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Sunday Worship,
December 21rst, 2025
at 10:30 am
Christmas Pageant
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Join us on December 21rst at 10:30 am. Experience the birth of Jesus as you’ve never seen it before—through the imaginative lens of UU storytelling. Come for a joyful, light-hearted, and participatory Christmas pageant filled with music, laughter, and plenty of audience cues. If you’re ready for a spirited service with a wink, join us!
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
Winter Solstice Eve will be held on Saturday December 20th from 4:00-7:00 this year. We will have a face painter, an all-ages coloring poster, and *new* a family friendly spiral lighting ceremony before the traditional spiral lighting. More details and link to RSVP coming soon.
Please join us for a festive Christmas pageant during our All Ages service on December 21st! This year’s interactive, no-rehearsal show invites everyone to relax, participate, and enjoy the fun. To make things extra comfy and cozy, we encourage everyone to come to church in your pajamas!
Think UU Know The Christmas Story? Experience the birth of Jesus as you’ve never seen it before—through the imaginative lens of UU storytelling. Come for a joyful, light-hearted, and participatory Christmas pageant filled with music, laughter, and plenty of audience cues. If you’re ready for a spirited service with a wink, join us on December 21st!
There will be no RE Classes held on Sunday, December 28th. Children are warmly invited to join their families in the Peaceful Play area during the service that day.
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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(Thanks to Rev. Lia Davis for the post)
Gather with the First Unitarian Denver community on Saturday, December 20th from 4 – 7 pm for Solstice Eve! Everyone is warmly invited to this free community event, which includes face painting, an all-ages coloring poster, and warm drinks in the community room at 4 pm; lively carol singing with a jazz band at 4:30 in the sanctuary; a potluck dinner at 5:15 (EVERYONE is welcome, even if unable to bring an item to the potluck); and a family-friendly light spiral ritual in the upstairs chapel at 5:45, followed by a traditional light spiral at 6:15. Please RSVP by December 16. We hope to see you there! and consider signing up for a short volunteer slot to help the evening run smoothly.
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Annual Pageant – Think UU Know The Christmas Story?
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The story of Jesus’ birth—retold in a way only UUs could imagine.
Join us for an upbeat, humorous, and fully interactive Christmas pageant. If you enjoy singing a few beloved holiday songs—and can offer a well-timed “ooh” or “ahh”—this delightfully irreverent service is for you! To make things extra comfy and cozy, we encourage everyone to come to church in your pajamas.
If you’re ready for a spirited service with a wink, join us on December 21st!
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Coffee Hour Volunteer Training – this Sunday at 11:45
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(Thanks to the Michael DeSantis for the post)
Want to contribute even more to our Coffee Hour Team? Join us for a training in the Kitchen this Sunday at 11:45am. We’ll cover the basics: where everything is, how to use the coffee maker, how to clean up, etc. The training will last no longer than 30 minutes and will prepare you to serve as a coffee hour point person.
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Join us on December 24th for our traditional, candle-it Christmas Eve services at 5 PM and 7 PM as we reflect on Drawing Near to Humanity. (Details ➡️ click here)
🎁 This year’s Giving in Action collection supports Metro Caring.
🍪 Do you love the sweets that arrive in your home at Christmas but really don’t want too many hanging around after Christmas? Bring any extras or your favorite cookie or treat to the Christmas Eve services at First Unitarian. If you would like to bring fruit or something savory instead of sweet, all manner of edibles are welcome. Just drop them off in the kitchen before the service. We will eat and be merry after each service
📺 Our 5pm service will also have a livestream option via YouTube HERE (the 7pm service is in-person only).
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Giving in Action – Christmas Eve Services-Metro Caring
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🎁 This year’s Giving in Action collection supports Metro Caring.
As a leading frontline anti-hunger organization in Colorado for over 50 years, Metro Caring works with our community to meet people’s immediate need for nutritious and culturally relevant food while building a movement to end hunger at its root causes. Metro Caring offers innovative programming in Healthy Foods Access, Nutrition Education and Cooking Classes, ID Procurement, and Community Organizing and Development. Its programs and resources are available to everyone throughout the greater Denver metro area without discrimination or “proof of need.”
At its core, Metro Caring believes access to healthy food is a human right, not a privilege. But it recognizes that it cannot do it alone. It continues to rely on the investment, compassion, commitment, and generosity of all of us in order to make a direct, positive impact in the lives of people who need it most.
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Christmas Eve Vigil at ICE/Geo Detention Center
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Following our Christmas Eve services, join Ministerial Resident Michael DeSantis, fellow First Unitarian community members, and other local congregations for a special weekly vigil at the ICE/Geo Detention Center in Aurora (11901 E. 30th Ave).
