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Sunday Worship,
October 26th, 2025
at 10:30 am
Autumn Remembrance
Rev. Mike Morran
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Join us on October 26th at 10:30 am. An annual tradition, we will honor those who have passed beyond the veil and their presence in our lives. Everyone is invited to bring a memento of someone they have lost and remember. Our service will feature guest ballet dancers from the Colorado Ballet.
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As most of you know, I will be on sabbatical for the five months of November through March. First, please know that the congregation will be in good hands. We have an excellent staff, excellent lay leadership from the Board, Finance Council, Property Management, Stewardship Council, Personnel Committee, Connections Ministry, and more. Michael DiSantis, our Ministerial Resident will be handling most of our Sunday worship, pastoral care, coordinating with our social justice efforts, and working with the staff and lay leadership. I am confident in their abilities and faithfulness, and urge you to get to know them!
Second, please know that I look forward to returning in April, hopefully rested and renewed. It continues to be one of the great honors of my life to be able to serve this extraordinary urban church. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I will miss you!
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From the Board of Trustees:
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At the congregational meeting of October 19th, the congregation voted to approve the Board’s motion to add a second Sunday service beginning in April, 2026. The vote was 81 (84%) for, 15 (16%) against. Over the next five months, there will be many opportunities for further input from the congregation as we decide on specific times for two services, how Religious Education will be structured, how we will integrate the choir into the new format, and many other details. The Board will also be publishing some of the specific attendance data that was requested at the meeting. Stay tuned and stay involved.
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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.
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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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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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Finding Yourself at First Unitarian
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Join us on Saturday, November 1 from 9am-12pm for a time for seekers, the curious, and those wishing to connect with the First Unitarian community! This participatory class — facilitated by our Ministerial Resident Michael DeSantis — will provide an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian. An added bonus is that you will meet some wonderful people.
All are welcome, but you must pre-register here. Can’t make it? Don’t fret! We will offer the same class again in January.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Michael at michael@fusden.org.
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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!
A portion of the proceeds from this concert will benefit The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts. If you would like to donate a refreshment for intermission to support this organization, please sign up here.
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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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Books You’d Like To See On Book Table
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(Thanks to the Jayne James for the post)
We’re doing a new order and want to include books you’ve been wanting to read yourself, as well as those you’ve read and would love to share with others ( maybe as holiday gifts?). Tell Jayne James (jaynejames3@gmail.com) or whoever is at the book table, and we’ll do our best to get them for you.
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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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(Thanks to Danny Martin for the post)
Please join Japanese American community members and friends to fold Tsuru origami cranes in honor and support of all Palestinian lives lost and affected. This event is Friday, October 24th from 6-9 at First Unitarian Society of Denver in the Commons Room. Co-sponsored by the Japanese Arts Network, Shoes Off Collective, and Middle East Justice Project.
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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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Feed the Front Range – Sunday 10/26
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(Thanks to Basil Sabbah for the post)
Multiple organizations have joined together to form “Feed the Front Range” a movement dedicated to working together to collect food and donations to help stock our local food banks and feed our neighbors ahead of the suspension of SNAP benefits. We encourage community members to bring non-perishable donations to the church or a location near you.
https://linktr.ee/feedthefrontrange
Our first action will take place this Sunday from 9:30 AM to noon outside in front of the First Unitarian Church of Denver.
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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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(Thanks to Arnie Carter for the post)
Javier is from Cuba and has been in GEO for months. He has dementia and dentition is a difficult place for him. Funds raised will go for legal costs. He is a very kind gentle man and is completely lost in this madness
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Freedom of Speech Community Painting – Weekly Update
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(Thanks to Nina Nadeau for the post)
The Freedom of Speech Community Painting was at the No Kings II rally at State Capital this Saturday. Five other UU’s churches added their participation, voice and paint strokes to the painting and the rally.
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 at ninanadeau01@gmail.com or visit www.galdarastudio.com.
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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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