Exploring the Nature of Repair: First Announce for October 2nd, 2022








The Whole Souul Living Theme for October is Courage

Sunday Worship –

October 2nd at 10:00 am

Exploring the Nature of Repair

by Lotte Lieb Dula

Lotte will examine our erased history, the sources of the racial wealth gap, and the economic basis for reparations, using her own family’s history as a backdrop. She’ll then speak to the transformative nature of repair at the personal, community, and national levels. Following the service, Lotte will facilitate a discussion as to how FUSD can begin to think about its possible role in reparations.

We have coffee hour after the service, and would love for you to bring snacks (healthy and otherwise) to go with our coffee!

Multiplatform Worship at First Unitarian Denver

Join us on Sunday at 10:00 am, in person or online. At this time, masks are optional but highly encouraged for those who might have been exposed, might be at higher risk for severe illness, or have weakened immune systems. Our service streams to FacebookYoutube, and Zoom (meeting ID is 466-677-668 and the password is 454623).

Join us for virtual coffee hour on Zoom after the service. The meeting ID is 912-1732-1324. Come see familiar faces and meet new people.

Giving in Action – Bayaud Industries

(thanks to Arnie Carter for the post)

Giving in Action happens twice monthly at FUSD and the offering is distributed to the organization that is highlighted. This week’s recipient is Bayaud Industries.

Bayaud Industries’ goal is to reduce barriers to employment. Bayaud offers comprehensive, culturally responsive, trauma-informed interventions to improve outcomes for our 5,100 constituents that include job placement services within Bayaud, through our social enterprises, or with 100+ employer-partners.   

Programs include the Center for Opportunity, Rehabilitation, and Employment providing job readiness, vocational evaluations, and job placement services. Our Day Works program provides transitional work experience through day labor jobs for adults experiencing or at risk for homelessness, mobile laundry and shower services, and access to our food pantry to reduce food insecurity.   

Social Enterprises creates jobs for our constituents through various ventures including contracts with federal agencies that provide integrated supported employment, document/hard drive destruction, product assembly, temporary staffing, environmental services, and unarmed security.  

Community Resource Navigation includes assistance with public benefits acquisition, mental health/substance misuse counseling, linkages to external community resources, and emergency/supplemental food and hygiene supplies. 

Second Chance Auction!

(thanks to Helen Berkman and Diane Hainsworth for the post)

There are 3 Auction Events that still have openings. Take a look and sign up for any you would like to attend! Sign-up sheets will be in the Community Room every Sunday. If you can’t make it to church in person, just email Helen at h.berkman1@gmail.com. We know some of you missed out on bidding during April, so this is your SECOND CHANCE!

Once you sign up, you can pay on Breeze by going to Giving and in the drop down menu (the down arrow), click on Give to Auction Purchase.  Click here for online payment.  Or you can mail (1400 N. Lafayette St, Denver, CO 80218) or bring in a check payable to FUSD with the comment line: Auction Purchase.

October 1–Scrabble with Friends – at Marty Dawley’s

October 2–Charlotte Braud-Kern and Tom Poole Concert – in the FUSD Chapel   

October 15–Souul Stage Salutes the Stage and Screen – in the FUSD Sanctuary

Finding Yourself at First Unitarian!

(thanks to Mike Morran for the post)

A time for seekers, the curious, and those wishing to connect with the community, this class of two hours will provide an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian Church. Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, this participatory class will be offered Saturday, October 1st, 9:30 to 11:30 am.

Open to all, but you must pre-register with Rev. Mike. (revmorran@gmail.com)

Climate Justice Project – 6:00 pm, Thursday, September 29th

(thanks to Stephanie Walton for the post)

Monthly Climate Justice Project meetings are beginning Thursday, September 29th at 6:00 pm. The October-December meetings will be on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 pm. We will be meeting in person and hopefully will have a hybrid online option for those of you who continue to prefer the convenience of joining us online. We will share a draft agenda, link to join online, and meeting location details (most likely at FUSD) soon. Also, if you’d like to be added to the Climate Justice Project mailing list (where you can get draft agendas, meeting notes, action alerts and other items of interest but we try to keep email volume limited), please email Stephanie Walton at stephaniewalton717@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

So, our fall meeting schedule will be:

Thursday, Sep. 29

Thursday, Oct. 20

Thursday, Nov. 17

Thursday, Dec. 15

FUSD Co-Sponsoring Women Candidate’s Forum

(thanks to Peggy Ulrich-Nims for the post)

The FUSD Faith in Action Council is one of several local organizations supporting a Women’s Candidate Forum at Iliff School of Theology. Congressional and General Assembly candidates will be present. Please contact Tammy Carpenter, FIAC co-chair, for more information.

