergenerational Picnic at Great Lawn Park in Lowry. Please RSVP here if you can attend!
- September 14th: RE classes resume (Preschool-5th)- Please enroll your children using this link.
- October 5th: Youth classes resume (Middle & High School) Youth will be offered the first two Sundays of every month. Please enroll your teens using this link.
Interested in serving on the RE Team? We are looking for more volunteers to get involved in the following ways:
*greeter at the Family Sign-in table before the service
*teacher’s helper in Preschool, Primary, or Intermediate classrooms
There will be a training offered on September 7th 9:00-10:00. Fill out this form to get started!
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Second Service Exploration
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Second Service Exploration – Sunday, Sept. 14th
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Dear friends and faithful,
Earlier this year a video was released to our congregation intending to gauge the
response for adding a Second Service at First Unitarian. At least 90 people responded, mostly with widespread support for continuing to be a welcoming, open and safe space for all to enjoy. We greatly appreciate the careful and thoughtful responses, especially those that asked the question if this is the right time to continue our earlier tradition of two services each Sunday.
We hear you. Earlier this month a second video was released (click here to view) noting the support and concerns regarding reinstituting a second service. If you have not had a chance to watch this, we encourage you to do so now.
On Sunday, September 14th we are holding a congregational discussion forum following the service to allow all voices to be heard. We hope to have a lively hour of open, honest discussion. This is a community decision requiring all voices and votes to be heard and counted and we plan to hold a congregational meeting for this purpose later this fall. If we as a community decide to move forward with a second service timing is crucial.
Let’s begin this vital discussion right now and of course following the service on
September 14th.
In Covenant,
Mike Cranmer
Click here to view a detail summary of the Two Services Survey Feedback.
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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ReUUnion Community Celebration
Let’s kick off First Unitarian Denver’s Ingathering weekend with a party! Join us for ReUUnion – a fun, free, fabulous, all-ages community celebration at First Unitarian Denver. We’ll gather in the community room at 4 pm for drinks, snacks, face painting, and more. Around 5:00, we’ll move to the sanctuary for PrevUU – a song-based preview of our FUSD 2025 – 2026 church year, featuring our amazing FUSD musicians. Dinner will be provided! Around 6 PM, we’ll enjoy a taco bar with options for various dietary needs, followed by ice cream sundaes.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 3rd, so we have a head count for dinner. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
RSVP here.
Want to help out? Become a volunteer! Sign up here.
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(Thanks to Rev. Mike Morran for the post)
In-Gathering Sunday (September 7th), will include our annual Water Communion ceremony. All are invited to bring a small sample of water from your travels, your home, or any meaningful place you have been. Bring your water and your stories for this annual Unitarian tradition.
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Lunch Bunch – Friday, September 12 at noon
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Everyone is invited to our monthly potluck, Lunch Bunch, on the second Friday of the month. This month we meet on Friday, September 12! We gather at First Unitarian Society of Denver around 11:45 a.m. to set up, and we generally ring the lunch bell at noon. If you don’t have more than an hour, just come at noon and join us. The food is always delicious, and the company is stimulating.
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Finding Yourself at First Unitarian Denver!
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(Thanks to Rev. Mike Morran for the post)
A time for seekers, the curious, and those wishing to connect with the 1st Unitarian Denver community! This participatory class of three hours will provide an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian Church. An added bonus is that you will meet some wonderful people! Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, Saturday, September 13th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. All are welcome, but you must pre-register here. Questions, please reach out to Rev. Mike at revmorran@gmail.com.
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Sing Anyway: Finding Courage Through Song Workshop
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You don’t have to be a “good” singer to be a powerful one. Join us for Sing Anyway (on Thursday, September 11th from 6-8 pm): Finding Courage Through Song, a 2-hour singing workshop for anyone who feels the call to sing—especially those who’ve been told they shouldn’t. Together, we’ll explore the deep spiritual roots of song as a tool for healing and courage.
This workshop is for people who sing in the shower, hum when they’re heartbroken, or long to lift their voice but have been silenced by shame or fear. No experience necessary. Your facilitator will lead you in guided vocal exercises, heart-centered group singing, and time for reflection. We’ll remember what our ancestors knew: that singing doesn’t have to be perfect to be holy. You’ll leave with more singing confidence and at least 3 simple songs to carry with you into the world.
Whether your voice is loud, quiet, wobbly, or wild—it belongs here. Bring your voice and your willingness to be moved. Let’s sing our way back to courage—together.
About Your Facilitator: Rev. Cindy Pincus started singing – with a very shaky voice! – 7 years ago as a last ditch effort to heal recurring strep throat infections. Since then she’s learned dozens of songs by heart, sung in front of small and large groups, and found a partner who sings perfect high harmonies to her melodies. Rev. Cindy teaches people to sing by helping them drop into their heart, the place where all songs truly come from. She loves to teach with humor, permission to learn through mistakes, and plenty of amusement! And she hasn’t had strep throat since.
Cost: $25 for general public, $12 for FUSD members; payable in cash or Venmo day of the event or can pay ahead on the website events page
Website Events Page: https://www.clairvoyantcounseling.com/events/sing-anyway-fusd
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/16wbc6SJzS/
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Interested in Becoming a Member?
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
Did you know you can become a member at any time? You can reach out to Reverend Mike to set a time to meet with him, discuss commitments of membership, and sign the book. Or you can become a member during our next New Member Sunday on September 21st where you will be recognized with others who are becoming members during the service.
