 |
Sunday Worship, February 18th, 2024
at 10:30 am
Theology and/or Love
Rev. Mike Morran
|
Join us on Sunday, February 18th at 10:30 am. This year, Unitarian Universalism will vote on whether to replace the Principles and Purposes of our faith with a new statement, one that puts Love at the center of our Purposes and Covenant. This Sunday, Rev. Mike will share some recent history of why this revision is happening, and some thoughts about a Theology of Love.
|
|
Giving in Action – Project I See You
|
(Thanks to Lynn Garman for the post)
Project I See You” is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women to take ownership of their lives and create lasting positive change in their communities. We are creating a world where society is strengthened by every woman being seen, heard, and valued through a transformative exchange of service, healing, and reciprocal dignity. The organization got its start in 2009 in the Dominican Republic and expanded the work to Denver in 2013. Their most recent initiative Shared Power gives $10,000 grants to women first-time homeowners and to women-owned businesses in need of backup and support.
|
|
Young Adult Meeting – this SUNDAY!
|
(Thanks to Eric Kollwitz for the post)
First Unitarian’s Young Adult Group will meet this Sunday after coffee hour in the Chapel. We will have food and drinks. The goal of this meeting is to get a reoccurring monthly meeting on the calendar as well as have conversations about the future organization of our group. All young adults are welcome and encouraged to join!
|
|
First Unitarian Stewardship Campaign Needs You!
|
It’s that time of the year again – our annual stewardship campaign is getting underway. This year’s theme is “Growing Together, Giving Together.” This theme expresses what we are all about.
After several years of dealing with the many challenges that occurred due to the COVID pandemic, our church community has come back together stronger and more prepared for our future. Church programs are up and running, and the sanctuary chairs are filling up each Sunday. This is the perfect time for all of us to renew our commitment to this shared community, through our willingness to contribute time and financial resources so it can thrive.
The annual stewardship campaign is the primary funding source that supports our amazing staff, building, programming and everything else that happens at First Unitarian. It’s what enables us to carry out our congregational vision – for our Church community and the critical justice work we do to support the greater Denver community.
Stewardship Sunday is scheduled for February 25th. I am asking you to think about what your volunteer and financial commitment to First Unitarian will look like for the coming year before that date. When your stewardship ambassador reaches out in late February, please connect with them. They not only want to help you through the stewardship process, they also want your feedback about First Unitarian and how we can make this community an even better source of connection, spirituality and belonging.
Let’s create a future the way our congregation always has – growing together and giving together.
If you have questions about this year’s stewardship campaign, feel free to ask your stewardship ambassador or reach out to the Stewardship Council at stewardship@fusden.org.
|
|
Looking for a notary to notarize Reproductive Freedom Ballot Initiative
|
(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
Through our Reproductive Justice group at FUSD, about a dozen of us are collecting signatures for a ballot initiative that would codify the right to abortion in the state Constitution. Each signature page we fill needs to be notarized. It would be great if we had a church member who is a notary who could bring their stamp to church on Sundays and notarize our petitions. If this is something that interests those of you who are notaries, please let me know!
|
|
Thanks for Filling the FUSD Foyer’s Red Wagon
|
(Thanks to Peggy Ulrich-Nims for the post)
Thanks to all who have been depositing non-perishable food items and empty egg cartons in the Red Wagon. You help FUSD help the Metrocaring Food Bank to serve Denver’s people in need. And a mighty THANK YOU to Patrick Whorton who has been faithfully delivering your donations to Metrocaring each week. And to all: Please keep your donations coming each Sunday.
|
First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rajdulari Tickets Now On Sale!
|
(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Join us for Capitol Hill Concerts’ next show, vocalist Rajdulari (original contemporary jazz) performing with Peter Stoltzman (piano), Gonzalo Teppa (bass), and Josh Beyers (drums) on Saturday February 24th at 7 pm. Tickets are now on sale. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit The Kaleidoscope Project. This organization assists forward thinking organizations by training and dispatching people of color who represent underserved populations to go back into their communities to do advocacy work on behalf of those organizations. Through training and education, this project seeks to arm and equip hubs of organizers within marginalized communities opportunities to partner with groups and begin working on behalf of their own village. Support The Kaleidoscope Project by donating cookies, fruits, or snacks (homemade or store-bought) which will be served at the concert intermission alongside donation baskets. All donations collected will benefit The Kaleidoscope Project. If you would like to donate a refreshment, please sign up here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Justice in Israel and Palestine: An Introductory Course
|
This five-part community course aims to give participants an introduction to Palestine, Israel, and the current crisis in Gaza. Our sessions will include small group discussions, critical examination of text and media, short lectures, and creative ways to reflect and internalize our learnings. Through learning together, we aim to build a community capable of deep conversations and informed decision making around the current crisis in Gaza.
