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Sunday Worship,
April 6th, 2025
at 10:30 am
Memento Mori
Rev. Mike Morran
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Join us on April 6th at 10:30 am. Memento Mori is a a Latin phrase from classical antiquity, meaning, “Remember that you must die.” Far from being a reason for sadness, memento mori is a call to notice how precious is the life we have, while we still have it!
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Giving in Action – The Conflict Center
(Thanks to the Noelle Botti for the post)
Our Giving-in-Action non-profit this week is The Conflict Center (TCC). TCC began in 1987 as a community-based organization in the basement of its founder, Elizabeth Loescher, and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1988. In the past 38 years, TCC has served over 230,000 people by providing the skills needed to manage conflict and anger without violence. TCC believes that people of all socioeconomic levels should have access to skills to reframe conflict, strengthen relationships and reduce violence and is committed to providing at least 50% of its services to people facing low-income life experiences. Learn more about The Conflict Center and meet its Executive Director, Beth Yohe, on Sunday, April 6th! TCC is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization; all donations are tax deductible.
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Whole SoUUl Studio – Sunday, April 6 at noon
Whole SoUUl Studio will be a monthly, faithful, educational, communal gathering with a focus on religion and community. We will gather in the sanctuary at 12:00 on the first (or occasionally second) Sunday of each month, after Sunday service, to learn, explore, share, and grow together for about 45 minutes. Facilitated by Rev. Mike and occasionally others, Whole SoUUl Studio is intended to be connective and nourishing for all our members and friends!
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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.
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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Religious Exploration News
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(Thanks to the Leslie Harvey for the post)
CORE Circle for Families With Teens: April 3rd in the community room 6:00-7:30. RSVP to msleslie@fusden.org. We are creating a community of support where joys and frustrations of raising a tween or teen can be shared in a safe space. Join us as we build connections with each other and expand the possibilities of how we parent.
Mark Your Calendars: Next Youth Program will be on April 6th and 13th, offered the first two weeks of each month in the teen space downstairs.
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The Great Easter Giving Hunt – Donations Needed
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(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.
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Miriam’s Book Table is Proud to Feature…
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(Thanks to the Nan Wigington for the post)
Heather Cox Richardson!
You may know her from her recent bestseller Democracy Awakening or her Substack “Letters from an American”. You can get to know her even better at Miriam’s book table. We have two of her earlier provocative histories — To Make Men Free and How the South Won the Civil War. Drop by the book table, pick up her books, and learn about how we got to the place we find ourselves today.
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Finding Yourself at First Unitarian Denver!
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(Thanks to Rev. Mike for the post)
A time for seekers, the curious, and those wishing to connect with the 1st Unitarian Denver community! This participatory class of three hours will provide an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian Church. An added bonus is that you will meet some wonderful people! Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, Saturday, April 5th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. All are welcome, but you must pre-register here. Questions, please reach out to Rev. Mike at revmorran@gmail.com.
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RESCHEDULED: On Tyranny Book Talk: Sunday April 6 at noon
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(Thanks to Peggy Ulrich-Nims for the post)
Thank you to all of those interested in On Tyranny book talk who took part in the Sunday 3/30 Harvard Resistance Lab resistance training sponsored by the FUSD Rapid Response Network (Paul Riederer and others) at my request.
We will reconvene to discuss the book On Tyranny this Sunday 4/6 at noon in the lower level TV room. Thank you for your flexibility.
Contact Peggy with questions.
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Capitol Hill Concerts’ Season Finale This Saturday!
(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Join us Saturday April 5th at 7 pm for Capitol Hill Concerts final concert of the season. Cóisir performs traditional dance music from Ireland, intertwined with haunting songs and original tunes. Cóisir brings together three of Colorado’s top Irish music talents: Jessie Burns (formerly of Gaelic Storm) on fiddle, Pete Strickler on tenor banjo, and Marty Smith on bouzouki and vocals. They will be joined by special guest Johnny B Connolly, originally from Dublin, Ireland on accordion. Cóisir, pronounced much like the word “kosher”, means “Party” in Irish. And the music is a party, too!
A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit Education Through Music – Colorado. They partner with under-resourced schools to provide music as a core subject for all children, and utilize music education as a catalyst to improve academic achievement, motivation for school and self-confidence. All donations collected will go directly to Education Through Music – Colorado
Please consider donating a refreshment for the intermission here.
Visit www.capitolhillconcerts.com for more information and tickets.
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Seeking Photographer for Lia Davis’ Ordination
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(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Lia is seeking 1 or 2 photographers to take pictures at her ordination service & reception on April 19th at 3 pm. If you have a digital SLR camera or similar, and would enjoy taking some photos at this event, please contact Lia at ldavis@fusden.org. Thank you!
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(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. It is highly encouraged to attend the next Finding Yourself at First Unitarian class before committing to membership, which will be offered on Saturday April 5th from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. See post about Finding Yourself at First Unitarian Denver to learn more. Register with this link. If you would like to become a member on April 13th, please email Leslie Harvey at msleslie@fusden.org
It is also worth noting that that in order to vote at the Congregational Meeting on June 1st you must have been a member for 60 days – which means joining by April 1st. Please contact Rev. Mike or Leslie Harvey if you would like to meet the deadline.
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Young Adult (20s-40s) Potluck Sunday!
(Thanks to Kristie Wirth for the post)
We welcome anyone in their 20s-40s. Bring your favorite dish or beverage! We will meet in the Chapel after coffee hour on Sunday, April 6th at noon in the Chapel. Signing up with what you’re bringing helps us plan, but it’s not necessary for you to come.
