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Sunday Worship,
March 2nd, 2025
at 10:30 am
Evil or Just Stupid
Rev. Mike Morran
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Join us on March 2nd at 10:30 am. This Sunday we will spend some time with Dietrich Bonhoffer and Hannah Arendt, both of whom studied the rise and behavior of Nazi Germany.
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Giving in Action – Hope Communities
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Our Giving In Action organization this week is Hope Communities. Hope Communities strengthens communities and provides pathways to economic and personal opportunity through affordable housing, educational programs, and support services. Since 1980, Hope has helped thousands of low-income families systematically break the cycle of poverty. Hope has affordable rental properties in Northeast Park Hill, Five Points, and the East Colfax neighborhood. Two of these properties also include community space where Hope hosts programs related to economic mobility, youth resiliency, health & wellness, successful integration for newcomers, and community building. More information can be found on our website. Hopecommunities.org
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Whole SoUUl Studio at Noon on March 2nd
Whole SoUUl Studio will be a monthly, faithful, educational, communal gathering with a focus on religion and community. We will gather in the sanctuary at 12:00 on the first (or occasionally second) Sunday of each month, after Sunday service, to learn, explore, share, and grow together for about 45 minutes. Facilitated by Rev. Mike and occasionally others, Whole SoUUl Studio is intended to be connective and nourishing for all our members and friends!
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Announcing the Stewardship Campaign
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Are you inspired by Mike’s sermons, motivated by our beloved church community’s social justice initiatives, uplifted by Lia’s music, gladdened by Leslie’s leadership of our religious education program, and nourished by the Lunch Bunch? Then join us for a very special service on Sunday, February 23rd. Stewardship Sunday is a time when we celebrate your support of our amazing ministry and ask you to make or renew your financial pledge for next fiscal year. Your contributions support the programs and operations of First Unitarian Society of Denver. The theme of this year’s campaign is Better Together – Now More Than Ever. We have ambitious plans to fund a new ministerial intern and provide Mike with a well deserved sabbatical. Support of our ministerial work will increase our outreach, provide the congregation with even more support, help build programs to be better and stronger. As you know, this is needed now more than ever. To accomplish this goal, we encourage contributors who are able to increase their giving by 15%. Please be on the lookout for one of our Stewardship Ambassadors who will reach out to you to hear your feedback about the church and encourage you to make your pledge of financial support.
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Miriam’s Book Table is Proud to Feature…
(Thanks to the Nan Wigington for the post)
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Kimmerer explores nature’s “gift economies” using the serviceberry plant as her model. She points out that the serviceberry lives by giving. Kimmerer suggests we rethink our relationship to the natural world and to each other. Can we be embrace a more reciprocal and sustainable way of living? Is it time to move beyond capitalism and the scarcity mindset toward a focus on abundance and community? Come by the book table during coffee hour, pick up the book and see if she answers any of those questions.
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Sad News…
(Thanks to Rev. Mike for the post)
With great sadness, we learned yesterday of the passing of Jason Marsden, our staff Stewardship Coordinator. He was found in his home in Salida, Colorado, and there is an ongoing police investigation. Beyond that, we have no real details or information. Those of us who knew Jason well are heartbroken and in shock. He was a kind, gentle, and humorous man, and he will be missed by many at First Unitarian Denver.
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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)
Our Middle School program starts on Sunday! If you have a middle schooler please sign them up in Breeze using this form, so we have the necessary contact information and can have a sense of how many youth will be joining us. They will sign in at the family check-in table when they arrive, join us in the sanctuary until after a Time For All Ages, and then get together in the teen space downstairs.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! We are starting a CORE Circle for parents and guardians of tweens and teens. Our first meeting will be held at First Unitarian on March 6th at 6:00. Please email Leslie at msleslie@fusden.org to RSVP. Food will be provided for the first meeting; potlucks will be organized for future meetings.
This week’s Shout Out: Maggie Pierce and Molly Halvorsen! Not only do their children attend RE classes, but they also serve in classrooms from time to time. They were a big help to Ellen with all of the precious tiny humans who joined us in the preschool room last Sunday. Thank you, Maggie and Molly! We are so grateful for your support.
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Jewish Voice for Peace – Shabbat on Friday, February 28th
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(Thank you to Michael Kengmana for the post)
Jewish Voice for Peace’s (JVP) Denver/Boulder chapter will be hosting a second monthly Shabbat on Friday, February 28th at 6:30pm.
Our first Shabbat in January was amazing and we hope to continue the trend this month. As we continue through these tumultuous times, we hope we can come together on Shabbat as a way to build community and the spiritual foundation for our collective solidarity for Palestine and a better world.
