April 28, 2024 – FirstAnnounce

 







Sunday Worship,

April 27th, 2024

at 10:30 am

Threads of Meaning

Rev. Mike Morran

Join us on
Sunday, April 27th at 10:30 am.
Join us for a reflection on the power of a good story, especially the ones that hold people together.

We extend a warm invitation to you to join
us in person, or if you prefer, you can also participate online.

Our service streams toYoutube and Zoom (meeting ID is 466-677-668 and the password is 454623).

Join us for coffee in the Community Room after the service.

Announcements

AUCTION THIS WEEK Saturday, April 27!

Doors open at 4:30pm

Silent Auction Bidding starts at 5!

Auction Dinner Chefs: Patrick Caldwell, Kathy Cranmer, Ed and Tess Dieringer

Auction Dinner Menu at:
https://fusden.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Auction-Menu.pdf

Featured at Miriam’s Book Table

Presquel
by Rachel Maddow. Richard Woodruff has this to say about the book, “Rachel Maddow tells a ripping tale of our countrymen pandering toward authoritarianism just before WWII, when there was a major disinformation campaign targeted at sapping the will of the US war effort and actually encouraging our participation on the side of the Axis. This was the real deal – they had guns and bombs stockpiled, manipulated law enforcement, and had the backing of very influential elected officials. We are very lucky that a few dedicated individuals pursued this plague and assured it was finally brought to light and thwarted. Read the book. Listen to the audio. Know your enemy.”
Prequel’s available at Miriam’s book table during coffee hour.

Slate of Nominees for Election for 2024/2025

(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.

Sunday Morning Coffee Hour

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.

Imagine Camp! July 22-26th

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 atrevmorran@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!

First Unitarian Events Coming Soon



Documentary: Fracking the System – Friday, May 3, 2024 at 7pm

(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

Whole Souul Studio – May 5th –

Reflections on the War in Gaza: A Panel Discussion

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

Movie Series for Grownups: Let’s Talk About It Together!

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.

Climate Justice Book Discussion

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.

Brad Goode Quartet at First Unitarian Denver

(Thanks to
Lia Davis
for the post)

Capitol Hill Concerts is excited to offer a “bonus” show this spring! Please join us Sunday May 19th at 1 pm for an afternoon of creative and communicative music. Colorado’s extraordinary jazz musicians – Brad Goode on trumpet, Paul Romaine on drums, and Gonzalo Teppa on bass – join forces with a special surprise guest from New York for an afternoon of fine music. This concert will feature brand new arrangements and compositions for an album to be recorded the following day. 
Tickets are now on sale.

Volunteer Work Day at Lincoln Hills

(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.

Community

The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community

Social Justice Film Series – First Universalist

The Social Justice Film Series finishes the 2023-2024 season with a feel-good film that celebrates Climate Justice.

THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM
 (2018) chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature. Through dogged perseverance and embracing the opportunity provided by nature’s conflicts, the Chester’s unlock and uncover a biodiverse design for living that exists far beyond their farm, its seasons, and our wildest imagination.

Featuring breathtaking cinematography, captivating animals, and an urgent message to heed Mother Nature’s call, THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM provides us all a vital blueprint for better living and a healthier planet.

See the trailer here.

When: Friday, May 3

Where: First Plymouth Congregational Church, 3501 S. Colorado Blvd

What time: Arrive for socializing 6:30, movie begins at 7:00

Bring a snack to share and join us for this inspiring movie!,

Women’s Alliance Event: Dying Well

(Thanks to
Elisa Erickson
for the post)

Event at Shattuck Hall, Iliff School of Theology

May 8th, 6pm – 8pm

A facilitated conversation about the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges that confront us as we face our own mortality and as we seek to support others as they approach the end of their lives. This conversation will focus on the intentional dying phase of our life journeys and explore issues of meaning making, legacy, and preparation for active dying. It will explore what spiritual and other caregivers bring to this process and the unique challenges to spiritual care in a diverse world.

We will explore these and related questions with the help of Dr. Kelly Arora, Dr. Carrie Doehring, Rev. Dr. Val Jackson, Beth Eliot, and Tonya Hunt. The session will offer an interactive portion, and participant questions will be invited.

If you do not have an existing Iliff parking permit or exception, please park in the visitor lot on the left as you drive north onto campus. There is a payment kiosk on the north side of the visitor lot. This is an in-person event only.

Monologue Performance – at First Universalist

(Thanks to
Dan Moen
for the post)

Buried Secrets in Paradise. A monologue performance by Holly Fulton, Saturday, May 11th, 7:00 pm at First Universalist Church of Denver.

Peter Mayer at Boulder Valley UU – May 18 at 7:30 pm

Returning to Boulder Valley UU,, acclaimed singer-songwriter, Peter Mayer!
Saturday, May 18, 7:30pm

1241 Ceres Drive, Lafayette, CO 80026

LINK FOR TICKETS

Composer of Blue Boat Home and Holy Now, Pete has been singing and songwriting full-time for over 20 years, performing in venues across the United States and beyond. He writes songs for a small planet–songs that celebrate life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence–songs about the vast cosmos that surrounds us and how we are a part of it all. He also writes songs about dress hats, pumpkins and pajamas, and even love and freight trains just like a good folk musician should. His music has been performed by artists like Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, Claudia Schmidt, Anne Hills, Priscilla Herdman, Darryl Purpose, Billy Jonas, and Ronny Cox, to name a few. His work has been included in song books, church hymnals, and folk radio playlists across the country. Peter has eleven albums to his credit, and has sold over 100,000 of them. He lives in Stillwater, Minnesota with his wife and two daughters.









2024 General Assembly Registration is Now Open!

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.





Pacific Western Region – April Newsletter

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 hereto 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.









First Unitarian Information

First Unitarian – Calendaring and Room Reservations

(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:
  1. 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’
  2. 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!





First Unitarian – Communication Methods How To’s

(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!









Parking

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.





QuickDirectory

Questions About Pledging? Jason Marsden –
stewardship@fusden.org

Candles of Community – 
candles@fusden.org

Caring Committee – 
caring@fusden.org

Volunteer Greeters – 
greeters@fusden.org

Connections Ministry – 
connectionsministry@fusden.org

Office/FirstAnnounce/Rhonda Williamson – 
office@fusden.org

Religious Exploration – Rev. Mike Morran
-revmorran@gmail.com

Giving in Action – 
givinginaction@fusden.org

Mental Well-being – 
wellbeing@fusden.org

Car Donations
 – 
877-999-8322

FirstAnnounce is a compilation of news items sent to us from many different sources. Items printed in FirstAnnounce are for your information only and do not necessarily represent the views of First Unitarian Society of Denver or its members.
Publication deadline is 5:00pm on Tuesday.



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