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Sunday Worship, March 24th, 2024
at 10:30 am
Reaping and Sowing: The Bitter Fruits of Empire
Theo Wilson
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Join us on Sunday, March 24th at 10:30 am. American Christian Nationalism increasingly poses a threat to what passes for democracy in the United States. But nationalism, with or without Christianity, has a long history well beyond the United States. What characteristics can be traced from the past to the present? What does the bible actually say? How can a modern person understand and respond with both intelligence and compassion?
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Middle East Justice Group- this Sunday at 9:30 am
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(Thanks to Arnie Carter for the post)
The Middle East Justice group meets every Sunday 930 AM up in the Chapel. Everyone welcome!
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Memorial—Don Taylor
A Memorial for Don Taylor is scheduled at the First Unitarian Church on Saturday, March 23, at 2:00 pm. Don, who passed away on Friday, October 27, was a cherished member of First Unitarian since 1979. Don is survived by his wife, Nancy Taylor.
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(Thanks to Mike Morran for the post)
With great sadness, we have received a letter of resignation from our wonderful Director of Religious Exploration, Erin Kenworthy. Please find that letter here. More information about the future of the Religions Exploration program and what we will do now will be shared as it becomes known in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please thank Erin for her years of service, and wish her well in her future endeavors.
Bummed,
Mike
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Miriam’s Table Wants to Feature…
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(Thanks to Nan Wigington for the post)
You. What would you like to see at Miriam’s book table? Do you have a favorite title you want everyone to know about? Do you want more picture books? Books on death and dying? Poetry collections? Meditation manuals? Want more from the UUA? Stop by the table during coffee hour to let us know your suggestions. Or drop an email booktable@fusden.org.
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Annual Evaluation of First Unitarian Ministry
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(Thanks to Alisha Bashaw for the post)
The Committee on Ministry respectfully requests your feedback for the annual evaluation of First Unitarian Society of Denver ministry/Rev. Mike Morran. We have altered the format of the survey even more this year to follow up on last year’s feedback and actionable items, to streamline and simplify it, and make it easier for you to provide input. We have also worked with Rev. Mike to ensure that the feedback we’re requesting is helpful and ideally, actionable. That said, we need your responses to make it meaningful! Please click this link and fill out the brief survey by March 24.
It can be as brief as a couple of minutes or as long as you want to spend on it. Survey responses are confidential unless you request a member of the COM to reach out to you. There will be members of the COM in the community room after services on March 17 if you have any questions, or if you would like to fill out a paper copy of the survey instead of a digital one.
With gratitude – Committee on Ministry
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Endowment Application Open!
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(Thanks to Nellie Stagg for the post)
The endowment grant application is now open! Please consider projects and apply before Monday, April 15th. The goal of the endowment is to enhance the permanent facilities and capabilities of First Unitarian Society of Denver. Projects will be selected that are visible to the congregation, will impact the work of the church for more than one year, will further the mission of our congregation and cannot be funded through our normal operating budget. To receive the application or ask any questions, please email the committee at endowment@fusden.org.
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Join Hands for Social Justice!
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(Thanks to Becky Hammond for the post)
Joining Hands for Social Justice is on Saturday, April 27th! Our Auction Night will begin with Silent Auction bidding, along with great hors d’oeuvres! At our reserved seat, sit-down Dinner, we will give our first Community Justice Award to Dr. Rosemarie Allen, and have our Live Auction. It will be an evening of community and celebration! SAVE THE DATE!
DONATIONS! We need your donations! Go to https://fusden.org/annual-auction/ and click on the donate button. The secret is to donate something you love, like music, arts, crafts, baked goods or meals, trips, events, services, whatever makes meaning in your life. Some offer their professional skills while others offer family activities. Your event can be for a small group or a large group, inside or out of doors, close by or out of town. Your interests will appeal to others and build our community! Explore the auction website for ideas and inspiration. While you’re there, REGISTER to bid. Online bidding starts April 7!
VOLUNTEERS!!! We need YOU! Volunteer to help us make this our best auction ever! Go to https://fusden.org/annual-auction/ and click on the volunteer button. Volunteering is a great way to get to know others!
Please visit our Auction Table in the Community Room after the service for updates and ideas!
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New Congregational Projects and Initiatives
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(Thanks to John Vivian for the post)
Your Faith In Action Council members are available to discuss ideas for Projects to be considered and potentially be officially proposed for a vote at First Unitarian Congregational Meeting Sunday June 2nd. The other possibility is an Initiative which still is a worthy endeavor, however does not have the same process or level of benefits of a Project. Please reach out to us via fiac@fusden.org. We look forward to answering your questions, hearing about your ideas and exploring the possibilities!
