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Sunday Worship,
March 23rd, 2025
at 10:30 am
The Lure of Enemies
Rev. Mike Morran
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Join us on March 23rd at 10:30 am. One way of understanding the current national politics is through the lens of tribalism vs. pluralism. Or in other words, does belonging to one community, ideology, philosophy, or political party require that others be enemies? Or, can people of different communities, ideologies, etc., live together in harmony? How can we think about this ethically? Morally? Spiritually?
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2025-2026 Stewardship Campaign: Better Together, Now More Than Ever
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Thank you to our staff, stewardship council and speakers who helped put on an amazing Stewardship Sunday on February 23rd! If you didn’t get your pledge packet that day, you should have received one in the mail. The Stewardship Campaign theme for this year is Better Together: Now More Than Ever. Our campaign goal is ambitious because we have exciting plans and needs for the congregation. We ask you to return your pledge form via mail, online here or via email to stewardship@fusden.org. By making a commitment to this organization, we will be in a better position to plan our budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and do more to be a stronger congregation. You also will be hearing from (or have already heard from) your Ambassador via email or phone. We encourage you to return the call/email and connect with these awesome members of our community. This is the most important part – connecting and sharing our lives together.
We are so excited to report that 119 members and friends have pledged for a total of $400,000 so far! This year’s ambitious goal will require everyone’s participation. If you have yet to pledge, please submit your pledge today!
If you have any questions or want to provide feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact stewardship@fusden.org. Thank you!!
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Jeanette Vizguerra, a longtime immigration activist, was detained by ICE in Denver on March 17. Many in our community remember Jeanette from when she sought sanctuary at First Unitarian Society of Denver in 2017 to avoid deportation.
Her detention has sparked widespread concern and calls for justice from supporters, local leaders, and immigrant rights advocates.
Read more about here.
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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)
CORE Circle for Families With Teens: April 3rd in the community room 6:00-7:30. RSVP to msleslie@fusden.org. We are creating a community of support where joys and frustrations of raising a tween or teen can be shared in a safe space. Join us as we build connections with each other and expand the possibilities of how we parent.
Mark Your Calendars: Next Youth Program will be on April 6th and 13th, offered the first two weeks of each month in the teen space downstairs.
Shout Out to this week’s Volunteer Superhero, CJ Witlaw. They were incredibly helpful last week, filling in at the last minute because we were short staffed. Thanks for all you do to help our program succeed, CJ! We appreciate you.
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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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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Finding Yourself at First Unitarian Denver!
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(Thanks to Rev. Mike 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, April 5th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. All are welcome, but you must pre-register here. Questions, please reach out to Rev. Mike at revmorran@gmail.com.
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
Did you know you can become a member at any time? You can reach out to Reverend Mike to set a time to meet with him and sign the book. Or you can join during our next New Member Sunday on April 13th, where you will be recognized with others who are becoming members during the service. It is highly encouraged to attend the next Finding Yourself at First Unitarian class before committing to membership, which will be offered on Saturday April 5th from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. See post about Finding Yourself at First Unitarian Denver to learn more. Register with this link. If you would like to become a member on April 13th, please email Leslie Harvey at msleslie@fusden.org
It is also worth noting that that in order to vote at the Congregational Meeting on June 1st you must have been a member for 60 days – which means joining by April 1st. Please contact Rev. Mike or Leslie Harvey if you would like to meet the deadline.
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Capitol Hill Concerts’ presents Cóisir
(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Join us Saturday April 5th at 7 pm for Capitol Hill Concerts final concert of the season. Cóisir performs traditional dance music from Ireland, intertwined with haunting songs and original tunes. Cóisir brings together three of Colorado’s top Irish music talents: Jessie Burns (formerly of Gaelic Storm) on fiddle, Pete Strickler on tenor banjo, and Marty Smith on bouzouki and vocals. They will be joined by special guest Johnny B Connolly, originally from Dublin, Ireland on accordion. Cóisir, pronounced much like the word “kosher”, means “Party” in Irish. And the music is a party, too! A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit Education Through Music – Colorado. They partner with under-resourced schools to provide music as a core subject for all children, and utilize music education as a catalyst to improve academic achievement, motivation for school and self-confidence. Visit www.capitolhillconcerts.com for more information and tickets.
