Sunday Worship,

April 13th, 2025

at 10:30 am

The Karma of Forgiveness

Cindy Pincus



Join us on April 13th at 10:30 am.  There is no theology more powerful in the Western world than that of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Palm Sunday. And yet, like so much else about his life, crucifixion has become more about our indebtedness to someone else's suffering than what he was actually trying to show us. Join us this morning to discover what the great masters of the East and West - Christ included - actually wanted us to know about death, life, and resistance to the forces of oppression and empire.

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 to Youtube and Zoom (meeting ID is 466-677-668 and the password is 454623).

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

Children's Religious Exploration Programming



The Great Easter Giving Hunt - Donations Needed

(Thanks to the Leslie Harvey for the post)

Instead of hunting for candy on Easter Sunday, did you know our children hunt for your donated goods instead? Here’s how it works: we bring the requested, purchased goods to church April 6th, April 13th, and April 19th, they will be hidden around the church before the service on Easter Sunday, the children find them, and we donate the goods.  

Please help us make our annual Easter tradition a success this year!  If you are financially able, please purchase any of the following items so we can put together “hygiene bins” to donate to the African Community Center to help newly arrived refugee families with their hygiene needs.   

We kindly ask that you purchase only the items listed below (full sized, not travel sized) in order to ensure each family receives the same items in their hygiene bin: 

*Shampoo *Paper towels (2-pack)

*Hand soap *Men's deodorant

*Bandaids *Razors

*Conditioner *Dental floss

*Body lotion *Toothpaste

*Feminine hygiene pads *Toothbrushes (6-pack)

*Baby wipes *Toilet paper (4-pack)

*Bar soap *Hairbrush or comb 

*Sunscreen *Women's deodorant

Please drop your items off on the counter in the main office by April 19th. Thanks in advance for helping us make this year’s event fun and meaningful for our children and mail msleslie@fusden.org with any questions.  

First Unitarian Events Coming Soon

Lunch Bunch Potluck - April 11th at 11:45 am

Everyone is invited to our monthly potluck, Lunch Bunch, on the second Friday of the month. This month we meet on Friday, April 11th! We gather at First Unitarian Society of Denver around 11:45 a.m. to set up, and we generally ring the lunch bell at 12. 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.

Becoming A Member!

(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 and sign the book. Or you can join during our next New Member Sunday on April 13th, where you will be recognized with others who are becoming members during the service. If you would like to become a member on April 13th, please email Leslie Harvey at msleslie@fusden.org

Immigration Project Meeting

(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)

After a very successful kick-off meeting in February, we are convening to discuss progress made towards what the Immigration Project will look like and opportunities for folks to get involved. Even if you missed our February meeting, if you are interested in learning more, please join us on Sunday, April 13th from noon -1:30 in the chapel. All are welcome. No RSVP needed. Light snack will be available.

The Ordination of Lia Davis

(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)

Please join us on Saturday April 19th at 3 pm for the ordination of Lia Davis as Minister of Music at First Unitarian Denver. You may join us in person or online. Your RSVP by April 12th is greatly appreciated, to help us plan for seating and the reception.

RSVP here.

Sign up to contribute food or volunteer here.

Whole Souul Living: Nature and Soul

(Thanks to Rev. Mike Morran for the post)

This class of 5 sessions will explore Nature as a source and medium of spiritual and personal growth. We will ground ourselves briefly in theology from the Transcendentalist tradition, then mix the cognitive with the experiential as we explore awareness, indigenous teachings, the wisdom of the body, cosmology, and beauty.

Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, class will meet on Thursday nights at 1st Unitarian, April 17th through May 15th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A sixth session to get us outdoors will be planned for a Saturday in late May or early June. Register here.  Questions, please contact Rev. Mike at; revmorran@gmail.com.

Speakers Needed

(Thanks to Kimberly Urish for the post)

The Reproductive Justice Committee is putting on our annual Sunday service on May 4th, 2025. This service will explore how reproductive justice affects men and the role they play in the fight for equality, reproductive health, and family planning. If you have a story you would like to share during the service, please email reproductivejustice@fusden.org. Thanks.

Walk and Talk - Friday, April 25th at 11 am

(Thanks to Marty Dawley for the post)

Join fellow nature lovers at the Botanic Gardens on Friday April 25th at 11am. We'll meet in the gift shop and pool our memberships to get everyone in for free. This activity is open to all, young and old, fast and slow. We'll even push a wheelchair for you (free to borrow there) if the walk is too long for you. Bring a friend! Some folks may wish to eat lunch or have a refreshment together afterwards.

 As always, send Marty Dawley a little note letting us know you are coming will make it, so we try not to leave without you. Call Marty if you are late. Also contact Marty if you'd like to be added to the Walk and Talk list.

