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Happenings
Friday, February 16, 2024
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We are still experiencing some trouble with our site.
We are actively working to resolve the issue, so thank you for your patience! In the meantime, please use the links below to access our frequently-used resources.
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For Room Requests / Calendar & Happenings Submissions: | |
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Sunday, February 18, 2024
10:00 a.m. (In-Person and Online)
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Service Title: Neurodivergence and Other Ways to Love
Service Leader: Rev. Eric Banner
Worship Associate: Cynthia Phinney
Music Team: First Universalist Band
Compassion in Action Offering
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02/18/2024
Compassion in Action Offering
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“SAME Café opened its doors in 2006 as the first nonprofit restaurant in Denver, and has continued strong for over 16 years!
Everyone who comes through the door of SAME Café Denver is treated exactly the same. Guests order from the healthy menu of mostly local, organic food and then choose to participate in the community in exchange for the meal by: volunteering time, giving produce, or donating money.
SAME Café Denver has no set prices and no set menus. Daily selections are made using fresh, organic ingredients and are funded by donations of time, produce, and money from guests and supporters. Our philosophy is that everyone, regardless of economic status, deserves the chance to eat healthy food while being treated with dignity.
It is the intent of SAME Café Denver to build community by providing a delicious and healthy meal in a dignified manner to anyone who walks through the door.”
LEARN MORE: samecafedenver.org
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Text “Give” to:
(720) 782-2445
Mail a check to:
First Universalist Church
4101 E Hampden Ave
Denver, CO 80222
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From Our Mission and Vision Renewal Team | |
Dear First Universalist Church of Denver,
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve updated the Mission and Vision page, and we can’t wait for you to peruse the new information.
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Mission and Vision page updates include:
- “Renewal Architects: Meet Our Vision and Mission Team,” where you’ll meet the vibrant individuals dedicated to shaping our community’s future. Get to know each team member through their bios, and learn how their collective expertise and dedication drive our journey towards a brighter tomorrow.
- A “Mission and Vision Renewal Process Roadmap,” which provides a clear outline of the stages we’ll navigate together. From “Planting the Seeds” to “Final Draft,” each step is crucial in shaping our renewed mission and vision statements.
- And finally, in “Exploring Our Renewal Journey: Cottage Meeting Details,” you’ll discover the essence of our cottage meetings, where meaningful discussions unfold in intimate settings. Here you’ll find specific event details, your homework (thinking about three fundamental questions guiding our collective vision) and more about what you’ll find at these events. We’ll also tell you more about how we’re employing the “communities within communities” approach, ensuring inclusivity and valuing diverse perspectives.
Each community’s meeting promises unique insights and perspectives, driven by the exploration of a mix of the “3 Big Questions.” We encourage everyone to attend a cottage meeting and contribute their thoughts to our collective renewal. Your input is invaluable as we synthesize diverse perspectives into our final draft statements.
Join us as we forge a path that reflects our shared values, embraces inclusivity, and inspires meaningful change. Together, let’s shape a future that resonates!
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Warm regards,
The Mission and Vision Renewal Team
missionandvision@firstuniversalist.org
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Care Circle / Community Potluck
Sunday, February 18th, 11:00 a.m.
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Our monthly church potluck will be Sunday, February 18th. This will be a Caring Circle gathering. Please bring a dish to share with everyone, and then join your Caring Circle in the Hospitality Center! Help us to stay green by bringing your own plate, cup, and utensils.
Contact Barbara Snook if you have questions.
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Children's Choir
Rehearsals Sunday, February 18th & 25th
| Children's choir at First Universalist will be starting again soon, but it will look a little different. We'll have three rehearsals after services on Sundays, then perform on the following Sunday. The first round will be rehearsals on February 11th, 18th, and 25th, then a performance in the service on March 5th. The second round will be rehearsals on April 14th, 21st, and 28th, then a performance in the service on May 5th, which is Music Sunday. If your child is interested, please contact Music Director, Sarah Libert. | |
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Pathways to Membership Class
Sunday, February 18th 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 25th, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
(Colvin Commons)
| If you are interested in learning more about First Universalist and Unitarian Universalism, please join us for our next Pathways Class! If you need childcare or have questions please email Natalie Bostow. | | |
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, AUCTION!