It is highly encouraged to attend the next Finding Yourself at First Unitarian class before committing to membership, which will be offered on Saturday September 13th from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. See post about Finding Yourself at First Unitarian Denver to learn more and for registration link. If you would like to become a member on September 21st, please email Leslie Harvey at msleslie@fusden.org
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(Thanks to Tess Duerubger for the post)
Join Us for the Autumn Activity Fair – SEPTEMBER 21
Discover, Connect, Volunteer!
Whether you’re new to FUSD or have been with us for years, this is a great opportunity to:
• Explore the diverse opportunities for engagement and social action that speak to your heart and mind.
• Learn about our programs and activities for all ages.
• Meet new people and get involved!
When: Sunday, September 21, immediately following service
Where: Community Room
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information or questions, please contact Tess Dieringer.
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(Thanks to Mary Ann Thompson for the post)
One of our long-term members is unable to drive and having a tough time getting to Sunday services. He has requested help with transportation. Do you come from near E Mississippi Ave and S Peoria St in Aurora? Might you be willing to pick up a fellow congregant and drive him to church sometime? Even if not every week, having a chance to join the community in person would be meaningful to him. Please let us know if this sounds like something you might be willing and able to do and we’ll put you in touch.” You can respond to the Caring Committee or email or phone Mary Ann Thompson.
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Meet Shannon Golden-Schubert: Guiding Stewardship and Generosity at First Unitarian
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As the new Stewardship Coordinator, Shannon will oversee donor engagement and fundraising operations—including the annual pledge campaign, gift tracking, stewardship communications, and legacy-giving support. Inspired by a deep commitment to fostering generosity and building community, Shannon cultivates meaningful connections that sustain First Unitarian’s mission.
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See the Good: New Giving in Action Bulletin Board
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(Thanks to Beth Fischer for the post)
Did you know that First Unitarian has donated over $24,000 to worthy organizations in the first six months of 2025? Check out the new Giving in Action Bulletin board in the community room for more updates. There you can find upcoming events and volunteer opportunities from the organizations we’ve sponsored as well as information on how you can recommend an organization to participate in our twice monthly collection. Help us keep our generosity flowing and let us know what you think of the new bulletin board!
Your GIA committee – Beth Fischer, Noelle Botti, Betty Kuehner, Lila Laux, Randle Loeb, Peter Swanson
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(Thanks to Carol Ruckel for the post)
…for two historic gavels, with Board President names engraved on them! Also looking for a small clock with a dedication plate to David Johnson for our first renovation. Any clues?????
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(Thanks to Lynn Garman for the post)
August is Make-a-Will Month, a time to think about the importance of estate planning and leaving a lasting legacy for the people and organizations you love. See this FAQ sheet for information about leaving a legacy gift to First Unitarian. When you name our beloved church in your estate plan, even as a contingent beneficiary, you will become a member of the First Unitarian Legacy Society. If you’ve provided for First Unitarian in your estate plan but haven’t yet notified us, please let us know by contacting our Stewardship Coordinator, Shannon Golden-Schubert, stewardship@fusden.org.
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No Concentration Camps in Hudson, CO
(Thanks to Linda Nabours for the post)
ICE is imminently planning a Concentration Camp in Hudson, CO. The FUSD Immigration Project is collaborating with IPT (Immigration Protection Teams) and NCCC (No Concentration Camps in CO) in distributing flyers throughout Hudson this Saturday, September 6th. Click here for more details and to RSVP to help (purchase free ticket)!
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Sign Declaration in Support of Immigrants
(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
The Interfaith Immigration Network of CO has written a powerful Declaration in Support of Immigrants. We are asking individuals to sign on, share widely, and contact your legislators telling them you’ve signed. To read the Declaration and sign on-line please click here. Folks from FUSD’s Immigration Project will also be at coffee hour each Sunday through the end of September so you can sign there as well.
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Social Justice Film Series at First Universalist
(Thanks to Holly Fulton, First Universalist, for the post)
First Universalist Church, 4101 E Hampden, Denver
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm and please bring snacks to share if possible
Film Title: “Crip Camp”
It is September and the Social Justice film series is BACK!! Our first film
is “Crip Camp”. Today it would be unthinkable to nickname a summer
getaway for children with disabilities “Crip Camp.” Yet that was the
nickname given to Camp Jened, a summer camp for children, teens and
adults with disabilities that operated in the Catskill Mountains of New
York from 1951 to 1977. The camp is the subject of a 2020
documentary on the origins of the disability rights movement.
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Guns to Gardens Volunteer Opportunity
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
Join other volunteers on Saturday, Sept 6 from 10:00-12:00 at a church in Aurora (see attached flyer for church address). People voluntarily bring their guns to be relinquished and volunteers are needed to have the very well organized process run smoothly. Different roles available. Contact me for more information.
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Reproductive Justice Movie: “The 8th”
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(Thanks to Jane Ashley for the post)
This powerful documentary tells the story of Ireland’s grassroots movement to give women the right to abortion in this overwhelmingly Catholic country.
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 16
Place: Jane Ashley’s home
Time: 6:30-9:30 pm
RSVP required to Jane Ashley
Jane will send address and details after receiving RSVP
Trailer Below:
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Need Food for an Event? Use a Local Caterer!
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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