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Sunday Worship,
March 15th, 2026
at 10:30 am
Live the Questions Now
Michael DeSantis
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Join us on March 11th at 10:30 am. A popular quip among Unitarian Universalists goes like this, “We encourage our members to ask big questions… sometimes, we even try to answer them!” This Sunday, we will indeed try to answer some of those big questions as we revive an old First Unitarian tradition: Question Box Sunday! Join us as our Ministerial Resident, Michael DeSantis, offers responses to queries posed by members of our community.
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New Sunday Service Times starting April 5, 2026
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Beginning Easter Sunday, April 5, First Unitarian Denver will move to a two-service schedule each Sunday.
The first service will begin at 9:15 a.m. and will be streamed live on YouTube and Zoom. Religious Exploration will also take place during the 9:15 a.m. service. Following the service, all are warmly invited to gather for coffee and conversation until the second service begins.
The second service will start at 11:00 a.m. Please note that this service will not be streamed online. Coffee time will also follow the 11:00 a.m. service.
We look forward to gathering together in this new rhythm of worship and connection.
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More detailed information is below under Announcements.
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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Religious Exploration News
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey, for the post)
March 15 will be an Intergenerational Service: children will stay with their families in the Peaceful Play space during the service instead of going to RE classes.
March 29- no RE classes will be offered
Starting Easter Sunday on April 5th, RE classes will be held during the first service, which will begin at 9:15. There will be no RE classes during the second service, which will begin at 11 am each week.
Please see the announcement for the Great Easter (Giving) Hunt in First Announce. Donations needed!
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The Great Easter (Giving )Hunt: Donations Needed
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey, for the post)
Instead of hunting for candy on Easter Sunday, our children will be hunting for something even sweeter — your donated goods!
Here’s how it works:
Please purchase the requested items from the list below, bring them to church by April 4th, and place them in the labeled bins near the front door. Before the Easter service, the goods will be hidden throughout the church. On Easter morning when we go to classes, the children will search for them and then work together to assemble care kits for folks who are unhoused.
This year, we’ll be filling gallon-sized Ziploc bags with practical items that beloved souls who are unhoused might find helpful. After the children put the kits together, congregants will be invited to pick up a few on April 12th to keep in their cars and share with folks they encounter who may need them.
It’s an Easter egg hunt with heart — helping all of us to live our UU Shared Values of Generosity and Love and model those values in real, tangible ways for our youngest congregants.
Please help us make our annual Easter tradition a success this year! If you are financially able, please purchase any of the following items so we can put together care kits of helpful items for those who need them:
*gallon sized ziplock bags (compostable is an environmentally friendly option)
*bottled waters or coconut waters (environmentally friendly because they are often packaged without plastic)
*granola bars
*travel sized toothpaste and a single packaged toothbrush
*socks
*personal hygiene wipes
*hand warmers
Please drop your donations off just inside the front door by April 4th. Thanks in advance for helping us make this year’s event fun and meaningful for our children. Feel free to email msleslie@fusden.org with any questions.
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Lunch Bunch – March 13th 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 March 13th. 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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Submit a Question for Question Box Sunday (March 15)!
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(Thanks to the Michael DeSantis, Ministerial Resident, for the post)
On Sunday, March 15, we will revive an old First Unitarian tradition: Question Box Sunday! Instead of giving a prepared sermon, our Ministerial Resident — Michael DeSantis — will respond to queries posed by members of our community. All members and friends are invited to submit questions about UU histories, UU theologies, spiritual practices, the state of the world, or other topics that are on your heart in this moment. Questions must be submitted by midnight on Friday, March 13 using this form.
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Workshop – Effective Leadership Roles in Groups
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SUNDAY, MARCH 15, ROSE CHAPEL, NOON to 1:30 pm
Ever been in a meeting where you wish more was being accomplished, the agenda is being high-jacked, or the discussion is unfocused? This workshop discusses effective and nonfunctional roles within groups, and tips on how to increase those that work and decrease those that don’t.