Signup sheet here.
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Resistance Organizing – Part 2 – Strike Ready/Street Ready
(Thanks to Paul Riederer for the post)
Organizing in Authoritarian Times. The Resistance Lab from Harvard Kennedy School – Part 2 – Follows up on our first training March 30th. Hosted on Zoom by Rep Pramila Jayapal. Organized at First Unitarian by Rapid Response team.
This will be in the Sanctuary on Sunday, April 13 from 12 – 1:30 pm.
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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.
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The Ordination of Lia Davis
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(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.
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Whole Souul Living: Nature and Soul
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(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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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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(Thanks to Colleen Bryan for the post)
Your FUSD Caring Committee is hosting a Bike Clinic in partnership with Bikes Together. The La Alma Neighborhood shop will bring bike stands, tools, and a few helpful volunteers to the church if a group of us wants to gather to get our bikes in shape for the summer riding season. We’re looking at a weekend date between mid-May and mid-June. Keep scanning this space for details as we have them. Or let us know your interest by emailing caring@fusden.org and we’ll notify you personally when we have it all arranged. (And thanks to Danica Larson for the great idea!)
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GET READY FOR THE AUCTION!
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(Thanks to the Helen Berkman for the post)
GET READY FOR THE AUCTION! BUY YOUR DINNER TICKETS NOW, OR REGISTER ON THE AUCTRIA EVENT WEBSITE IF YOU WANT TO BID ON-LINE STARTING APRIL 10TH.
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.
Please select your meal choice when you buy a dinner ticket. If you have questions about this process, see us at coffee hour, or reach out to Helen Berkman at h.berkman1@gmail.com.
Website link here: https://auctria.events/FUSD2025AUCTION
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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.
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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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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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Do You Have a Service or Yummy Sweet Treat to offer at the Auction?
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(Thanks to Helen Berkman for the post)
Are you a gardener, pet lover, or handyperson who can offer assistance to someone who needs gardening, pet sitting, or repairs for a day? Are you an occasional baker who can bake some brownies, fudge, or cherry pies for delivery on a convenient future date? If so, your services are popular and very welcome! Please be creative – your time equals extra funds for FUSD’s budget! See us at coffee hour this Sunday, as time is getting short – the deadline for donations is April 7th. Questions? See us on at coffee hour or send an email to h.berkman1@gmail.com
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Join the Renaissance at FUSD: Final Elected Committee Positions Open!
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(Thanks to Tess Dieringer for the post)
The Leadership Development Committee is preparing an impressive slate of nominees for elected committees to be published in mid-April! Thank you to all those who have answered the call! There are three positions remaining: one each on the Leadership Development Committee, Personnel Committee, and Stewardship Council. We need you! Be part of the exciting renaissance taking place at FUSD! Please contact either Tess Dieringer (tsdieringer@gmail.com) or Patrick Whorton (pwhorton@gmail.com) or come to the Opportunities Table following the service for more information. Thank you!
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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 a bin 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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Caring Committee Opportunities!
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(Thanks to Colleen Bryan for the post)
• We’re looking for a dispatcher to do daily checks and referrals for the Caring@FUSDen.org message board during December 2025. Well-developed job description and backup as needed. Got time? Call us!
• Several congregants have expressed a need for counselors to help work through issues of aging. Chronic illnesses, mounting disability, and progressive losses all conspire to narrow our worlds, unbalance us, and challenge our pursuit of spiritual meaning and purpose. Does anyone in our FUSD network have referrals to work with individuals or a group of elders? Please send suggestions to caring@fusden.org. And thank you for your help!
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Endowment Grant Application Now Open!
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(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.
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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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Update – Jeanette Vizguerra
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ICE has without warning detained Jeanette Vizguerra. On March 17 she was suddenly taken into ICE custody from her workplace and placed at GEO. (If you reach out to other community members we’ve accompanied be sure to do so on a secure platform).
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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Local Unitarian Universalists and Community News
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NOENEMIES: Movement Choir Practice
(Thanks to the Lia Davis, for the post)
NOENEMIES was first launched in 2014 as an attempt to answer a persistent question from Dr Vincent Harding: Where are the songs for today’s movements? NOENEMIES is a space to re-engage with the transformative power of collective song – to experience how singing together can impact our spirits as individuals, connect us in purpose as a community, and harness our power as a crowd.
This is movement choir practice for singers of all types, and non-singers alike. It is a chance to learn songs that will be deployed during upcoming actions and public witness. It is a space where we raise our voices together.
NOENEMIES meets this Sunday, April 6th, from 2 – 3:30 at Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church, 1100 Fillmore Street, Denver.
Clicker here for the event listed on Facebook.
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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.
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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
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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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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.
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Shop BIPOC
(Thanks to Karren Derrick-Davis from Faith in Action (FIAC) for the post)
There’s no better time than now, to align your spending with your social, racial, and economic justice values. It is easy to do with ShopBIPOC.com.
This online directory of Colorado-based businesses owned by People of Color now boasts almost 700 small businesses in hundreds of industries, from accountants to elder care providers, pet supplies, restaurants, therapists, landscapers, painters, IT providers, artists, general contractors, farmers, car detailers … and so many more goods and services. Each week additional businesses list their business on the ShopBIPOC.com platform.
Leave Amazon and big box stores behind. Let your spending reflect the change you want to see in the world.
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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