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Sunday Worship,
February 15th, 2026
at 10:30 am
Promises Made, Promises Broken
Michael DeSantis
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Join us on February 15th at 10:30 am. We Unitarian Universalists are a hopeful people. We expect the best from ourselves and do our part to bring out the best in others. At the same time, we know that we sometimes fall short—as individuals, as a faith community, and as a nation. How can we name the reality of broken promises while also holding on to our hope, especially in these times when it feels like so much is breaking down?
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Giving in Action – Adaptive Adventures
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(Thanks to Peter Swanson, for the post)
This Sunday’s Giving in Action is Adaptive Adventures.
Adaptive Adventures is a Colorado-based nonprofit that provides life-changing outdoor recreation opportunities for children, adults and veterans with physical disabilities and their families, at no cost. As the only fully mobile adaptive sports program in the country, we bring cycling, climbing, paddling, skiing, and more directly into communities, removing barriers related to location, equipment, and finances. Unlike most adaptive programs, we intentionally include the whole family, creating shared experiences that build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging. Our mission is rooted in freedom through mobility and the belief that adaptation in sports, and in life, should be normalized, not exceptional.
Beyond direct programming, Adaptive Adventures creates lasting change by building inclusive communities that endure long after a single event. By training local organizations, healthcare providers, outfitters, and volunteers, we help ensure people with disabilities can fully participate in everyday community life, repairing a bike at a local shop, climbing at a neighborhood gym, or paddling with a nearby outfitter. As one participant shared, “If programs like this didn’t exist, I think we’ve seen the consequence is loneliness. And when somebody has nothing, then they have nothing to live for. It’s nice to have people that get it. They understand what it takes to keep going. And that means a lot. That could save a guy from taking his own life.” Learn more at AdaptiveAdventures.org.
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey, for the post)
February 22nd will be an Intergenerational Service- no RE classes that morning.
Changes to the Peaceful Play area are coming. We need to keep the aisle leading to the exit door clear in case of emergency. Instead of allowing children to sit directly in front of the toy shelf, please ensure your children play on the new rug, just a few feet away. This will allow for a safe exit in the event of an emergency evacuation. Thank you!
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Lunch Bunch – Friday February 13th at noon
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Everyone is invited to our monthly potluck, Lunch Bunch, on the second Friday of the month. This month we meet on Friday February 13th. We gather at First Unitarian Society of Denver around 11:45 a.m. to set up, and we generally ring the lunch bell at noon. If you don’t have more than an hour, just come at noon and join us. The food is always delicious, and the company is stimulating.
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Me, An Emergency Responder?
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Thanks to the Doug Fiero for the post)
Do you have a medical background?
The FUSD safety committee is looking for people with a medical background, including nursing, EMT, Medicine, to be an “emergency responder” in the case of emergencies.
We’d like you to come to Usher/Safety Committee training Sun. February 15, 12 PM, in the Sanctuary.
If you’d like to participate, but can’t attend Please let Doug Fiero know, 978-808-3692.
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CANCELLED: February 22 LDC Training
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Due to a conflict with the Bylaws Community Forum on February 22, the Leadership Development training for that day is cancelled. It is rescheduled for SUNDAY, MARCH 15. Please note these two important events on your calendars and plan to attend. Thank you!
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Last Chance to Register to be a Stewardship Ambassador
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(Thanks to the Ellory Boyd, Stewardship Coordinator, for the post)
Stewardship Ambassador training will be held this coming week, on Tuesday 02/17 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm and Saturday 02/21 from 11:00am – 12:00pm.
Please use this Breeze form to register:
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Finding Yourself at First Unitarian!
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(Thanks to the Michael DeSantis, Ministerial Resident, 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, February 28, 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.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Michael at michael@fusden.org.
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Road Pony – Saturday February 28th
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(Thanks to the Lia Davis for the post)
Capitol Hill Concerts, hosted at First Unitarian Denver, welcomes Road Pony on Saturday February 28th at 7 pm. Fronted by Megan Burtt and Lauren Frihauf, whose harmonies could melt the coldest heart, they’ve got local legends backing them—Dave Devine, Eric Moon, Braxton Kahn keeping the groove, and Kramer Kelling on bass, making sure the boot scootin’ never stops. Paying homage to the greats like Hank Williams and Loretta Lynn, Road Pony brings the classic country heat with a fresh spin. Purchase tickets here!
A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit The Action Center. Their mission is to provide an immediate and compassionate response to those experiencing hardship and offer the resources and services needed to stabilize lives and promote pathways to lasting change. If you would like to donate a refreshment for intermission to support this organization, please sign up here.
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Thanks to the Elisa Erickson for the post)
In July 2024, the Board of Trustees (BOT) charged a Governance Task Force to “assess, research, and recommend changes/revisions to current FUSD by-laws and organizational structure, in the interest of improving shared ministry, flexibility, transparency, and effectiveness.” As part of its work, the Governance Task Force has reviewed bylaws from other UU congregations, consulted UUA resources and sought input from the BOT and other FUSD councils and committees. Based on this research, the Task Force has compiled a Draft Amended and Restated Bylaws, which are now available for members of the congregation to review.
To see our current bylaws click here. To see a “Blue Book” description of significant changes being proposed click here. To see a version of the Draft Amended and Restated Bylaws marked to show changes from the current bylaws click here. To see a clean version of the Draft Amended and Restated Bylaws click here.
Members of the Task Force will be available each Sunday in February in the Community Room to answer questions. In addition, the Task Force will host forums in the sanctuary on February 22nd after the service. Finally, you may use this Google form to submit questions or comments. However, please understand that the Task Force may not be able to respond directly to individual questions submitted by form.