Class will be held at First Unitarian, Denver (1400 Lafayette St, Denver, CO 80218) on Monday nights from 7-9pm on Feb 12th, 19th, 26th, March 4th, and March 11th. Please expect an additional hour of reading, watching, and reflection to prepare for each session.
Register for the class at: https://forms.gle/emxEts5wyYZ6SuD37
Instructors include professors of Middle East Studies, activists, and community members.
Contact Eric Kollwitz at kollwitz.professional.solutions@gmail.com for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Unitarian Craft Circle
|
(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
Calling all crafters – beginners or experienced or anywhere in between. We meet twice a month at FUSD. We have one evening meeting (the second Wednesday of the month at 7-8:30) which this month which will be on February 21 at 3:00 – 4:00 pm. No RSVP needed unless you need me to bring you supplies to get started.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Racial Justice Project – Spring Read
|
(Thanks to Patrick Whorton for the post)
It’s not too late to join the discussion of the Racial Justice Project’s spring book read, Black on Black, written by Daniel Black, an author and professor of African American studies at Clark Atlanta University. This book, in fourteen short chapters, offers a queer, intersectional perspective on racial justice issues; each chapter examines a different issue. The discussion will be organized around three readings, once a month: Intro-page 88 on February 28; pages 89-158 on March 27; pages 159-end April 24. All discussions will be via zoom from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Participants must register to participate by emailing Patrick Whorton at pwhorton@gmail.com who will then send you a zoom link and some discussion guidelines. You may join one, two or all three of the discussions.
|
|
Community Is A Spiritual Practice – A deep dive into the longing for belonging.
|
(Thanks to Rev. Mike Morran for the post)
Wednesday evenings, March 6, 13, 20, and 27, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
This class of four sessions will explore the need, the joy, the frustrations, and the skills of human community. Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, we will learn, laugh, and grow together, engaging the spiritual, emotional, and experiential truths of sustaining relationships with diverse people. All are welcome, but you must pre-register by emailing Revmorran@gmail.com by Tuesday, March 5th.
|
|
A Movie Series for Grownups: Let’s Talk About Sex (and its consequences), Baby!
|
(Thanks to Jane Ashley for the post)
Join us for a movie, and the deep dive into a thoughtful discussion. We’ve been moved to tears and lots of laughter at our first two screenings, especially in the conversation after the movie, when we have shared some of our own stories. The film “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” (winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival) will be shown as the third offering in the RJ Initiative’s film series. Not Rated, Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%. It will be shown at the home of Jane Ashley in Denver. There’s room for 12 people in her TV room, with a large screen for viewing. It will be shown on Tuesday, March 12, at 6 pm. Please RSVP to Jane at jane.ashley52@gmail.com. She’ll send you her address.
The fourth movie in the series will be shown on Tuesday, April 2: “Lingui.”
|
|
Gun Violence Prevention Lobby Day
|
|
Learn About the Dialysis Profit Machine
|
(Thanks to Chris Schwab for the post)
Chris Schwab has been an activist for justice in the dialysis industry for twenty years.
I’ve recently engaged in some insightful discussions on Sundays! What topic captured my attention? It’s the realm of medicine, unfortunately not for its advancements but for its shortcomings – particularly in the area of pediatric care. Even children haven’t been immune to the consequences of profit-driven motives in healthcare. [https://dialysisethics2.org/index.php/articles/13-information/166-p-s-a-nightmare-kids] We’re gearing up for our ‘Rally To Congress’ on Feb. 29th in DC, hoping to make a difference. If you’re inclined, reach out to your Federal Representatives; you can find guidance on DialysisEthics2.org. Stay updated on our endeavors via X @BreakUpDaVita.
