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Sunday Worship,
September 15th, 2024
at 10:30 am
Delightful, Full, and Brutally Honest
Rev. Mike Morran
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Join us on Sunday, September 15th at 10:30 am. What makes writing good? What makes life good? This morning will explore good writing as a metaphor for good living, good relationships, and good religion.
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Giving in Action – Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
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Giving in Action for this Sunday, September 15 is the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.
The Mission of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for families, children, and individuals who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness throughout Colorado. CCH advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being and stability of those it serves.
Since its founding 40 years ago, the organization has earned state and national recognition for its integrated healthcare, housing and service programs. The Coalition’s comprehensive approach addresses the causes of homelessness, as well as the consequences, offering critical assistance to over 20,000 individuals and families each year.
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Whole SoUUl Studio – Sunday, September 15th
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Everyone is invited to join Rev. Mike for Whole SoUUl Studio Sunday, September 15th at 12 pm in the Sanctuary. We will be exploring the question: What does it mean to live a good life?
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Miriam’s Book Table is Proud to Feature…
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(Thanks to the Nan Wigington for the post)
new books! Come check them out during coffee hour. Titles include Heather Cox Richardson’s best selling Democracy Awakening, Jimmy Carter’s classic Peace Not Apartheid, Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, Percival Everett’s James.
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Children’s Religious Exploration Programming
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Religious Exploration News
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(Thanks to the Leslie Harvey for the post)
What to expect on the first day of classes on September 15th (Nursery-5th grade):
- Please sign in your child/children in before the service at the family table in the lobby
- Children will join their families in the church until they are sung out by the congregation. They will go with their teachers to their classrooms (Nursery and Preschool upstairs; K-5th downstairs- Primary classroom- K-2nd and Intermediate classroom- 3rd-5th).
- After the service, please go to your child/children’s classrooms to sign them out
- K-5th parents, if you want to enjoy the coffee hour, please do! Kids will engage in free play when the service ends until they are signed out and picked up (by 11:50 please).
- Tweens and Teens are welcome to join a classroom as a Teacher’s Helper until we are able to start our Youth Program
It’s never too late to enroll your children! Please use this enrollment form before they will be joining one of our classes (Nursery-5th grade).
We also need volunteers for all age groups, but more immediately in the Nursery. If you are interested in volunteering please fill out this interest form. Each week, every volunteer is provided a lesson plan, all the materials needed, and a binder full of resources. We will even train you by teaching alongside you until you feel comfortable. Additionally, the RE Team would like your feedback as we embark on this exciting new journey together as a church. If you have ideas or suggestions, please use this form. A hard copy will also be available at the Family Table in the lobby on Sundays.
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First Unitarian Events Coming Soon
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Silver and Gold Luncheon – Friday, September 13th
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(Thanks to Chris Collins for the post)
Every 2 years FUSD takes the opportunity to recognize and honor our longest standing members and friends of the church. These individuals are truly the pillars of our spiritual community as they have provided steadfast leadership, loyalty and often hard work to support and ensure the success of our First Unitarian Society. The community we experience today stands on the shoulders of their years of countless contributions.
The 2024 luncheon is scheduled for Friday, September 13 at 11:00am in the Community Room. Invitations have been mailed to 55 people who are at least 80 years old. If you have not received an invite or know of someone who should be included please let Cindy or Chris know.
Volunteers for the following are needed: set-up, side dish donations, drivers and clean-up. RSVPs and anyone interested in driving please contact Cindy Robertson, 303-863-8019 or cindyrobertson5@gmail.com. For all other volunteer tasks or general questions please contact Chris Collins, 303-589-6793 or guemesgirl@gmail.com.
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Finding Yourself at First Unitarian Denver!
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(Thanks to Mike Morran 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. Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, we will meet on Saturday, September 21st, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. All are welcome, but you must pre-register with Rev. Mike (revmorran@gmail.com).
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(Thanks to Mike Morran for the post)
How does one live a spiritual life as a Unitarian Universalist? This class in five sessions will explore and answer that question. Facilitated by Rev. Mike Morran, we will explore the core propositions of UU theology, and introduce/practice the spiritual disciplines of our tradition both individually and as a group. Class will meet Wednesday evenings, September 18th through October 16th, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Seekers, members, the curious, and the skeptical are ALL welcome! Participation is free, but you must pre-register with Rev. Mike; revmorran@gmail.com.
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Reproductive Justice Initiative – GOTV Letter Writing Events
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(Thanks to Kimberly Urish for the post)
Calling all Get Out the Vote advocates! The Reproductive Justice Committee will be hosting two letter writing opportunities at the church to encourage voter turnout at the November Election. We are adopting letters to get Rep Yadira Caraveo reelected. If you don’t know her, she is a Latina woman, previously was a pediatrician, and pro choice democrat, who the Republicans want to unseat. There are still 16k letters to adopt for this campaign (swing state campaign letters have already been adopted).
