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Sunday Worship,
April 12th, 2026
at 9:15 & 11 am
Sumud: Resisting in a World That Wants Us to Look Away
Basil Sabbah & the Middle East Justice Project
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Join us on April 12th at 9:15 and 11 am. The Arabic word sumud or sumood is often described as steadfastness, but it is more accurately understood as a combination of steadfastness, hope, and resistance: the refusal to disappear, the courage to remain rooted, and the discipline of choosing dignity over despair. Sumud becomes both a distinctly Palestinian witness and a universal calling, visible wherever people persist with courage against a strange new world. Basil connects it to faith, community, and antiwar conscience, showing that sumud is not passive suffering but active perseverance: the kind of hope that stands firm, tells the truth, and resists injustice without surrendering compassion.
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We warmly invite you to join us in person, or if you prefer, you can also participate online. We look forward to seeing you there!
Our service streams at 9:15 am to Youtube and Zoom (meeting ID is 466-677-668 and the password is 454623).
Join us for coffee in the Community Room after each service.
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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Religious Exploration News
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey, for the post)
RE classes will be held during the first service, which will begin at 9:15. There will be no RE classes during the second service, which will begin at 11 am each week.
Reminder: please keep children on the rug when playing in the Peaceful Play Space during the beginning of service. We must keep the aisles clear in case of an emergency.
RE classes will hold a fire drill toward the end of class on April 19th. We will teach the children where to exit safely in an emergency and where we would reunite with families, in the case of an evacuation. Parents and guardians will pick up their children in class after service, as usual
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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How to Support Trans Youth: Discussing “American Teenager” w/ Author Nico Lang
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(Thanks to Michael DeSantis for the post)
Join us on April 10 at 6pm for an inspiring and heartwarming event as award-winning journalist and author Nico Lang shares stories from their powerful new book, “American Teenager.” This moving work celebrates the resilience, courage, and joy of trans youth navigating today’s challenging world. Together, we’ll explore ways our community can uplift and support queer and trans kids — and leave with tangible ideas for creating a safer, more joyful future for all youth. Book signing to follow the discussion.
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First Unitarian Earth Day Clean-Up
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(Thanks to Noelle Botti and Stephanie Walton for the post)
As part of our Earth Day celebrations, FUSD’s Climate Justice Circle invites everyone to volunteer with the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership and Commerce City for trash pick-up along Sand Creek on Saturday, April 11, from 10:00 am – noon.
Help us care for our environment and ensure this waterway continues to sustain the plants, animals and people that depend on it. This opportunity reflects our commitment to climate justice and supporting communities that have been most affected by environmental harm, and honors the Climate Justice Circle’s focus on the water that sustains us.
Everyone ages five and up is welcome to take part in this act of care for our community and our planet. If you would like to join us, please RSVP to Noelle (noellebotti@icloud.com) so we can send you the required waivers and share additional details, including the exact location we will meet. Feel free to reach out with any questions. We hope to see you there!
P.S. Stay tuned for our Earth Day Service on Sunday, April 19.
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Pop-Up Choir, Sunday, April 26
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(Thanks to Wyatt Smith for the post)
Come One, Come All! POP-UP Choir continues, Sunday, April 26. Everyone is welcome to come at 8:45 a.m. AND/OR 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning and learn 1 easy-to-sing piece with us. Services are at 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., you may join us on one or both services. The goal of this type of Sunday Choir is to involve new faces and voices! Just show up, no need to RSVP, this is a great opportunity to get involved with the music ministry at First Unitarian Denver!
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2026 Spring Souulful Potluck
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(Thanks to Susan Riederer for the post)
First Unitarian Denver’s 2026 Spring Souulful Potlucks are Saturday, April 25th. We have potlucks through out the day in the community. Signups start on Tuesday, March 24th. Signup for as many potlucks as you like will assure you of a spot. It is a first come first serve process. Don’t delay – you can signup here.
