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Sunday Worship,
January 26th, 2025
at 10:30 am
What Shall We Do With All This Wilderness
Michael Kengmana
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Join us on January 26th at 10:30 am. We find ourselves in some trying times. Across our faiths and backgrounds it can feel very much like our hearts and spirits are lost in a wilderness. In the Jewish calendar we are beginning to retell the story of the Exodus and the start of the Israelites journey through their own wilderness. Perhaps these ancient stories have something to offer us about the meaning of wilderness and how we find our way back to each other through it all.
Our speaker today is Michael Kengmana. Michael became a member of First Unitarian in December 2024. Michael Kengmana is a special education teacher, born and raised in New York City where he has spent most of his life. He has taught in public schools in New York City, non-profit programs supporting adults to learn English and improve their literacy skills, summer programs for high schoolers in Palestine, and he is currently teaching as a special education learning specialist at a high school here in Denver. Michael was also recently ordained as a Rabbi in December 2024 and is continuing to learn more about the meaning of spirituality in these times we live in. He hopes to weave his experiences teaching and learning into the work of creating a Judaism beyond Zionism as part of the larger human work of building a more caring and compassionate world that remembers to include everyone.
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Miriam’s Book Table is Proud to Feature…
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(Thanks to the Nan Wigington for the post)
Free Books! New stock is. coming soon, and the book table needs to make some room. We will be giving away three books to the first customer to ask. The books include two children’s titles — I Am Every Good Thing and When God Made You. We are also giving away a big book of rituals — Blessing It All. Stop by Miriam’s table during coffee hour and treat yourself to a free book.
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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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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.
Click here learn more about and register for QUUest Summer Camp for Middle and High Schoolers July 6-12, 2025 in Casper, WY.
Shout Out to this week’s Volunteer Superhero, Molly Halvorsen! Molly is not only Evie and Henry’s mother, but she has also been a wonderful addition to our cadre of dedicated volunteers in our Children’s Program. Additionally, she was incredibly helpful during our rehearsals for The Wish Tree musical. Thank you for supporting our program with your service to our children on Sunday mornings, Molly!
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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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Memorial – Ed and Jane Wasson
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There will be a joint memorial for Jane and Ed Wasson on Saturday, January 25th at 1:00 pm here at First Unitarian of Denver.
Jane Wasson, a beloved member of First Unitary passed away on November 28. Jane’s husband Ed, passed away in February 2024. An obituary for Jane can be viewed here.
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(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Capitol Hill Concerts presents Mark Oblinger on Saturday, January 25th at 7 pm. Mark will bring his soulful, eclectic blend of indie/folk/pop to First Unitarian’s sanctuary stage, along with very special guest vocalist Robert Johnson, singer/ keyboardist and co-writer Linda Lawson, eTown drummer/singer Christian Teele, Bob Rebholz on woodwinds, bassist Eric Thorin, and Eric Moon on lap steel. n and vocals. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit Food For Thought. Their vision is to create a community where weekend hunger is no longer a barrier to a child’s education and success. Sign up to donate a refreshment for our intermission – all donations directly benefit Food For Thought. Purchase tickets online through Friday, or at the door before the show. Hope to see you there!
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Resonance: Contemplative Evening Service & Potluck Dinner
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(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Resonance is a new monthly contemplative evening service at First Unitarian Denver. Held on the last Wednesday evening of the month at 6 pm in the sanctuary, Resonance will offer quiet music, guided meditation, readings / poems, and time for shared silent reflection. Our first service will be Wednesday January 29th at 6pm. Please bring a dish to share for a potluck supper following the service at 6:30 in the community room. All are welcome, and child care will be provided during the service. Contact ldavis@fusden.org for more information.
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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 – 1/26 and 2/9
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(Thanks to Patrick Whorton and Tess Dieringer for the post)
PLEASE RSVP by JANUARY 19 for the Upcoming Leadership Training Sessions on January 26 and 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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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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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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SAVE THE DATE:
Tuesday, February 4 at 7 pm. Join us for a conversation with Mariam Al Jaajaa, General Manager of The Arab Group for the Protection of Nature (APN). The APN is a nonprofit working for the protection of the environment and natural resources amid the destructive impacts of wars and foreign occupations. Al Jaajaa will share how their Food Sovereignty program and Million Tree Campaign are currently operating in Gaza to help to combat systemic ecocide and cultural erasure.
Arab Group for the Protection of Nature
Tuesday, February 4 at 7:00pm
1400 Lafayette St, First Unitarian Society of Denver
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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 19
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(Thanks to Jane Ashley for the post)
“Grandma”. – Movie starring Lily Tomlinson
The 2015 movie “Grandma” will be shown on Wednesday, Feb. 19 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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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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