There's plenty of space still available for a number of social event offerings!
Take a look at the descriptions of each social event, then select any of the events you'd like to attend, add them to your cart, and submit your total payment at the end of the form, linked below.
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- $20 - Decadent Delicious Desserts - Tastings! - Sunday, February 25th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Hosted by Margaret and Doug Griffes)
- $10 - Multigenerational Dance Party - Saturday, March 2nd, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Hosted by the Board of Trustees)
- $50 - Oscar Party! - Sunday, March 10th, 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. (Hosted by Josephine Henke and Janet Kennedy)
- Bunco Game Night! - Saturday, April 27th, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Hospitality Center (Hosted by Cheryll and Jim Paull)
AND MUCH MORE AVAILABLE HERE!
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Garden Guild 2024 Kickoff!
Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
(Room 1 - Lower Level)
| The Garden Guild will be holding their first meeting of the year and we would love to have you join us! This meeting will recap what we accomplished last year (lots!). We will also talk about what might happen in this season. (Exciting!) This will be an opportunity to connect with other gardeners and folks who want to continue creating the welcoming face First Universalist presents to the community. Light refreshments will be provided. Contact Gwen Hendee or Janet Melody with questions. |
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Social Justice Film Series
Friday, March 1st, 6:00 p.m.
First Plymouth (Room 12)
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At a time when hard-won rights of the LBGTQ community are threatened, the Social Justice Film Series invites you to watch Boy Erased. Based on the true story, Boy Erased follows Jared, the son of a small-town Baptist pastor, who must overcome the fallout after being outed as gay to his parents. Fearing a loss of family, friends and community, Jared is pressured into attending a conversion therapy program. While there, Jared comes into conflict with its leader and begins his journey to finding his own voice and accepting his true self.
The film series is cosponsored by First Universalist and First Plymouth. First Universalist host four Fridays at the end of the year and First Plymouth host four Fridays from February thru May.
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Compassion in Action Reminder | Our congregation supports 26 nonprofits each year that share our UU values through Compassion in Action—affirming our commitment “to serve human need and to help one another.” Most years your generosity provides over $25,000 to organizations in need! Members are welcome to nominate organizations by following the Compassion in Action Member Guidelines and completing the Nomination Form. Thank you for your interest in serving the community outside our church walls! Please contact Rhoda Whitney for more information. |
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The Habitat Build Day - Make a Difference!
Sign Up for March 16th and/or March 30th
| There is no better way to put our values into action than by addressing Denver's housing issues by building AFFORDABLE houses. First U has an opportunity to build TWO Habitat homes this year. Please sign-up on March 16th or March 30th (or both) to help build our first 2024 home clicking the button below. Please contact Molly Frank if you have questions: | |
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Let's make our Church online Directory complete!
In an effort to make our online Church Directory, Simple Church, as helpful as possible, we will be taking pictures of church congregants (members and non-members) each Sunday in February during coffee hour. Please come to the blue wall next to the nursery door to be included. Having pictures of each person in Simple Church allows everyone to connect names with faces. If you have questions, contact Mary Emlen, Membership Council
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Men's Renewal Weekend
SAVE THE DATE - Friday, May 3rd - Sunday, May 5th
Highlands Retreat Center, Allenspark, CO
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Join your brothers for a fun and introspective weekend in beautiful Allenspark. Attendees participate in a variety of scheduled activities and small group discussions centered around the weekend theme of “Accessing Your Heart - The Music of our Emotions”. The Men’s Renewal Group will be hosting the Touchstone Tuesday dinner on Tuesday evening, Feb 27th. Come join us to learn more about our upcoming weekend program.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
Contact Doug Griffes for more information.
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FUUN Summer Camp Registration is HERE!