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Racial Justice – Spring Read
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(Thanks to Patrick Whorton for the post)
The Racial Justice Project’s spring book read will be Black on Black, written by Daniel Black, an author and professor of African American studies at Clark Atlanta University. This book, in fourteen short chapters, offers a queer, intersectional perspective on racial justice issues; each chapter examines a different issue. We have organized the reading around three discussions once a month: Intro-page 88 on February 28; pages 89-158 on March 27; pages 159-end April 24. All discussions will be via Zoom from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Participants must register to participate by emailing Patrick Whorton at whorton@gmail.com. who will then send yhou a zoom link and some discussion guidelines. You may join one, two or all three of the discussions.
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Reproductive Justice Movie Series: Let’s Support Each Other and Our Rights!
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(Thanks to Jane Ashley for the post)
Join us for a movie and a deep dive into conversation afterward. The 4th movie in the series will be shown on Tuesday, April 2, 6-9 pm. It’s a film from Chad: “Lingui: The Sacred Bonds.” It will be shown at the home of Jane Ashley. Please RSVP by email to: jane.ashley52@gmail.com, or text: 703-328-5891.
April 2 movie: “Lingui: The Sacred Bonds”
(2021) PG13, Rotten Tomatoes 96%
On the outskirts of N’Djamena in Chad, Amina lives alone with her only 15-year-old daughter Maria. Her already fragile world collapses the day she discovers that her daughter is pregnant. The teenager does not want this pregnancy. In a country where abortion is not only condemned by religion, but also by law, Amina finds herself facing a battle that seems lost in advance.
Trailer: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lingui_the_sacred_bonds
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Climate Justice Book Discussion
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(Thanks to Taylor Chang for the post)
Please join Climate Justice Project in reading “The Water Knife” by Paolo Bacigalupi. The story is a dystopian thriller set in a future southwestern United States ravaged by water scarcity and revolves around Angel Velasquez, a water mercenary navigating a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and violence in a desperate quest for control over the region’s dwindling water supply. We will be reading throughout March and a discussion will be held in April, with dates TBD.
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Jayme Stone’s Folklife: April 13th
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(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Join us for Capitol Hill Concerts’ next show, Jayme Stone’s Folklife, on Saturday April 13th at 7 pm. Jayme Stone (voice, banjo, guitar) will be joined by Enmanuel Alexander (bass, guitar), Greg Harris (synth, vibes, percussion), and Kevin Matthews (drums). This versatile gathering of musicians has cultivated vibrant Sea Island spirituals, Creole calypsos, and stomp-down Appalachian dance tunes for contemporary listeners. Their concerts are moving, inventive, and participatory experiences that prove folk songs are indeed perennials for the people. Tickets are now on sale. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit Re:Vision. Their mission is to work with people in economically marginalized neighborhoods to develop resident leaders, cultivate community food systems, and create an economy owned by the community. Their purpose is to cultivate thriving, resilient communities, with a vision to create a world based on love, compassion, collaboration, and stewardship for the planet, our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of every person in our community. Support Re:Vision by donating cookies, fruits, or snacks (homemade or store-bought) which will be served at the concert intermission alongside donation baskets. All donations collected will benefit Re:Vision. If you would like to donate a refreshment, please sign up here.
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Save the Date – Friday, May 3, 2024 at 7pm
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(Thanks to Noelle Botti for the post)
The Climate Justice Project would like to invite you and your family and friends to attend a very special screening of Fracking the System: Colorado’s Oil and Gas Wars, an investigative documentary about the state of fracking in Colorado. The film will be screened in person in the sanctuary at First Unitarian followed by a QA session with the producer and director, Brian Hedden, as well as representatives from 350 Colorado and Safe and Healthy Colorado.
More details to follow, but please plan to join us!
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Venezuelan Migrant Family Looking For Large Gas Grill
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
One of the Venezuelan migrant families we have been helping for the past year would like to start cooking and selling food. They need a large gas grill to start this venture. If anyone has something they could use, please contact me. They will be most grateful. They desperately want to be able to work and support themselves.
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Columbine Unitarian Universalist – Migrant Support Donations Needed
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(Thanks to Kathy Glatz for the post)
The City of Denver has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of migrants in our city. Most of these folks have been bused to Denver from Texas after they crossed the southern border. Currently, Denver is housing around 4,000 migrants in shelters and hotels scattered across the metro area. Denver has announced that the migrants are going to be “discharged” during the months of February and March. Most of the people have nowhere to go and will end up in tent encampments.