This Christmas Eve vigil will run from about 9:30-10:30pm on December 24 and feature singing, prayers, and opportunities to connect with local organizers. Together, we will honor all those detained and reflect on how the Christmas story can inspire our work for immigration justice.
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December 25th Potluck Gathering
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Get ready for some Christmas magic! Join us on December 25th at First Unitarian for a festive gathering filled with good cheer, delicious food, and tons of fun.
We’re kicking things off at 11:00 am when the doors swing open, and the potluck buffet extravaganza begins at 12:00 pm. We’ll be indulging in the holiday spirit until around 2:00 pm. We will be serving ham and we invite you to bring a side to share. Even if you can’t bring a side, join us anyway. We can’t wait to celebrate the joy of the season with you!
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(Thanks to Colleen Bryan for the post)
Let’s Talk Homesharing… and Share a Lunch! Sunday, January 4, 2026 11:45 am-2:00 pm at First Unitarian. Sign up here or email caring@fusden.org that you’re attending so we bring enough lunch..
We tend to think of homelessness as a remote problem facing other people. But affordable sustainable housing challenges stability for our own families, neighbors, and friends. Meanwhile, millions of bedrooms sit empty every night. And loneliness is an epidemic across age spectra and social classes throughout our increasingly segmented society.
On January 4 the Caring Committee is hosting Stephanie Firestone, an urban planner who worked extensively with the American Association of Retired Persons in Washington, D.C. Stephanie will tell us about innovative home-sharing ideas that work around the world. She will also gather our ideas about what might work in our Denver community. This can be a nitty-gritty discussion about barriers that exist and incentives or investments that can make home-sharing viable. She will report those ideas to the Denver Regional Council of Governments as input to their efforts to create affordable housing options. We’ll provide lunch and the speaker; you bring the lively conversation. Calendar this as one of your first efforts in the new year to strengthen the foundations of community for all of us!
For more information, click here.
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Finding Yourself at First Unitarian!
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(Thanks to Michael DeSantis, Stewardship Council, for the post)
New to Unitarian Universalism? Wondering how you can get involved at First Unitarian (or even how you can become a member)? We welcome you to join us on Saturday, January 10, from 9am-12pm for our next Finding Yourself at First Unitarian class.
Facilitated by our Ministerial Resident Michael DeSantis, this participatory class seeks to introduce newcomers to our UU faith and our First Unitarian community. All are welcome, but you must pre-register here. Can’t make it? Join us next time on Saturday, February 28, 2025.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Michael at michael@fusden.org.
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Values-Based Estate Planning for UUs
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(Thanks to Lynn Garman, Stewardship Council, for the post)
Estate planning is more than a set of legal documents—it’s a chance to express your deepest values and care for the people and causes you love. This engaging seminar, designed especially for a Unitarian Universalist audience, will explore how thoughtful planning can reflect your commitments to compassion, justice, and generosity while providing clarity and peace of mind for you and your family. Nancy Crow, estate planning attorney, and Colin Ware, planned giving advisor, cover the practical nuts and bolts of wills and trusts, explain key tax considerations in clear, accessible terms, and discuss how charitable and philanthropic giving can extend your values well into the future. Whether you are just beginning to think about a will or want to refine an existing plan, this session offers both inspiration and practical guidance for aligning your legacy with what matters most. Light snacks provided.
Join us on Sunday, January 11th from noon to 2pm in the Chapel.
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New Parenting CORE Circle!
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey, for the post)
We are creating a supportive community for divorced and single parents of children of all ages. Whether you’re navigating co-parenting, raising kids solo, an empty nester, or adjusting to a new chapter in life, we hope to create a safe space to share, connect, and grow together.
Single and divorced parenting comes with unique challenges and triumphs. Here, you’ll find encouragement and support from others on similar parenting journeys.
Please let Leslie know at msleslie@fusden.org if you are interested in joining us for open conversations in a judgment-free zone where your experience is respected and your voice is valued.
We will meet Monday January 26th from 6:30-8:00 in the teen space in the basement
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Hello First Unitarian Society of Denver.
his is a brief announcement to let you know that the Second Service Taskforce met last Sunday morning at church. One of the first decision that we made was to select a chairperson. I was honored by the nomination and accepted their unanimous approval. We created a list of the various issues to be addressed and the parts of our congregation that we need to reach out to for guidance. We will meet again on Sunday, December 21st. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at eddycarroll@hotmail.com.
