Sunday Worship, August 18th, 2024 at 10:30 am
Certainly Uncertain
Rev. Mike Morran
Join us on Sunday, August 18th at 10:30 am. Rev. Mike will explore the tension between the inherent uncertainty of liberal theology, and the intentionally manipulative political uncertainty of our times. What on earth can we be certain about?
We extend a warm invitation to you to join us in person, or if you prefer, you can also participate online. 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.
Giving in Action – Denver Basic Income Project
(Thanks to Arnie Carter for the post)
The Denver Basic Income Project is a groundbreaking initiative exploring the power of providing trust, love and unconditional guaranteed income to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The project has deployed more than $10 million to over 800 of Denver’s unhoused neighbors and the results have been transformational. The project’s Founder/Executive Director Mark Donovan will join us for a second time on August 18 to share what they have learned so far.
Introducing Leslie Harvey
Leslie Harvey, the new Director of Family Ministry and Inclusion at the First Unitarian Society of Denver, recently shared a brief introduction about her background and passion for her new role.
With 32 years of experience in elementary education, Leslie has worked with underserved and at-risk youth in various locations, including Los Angeles, Mexico, and Denver. Her dedication to building strong relationships with students and families has been a hallmark of her career. As a mother to her 14-year-old son, Logan, Leslie’s most important life’s work is being a supportive parent. Her experience in volunteering for children’s ministry and her passion for creating a safe and inclusive environment for students make her excited to collaborate with the religious exploration team. Leslie also aims to improve the processes for welcoming and connecting new families and members through her involvement in the FUSE task force. She looks forward to beginning her important work and meeting the community at First Unitarian Society of Denver.
Miriam’s Book Table is Proud to Feature
(Thanks to Nan Wigington for the post)
Breathe by Imani Perry
From the author of South to America comes Breathe, a meditation on mothering a child in a relentlessly unjust world. Perry’s focus is on her African American sons. She charges them to find the beauty and hold onto courage, to make their own way. She examines the teachings of James Baldwin, W. E. B. DuBois, Emily Dickinson, Toni Morrison, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Ida B. Wells. Perry broadens her scope and considers race, gender, resistance and resilience.
Come and consider Perry’s important work at the book table during coffee hour.
Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
Religious Exploration News
(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
In the first phase of rebuilding our Religious Exploration Program, we plan to start with Children’s Programming (Nursery-5th grade). In order to have a successful start on Sunday, September 15th we need families to register using this enrollment form as soon as possible. We also need volunteers for all age groups. If you are interested in volunteering and helping us get the Children’s Program off to a strong start please fill out this interest form. We will hold an orientation and training on Sunday September 8th before the church service to set you and our children up for success!
First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
Friday Night at the Movies – A Civil Rights Journey
(Thanks to Colleen Bryan for the post)
Join us Friday, August 16th from 6-8pm for the second movie in our series that will be screened in the Sanctuary. This movie is Freedom Riders – Could You Get on the Bus?.
The evening is FREE! We will supply free popcorn and drinks! Anyone interested in working toward civil and human rights is invited! Youth age 12+ are invited to attend with a parent or with a parent’s agreement.
After each movie, we’ll discuss what we learned and imagine how to apply that learning to current struggles for freedom.
The third movie, Selma, will be on Friday, August 23rd.
Palestine Summer Cultural Series
The Palestine Summer Cultural Series events that remain for the summer are:
- Thursday, August 15, 6-8pm – Write Down:I am an Arab screening
Stay tuned for our Fall community course: Justice in Israel & Palestine
These events are at First Unitarian Society of Denver, 1400 N Lafayette St, and are free and open to the public. All are welcome!
Celebrate Community at ReUUnion!
(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Let’s kick off First Unitarian Denver’s Ingathering weekend with a party! Join us for ReUUnion – a fun, free, fabulous, all-ages community celebration at First Unitarian Denver. We’ll gather in the community room at 4 pm for drinks, snacks, a Beatles singalong, face painting, and more. Around 5:00, we’ll move to the sanctuary to enjoy Family ReUUnion – a high energy, participatory music show featuring our amazing FUSD musicians backed by a rockin’ band. Dinner will be provided! Around 6 we’ll enjoy a taco bar with options for various dietary needs, followed by ice cream sundaes. Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 4th so we have a head count for dinner, and please consider signing up for a short volunteer slot. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Silver and Gold Luncheon – Friday, September 13th
(Thanks to Chris Collins for the post)
Every 2 years FUSD takes the opportunity to recognize and honor our longest standing members and friends of the church. These individuals are truly the pillars of our spiritual community as they have provided steadfast leadership, loyalty and often hard work to support and ensure the success of our First Unitarian Society. The community we experience today stands on the shoulders of their years of countless contributions.
