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Sunday Worship,
April 21rst, 2024
at 10:30 am
Earth Day Service
Matthew S. Makley
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Join us on
Sunday, April 21rst at 10:30 am.
Join us for a heart-centered look at the unity and interconnectedness we share with the natural world, particularly water, on this special Earth Day service.
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Giving in Action – Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership
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The
Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership
(SCRGP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to protect, maintain and enhance the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, a nearly 13-mile public trail and natural area located in the northeast Denver metro area. We are committed to enhancing the equitable access, awareness, and engagement of the Greenway.
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To make a donation, click the button above, then In the drop down, select ‘Give to Giving in Action’. Mark
SCRGP
in the memo line.
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Young Adult’s Potluck – Sunday, April 21rst
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(Thanks to
E
ric Kollwitz
for the post)
Mark your calendar and bring your favorite dish or beverage! The monthly FUSDEN Young Adults’ Potluck is back again! We will meet in the Chapel after coffee hour on
Sunday, April 21
for food and fellowship.
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Sally Isaacson
A Memorial for Sally Isaacson will be held at the First Unitarian Society of Denver on
Saturday, April 20th, at 2:00 pm
. Sally, passed away on Saturday, March 23rd, She was a cherished member of First Unitarian. Sally will be dearly missed.
If you would like to send your condolences, you can send them to Sally’s daughter, Amy Isaacson, at 3575 Sharp Rd, Glenwood, MD 21738.
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Joining Hands for Social Justice Auction begins at
5 pm, Saturday April 27th
!
BUY YOUR EVENT TICKET! Deadline is this next Wednesday, April 24th at noon. Tickets are not available at the door – please be sure to buy your event ticket now, for a delicious dinner, silent auction tables, a live auction, and awards presentation. Our chefs, Patrick Caldwell, Tess Derringer and Kathy Cranmer will bring you wonderful cuisine!
Go to fusden.org and click on Auction, or go directly to the auction website
https://auctria.events/FUSD2024AUCTION
and click on “Buy Event Ticket”.
VOLUNTEER on the website, and participate, making this the best Auction ever!
BID BID BID Online NOW! On Line Bidding ends April 24th at noon. Register to bid, and keep on bidding! That night, bring your calendar and wallet so you can BID on Events or Activities! Where do you need that special accent? Coordinate a get away at one of the lovely accommodations offered! Fill your social calendar!
If you need help please see us at the auction table during coffee hour as we will have a laptop to assist you.
Come, Bid, Connect, and Support FUSD! See you there!
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Slate of Nominees for Election for 2024/2025
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(Thanks to the
Leadership Development Committee
for the post)
The Leadership Development Committee has submitted a proposed slate of nominees for each of the Board and committee positions up for election for the 2024/2025 year, to be voted on at the annual meeting on
Sunday, June 2nd
. You can view the bios of the proposed slate of nominees
here
.
The First Unitarian bylaws require the slate of nominees be published at least 6 weeks before the date of the meeting.
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Sunday Morning Coffee Hour
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(Thanks to
R
andle Loeb
for the post)
We kindly request your assistance in restocking our church kitchen with supplies for our services. It would be greatly appreciated if you could contribute basic food items such as coffee, tea, creamer, half and half, or anything else you’d like to share with our guests and congregation members.
Additionally, we’re organizing a list for each Sunday to identify volunteers who would like to serve as hosts.
Thank you sincerely for your generous contributions. Your gifts are invaluable to our community.
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Imagine Camp! July 22-26th
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The First Unitarian Summer Day Camp is an exciting opportunity for children rising into K through rising into 5th grade to engage in activities centered around taking action in their communities. The camp will run from
July 22nd to July 26th
, starting at
9 am and concluding at 3 pm
.
During the camp, participants will explore various ways they can make a positive impact in their communities. They will learn about social issues, engage in interactive workshops, and develop skills that empower them to take action. Through fun and educational activities, the camp aims to inspire young minds and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards creating a better world.
Limited spots are still available, so interested families are encouraged to register online promptly. The cost for the first camper in a family is $250, with each additional camper costing $100. For those in need of before and aftercare, there is a limited availability option upon request. To inquire about before and aftercare or for any additional questions, please reach out to Rev. Mike at
revmorran@gmail.com
.
Imagine Action! Summer Day Camp promises to be a memorable and impactful experience for children, empowering them to become active contributors to their communities. Register your child today and let their imagination ignite positive change!
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(Thanks to
Rev. Mike Morran
for the post)
Calling all mystics! Mystic experiences are infinitely varied, but involve some form of transcending the self, the ego, or the intellect in a first-hand experience of Unity, God, the divine, the Oversoul, the cosmos, or whatever word might seem to fit. At the present time, there seems to be a critical mass for a CORE Circle dedicated to mystics at FUSD. If that’s you, and you are interested in being with other FUSD mystics, please contact Rev. Mike at:
Revmorran@gmail.com
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Join Climate Justice Committee for a Community Trash Pick-up on April 20th!
