July 24-30, 2024

Staff Transition Message from Rev. Wendy

I had hoped it would be a long time before I needed to notify you again of someone leaving our staff. Alas, that is not the case. 

Darcy Stanton, who has served as our Communications Manager these last 9 years, has accepted a fabulous opportunity within the Corporate Communications department at NREL. This is a tremendous opportunity for Darcy to continue to use her gifts to make a difference in the world. Our loss is definitely NREL's gain. 

While we are sad to lose Darcy as a member of our staff team, we celebrate this opportunity for her. We are so grateful that she intends to reclaim JUC more fully as her, as well as her family's, church home. 

Darcy’s last day with us will be Tuesday, August 6. We will recognize her at the service on Sunday, August 4. Use the link here to send a virtual message of thanks to Darcy. Kudoboard Link

Faith Exploration Teachers Needed

Do you enjoy our young people at church and want to find a way to spend more time with them? Have you ever considered being a Faith Exploration teacher? We have spots open at all levels - from Elementary to High School, including in our newly re-vamped Coming of Age program.    Join our team of volunteers who are helping shape the future of our faith community.  If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Laura Lizut. We’d love for you to join our team!

Thursday, July 25

• Yoga As You Are: A Spiritual Practice // 2 - 3 pm // 2nd, 4th, & 5th Thursdays // chapel // This class is open to people of all abilities and levels of experience. There will be opportunities for people who aren’t able to get on and off the floor. Bring a yoga mat or a beach towel, plus any yoga props you already own. Contact: Martha Eastman

• WOMBATS Dads Group // 5:30 pm // The WOMBATS are here to create a community of people who identify as dads to connect authentically. Meetings consist of time to connect socially, share a meal, and a formal program based on listening and reflection. Contact: Erik Greensfelder

Friday, July 26

• Summer of Invitation: Campfire Singalong and Potluck // 6:30 - 8:30 pm // Join us for our 2nd annual Campfire Potluck Singalong - an evening of summer fun, food, singing and s'mores right on our JUC patio. Please bring a dish to share! Feel free to bring a campfire song to share if the spirit moves you. Instruments are also encouraged! All ages welcome and invited to attend! Sign Up Link

Sunday, July 28

• Climate Change Conversations // 9 am // Sundays through August 25 // patio // We live in a warming world. At one time it seemed a remote concern, but now we learn daily of unwanted outcomes. What are your concerns about our warming world? Bring your questions and ideas for a discussion moderated by Phil Nelson. Phil will lead off each session with a story about a prominent climate actor—a scientist, a journalist, a politician.

• Spiritual Practice Group: Mindfulness Meditation // 9:15 am in person (M3/4) AND 5 - 6:15 pm online // The Mindfulness Meditation group is meeting every Sunday to meditate together. Sunday mornings: 30 minutes silent meditation. Come 5-10 minutes early for meditation instructions. Evening Meeting Link Contact: Tina Voelker

• Abundant Harvest Table // 11 am // south commons // Nourish your body after worship each Sunday with healthy, delicious food lovingly prepared by fellow JUCers. Donations collected benefit Arvada Rising's Homeless Ministry. Volunteers are always needed to prepare food and staff the table. Sign Up Link

• Welcome Team: Belonging Bootcamp // 11:30 am - 1 pm // chapel // Join the Welcome Team! Whether new to Sunday volunteering or a long-time volunteer, these classes are for you! Through 4 sessions, you'll learn how to foster a sense of belonging in our community, develop strategies for communication, and understand the importance of inclusion at JUC. You'll earn a piece of the Welcome Team pin by completing a session, and the entire program will complete the full pin set. Sign Up Link

Friday, August 2

• Caregiver Support Group // 1 - 2:30 pm // M1/2 // Providing support and encouragement to people who are caregiving a spouse or family member. This is not a therapy group, but a place where we come together to talk and receive support. Monthly leadership rotates among the members. Contact: Marti Pratt

• Summer of Invitation: Movie in the Park // 7 pm // Parfet Park, Golden // Join Rev. Wendy for an evening of entertainment under the stars! Live music by Eric Golden begins at 7 pm, followed by the film Elemental at dusk (8:30ish). Sign Up Link

Saturday, August 3

• Affinity Group: Creative Writers Circle // 10 am - 12 pm // 1st Saturdays // M1/2 (patio in good weather) // Whether you're beginning your writing journey or have written for years, the Creative Writers Circle is for you! Everyone is welcome to join our friendly, supportive group of folks eager to learn from, and laugh with, each other in a safe, nonjudgmental space. Not quite ready to share your work? Come anyway, we can't wait to get to know you! Sign Up Link Contact: Sharon Groten

• Memorial Service: Rev. Robert Latham // 3:30 pm // Celebrate Rev. Latham's life with family and friends. Watch Link

