Sunday Worship, April 20th, 2025at 10:30 amJesus and Zombies: An Easter SermonRev. Mike Morran |
Join us on April 20th at 10:30 am. There are many ways to be resurrected. This Easter we'll have a little fun exploring a few of them.
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Children's Religious Exploration Programming |
The Great Easter Giving Hunt - Donations Needed |
(Thanks to 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 by 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.
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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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. You can view online 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.
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The Majority Project: 1M Postcards to Congress |
(Thanks to Paul Riederer for the post) You're invited to mail postcards to congress to support our Unitarian values. Come visit our "Postcard Table" in the Community Room after church services on April 20 and 27. Post cards, pens, address lists, labels and stamps are provided for you. Donations to cover expenses are appreciated. This invitation is from the Rapid Responders at First Unitarian Society of Denver.
#TheMajorityProject... 1,000,000+ Postcards to Congress 🎯 Our Goal: Mail 1,000,000 postcards to Congress in sustained monthly waves 🌊 Monthly Waves: We mail TOGETHER on the 1st of every month 📬 Next Wave: Mail on May 1: Our Statement of Facts: ✅ 86% support Universal Background Checks¹ for all gun sales ✅ 74% support Trans Rights Protections² ✅ 70% support Safe & Legal Abortion Access³ ✅ 70% support Paths to Citizenship⁴ for Dreamers and Essential worker
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(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.
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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.
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2025 AUCTION - Online Bidding Is Open - And Volunteers Are Needed! |
(Thanks to Helen Berkman for the post) 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 3rd 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 Please stop by the auction table to volunteer for the auction on May 3rd. We need you! |
Reproductive Justice Movie Series: "Joy"(Thanks to 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.
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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.
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Slate of Nominees for 2025-2026 Church Year |
(Thanks to Tess Dieringer and Patrick Whorton for the post) Please click here to review the slate of nominees for elected positions for the upcoming 2025-2026 church year published in accordance with FUSD's bylaws. These nominees will be approved at our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, June 1. The Leadership Development Committee is very enthusiastic about the skills, accomplishments, diversity, and commitment represented here, with the majority being first-time to-be-elected members. Please join us in warmly welcoming them. |
Miriam's Book Table Needs You, Part 2 |
(Thanks to Nan Wigington for the post) Help continue this long tradition at FUSD! As someone who’s sold Book Table books and bought some myself, I’ve had a chance to see the pleasure that a book lover feels after a purchase, for owning a new book while connecting with and contributing to the church community. Plus, it’s a chance to catch up with current members and become acquainted with and welcome newcomers. Contact Nan Wigington or Jayne James. |
(Thanks to Tyler Watlington for the post) We are in need of a few more Head Ushers for Sunday and other services. If we get enough people, commitment could be as little as once every 6 weeks. The Head Usher is the one the goes down the middle, takes the basket for blessing and counts the money. If you are interested, please contact Tyler Watlington. |
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!
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Vigils on Mondays - Jeanette Vizguerra |
` 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.
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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
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King Soopers Community Rewards Program(Thanks to Kathy Aguirre, Stewardship Council for the post)
Did you now that the King Soopers Community Rewards program makes fund-raising easy by donating to local organizations like First Unitarian Society of Denver based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at a King Soopers store and swipe your Shopper's Card! - Create a digital (online) account. A digital account is needed to participate in Kroger Community Rewards. Go to this link to create your account
- Link your Card to an organization by going to this link and following the directions. First Unitarian of Denver is on the list!
- First Unitarian Society of Denver earns! Any transaction made using your Shopper's Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program at no cost to you. If you have any questions, please contact the King Soopers Customer Service Center here.
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Leave A Legacy To First Unitarian(Thanks to Nancy Crow, Stewardship Council for the post) Thinking about including First Unitarian in your will or estate plan? See this FAQ for simple ways to make a legacy gift to FUSD.
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(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.
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Local Unitarian Universalists and Community News |
Rally for Immigrants - Saturday, April 19th(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
Show up for immigrants! This Saturday, April 19, at noon, there will be another Hands Off rally at the State Capitol. If you missed the April 5th rally or you just want to get in on the action, please join in. A specific request from our newly formed Immigration Circle at FUSD is to help the CO Immigrant Protection Team. They will have a huge banner that says “Colorado Stands with Immigrants” and could use more hands to help hold the banner. They will be on the sidewalk on the west side of Lincoln facing the State Capitol. For more information or to RSVP please contact Linda Nabours.
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JVP - Liberation Seder - April 19th(Thanks to 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.
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An Immigrant Family's Struggles for Justice Across Generations(Thanks to Judy Cardenas for the post)
Join Hosts Act With Love/UU Immigrant Allies in Colvin Commons at First Universalist Church, 4101 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80222 on Sunday, April 27 from 12:30-2:00 pm.
Human Rights Consultant Krysta Heard shares interconnected experiences as a first-generation immigrant & DACA recipient living in a mixed-status family.
Her activism & advocacy began to change laws that required her to separate from her son & husband as part of the process to receive legal residency. A 2024 Biden Order would have resolved her case, but a Trump appointed judge ruled it illegal. January 2025, Krysta attended a Tijuana, Mexico border advocacy program with Loyola Law School’s Immigrant Justice Clinic documented by NBC News: NBC News here . At home she's a regenerative farmer for community gardens, UU & health advocate. https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/inside-the-dreamers-race-to-re-enter-u-s-legally-before-trump-took-office-230121541709 .
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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.
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Come Help Stack Bales of Hay - on May 1(Thanks to 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
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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.
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Here is How to Help a Small Farm and Get Great Veggies, Too!(Thanks to 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.
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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