Join the Iliff Women’s Alliance and the Institute for Religion, Politics and Culture for a free event, Women Leading: Colorado Candidate Forum!

Thursday, Oct. 6th, 6:30 – 8:00p at the Iliff School of Theology.

Hear from women candidates from around Colorado as they discuss their goals, their values, and what motivates them to public service.

*This is a C3 compliant event. Candidates from all major parties have been invited.

Registration link: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/candidateforum

Note: those joining the event in person will need to email a copy of their COVID vaccination information to humanresources@iliff.edu.

Panelists include Brittany Pettersen (House of Representatives, Congressional District 7), Iman Jodeh (Colorado State House District 41), Brianna Titone (Colorado State House District 27), Julie Gonzalez

(Colorado State Senate District 34), Jennifer Bacon (Colorado State House District 7), and Ruby Dickson (Colorado State House District 37).

The moderator for the panel discussion is Dr. Carolyn Love.

You can also join the event via livestream – http://weblink.donorperfect.com/candidateforum.

Capitol Hill Concerts 2022-23 Season

(thanks to Lia Davis for the post)

Announcing our fourth season, with four fabulous concerts! Capitol Hill Concerts’ 2022-23 season begins Saturday October 8th with progressive Bluegrass band Meadow Mountain. Read about this year’s artists and their designated nonprofits. Tickets are now on sale for Meadow Mountain, as well as Season Tickets — come to all 4 shows in the series and save $10. We invite you to become a Sponsor of our beloved Concert Series. Learn more about Season Tickets & Sponsorships, and purchase tickets online, or in person on Sunday mornings after service in our community room (through October 2nd). Did you know that each concert benefits a local non-profit organization, chosen in collaboration with our performing artists? Since the inception of our Series in 2018, we’ve donated over $6000 to worthy organizations. We can’t wait to experience this wonderful season of music with you!

Munchies for Mile High 360

(thanks to Lia Davis for the post)

The Music Committee is seeking donations of cookies, bars or snacks (homemade or store-bought) for the Meadow Mountain concert on Saturday October 8th. Refreshments will be served at concert intermission alongside donation baskets, and all money collected will benefit Mile High 360, the artists’ chosen non-profit organization for the concert. Mile High 360 is a comprehensive, wrap-around services community providing first-generation college bound students with after-school, weekend and summer access to essential out-of-school resources in three core areas: Academics, Health & Wellness, and Life Skills. If you feel called to donate refreshments, please contact Cindy Robertson.

SoUUlful Living

(thanks to Mike Morran for the post)

How does one live a spiritual life as a Unitarian Universalist? This class in five sessions will explore and answer that question. Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, this highly participative class will explore the core propositions of UU theology, and introduce/practice the spiritual disciplines of our tradition both individually and as a group. Class will meet Wednesday evenings, October 12th through November 9th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  Seekers, members, the curious, and the skeptical are ALL welcome! Participation is free, but you must pre-register with Rev. Mike (revmorran@gmail.com).

PLEASE READ THIS: Our FUSD Social Justice in Action!

(thanks to Trudy Glidden, FUSD Record Sealing Project, for the post)

In partnership with ExpungeCO and Shorter Community AME Church, our FUSD Record Sealing Project is co-sponsoring on October 15 from 11-4 both a Record Sealing Clinic and a Job/Resource Fair at Cross Purpose, located next to Shorter AME Church. At this free clinic, the 5th annual clinic run by ExpungeCO, 15+ pro bono lawyers will consult one-to-one with 100+ petitioners, determine eligibility, prepare paperwork, and submit electronically the petition and fees to the appropriate court, all free of charge to the client. Additional lawyers, of any experience, are needed and will be trained; please see this flyer and register here.

