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Sunday Worship,
February 2nd, 2025
at 10:30 am
Sharing the Wealth
Rev. Mike Morran
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Join us on February 2nd at 10:30 am. What is leadership? What does it mean to be a leader, or to share leadership? If everyone is a leader, how does anything get done? This Sunday we will ponder these and other mysteries of being a liberal religious community.
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Giving in Action – Denver Children’s Choir
(Thanks to Beth Fischer for the post)
Our Giving in Action non-profit this week is The Denver Children’s Choir (DCC). DCC unites the children of Denver through rigorous ensemble music instruction. Children of all races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds come together to sing, study, and perform choral music in a nurturing and inclusive environment. A central tenet of the DCC and a key to our purpose is the fact that, since our founding in 1995, we have never turned a child away due to a lack of experience or ability to pay. We provide a safe place for children to belong, develop leadership skills, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, make friends, and create lifelong memories with singers from all over the city. And, they learn to sing from our world class team of master teachers! The DCC is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization; all donations are tax deductible.
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Whole SoUUl Studio at Noon on February 2nd
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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Miriam’s Book Table is Proud to Feature…
(Thanks to the Nan Wigington for the post)
Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited.
Miriam’s Book Table just received new books. One of the most important ones is Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited. The book played a part in Mike’s stirring MLK day sermon, and is a powerful interpretation of Jesus’ teachings. It shows how the prophet’s words can be a source of strength and resistance. Stop by the table during coffee hour and pick it up.
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Introducing our Interim Choir Director – Wyatt Smith
Welcome to Wyatt Smith, our new Interim Choir Director, at choir@fusden.org! Wyatt Smith is a Kansan native who recently moved to Denver to pursue his Master’s in Choral Conducting at The University of Colorado Boulder. He previously taught fifth through twelfth grade choirs, children’s theater, community theater, and assistant and music directed with Garden City High School’s award-winning theater program. Wyatt sings with the CU Boulder Chamber Singers, Ars Nova Singers, and The Denver Chorale. When he is not making music, he can be found spending time with his husband, Andrew, their extended family and friends, and watching movies. Wyatt is extremely honored and excited to work with the FUSD Chalice Singers to make beautiful music!
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(Thanks to the Mike Morran for the post)
Jason Marsden, the First Unitarian Stewardship Coordinator has begun a leave of absence beginning January 19, 2025. During this time, we are pleased to announce that Karen Derrick-Davis and Kimberly Urish will step in as Interim Co-Stewardship Coordinators. Together, they will share responsibilities for this role. Karen previously served as the Stewardship Coordinator at First Unitarian, while Kimberly brings extensive experience as a seasoned fundraiser for non-profit and international organizations.
We are confident that Karen and Kimberly’s collaborative leadership and dedication will ensure continuity and success in the stewardship efforts for the 2025-2026 campaign.
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Choir Rehearsals on a New Night
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(Thanks to the Lia Davis for the post)
Weekly rehearsals for the First Unitarian Chalice Singers are moving to Wednesday evenings at 7:15. If you are interested in joining the choir, please contact Wyatt Smith, our new Interim Choir Director, at choir@fusden.org. The choir typically sings twice a month in Sunday worship services. All voices and abilities are welcome to sing in the choir!
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(Thanks to the Lia Davis for the post)
From Lia Davis, our Music Director: How are you staying connected to joy in these challenging times? Please share your thoughts on this 2 question survey for a service I’m leading on February 9th. Click here to answer.
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A message from Rev. Mike Morran
Ever wonder about the beautiful stained glass window of the Good Samaritan in our church foyer? Rev. Mike Morran shares its incredible journey from our second building at 19th and Broadway to its place of honor here at 14th and Lafayette. This piece of First Unitarian Denver history has been preserved through moves, a fire, and renovations—now greeting us every time we enter.
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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)
Mark your calendars: Family Friendly Fun: Spontaneous Talent Show and potluck on February 1st. Potluck at 5:30 and Show at 6:30. Please RSVP here.
