Sunday Worship,

May 25th, 2025

at 10:30 am

A Memorial Day Reflection on Impermanence

Rev. Mike Morran

Join us on May 25th at 10:30 am.  In honor of Memorial Day, we will reflect on some Buddhist philosophy and its application to our times.

We warmly invite you to join us in person, or if you prefer, you can also participate online. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Our service streams to Youtube and Zoom (meeting ID is 466-677-668 and the password is 454623).

Join us for coffee in the Community Room after the service. 

Exploring Possibility of Two Services at First Unitarian

As our community continues to grow, we’re thoughtfully exploring the possibility of moving to two Sunday services. This change could create more space, flexibility, and opportunity for deeper connection — but your voice is essential in shaping the path forward.

We invite you to watch this short video, which outlines the reasons we’re considering this shift and what it could mean for our congregation.

After watching, please take a moment to complete the survey and share your thoughts. Your input will help guide our next steps.

[Click here to take the survey.]

Thank you for being a vital part of our community.

Finding Yourself at First Unitarian Denver

(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, June 7th, 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.

Miriam’s Book Table is Proud to Feature…

(Thanks to Nan Wigington for the post)

The Political Emerson, edited by David M. Robinson.

Was Emerson political? You bet he was. He lived in a time as turbulent as ours. He couldn’t help himself. Politics and social reform were at the top of his list. Come check out this collection of Emerson essays at the book table during coffee hour.

The book table will be closing for the summer. Want to make sure it opens again in the fall? Sign up to volunteer at the table.

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, June 1

Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 1 at 11:45

We will hold our annual meeting, both in person and via Zoom (the Zoom information will be published in the next FirstAnnounce), on Sunday June 1rst at 11:45 am in the Sanctuary.

At the meeting, we will be seeking Congregational approval for a slate of officers for the 2025/26 church year; asking for approval for our FY25-26 budget; authorizing delegates for the UUA General Assembly; approving grants from our Endowment Fund; and hearing reports from our Minister, our Treasurer and several committee leaders.

Please plan on attending as no business can be conducted without a quorum. The right to vote at congregational meetings of the Society shall be reserved to those currently on the Membership Roll and who have been on the Roll for sixty (60) days prior to the meeting. You can attend the meeting if you do not meet these qualifications, but cannot vote.

If you are attending you will check in at a table in the Community Room and Receive a voting card.

If you attend on Zoom, we will also check you in. (The Zoom information will be published in the next FirstAnnounce).

First Unitarian Annual Meeting Agenda

1. Chalice Lighting

2. Covenant

3. Meeting Rules and Procedures

4. Endowment Grants

5. FY 25-26 Budget and Treasurer’s Report

6. Stewardship Council Report

7. RE Report

8. Congregational (Justice) Projects

    Immigration Project

9. Candidates for Elected Committees

10. UUA General Assembly Delegates

11. Closing Words

Other Reports –

• President’s Report
• Finance Council Report
• Faith in Action (FIAC) Report
• FIAC Middle East Peace Project Report
• Giving in Action Report
• Property Management Cmte Report

Slate of Nominees for 2025-2026 Church Year

(Thanks to Tess Dieringer and Patrick Whorton for the post)

There have been recent changes to the slate of nominees for June 1 approval. Please take a moment to review this updated document here. Thank you!

Please click here to review the slate of nominees for elected positions for the upcoming 2025-2026 church year published in accordance with FUSD’s bylaws. These nominees will be approved at our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, June 1.

The Leadership Development Committee

Faith in Action Annual Report

(Thanks to Peggy Ulrich-Nims for the post)

Please click here to review the annual report for Faith in Action for 2024-2025 (FIAC).

Toward the end of the report you will see a reference to the new Immigration Project. You can view their application here. They will be seeking approval at the June 1, 2025 Annual Meeting.

Please plan to attend the June 1 annual meeting to learn more, to meet the people who make this work possible, and to vote on the Immigration Project.

Children’s Religious Exploration Programming

(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)

Last day of RE Classes will be held on June 1st before we break for the summer.

Mark your calendars! Saturday, June 14th 11:00-1:30 Intergenerational Picnic at Great Lawn Park in Lowry (South Pavilion). We will play Field Day style games, BBQ, and have some good old fashioned summer fun together. Fun for the whole family! Please RSVP at this form.

First Unitarian Events Coming Soon

Resonance: Contemplative Evening Service & Potluck Dinner

(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)

Our next Resonance service is Wednesday May 28th at 6 pm. Resonance offers quiet music, guided meditation, readings / poems, and time for shared silent reflection. Please bring a dish to share for a potluck supper following the service at 6:30 in the community room. All are welcome, and child care will be provided during the service. Resonance services will be on hiatus for the summer.

