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Sunday Worship,
April 27th, 2025
at 10:30 am
Natural Intelligence
Rev. Mike Morran
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Join us on April 27th at 10:30 am. In an age of AI, we’ll look at the antithesis of AI, how the human mind learns, and what an education is for. Tango dancers from Parasol Arts and violinist Sandra Wong will join us as special guests for this service.
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Forum this Sunday – Should We Add a Second Service?
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(Thanks to the Board of Trustees for the post)
As mentioned from the pulpit last week, the Board and staff have been having discussions about our attendance and growth over the past six months. Our sanctuary and community room are at or near capacity ever Sunday! This is a wonderful problem to have. Many wonderful people are interested in and are joining our church in these challenging times. And, studies have shown that anytime a congregation is 80% full on Sunday mornings, that congregation no longer grows. The Board has voted to enter a period of discernment about adding a 2nd service, recognizing that this is a community decision, not a Board or staff decision. All members and friends are invited to attend the forum this Sunday at noon in the sanctuary to hear what the Board has been thinking, and to share your thoughts about our future.
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(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in my ordination ceremony on April 19th. It was a beautiful service and a powerful experience, and I am so grateful for this community and your support! The service can be viewed here and the completed program can be viewed here.
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Miriam’s Book Table Needs You!
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(Thanks to Nan Wigington for the post)
Miriam’s Book Table will close for the summer on June 1. It’s time to stock up on those tomes by Heather Cox Richardson, the poetry of Mary Oliver and Sonia Sanchez, as well the wisdom of Howard Thurman, Emmerson, and Thoreau. Do you want to make sure the table opens again in the fall? Volunteer now and learn the ropes!
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
Thank you for your generous donations of hygiene products that were combined with the Caring Committee’s drive for Denver Human Services. The children had a blast hunting for the donations that were hidden in the basement on Easter Sunday morning.
Mark your calendars! Saturday, June 14th 11:00-1:30 Intergenerational Picnic at Great Lawn Park in Lowry. We will play Field Day style games, bbq, and have some good old fashioned summer fun together. Fun for the whole family!
Our next Youth Program classes will be held on May 4th and 11th.
Shout Out to our Youth Advisors Michelle Boyer and Robin Keith! They worked with teens on April 13th and figured out the button maker without our young “expert button makers” there to assist. Way to figure it out without help!
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Middle East Justice – Disability Rights in America and Palesting – Film Screening
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April 29, 6:30pm-8:30pm at First Unitarian
Join us for a screening of two documentaries, with discussion to follow.
- The documentary film Crip Camp follows a group of disability rights activists who formed in the US in the 1970s.
- The short documentary The Gaza Sunbirds: From Gaza to Zurich follows the Gaza para-cycling team in international competition and at home helping their community.
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Resonance: Contemplative Evening Service & Potluck
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(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Our next Resonance service is Wednesday April 30th at 6 pm. Held on the last Wednesday evening of the month at 6 pm in the sanctuary, Resonance offers quiet music, guided meditation, readings / poems, and time for shared silent reflection. Please bring a dish to share for a potluck supper following the service at 6:30 pm in the community room. All are welcome, and child care will be provided during the service.
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Walk and Talk – Friday, April 25th at 11 am
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(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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The Majority Project: 1M Postcards to Congress
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(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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2025 AUCTION – Online Bidding Is Open – And Volunteers Are Needed!
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(Thanks to Helen Berkman for the post)
Sailing Together in our Blue Boat Home is Saturday, May 3rd!
BUY YOUR DINNER TICKET! Deadline is this Wednesday, April 30th at noon. On-line bidding also ends on April 30th. Dinner tickets are not available at the door – so be sure to buy your dinner ticket now. Only three days left to buy!
ADMISSION: You may attend the auction on May 3rd without a dinner ticket, but you must be registered in order to enter for the silent auction or to buy a drink. So why not buy a dinner ticket now, to enjoy ALL the benefits of the auction evening? Simply go to the auction website below and click on “Buy Ticket”.
https://auctria.events/FUSD2025AUCTION
If you need help, please see us at the auction table during coffee hour – we will have a laptop to assist you in registering or buying a ticket. A few more volunteers are needed too!