No RE Classes on February 9th! Instead, this will be an intergenerational service: Practicing Delight. Our children will help before the service, handing out something delightful to congregants as they enter the sanctuary, as well as dancing and having fun throughout. You won’t want to miss this delightful family service!
Our Youth Program will begin on March 2nd, thanks to the incredible volunteers who have signed up to assist us: CJ Witlaw, Kate and Mitch Mazzotta, Robin Keith, Coral Cosway, LK Wilhelms, Ellory Boyd, Eric Kollwitz, Michelle Boyer, August Sharp, Kenna Bonner.
Click here learn more about and register for QUUest Summer Camp for Middle and High Schoolers July 6-12, 2025 in Casper, WY.
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First Unitarian Spontaneous Talent Show
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(Thanks to the Charlotte Braud-Kern for the post)
Saturday, February 1, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Got a hidden talent? Now’s your chance to shine! Whether you’ve practiced or not, bring on your singing, dancing, magic tricks, or something totally unique. This spontaneous, family-friendly event is open to ALL ages — no experience required, just lots of fun! There will also be a potluck where you can share your favorite dish and enjoy a delicious spread with family and friends. Even if you don’t have a talent or dish to share, we hope to see you there!
Please RSVP to let us know if you will be there!
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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 Morran 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, February 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. All are welcome, but you must pre-register with Rev. Mike (revmorran@gmail.com).
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SoUUlful Living at First Unitarian Denver!
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(Thanks to the Mike Morran for the post)
How does one live a spiritual life as a Unitarian Universalist? This class in five sessions will explore and answer that question. Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, we will explore the core propositions of UU theology, and introduce/practice the spiritual disciplines of our tradition both individually and as a group. Class will meet Thursday evenings, February 13th through March 13th, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Seekers, members, the curious, and the skeptical are ALL welcome! Participation is free, but you must pre-register with Rev. Mike; revmorran@gmail.com.
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Discover, Connect, Engage!
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(Thanks to Tess Dieringer for the post)
Join us on Sunday, February 2 immediately following the service in the Community Room for a church-wide Activity Fair! Learn about our committees, circles, and projects and explore opportunities to get involved. At First Unitarian Society of Denver, there is a place for you!
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Middle East Justice – Tuesday, February 4th at 7 pm
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Tuesday, February 4 at 7 pm. Join us on February 4 at 7:00pm. The Arab Group for the Protection of Nature (APN) is a nonprofit working for the protection of the environment and natural resources amid the destructive impacts of wars and foreign occupations. GM Mariam Al Jaajaa will address how their Food Sovereignty program and Million Tree Campaign help to combat systemic ecocide and cultural erasure. Q&A to follow.
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Stewardship Ambassadors Needed!
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(Thanks to Richard Erickson for the post)
Our Annual Pledge Campaign kicks off on February 23rd. This year we require ~50 Stewardship Ambassadors so we can contact every member and friend of FUSD. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity with a minimal time commitment, this may be for you. You will be asked to contact 4-5 people to make sure they have received their pledge packets and answer their questions.
Find out more by visiting the Stewardship Council table in the Community Room after the service or contacting Jason at stewardship@fusden.org
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Leadership Development Training – 2/9
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(Thanks to Patrick Whorton and Tess Dieringer for the post)
PLEASE RSVP by for the Upcoming Leadership Training Session on February 9 in the Rose Chapel from 12:00 to 2-2:30 pm.
Click this link to register: https://firstunitariandenver.breezechms.com/form/d4541295
This two-part training conducted by Rich Hogeboom will include:
• Running an Effective Meeting
• Managing Conflict
• Team Building
These sessions are interactive and designed for in-person participation, so they won’t be recorded or available virtually. All are welcome, so please RSVP no later than January 19 so we can plan accordingly.
Click here to register.
The Leadership Development Committee is working hard to provide meaningful training and support. We hope these efforts will build committee confidence, foster participation, and support our shared ministry philosophy.
Thank you for your dedication to this community and for being part of this journey with us!