In community,
Eddy Carroll.
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Auditions Sign Up Open for SoUUl Stage!
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Get ready—the next big musical adventure is about to begin, and we want YOU to be part of it! “Anthem: Where the Light Gets In” – A musical about a group of ordinary people who stumble into an extraordinary awakening—one that reveals the light we carry, and the parts of ourselves we forgot.
Whether you love to perform, work behind the scenes, or just try something new, there’s a place for you on (or behind) the stage. Not into performing? Mark your calendars and come enjoy the show!
Everyone’s welcome—young or young-at-heart, families, first-timers, and theater veterans alike. Join us as we create something unforgettable together!
Learn about the show, sign up for an audition or join the crew now on our Souul Stage Webpage.
Make memories, friends, and magic with SoUUl Stage.
Important Dates
Auditions: January 11 (everyone gets a part)
Rehearsals: Start February 17, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (not all participants attend every rehearsal)
Show: April 17–18, 2026 at First Unitarian Society of Denver
Can’t make it to the January 11th audition? Click here for how to audition virtually.
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QR code for the Souul Stage website is on your left.
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(Thanks to the Connections Committee for the post)
If you would like to receive a weekly newsletter which is sent by email, please fill out this information for our records. The newsletter gives you information about the upcoming service and other events and activities at our church. Click here.
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(Thanks to the Leslie Harvey for the post)
Looking for a way to give back that doesn’t involve committees, spreadsheets, or public speaking? Click here to volunteer to keep our coffee hour up and running! You will sign up with a team of 2-4 others when it works with your schedule- you can serve once a month, once a quarter, or whatever you can.
It’s an easy, meaningful way to nourish community — and maybe sneak the first cookie!
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Gift Card and Toy Drive for Immigrants in Shelter
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers, Immigration, for the post)
Imagine spending the holidays as an immigrant with children in a shelter.
You can bring some holiday joy by bringing toys (new/like-new for ages 20 months to 15 years) and/or gift cards* to FUSD (box in atrium) by Sunday, Dec 21st. Thanks to Housekeys Action Network Denver for sponsoring this drive.
* Gift cards from Amazon, Safeway, King Soopers, Target, Ross, Walmart.
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(Thanks to Randle Loeb for the post)
Each December, the Denver community comes together on the longest night of the year to honor those neighbors who passed away in the preceding year while experiencing homelessness. For 36 years, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has hosted this event in honor of those who have died. For many, this will be the only service to mark their death.
Please join us from 4:00 – 5:30 PM on Sunday, December 21st outside the Denver & City County building located at 1437 Bannock Street with the vigil program beginning at 4:30 PM, as the sun goes down. In addition to the program, luminary memorials will be placed outside the City & County building, each with the name of an unhoused neighbor who passed. Light refreshments will be provided.
For the 2025 Vigil, the Coalition is also proud to partner with the Homeless Remembrance Blanket Project, which is both an art installation and an opportunity for generous blanket makers to knit, crochet, and quilt a gift of warmth for neighbors far and wide who are experiencing homelessness. This year, hundreds of handmade blankets will be displayed near the Denver Vigil to raise awareness about homelessness. After the event, the blankets will be immediately distributed to people in need. Learn more about this partnership and how you can donate blankets here. Beginning at 1PM on Bannock Street near the City & County Building, visitors can come view the display of blankets representing acts of kindness and generosity from across the country.
RSVP your attendance here.
Sunday, December 21, 2025,
In front of the City & County Building of Denver,
4:00 PM – 5:30PM
4:30 PM Program
Blanket display beginning at 1:00 PM
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Climate Justice Book Talk
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(Thanks to Peggy Ulrich-Nims for the post)
The First Unitarian Denver Climate Justice Project is excited to announce a Sunday January 18, 2026 noon hour book discussion of Zak Podmore’s 2025 book LIFE AFTER DEAD POOL about the Colorado River and the declining water level in Lake Powell. We will likely schedule a duplicate evening zoom meeting, also in January.
Books will be available in the FUSD Community Room on Sundays in early December. Please obtain a copy of the book and begin your reading journey.
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Freedom of Speech – Community Art Project
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(Thanks to Nina Nadeau for the post)
Presented by the Democracy Action Team
Artist: Nina Nadeau
The canvas has returned to Nina’s studio. Here is this week’s progress.
Once finished, the painting will be displayed at the church and auctioned to support legal organizations defending Freedom of Speech. For more information, contact Nina Nadeau at ninanadeau01@gmail.com or visit www.galdarastudio.com.
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Support Social Justice when Ordering Foods for Events!
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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