Over the past several weeks, Columbine Unitarian Universalist has been organizing food and donation drives and delivering to the migrants who are being housed in hotels near the airport. Our efforts are now going to pivot to bringing them outdoor gear. Can you reach out to your congregation and fellow congregants and ask them to donate items or money? Your church will need to store items for a short time until they can be delivered to the camps. Items most needed: rolling suitcases, backpacks, men’s boots, heavy socks and personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, deodorant, menstrual pads). You can also donate to our food/supplies fund, please Click Here.
Once you have collected donations, please contact us (Click Here) to coordinate delivery.
You can also join our Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on all activities.
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Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom Ballot Initiative
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(Thanks to Tyler Watlington for the post)
A coalition of Reproductive Justice nonprofit organizations have drafted language for a ballot initiative that would put to vote a constitutional amendment on the November 2024 ballot that would protect abortion from government interference in Colorado. FUSD Reproductive Justice Committee has endorsed the ballot initiative and is working diligently to gather enough signatures to get it on the ballot. You can help protect the Right to Abortion in Colorado by joining us.
Learn more here: https://coloradansforreproductivefreedom.com/
If you would like to be trained to get petition signatures for the initiative, you can attend an upcoming training – sign up at this link.
To donate directly to the initiative, please click here: Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom — Donate via ActBlue.
Please contact Tyler Watlington (atwatlington@comcast.net) if you have questions or need additional assistance AND if you do decide to get trained as a signature gatherer, please let Tyler know as well.
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Sunday Funday with Soul 2 Soul Sisters
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We’re excited to invite you to participate in another season of Facing Racism. Join us this Spring as we give you the tools to heal and become a part of this movement to dismantle anti-Black racism. Register today for Facing Racism and be a part of the magic>>>
Join us in four sessions to unlearn racist behavior, develop intellectually and emotionally, and practice self-liberation. Registration includes;
💜1:1 Private Session with Rev. Tawana Angela Davis, PhD, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Soul 2 Soul Sisters. Reverend Dr. Davis is a Womanist, thought provoker, speaker, preacher, and community leader. Read more on her here.
💜Expansive list of resources for continued learning.
💜Access to our Facing Racism Alumni Network for continued service, workshops and community.
Virtual Session Dates: April 7th, April 14th, April 21st, April 28th
Session Times: 4:00 – 7:00 PM (MST)
Registration Fee: $599
Link to Register
A portion of your tuition will be used to sponsor Facing Racism for Black women, femmes, and gender expansive beloveds at NO COST.
The deadline to register is March 31st and spots are limited, so share it with your networks TODAY to make sure those important to you can join this journey with you!
In Divine Peace, Love, & Power, Your Facing Racism Facilitators,
Courtney Anika, Associate Director of Organizational Wellness
Rev. Tawana Angela Davis, PhD, Co-Founder & Executive Director
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Social Justice Film Series Presents – “The Monk and the Gun”
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(Thanks to Holly Fulton from First Universalist for the post)
Social Justice Film Series presents “The Monk and the Gun”, Friday, April 5th, 2024
First Plymouth Congregational Church, Room 212
3501 S. Colorado Blvd. Englewood, CO
Snacks and visit at 6:30, film beings at 7 pm
This film captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that weren’t enough change, the King announced shortly afterwards that he would cede his power to the people via their vote and a new form of government: Democracy. An elderly lama, recognizing that extraordinary change is about to sweep through his country, is troubled by the possible outcomes. He instructs his young disciple Tashi to set forth into the kingdom and bring him two guns before the full moon to “set it right.” The young monk is perplexed by his guru’s request, and his familiarity with guns is based solely on images from the only film available on television: James Bond. His quest brings him into contact with a scheming American gun collector Ron (Harry Einhorn), leading to a most unexpected outcome.
Watch the trailer for The Monk and the Gun here.
The Social Justice film series is co-partnered by First Plymouth and our neighbors, First Universalist Church.
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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Pacific Western Regional Assembly – April 19th and 20th – Volunteers Needed!
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(Thanks to Jo Hehnke from First Universalist for the post)
This year’s Pacific Western Regional conference (https://www.uua.org/pacific-western/calendar/pwr-uua/pwr-threads-connect-stories-inspire) is being held at First Universalist Church of Denver, April 19 (starting at 6 pm) and 20th (ending at 5 pm). I am part of a team recruiting volunteers for the event. The theme this year is “Connections”. In that spirit, we are hoping to connect with members from area churches through the various volunteer tasks entailed. Volunteers are mostly needed for the Friday night reception and Saturday morning continental breakfast—contributing food, setting up and cleaning up afterward.