Concurrent with the clinic, the Job/Resource Fair, outside Shorter AME Church, will feature non-profit organizations offering information on a range of services, including voter registration, resume writing, mental health services, employment guidance, and second chance opportunities. Bonnie-Jean Jenkins (FUSD) and Vick Wilhite and Kym Ray (of the Shorter AME Social Justice Ministry) are organizing this Resource Fair. 

Questions: please contact Trudy Glidden, Chair of the FUSD Record Sealing Project at trudyg@rcn.com

Souul Stage Auction Concert – Saturday, October 15th at 4:30pm

(thanks to Alisha Bashaw for the post)

Souul Stage Salutes the Stage and the Screen Auction Concert! 

Saturday, October 15th at 4:30 pm

FUSD Sanctuary

Tickets are $20

Have you missed attending live theater during the past couple of years? Us too….until now! Join the Souul Stage production crew of Matt Davis, James Crapes, Nichole Albertsmeier, Erica Trisler, Alisha Bashaw, Lia Davis, and the band for a musical cabaret as they perform beloved favorites from the stage and the screen to scratch that itch! There will be a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception before the show and during intermission. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here (select the Giving to Auction Purchase from the drop down), and you can sign up for tickets at the ‘Second Chance Auction’ table in the Community Room after services on Sundays. Tickets will also be available at the door. Proceeds go to FUSD. Can’t wait to see you there! 

Reproductive Justice – Letter Writing Party

(thanks to Katie Fox for the post)

The Reproductive Justice committee invites you to join us for a letter writing party at church on Sunday, October 16th, 12:00-2:00 pm. This is a drop in event–stay for as much or as little as you want. We will be writing letters to voters through the organization VoteForward. We will provide supplies, light refreshments, and a fun, social atmosphere. You will provide your energy and gusto! You’re welcome to bring food to share. Ideally, please 1) register with VoteForward a few days in advance and 2) let us know you’re planning to attend by filling out this short survey. If you have any questions please connect with Jane Ashley, Katie Fox, Mary Jo Geyer, or Tyler Watlington.

WELCOME ALL TO SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ACTION AT FUSD: FALL 2022

(thanks to Tammy Carpenter for the post)

As the fall church year begins, the FUSD Faith in Action Council (FIAC) wants to update you about our social justice projects approved for the next two years by the congregation this past June and about our FUSD Giving in Action collections on the first and third Sunday of each month. 

FIAC PROJECTS:

Family Promise, a metro-wide collaboration of churches to house unsheltered families, has been in place at FUSD for several decades. Four families are housed in our RE rooms for a week or two, two or three times each year. Numerous volunteers participate in providing meals, overnight care and transportation. The contact person for Family Promise is Hillary Barrett-Osborne at hillarybarrettosborne@gmail.com.

The Racial Justice Project, in place at FUSD for 6 years, has concentrated on education of the congregation through workshops, seminars, films, and book talks. Current year efforts aim toward work on reparations for African-Americans. The co-chairs are Patrick Whorton (pwhorton@gmail.com) and Steve Brainerd (steve.brainerd@dgslaw.com). 

The Climate Justice Project, a new project this year, is pursuing climate equity and justice in collaboration with local Denver metro community organizations. Stephanie Walton is the chair at stephaniewalton717@gmail.com.

The Record Sealing Project, a new effort originating in the Racial Justice project, is developing a one-day event to seal the criminal records of those eligible under Colorado law. That event is scheduled for October 15 in collaboration with Expunge Colorado. WATCH FOR MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT. Trudy Glidden is the chair at trudyg@rcn.com.

The Reproductive Justice Project, new this year, has created four vectors of action including advocacy, education, service, and witness. Co-Chairs are Kimberly Urish and Erin Kenworthy. The email to get more involved is reproductivejustice@fusden.org.

GIVING IN ACTION SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

FUSD has also committed to expand our social justice efforts beyond our approved projects through bi-monthly donations to 501(c)3 organizations which are approved by the Giving in Action Committee of the church. Carol Ruckel (cruckel@gmail.com) is the liaison to FIAC from the GIA Committee. 

