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The Whole Souul Living Theme for October is Courage
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Sunday Worship –
October 16th at 10:00 am
The Wisdom of Defense
by Rev. Mike Morran
Continuing on the theme of trust, this week we will focus on coping, healthy and unhealthy defense mechanisms, thriving even in the face of uncertainty.
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 Facebook, 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.
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Giving in Action – Jeffco Action Center
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(thanks to Carol Ruckel for the post)
Established in 1968, the mission of The Action Center is to provide an immediate and compassionate response to those experiencing hardship with services that stabilize lives and promote pathways to lasting change. The Action Center’s services are as follows: General Services (food, clothing, vouchers, school supplies, Thanksgiving, and holiday gifts); Center Services (financial assistance with rent, utilities and bill-pay, benefit sign-ups/renewals; and connections to collaborating partners) and Family Development (deeper one-on-one work and goal-setting).
The Action Center, a newly accredited member of the Family Resource Center Association, is now bringing the FRCA’s Family Pathway Framework to its work of building well-being – which focuses on working with children and parents/caregivers towards interconnected goals. This approach provides a research-based model for deeper work with families, and a framework for all who come to The Action Center for support.
The Action Center could not have the impact we do without significant volunteer and financial support from the community. To learn more about The Action Center and how you can get involved, visit their website where you can learn more about their services, register to volunteer or donate online. www.theactioncenter.org. For group volunteer opportunities email volunteer@theactioncenter.org.
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(thanks to Karl Jonietz for the post)
The rose window on the south façade of First Unitarian is the work of Watkins Stained Glass Studio, a family-owned business from England which began in 1761. The Watkins family came to Denver in 1881 and has been involved in stained window craftsmanship ever since with all of their work done by hand with original tools. Our window was designed and fabricated by Clarence Watkins in 1893. Following a major fire that damaged the window in 1985, it was carefully restored by his great-grandson Phillip Watkins, Jr.
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Children’s Choir – Rehearsal Sunday, October 16th!
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(thanks to Charlotte Braud-Kern for the post)
The First Unitarian Children’s Choir will be singing on October 30th during our annual Remembrance Service. If you have a child age 4+ who likes to sing, please join us at our rehearsals after Sunday services. We will practice in the upstairs chapel for 30 minutes this Sunday, October 16th and the following Sunday, October 23rd, with a performance on October 30th.
Please contact Charlotte Braud-Kern at cskern54@gmail.com if your child is interested in singing with us now or later in the year – we will be singing again during the winter holidays. More specific information will be sent to interested families.
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Rev. Mike Morran – First Video Blog!
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Please click here to view a short video message (three minutes) from Rev. Mike Morran. The purpose of this weekly message is to share what is going on at First Unitarian, spiritually and in the world.
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Autumn Sabbatical for Lia Davis
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Our Music Director Lia Davis will be taking a nine-week sabbatical beginning next week — her first sabbatical in 15 years at First Unitarian Denver! This Sunday, October 9th will be Lia’s last worship service before her time away. She’ll return the weekend of December 17th to play for our Saturday afternoon Carol Sing and Sunday morning Holiday Pageant. We wish her a peaceful time of rest and renewal!
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Family Ministry – October 2022 Newsletter
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Please click here to view the FUSD Family Ministry Monthly Newsletter.
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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, this highly participative class 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, October 12th through November 9th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. 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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In 2 Days our FUSD Social Justice Takes Action!
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(thanks to Trudy Glidden, FUSD Record Sealing Project, for the post)
FUSD Record Sealing Project is co-sponsoring an Arrest Record Sealing Event in partnership with Expunge Colorado this Saturday. The clinic will seal eligible records enabling people to get employment and housing. This free event is on Oct. 15 from 11-4pm and located at CrossPurpose, 3050 Richard Allen Court, Denver. 20 pro bono lawyers will consult with 100+ petitioners to determine case eligibility; prepare Court petition paperwork; and submit petitions to the Courts including Court fees; all is free of charge to the client.
Concurrent with the clinic, the Job/Resource Fair, will feature 17 non-profit organizations offering information on a range of services, including voter registration, resume writing, mental health services, employment guidance, and second chance opportunities. Bonnie-Jean Jenkins (FUSD), Vickie Wilhite and Kym Ray (of the Shorter AME Social Justice Ministry) have organized this Community Fair.
Questions: please contact Trudy Glidden, Chair of the FUSD Record Sealing Project at trudyg@rcn.com
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Souul Stage Auction Concert – Saturday, October 15th at 4:30pm
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(thanks to Alisha Bashaw for the post)
Souul Stage Salutes the Stage and the Screen Auction Concert!