We will do letter writing on Sunday, September 22nd and Sunday, September 29th from 1:30 pm to 5 pm (drop in as you like), in the community room. The committee will provide envelopes, stamps, and the printed letters (and snacks!) All you have to do is RSVP. Please email reproductivejustice@fusden.org and let Kimberly know which date (or both) that you will attend AND how many letters you would like to do (20 letters usually takes about an hour). Thanks!
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Middle East Justice: Palestine in Context Class Series
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(Thanks to Daniel Martin for the post)
The Middle East Justice Project is delighted to announce its Fall “Palestine in Context” course. To be added to our mailing list or for any questions please email Mejfusd@gmail.com. Course registration instructions to come.
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Potluck at First Unitarian
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(Thanks to Karen Ray for the post)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Sunday, October 13th, after the 10:30 service: POTLUCK!
We strongly believe in the power of breaking bread in community – it brings good things!
Bring something to share, or just pitch in for the set-up/clean-up. This will be a great opportunity to spend a little time with people you might typically just see in passing. An additional opportunity is on the preceding Saturday (10/12) – consider coming down to FUSD to collaborate on something to contribute to the potluck…more details to follow. Questions? Erick@fusden.org
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Craft Circle at First Unitarian
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
The FUSD Craft Circle will be resuming after a summer hiatus on Wednesday, October 16 from 2:00-3:30 pm at FUSD in the Community Room. This is an informal way to be in community while we work on our own projects. No RSVP needed. I’m willing to teach beginners how to knit and can provide yarn and needles for your first project if you let me know in advance! We will be meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. For more info, contact Julie Meyers at julie.meyers.md@gmail.com
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Your Committee On Ministry Needs You!
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(Thanks to Moya Hansen for the post)
The Committee On Ministry is in search of an engaged First Unitarian member to fill a short term vacancy through June of 2025. The committee is particularly interested in working with and learning from a young adult or young-ish adult. For this church year, the committee will be looking at what other congregations are doing around shared ministry as well as talking with committees and individuals at FUSD about their ideas around shared ministry. Shared ministry is the concept that the ministry of the church is shared between the minister/staff and the congregation so that all activities align with our congregational mission and vision. Interested in learning more? Contact Moya Hansen.
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Stewardship Council Legacy Working Group Update
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(Thanks to Lynn Garman for the post))
Thank you for returning your green letters! Mark your calendar with these upcoming events:
October 6 – Recognition and Thank you brunch for anyone who has named our congregation in their estate plan. Invitations are forthcoming, and if you would like to be included and have not yet returned your green letter, please do so right away!
October 21-27 – National Estate Planning Awareness Week, watch for more resources and information
November 17 – Legacy Giving Workshop after service, an opportunity for members of all ages to learn more about how to support FUSD through your estate plan. Watch for more detail
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New CORE Circle Forming – Families with Children
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(Thanks to Beverly Bravo for the post)
First Unitarian Church is excited to announce the formation of a new CORE Circle just for families with children! CORE Circles, also known as Chalice Circles, are intentional monthly groups that bring people together to foster connection, friendship, and engaging discussions on a variety of topics. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see if you’re interested in joining. Please reach out to Beverly Bravo at bravodenver@gmail.com. We look forward to connecting with you!
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Opportunity to Volunteer!
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(Thanks to Karen Ray for the post))
We need a little help with welcoming members and guests before and after services on Sundays in September. More than half of our volunteer slots are filled, but we do need a few more people to sign up. We have opportunities before & after the 10:30 service. If interested, just check in with the people you see at the welcome table – they will have a list of time slots available and can answer any questions you may have.
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CO Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence Celebrates it’s 10th Anniversary
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(Thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
FUSD is a part of a coalition called CO Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence. Many of you have written emails to CO legislators about gun bills based on their advocacy. Please join as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary on Sunday, September 22, from 3-5:00 at First Plymouth Congregational Church (CO Blvd and Hampden). Special guest, Phil Weiser, CO Attorney General. Please RSVP for this free event, click here.
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Social Justice Film Series – First Universalist and First Plymouth – Friday, October 4th at 7 pm
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(Thanks to Dan Moen for the post)
DeThe Cost of Inheritance:The Social Justice Film Series, hosted by First Universalist and First Plymouth Church, will show a film on Friday, October 4th, in our Hospitality Center. Socializing w/snacks is at 6:30 pm; the screening starts at 7 pm. Please bring something to share. The documentary, The Cost of Inheritance, explores reparations in the U.S. and takes a personal approach to understanding our history, systemic injustices, and inequities. Descendants of enslavers and the enslaved look at the past and find just ways forward. The film aims to inspire understanding of the reparations debate. Lotte Lieb Dula, who is in the film, will join us and will speak about her work in reparations and in the film.
Bring a snack or beverage to share if you wish. After the film, we will have a 20-minute discussion or reflection.
