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Sunday Worship,
January 11th, 2026
at 10:30 am
A Gift We Give Each Other
Birch Cue
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Join us on January 11th at 10:30 am. Liberation is a massive physical and spiritual undertaking, but showing each other the way to it is a small way we bring it to life. Join us in taking a fresh look at what an old story can teach us about this.
Birch Cue is the Intern Minister at First Universalist
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Whole SoUUl Studio – Sunday, January 11th
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Join us in the Sanctuary this Sunday at 12:00 p.m. for Whole SoUUl Studio, a communal gathering and spiritual conversation. This monthly event — facilitated during Rev. Mike’s sabbatical by our Ministerial Resident Michael DeSantis — aims to foster connections and nourishment for all our members and friends. This week we will be reflecting on wintering and embracing the spiritual gifts of the winter months. See you there!
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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2nd Annual Spontaneous Talent Show
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
Got a hidden talent? Now’s your chance to shine! Whether it’s singing, dancing, magic tricks, or something totally unique, bring your skills and join the excitement. This spontaneous, family-friendly event is open to ALL ages — no experience required, just come ready for lots of fun! On Saturday, February 7th, we will start with a potluck at 6:00; come and share some food and enjoy a delicious spread with family and friends. Talent Show starts afterward at 6:45. Please fill out this form to RSVP.
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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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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Lunch Bunch – Friday, January 9th 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 January 9th. 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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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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Immigration Committee Meeting
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The next meeting of the Immigration Committee is Sunday, January 11 at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel. We will be discussing ways to get involved in immigration work, FUSD positions on new detention facilities and GEO as well as learning about the 2025 Dignity Act.
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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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Baroque Chamber Orchestra performs January 17th
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(Thanks to Lia Davis, for the post)
Capitol Hill Concerts, hosted at First Unitarian Denver, welcomes the Baroque Chamber Orchestra on Saturday January 17 at 7 pm. For this intimate concert, five musicians from the Baroque Chamber Orchestra will present “Now and Then,” a time-traveling program of virtuoso chamber music from the 18th and 21st centuries, with selections by Georg Philipp Telemann, Joseph Bologne (aka Chevalier de Saint-Georges), Joseph Haydn, and Kenji Bunch. Purchase tickets here!
A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit El Sistema Colorado, a tuition-free, excellence-driven, and opportunity-focused youth orchestra program that develops musical and personal agency, transcends socioeconomics, and strengthens community. If you would like to donate a refreshment for intermission to support this organization, please sign up here.
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Pop-Up Choir, Sunday, January 18th
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(Thanks to Wyatt Smith, for the post)
Come One, Come All! POP-UP Choir continues Sunday, January 18. Everyone is welcome to come at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning and learn 1 easy-to-sing piece with us. The goal of this type of Sunday Choir is to involve new faces and voices! Just show up, no need to RSVP, this is a great opportunity to get involved with the music ministry at First Unitarian Denver!
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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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UU and You: Living Into Our Living Tradition
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(Thanks to Michael DeSantis, for the post)
In this 8-session class, facilitated by our Ministerial Resident Michael DeSantis, we will explore our UU Shared Values together by focusing on our own lived experiences. We will explore what each of the Values means to us and talk about practices for living into them. All are welcome, especially people who are newer to our First Unitarian community or our Unitarian Universalist faith, but you must pre-register here by Sunday, February 1st.
Mondays, 7-9pm; Feb. 2 to Mar. 23
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Resistance & Resilience Music Revival
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(Thanks to Lia Davis, for the post)
Join percussionist, worship leader, and community-builder Matt Meyer on Saturday February 7th for a day of rhythm, song, and spirit designed to rekindle our collective fire. Through three interactive workshops, we’ll explore rhythm in body and soul, discover songs that sustain movements for justice, and experience the deep connection that music builds within community. Come for one session or spend the whole day in shared learning and joyful music-making.
No musical experience is necessary – just a willingness to participate and connect. Workshops include: Rhythm for Choir Masterclass (10:30am-12:00pm), Singing for Resistance & Resilience (1:00-2:30pm), and Drumming & Spirituality (3:00-4:30pm). Visit https://jeffersonunitarian.org/resistance-resilience-music-revival/ for more information and to register – space is limited! This event is organized by the Front Range UU Music Leaders and held at Jefferson Unitarian Church.
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LGBTQIA+ Gathering and Conversation
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(Thanks to Patrick Whorton, for the post)
*LGBTQIA+. Do any of the letters in this acronym apply to you? If they do, please join the conversation in the Rose Chapel on February 8 to explore how we might form a better community at FUSD. We’ll start with a conversation and go from there.
*LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and the “+” represents other sexual orientations and gender identities not specifically included in the acronym. Each letter represents a different facet of the community, promoting inclusivity and recognition of diverse identities.
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Welcome to Ellory Boyd – Stewardship/Administrative Assistant!
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We are pleased to welcome Ellory Boyd as our new Stewardship Administrative Assistant. Ellory brings a strong background in relationship-centered work, volunteer coordination, and community engagement, with a deep commitment to building sustainable, values-driven organizations. Their experience supporting mission-focused programs, organizing volunteers, and strengthening community partnerships will be a meaningful asset to our stewardship efforts. Ellory is passionate about cultivating connection, gratitude, and care within communities, and looks forward to supporting the generosity that makes First Unitarian’s work possible.You can reach Ellory at stewardship@fusden.org.
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Souulful Potlucks (brunch, lunch or dinner) are being offered in some of our members homes on Saturday, January 31st. If you would like to attend a potluck, please go to this link . This will be on a first come first serve basis so don’t delay in signing up and sign up for as many locations and times as you want. It will increase your chances of getting a spot. Deadline for signup is Sunday, January 18th. Sign up here!
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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! “Ripple – How 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 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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Coffee Volunteer Signup!!
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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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Understanding Mass Incarceration in Colorado:
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Understanding Mass Incarceration in Colorado:
How did we get there, and what can we do?
A presentation by Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition and the Racial Justice TF
January 16th, 2026, at 6:30 pm
in person and online
Did you know that the United States incarcerates more people than almost any
country in the world? So, how did we get here, and do we really need more
prisons?
PRISON COSTS for 2025 are $ 1,175 million, excluding construction projects.
Black and Hispanic individuals are disproportionately represented in the
prison population.
All this is concerning because the Joint Budget Committee is now being
asked to fund more prisons at the expense of less funding for Schools,
Healthcare, and Housing.
Join us for an interactive education session, “How Did We Get Here?
Understanding Mass Incarceration in Colorado,” where we’ll unpack the policies,
decisions, and systems that have shaped incarceration in our state, and discuss the
movement to change course.
CCJRC Deputy Director Kyle Giddings will present.
Join us on Zoom or in person mailto:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83019903900
First Universalist Church
4101 E Hampden Ave
Denver, CO 80222
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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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Immigrant Partnership Team’s Whistle Brigade/FUSD Immigrant Project
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(Thanks to Linda Nabours for the post)
Thanks to both the FUSD Immigrant Project and Democracy in Action Project for lending a hand with a whistle kit making event last month. These kits are distributed to help protect our vulnerable friends from ICE. If you live in Denver and are interested in joining the Whistle Brigade, part of Denver IPT, please email Linda Nabours at : l_w_nabours@msn.com
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Freedom of Speech – Community Art Project
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(Thanks to Nina Nadeau for the post)
The Freedom Of Speech Painting is almost finished!
Within the next two weeks it will be complete. What organizations to support freedom of speech? Please feel free to reach out to Nina Nadeau at ninanadeau01@gmail.com with your ideas.
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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