AUCTION BIDDING HAS BEGUN

(Thanks to the Helen Berkman for the post)

Online bidding is now open. Register on the Auctria event website if you want to bid online!

IMPORTANT!

Follow this step to buy a dinner ticket AND register to bid ---

If you are sure you want to bid on-line AND attend the auction, enter the event website below and click on Tickets in the tool bar along the top. Follow the prompts to buy a dinner ticket (or more for guests). Buying a ticket will automatically register you to bid also. 

Follow this step to register for on-line bidding only ---

If you cannot attend on May 3^rd or you are not sure yet, simply register, to be ready to bid (or, update your registration under ‘My Account’ if you are registered from last year). Enter the event website below, click on Register in the tool bar along the top. Follow the prompts to register.  But remember that registration does NOT reserve you a dinner at the event. After registering, you would need to buy dinner tickets later.

And be sure to stop at the auction table to volunteer for the auction on May 3rd. We need you! NEW MEMBERS: Are you a new member? Join our Bartender Group! Or, sign up to manage a silent auction table - a great way to mingle with and meet members and bid on events happening all year!

Website link here: https://auctria.events/FUSD2025AUCTION

Reproductive Justice Movie Series: "Joy"

(Thanks to the Jane Ashley for the post)

The 2024 movie "Joy" tells the story behind the birth of Louise Joy Brown in 1978, the world's first 'test-tube- baby', and the 10-year journey to make it possible. Told through the perspective of Jean Purdy, a young nurse and embryologist, who worked with scientist Robert Edwards and surgeon Patrick Steptoe to pioneer in vitro fertilization (IVF). The film celebrates the achievement of visionaries who overcame the obstacles and opposition to allow millions of people to dream with them. The film features Bill Nighy, Robert Norton and Thomasin McKenzie in the lead roles.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Rating: PG

Date: Tuesday, April 29

Time: 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Place: Jane Ashley's condo (address and instructions to be sent after RSVP is received)

RSVP required (either by text or email, otherwise it might be missed):

jane.ashley52@gmail

(703) 328-5891

Click here to view trailer.

First Unitarian Blood Drive

(Thanks to Danica Larson for the post)

This Mother’s Day, give the perfect gift in honor of your mother or parent. Donate the Gift of Life at the second annual First Unitarian Blood Drive on Sunday May 11, 9-1. Sign up now with QR code or link.

Announcements

Endowment Grant Application Now Open!

(Thanks to Ingrid Porter for the post)

Applications for FUSD’s 2025 endowment grant are being accepted through April 15.

The endowment grant is for projects that enhance the permanent facilities and capabilities of FUSD. Selection criteria includes 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 endowment@fusden.org to receive an application, or with any questions.

CSO Ticket Available

(Thanks to Peggy Ulrich-Nims for the post)

I would like to give you a ticket to Gregory Alan Isakov and the CSO for Thursday evening April 17 at 7:30 pm. Please call me right away so I can give you the ticket by Friday night 4/11 or give it to someone else to deliver to you.

Thanks much.

Miriam's Book Table Needs You

(Thanks to Nan Wigington for the post)

Miriam's Book Table needs new blood. If you love books, love talking about books, this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. You can commit to one or two or four Sundays. You'll be surrounded by the curious, the seeker, the coffee hour dreamer. Your hardest duty will be making change. Contact Nan Wigington or stop by the table this Sunday.

Give a Lift, Share the Love: Church Ride Volunteers Needed!

(Thanks to Marty Dawley for the post)

We’re assembling a small team of volunteers to help a fellow church member who lives near Colorado Blvd. & 1st get to Sunday services. You won’t be on your own—we’re creating a rotation, so you can choose the Sundays that work best for you!

Could this be a good fit for you? If so, reach out to Marty Dawley for details. Thanks for considering this meaningful way to support our community!

Vigils on Mondays - Jeanette Vizguerra

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There will be Vigils every Monday at the for profit GEO Detention center in Aurora 6pm tp 8pm . FUSD has been leaders in the immigration movement my-family for years and it important to keep showing up..

Also there is a GoFundme to help with legal costs, click here.

ICE detained Jeanette without warning and appears to be ready to deport her even though the agency knows they don’t have a valid deportation order. Her attorneys have raised the serious legal errors and lack of due process rights. They are hopeful ICE will change course.

Please sign the petition at this link to free Jeanette.

Contact your congressperson and both senators, tell Congress: Stop the unlawful deportation of Jeanette Vizguerra.