This event is open to all faith backgrounds and no knowledge of Hebrew or Jewish ritual is necessary. We will be teaching and explaining as we go. If you would like to attend please register with the link below. We hope to see you there!
Click here to register to attend.
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Middle East Justice March Events
(Thanks to Ann Sabbah for the post)
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
We’ll be joined via Zoom by Beth Miller, a national director with Jewish Voice for Peace. Conversation will focus on HR 9495, the “Nonprofit Killer” bill, and its impact on activism. There will be ample time for a Q&A.
Conversation with Beth Miller, Jewish Voice for Peace
Tuesday, March 4
6:30-8:30pm
First Unitarian Society of Denver, 1400 Lafayette St
TUESDAY, MARCH 18
We’ll gather for a community potluck and facilitated discussion of the new Ta-Nehisi Coates book, The Message.
Potluck and discussion of The Message
Tuesday, March 18
6:30-8:30pm
First Unitarian Society of Denver, 1400 Lafayette St
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Capitol Hill Concerts Presents: The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra
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(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Join us Saturday March 8th at 7 pm for a unique Capitol Hill Concerts experience. The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra is a five piece chamber ensemble (piano, violin, cello, clarinet, and cornet) that revives the repertoire of silent film orchestras. Using historic libraries of music, and selecting and fitting a piece of music for each scene in the film, Mont Alto compiles vibrant and emotional scores using the original techniques of silent film orchestras. Mont Alto will accompany two films on March 8th: Dog Shy (1926) directed by Leo McCarey, featuring Charley Chase; and Steamboat Bill Jr. (1928) directed by Charles Reisner, featuring Buster Keaton. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit Colorado Puppy Rescue, a no-kill rescue dedicated to saving young puppies and their mamas. Visit this link for more information and tickets.
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How to Conduct an Effective Meeting
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(Thanks to Tess Dieringer for the post)
The Leadership Development Committee invites you to our final training this year on March 16 in the Rose Chapel from noon to 2 pm. Paul Riederer will be sharing his extensive expertise in this practical, nuts-and-bolts workshop on Facilitating an Effective Meeting. Certified as a Master Facilitator, Paul has led management retreats with scores of teams to assess communication problems, set goals, and create work plans to address problems and achieve goals.
Kindly RSVP to tsdieringer@gmail.com so we can plan accordingly. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome!
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Faith in Action Book Talk! – DATE CHANGE
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(Thanks to Peggy Ulrich-Nims for the post)
The Faith in Action Council is sponsoring a Book Talk on Yale Professor Timothy Snyder’s 2017 book On Tyranny which describes 20 steps from democracy to tyranny. Please join Trudy Glidden and Peggy Ulrich-Nims on either Sunday March 23 or Sunday March 30 ( or both if you choose) at noon in the lower level TV room. PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE. Books will be available for free in the Community Room after church on Sunday March 2 and March 9. Contact Peggy with questions.
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Reproductive Justice Film Series
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(Thanks to Jane Ashley for the post)
The movie “Small Things Like These” will be shown in the Reproductive Justice series on Thursday, March 20. This film won the best picture, best actor (Cillian Murphy), and best script awards in the 2025 Irish Film and TV Awards. It’s based on the novel by Claire Keegan, a story about the Magdalene laundries where Catholic nuns kept unmarried pregnant girls captive and gave up their babies for adoption. These practices continued in Ireland until they were finally shut down in the 1990’s. Please join us for this beautiful and heart-wrenching but ultimately uplifting movie.
When: Thursday, March 20
Where: Jane Ashley’s living room
RSVP required: jane.ashley52@gmail.com
Time: 6-9 pm
View trailer here.
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(Thanks to Susan Robertson for the post)
Please join us for a celebration of life for Beverly Bridges, a long-time member of First Unitarian. We will gather at Evans Chapel on the DU Campus on Saturday, March 15 at 11:30 a.m.; an open house/reception will follow at Bev’s home in University Park.
For further details, please contact Susan Robertson (Bev’s youngest daughter) at 303.815.7571 or Bridges.robertson@gmail.com
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Calling First Unitarian Men!
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(Thanks to Mike Morran for the post)
. We do this through sharing, friendship, accountability, and mutual commitment. We recognize that every man comes with different intentions, gifts, strengths, wounds, and life experience. We recognize that men are often shaped into the weapons of culture, just as often become the wounded, and are usually both. We recognize that enculturation for men has both light and shadow sides, nobility and toxicity, heroism and deep denial. Together we will seek to unpack some of this toxicity, and this nobility. Please reach out to Rev. Mike at revmorran@gmail.com if you are interested, or would like more information.
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Endowment Grant Application Now Open!