Sunday, August 4

• CUUPS: Earth Honoring Traditions 101 // 6 - 7:30 pm // Join us as we reflect on the Earth Honoring Traditions around the world. We will be learning about different traditions from Kemetism to Wiccan and more! Every meeting will be different and learning about our siblings in paganism. Bring a snack to share if you would like and an open mind. Sign Up Link

Tuesday, August 6

• Grief Support Group // 2 pm // M1/2 // If you are grieving a loss, please join our group led by Linda Whittenberg. Sign Up Link

Wednesday, August 7

• Faith Exploration Teacher Training // 6 - 8 pm // chapel // We will connect as a community of teachers as we learn about updates to our safety policies, brainstorm best approaches for teaching diverse learners and practice incorporating anti-oppression work into all that we do. ttendance at one of the two (alternate date August 11) trainings is required for all 2024-25 Faith Exploration teachers. Sign Up Link

Thursday, August 8

• Summer of Invitation YOUTH Field Trip: Elitch Gardens // 9 am - 5 pm // JUC Middle and High School Youth are invited for a day of fun at Elitch Gardens! We will meet at the JUC parking lot at 9 am, caravan to the park, and head back to JUC around 4:30 pm. Please plan on picking up your child at 5 pm at JUC. Sign Up Link

Saturday, August 10

• Memorial Service: Bailey Belfor // 1:30 pm // Celebrate Bailey's life with family and friends.

Sunday, August 11

• Faith Exploration Teacher Training // 11:30 am - 2 pm // R6/7 // We will connect as a community of teachers as we learn about updates to our safety policies, brainstorm best approaches for teaching diverse learners and practice incorporating anti-oppression work into all that we do. Attendance at one of the two (alternate date August 7) trainings is required for all 2024-25 Faith Exploration teachers. Sign Up Link

• New Here // 11:30 am // chapel // Discover the welcoming spirit of JUC! This class helps you understand the heart and soul of our community. You'll learn about the principles that guide us and how you can get involved. We provide food and childcare, so you can focus on getting to know us and what we're all about. Whether you're just curious about our church or looking to take the next step in your spiritual journey, New Here is the perfect place to start. Come as you are and experience the love and belonging at JUC. In order to become a member, we ask that you attend the New here class. Sign Up Link

• Memorial Service: Larry Gilmore // 2 pm // Celebrate Larry's life with family and friends. Watch Link

Monday, August 12

• Queer Connections Identity Group // 6 pm // Do you identify as LGBTQIA+? Come connect with the JUC Queer Adult community and bring snacks to share. This will be an informal social meetup to make connections as queer folks. We will talk briefly about how the community moves forward and what activities sound appealing to all.

Friday, August 16

• Green Task Force Grill Party // 7 pm // Voelker Home (1712 Rimrock St., Golden) // Food drinks, and Green conversation on the Voelker patio! Brats, sauerkraut, German style potato salad, vegetarian chili, beer and mineral water provided. Feel free to bring wine, beer or soft drinks to share. Sign Up Link

Saturday, August 17

• Auction Event: 26th Annual Great American Beerfest // 2 - 6 pm // Join us once again for a great not-to-be-missed party for beer aficionados (and those who are merely beer-curious!). Here's how it works: You bring three bottles (or the equivalent) of your favorite craft beer and everybody tastes all the beers! Art will provide several of his famous homebrews and we'll serve substantial munchies to go along with the beer. All funds collected go to support the good work of JUC. Sign Up Link

Sunday, August 25

• All-Church Field Day and Picnic // 11:30 am - 2:30 pm // Maple Grove Park // We'll provide the food, so come hungry and ready to play! Bring the whole family and enjoy a variety of activities designed for all ages. Make some unforgettable memories with your community, and take home some special keepsakes to treasure. Mark your calendars for a day of laughter, celebration, and community connection! Sign Up Link

Wednesday, August 28

• JUC Blood Drive // 2 - 7 pm // Mills building // Give blood right at JUC! For an appointment or more information, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code: JUC. Bring a photo ID or your blood donor card, or two other forms of ID. You can save up to 15 minutes when you donate blood by using RapidPass! Visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass for more information.

-- ONLINE MEETINGS USE PASSWORD JUC UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED --

Sunday, July 28

• Jefferson Humanists: Misinformation and Disinformation in the Information Age // 4 pm // JUC chapel // Presented by Krista Kafer, Sunday Denver Post columnist, adjunct professor of communication, journalism and political science, and a frequent radio and television commentator. Hosted by Jefferson Humanists, a chapter of the American Humanist Association. At 4 pm we have social time with light appetizers, soft drinks and wine (for a donation), followed by the program at 4:30 pm.