We need eight hosts. If you are interested in hosting please click this link.
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Souul Stage Presents “Ripple Where the Light Gets In” April 17 and 18
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Thanks to the Charlotte Braud-Kern for the post)
An original jukebox musical written by Erica Trisler & Alisha Bashaw.
What if one honest voice could change everything? When a teen shares her truth, something unexpected spreads — connection. But not everyone wants a world where people feel, listen, and stand together.
With songs from artists like: Billy Joel, Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, Simon and Garfunkel, The Temptations…and more!
Featuring actors, singers and dancers from within and outside of First Unitarian and children from the Denver Children’s Choir!
April 17 at 7:30 PM and April 18 at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Come experience the ripple. 💛
Tickets now on sale online or use the QR Code below and in the community room!
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Looking for Backstage Help for Souul Stage!
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(Thanks to Charlotte Braud-Kern for the post)
Have you ever wanted the excitement of being part of a theatrical production without performing on stage? Here’s your chance!
Souul Stage is looking for backstage volunteers to assist with set building, props, sound, and lighting for our upcoming production of “Ripple, How the Light Gets In.”
Whether you have experience or have always wanted to learn about technical theater, we would love to have you join our team.
Availability: Please keep evenings open April 12–18.
Interested? Sign up and find more details using this form.
Email us at souulstage@gmail.com with any questions.
Come be part of the magic that happens behind the scenes!
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GET READY for the Auction!
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Thanks to the Helen Berkman for the post)
GET READY FOR THE AUCTION…Make sure you’re registered on the Auctria website below if you want to bid on-line starting April 10th and buy a dinner ticket.
The on-line form and website: https://2026firstunitarianauction.auctria.events/
The auction event is Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 4:00 pm. Tickets for the chili supper will be available on the auction site starting April 10th.
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First Unitarian Blood drive
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(Thanks to the Danica Larson for the post)
Give life to the life givers. Donate Blood on May 24th, 11 am to 2pm! First Unitarian is coordinating again with Donate for Mothers, raising awareness of the 1 in 83 people delivering who require blood products. Sign up early for a convenient time right at the chapel at FUSD.
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Barish/Browne/Mount/Dawley Wedding Celebration
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The Barish/Browne/Mount/Dawley family just celebrated Elizabeth’s wedding in the FUSD sanctuary. What a comfortable and beautiful place for a service. We also had a lovely reception with linens and china in the Community Room following. Had it been a smaller event, the chapel upstairs would have been a great location as well.
I’m writing this thank you as a reminder to all FUSD members and friends that our church is available for your special events: meetings, weddings, celebrations of life, parties… We have lots of new members and friends who may not have considered using our space for other functions outside of specific church purposes, but we have a great facility and love to see it busy.
Interested? Check in with Rhonda who can give you all the details.
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2026 Endowment Grant Opportunity
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(Thanks to the Ingrid Porter for the post)
Applications for FUSD’s 2026 endowment grant will open on 3/1/26 and will be accepted through April 15, 2026.
The endowment grant is for projects that enhance the permanent facilities and capabilities of FUSD. Selection criteria include projects:
That are visible to the congregation
That will impact the work of the church for more than one year
That will further the mission of our congregation
That cannot be funded through FUSD’s normal operating budget
Please email the committee at endowment@fusden.org to receive an application, or with any questions.
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Looking for Cooks and Hosts for Summer House Concerts
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If you’ve never cooked for or hosted a house concert, you’re missing a truly special—and fun—service opportunity.
Not only will you get to show off your beautiful yard or your latest recipe, you’ll also get to enjoy some wonderful live music. You’ll have a crew to help with cooking, setup, and cleanup, and together you’ll create a warm and memorable evening for your friends and guests.
We are always happy to have new cooks and new homes!
If this sounds like a fun and you’d like to be a chef, help a chef or host your house or yard, please fill out this form and we will get you set up with a great team.