Saturday, October 15th at 4:30 pm
FUSD Sanctuary
Tickets are $20
Have you missed attending live theater during the past couple of years? Us too….until now! Join the Souul Stage production crew of Matt Davis, James Crapes, Nichole Albertsmeier, Erica Trisler, Alisha Bashaw, Lia Davis, and the band for a musical cabaret as they perform beloved favorites from the stage and the screen to scratch that itch! There will be a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception before the show and during intermission. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here (select the Giving to Auction Purchase from the drop down), and you can sign up for tickets at the ‘Second Chance Auction’ table in the Community Room after services on Sundays. Tickets will also be available at the door. Proceeds go to FUSD. Can’t wait to see you there!
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Reproductive Justice – Letter Writing Party
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(thanks to Katie Fox for the post)
The Reproductive Justice committee invites you to join us for a letter writing party at church on Sunday, October 16th, 12:00-2:00 pm. This is a drop in event–stay for as much or as little as you want. We will be writing letters to voters through the organization VoteForward. We will provide supplies, light refreshments, and a fun, social atmosphere. You will provide your energy and gusto! You’re welcome to bring food to share. Please let us know you/re planning to attend by filling out this short survey. If you have any questions please connect with Jane Ashley, Katie Fox, Mary Jo Geyer, or Tyler Watlington.
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Halloween Dance – Saturday, October 22nd!
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(thanks to Erin Kenworthy, DRE for the post)
It’s a SPOOK-tacular time to BOO-gie together! Our Halloween Dance is family friendly. Join us on Saturday October 22nd from 6-9 p.m. $10 suggested donation at the door, costumes encouraged, all are welcome. Come early to help decorate. We’ll have a DJ, drinks, and snacks, and you are invited to bring snacks to share.
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Walk and Talk – Monday, October 24th
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(thanks to Marty Dawley for the post)
Walk and Talk on Monday, October 24th– Come, share a walk with us at the Denver Botanic Gardens at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 24th. All are welcome: young, old, strollers, wheelchairs (the Gardens will loan you a chair if you need one), fast walkers, and slow. RSVP to Marty Dawley (martydawley@yahoo.com), and let her know if you are coming and if you need a free ticket(s). (We have several available through our memberships.) We’ll meet outside the entrance if the weather is agreeable. Inside near the gift shop, if it’s not so pleasant. Hope to see you there.
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George Mitchell’s Memorial
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(thanks to Kathy Mitchell-Garton for the post)
Our dear and faithful George Mitchell passed away on September12. Please join the Mitchell family in a celebration of George’s life on October 29, 2022, at 2 p.m. at First Unitarian. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Golden Rotary or the charity of your choice. George’s full obituary will be posted at https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/.
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Day of Remembrance Service – Sunday, October 30th
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(thanks to Erin Kenworthy, DRE for the post)
Sunday October 30th, is the multigenerational Day of Remembrance service. You are invited to bring photos and items to add to our altars, built to honor those loved ones who have passed this year. In the spirit of celebrating lives well lived, we encourage the expression of mirth that accompanies wearing Halloween costumes.
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(thanks to Erin Kenworthy, DRE for the post)
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is sexuality education that fosters informed, responsible, and values-based decisions about sexual health and behavior.
First Unitarian is preparing to offer classes in January as part of our RE program and in line with our congregational Reproductive Justice Project initiative supporting education.
If you are interested in facilitating OWL, please connect with Erin, as she is beginning to assemble teaching teams for A K/1+ family class, a 5th/6th grade class, and a comprehensive middle school class. Orientations and classes will begin in January of 2023.
All facilitators will need to attend a weekend long training workshop before leading classes. There is a training workshop for middle and high school class facilitators coming up November 11 and 12 at First Universalist. Registration is currently open on a first come, first served basis. If and when facilitation teams are in place, families will be able to register their children and youth for participation. Thank you for your enthusiasm, support, and your patience as we return to providing this life changing experience.
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WELCOME ALL TO SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ACTION AT FUSD: FALL 2022
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(thanks to Tammy Carpenter for the post)
As the fall church year begins, the FUSD Faith in Action Council (FIAC) wants to update you about our social justice projects approved for the next two years by the congregation this past June and about our FUSD Giving in Action collections on the first and third Sunday of each month.
FIAC PROJECTS:
Family Promise, a metro-wide collaboration of churches to house unsheltered families, has been in place at FUSD for several decades. Four families are housed in our RE rooms for a week or two, two or three times each year. Numerous volunteers participate in providing meals, overnight care and transportation. The contact person for Family Promise is Hillary Barrett-Osborne at hillarybarrettosborne@gmail.com.