The 2024 luncheon is scheduled for Friday, September 13 at 11:00am in the Community Room. Invitations have been mailed to 55 people who are at least 80 years old. If you have not received an invite or know of someone who should be included please let Cindy or Chris know.
Volunteers for the following are needed: set-up, side dish donations, drivers and clean-up. RSVPs and anyone interested in driving please contact Cindy Robertson, 303-863-8019 or cindyrobertson5@gmail.com. For all other volunteer tasks or general questions please contact Chris Collins, 303-589-6793 or guemesgirl@gmail.com.
Announcements
Building Updates – Upcoming Project
(Thanks to Carol Ruckel for the post)
The end of August will be busy here at First Unitarian – please note these activities and dates as they will impact building usage. We’re getting ready for the new church year!
- August 19-25 – Chapel will be closed for floor refinishing. No elevator access to the second floor!! We’ll schedule carpet cleaning in the second floor classrooms following the completion of this job.
- August 20 – Deep clean of basement RE classrooms and hallways – the entire area will not be accessible that day.
Let the office or Carol Ruckel know if you have questions or concerns. Thanks for your awareness!
THANK YOU!
(Thanks to Karen Ray for the post)
Big THANK YOU! to Rena Brunner and Helen Burkman for helping with 75 lunches for Urban Peak and DPL through Capitol Hill United Ministries (CHUM.)
New CORE Circle Forming – Families with Children
(Thanks to Beverly Bravo for the post)
First Unitarian Church is excited to announce the formation of a new CORE Circle just for families with children! CORE Circles, also known as Chalice Circles, are intentional monthly groups that bring people together to foster connection, friendship, and engaging discussions on a variety of topics. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see if you’re interested in joining. Please reach out to Beverly Bravo at bravodenver@gmail.com. We look forward to connecting with you!
Legacy Giving
(Thanks to Kathy Aguirre for the post)
First Unitarian is gearing up our “Legacy Giving program” and you will be reading and hearing more about it this coming church year. What is a “legacy gift”? A legacy gift, also referred to as a deferred gift, is a donation that is planned now and made later. People usually give bequests and planned gifts to what has mattered most to them in their lives – to family, friends, and institutions that share their core values.
You will be receiving a letter in the mail in early August to help us identify who has already included FUSD in their will or estate plan, and to find out who would like more information about options for doing so. It is important to let First Unitarian know this. Please return the August letter with your responses and stay tuned to learn more about this important topic!
Stewardship Council Legacy Working Group
(Nancy Crow, Mike Cranmer, Lynn Garman, Kathy Aguirre, and Kate Raabe)
Community
Lincoln Hills – Volunteer Opportunity
(Thanks to Richard Woodruff for the post)
As many of you know, our congregation has been supportive of several efforts at historic Lincoln Hills. It has been revived with a repurposed mission to educate youth regarding environmental matters.
Lincoln Hills Cares develops the next generation of young leaders through outdoor and environmental education, cultural history exploration, and workforce advancement
Are you passionate about fly fishing and eager to share your skills with others? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our fly fishing teaching team!
What We’re Looking For:
- Enthusiastic individuals with experience in fly fishing.
- Patience and good communication skills for teaching beginners.
Responsibilities:
- Teach the basics of fly fishing, including casting, knot tying, and fly selection.
- Assist in organizing and leading fly fishing workshops and outings.
If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, please contact Madi Shaheen, 720-412-3854, madi@lhcares.org, for questions.
Humanist’s Picnic – August 25th
(Thanks to Kathy Glatz for the post)
On Sunday August 25th from 4-6pm on the Jefferson Unitarian Church Patio please join the Jefferson Humanists for their annual summer picnic.
- Bring a friend who might like JH
- We provide burgers, hot dogs and fixin’s (meat and plant based)
- Lemonade, water, and beer/wine (for a donation)
- Bring a side dish to share
- Please RSVP so we are sure to have enough food
Find more information and RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/jeffcohumanists/events/302526347/
The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
UUA Newsletter – August 2024
The Unitarian Universalist Association publishes a newsletter every one to two months. This newsletter will keep you up to date on all things UU that are happening in the Association. There are also resources available in the newsletter.
Click here to view the August newsletter.
UUA Newsletter – Social Justice and Climate Justice
The Unitarian Universalist for a Just Economic Community publishes a newsletter on occasion. This newsletter will keep you up to date on all things UU that are happening in several areas including Social Justice and Climate Justice. There are also resources and classes available in the newsletter.
Click here to view.
Additionally, you can visit the Unitarian Universalist Association web site at–