20% Per Camper if You Register by Wednesday, February 28th!
| REGISTRATION HAS STARTED! Camp will be held here at First Universalist Church of Denver, June 24th - June 28th 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. There will be days full of fun and learning for grades Kindergarten to 12th. Use this link to sign up and get 20% off for our Early birds special until February 28th! Family Potluck February 10th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. This is a potluck for all families, bring your littles/youth, your family friends and enjoy some time together connecting, and engaging with other families just like you! | |
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First Universalist Singers
Do you enjoy singing? Have you ever considered joining the choir? Our rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7:15 - 8:45 p.m. Please contact Music Director Sarah Libert for more information.
| Reserving Tables in the Hospitality Center | |
If your group would like to setup in the Hospitality Center following Sunday Service to recruit newcomers or volunteers for your group or committee, or you'd like to share information in the HC following service, please remember to reserve a table in advance!
Email Natalie Bostow to reserve space.
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The First Unitarian Middle East Group Presents: Justice in Israel and Palestine: An Introductory Course Summary
Five Sessions (Starting Monday, February 12th) at First Unitarian
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This five part series aims to give participants a comprehensive understanding of Palestine, Israel, and the current crisis in Gaza. Each session will center around a different topic critical to understanding the region.
- Session 2 (February 19th): The progression of Zionism over time, and the role of Europe
- Session 3 (February 26th): The role of US involvement and understanding American politics around Israel
- Session 4 (March 4th): The role of International Law
- Session 5 (March 11th): Current events and what is happening in Gaza today
Sessions will include small group discussions, critical examination of text and media, short lectures, and creative ways to reflect and internalize our learnings. Through learning together, we aim to build a community capable of deep conversations and informed decision making around the current crisis in Gaza.
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All Ages Queering Valentine's Day Dance Party
Saturday, February 17th, 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Foothills Unitarian Church, 1815 Yorktown Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80526
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This is more than just a dance party. It's a vibrant gathering for community solidarity, featuring a live local DJ, non-alcoholic refreshments, a safe and respectful atmosphere, and a quiet area for those who need a break from the buzz. Additionally, it’s a fundraiser for Rainbow Villages, aiding trans and nonbinary individuals relocating to Colorado. Open to all ages, families, LGBTQIA2+ community, and allies.
Contact Rev. Sean Neil-Barron for more information.
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Petitions to Amend the Colorado State Constitution | |
Reproductive Health in Colorado is not guaranteed. Another legislature could change it. A consortium including First Universalist wants to provide an amendment to the State Constitution so that an individual's reproductive rights and healthcare will be self-determined without interference. Members of the church’s Reproductive Rights Committee are gathering signatures for an amendment to be on our ballot. Look for the clipboards at church events. We need signatures of registered voters to get it on the ballot to be voted on in November 2024.
Reach out to Rev. Eric Banner if you have questions.
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Addressing Homelessness in Jefferson County
Sunday, February 25th, 4:00 p.m. (Jefferson Unitarian Church)
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Jefferson Unitarian Church
14350 W 32nd Ave,
Golden, CO 80401
Cassie Ratliff, Chief Impact Officer of Family Tree, will share her experiences in working with people who are unhoused and approaches that government, non-profits, and individuals can use to work on the issues. Snacks are served beginning at 4:00. Program starts at 4:30.
Contact Bob Hofmann if you have questions.
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How Do I Submit an Announcement for Happenings? | |
To submit an announcement for the weekly congregational newsletter, complete the Happenings Submission Form. Articles and announcements should fall under one of these categories to be included in the newsletter:
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Scheduled Church Event or Program: Includes anything hosted at First Universalist Church that is organized by an active church group and scheduled on the church calendar.
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Invitation to Volunteer: Includes calls to volunteer for a specific group, recruiting new Sunday/Weekday volunteers, or specific invitations to get involved with active First Universalist groups.
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Community News: Includes events, programs, or informational notices that members of our community and congregation may want to know, but is not hosted at church; submissions to Community News must include contact information because it’s unlikely staff will be able to answer questions about the information provided.
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Other: Includes anything that doesn’t fall into one of these categories, but is still important to share with members and friends of First Universalist Church.
| Reach out to our Communications Coordinator, Kailey Capuano, if you have any questions or need help with the process. |
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