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Sunday Worship,
October 19th, 2025
at 10:30 am
Pacification in Practice
Rev. Mike Morran
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Join us on October 19th at 10:30 am. A professor once argued that the human project of civilization is really a process of pacifying large numbers of people, convincing them to swallow their own inclinations in the service of a story. Today we’ll look at some of the stories we’ve been told, specifically about our country, and specifically in light of our own sense of Truth and Wisdom.
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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)
On October 19th at 12PM, the Board will present a motion for congregational approval to return to two Sunday services starting in April 2026. (Read the motion here.) We will vote to accept or reject the motion as written. No amendments will be allowed. Time provided to ask questions and voice your pro or con. A membership quorum is necessary for this vote, so please plan to attend.
You may join the Congregational Special Meeting on Zoom at
Meeting id: 895 4875 0328
Passcode: 929216
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Giving in Action – A Precious Child
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(Thanks to Betty Kuehner for the post)
A Precious Child is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008 which provides essential resources and opportunities to children and families in need across eight Denver Metro counties, helping every child reach their full potential through cradle to career programming. Each year, we serve 50,000 children and 14,000 caregivers with cost-free essentials like clothing, hygiene items, food and diapers – provided with dignity. Our programs offer access to sports, arts, education and resources like backpacks and holiday gifts. Through our workforce readiness program, we help build skills for long-term success. With the support of 7,000 volunteers and our network of 300 Agency Partners, we are building a thriving society for all. Learn more at APreciousChild.org.
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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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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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Contemplative Practices for Contemporary People
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(Thanks to Michael DeSantis for the post)
We live in frenzied times. There are so many competing demands on our time and attention. How might we be able to find grounding amidst it all? This 5-session class —led by our Ministerial Resident Michael DeSantis—will explore several contemplative spiritual practices that generations of practitioners have used to cultivate grounding, wholeness, and meaning.
Practices covered will include centering prayer, lectio divina, and metta/loving-kindness meditation. Each session will introduce participants to a contemplative practice and how it might fit into a UU worldview. Participants will also be encouraged to regularly engage with each practice between meetings. All are welcome, from meditators with decades of experience to newcomers who have never heard of contemplative spirituality, but you must pre-register here by Wednesday, November 5th.
Class will be on Thursdays from 7-9 pm on November 6, 13, 20, December 4 and 11th in the Chapel.
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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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Farewell and Best Wises to Shannon Golden-Schubert
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We want to share with you the news of the resignation of Shannon Golden-Schubert as Stewardship Coordinator at First Unitarian. We appreciate the work she completed during her short time with us and wish her well in her future endeavors.
Plans for moving forward with stewardship efforts will be shared soon as we continue our commitment to supporting the mission of First Unitarian.
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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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Join Your Democracy Action Team at the NO KINGS II Rally on 10/18/25
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(Thanks to Tyler Watlington for the post)
MENU FOR THE EVENT
Saturday Oct 18
11 am Poster Party at First Unitarian, 1400 Lafayette
11:15 Carpoolers meet at First Unitarian
11:30 Car Pools depart from First Unitarian to State Capitol west steps
11:30 – 12 – Scores of 1st Unitarians arrive by bus, car, bike, and drones
12 Noon – Gather near the Obelisk and the First Unitarian TENT AND TABLE, 100 yards north of the obelisk
12:30 (or whenever organizers say they are ready)
PROTEST MARCH AND RALLY FOR DEMOCRACY
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!
For more information click here!
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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 – Weekly 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. Here is the latest progress of the community painting.
Also this week, the Freedom of Speech Community Painting will be at the No Kings II rally, on Oct 18 at the State Capital. Come to the UU table 100 yards north of the obelisk and paint, rally, sing, and participate in actives to support freedom of speech and NO KINGS!
Note: The community 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. For more information, contact Nina Nadeau or visit www.galdarastudio.com.
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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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Join FUSD Reproductive Justice Committee and COLOR on Saturday, October 25th for a fun volunteer event. We will be assembling period care kits to be shared with COLOR’s partners. The event is going to be from 11 am to 2 pm at 303 E 17th Ave, Suite 400 in Denver.
Click here for more information.
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Opportunity: Volunteer for Family Promise
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Volunteer for Family Promise to help us live our values by providing support for families who are experiencing homelessness. MANY volunteers needed – drive the van, setup bedrooms, cook a meal, host families in our church, and more! Early sign ups strongly encouraged.
Next Rotation: Nov 30 – Dec 7. Sign Up here.
Contact Kate Jones with questions.
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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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Local UU Churches and Our Greater Community
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Jefferson Humanists – October 26 from 4-6pm
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(Thanks to Kathy Glatz for the post)
Sunday, October 26 at 4pm-6, snacks provided
“The Alignment of Humanism and Buddhism” , Presented by Lisa Pettitt, who holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology and is an ordained Vietnamese Zen Master. Her presentation will examine ways Humanism and Buddhism are similar and how each can enrich the other in our responses to current social issues. The program is sponsored by Jefferson Humanists, a chapter of the American Humanist Assoc. Join us at Jefferson Unitarian Church (14350 W. 32nd Ave., Golden) for socializing and enjoying our community table of food and drink. Doors open at 4 pm and the program begins at 4:30.
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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