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(Thanks to
Taylor Chang
for the post)
Join us for an Earth Month event with the Climate Justice Committee! We’re participating in a community trash pick-up at
Sand Creek Regional Greenway
, a 13-mile public trail in northeast Denver. The SCRG Partnership, a non-profit, works to protect and improve access to this area, particularly for historically marginalized communities.
We’re calling on FUSD volunteers to join us on
April 20th from 11AM-1PM
. The collected trash will be transformed into a public sculpture by the Greenway Guardians, a group of young stewards aged 10 to 17 from Commerce City. This initiative directly supports our mission of addressing climate change through a social justice lens.
All are welcome! For more information and to RSVP, please contact
Noelle Botti
. Let’s make a difference together!
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On The Path at 1st Unitarian – Spiritual Growth Class – Insight
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(Thanks to
Rev. Mike Morran
for the post)
In this class of five sessions we will explore the ancient idea that every human soul is a tiny spark of the Oversoul, of the divine, of God. From that basic assumption, or Insight, we will explore the possibilities of intuition, self-examination, and self-knowledge as a doorway or entry-point to divinity and spiritual growth. Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, Insight will mix experience with study, reflection, and sharing. Classes will be held in-person at First Unitarian Denver,
Wednesday evenings, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., April 24th through May 15th.
Open to all, but you must pre-register: Email Rev. Mike at:
revmorran@gmail.com
.
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Racial Justice Project – Spring Read and Discussion
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(Thanks to
Patrick Whorton
for the post)
It’s not too late to join the discussion of the Racial Justice Project’s spring book read,
Black on Black
, written by Daniel Black, an author and professor of African American studies at Clark Atlanta University. This book, in fourteen short chapters, actually fourteen essays on different topics, offers a queer, intersectional perspective on racial justice issues. The third and final discussion, pages 159-end, will be on
Wednesday, April 24
, via
zoom from 7:00-8:30 p.m
. Participants must register to participate by emailing Patrick Whorton at
pwhorton@gmail.com
. I will then send you the zoom link and some discussion guidelines. As an added bonus the author, Dr. Daniel Black, will joining us for the last discussion.
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Documentary: Fracking the System – Friday, May 3, 2024 at 7pm
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(Thanks to
Noelle Botti
for the post)
The Climate Justice Project would like to invite you and your family and friends to attend a very special screening of
Fracking the System: Colorado’s Oil and Gas Wars
, a political thriller documentary from the front lines of climate justice activism here in Colorado, exposing the harms of fracking, the lengths to which the government is complacent with industrial pollution, and the nefarious tactics the oil and gas industry uses to undermine grassroots action. The film will be screened in person in the sanctuary at First Unitarian followed by a QA session with the producer and director, Brian Hedden, as well as representatives from 350 Colorado and Safe & Healthy Colorado.
This event is free to attend, but you must RSVP to reserve a spot here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/documentary-film-fracking-the-system-at-first-unitarian-society-denver-tickets-874214578337
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Whole Souul Studio – May 5th –
Reflections on the War in Gaza: A Panel Discussion
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(Thanks to
A
rnie Carter
for the post)
We invite you to join us for a compassionate community discussion of the war in Gaza. During the first hour, we will hear from a diverse set of panelists about their personal perspectives, pathways to peace, and the future of Palestine and Israel. After the panel, we will host guided small group discussions. Please bring your questions and an open mind.
Lunch will be provided.Reflections on the War in Gaza: A Panel Discussion
Where: First Unitarian Denver, 1400 Lafayette St, Denver
When:
Sunday, May 5th from 12:00-1:30pm
Moderated by Rev. Mike Morran and organized by the FUSD Middle East Peace Group
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Movie Series for Grownups: Let’s Talk About It Together!
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(Thanks to
J
ane Ashley
for the post)
Gimme Shelter” (2013) (PG13) is the 5th film in the Reproductive Justice movie series. It will be shown on Tuesday evening,
May 7, at 6:30 pm
at the home of Jane Ashley. It’s the story of a pregnant, homeless teen who flees her abusive mother and seeks out her estranged biological father for help.
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Climate Justice Book Discussion
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(Thanks to
T
aylor Chang
for the post)
Please join Climate Justice Project in reading “The Water Knife” by Paolo Bacigalupi. The story is a dystopian thriller set in a future southwestern United States ravaged by water scarcity and revolves around Angel Velasquez, a water mercenary navigating a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and violence in a desperate quest for control over the region’s dwindling water supply.
Discussions will be facilitated by Peggy Ulrich-Nims on
Wednesday, May 15th at 7p.m. via Zoom and again Sunday, May 19th in the library after service
. Please contact Peggy at
ulrichnims@gmail.com
for the Zoom Meeting ID.
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Volunteer Work Day at Lincoln Hills
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(Thanks to
Julie Meyers
for the post)
Save the Date –
Saturday, May 18th
. One of the recipients of FUSD’s Reparative Grants, Lincoln Hills, has invited us to come visit their site in Gilpin County. We will help with a service project to get the site ready for their summer programs (outdoor and environmental educational opportunities for city kids). Our visit will include a tour of this historic site (the only leisure destination created in the 1920’s by and for African Americans West of the Mississippi). We will carpool from Denver,
leaving FUSD at 9am and returning by 4pm
(it’s about an hour’s drive each way). Bring your own lunch. This is a family friendly event. Let Julie know if you’re interested or if you have questions.
