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Sunday Worship, January 21rst, 2024
at 10:30 am
Occasionally, Use Words
Rev. Mike Morran
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Please join us on Sunday, January 21rst at 10:30 am. This sermon will consider What do you say to someone who is dying, who is grieving, who is anxious, depressed, or just lonely?
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(Thanks to Rev. Mike Morran for the post)
On Sunday, January 21st, we will have a New Member Welcome as part of morning worship. If you or someone you know is ready to take this step with First Unitarian Denver, please reach out to: Susan Riederer (sjriederer@comcast.net), or Rev. Mike Morran (revmorran@gmail.com).
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Giving in Action – Table Urban Farm
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(Thanks to Arne Carter for the post)
Since 2011, the Table Urban Farm has cultivated community, nourishment, and grace by growing and giving away food in South Denver. Made up of a collection of gardens planted in the yards of neighbors and supporters, we have donated over 70,000 pounds of food back to the community in 12 garden seasons. In 2021, in an effort to add an educational component and expand community impact, the Table Public House was opened. The Public House serves as coffee shop, taproom, and community hub while also providing gardening and culinary education. We are grateful for your support and generosity as we continue to grow and develop in 2024!
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Middle East Discussion Group
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(Thanks to Arne Carter for the post)
The Middle East discussion group is scheduled to meet at 9:30 am on Sunday, January 21rst, prior to the service, in the Chapel.
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Los Bohemios This Saturday!
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(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Capitol Hill Concerts presents Los Bohemios (Traditional Cuban, Mexican, & Latin Rock) THIS Saturday January 20th at 7 pm at First Unitarian Denver. Advanced tickets are available through Friday; tickets will also be available Saturday before the show. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit Prison Mindfulness. Their mission is to provide prisoners, prison staff, and prison volunteers with the most effective, evidence-based tools for rehabilitation, self-transformation, and personal & professional development. Please consider supporting Prison Mindfulness 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 Prison Mindfulness. If you would like to donate a refreshment, please sign up here.
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(Thanks to Susan Riederer for the post)
We’d like to get to know you better! Visit the QR code on your left or click here and fill out a visitor information link or fill out a card at our Information Table in the Community Room. We will happily add your name to our weekly newsletter and answer your questions.
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Climate Justice Project – Assist Park People
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(Thanks to Ray Burdett for the post)
The Climate Justice Project of First Unitarian has committed to assisting the Park People in their tree planting mission by canvassing a low-resource Denver neighborhood to solicit interest from residents in getting a free or low cost tree. We have agreed upon Saturday morning, January 20th, from 9:00 AM to noon for the canvassing, but we have not yet been assigned a neighborhood. We will be walking the neighborhood in teams and placing door hangers on door knobs or other accessible areas, but we will not be knocking on doors. This is an easy way of “Thinking Globally but acting locally”. Please consider this volunteer opportunity, and thank you to those who have already volunteered. Contact Ray Burdett at rgb@pitt.edu if you are interested or have questions.
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(Thanks to Nan Wigington for the post)
Miriam’s Book Table has new books! Come and examine our wares during coffee hour. Pick up “Active Hope,” Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone’s solution to facing the mess we’re in. Look into Mike’s recommendation – David George Haskell’s “Sounds Wild and Broken.” Study the Coleman Barks translation of Rumi. Buy a copy of “Braiding Sweetgrass: for a friend. Enjoy our newest board books – “A is for Activist and Anti-racist Baby.:
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Window is Closing to Register For The Spring Civil Rights Trip
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(Thanks to Kate Raabe for the post)
There are just a few spots still available for our private FUSD/Road Scholar week long group trip, starting and ending in Atlanta, Sunday March 31 to Sunday April 7. Trip highlights are the Carter Center in Atlanta, and the Legacy Museum and Lynching Memorial in Montgomery Alabama, the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma (with a local tour guide who experienced Bloody Sunday first hand as a 15 year old girl) and Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th St. Baptist Church in Birmingham. (Plus several speakers and local guides who are experts in their field to provide context).