The deadline for providing feedback to the Task Force is Saturday, February 28, 2026.
After this process, the Task Force will make any necessary changes to the draft. The final version of the Amended and Restated Bylaws will be presented to the Board for approval and then to the congregation for a vote at the 2026 annual meeting.
Task Force members: Coral Cosway, Elisa Erickson, Chris Hahn, Amanda Parkhurst-Strout, Caleb Ray, Ed Dieringer (ex officio)
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2026 Auction: Together Again in our Blue Boat Home!
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Thanks to the Helen Berkman for the post)
Yes, the 2026 Auction is on the way! “Together Again in our Blue Boat Home!” will be Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
On-line bidding will be the focus this year. But mark your calendar for the finale and enjoy the party – a chili supper with drinks and dessert, a Special Call and other live auction items. On-line bidding will start in April but only if your donations start pouring in!
SO, right now we need your donations! Help fill our catalog with exciting items, experiences, events, baskets, and services. Get your creative juices flowing and enter your donation using the donation form right here.
To see last year’s catalog for ideas, or to repeat a donation, just go to https://fusden.org/annual-auction/ and click on Catalog.
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2026 Endowment Grant Opportunity
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Thanks to the Ingrid Porter for the post)
Applications for FUSD’s 2026 endowment grant will open on 3/1/26 and will be accepted through April 15, 2026,.
The endowment grant is for projects that enhance the permanent facilities and capabilities of FUSD. Selection criteria include 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 the committee at endowment@fusden.org to receive an application, or with any questions.
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DO YOU LOVE TO THROW A PARTY!
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Thanks to the Colleen Bryan for the post)
Every other year, the First Unitarian Society of Denver Caring Committee sponsors a Silver and Gold Luncheon for elders in the church who are over the age of 70. It is a sizeable group! And it’s truly heartwarming to see the elders who built this church community and nursed it through other eras of glory and crisis get together to enjoy each other’s company. Chris Collins did a bang-up job as the S&G coordinator in 2024 and left exquisite notes for the next person who takes on the role.
Could that be you? We’re looking for someone (preferably younger than the invitees) with creative and organizational energy, a willingness to gather and choreograph a crew of volunteers, and commitment to pull off a memorable event in September 2026. If you’re interested, please reach out to Colleen Bryan for more information!
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Ordination of Michael DeSantis
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All First Unitarian members and friends are joyfully invited to attend the ordination of our very own Ministerial Resident, Michael DeSantis! The ordination service will be at 10am on Saturday, April 18 at Jefferson Unitarian Church (14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401). Childcare will be provided and there will be a reception with light refreshments following the service. The service will also be live-streamed. For more info or to RSVP, visit Michael’s ordination website.https://michaeldesantisministry.com/ordination/
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(Thanks to the Cindy Robertson for the post)
Does your birth year end in a 6? (1946, 1956, 1966, etc.) If so, it’s a special birthday year as you are entering a new decade of life. Would you like to celebrate with other decaders? Contact Cindy so we can pick a Saturday in June to celebrate together in Cheeseman Park. You’ll want your besties to save the date.
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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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Gun Violence Prevention Lobby Day
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
Come learn about Gun Violence Prevention Bills being introduced at this year’s state legislature. We’ll review lobbying tactics then visit our own state legislators at the Capitol. Hope to see you on Thursday, February 26, from 8:30-1:30. Free event. Breakfast included. RSVP here
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Reproductive Justice Movie
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(Thanks to Jane Ashley for the post)
“Juno,” 2007 movie tells the story of a teenage girl who gets pregnant, with parents who support her right to choose. Funny and charming.
Date: Friday March 13
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Jane Ashley’s living room
RSVP required
Information available in Breeze
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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
Nina is in Tupica Kansas traveling to witness the Buddhist Monks walking from Texas to Washington DC on February 10th, 2026. Afterward, she will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to place a card on Renee Good and Alex Petty.
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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Local Unitarian Universalist Churches and Community
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Jefferson Humanists’ Program
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Sunday February 22nd, 4:00pm
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4:00 PM MST Jefferson Humanists’ Monthly Program at
Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W. 32nd Ave., Golden, CO
Braver Angels: First Steps Defusing Political Polarization
Presented by: Brady Young
Braver Angels is a national, volunteer-driven movement working to rebuild civic trust in a time of deep division. We focus on understanding why people believe what they believe, not just what they believe, and we equip Americans with the skills to engage across differences. Through workshops, debates, trainings, and action pathways, we help communities build trust, find common ground, and work together for the common good.
Also at the February Program: SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR DRIVE
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🎸 Harryl & Friends in Concert
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Saturday, February 28th, 7:00pm
First Universalist Church of Denver – 4101 E. Hampden Ave.
On our stage February 28th – Harryl – a Denver native known in music circles merely by her first name. In the 1970s, Harryl performed in Denver’s hotels, pubs and clubs, as well as in ski areas across the state. Harryl welcomes her audiences with warmth and humor. Local entertainment writers referred to her as a “lively sprite…with a slightly off-center personality,” a singer with a “clear voice and captivating smile, and “a musical sprite…who makes friends wherever she goes.” This should be a fun evening for all ages! This is Harryl’s 80th birthday concert!
In-Person & Livestream Tickets are available at: https://firstuniversalist.org/ministries/worship-and-arts/concert-series — scroll down to Upcoming Concerts (a little further down the page)
If you have questions: harryl491@comcast.net
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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