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Sunday Worship,
March 22nd, 2026
at 10:30 am
Finding Dayenu: When the World is Not Enough
Rabbi Michael Kengmana
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Join us on March 22nd at 10:30 am. From war breaking out in the Middle East, ICE and fascist repression here all across the US, ongoing genocides in Palestine and Sudan, to all the griefs and struggles we personally hold and navigate every day, it certainly can feel like this world is falling apart here in 2026. How can we speak of gratitude in these times filled with so much suffering and injustice? As we approach the Jewish holiday of Pesach (Passover) – a holiday that is grounded in giving thanks for liberation – we are called upon to ask what gratitude can offer us in these dark and difficult times. Most of all, we are called upon to ask what gratitude can help us offer each other.
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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 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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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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Capitol Hill Concerts – Wild Earth Ensemble – April 4th
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Capitol Hill Concerts final concert of the season is just a few weeks away on April 4th at 7pm! Join us for the immensely talented Wild Earth Ensemble, a group of musicians who share a deep care and concern for the stewardship of our planet and a deep commitment to following the call of “wild” creative flow. The result is a deep, diverse, moving musical experience. Join Sandra Wong, Beth Quist, Bijay Shrethsa, and Victor Mestas for a joyous, soulful journey around the globe, featuring music of Turkey, Ireland, Venezuela, Appalachia, Scandinavia, the Middle East, and a number of original tunes. Their exquisite instrumentation includes voice, violin, nyckelharpa, hammered dulcimer, tabla, sitar, kora, keyboards, and piano. Read more about Sandra, Beth, Bijay & Victor.
A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV), a Colorado nonprofit with the mission to build diverse communities that care for the land. They envision a world in which all people are empowered stewards of the land. WRV organizes thousands of volunteers each year to complete more than 150 conservation projects throughout Colorado. Volunteer events range in length from a few hours to multi-day campouts and are located in beautiful natural areas from the plains to the alpine.
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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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2026 Spring Souulful Potluck
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(Thanks to Susan Riederer for the post)
First Unitarian Denver’s 2026 Spring Souulful Potlucks are Saturday, April 25th. We have potlucks through out the day in the community. Signups start on Tuesday, March 24th. Signup for as many potlucks as you like will assure you of a spot. It is a first come first serve process. Don’t delay – you can signup here.
We need eight hosts. If you are interested in hosting please click this link.
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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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Opportunity to Assist with a Stay in Denver
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Rhonda Kessler who is UU from Florida and a regular here at First Unitarian is looking for a house to rent (at a reasonable cost) while she is in Denver to provide support to her family, beginning July 1 – September. Her 4 year old grandson has recently undergone surgery for brain cancer (successfully) but will have ongoing treatment. Maybe someone is traveling this summer and Rhonda could stay and keep an eye on your home? Please reach out to the church office if you have a place for Rhonda. thank you for taking care of each other.
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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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Join First Unitarian’s Democracy Action Team and Immigration Project at No Kings Day
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(Thanks to the Democracy in Action Team for the post)
We hope the No Kings Day protest on Saturday, March 28th, is the largest one yet—come out and make your voice heard!
12:00 PM – First Unitarian participants will gather at noon. Look for the FUSD tent, table, or banner about 100 yards north of the obelisk, just west of the State Capitol.
12:30 PM – Many UUs will also join the Interfaith Immigration Network at Colfax and Lincoln to march together and sing songs of resistance.
You’re welcome to come by FUSD starting at 11:00 AM to make a poster and/or connect with a carpool or walking group.
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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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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 I cleaned up the background and started on the characters in the background.
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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