Godless Goddness: First Announce for November 13th, 20222








The Whole Souul Living Theme for November is Change

Sunday Worship –

November 13th 10:00 am

Godless Goodness


by Rev. Mike Morran

A recurring question in liberal religion and culture, where does morality come from? We’ll take a brief tour of history, religion, and philosophy on this timeless question, especially the foundations of moral atheism.

We have coffee hour after the service and would love for you to bring snacks (healthy and otherwise) to go with our coffee!

Multiplatform Worship at First Unitarian Denver

Join us on Sunday at 10:00 am, in person or online. At this time, masks are optional but highly encouraged for those who might have been exposed, might be at higher risk for severe illness, or have weakened immune systems. Our service streams to Youtube and Zoom (meeting ID is 466-677-668 and the password is 454623).

Join us for virtual coffee hour on Zoom after the service. The meeting ID is 912-1732-1324. Come see familiar faces and meet new people.

Lunch Bunch Returns – Friday, November 11th

(thanks to Marty Dawley for the post)

Everyone is invited for the return of our monthly potluck, Lunch Bunch, on a new day, the second Friday of the month. Our first get-together will be on November 11th, and we’ll meet again on December 9th in the FUSD Community Room. We gather around 11:00 am 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.

New Member Welcome!

(thanks to Rev. Mike Morran for the post)

We will hold a New Member Welcome ceremony during the Sunday service on November 13th. If you or someone you know would like to take this step with 1st Unitarian Denver, please contact Rev. Mike Morran (revmorran@gmail.com), or Noelle Botti (noellebotti@hotmail.com).

November Family Newsletter

(thanks to Erin Kenworthy, DRE for the post)

Please click here for the November Family Newsletter!

Religious Exploration Volunteer & Programming Session – Sunday, November 13th!!

(thanks to Lena McCain for the post)

Join your Religious Exploration Team on Sunday, November 13th after the service as we share what programming and events we have to offer through the end of year as well as learn more about how to volunteer with us. We’ll start with a light introduction to our RE program, then split into groups based on interest and support needed. 

If you are interested in volunteering with the RE program, including children and youth Sunday programming, this is a great opportunity to learn the step-by-step training from our team. And if you’ve already completed a background check for this volunteer role, join us so we can get you started ASAP. See you there!

CORE (Creative Open Religious Exploration) Circles

(thanks to Beverly Bravo for the post)

CORE (Creative Open Religious Exploration) Circles are small groups which foster spiritual connection and friendships within the larger FUSD community.

Most of these lay circles meet monthly in members’ homes and explore a wide range of topics. Many deep friendships and much support has grown out of these circles.

If you’re interested in exploring a circle or two or starting a new one, please contact Beverly Bravo at 303-921-2684 or bravodenver@gmail.com.

Miriam’s Book Table Returns!

(thanks to Nan Wigington for the post)

Sisters and brothers, are you ready for a resurrection? Coffee hour is back, and now Miriam’s Book Table is returning. The table’s mission is to provide a welcome station for visitors, members, and friends. It offers pamphlets and books from the UUA’s Beacon Press and Skinner House. It should be back in business this December. The table needs you! Would you like to help woman or man the table on Sunday morning? Contact Nan Wigington at missprothero@gmail.com.

PBS Rocky Mountain News Coverage of Record Sealing Event

(thanks to Trudy Glidden for the post)

PBS Rocky Mountain news published an article covering the Record Sealing event on October 15. Their article is here.

At this legal clinic there was a record turnout of attendees, with over 100 people who went through the intake process. Continued work is in progress to determine every person’s eligibility for sealing their records; then to prepare and file court petition forms at the various Colorado Courts. 

FUSD Black Reparations Fund

(thanks to Steve Brainerd, Patrick Whorton and the FUSD Racial Justice Project)

FUSD is now more than a full month into a second round of congregational dialogue about the development of a reparations fund for the benefit of the Denver Black community. The Racial Justice Project (“RJP”) has compiled information and ideas from a variety of sources, including: 

  • The independent research, study, and discussion of RJP members.
  • The input of a Steering Committee comprised of Rev. Mike Morran and representatives from the Board of Trustees, Finance Council, Stewardship Council, Faith in Action Council, and RJP. 
  • Individual and group discussions with many members of the congregation.

Based on all of this, RJP proposes to conduct a two-month campaign, beginning in late November, to solicit pledges from FUSD members for a “FUSD Black Reparations Fund.” Whatever contributions are received by January 15, 2023 will be set aside in a temporary account of the Church, under the supervision of the Board and Finance Council. 

Funds raised by FUSD will then be delivered to the Denver Black Reparations Council (“DBRC”) – a Black-run 501(c)(3) organization created to oversee grants issued by the Denver Foundation’s “Reparations Circle Denver” Reparations Fund. Apart from its alliance with the Denver Foundation, the DBRC is able to receive donations and make its own grants to a broad spectrum of reparative ventures and organizations. RJP and the Steering Committee have found the DBRC to be a committed and estimable group that understands the Denver Black community and is well designed to put FUSD’s donations to appropriate use. (The DBRC also has constructed education programs that they will make available to FUSD to further the congregation’s work in racial repair.)