If you have any interest or questions about the FIAC social justice work at FUSD, please contact Tammy Carpenter (tcarpent7@gmail.com) or Betsy Brainerd (betsybrainerd@gmail.com), co-chairs of the Council. Other FIAC members are Theresa Tomich, Karen Ray, and Peggy Ulrich-Nims.

CHUM and WHI Support Opportunities

(thanks to Karen Ray for the post) 

OPPORTUNITIES to support CHUM (Capitol Hill United Ministries) and WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) – There are a handful of dates needing lunches in the latter part of November. If you are interested in providing lunches, please contact Karen Ray – krayplus4@aol.com. Also, the next delivery of needed items will be Friday, October 7. Five agencies, including Warren Village and the Gathering Place, will benefit from items donated. The list of needed items is long and can be seen on the CHUM website. I (Karen) have chosen a few items to highlight – please drop off at church THIS SUNDAY non-perishable foods, men’s gloves, mittens, white socks, women’s sweatshirts sizes S-3X, women’s sweat pants sizes S-M. Lastly, if you want to donate for the drop-off and need help, you can reach Karen Ray by email..

First Universalist Invitation to Dismantling Racism & Inequality/Faith Based Community Investing

(thanks to David Keller for the post) 

The series Dismantling Racism & Inequality/Faith Based Community Investing, builds on the presentation given by the First Universalist Church of Denver last August titled Beyond Wall Street/Community Investing in which over 150 registered. The event was the first step to educating and activating faith-based organizations, foundations, and individuals about the importance of Community Investing, CDFIs, and other Main Street Lending options to fight racism and oppression. Click here for more information, or contact Tom Abood @ First Universalist (cell 303 868-6739; tabood@comcast.net)

Help Needed: Saturday, October 8 and 22, Afghan Asylum Workshop in Northglenn

(thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)

I’ve been running this post for a few months. I attended a workshop last week and it was an amazing experience. I’m happy to tell anyone interested more about it. Just email me at: julie.meyers.md@gmail.com. I believe these will be the last two opportunities to participate.  

Please consider signing up to help at the Afghan Asylum Workshop on Saturday, October 8th or 22. As you know, the Colorado Lawyers Committee has been partnering with Catholic Charities Denver to help resettled Afghans complete their asylum applications. 

 

We need both lawyers and non-lawyers to run the workshop. If you haven’t gotten involved yet, this is a great opportunity to provide real assistance without long-term commitment beyond the day of the workshop. No prior experience or expertise is required for most volunteers (although you must complete the online training if you are working with the Afghan families directly). 

We currently have about 1/2 of the volunteers needed to assist 25 Afghan families at the workshop. If you haven’t already signed up, please join us. You can sign up here

— from the Colorado Lawyers Committee Board and Friends

Together for Palestine – Saturday, October 8.

(thanks to Gary Anderson, First Universalist for the post)

Curious about the current situation, history and cultures of Palestine? Interested in meeting local peacemakers, tasting delicious foods, hearing traditional music, or visiting a Bedouin tent? Please join us for a day of learning, celebrating and advocacy for justice: “Together for Palestine”, Saturday October 8th from 11am to 5pm at South Broadway Christian Church, 23 Lincoln St. 18 groups are co-sponsoring this free all-ages event. Guest speakers include Dr. Jonathan Kuttab, Executive Director of Friends of Sabeel North America, Samia Halaby, Palestinian artist, activist and scholar, and Colorado General Assembly Representative Iman Jodeh. Tickets are free; please register here by October1 so we can plan the amounts of food. Hope to see you there! 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/together-for-palestine-tickets-408135352827

Knitting4Peace – Part-time Administrator

(thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)

Knitting4Peace, a non-profit that has collected our Giving in Action plate several times, is looking for a part time administrator. The job is up to 8 hours per week at $20/hr with flexible hours. Please see more details at: https://coloradononprofits.org/careers/nonprofit-jobs/delivery-and-shipment-coordinator-0. I serve on the board as chair and am happy to answer any questions julie.meyers.md@gmail.com.

FUSD Building Custodian- Job Opening

FUSD is searching for a Building Custodian. Click here to view the job description.

If you are interested, please send a cover letter and your resume to Rhonda Williamson at office@fusden.org.

 
 

QuickDirectory

Questions About Pledging? – 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

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.

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