In the Spirit of Shared Ministry,
Patrick Whorton and Tess Dieringer
Co-Chairs, Leadership Development Committee
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Join Us in a Discussion on Immigration and FUSD
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
There is a crisis going on in our community that involves immigrants who live among us. FUSD has had an Immigration Committee in the past. Some of us have been discussing whether it is time for FUSD to become actively involved once again. What would that involvement look like? Please join us on Sunday, February 16th from 12:00-1:30 in the chapel for a discussion. Anyone interested in the topic is welcome and any ideas are appreciated. Pizza will be served. Any questions, please contact Elisabeth Arenales.
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Memorial – Antonia Banducci
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Antonia Banducci died of Alzheimer’s Disease on November 4, 2024. She was a former member of First Unitarian Society of Denver and will be greatly missed. A professor of musicology at the University of Denver for 27 years before her retirement in 2021, she was beloved by students and colleagues for her tireless efforts on her students’ behalf and will be remembered for her high standards, enthusiasm, unflagging energy, great sense of humor, and her joie de vivre, as well as a strong dedication to social justice issues, bicycling, and a love of nature. She was devoted to her cats, Harry Braveheart and Gabriella Gatti.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, February 16 at 1:00 pm at the Lamont School of Music. An obituary for Antonia can be viewed here.
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Reproductive Justice Movie – February 20th.
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(Thanks to Jane Ashley for the post)
“Grandma”. – Movie starring Lily Tomlinson
The 2015 movie “Grandma” will be shown on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 pm. Starring Lily Tomlin and Julia Garner. Grandma helps her teenage granddaughter when she gets pregnant. Please RSVP to jane.ashley52@ gmail.com. Then I’ll send my new address and information.
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Venezuelan Family Needs Furniture
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
I occasionally ask for help for a family who came here from Venezuela 2 years ago. They were recently removed quickly from their apartment due to a building infestation with bed bugs. They had to leave a lot of their belongings behind. Currently they are in need of a double bed (just a mattress is fine), bedding for a twin and double mattress, 4 pillows, a bureau or set of drawers for clothing, and a vacuum cleaner. If you have any of these items and can donate them, please let me know.
Thanks!
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Hiring – Maintenance/Custodian
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First Unitarian Society of Denver is seeking a part-time Building Custodian (15 hours per week) to join our team starting in January 2025. Please click here to view the full job description.
To apply, submit cover letter and your resume to Rhonda Williamson at office@fusden.org.
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Local Unitarian Universalists News
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Celebrating the Black Church of Lincoln Hills
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
Lincoln Hills is one of the organizations who received a grant from FUSD’s Reparative Donation several years ago. We are invited to join them for this event, a Black History Month program, “Songs, Stories, and Sanctuaries: Celebrating the Black Church and Lincoln Hills.” This special event honors the deep historical bond between the Black church and Lincoln Hills, highlighting their shared legacy of faith, community, and resilience in shaping African American history. Through uplifting music, powerful storytelling, and vibrant visual art, the legacy of Lincoln Hills and the Black church will come alive with interactive elements such as reenactments, choir performances, and storytelling sessions.
Join us on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Shorter Community AME Church, 3100 Richard Allen Court, Denver, Colorado 80205. There is no cost to attend, but we kindly ask that you RSVP on Eventbrite, click here.
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American Friends Service Committee and Coloradians for Immigrant Rights 70th Anniversary
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(Thanks to Gabriela Flora for the post)
Join American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) at our 70th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, February 1 at 5:00 PM. We will come together in community to celebrate and honor the work of so many over the past 70 years. Joyce Ajlouny will share about our work in Gaza and its connection to our Colorado Immigrant Rights work. Our members will share updates on the work to support and maintain just, welcoming communities.
Local, immigrant caterer XATRUCHO will provide a light dinner and the band Los Mocochetes help us end the evening in dance, resistance, and joy. Register here.
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Sacred Earth, Sacred Action
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Saturday, February 8th, 1-7 pm MST and Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 7-8:30 pm. Iliff School of Theology, Shattuck Hall
Sacred Earth, Sacred Action (SESA), brings together environmental scientists, theologians, poets, and faith leaders to inspire meaningful change within communities of faith and activism in the Rocky Mountains and beyond.
In person and live-streamed. Register here.
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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