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Happenings
April 27, 2016
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May 1, 9:15 and 11 a.m.
Music Sunday: Mozart's Coronation Mass
John Hubert and the First Universalist Singers
This Sunday brings the First Universalist Singers together with a 17 piece chamber orchestra to present W.A. Mozart's exciting Mass in C Major K. 317. This piece was nicknamed the Coronation Mass due to its use at the coronation of Emperor Francis I of Austria a few months after the composer's death. The music is riveting and gorgeous and we hope to uplift your spirits with Mozart's brilliance.
Compassion in Action: Habitat Interfaith Alliance
The Board of Trustees will conduct a meeting on next year's budget in Colvin Commons immediately after the first service. All are invited to discuss and  to ask questions in advance of the Spring Congregational Meeting, May 15.

May 8, 9:15 and 11 a.m.
Loved Unconditionally
Rev. Jeannie Shero and Aaron Norris, Ministerial Intern
A hallmark of motherhood is the capacity to love unconditionally. Often that is true, but such love comes not only from mothers, it also flows from fathers, relatives, friends, partners, and back to parents from children. There is within us all the capacity to love unconditionally, and to fail to do so. To come to know what it is to love unconditionally, we so often need to first experience unconditional love extended to us. This is possible within a beloved community. Indeed, it is our calling as a congregation.
Simple Gifts Offering to support the operations of the church

May 15 9:15 am
The Size of Our Heart
Rev. Jeannie Shero
On this momentous day in which Rev. Jeannie Shero will be considered for a call to become our next Senior Minister, all are encouraged to attend the service and Congregational Meeting that will follow the service. The size of our hearts has the power to determine our path together. First Universalist is a congregation with a big heart. We are resilient, compassionate, and generous. We have traveled many miles together in good faith. Our future remains open as we decide how we will walk together and what vision will carry us into the years ahead.
Compassion in Action: The Delores Project
Special Congregational Meeting at 10:45 a.m.
Regular Spring Congregational Meeting to follow
Building for the Future (BFF)

Stop by "BFF Central" in Room 3 to see updated plans and a project timeline or visit the BFF website

May 26, 6:00 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Concert
The Song Side of John Bringenburg
Long time member John Bringenberg will gather some musical church friends to share familiar pop tunes plus several original songs. This onetime event will be fun and entertaining and will also present songwriting approach plus stories behind the music. Donations will be requested to fund new AV equipment for the new building.

Thursdays through Saturdays, May 19 to June 4, Three Leaches Theater (Spark Theater), 985 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
BFF Fundraiser: Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare
Thomas Gerlick, a member of First Universalist Church, and his production company,  5th Wall Productions,  will be selling tickets for the next two productions in their 2016 season for the regular price of $15. and for every ticket sold at the kiosk they will donate $10 of that ticket price to the building fund
Faith Formation and Religious Education


kids
Setting Sail for Adventure in FFRE!
Click here to register your children from infants through high school. Stop by the FFRE welcome desk on Sundays to learn more about summer programming, registration updates, and volunteering opportunities.

What was your favorite children's book? Share it this summer with our preschool class (ages 3-5).  Sunday mornings will be full of story time and engagement as we share stories from our childhoods. Bring your favorite or share one we pick. Either way we will build community with our young ones. A sign-up sheet is available at the FFRE desk in Friendship Hall, or c ontact   Erin@firstuniversalist.org for more information. Staff support is always available.

Thank you to all the UU Globe Trotters who signed up to lead this summer in our Global Traveler Program. We could use a few more Tour Assistants, so stop by the FFRE welcome desk or contact    DeAnna@firstuniversalist.org, if you're interested in helping one Sunday this summer.

Making Summer Plans?  UU Summer Camps Abound! 
Registration deadlines are approaching! Find dates and locations here.
Upcoming Congregational Meeting
Thursday, May 5, 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m.;
Monday, May 9, 1 p.m.; Wednesday, May 11, 7 p.m.
Senior Minister Interview Sessions, Colvin Commons
This series of four interview sessions with Rev. Shero are being held before our members will be asked to vote on whether to call Rev. Shero as our Senior Minister on May 15th

Sunday, May 15, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Sanctuary
Special Congregational Meeting and Spring Meeting
There will be two congregational meetings on May 15 . The first is a Special Congregational Meeting to consider the question of whether or not to call Rev. Jeannie Shero as the permanent senior minister of First Universalist, commencing at 10:45 a.m. The second will be the regular Spring Congregational Meeting, which will commence upon the conclusion of the special congregational meeting and will conclude by  12:15 p.m.