We have received some recent inquires from members of other UU churches asking if we still have space available, and we want to be sure everyone here has had a chance to sign up before we give up any spaces still open. If you are interested in signing up CLICK HERE for additional details and to get your registration confirmed as soon as possible. We will start a wait list once all spaces have been filled. You can also visit the Opportunities Table after church or contact Kate Raabe to get more information.
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It’s Time for the FUN to Begin!
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(Thanks to Tess Dieringer for the post)
First Unitarian Neighborhoods (FUN) Groups are getting up and running! You will recall that FUN is a new program at FUSD that offers opportunities for increased social connection organized by geographic location (neighborhoods) to foster relationships and closeness outside of Sunday services, committee meetings, and other organized gatherings.
Volunteers in your neighborhood will be contacting you soon about an event – anything from a potuck to a game night to an outdoor activity. Please watch your email and kindly respond.
Wondering what FUN Group you are in? Go to Breeze, pull up your profile, click on TAGS in the left sidebar, then scroll down to your TAGS list. Viola!
If you are not assigned a FUN Group in Breeze and would like to join one, please email your name and address including zip code to Tess Dieringer at tsdieringer@gmail.com.
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Justice Committee “Lunch Launch”
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(Thanks to Kimberly Urish for the post)
Members and friends of First Unitarian are invited to a Justice Committee “Lunch Launch” on Sunday, January 28th (11:30 am-2:30 pm upstairs in the chapel). Join us for lunch and to launch FUSD’s support for COBALT’s 2024 Ballot Initiative to protect Abortion Rights in Colorado AND the Safe and Healthy Colorado’s ballot initiative to phase out fracking in Colorado. We will learn about the initiatives, you can read the ballot language, and sign petitions to put the initiatives on the ballot for the 2024 fall elections.
Lunch is being provided by the Reproductive Justice and Climate Justice committees. Please RSVP to reproductivejustice@fusden.org before Wednesday, January 24th so we get enough food. Thank you and look forward to seeing you on the 28th.
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Climate Grief Workshop – Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 10am-3pm
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(Thanks to Noelle Botti, for the post)
With the physical consequences of climate change becoming more readily apparent in our day-to-day lives, many of us are faced with feelings of grief, anxiety, or hopelessness. Once again, the First Unitarian Climate Justice Project is hosting a workshop that will be facilitated by Rin Overturf. It is informed by Joanna Macy’s “Work that Reconnects” and focuses on the emotional aspects of both the impacts of climate change and our efforts to save the world we love. The workshop will be held from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, February 3, 2024 in person at First Unitarian. To allow for full engagement, please plan to participate for the entire session. It will be limited to 20 participants to manage the dynamics of the group. Please RSVP to climatejustice@fusden.org by Monday, January 29th. Lunch will be provided.
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A Movie Series for Grownups: Let’s Talk About Sex (and its consequences), Baby!
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(Thanks to Jane Ashley for the post)
The Reproductive Justice Initiative will offer 10 movie screenings and discussions afterward that explore stories about pregnancy, families, teenagers, abortion, adoption, relationships, men and women, the full catastrophe. We’ll watch dramas and comedies, heart-breakers and uplifters, but all great films. The movies will be shown throughout 2024 at the home of Jane Ashley in Denver. There’s room for 12 people in her TV room, with a large screen for viewing.
The next movie will be:
Tuesday, February 6 at 6 pm:
“Never Rarely Sometimes Always”
A pair of teenage girls in rural Pennsylvania travel to New York City to seek out medical help after an unintended pregnancy.
Rated PG-13, Rotten Tomatoes rating 99%
RSVP to jane.ashley52@gmail.com. She’ll send you her address. Dates will be announced and posted on First Announce a month before screenings.
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Climate Justice Project – Book Discussion – Save the Dates
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(Thanks to Peggy for the post)
The FUSD Climate Justice Project is holding a book discussion opportunity in February. We will be reading Where The Water Goes by David Owen about the Colorado River from its northern Colorado origins to its end at the sea…where it is dry. The book is both informative and accessible and lays an important foundation for our understanding of the River that is the lifeblood for much of the West. Books will soon be available in the Community Room.
Please put the dates on your 2024 calendar. The dates are Wednesday, February 7 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, February 11 at noon.
