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Sunday Worship,
January 19th, 2025
at 10:30 am
Very Unfinished Business
Rev. Mike Morran
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Join us on January 19th at 10:30 am. Celebrating MLKs life and legacy, we’ll consider the spiritual roots of civil rights.
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Young Adult (20s-40s) Potluck Sunday!
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(Thanks to the Kristie Wirth for the post)
We welcome anyone in their 20s-40s. Bring your favorite dish or beverage! We will meet in the Chapel after coffee hour on Sunday, January 19th. Signing up with what you’re bringing helps us plan, but it’s not necessary for you to come. Please click here to signup!
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(Thanks to the Lynn Garman for the post)
Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR) is a
community-rooted nonprofit organization that works to enable Latine individuals and their families to lead safe, healthy, self-determined lives. We engage in this work through different avenues including advocacy, organizing, civic engagement, policy and narrative work. We believe Reproductive Justice exists when all individuals have the power, access and resources to make healthy decisions about their bodies, sexuality, relationships, and families for themselves and their community. Reproductive Justice is an intersectional movement which allows us to work in various issue areas including housing justice, economic justice, immigrants’
rights, and workers’ rights.
To learn more or get involved with our work, please reach out to Mariah Guerrero, Policy Manager, at mariah@colorlatina.org.
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Miriam’s Book Table is Proud to Feature…
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(Thanks to the Nan Wigington for the post)
On Freedom by Timothy Snyder.
Carol Ruckel writes, “You may recognize the author’s name from his earlier books (especially On Tyranny) or from his many appearances in media, including MSNBC. A professor of history at Yale, he is very involved in studies and activities in Ukraine.
“Snyder talks about five forms of freedom, from sovereignty, the ability to evaluate the world and change it, to solidarity, where freedom for one means freedom for all. It’s not freedom from, but freedom to. The ideas here are challenging and thought-provoking, making it a really good read. A note from the ‘about the author’: ‘His words are quoted in protests around the world.’ That’s a writer for UUs! There is a copy on the book table.”
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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 5:30-7:30 pm.
Click here to learn more about a UU Summer Camp opportunity for Middle and High Schoolers July 6-12, 2025 in Casper, WY. Registration starts on February 1.
Do you know any middle schoolers who would be interested in our Youth Program? You can enroll them in Breeze with this form. Unfortunately, we do not have enough volunteers to start in January. Current projected start date for the Youth Program (6th-8th graders) is March 2nd. This will be updated as we recruit more volunteers.
Currently seeking volunteers who are interested in serving in our Youth classrooms! We are looking for folks to facilitate lessons on world religions and to facilitate student-led fun. If you are interested in investing in the future of FUSD by serving in our Youth program, please contact Leslie at msleslie@fusden.org or complete this form in Breeze to get the process started.
Shout Out to this week’s Volunteer Superhero, Maggie Pierce. Maggie is not only Mari’s mother, but she has also been a willing volunteer in our Children’s Program. We were so grateful for her help with The Wish Tree Musical! Thanks for all that you do to support our program, Maggie.
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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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Martin Luther King Day Marade – January 20th
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(Thanks to Peggy Ulrich-Nims for the post)
Please dress warmly and join Eric Kollwitz, First Unitarian Society of Denver (FUSD) Marade point person, and others on Monday January 20 at 9:30 am at the MLKJr Statue in City Park for Denver’s annual Marade (March plus parade) down Colfax Avenue in honor of Martin Luther King Junior. We will carry the FUSD banner and hope you will take a turn helping to carry it.
Please meet on the south side of the statue. Thanks to all for joining this historic event.
See the map below for the event route:
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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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(Thanks to Beverly Bravo for the post)
Family friendly potluck and CORE Circle in which parents of school-age children may bond and form lasting friendships while their children are engaged in the sanctuary and gently supervised by older church members. Fun for everyone!!
The next meeting is Friday, January 17th at 6:00 pm in the Community Room.
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(Thanks to Kimberly Urish for the post)
The Denver People’s March (formerly known as The Women’s March) will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Colorado State Capitol. The purpose of the march is to stand in solidarity with targeted and marginalized communities—women, people of color, queer individuals, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, refugees, those with disabilities, Palestinians, and more. We rise as a united movement of resistance, fighting for representation, rights, and justice. Together, we gather to advocate, uplift, and share resources in the spirit of equity and collective action. Organizers secured a permit for the march the week of Jan 6th.
Members of FUSD Reproductive Justice Committee will be attending the march and invite you to join us at the church at 9:30 am if you would like to march together. Please dress warm and come prepared for Colorado winter weather. If you want more info about that, please email reproductivejustice@fusden.org. Thanks!
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Middle East Justice Screening of No Other Land
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Join us Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30 pm for a special screening of “No Other Land.” This is a unique opportunity to see this award-winning film which is not currently being distributed in the US!
Directed by a collective of Palestinian and Israeli activists, “No Other Land” tracks the resistance of the Palestinian community of Masafer Yatta in the southern West Bank to the onslaught of destruction from Israeli settlers and soldiers. The film is an unflinching account of a community’s mass expulsion and serves as a creative resistance to apartheid and a search for a path towards equality and justice.
SAVE THE DATE:
Tuesday, February 4 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.
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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, bassist Eric Thorin, and multi-instrumentalist Eric Moon on lap steel, keys, accordion 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. Read more & purchase tickets here.
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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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FUSE Task Force Wants to Hear From You!
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
The First Unitarian Seeking Engagement (FUSE) Task Force is working towards creating a more engaging culture for welcoming new members and visitors to FUSD. We are reaching out to all congregants for your feedback and ideas. If you have suggestions, please click on this form. You do not need to answer all of the questions; simply choose a few that resonate with you. Thank you!
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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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Hiring – Interim Choir Director/Song Leader
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(Thanks to Rev. Mike Morran for the post)
First Unitarian Society of Denver, an urban congregation of over 300 members, is looking to hire a part-time Interim Choir Director/Song Leader for the period of January through May, 2025. Our choir of 20-25 members rehearses weekly, and performs twice each month at Sunday morning services. Experience conducting choirs, and the ability to work collaboratively with a small staff team is essential. This position is approximately 14 hours per week and includes Sunday mornings. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. Please send a resume and brief cover letter to Revmorran@gmail.com. A full job description is available HERE
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Local Unitarian Universalists News
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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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