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A Columbine 25th Year Remembrance
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(Thanks to
Julie Meyers
for the post)
Join us in a vigil to honor and remember the lives lost and lives affected 25 years ago at Columbine High School. Organized by a coalition of gun violence prevention groups in Colorado, we will meet on the West steps of the CO Capitol at
7:30 pm on Friday, April 19
.
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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Pacific Western Regional Assembly – April 19th and 20th – Volunteers Needed!
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(Thanks to
Jo Hehnke
from First Universalist for the post)
This year’s Pacific Western Regional conference (
https://www.uua.org/pacific-western/calendar/pwr-uua/pwr-threads-connect-stories-inspire
) is being held at First Universalist Church of Denver,
April 19 (starting at 6 pm) and 20
th
(ending at 5 pm)
. I am part of a team recruiting volunteers for the event. The theme this year is “Connections”. In that spirit, we are hoping to connect with members from area churches through the various volunteer tasks entailed.
Volunteers are mostly needed for the Friday night reception and Saturday morning continental breakfast—contributing food, setting up and cleaning up afterward.
We need your help in recruiting volunteers from your congregation. Could you please provide one or more names of individuals who might be interested in coordinating volunteers from your congregation?
Please contact Jo Hehnke at
Jo@josephinehehnke.net
if you would like to volunteer.
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Registration Open for Pacific Western Regional Assembly – April 19th and 20th
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It’s time to get together!
Registration is open for our Pacific Western Regional Assembly this
April 19th and 20th!
People can attend either in person, at
First Universalist in Denver
, or remotely. We are planning a family friendly event and children are welcome. This is a great chance to connect with our larger faith and connect with new and old friends.
Stay up to date on all the PWR RA Plans
here
.
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2024 General Assembly Registration is Now Open!
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Represent us at the UUA General Assembly!
The Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) national meeting of UU congregations is an all-virtual event this year. You can participate from the comfort of your own couch from
June 20-23, 2024
.
As a member congregation of the UUA, First Unitarian Society of Denver (FUSD) sends “delegates” to this event, which includes worship, workshops, lectures and the annual UUA business meeting. FUSD delegates will participate in the business meeting and vote on items that impact all member congregations.
If you are interested in serving as an FUSD delegate at the 2024 General Assembly, please reach out to Coral Cosway at
President@fusden.org
.
Adult registration is $280 and includes access to the live sessions, on-demand programming, featured speakers and major worships. There is also an option to register for only the annual business meeting portion of the event for free (or a donation amount of your choice). You can review the
program and schedule
and visit the UUA’s
General Assembly webpage
for more information.
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Pacific Western Region – April Newsletter
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The Pacific Western Region of the Unitarian Universalists, publish a newsletter every one to two months. This newsletter will keep you up to date on all things UU that are happening in our region.
Click
here
to view the April newsletter.
Additionally, you can visit the Unitarian Universalist Association web site at
https://www.uua.org/
for information at the association level.
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First Unitarian Information
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First Unitarian – Calendaring and Room Reservations
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(Thanks to
Rhonda Williamson
, Congregational Administrator, for the post)
To Request
an event addition to the First Unitarian calendar and to request a room reservation:
- To add a meeting or event to the Church Calendar and reserve a room:
- Check the church calendar on the website to see if there are any conflicts. There is a link on each page of the website in the black area at the bottom, under ‘Useful links’
- Complete the following form to request that your event be added to the calendar and to request a room reservation.
https://firstunitariandenver.breezechms.com/form/45698258
Click
here
to access the First Unitarian Committee Handbook.
Feel free to dive in and let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!
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First Unitarian – Communication Methods How To’s
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(Thanks to
Rhonda Williamson
, Congregational Administrator, for the post)
First Announce
: A weekly church newsletter sent out by blast email Thursday evenings. (Also found on the website.) Deadline for entries is Tuesday end of day.
Order of Service
: The handout given at each Sunday service – giving service details, and upcoming church events Request deadline is Thursday at 8:00 am.
Please complete the form at the link below to submit announcements for either or both First Announce and Order of Service
– select both options on the form.
https://firstunitariandenver.breezechms.com/form/e50206
Click
here
to access the First Unitarian Committee Handbook.
Feel free to dive in and let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!
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Finding a place to park when you come to visit our urban sanctuary can be a bit of a challenge! We recommend the following tactics/locations:
- Sundays 6a-1p:
3 blocks of the north side of 14th Avenue (Marion St. to just before Franklin St. – please abide by the street parking signs)
- Sundays 6a-1p:
The Center at Colfax and Lafayette
- Sundays 6a-1p: (42 parking spaces)
The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- Monday through Friday, 6 pm to 8 am
: (22 parking spaces) The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- Friday 6 pm to Monday 8 am
(22 parking spaces, except Sunday morning, see above. The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- If you have any questions or need a parking pass, contact Rhonda at office@fusden.org.
Parking passes can also be obtained from the Greeters on Sunday morning.
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