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Sunday Worship,
October 12th, 2025
at 10:30 am
This Land
Michael DeSantis
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Join us on October 12th at 10:30 am. On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend, we reflect on what it means to live and work on stolen land. In particular, how does that reality shape our duty as a people of faith committed to justice?
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October 12, 2025; Congregational Forum on Returning to Two Sunday Services
October 19, 2025: Congregational Special Meeting to Approve Two Services Proposal
12:00 noon in the Sanctuary
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(Thanks to Ed Dieringer for the post)
Living our UU values through direct action on urgent social justice issues and
developing greater connections within and beyond our church walls have resulted in the continued growth of First Unitarian’s membership and program attendance. One of the many issues we must reckon with is that our Sunday services and activities are frequently at maximum capacity. On October 12, the Board of Trustees will hold an open forum for further discussion on the motion to prepare a plan for the return to two Sunday services in April 2026. (Read the motion here.) The following Sunday, October 19, the Board will present this motion for congregational approval. A membership quorum is necessary for this vote, so please plan to attend. Both meetings will be held in the Sanctuary at 12:00 noon.
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
Autumn Remembrance
We are looking forward to our Intergenerational service on October 26th; there will be no RE classes that morning. We have planned some fun ways to engage our young congregants during the Autumn Remembrance service. They will pass out leaves to everyone before the service and they will sing a song that we’ve practiced. If your child has ever experienced the lost a loved one (human or pet), please begin conversations with him/her about our special service before the 26th. Families are encouraged to bring a photo or item on that day that can be shared during the service to honor a loved one.
- Our Preschool-5th grade classes are up and running! if you have not already done so, please enroll your children using this link.
- Youth classes are offered the first and second Sunday of each month (Middle & High School) Please enroll your teens using this link.
Interested in serving on the RE Team? Fill out this form to get started and make a difference in the lives of our next generation of UUs!
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Parent’s Day Off – October 25th
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Hello First Unitarian Denver!
To all the parents in the room—Caring Committee is delighted to offer you a child-free afternoon on October 25th. If you could use a little time to recharge, we invite you to reserve a spot with us. While a loving group of elders engages with your little ones, you’re free to do something just for you—get a pedicure, go on a date, take a nap. It’s a gift of time, from our hearts to yours.
Feel free to reach out by email with any questions.
Warmly,
Your Caring Committee
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Lunch Bunch – Friday, October 10th at Noon
Everyone is invited to our monthly potluck, Lunch Bunch, on the second Friday of the month. This month we meet on Friday October 10th! We gather at First Unitarian Society of Denver around 11:45 a.m. to set up, and we generally ring the lunch bell at noon. If you don’t have more than an hour, just come at noon and join us. The food is always delicious, and the company is stimulating.
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Fall Interconnected Committees Meeting
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(Thanks to Patrick Whorton for the post)
The fall Interconnected Committee (ICC) meeting, organized and facilitated by the Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM), in conjunction with the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) will be held Saturday, October 18, from 9:00-11:30 in the Community Room at First Unitarian Denver. Breakfast will be served, and we encourage all committee and project chairs, along with any interested parties, to attend. The agenda is attached; please review it before the meeting. You may review the agenda here.
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Pop-Up Choir, Sunday, October 19
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(Thanks to Wyatt Smith for the post)
Come One, Come All! POP-UP Choir begins Sunday, October 19. Everyone is welcome to come at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning and learn 1 easy-to-sing piece with us. The goal of this type of Sunday Choir is to involve new faces and voices! Just show up, no need to RSVP, this is a great opportunity to get involved with the music ministry at First Unitarian Denver!
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Organizational Strategies for Great Leaders Workshop
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(Thanks to Tess Dieringer for the post)
Sunday, October 26, Noon to 2 pm in the Chapel
Ever wonder what skills make a great leader? This workshop introduces a research-based checklist of the most effective leadership strategies, followed by practical application of how to use these strategies within committee, volunteer and leadership roles. Hosted by your Leadership Development Committee and facilitated by Jennifer Martin, PhD, LCSW, CDE. All are welcome! Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP here so we can plans accordingly at .
To view flier for upcoming workshops click here.
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Join Us for Capitol Hill Concerts
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(Thanks to Lia Davis for the post)
Capitol Hill Concerts, hosted at First Unitarian Denver, kicks off its 2025-2026 season on Saturday November 1st at 7 pm with the Annie Booth Trio. In 2026, we’ll welcome three more wonderful ensembles to our sanctuary: the Baroque Chamber Orchestra (January 17), Road Pony (February 28), and Wild Earth Ensemble (April 4). All concerts begin at 7 pm. Attend all four concerts for only $70 with Season Tickets, or become a Sponsor and receive a free CD from one of this season’s artists plus an invitation to our Sponsor Soirée. We hope you will join us for this fantastic season of music!
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New Options in End-of-Life Care Workshop
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(Thanks to Elisa Erickson for the post)
In November, the Caring Committee will host a special free presentation about “New Options in End-of-Life Care.” Everyone is invited to attend. The multi-platform event will take place on Sunday, November 9 from 12-1 in the Sanctuary at First Unitarian and online. A simple lunch will be offered in the Community Room after the presentation. We will try to offer rides as needed.
Vanessa Johnston, an experienced End-of-Life Doula, presents an overview of the Death Positive Movement and the many new options available to those who wish to approach life’s final milestone with more love and meaning and less fear and anxiety. She will talk about things like death doulas, Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, as well as more ecological options for final disposition like natural organic reduction. Whether for yourself, a family member, or friend, our community welcomes you to join us at the informative session. Please RSVP here so we have enough handouts and food. Email or call Elisa Erickson 720.341.2298 with questions. Hope to see you there!.
