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Sunday Worship,
January 25th, 2026
at 10:30 am
Peace, Love, & Tubastanding
Kabin & Mary Thomas
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Join us on January 25th at 10:30 am. Peace, Love & Tubastanding is a positive, uplifting musical ministry to help heal the growing wounds of racism and division in our society. In this service – part concert and part storytelling – Kabin and Mary will share true personal stories and perform music for tuba and voice that celebrates inclusion, empathy, and the sacredness of being alive. Their goal is to overwhelm fear with love, respect, education, courage, and understanding.
Learn more about our speakers here.
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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Volunteer Appreciation Sunday – January 25
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey, for the post)
Did you know we have 12 faithful volunteers this year who help us hold classes for preschool through teens every Sunday? We could not do it without them! Join us on Sunday, January 25th as we acknowledge and celebrate their service to our children and their families.
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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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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(Thanks to Tess Dieringer, for the post)
Date: February 1, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – noon (immediately following Sunday services)
Location: Community Room
Discover All the Ways to Get Involved!
The new year is here and the Activity Fair is a great opportunity to learn about the various committees, projects, and circles that make our community so diverse and vibrant. Whether you’re looking for ways to volunteer, explore new interests, meet new people, or deepen your commitment to the social causes you are passionate about, there’s something for everyone!
If you would like to reserve a spot for your group, please contact Tess at tsdieringer@gmail.com.
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Whole SoUUl Studio – Sunday, February 1 at 12:30pm
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(Thanks to Michael DeSantis, for the post)
Join us in the Sanctuary Sunday, February 1 at 12:30p.m. (note the time change!) 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 human nature. Are we inherently good, bad, or otherwise? See you there!
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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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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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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 at noon 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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Thanks to the Doug Fiero for the post)
Do you dream of being a “First Responder” in an emergency? Do you have some emergency training or experience? The Safety Committee at FUSD is looking for a few good Women (and Men!) who are willing to help out in emergent situations, should they occur.
If interested plan on meeting with the Safety Committee and the Ushers after church Sunday February 15. (12-1 PM).
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Stewardship Ambassadors Needed for 2026/2027 Pledge Campaign
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Thanks to the Ellory Boyd, Stewardship Coordinator, for the post)
Our Annual Pledge Campaign kicks off on March 1st, 2026! The Pledge Campaign is how we fund our Sunday services, church community events, and social justice programming. This year, we need about 60 Stewardship Ambassadors to help us contact every member and friend of FUSD. Each Ambassador will be responsible for contacting about 4-5 people at their convenience for a short conversation. You will answer any questions they may have about pledging and ask about their experience at FUSD. We want to hear what is exciting each person currently, what they are needing or wanting from their faith community, and how we can better support their faith journey.
We will be holding two Ambassador Trainings this year via Zoom, one on Tuesday, February 17th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm and the other on Saturday, February 21st from 11:00am to 12:30pm. The training will be recorded if you are unable to attend.
If you are looking for a social volunteer opportunity with a minimal time commitment, this may be for you! You can register today HERE, or find out more by visiting the Stewardship table in the Community Room after the service. Questions? Contact Ellory at stewardship@fusden.org.
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Card Captain, Caring Committee
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Thanks to the Colleen Bryan for the post)
Oops! Our long-time card captain Sally Madsen gave us notice a YEAR ahead that she was ready to hand over the role at the end of January 2026. We thought we had a replacement but our volunteer evaporated into the noosphere and here we are! Any chance that YOU might be willing to step into the void?
Here’s the gig: One of the most requested (and appreciated) services that FUSD’s Caring Committee provides is to send cards to folks who have joys or big birthdays to celebrate, losses to mourn, long journeys to accompany, or contributions to recognize. Different card writers take on responsibility for writing cards for one month each. It is a way of weaving together our larger community, even those who might not make it to church every week.
At the end of each month, the CARD CAPTAIN (YOU!) takes a basket with cards and stamps and addresses from last month’s card writer to next month’s card writer. (Great opportunity to meet and socialize with some of the pillars of our community!) The CARD CAPTAIN replenishes supplies or updates addresses in Breeze as needed, supported by the church budget, staff, and committee chairs.
Any chance you might want to take this on? contact colleen.bryan@att.net or write directly to caring @fusden.org.
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Summary of Homesharing Event
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Thanks to the Colleen Bryan for the post)
Homesharing Focus Group Sparked A Lot of Thought (Caring Committee)
The focus group on Homesharing that took place in early January afforded an engaging conversation by urban planner Stephanie Firestone and about 24 participants from our community, several of whom had experience and insight to share. If you weren’t able to attend but would like to read the notes from the session, click here for your reading pleasure.
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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 8 and 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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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 event is coming soon! Amateur and professional actors, singers and dancers from First Unitarian Society of Denver and outside our walls are coming together on the FUSD stage to bring you “Ripple – How the Light Gets In”.
“Ripple” is 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.
Mark your calendars for April 17 and 18 and come enjoy this family friendly show. Tickets will go on sale mid March
Do you still want to be in the show?
We are taking video auditions for actors, singers and dancers until January 21st, 2025. Can’t make it to the January 11th audition? Click here for how to audition virtually.
Do you want to help out backstage? We are looking for volunteer stage help with props, costumes, lights and sound. We could use help with wrangling children actors, ushers for the show, refreshments during intermission and more.
Please check out our Webpage to learn how to make a video audition or how to sign up to be a volunteer behind the scenes.
Important Dates
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
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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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Film Screening – Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk
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(Thanks to Peggy Ulrich-Nims for the post)
Please join the Middle East Justice project at First Unitarian on January 29 at 7pm for a free screening of Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk – a documentary showing conditions in Gaza through the life and reporting of Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna.
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Colorado’s Unholy Trinity
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
FUSD’s Immigrant Project and Denver’s Immigrant Partnership Team are hosting an evening we are calling Colorado’s Unholy Trinity. Come learn about 3 different companies based in Colorado that profit off of the detention of immigrants. We will have speakers about Key Lime Air, Palantir and BI Incorporated. This event will serve as the kickoff of a week of actions against one of these companies in our backyard, Palantir. RSVP HERE
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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)
Presented by the Democracy Action Team
Artist: Nina Nadeau
The canvas has returned to Nina’s studio. Here is this week’s progress
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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🎸 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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