Presented by the Leadership Development Committee and facilitated by Jennifer Martin, LSCW, PhD, CDE. Refreshments will be provided.
Kindly RSVP by March 8 here. All are welcome!
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Immigration Project Meeting
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Sunday March 15: The Immigration Project will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel. We will discuss ongoing work, Mutual Aid and organizing for No Kings on March 28th. For additional information contact Julie Meyers (julie.meyers.md@gmail.com) or Elisabeth Arenales (bluecanyon2014@gmail.com)
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Parking Info Session – Sunday after Church!
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(Thanks to the Betsy Brainerd, Ministerial Resident, for the post)
Parking Info Session! Need to know how to access the more than 110 parking spaces available to First Unitarians on Sunday morning? Stop by the Parking Info Table after church on March 15. Board members will provide maps and help you download the LAZ app needed to use the Doppio parking lot.
View a map and more instructions here.
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LGBTQIA+ Gathering and Conversation
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(Thanks to Patrick Whorton for the post)
The next gathering of FUSD’s LGBTQIA+ community will be March 15 at noon in the large classroom downstairs at First Unitarian. We will discuss a name for the group, and future ideas, including a PRIDE service in June.
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Join us for Gratitude Sunday – March 22 – Pledge Online Today!
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(Thanks to Ellory Boyd for the post)
Please remember to turn in your Pledge Card or pledge online at this link by Sunday, March 22nd. Then, join Stewardship for a complimentary breakfast burrito after the service on March 22nd. We appreciate YOU!
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Hot Opportunity: Family Promise Volunteers Needed
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(Thanks to Kate Jones for the post)
Family Promise Volunteers are needed for our next host rotation from April 19th – 26th. There is a job for everyone and many people are needed! Family Promise supports families who are unhoused and supports them on their path to sustainably self-sufficiency. Twice a year FUSD supports these families providing meals, transformation, and hosting them in our church basement by turning classrooms into bedrooms. Help us live our values by signing up today. Contact Kate Jones at FUSD.Family.Promise@gmail.com
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First Unitarian Earth Day Clean-Up
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(Thanks to Noelle Botti and Stephanie Walton for the post)
As part of our Earth Day celebrations, FUSD’s Climate Justice Circle invites everyone to volunteer with the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership and Commerce City for trash pick-up along Sand Creek on Saturday, April 11, from 10:00 am – noon.
Help us care for our environment and ensure this waterway continues to sustain the plants, animals and people that depend on it. This opportunity reflects our commitment to climate justice and supporting communities that have been most affected by environmental harm, and honors the Climate Justice Circle’s focus on the water that sustains us.
Everyone ages five and up is welcome to take part in this act of care for our community and our planet. If you would like to join us, please RSVP to Noelle (noellebotti@icloud.com) so we can send you the required waivers and share additional details, including the exact location we will meet. Feel free to reach out with any questions. We hope to see you there!
P.S. Stay tuned for our Earth Day Service on Sunday, April 19.
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Hosting for Spring Souulful Potluck
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Souul Stage Presents “Ripple Where the Light Gets In” April 17 and 18
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Thanks to the Charlotte Braud-Kern for the post)
An original jukebox musical written by Erica Trisler & Alisha Bashaw.
What if one honest voice could change everything? When a teen shares her truth, something unexpected spreads — connection. But not everyone wants a world where people feel, listen, and stand together.
With songs from artists like: Billy Joel, Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, Simon and Garfunkel, The Temptations…and more!
Featuring actors, singers and dancers from within and outside of First Unitarian and children from the Denver Children’s Choir!
April 17 at 7:30 PM and April 18 at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Come experience the ripple. 💛
Tickets now on sale online or use the QR Code below and in the community room!
