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Sunday Worship,
October 5th, 2025
at 10:30 am
Inspiration in All Things
Michael DeSantis
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Join us on October 5th at 10:30 am. Our spiritual theme for October is Scripture. That’s a scary word for many UU’s! Perhaps it’s time for reframe. What might it mean for us to think of scripture not as one authoritative text but as a way of engaging the world?
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Giving in Action – Haven of Hope
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(Thanks to the Paul Riederer for the post)
Our Giving in Action organization this week, Haven of Hope (HOH), has been serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Denver since 1988, offering not only meals and emergency services but also programs that restore dignity and create lasting change. Each week, HOH provides over 2,500 hot meals, access to showers, laundry, and health care, while also offering counseling, case management, and holistic development through its Fresh Tracks program. With compassion and respect, HOH walks alongside guests on their journey toward permanent housing, stable employment, and emotional well-being.
As the need in Denver grows, particularly with the rise in new arrivals and families facing housing instability, HOH is serving more people than ever before, averaging over 4,200 individuals each month in 2024. Your support makes it possible for HOH to meet immediate needs and invest in long-term solutions that truly transform lives. By giving generously, you help ensure that our neighbors in crisis experience not only relief but also hope, healing, and the opportunity for a new beginning.
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Whole SoUUl Studio – Sunday, October 5th at noon
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Whole SoUUl Studio will be a monthly, faithful, educational, communal gathering with a focus on religion and community. We will gather in the sanctuary at 12:00 on the first (or occasionally second) Sunday of each month, after Sunday service, to learn, explore, share, and grow together for about 45 minutes. Facilitated by Michael DeSantis and occasionally others, Whole SoUUl Studio is intended to be connective and nourishing for all our members and friends! .
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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)
- Our Preschool-5th grade classes are up and running! if you have not already done so, please enroll your children using this link.
- October 5th: Youth classes resume (Middle & High School) Youth will be offered the first two Sundays of every month. Please enroll your teens using this link.
Interested in serving on the RE Team? We are looking for more volunteers to get involved in the following ways:
- greeter at the Family Sign-in table before the service
- teacher’s helper in Preschool, Primary, or Intermediate classrooms
Fill out this form to get started and make a difference in the lives of our next generation of UUs!
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
We joyfully welcome children of all ages into our church community! Our peaceful play area, located to the left in our sanctuary, provides them with a space to engage quietly until Time For All Ages, when they are sung out of the service. We believe children bring a fun, positive energy — and yes, sometimes a little volume.
If you prefer a quieter experience, we warmly invite you to sit away from the play area. Thank you for helping us create a space where all ages feel included and valued.
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(Thanks to Leslie Harvey for the post)
Starting this Sunday, the door to the stairs (located next to the main entrance) will be locked before service and during RE classes. If you need access to the basement before the service you can go through the Community Room, around the back way to the stairwell. After the service, the door will be opened for parents and guardians to go downstairs to sign out their children. There is a sign now posted on this door, listing Leslie’s phone number for immediate assistance on Sunday mornings. Please contact Leslie with any questions or concerns about this new safety protocol at msleslie@fusden.org. Thank you for helping us keep our children safe!
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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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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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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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Taco Bar Fundraiser for Jerson, Debiem, and Jhonder!
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(Thanks to Linda Nabours for the post)
On Friday October 3rd at 6pm.
This courageous family is looking to have their lives restored after ICE targeted them. FUSD Immigration Project, Denver IPT, and Court Watch are hosting to help raise funds. Music, Dance, Taco Bar!! We can contribute in a meaningful way with this direct action.
For more information, go to: Oct_3_Fundraisersingle.pdf
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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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Social Justice Film Series – First Universalist
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Friday, October 3rd, 6:30pm
First Universalist Church of Denver,
Hospitality Center
4101 E. Hampden Ave.
Please bring snacks if you can
The Fire Inside is a 2024 American biographical sports film by Rachel Morrison in her feature directorial debut. The film is about the early boxing career of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields. Claressa, a determined teenager from Flint, Michigan, refuses to be confined by the chaos of her upbringing. When she walks into the boys‑only boxing gym of former pro Jason Crutchfield, she demands a chance to train. Despite the gym’s rough environment and Crutchfield’s reluctance, he eventually accepts her, setting her on an athletic journey that begins as survival and becomes hope.
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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)
Report Ice activity become a responder or a dispatcher.
Ice has been active in or community, protect our neighbors. Call and report any suspected ice activity to 844-864-8341. Get involved please, No one is safe unless we are all safe!
For more information click here.
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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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