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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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Vigils on Mondays – Jeanette Vizguerra
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There will be a vigil for Jeanette Vizguerra on Monday May 5, from 6 – 8 pm at GEO ICE detention center 3130 N. Oakland St., Aurora, CO 80010.
Many community members and organizations have come together to hold weekly vigils on Mondays outside the Aurora ICE detention center for her and for everyone cruelly held there.
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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First Unitarian Blood Drive
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(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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Slice of Hope – Interdependence and Justice Worshops
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Sponsored by Middle East Justice, Saturday, May 17, 1-7pm at First Unitarian Society of Denver
Slice of Hope will be leading community workshops on self- and collective-sufficiency in an ethos of mutual aid while fundraising and raising awareness for Gaza and Sudan. Join us as we learn crafts and skills and have discussions about racial equity, justice, interdependence, generosity, community love and inclusion with an eye toward our global, interconnected community.
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Slate of Nominees for 2025-2026 Church Year
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(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.
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Create a Legacy in Love and Justice
(Thanks to Nancy Crow, Stewardship Council for the post)
Make a legacy gift to First Unitarian to sustain and nourish our transformational community for future generations! To be a Founding Member of First Unitarian’s Legacy Society, you must have your legacy gift in place and let the Legacy Working Group know that you have included First Unitarian in your estate plan no later than June 30, 2025. It may take some time to finalize your documents, so don’t delay! You can name First Unitarian in your will or trust or as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance. For more information about making a legacy gift, see this FAQ . When you have completed your estate plan, please advise Kate Raabe .
In community,
From the Stewardship Council’s Legacy Working Group, Kathy Aguirre, Nancy Crow, Mike Cranmer, Lynn Garman and Kate Raabe
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Spring Showers Hygiene Drive
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(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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Let’s Connect: Find a Morning Call Partner with the Caring Committee
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(Thanks to Marty Dawley for the post)
A morning telephone “hello” and “how are you?” takes just a few minutes a day but can be a sweet breath of fresh air and a possible life saver. If you would like a daily morning check in call, the Caring Committee would like to help you find a compatible phone partner. Send a little note to martydawley@yahoo.com, introducing yourself briefly. What time in the morning would work best for you for this call ? Would you prefer a text? Would you like a little chat or to finish the call in a minute or less? Would you like to exchange calls or just be called? Maybe you’d also like a reminder of some sort as well. Think about what might make a good match for you.
We’ll have a live match making “event” at the May 9th Lunch Bunch at noon in the Community Room along with our usual potluck lunch. Let Marty know if you’d like to attend to make your own phone match. If you would like a ride on the 9th, let us know that too. The Caring Committee will try to help you find a partner whether you attend or not.
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(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.
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Give a Lift, Share the Love: Church Ride Volunteers Needed!
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(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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(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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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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Local Unitarian Universalists and Community News
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Sidewalk Event/Support Immigrant Rights
(Thanks to Linda Nabours for the post)
A Sidewalk Demonstration: In coalition with the Denver Immigrant Protection Team, the FUSD Immigrant Support Circle will be showing up on Saturday, April 26th at the intersection of University Blvd. and Speer from 10-noon in support of Immigrant Rights. We would love to have you support the effort. Bring your signs please.
For more information, please email Linda.
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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)
The news is full of stories about US reduced NATO support, withdrawal from the World Health Organization, financial impact of tariffs, President Trump’s interest in Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal.
Our speaker, Professor Jack Donnelly, will share his views on how this turmoil may impact our lives. Jack Donnelly is the Andrew Mellon Professor in the Korbel School of International Studies and Distinguished University Professor at the University of Denver. He worked on international human rights, focused on international relations theory. His book is Systems, Relations, and the Structures of International Societies (Cambridge University Press, 2024).
Arrive at 4:00 to meet speaker, refreshments. Program begins at 4:30.
Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO.
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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
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(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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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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