Reproductive Justice Movie: “Aftershock”

(Thanks to Jane Ashley for the post)

Black women die in complications from childbirth at 4 times the rate of white women in the USA. The documentary “Aftershock” explores this by focusing on two women, bringing to light the disrupted families and shared grief that engulfs whole communities.

Date: Thursday, May 29

Time: 6:30-9:30 pm

Place: Jane Ashley’s living room.

RSVP Required: Jane will send location and information after receiving this.

Single/Divorced Parent CORE Circle

(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)

Formerly known as the Parents of Teens CORE Circle, we are expanding to include single parents and divorced parents of kids, teens, even grown children! Parenting can be challenging and doing it alone or coparenting post-divorce can add additional layers. By expanding our CORE Circle description, we are hoping to bring in range of folks from newly single to those with years of experience to share. Our next meeting will be held in the Community Room on June 12th 6:00-7:30. Please contact Leslie Harvey to RSVP.

First Unitarian Bike to Church Day and Bike Repair Clinic

(Thanks to Danica Larson for the post)

Bikes Together is our June 15 Giving in Action recipient- a nonprofit bike shop and community hub for equitable bike access and education. Visit https://www.bikestogether.org/impact.

Announcements

Represent First Unitarian at the UUA General Assembly

(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.

Seeking Heidi Helpers!

(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)

We are seeking help watching our dog Heidi when we travel – we have a couple of week-long trips planned this summer. Heidi is 9.5 years old, an Australian Shepherd / Border Collie mix. Some of you have met Heidi as she belonged to our former custodian Rich Stephen and was frequently at FUSD. She is crate trained and will do best in a home without other pets. Please contact Lia at ldavis@fusden.org if you might be interested in helping out. Thank you!

Local Unitarian Universalists and Community News

Volunteer Opportunity for Food Distribution Driver

(Thanks to Beth Fischer for the post)

Hope Communities is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing and vital support services to under-resourced communities across Denver and is one of our Giving in Action recipients. They are seeking one or more volunteers to be collect food for their bi-weekly food distribution program. A description follows:

We’re looking for a volunteer to assist with food distribution starting June 11. This role involves:

• Meeting a Hope Communities staff member every other Wednesday at 9:00 AM at Restaurant Depot (1740 W 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80204)
• Helping shop for food and loading it into your own vehicle (ideally an SUV or truck)
• Driving the food to Hidden Brook Apartments (1313 Xenia St, Denver, CO 80220)

The total time commitment is approximately 90 minutes.

If you are interested in this opportunity please contact:

Elfi Mandefro

Volunteer Coordinator &

Youth Program Specialist

Hope Communities

2543 California St

Denver, CO 80205

Cell (720) 645-6064

Elfaz@hopecommunities.org

Lay Ministry Training Opportunity

(Thanks to Rev. Cindy Pincus for the post)

I’m writing because this summer from July-September I’m offering a three month lay ministry training program at my ‘congregation’ Mountain Vista Senior Living in Wheatridge.

Volunteers will be working with ~200 elders at my facility ranging including folks in memory care, skilled nursing, and assisted/independent living. The program is appropriate for folks aged 16 and up.

We’re providing robust onboarding training and ongoing monthly interdisciplinary trainings (hospice, social services, dementia/alzheimers, etc.). Volunteers will have a chance to give direct care ministry to residents, participate in group spiritual activities like Bible Study and Worship, and receive one-on-one mentorship with me. At the end of the program volunteers will have the opportunity to continue volunteering with us if it’s been a good experience.

If you know any folks in thecongregation who might be a good fit for this work, or if you’d be willing to add it to your announcements or bulletin, I’ll be hosting an info session and trainings in June. Info below and attached.

Info Session: June 8th 4-5pm MT on Zoom at this link – https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4028312198?omn=84366065013

In-person Trainings at Mountain Vista Senior Living

June 15th 2-5pm

June 16th 5-8pm

June 19th 11-2pm

Application for Program: https://forms.gle/8iFF3TbjfmHyq3ik6

Volunteer with Guns to Gardens

(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)

Guns to Gardens is an amazing organization that lets people drop off their unwanted firearms which are then converted to garden tools. There ia one remaining event coming up – July 19. You can help in two ways. Circulate this poster anywhere you hang out. Volunteer on May 10 and/or July 19. I have done it before and it is well organized and very gratifying. If you’re interested in volunteering or want more information, email me at julie.meyers.md@gmail.com.

The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community