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Opportunity to Assist with a Stay in Denver
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Rhonda Kessler who is UU from Florida and a regular here at First Unitarian is looking for a house to rent (at a reasonable cost) while she is in Denver to provide support to her family, beginning July 1 – September. Her 4 year old grandson has recently undergone surgery for brain cancer (successfully) but will have ongoing treatment. Maybe someone is traveling this summer and Rhonda could stay and keep an eye on your home? Please reach out to the church office if you have a place for Rhonda. thank you for taking care of each other.
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Stay connected with First Unitarian Denver beyond Sunday mornings. Follow us on social media for service updates, upcoming events, and community news. Every follow helps us grow our reach and spread our message. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and join the conversation. https://linktr.ee/FUSDENSOCIAL
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80 IS THE NEW 70! AND WE REALLY OUGHTA THROW A PARTY!
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Thanks to the Colleen Bryan for the post)
We erroneously posted the invitation age for the Silver and Gold Bi-Annual Luncheon. Our notice should have read that the event honors elders over the age of 80. That said, we’re still looking for a host for an event to be scheduled in September. Could that be you? We’re looking for someone with creative and fun organizational energy who loves to throw a party! It won’t all be on you; Historically, many volunteers help to drive and escort our guests to the party, set up the room, supply food and table decorations, etc. Step up to help us pull off a memorable event in September 2026! If you’re interested, reach out to Colleen Bryan for more information!
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Ordination of Michael DeSantis
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All First Unitarian members and friends are joyfully invited to attend the ordination of our very own Ministerial Resident, Michael DeSantis! The ordination service will be at 10am on Saturday, April 18 at Jefferson Unitarian Church (14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401). Childcare will be provided and there will be a reception with light refreshments following the service. The service will also be live-streamed. For more info or to RSVP, visit Michael’s ordination website.https://michaeldesantisministry.com/ordination/
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(Thanks to the Connections Committee for the post)
If you would like to receive a weekly newsletter which is sent by email, please fill out this information for our records. The newsletter gives you information about the upcoming service and other events and activities at our church. Click here.
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(Thanks to Arnie Carter for the post)
Come learn about becoming a Rapid Responder and help keep the community safe from ICE. This Training will be lead by First Unitarian Denver member and is open only to FUSD members and friends. Just use the QR code sign up. May 1rst 5-8pm Community Room.
More information at: https://coloradorapidresponsenetwork.com/
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Freedom of Speech – Community Art Project
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(Thanks to Nina Nadeau for the post)
Presented by the Democracy Action Team
Artist: Nina Nadeau
This week, the main character face has been redesigned to show more passion and humanity. The eyes, neck and skin color of many of the faces have been laid in.
Once finished, the painting will be displayed at the church and auctioned to support legal organizations defending Freedom of Speech. For more information, contact Nina Nadeau at ninanadeau01@gmail.com or visit www.galdarastudio.com.
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Support Social Justice when Ordering Foods for Events!
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Local Unitarian Universalist Churches and Community
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(Thanks to Meridith Rogers for the post)
7:00 pm Concert, 6:30 pm Doors, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Parish, 1280 Vine St, Denver, CO 80206.
Tickets $20-25, Children under 12 free. Purchase here.
Flamy Grant is a trailblazing drag queen and musician from Asheville, North Carolina, with over 1.5 million streams on digital music platforms. Snatching trophies for both songwriting and stage, this powerhouse performer beautifully blends her Appalachian roots, drag artistry, and musical excellence to deliver a fearless and flamboyant show like no other.
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Being Muslim in America Film & Discussion
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(Thanks to Kathy Glatz for the post)
Being Muslim in America Film & Discussion
Saturday, April 18 | 6 – 8 pm |
Columbine UU, 6724 S. Webster St. Littleton, CO 80128
This is a special film forum showing two of the short films in the “Being Muslim in America” series produced by Mary Ann Watson and Dr. Christine Sheikh.
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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