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Young Adult (20s-40s) Potluck Sunday!
(Thanks to 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, April 6th at noon in the Chapel. Signing up with what you’re bringing helps us plan, but it’s not necessary for you to come.
Signup sheet here.
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The Ordination of Lia Davis
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(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Please join us on Saturday April 19th at 3 pm for the ordination of Lia Davis as Minister of Music at First Unitarian Denver. You may join us in person or online. Your RSVP by April 12th is greatly appreciated, to help us plan for seating and the reception.
RSVP here.
Sign up to contribute food or volunteer here.
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Whole Souul Living: Nature and Soul
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(Thanks to Rev. Mike Morran for the post)
This class of 5 sessions will explore Nature as a source and medium of spiritual and personal growth. We will ground ourselves briefly in theology from the Transcendentalist tradition, then mix the cognitive with the experiential as we explore awareness, indigenous teachings, the wisdom of the body, cosmology, and beauty.
Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, class will meet on Thursday nights at 1st Unitarian, April 17th through May 15th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A sixth session to get us outdoors will be planned for a Saturday in late May or early June. Register here. Questions, please contact Rev. Mike at; revmorran@gmail.com.
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Walk and Talk – Friday, April 25th at 11 am
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(Thanks to Marty Dawley for the post)
Join fellow nature lovers at the Botanic Gardens on Friday April 25th at 11am. We’ll meet in the gift shop and pool our memberships to get everyone in for free. This activity is open to all, young and old, fast and slow. We’ll even push a wheelchair for you (free to borrow there) if the walk is too long for you. Bring a friend! Some folks may wish to eat lunch or have a refreshment together afterwards.
As always, send Marty Dawley a little note letting us know you are coming will make it, so we try not to leave without you. Call Marty if you are late. Also contact Marty if you’d like to be added to the Walk and Talk list.
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Donate for Mothers Blood Drive
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(Thanks to Danica Larson for the post)
This Mother’s Day are you struggling to find a meaningful gift? In honor of your mother or parent, why not donate the Gift of Life through a blood donation? Share of yourself at the second annual First Unitarian blood drive. Sign up during or after the church service.
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2025 AUCTION is Coming! Donations Needed!!
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(Thanks to the Helen Berkman for the post)
Ahoy Shipmates! Our blue boat needs more donations – we want to see our catalog packed with unique items, experiences, services, and social events. Support FUSD with your time, and it translates directly into revenue for our operating account. Some ideas: BASKETS: a few of your favorite wines? Some best-selling novels taking up space in your bookshelf? SERVICES: offer your gardening skills, home repair expertise, pet sitting, airport shuttle service, or math lessons for teens! HOMEMADE FOODS: pies and sourdough bread are popular. Check out the catalog at https://auctria.events/FUSD2025AUCTION to see what’s already been donated. And find the on-line donation form there, or pick up a copy at our auction table. Don’t delay!
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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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Join the Renaissance at FUSD: Final Elected Committee Positions Open!
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(Thanks to Tess Dieringer for the post)
The Leadership Development Committee is preparing an impressive slate of nominees for elected committees to be published in mid-April! Thank you to all those who have answered the call! There are three positions remaining: one each on the Leadership Development Committee, Personnel Committee, and Stewardship Council. We need you! Be part of the exciting renaissance taking place at FUSD! Please contact either Tess Dieringer (tsdieringer@gmail.com) or Patrick Whorton (pwhorton@gmail.com) or come to the Opportunities Table following the service for more information. Thank you!
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Caring Committee Opportunities!
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(Thanks to Colleen Bryan for the post)
• We’re looking for a dispatcher to do daily checks and referrals for the Caring@FUSDen.org message board during December 2025. Well-developed job description and backup as needed. Got time? Call us!
• Several congregants have expressed a need for counselors to help work through issues of aging. Chronic illnesses, mounting disability, and progressive losses all conspire to narrow our worlds, unbalance us, and challenge our pursuit of spiritual meaning and purpose. Does anyone in our FUSD network have referrals to work with individuals or a group of elders? Please send suggestions to caring@fusden.org. And thank you for your help!