We need your help in recruiting volunteers from your congregation. Could you please provide one or more names of individuals who might be interested in coordinating volunteers from your congregation?
Please contact Jo Hehnke at Jo@josephinehehnke.net if you would like to volunteer.
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Registration Open for Pacific Western Regional Assembly – April 19th and 20th
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It’s time to get together!
Registration is open for our Pacific Western Regional Assembly this April 19th and 20th!
People can attend either in person, at First Universalist in Denver, or remotely. We are planning a family friendly event and children are welcome. This is a great chance to connect with our larger faith and connect with new and old friends.
Stay up to date on all the PWR RA Plans here.
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Engaging UUs in a Conversation on Article II
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This is an invitation to all UU’s into a NAtional Conversation on Article II. Please click here to view more information including a video library, a resource library and other information.
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2024 General Assembly Registration is Now Open!
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Represent us at the UUA General Assembly! The Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) national meeting of UU congregations is an all-virtual event this year. You can participate from the comfort of your own couch from June 20-23, 2024.
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 2024 General Assembly, please reach out to Coral Cosway at President@fusden.org.
Adult registration is $280 and includes access to the live sessions, on-demand programming, featured speakers and major worships. There is also an option to register for only the annual business meeting portion of the event for free (or a donation amount of your choice). You can review the program and schedule and visit the UUA’s General Assembly webpage for more information.
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Pacific Western Region – March Newsletter
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The Pacific Western Region of the Unitarian Universalists, publish a newsletter every one to two months. This newsletter will keep you up to date on all things UU that are happening in our region.
Click here to view the March newsletter.
Additionally, you can visit the Unitarian Universalist Association web site at https://www.uua.org/ for information at the association level.
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Side with Love is a public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love’s power to stop oppression. It is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association and all are welcome to join. Subscribe to get updates.
After closing out this year’s 30 Days of Love, Side With Love is looking forward to exciting opportunities for faith-filled action this spring. Starting March 6, we have a range of offerings that we hope will ground you and help sustain your commitment to liberation, democracy, and justice. Please join us and share with your congregation! The link for the March newsletter is here.
If you haven’t already heard, we’re getting ready to activate every corner of our faith for UU the Vote 2024. This year, we will mobilize our friends, our neighbors, and our fellow UUs to generate a groundswell of democratic action and leadership towards a thriving future beyond November 5. If you aren’t already subscribed to our UU the Vote newsletters, you can sign up for updates here.
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First Unitarian Information
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First Unitarian – Calendaring and Room Reservations
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(Thanks to Rhonda Williamson, Congregational Administrator, for the post)
To Request an event addition to the First Unitarian calendar and to request a room reservation:
- To add a meeting or event to the Church Calendar and reserve a room:
- Check the church calendar on the website to see if there are any conflicts. There is a link on each page of the website in the black area at the bottom, under ‘Useful links’
- Complete the following form to request that your event be added to the calendar and to request a room reservation. https://firstunitariandenver.breezechms.com/form/45698258
Click here to access the First Unitarian Committee Handbook.
Feel free to dive in and let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!
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First Unitarian – Communication Methods How To’s
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(Thanks to Rhonda Williamson, Congregational Administrator, for the post)
First Announce: A weekly church newsletter sent out by blast email Thursday evenings. (Also found on the website.) Deadline for entries is Tuesday end of day.
Order of Service: The handout given at each Sunday service – giving service details, and upcoming church events Request deadline is Thursday at 8:00 am.
Please complete the form at the link below to submit announcements for either or both First Announce and Order of Service – select both options on the form. https://firstunitariandenver.breezechms.com/form/e50206
Click here to access the First Unitarian Committee Handbook.
Feel free to dive in and let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!
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Finding a place to park when you come to visit our urban sanctuary can be a bit of a challenge! We recommend the following tactics/locations:
- Sundays 6a-1p: 3 blocks of the north side of 14th Avenue (Marion St. to just before Franklin St. – please abide by the street parking signs)
- Sundays 6a-1p: The Center at Colfax and Lafayette
- Sundays 6a-1p: (42 parking spaces) The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- Monday through Friday, 6 pm to 8 am: (22 parking spaces) The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- Friday 6 pm to Monday 8 am (22 parking spaces, except Sunday morning, see above. The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- If you have any questions or need a parking pass, contact Rhonda at office@fusden.org. Parking passes can also be obtained from the Greeters on Sunday morning.
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