The Racial Justice Project, in place at FUSD for 6 years, has concentrated on education of the congregation through workshops, seminars, films, and book talks. Current year efforts aim toward work on reparations for African-Americans. The co-chairs are Patrick Whorton (pwhorton@gmail.com) and Steve Brainerd (steve.brainerd@dgslaw.com).
The Climate Justice Project, a new project this year, is pursuing climate equity and justice in collaboration with local Denver metro community organizations. Stephanie Walton and David Alley are co-chairs. Julie Meyers is the contact person.
The Record Sealing Project, a new effort originating in the Racial Justice project, is developing a one-day event to seal the criminal records of those eligible under Colorado law. That event is scheduled for October 15 in collaboration with Expunge Colorado. WATCH FOR MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT. Trudy Glidden is the chair at trudyg@rcn.com.
The Reproductive Justice Project, new this year, has created four vectors of action including advocacy, education, service, and witness. Co-Chairs are Kimberly Urish and Erin Kenworthy. The email to get more involved is reproductivejustice@fusden.org.
GIVING IN ACTION SUNDAY COLLECTIONS
FUSD has also committed to expand our social justice efforts beyond our approved projects through bi-monthly donations to 501(c)3 organizations which are approved by the Giving in Action Committee of the church. Carol Ruckel (cruckel@gmail.com) is the liaison to FIAC from the GIA Committee.
If you have any interest or questions about the FIAC social justice work at FUSD, please contact Tammy Carpenter (tcarpent7@gmail.com) or Betsy Brainerd (betsybrainerd@gmail.com), co-chairs of the Council. Other FIAC members are Theresa Tomich, Karen Ray, and Peggy Ulrich-Nims.
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Nonpartisan Election Call Center
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(thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
I’ve been involved in the Election Call Center for the last few election cycles. It’s very well organized and a great way to help voters in a nonpartisan way. See below for more info. Let’s help our democracy!
Every two years, the Colorado Lawyers Committee co-sponsors* a Nonpartisan Election Call Center where volunteers answer phone calls from Colorado voters on the national 866-OUR-VOTE hotline by providing voter information, documenting problems callers encounter when voting, and working with partners and volunteers on the ground to identify and remove barriers to voting. Typical questions include, “Has my ballot been received?” “Where do I register?” and “Where can I drop off my ballot?”
The 2022 Call Center will take place in person on Monday, November 7th and Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th at the Polsinelli law firm, 1401 Lawrence Street, Suite 2300. Instead of answering calls on the phone, volunteers will answer them by computer. Therefore, we are asking all volunteers to bring a laptop with audio capabilities, and headphones with a microphone. Every volunteer will be required to attend a 2-hour training via zoom (training times are included in the sign-up form).
If you would like to join us on Monday, November 7th and/or Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th, please complete the online sign-up form.
The Call Center is sponsored by Just Vote! Colorado Election Protection, a nonpartisan voter assistance project and is not affiliated with or promoting any party, candidate, or ballot issue. Just Vote is a coalition of several organizations: the Colorado Lawyers Committee, Colorado Common Cause, Mi Familia Vota, Disability Law Colorado, and the League of Women Voters of Colorado.
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Help Needed: Saturday, October 22, Afghan Asylum Workshop in Northglenn
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(thanks to Julie Meyers for the post)
I’ve been running this post for a few months. I attended a workshop last week and it was an amazing experience. I’m happy to tell anyone interested more about it. Just email me at: julie.meyers.md@gmail.com. I believe these will be the last two opportunities to participate.
Please consider signing up to help at the Afghan Asylum Workshop on Saturday, October 22nd. As you know, the Colorado Lawyers Committee has been partnering with Catholic Charities Denver to help resettled Afghans complete their asylum applications.
We need both lawyers and non-lawyers to run the workshop. If you haven’t gotten involved yet, this is a great opportunity to provide real assistance without long-term commitment beyond the day of the workshop. No prior experience or expertise is required for most volunteers (although you must complete the online training if you are working with the Afghan families directly).
We currently have about 1/2 of the volunteers needed to assist 25 Afghan families at the workshop. If you haven’t already signed up, please join us. You can sign up here.
— from the Colorado Lawyers Committee Board and Friends
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Distance Walk at Swallow Hill on November 26
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(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 p.m. 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
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(thanks to Diane Hoffman for the post)
We need two videographers who can commit to working an average of one Sunday per month. No prior experience is needed; we will train you. Training is one session for about two hours, with the trainee running the video the following Sunday with supervision. If you are interested, please stop by the sound booth after Sunday service or email Diane Hoffman at m7gfd3r8@gmail.com
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FUSD Building Custodian- Job Opening
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FUSD is searching for a Building Custodian. Click here to view the job description.
If you are interested, please send a cover letter and your resume to Rhonda Williamson at office@fusden.org.
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