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(Thanks to Ingrid Porter for the post)
Applications for FUSD’s 2025 endowment grant are being accepted through April 15.
The endowment grant is for projects that enhance the permanent facilities and capabilities of FUSD. Selection criteria includes 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 endowment@fusden.org to receive an application, or with any questions.
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Do You Have a Getaway to Give (Away) to the Auction?
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(Thanks to Tess Dieringer for the post)
Do you, a family member, or a generous friend, neighbor, or business colleague who owes you a big favor have a hideaway, haven, escape, retreat, sanctuary, house on a lake, cabin in the woods, or other sweet spot to donate to Auction 2025?? Getaways are popular, big-ticket items that help us reach our goals every year. You determine the dates, terms, and number of occupants. Please be creative and dig deep! I’d love to explore any ideas with you at tsdieringer@gmail.com.
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Family Promise – Volunteers Needed!
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(Thanks to Kate Jones for the post)
Next Rotation is March 16 – 23. We need your help supporting families experiencing homelessness as we host them at our church. Many volunteer opportunities: moving beds, room setup & takedown, hosting, cooking, and transportation. Sign up today to live our values and strengthen community as we volunteer together. Sign up right away here.
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Spring 2025 Call for Social Justice Projects
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(Thanks to Peggy Ulrich-Nims for the post)
The FUSD Faith in Action Council is calling upon active, interested, motivated members and friends to consider developing plans for a social justice project (funded) or action circle ( unfunded) for the coming 2025-26 church year. The Project application can be found on the First Unitarian website. You should download the application and return to Peggy at ulrichnims@gmail.com or in person. This should be returned by mid-March. Members of the Social Justice Council are happy to discuss your ideas and the process. Please contact Peggy Ulrich-Nims as soon as possible.
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The 2025 AUCTION is Coming!
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(Thanks to the Helen Berkman for the post)
Yes, the 2025 Auction is going live! “Sailing Together in our Blue Boat Home!” will be Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 4:30 pm. Mark your calendar now, and stop by the auction table at coffee hour to pick up a donation form and chat with us about how and what you can donate!
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Activism Resources for Immigration Justice
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(Thanks to the Mike Morran for the post)
There are two protests/vigils this coming weekend.
- Aurora Unidos — Rally against Buckley AFB collaboration with ICE – Saturday Feb 8, 10 am, at Buckley AFB at intersection of E. Mississippi and Aspen St.
- Love Knows No Borders, No Walls! A vigil organized by the American Friends Service Committee at the ICE Detention Center, Monday, February 10th at 6:00 pm. 3130 Oakland in Aurora, CO
Opportunities to contribute, get involved, and information about knowing your rights are available from:
Short, informative videos can be found here: https://www.wehaverights.us/
A fine Faith Leaders statement from the Colorado Council of Churches can be found at: https://cochurches.org/christian-leaders-in-colorado-voice-strong-opposition-to-trump-immigration-policies-urge-reform/
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Rev. Mike Vlog – Stained Glass Window
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A message from Rev. Mike Morran
Ever wonder about the beautiful stained glass window of the Good Samaritan in our church foyer? Rev. Mike Morran shares its incredible journey from our second building at 19th and Broadway to its place of honor here at 14th and Lafayette. This piece of First Unitarian Denver history has been preserved through moves, a fire, and renovations—now greeting us every time we enter.
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Local Unitarian Universalists News
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Social Justice Film Series at First Plymouth
(Thanks to Dan Moen, First Universalist Social Justice, for the post)
The Social Justice Film series continues on March 7th with a viewing of Bedlam. Through intimate stories of patients, families, and medical providers, Bedlam is a feature-length documentary that immerses us in the national crisis surrounding care for people with severe mental illness. Filmed over five years, it brings us inside one of America’s busiest psychiatric emergency rooms, into jails where psychiatric patients are warehoused, and to the homes – and homeless encampments – of members of our communities with mental illness, where silence and shame often compound personal suffering. The story is told in part by director Kenneth Paul Rosenberg, MD, whose own life journey has been profoundly impacted by a family member with severe mental illness.
March 7, 2025
First Plymouth Church, Room 212
3501 S. Colorado Blvd.
Bring a snack to share. Social gathering begins at 6:30. We’ll start the movie at 7:00.
View the trailer below:
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Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund Gala – March 15
(Thanks to the Arnie Carter for the post)
We all know the dire need and the horrific conditions in Palestine. The need is huge beyond words. So on March 15th at 6 pm at The Inverness, 200 Inverness Dr W, Englewood, CO 80112, the Denver chapter of PCRF is having a Gala to raise funds for the Children of Gaza, the West Bank and for children refugees though the Middle East.
Register here.
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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