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National Estate Planning Month
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(Thanks to the Stewardship Council for the post)
October is National Estate Planning Month, a time to think about the importance of estate planning and leaving a lasting legacy for the people and organizations you love and believe in. See this FAQ sheet for information about leaving a legacy gift to First Unitarian. When you name our beloved church in your estate plan, even as a contingent beneficiary, you will become a member of the First Unitarian Legacy Society.
If you’ve provided for FUSD in your estate plan but haven’t yet notified us, please let us know by contacting us at: stewardship@fusden.org
And if you one of those folks who has already included FUSD – We thank you!
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Spoken Sunday Announcement Policy
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(Thanks to the Board of Trustees for the post)
In the interest of a cohesive worship service that meets the needs of both visitors and regular attendees, we will limit spoken announcements on Sunday morning to two. These will be allowed on a first-come, first-serve basis to the individuals and groups who would like to speak their announcements, or have them spoken.
When a committee or council is doing the Greeting and Welcome, while also introducing themselves, that will not count as a spoken announcement.
FUSD Staff will create and publicize a Signup-Genius link for all groups, events, Committees, Councils, and Social Justice initiatives that wish to make spoken announcements, and all will be encouraged to utilize this method of arranging in advance for a spoken announcement.
As always, all groups, events, etc., are encouraged to submit their information for inclusion in 1stAnnounce, and the printed Sunday bulletin via form here. These need to be submitted by Wednesday each week, to be included in the Thursday 1stAnnounce, or the Sunday bulletin
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Immigration Project Meeting
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
The Immigration Project is a new social justice project at FUSD. We will be having our first meeting of the church year on Sunday, October 12th from 12:00-1:30 in the chapel upstairs. If you are concerned about how immigrants are being treated in our community, I hope you’ll join us to hear about projects we are already working on and to brainstorm about other ideas. All are welcome. We’ll provide a light snack.
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Interfaith Rally for Immigrant Rights
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
Many of you have signed the Declaration in Support of Immigrants in the past month. Please join in an Interfaith Rally for Immigrant Rights Now! on Thursday, October 16 at 12:15 on the western steps of the State Capitol. The rally will have music, a speech by State Sen. Julie Gonzales, and calls to action by representatives of the major faiths, including Rev. Mike Morran!
Click here for the rally flyer!
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Freedom of Speech Community Painting – Update
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(Thanks to Nina Nadeau for the post)
On Sept 28th, more than 35 church members contributed in a community painting of Freedom of Speech, created by Nina Nadeau and inspired by Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms.
The artwork has now returned to Nina’s studio, where she is finishing the painting— Each week it’s progress will be shared with the church in First Announcements and after Sunday Service. Completion is expected within a month.
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 or visit www.galdarastudio.com.
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Join Your Democracy Action Team at the NO KINGS II Rally on 10/18/25
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
As Reverend Mike said during his 9/28 sermon…we white liberals can no longer rely on the government to promote Unitarian values and progressive goals, so we must work outside of the government. Therefore, we invite every single member in our congregation to join us, as you are able, for the NO KINGS II Rally and March on Saturday, October 18th. Unitarians will meet at noon at the Obelisk just west of the State Capitol. This is predicted to be the largest protest yet and we need all hands on deck. Let’s make our UU tradition proud!!!!
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GEO Detention Center Vigil
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(Thanks to Linda Nabours for the post)
Every Monday evening since Jeanette Vizguerra has been held at the GEO Detention Center in Aurora (for over 6 months), people have been gathering outside GEO to protest the detention of Jeanette and others. On October 20th, from 6:00-8:00 pm, FUSD’s Immigration Project will be co-hosting the vigil with Denver Immigrant Partnership Team. We hope to get a strong turnout from FUSD. Jeanette is a friend of FUSD’s and a strong advocate and we’d love to show her and others love and support. Just showing up can make a difference as the detainees can hear us outside their windows. Please join us!
Click here for the rally flyer!
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Reproductive Justice Movie Series: “Dirty Dancing”
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Yes, we’re showing this fun (mostly) 1987 movie in our often dark and depressing film series! The Colorado Doula Project’s deputy director says this romantic drama/dance movie showed her as an adolescent how a supportive and caring friend could be a great help and even save the life of a young girl who needs an abortion.
That’s what doulas do.
Please join us for this movie!
Place: Jane Ashley’s home
Date: Thursday, Oct. 30
Time: 6:30-9:30 pm
RSVP required: Jane will contact you with address and information
(703) 328-5891
jane.ashley52@gmail.com
Trailer Below:
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Support Social Justice when Ordering Foods for Events!
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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Side With Love
The Gathering by Side with Love on October 13, 8 pm ET
The Gathering is a monthly virtual event from Side With Love, designed to offer:
- Spiritual Grounding – Strengthen your heart and spirit for the work ahead.
- Political Analysis – Understand the threats to democracy and justice.
- Collective Action – Organize with others to block anti-democratic forces and build a just and loving world.
Upcoming topics for The Gathering:
Upcoming Gatherings
Side with Love News
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Unitarian Universalist – Pacific Western Region – October 2025
The Unitarian Unitarian Association Pacific Western Region August 2025 can be found here.
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UU World – Spring/Summer 2025 Issue
Read the Spring/Summer Issue – “New Horizons” of the UU World by clicking here.
The UU World is the magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association, it celebrates liberal religion and the people it inspires.
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