The agenda of the Special Congregational Meeting is as follows:
  1. Call to order
  2. Opening remarks by Board of Trustees Moderator Pete Gutierrez
  3. Entertainment of a motion regarding whether to call Rev. Shero
  4. Written (secret) balloting
  5. Adjourn
The Regular Spring Congregational Meeting will follow immediately after the Special Meeting. The agenda is as follows:
  1. Call to order
  2. Approve minutes of Winter Congregational Meeting
  3. Approve agenda for this meeting
  4. Present the budget
  5. Motion from board regarding use this year's endowment fund distribution
  6. Presentation of the elected committees slate
  7. Announce results of balloting from Special Meeting
  8. Adjourn
Learn more about the Senior Minister consideration process and the work of the Board of Trustees on our website.

Touchstone Tuesday, May 3
WhataWednesday
5:30 p.m., Dinner
This is our last Touchstone Tuesday dinner in our current Friendship Hall!  Come celebrate with a smorgasbord of food, drink and community. Barbara Snook and Carole Duncan will serve a variety of delicious items, which as always, will include vegetarian and gluten- free choices. Dinner is $7 per person, $3 per child under 10. Wine and beer available for a $3 donation. So that we can prepare enough food,  RSVP online by Sunday, May 1  or at the Welcome Desk.

6:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Last fall Global Dental Relief spoke as the Compassion in Action for the service.  Mary Dudinski and Carri Currier volunteered for one of their clinics in Nairobi, Kenya in February.  They will show a brief video and describe their experience. The video will also include their safari experiences in Masai Mara and Madagascar.

6:30-9:00 p.m., Colvin Commons
Young Adult Game Night
Join fellow young adults (20s and 30s) for community and competition. Bring a favorite game or join one of ours. This monthly gathering is expanding to two nights a month by popular demand. We hope to see you there!

 Gather With Us!
Friday, April 29, 6:30 p.m., Friendship Hall
Passover Seder
passoverplate Join us for our annual celebration of freedom through readings, songs, activities, good food and wine (4 cups, no less!)  We request a $5 donation per adult to cover the cost of a brisket entree, wine, and other ceremonial foods.  Children are free!  We also ask that you bring a side dish or dessert to share.  Please sign up in Friendship Hall or online. Questions?  Contact Carole Duncan or Howard Roitman:  dunroit@gmail.com or Kennen Cohen:   kennancohrn@gmail.com

Sunday, May 1, 1 p.m.,  Esters Neighborhood Pub ( map )
First Universalist Young Adult Lunch
Come join fellow young adults (20's and 30's) for brunch at Esters Denver!  Meet new friends and catch up with old friends.  Children and guests are welcome.  For more information or to sign up, contact Chris Reid:  reidcr@gmail.com

Friday, May 6 1 to 2:30 pm , Room 4
Senior Support Group
DeeAnna Parrish leads a Senior Support Group on the first and third Fridays of each month. The group is open to all seniors who care to come and share in a safe and welcoming setting. Questions? Contact DeeAnna at  614-546-8814  or  daparrish34@gmail.com.

Saturday, May 14 7:30 pm, Sanctuary
Issa Forrest and Sweet Bird perform the music of Joni Mitchell
Issa Forrest and Sweet Bird capture the magic and unique sound that so many have come to love through the decades. The band faithfully renders many of Joni's songs, while lovingly reimagining others.  Tickets  are $15 in advance online and $20 at the door.
Grow with Us!

Friday, April 29, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Friendship Hall
Friday Morning Discussion Group
Tom Barbour will lead a  Poetry Smackdown .
Join us any Friday for stimulating programs and discussions, coffee and sometimes cookies. Past and future programs can be found here. Contact ed@screiber.org  or 303-692-8535

guitar-slider.jpg Mondays through May 23 
Free Guitar Classes  ( 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for beginners; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.  for advanced players)
For more information, please contact Henry  at  720-290-5854 or email henrymusicman@yahoo.com .

Sunday, May 1, 12:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Community Forum
The Girl Behind the Door: A Father's Quest to Understand His Daughter's Suicide -- with John Brooks, author and father
This recent book is an award-winning story of a father's search for the truth about his teenage daughter's suicide. Our discussion will also touch on attachment disorders and adoption.

Friday, May 6, 1 to 2:30 pm, Room 4
Senior Support Group
DeeAnna Parrish leads a Senior Support Group on the first and third Fridays of each month. The group is open to all seniors who care to come and share in a safe and welcoming setting. Questions? Contact DeeAnna at 614-546-8814 or daparrish34@gmail.com .