Spring Showers Hygiene Drive

(Thanks to Bonnie-Jean Jenkins for the post)

Hello First Unitarians! I am here to tell you about an easy way for you to positively impact close to 4000 individuals and families in need this coming year. The Denver Human Services GIVE Center holds an annual Spring Showers Hygiene Drive in April. Get it, Spring Showers, April Showers.  The DHS Give Center is a free resource providing emergency goods and services with a trauma-informed, person-centered, and holistic approach. Last year the GIVE team served over 3900 customers and distributed 30,000+ emergency hygiene items – all thanks to donors – LIKE YOU! I will be placing 2 bins at the church to collect hygiene items for the GIVE Center. Their collection runs from April 14 – May 16. I or one of my co workers at DHS will collect the bins. You don’t have to do anything but bring in some soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.. You know what to do! And thank you for everything you do! -

bonnie-jean

p.s. if you would like to look at their website – here is the link: website

Two Services at First Unitarian?

The Board of Trustees and staff are entering a time of assessment about whether to return to two services on Sunday mornings.  This is in response to the large number of new members/visitors, and the fact that we are consistently near 100% of our seating capacity each week. The rule of thumb for all congregations, of any denomination, is that when the worship space is over 80% full, growth is no longer possible for that congregation.  Research shows that the perception of new people in that situation is that there is no room for them.

The Board feels that the faithful thing to do at this moment is everything it is in our power to do, to increase our capacity for the life-giving ministry that 1st Unitarian provides.We recognize that this a community decision, and so we will be creating opportunities for sharing information, answering questions, getting feedback, and listening to all the stakeholders that need to be included, i.e. Religious Exploration, the choir, staff, volunteers, etc.

In all likelihood, the move to two services would happen in September.  Please stay tuned for these opportunities to be part of making this decision.

UUA General Assembly

(Thanks to Coral Cosway for the post)

Represent us at the UUA General Assembly! The Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) national meeting of UU congregations is happening in Baltimore, Maryland and virtually this year from June 18-22, 2025.

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 2025 General Assembly, please reach out to Coral Cosway at President@fusden.org.

Registration amounts depend on how much access you want to the event. More information about registration can be found here. You can review the program and schedule and visit the UUA’s General Assembly webpage for more information.

Local Unitarian Universalists and Community News

JVP - Liberation Seder - April 19th

(Thanks to the Michael Kengmana, for the post)

Denver/Boulder Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP will be holding a Liberation Seder on Saturday, April 19th. It is open to everyone! Please register here. Contact Michael Kengmana with questions.

Jefferson Humanists - April 27 at 4pm

(Thanks to Kathy Glatz for the post)

"How Unilateralism is Eroding America's Global Power" // Presented by Jack Donnely, Andrew Mellon Professor in the Korbel School of International Studies and Distinguished Professor at the University of Denver. For much of his career he worked principally on international human rights. His book Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice is one of the most cited works in the field. Over the past two decades, though, he has focused more on international relations theory. His most recent book is Systems, Relations, and the Structures of International Societies (Cambridge Univ. Press, 2024).

Bring your questions on current affairs and join us at Jefferson Unitarian Church for socializing & savoring our community table of food & drink. The program is sponsored by Jefferson Humanists (jeffersonhumanists.org) a chapter of the American Humanist Association.

Come Help Stack Bales of Hay - on May 1

(Thanks to the Julie Meyers for the post)

We have an ongoing relationship with Lincoln Hills Cares, which runs a leadership development program for Black youth at Lincoln Hills. In the summer, they have horses for the kids. On May 1st, they're getting bales of hay delivered and need help moving them from the truck to the barn. This is heavy work, but you'll be outside in a beautiful, historic location (founded in 1920's as a Black community in Coal Creek Canyon). It's an hour's drive from FUSD. Starting time is 10:00. Bring your lunch and enjoy walking around the site. Bring a few friends along too. If interested, contact Julie Meyers julie.meyers.md@gmail.com

Volunteer with Guns to Gardens

(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)

Guns to Gardens is an amazing organization that lets people drop off their unwanted firearms which are then converted to garden tools. There are 2 events coming up - May 10 and July 19. You can help in two ways. Circulate this poster anywhere you hang out. Volunteer on May 10 and/or July 19. I have done it before and it is well organized and very gratifying. If you're interested in volunteering or want more information, email me at julie.meyers.md@gmail.com.

Here is How to Help a Small Farm and Get Great Veggies, Too!

(Thanks to the Karren Derrick-Davis for the post)

The cuts in federal funding are devastating to small farms. Common Name Farm out of Lafayette runs a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) that has a pickup point very convenient to church, at 13th and Gilpin on Thursdays.

You can help a small farm survive by participating in their CSA program. You pay for the season and then pick up your share each week. Please help spread the word about the CSA to your friends, neighbors, and coworkers, as well.

The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community