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Racial Justice Project – Spring Read
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(Thanks to Patrick Whorton for the post)
The Racial Justice Project’s spring book read will be 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. We have organized the reading around three discussions, 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. RJP will make six copies of the book available at the Sunday book table for discounted rate of $10. Participants must register to participate by emailing Patrick Whorton at pwhorton@gmail.com. I will then send you a zoom link and some discussion guidelines.
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Helping Migrants in Denver
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
It’s hard to ignore the migrants who are newly arriving in Denver. Most have had arduous journeys, but, of course, their difficulties don’t magically disappear just because they have arrived in Denver, a Sanctuary City. They desperately want to work so they can provide for themselves and their families. They need housing, warm clothes, food, health care and much more.
Denverite had a helpful article on January 9th. The full article is here, but I’ve highlighted a few ideas. https://denverite.com/2024/01/09/how-to-help-denver-migrants/
Monetary Donations: “One of the best ways your average person can support the effort is by donating to the Newcomer’s Fund, which to date has already provided more than $1.6 million in funding toward housing, fees associated with applying for work authorization and more,” said Jon Ewing, a spokesperson for the Department of Human Services. https://rcfdenver.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4267
Employ Migrants. They desperately want to work! Groups like Centro de los Trabajadores are working to help migrants navigate work and offering other resources. https://centrodelostrabajadores.org/. Chamba is an app connecting migrants with people looking to hire, too. https://www.lachamba.app/
Donate Clothing. The City of Denver has identified some items migrants need and places to drop them off. https://www.denvergov.org/Community/Assistance-Programs/Migrant-Support
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2024 General Assembly Registration is Now Open!
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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.
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Our First Unitarian Covenant, Mission and Vision
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Our First Unitarian Covenant
As a faith community, we promise:
I will listen to you. I will make space for you. I will include you.
Together we will be a community of love, respect, and justice.
Together we will learn about white supremacy culture to create an equitable congregation.
Together we will protect the vulnerable.
When we fall out of covenant, we will call each other back in.
Our First Unitarian Mission:
Joining hands and voices for justice and peace, we inspire lives of joy and spiritual integrity, growing an inclusive community of courage and caring.
Our First Unitarian Vision Statement:
Community is inspired.
Justice is realized.
Diversity is celebrated.
Souls are grown in love and service.
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Searching for Assistant Treasurer
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First Unitarian is on the lookout for a volunteer Assistant Treasurer to begin training with our very own Sally Isaacson. Sally has been doing an incredible job as the Assistant Treasurer for almost four years now. For more details about this role, swing by the Opportunities Table! If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you! You can also contact Janet Kennedy or Kate Raabe for more information. To view the job description click here.
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(Thanks to Thomas Poole for the post)
On Sunday January 28, you are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Jefferson Humanists meeting at Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 West 32nd Ave, in Golden. The featured program will be Working with Wildflowers in a Changing Climate // 4 pm // presented by Prof. David Inouye, who has studied how the Colorado climate has changed over the past 50 years and how those changes are influencing mountain wildflowers and their pollinators. He has spent his career as a researcher at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, near Crested Butte, working with wildflowers, bumble bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and flies. His work was featured in a National Geographic article last April. The event is hosted by Jefferson Humanists, a chapter of the American Humanist Association. There will be appetizers and wine (for a donation) from 4:00 to 4:30 pm, followed by the program. Please respond to RSVP@jeffersonhumanists.org to let us know you will attend. Come socialize, enjoy food, find friends and share ideas! Visit www.jeffersonhumanists.org to learn of our coming 4th Sunday programs and monthly activities.
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Pacific Western Region – January Newsletter
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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 January newsletter.
Additionally, you can visit the Unitarian Universalist Association web site at https://www.uua.org/ for information at the association level.
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First Unitarian – Calendaring and Room Reservations
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(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!
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First Unitarian – Communication Methods How To’s
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(Thanks to Rhonda Williamson, Congregational Administrator, for the post)
Happy Holidays!
In September, Mary Sullivan and Kathy Aguirre hosted a Saturday meeting for the First Unitarian Interconnected Committee (chairs and leaders of each group). During this gathering and through subsequent emails, the shared a Handbook packed with valuable insights on Communication and other important details about First Unitarian. In Part 1 below, you’ll discover information about two of these methods.
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!
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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.
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