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Spring Showers Hygiene Drive
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(Thanks to Bonnie-Jean Jenkins for the post)
Hello First Unitarians! I am here to tell you about an easy way for you to positively impact close to 4000 individuals and families in need this coming year. The Denver Human Services GIVE Center holds an annual Spring Showers Hygiene Drive in April. Get it, Spring Showers, April Showers. The DHS Give Center is a free resource providing emergency goods and services with a trauma-informed, person-centered, and holistic approach. Last year the GIVE team served over 3900 customers and distributed 30,000+ emergency hygiene items – all thanks to donors – LIKE YOU! I will be placing a bin at the church to collect hygiene items for the GIVE Center. Their collection runs from April 14 – May 16. I or one of my co workers at DHS will collect the bins. You don’t have to do anything but bring in some soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.. You know what to do! And thank you for everything you do! –
bonnie-jean
p.s. if you would like to look at their website – here is the link: website
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(Thanks to Coral Cosway for the post)
Represent us at the UUA General Assembly! The Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) national meeting of UU congregations is happening in Baltimore, Maryland and virtually this year from June 18-22, 2025.
As a member congregation of the UUA, First Unitarian Society of Denver (FUSD) sends “delegates” to this event, which includes worship, workshops, lectures and the annual UUA business meeting. FUSD delegates will participate in the business meeting and vote on items that impact all member congregations. If you are interested in serving as an FUSD delegate at the 2025 General Assembly, please reach out to Coral Cosway at President@fusden.org.
Registration amounts depend on how much access you want to the event. More information about registration can be found here. You can review the program and schedule and visit the UUA’s General Assembly webpage for more information.
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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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Shop BIPOC
(Thanks to Karren Derrick-Davis from Faith in Action (FIAC) for the post)
There’s no better time than now, to align your spending with your social, racial, and economic justice values. It is easy to do with ShopBIPOC.com.
This online directory of Colorado-based businesses owned by People of Color now boasts almost 700 small businesses in hundreds of industries, from accountants to elder care providers, pet supplies, restaurants, therapists, landscapers, painters, IT providers, artists, general contractors, farmers, car detailers … and so many more goods and services. Each week additional businesses list their business on the ShopBIPOC.com platform.
Leave Amazon and big box stores behind. Let your spending reflect the change you want to see in the world.
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AUUMM Annual Conference in Atlanta
(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Musicians far and wide, join us for a conference of harmony and rhythm, song swaps & choral repertoire, joyful worship & rockin’ bands, rowdy hymns, skill-sharing, long conversations, deep connections, and so much more. The Association for UU Music Ministries (AUUMM) is hosting our annual conference this year in Atlanta, GA July 23 – 27, 2025 and you’re invited!
If you love to sing, whether in the congregations, the choir, or anywhere at all, join us in Atlanta. Our Songleaders Convergence track is full of programs for community singing. If you play bass, drums, keyboard, or any other instrument in a worship band, join us in Atlanta. Our Worship Bands track is full of workshops and ensembles for rocking out together while learning new skills and tunes. More info & registration 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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Activism Resources for Immigration Justice
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Local Unitarian Universalists and Community News
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Here is How to Help a Small Farm and Get Great Veggies, Too!
(Thanks to the Karren Derrick-Davis for the post)
The cuts in federal funding are devastating to small farms. Common Name Farm out of Lafayette runs a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) that has a pickup point very convenient to church, at 13th and Gilpin on Thursdays.
You can help a small farm survive by participating in their CSA program. You pay for the season and then pick up your share each week. Please help spread the word about the CSA to your friends, neighbors, and coworkers, as well.
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Jefferson Humanists – Monthly Program
(Thanks to the Kathy Glatz for the post)
Our Culture is Our Resistance, Repression, Refuge and Healing in Guatemala is the next program sponsored by Jefferson Humanists. Photographer and activist Johnathan Moller shares his Human Rights work in Guatemala via slideshow and talk.
View the flyer here.
This program in Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 4pm. Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W 32nd Ave., Golden
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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