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Sunday Worship,
March 30th, 2025
at 10:30 am
Rebirth Earth
Theo Wilson
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Join us on March 30th at 10:30 am. Our guest speaker, Theo Wilson, will explore “When humans find meaning in saving the planet.
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Two Services at First Unitarian?
The Board of Trustees and staff are entering a time of assessment about whether to return to two services on Sunday mornings. This is in response to the large number of new members/visitors, and the fact that we are consistently near 100% of our seating capacity each week. The rule of thumb for all congregations, of any denomination, is that when the worship space is over 80% full, growth is no longer possible for that congregation. Research shows that the perception of new people in that situation is that there is no room for them.
The Board feels that the faithful thing to do at this moment is everything it is in our power to do, to increase our capacity for the life-giving ministry that 1st Unitarian provides.We recognize that this a community decision, and so we will be creating opportunities for sharing information, answering questions, getting feedback, and listening to all the stakeholders that need to be included, i.e. Religious Exploration, the choir, staff, volunteers, etc.
In all likelihood, the move to two services would happen in September. Please stay tuned for these opportunities to be part of making this decision.
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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.
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Miriam’s Book Table is Proud to Feature…
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(Thanks to the Nan Wigington for the post)
books on the faith. If you’re new to UU, Miriam’s Book Table has what you need to navigate the waters. We have classics like A Chosen Faith and A Cup of Light. We also have the newest Unitarian Universalist pocket guide. Come check us out during coffee hour or just before service.
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Resistance Organizing – Strike Ready/Street Ready
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(Thanks to Paul Riederer for the post)
Join us in the Chapel on Sunday, March 30th, after the service.
From the Nonviolent Action Lab at Harvard’s Kennedy School, this training is to help people turn anger, fear and frustration into action, and to help ensure we are strike-ready and street-ready. We will explore how democracies fall, how movements around the world have responded, and the tools and tactics available to us in these moments.
This 90-minute virtual training from Harvard’s Resistance Lab prepares us for safe and effective protesting for the Hands Off mass mobilization April 5th at the Colo State Capitol and other protests. Brought to you by the FUSD Rapid Responders to tyranny, a group of 127 members at First Unitarian doing non-violent resistance to the authoritarian takeover of our government.
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Faith in Action Book Talk!
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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 Sunday March 30 at noon in the lower level TV room. 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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(Thanks to Colleen Bryan for the post)
Your FUSD Caring Committee is hosting a Bike Clinic in partnership with Bikes Together. The La Alma Neighborhood shop will bring bike stands, tools, and a few helpful volunteers to the church if a group of us wants to gather to get our bikes in shape for the summer riding season. We’re looking at a weekend date between mid-May and mid-June. Keep scanning this space for details as we have them. Or let us know your interest by emailing caring@fusden.org and we’ll notify you personally when we have it all arranged. (And thanks to Danica Larson for the great idea!)
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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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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. Sunday, May 11th.
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Do You Have a Service or Yummy Sweet Treat to offer at the Auction?
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(Thanks to Helen Berkman for the post)
Are you a gardener, pet lover, or handyperson who can offer assistance to someone who needs gardening, pet sitting, or repairs for a day? Are you an occasional baker who can bake some brownies, fudge, or cherry pies for delivery on a convenient future date? If so, your services are popular and very welcome! Please be creative – your time equals extra funds for FUSD’s budget! See us at coffee hour this Sunday, as time is getting short – the deadline for donations is April 7th. Questions? See us on at coffee hour or send an email to h.berkman1@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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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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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 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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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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(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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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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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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Local Unitarian Universalists and Community News
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Social Justice Film Series at First Plymouth
(Thanks to the Holly Fulton, Racial Justice Task Force, First Universalist for the post)
Friday, April 4th, 6:30pm
First Plymouth | Room 212 (upstairs)
The movie SUGARCANE is an epic cinematic portrait of a community during a moment of international reckoning. In 2021, evidence of unmarked graves was discovered on the grounds of an Indian residential school run by the Catholic Church in Canada, sparking a national outcry and setting off searches across North America. After years of silence, the forced separation, assimilation and abuse many children experienced at these segregated boarding schools is coming to light. Bring your friends and join us. The movie will begin at 7:00pm. Bring a snack to share if you like. See you there!
See the trailer here .
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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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Come Help Stack Bales of Hay – on May 1
(Thanks to the Julie Meyers for the post)
We have an ongoing relationship with Lincoln Hills Cares, which runs a leadership development program for Black youth at Lincoln Hills. In the summer, they have horses for the kids. On May 1st, they’re getting bales of hay delivered and need help moving them from the truck to the barn. This is heavy work, but you’ll be outside in a beautiful, historic location (founded in 1920’s as a Black community in Coal Creek Canyon). It’s an hour’s drive from FUSD. Starting time is 10:00. Bring your lunch and enjoy walking around the site. Bring a few friends along too. If interested, contact Julie Meyers julie.meyers.md@gmail.com
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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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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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