Saturday May 7, 10 a.m. (meet at 9:15 to carpool)
GrowHaus Tour, 4751 York Street, Denver (map)
Join the Green First Task Force for a tour of the GrowHaus, one of our Compassion in Action community partners. The GrowHaus is  a nonprofit indoor farm reinventing Denver's food system. The tour will be from  10 a.m. to noon;  we will meet at the Church at 9:15 am for those who can carpool.  RSVP to Tom Abood:  tabood@comcast.net ,  
or 
303-868-6739  

Sunday, May 8
No Community Forum Today

Thursday, May 12, 1 to 3 p.m., Room 3
Women's Spirit Circle
Women are invited to enjoy creative play, thoughtful discussion, and to honor the cycles of life in a circle of community. On the theme  " Meditationand Visioning " we will use music, meditation and modeling clay to help envision the spiritual opportunities our church transitions might offer.   Materials free. Please RSVP by May 9 to crystalreser@me.com . Questions? Contact Melanie Budd at mlbudd@comcast.net  or 303-721-8471.  

Friday, May 13 1 to 2:30 p.m. , Room 4
Next Chapter
Joan McInnes will show pictures and share her experiences with Global Volunteers. This is a non-profit organization that has for three decades been engaging volunteers in short term, meaningful service projects in the U.S. and around the world. Successive teams help local people with whatever they need most, from teaching conversational English to children or adults, to nurturing children in an orphanage, to painting or constructing a building. Joan has volunteered in 11 countries. Might this be a type of volunteering that interests you? All are welcome. Contacts are Ilene Kasper at 303-887-6688 or ilenekk@msn.com or Ardis Westwood at 303-952-9700 or ardisjean@comcast.net.   
 
Friday, May 20 1 to 2:30 pm , Room 4
Senior Support Group
DeeAnna Parrish leads a Senior Support Group on the first and third Fridays of each month. The group is open to all seniors who care to come and share in a safe and welcoming setting. Questions? Contact DeeAnna at  614-546-8814 or daparrish34@gmail.com

Monday, May 23, 7 p.m., Room 3
Social Justice Book Club
At the next meeting we will be discussing Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson which is a powerful book about criminal justice.   Please contact Ian Jaffe at ianjaffe@gmail.com or at 303-941-8891 if you have any questions.
Compassion in Action Nominations
Nominate a Recipient This Week!
Due May 1, 2016
Sunday is the last day to nominate recipients for our summer and single service Compassion in Action (CinA) offerings. To qualify, the nominee must be a non-profit, engaged in justice work, and aligned with our mission and the principles of Unitarian Universalism. To nominate a non-profit organization, complete the form online or fill out a paper Nomination Form from the rack behind the Welcome Center. Nominations will be vetted by the CinA Working Group and selected by the Social Justice Council.
Serve with Us!


April 29 through July,
Habitat for Humanity Build Site, 4101 N. Fraser Way, Aurora (Sable Ridge #9) ( map)
Habitat Task Force
Volunteers will be needed for the 2016 build starting on April 29. Sign up  online   for an opportunity to help at the build site .   First Universalist build days are May 7 and July 16, but volunteers can sign up on any other day that is open. Get more information about Habitat Interfaith Alliance and find out many ways you can help at our kiosk in
Friendship Hall.

Denver Rescue Mission Homeless Social Justice Group
May 1, Change in Recipient Organization Designation
We rotate recipient organizations for the homeless four times a year.  We will be collecting donations for the next three months for the Denver Rescue Mission .  They serve men, women and children at their several shelters.  T heir donation needs are as follows:  blankets;  unused toiletries of any kind;  toilet paper; toilet tissue; paper towels; laundry detergent; dish and hand soap; sponges and scouring pads;  reading glasses; over the counter (unused) medicine; diapers (all sizes); baby wipes; and baby bottles.   
Please do not put any food or clothing in this bin.
Questions? Contact MarianDowns:  marianandpetedowns@gmail.com  
or Shelly  Dill:  shellrafiki@hotmail.com .

Sunday May 1, 12:15 p.m., Room 3
Homeless Social Group Seeking New Members
We currently are collecting donations for various recipient organizations but would like to undertake other possible activities to benefit homeless people and families. There has been some interest in expanding the existing group of volunteers so that more could be done. There will be a meeting after the second service for those persons who would be interested in serving.  Come and bring your ideas for increasing this worthwhile program.   For more information, please contact Shelly Dill at  shellrafiki@hotmail.com .

Wednesday, May 18, 7:00 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 5131 East Yale Circle, Denver, ( map)
Using Public Health Strategies to Reduce Gun Violence in Colorado
When we mobilized against the Ebola epidemic, only one person died.  Yet over 30,000 Americans die every year from firearms.  Come learn from experts in the health and medical fields about how we can decrease gun-related fatalities using a public health approach that succeeded in reducing smoking and automobile-related fatalities.

Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m.,
 Rm. 3.  (date change)
Gun Violence Prevention Task force
Rescheduled from April 21, we will meet next on May 19. We welcome new people interested in this issue.

Grocery Cards
Grocery gift cards for Safeway, King Soopers, Whole Foods and Sprouts are on sale every Sunday between services. Look for our kiosk in Friendship Hall. First Universalist receives 5% of all card sales (including when you reload additional funds onto the cards in-store at Safeway and King Soopers). Buy one for yourself, as a gift, or to donate to Integrated Family Community Services.
Save the Date

Friday, May 20, 7:30 p.m.,  First Unitarian Society of Denver, 1400 Lafayette (map)
Roy Zimmerman in Concert at First Unitarian
Roy puts on a very funny, liberal show across the country including many Unitarian venues. Check him out on YouTube and come to this show. It's sure to be a fun evening. Tickets are at the door only for $18 or pay what you can. Questions? Call Marty Dawley at 303-922 2127.

Sunset on the Emlen's Deck-- a fundraiser for First Universalist
Saturday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m.
There are some spaces available for the Sunset on the Deck party!
You will be treated to appetizers, wine, margaritas, dinner, dessert and music by a First Universalist band,  Freestyle. The cost is a  $70 per person donation to First Universalist Church.  Contact Mary Emlen:  maryemlen@gmail.com  or  303-721-8796 .


June 20 to 26, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico
Western Unitarian Universalist Life Festival (WUULF)
Registration Deadline Coming Up May 1st!
Join us at Ghost Ranch for fun, community, and beautiful scenery with a UU twist.  The theme for this year is "Fun, Facts and Faith" and Beth Chronister is joining us as minister this year.  WUULF has programs for the whole family. Scholarships are available. Click here for catalog and registration.  If you have questions, contact Clare at 303-866-2677 or  clare.pramuk @gmail.com..

June 22 to 26,  Columbus, Ohio   
UUA General Assembly
Register now for this year's Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly! Worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy.  Learn more  here . A pre-departure event will be arranged to meet fellow First Universalist attendees and review the agenda.  Contact Kyle Dalton if you plan to attend,  kyleadalton@yahoo.com   or 303-968-7931
Other

New Gathering Place Cards
Spring into Spring by purchasing our lovely new cards, hand-crafted by the women of the Gathering Place, a daytime shelter for homeless women and children. Profits go to the women artists and the Gathering Place near Colfax and High Street. Cards are $2 apiece at the Dorothy Cole Book Store.

Saturday, May 7, 5 to 9 p.m., First Unitarian Society of Denver, 1400 N. Lafayette St. (
map )
How Does Our Garden Grow? FUSD Annual Fundraising Auction
First Unitarian Society of Denver's annual auction promises to be an evening of fun and warm community. Tickets cost $20/advance or $25/door; children under 12 are free. The Silent Auction will close at 
7 p.m.; the live auction begins at 7:15 p.m.

Art in Friendship Hall
The current art display is the paintings of James Jackson Hoosack.    Mr. Hoosack's style is comprised of both abstract and stylized realism.    His medium is a combination of acrylic, oil, water color, and pastels.    Born in Denver, he was raised in Los Angeles and attended the Pacific Unitarian Church in Palos Verdes.  While in Los Angeles, Hoosack was drawn to political and graffiti art and studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.    He is currently active in the 12-step community and studies Buddhism.  To purchase a work, contact Carri Currier:  303- 908-4166  or  carricurrier@gmail.com .

Free Organ!
You want an organ for your home, don't you?    We have a Hammond 
R-182 organ that has made First Universalist its home for many years. It was a donation from longtime member Ludelle Read, who passed away in 2011. We are now looking for it to find its next loving home. It is free, or if you would like, you may make a donation to the church. If you are interested, please contact John at  john@firstuniversalist.org, or Sarah at  sarah@firstunviersalist.org
Scheduling Events at Church
To schedule an event at the church, please contact the church office at  susan@firstuniversalist.org or 303-759-2770 x23.   Please tell us if you need childcare for your event.

 

Happenings is a weekly e-newsletter of events and announcements. It is produced by the First Universalist Church of Denver and is emailed every Wednesday. Our list is secure; we do not share email addresses.
 
Submission Guidelines Send one paragraph (approximately 50 words) that includes: event title; date; time; locale; cost; and contact information to  Happenings@firstuniversalist.org.  We will only run the exact same notice for three consecutive weeks.   Deadline: 2 pm Tuesday.  Earlier submissions appreciated!