First Universalist Church of Denver, 1401 E Hampden Ave., Denver, CO.
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The Larger Unitarian Universalist Community
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UUA Newsletter – August 2024
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The Unitarian Universalist Association, publishes a newsletter every one to two months. This newsletter will keep you up to date on all things UU that are happening in the Association. There are also resources available in the newsletter
Click here to view the August newsletter.
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UUA Newsletter – Social Justice and Climate Justice
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The Unitarian Universalist for a Just Economic Community, publishes a newsletter on ocassion.. This newsletter will keep you up to date on all things UU that are happening in several areas including Social Justice and Climate Justice. There are also resources and classes available in the newsletter
Click here to view.
Additionally, you can visit the Unitarian Universalist Association web site at https://www.uua.org/ for information at the association level.
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Pacific Western Region – September Newsletter
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The Pacific Western Region of the Unitarian Universalists, publish a newsletter every one to two months. This newsletter will keep you up to date on all things UU that are happening in our region.
Click here to view the September newsletter.
Additionally, you can visit the Unitarian Universalist Association web site at https://www.uua.org/ for information at the association level.
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UU the Vote is a bold initiative created by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Side With Love team, providing UUs a thoughtfully crafted “plug-and-play” opportunity to bring our democratic values to life in the crucial struggle to build a genuine multiracial democracy. UU the Vote engages people in voter registration, issue education, get-out-the-vote drives, voter protection, state leadership development, and more.
Now, in 2024, they have progressed to shift from just election-year organizing to year-round movement-building work toward building a truly inclusive democracy.
Click here to view the newsletter.
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First Unitarian Society of Denver Information
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First Unitarian – Hearing Assistance in Sanctuary
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Our Sanctuary has a hearing loop. This allows us to better serve the people in our community who have trouble hearing. If you are hearing impaired, you will be able to hear what is said at the worship services and other events with better clarity.
What is a hearing loop and how does it work? Hearing Loops allow people who wear hearing aids to directly receive the sound from the PA system to their own hearing aids, much like Wi-Fi for laptops. To hear better, you will no longer have to pick up a separate listening device!
Do my hearing aids work in a loop?If you wear hearing instruments you will need to find out if they have this wireless receiver, called a T-coil or Telecoil, built in to benefit from the hearing loop. The T-coil program is accessed by pushing a button on your hearing aid. This T-coil setting has to be activated before use. Please consult your audiologist if you have a push button on your hearing aids. If your hearing aid is not equipped with a T-coil, or you do not have a hearing aid: we have listening devices available, simply ask a member of our staff.
For more information: www.hearingloop.org. For questions about your hearing aids, please visit your audiologist. For questions about our hearing loop system, please email: Assist2Hear. Inc at: info@assist2hear.com.
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First Unitarian – Calendaring and Room Reservations
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(Thanks to Rhonda Williamson, Congregational Administrator, for the post)
To Request an event addition to the First Unitarian calendar and to request a room reservation:
- To add a meeting or event to the Church Calendar and reserve a room:
- Check the church calendar on the website to see if there are any conflicts. There is a link on each page of the website in the black area at the bottom, under ‘Useful links’
- Complete the following form to request that your event be added to the calendar and to request a room reservation. https://firstunitariandenver.breezechms.com/form/45698258
Feel free to dive in and let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!
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First Unitarian – Communication Methods How To’s
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(Thanks to Rhonda Williamson, Congregational Administrator, for the post)
First Announce: A weekly church newsletter sent out by blast email Thursday evenings. (Also found on the website.) Deadline for entries is Tuesday end of day.
Order of Service: The handout given at each Sunday service – giving service details, and upcoming church events Request deadline is Thursday at 8:00 am.
Please complete the form at the link below to submit announcements for either or both First Announce and Order of Service – select both options on the form. https://firstunitariandenver.breezechms.com/form/e50206
Click here to access the First Unitarian Committee Handbook.
Feel free to dive in and let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!
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Finding a place to park when you come to visit our urban sanctuary can be a bit of a challenge! We recommend the following tactics/locations:
- Sundays 6a-1p: 3 blocks of the north side of 14th Avenue (Marion St. to just before Franklin St. – please abide by the street parking signs)
- Sundays 6a-1p: The Center at Colfax and Lafayette
- Sundays 6a-1p: (42 parking spaces) The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- Monday through Friday, 6 pm to 8 am: (22 parking spaces) The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- Friday 6 pm to Monday 8 am (22 parking spaces, except Sunday morning, see above. The Alta Court lot, across Lafayette from the church. Cars with a First Unitarian Church (FUSD) hangtag or paper parking pass on the dashboard, may park in the spaces farthest away from Colfax.
- If you have any questions or need a parking pass, contact Rhonda at office@fusden.org. Parking passes can also be obtained from the Greeters on Sunday morning.
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