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Thanks to the Helen Berkman for the post)
Ahoy Shipmates! Our blue boat wants your donation – experiences, services, food, baskets. Support FUSD with your time, and it translates directly into revenue for our operating account. Ideas: BASKETS: a few of your favorite wines? Some puzzles taking up space in your closet? SERVICES: offer your gardening skills, odd jobs, furniture assembly, pet sitting, airport shuttle service, or math lessons for teens! HOMEMADE FOODS ON ORDER: pies and sourdough bread are SO popular. Find the on-line donation form and catalog (so far) at https://2026firstunitarianauction.auctria.events/
Yes, the 2026 Auction is on the way! “Together Again in our Blue Boat Home!” will be Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
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Thanks to the Helen Berkman for the post)
Ahoy Shipmates! Our blue boat wants your donation – experiences, services, food, baskets. Support FUSD with your time, and it translates directly into revenue for our operating account. Ideas: BASKETS: a few of your favorite wines? Some puzzles taking up space in your closet? SERVICES: offer your gardening skills, odd jobs, furniture assembly, pet sitting, airport shuttle service, or math lessons for teens! HOMEMADE FOODS ON ORDER: pies and sourdough bread are SO popular. Find the on-line donation form and catalog (so far) at https://2026firstunitarianauction.auctria.events/
Yes, the 2026 Auction is on the way! “Together Again in our Blue Boat Home!” will be Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
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Looking for Backstage Help for Soul Stage!
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(Thanks to the Charlotte Braud-Kern for the post)
Have you ever wanted the excitement of being part of a theatrical production without performing on stage? Here’s your chance!
Souul Stage is looking for backstage volunteers to assist with set building, props, sound, and lighting for our upcoming production of “Ripple, How the Light Gets In.”
Whether you have experience or have always wanted to learn about technical theater, we would love to have you join our team.
Availability: Please keep evenings open April 12–18.
Interested? Sign up and find more details using this form
Email us at souulstage@gmail.com with any questions.
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Plan for Implementing Second Service – April 5, 2026
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The following collaborative recommendations were approved by the FUSD Board of Trustees and are subject to change as we activate these plans.
Attendance
●The total in-person attendance has remained at an average of 193 attendees (89% capacity for our Sanctuary) during Rev. Mike Morran’s sabbatical. The average in-person attendance is expected to grow.
Service Times
●9:15 am and 11:00 am during regular church year
●The Board will decide the time for a single service in the summer months in consultation with the Minister shortly after his return from sabbatical on April 1, 2026.
Service Format
●The 9:15 and 11:00 service content will be the same except for the Time for All Ages, which will occur during the 9:15 service.
●The Worship Team is aware of the need to reduce our average service length to ensure a smooth transition between services each Sunday. The team is discussing ways to reduce the service length and will communicate with all relevant parties.
Coffee Hours
●We will host coffee hours after both services.
Religious Education
●Based on the strong preference expressed by families, Religious Exploration will be held at the 9:15 service.
●There will be no structured programming for children and youth during the 11:00 service. Children and families may make use of the Peaceful Play Area during the second service.
Streaming/Zoom
●The 9:15 service will be available via streaming on YouTube and Zoom or for viewing any time on youtube.com.
Music
●The Music Committee and Music Director will determine how to arrange music as we transition to two services.
Service Schedule
●Two services will begin on April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday) and continue through May 24, 2026.
●The Whole SoUUl Studios in April and May 2026 will be after the 11 am service.
●On May 31, 2026, we will have one service at 9:15 followed by the annual congregational meeting at 11:00.
●Starting June 7, 2026, the one-service summertime schedule each Sunday until two services start in September 2026.
Assessment
●The Board of Trustees will continue to work with the Church Administrator and Minister and receive congregational input to assess the effectiveness and support necessary changes of the two-services model throughout the remainder of the 2026 calendar year.
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2026 Endowment Grant Opportunity
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(Thanks to the Ingrid Porter for the post)
Applications for FUSD’s 2026 endowment grant will open on 3/1/26 and will be accepted through April 15, 2026,.
The endowment grant is for projects that enhance the permanent facilities and capabilities of FUSD. Selection criteria include projects:
That are visible to the congregation
That will impact the work of the church for more than one year
That will further the mission of our congregation
That cannot be funded through FUSD’s normal operating budget
Please email the committee at endowment@fusden.org to receive an application, or with any questions.