In giving thought as to whether and how you might contribute to this fund, please consider:

  • Reviewing the reference materials here that were sent to all members of the congregation in June and September – ;
  • Visiting the FUSD Reparations table in the community room, where you will find a listing of self-study resources and additional literature, including an FAQ sheet — linked here — that offers answers to several common questions;  
  • Signing up (at the FUSD Reparations table) for a group or one-on-one conversation about racial repair. 
  • Joining discussion sessions that will be held after certain Sunday services in November and December. 

Boulder Valley UU Concert – Saturday, November 12th

(thanks to Lia Davis for the post)

As many of you may know, Peter is pretty big amongst the UUs (he’s the composer of Blue Boat Home). He performed at FUSD a few years ago!

Artists’ Giftshop – November 12th and November 13th

(thanks to Marty Dawley for the post)

Grab a friend and join Helen Wolcott and nine fellow artists at Helen’s home at 2309 Clermont on Saturday and Sunday, November 12th and 13th from 10-5 each day. This is the mellowest, homiest place to gift shop that I can imagine with a cup of mulled wine to warm you as you walk through and take a look. Get your holiday shopping done early at this Holiday Show and Sale. Meet the creators and enjoy an array of salsa, jam, pottery, fabric and paper art, paintings and cards, weaving, knitting, quilted creations, soap, candles, tie dye, fused glass, and Helen’s own gorgeous jewelry.

If you haven’t ever met Helen, that’s reason enough to go! If you know her, then you know this is a must-see event to put on your calendar.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) Info Session Night for Families & Youth – Friday, December 9th!

(thanks to Lena McCain, Youth Programs Coordinator, for the post)

It’s happening! Join us for an evening info session on the Our Whole Lives (OWL) programming that we will be offering beginning in January 2023 for middle school and high school youth. Together, we’ll go over what OWL is, scheduling, and registration.

Event Info:

Friday, December 9, 2022

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

4101 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80222 (First Universalist Church of Denver)

Youth are encouraged to attend this info session as well. We will provide separate, interactive programming for youth while the adults go over scheduling and registration.

This event and programming is brought to you by First Universalist Church of Denver, First Unitarian Society of Denver, Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, and Park Hill United Methodist Church.

Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving – November 24th

This year’s 146th annual Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving is on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, at 10am. Start your day with Interfaith partners from all over Denver in a meaningful service of gratitude. This service is at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, Colorado 80220-1239.

Distance Walk at Swallow Hill on November 26 

(thanks to Barry Osborne for the post)

FUSD members Seth Fine and Barry Osborne play in Denver folk quartet Distance Walk. Their sound is a mix of old-time folk, indie, Celtic, and baroque, and they have a concert at Swallow Hill Music on Saturday, November 26 at 8:00 pm. With Seth on guitar and Barry on banjo and vocals, they are joined by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Niki Tredinnick, and Olivia Shaw on fiddle. If you’re in town over the holiday weekend it’s a perfect reason to get out of the house! Also on the bill is Denver’s Fables of The Fall. Get tickets by clicking here or at swallowhillmusic.org, or get details by emailing Barry at barry.osborne@gmail.com.

 Nancy Crow Update

(thanks to Mark Skrotzki for the post)

Nancy Crow continues on her long journey of recovery from the devastating results of West Nile Virus. She is currently at Sloan’s Lake Rehabilitation Center, 1590 Meade St, Denver 80204 where we battle lower limb paralysis and Kaiser Permanente. Nancy will recover use of her legs after many, many months of Physical Therapy but we may never recover from Kaiser who has sent us on a tour of three-week rehabilitation programs. Perhaps someday we will get them to enroll us in a LONG TERM rehabilitation program – but don’t hold your breath.

Nancy would love to host you in her room, Room 601, but call first (720- 220- 7527) to ensure she is still at Sloan’s Lake or some other program.

Welcome Jason Marsden – Stewardship Coordinator

Please welcome Jason Marsden as our Stewardship Coordinator! Jason started as FUSD’s newest employee in September. Jason brings a wide breadth of skills to this position, having worked with several non-profits including the Mathew Shepard Foundation. He will be attending Sunday mornings occasionally, please look for him!

Congregational Administrator – Rhonda Williamson

Rhonda Williamson transitioned from our Stewardship Coordinator to our Interim Congregational Administrator in February 2022. In July of this year she was offered the position of Congregational Administrator after an interview process.

From Rhonda – I am honored to be your Congregational Administrator. Normally I am at FUSD on Sunday mornings and can be found outside the Sanctuary door closest to the audio/visual booth. Please stop by and say hello, I look forward to meeting you!

 
 

QuickDirectory

Questions About Pledging? – stewardship@fusden.org

Candles of Community – candles@fusden.org

Caring Committee – caring@fusden.org

Volunteer Greeters – greeters@fusden.org

Connections Ministry – connectionsministry@fusden.org

Office/FirstAnnounce/Rhonda Williamson – office@fusden.org

Giving in Action – givinginaction@fusden.org

Mental Well-being – wellbeing@fusden.org

 

Car Donations – 877-999-8322

 

FirstAnnounce is a compilation of news items sent to us from many different sources. Items printed in FirstAnnounce are for your information only and do not necessarily represent the views of First Unitarian Society of Denver or its members.

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