The lucky winners of NYT’s best-selling author Tom Mueller’s book ‘How To Make a Killing’ are ticket numbers 238506 and 238515.
|
|
Sunday Funday with Soul 2 Soul Sisters
|
Get ready for Sunday Funday with Soul 2 Soul Sisters the whole month of April! This Spring, we’re planting seeds of liberation with four inspiring sessions of Facing Racism. Register today ✨
Facing Racism is led by the Soul 2 Soul Sisters Leadership Team, Rev. Dr. Tawana Angela Davis, Courtney Anika and Ash Ferguson. We’ll join together virtually for four juicy sessions filled with poetry, music, articles, books and videos.
Virtual Session Dates: April 7th, April 14th, April 21st, April 28th
Session Times: 4:00 – 7:00 PM (MST)
Registration Fee: $599
Link to Register
Deadline to Register is March 31st
Partial scholarships and payment plans available for all registrants. Please contact info@soul2soulsisters.org for more information.
Thank you for your consideration and investment. We hope that you will invest in our collective liberation, by registering today.
In Divine Peace, Love, & Power, Your Facing Racism Facilitators,
Courtney Anika, Associate Director of Organizational Wellness
Rev. Tawana Angela Davis, PhD, Co-Founder & Executive Director
Ash Ferguson, Associate Director of Programs & Community Wellness
|
|
Registration Open for Pacific Western Regional Assembly – April 19th and 20th
|
t’s time to get together!
Registration is open for our Pacific Western Regional Assembly this April 19th and 20th!
People can attend either in person, at First Universalist in Denver, or remotely. We are planning a family friendly event and children are welcome. This is a great chance to connect with our larger faith and connect with new and old friends.
Stay up to date on all the PWR RA Plans here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 General Assembly Registration is Now Open!
|
Represent us at the UUA General Assembly! The Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) national meeting of UU congregations is an all-virtual event this year. You can participate from the comfort of your own couch from June 20-23, 2024.
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 2024 General Assembly, please reach out to Coral Cosway at President@fusden.org.
Adult registration is $280 and includes access to the live sessions, on-demand programming, featured speakers and major worships. There is also an option to register for only the annual business meeting portion of the event for free (or a donation amount of your choice). You can review the program and schedule and visit the UUA’s General Assembly webpage for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pacific Western Region – February Newsletter
|
The Pacific Western Region of the Unitarian Universalists, publish a newsletter every one to two months. This newsletter will keep you up to date on all things UU that are happening in our region.
Click here to view the February newsletter.
Additionally, you can visit the Unitarian Universalist Association web site at https://www.uua.org/ for information at the association level.
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Unitarian Information
|
|
First Unitarian – Calendaring and Room Reservations
|
(Thanks to Rhonda Williamson, Congregational Administrator, for the post)
To Request an event addition to the First Unitarian calendar and to request a room reservation:
- To add a meeting or event to the Church Calendar and reserve a room:
- Check the church calendar on the website to see if there are any conflicts. There is a link on each page of the website in the black area at the bottom, under ‘Useful links’
- Complete the following form to request that your event be added to the calendar and to request a room reservation. https://firstunitariandenver.breezechms.com/form/45698258
Click here to access the First Unitarian Committee Handbook.
Feel free to dive in and let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Unitarian – Communication Methods How To’s
|
(Thanks to Rhonda Williamson, Congregational Administrator, for the post)
First Announce: A weekly church newsletter sent out by blast email Thursday evenings. (Also found on the website.) Deadline for entries is Tuesday end of day.
Order of Service: The handout given at each Sunday service – giving service details, and upcoming church events Request deadline is Thursday at 8:00 am.
Please complete the form at the link below to submit announcements for either or both First Announce and Order of Service – select both options on the form. https://firstunitariandenver.breezechms.com/form/e50206
Click here to access the First Unitarian Committee Handbook.
Feel free to dive in and let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finding a place to park when you come to visit our urban sanctuary can be a bit of a challenge! We recommend the following tactics/locations:
- Sundays 6a-1p: 3 blocks of the north side of 14th Avenue (Marion St. to just before Franklin St. – please abide by the street parking signs)
- Sundays 6a-1p: The Center at Colfax and Lafayette
- Sundays 6a-1p: (42 parking spaces) The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- Monday through Friday, 6 pm to 8 am: (22 parking spaces) The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- Friday 6 pm to Monday 8 am (22 parking spaces, except Sunday morning, see above. The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- If you have any questions or need a parking pass, contact Rhonda at office@fusden.org. Parking passes can also be obtained from the Greeters on Sunday morning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