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(Thanks to the Ingrid Porter for the post)
Stay connected with First Unitarian Denver beyond Sunday mornings. Follow us on social media for service updates, upcoming events, and community news. Every follow helps us grow our reach and spread our message. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and join the conversation. https://linktr.ee/FUSDENSOCIAL
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80 IS THE NEW 70! AND WE REALLY OUGHTA THROW A PARTY!
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Thanks to the Colleen Bryan for the post)
We erroneously posted the invitation age for the Silver and Gold Bi-Annual Luncheon. Our notice should have read that the event honors elders over the age of 80. That said, we’re still looking for a host for an event to be scheduled in September. Could that be you? We’re looking for someone with creative and fun organizational energy who loves to throw a party! It won’t all be on you; Historically, many volunteers help to drive and escort our guests to the party, set up the room, supply food and table decorations, etc. Step up to help us pull off a memorable event in September 2026! If you’re interested, reach out to Colleen Bryan for more information!
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Ordination of Michael DeSantis
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All First Unitarian members and friends are joyfully invited to attend the ordination of our very own Ministerial Resident, Michael DeSantis! The ordination service will be at 10am on Saturday, April 18 at Jefferson Unitarian Church (14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401). Childcare will be provided and there will be a reception with light refreshments following the service. The service will also be live-streamed. For more info or to RSVP, visit Michael’s ordination website.https://michaeldesantisministry.com/ordination/
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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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MARCH MADNESS: MORE Whistle Kit Making
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(Thanks to Linda Nabours for the post)
Saturday March 15 from 2:30 to 5 pm, Ross/Cherry Creek Library.
FUSD has shown up for Whistle Kit Making in a BIG way! The Denver IPT Whistle Brigade is back at it on March 15, 2:30 to 5 PM, at the Ross/Cherry Creek Library for more March Madness! Thank you for the FUSD Immigration Project and DIA for always supporting our efforts! You hope to see you there for community and making a difference for our Immigrant Friends and Neighbors. (Last Saturday at FUSD, over 5000 whistle kits were made, you guys! YOU ROCK!!)
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
You can either bring your guns that you’d like to get rid of and drop them off or you can volunteer at the event at 450 S. Kearney St in Denver from 10:00-12:00 on Sunday, March 15. There are many volunteer roles. It is a very gratifying way to get guns off our streets. To drop off guns, see here for more information click here. To volunteer at the event, email gunstogarensmetrodenver@gmail.com. Contact Julie Meyers at julie.meyers.md@gmail.com for more information.
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Ecowomanism: Resilience, Eco-Theology, and Justice
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(Thanks to the Elisa Erickson for the post)
Climate change isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a spiritual one.
Join Drs. Melanie Harris and Amy Erickson for a transformative event centering the voices of African Indigenous and Black women to reclaim our relationship with the planet. Together, they will explore how eco-womanist
spirituality can foster healthier food systems and stronger communities—bridging the gap between theology and concrete action for our Colorado communities.
Register here.
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Sanctuary for all Legal and Mutual Aid
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(Thanks to Arnie Carter for the post)
This is a fund started by Jeannette to help families affected by ICE detentions. People need help with legal fees and rent as they are kidnapping breadwinners and leaving mothers with children to fend for themselves
This not about charity it’s about justice
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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
This week was a focus on the depth of the canvas. The back wall and window was given more depth and luminosity.
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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Bats! Jefferson Humanists
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(Thanks to Kathy Glatz for the post)
Carpe Noctem – Things that Go Bump in the Night: Bats! // March 22 at 4:30 pm // Presented at Jefferson Unitarian Church by Dr. Rick Adams. Author of “Bats of the Rocky Mountain West”, Dr Adams delivers a lively & engaging discourse on the unique anatomy, amazing physiology, interesting behavior, incredible evolution, and vastly important ecology of bats that make them one of the most enigmatic groups of animals in nature. The program is sponsored by Jefferson Humanists and preceded at 4 pm by socializing at our community table of food & drink!
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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