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Happenings
June, 2016 Issue
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New Weekly Email and Events Page
Stay Connected with Events at First Universalist
Whether you prefer to get notifications about events by subscribing to a calendar, reading a newsletter, or clicking through an enganging post online, we hope to make the information more accessible to existing friends and members and potential visitors.

Welcome to the Events page!
Please take some time to explore the new page on our website where we will highlight upcoming events: 
firstuniversalist.org/events

You can adjust your view to see a day, week, or month. You can select certain types of events using the "categories" and "tags." For example, you can filter events to view only concerts, or only events that offer childcare. You can even subscribe to notifications of recurring events.  

Have questions about viewing or posting events? Contact Jessica Montgomerie: 303-330-6167,  jessica@firstuniversalist.org

Where is the Full Church Calendar?
From the "Featured Events" page, you can always select our full church calendar by clicking the calendar icon on the top right or choosing "Facility Calendar" from the menu. When a space in our church is booked through Susan Schoenthal, the event shows up on this calendar.

Happenings  Now Published Monthly
This e-newsletter will continue to be used as a comprehensive listing of announcements and events related to our church. It will now be published monthly, coming out a few days before the month begins. 

New, shorter weekly email
Look out each Monday for a brief email titled "This Week at First Universalist" that will focus on the upcoming week's major events and Sunday services.

How will submissions work?
  • Please continue to send announcements and event information to happenings@firstuniversalist.org.
  • Event information will be added to the website on a weekly or bi-weekly basis as it is received.
  • Information received on or before the 22 day of each month will be published in the next issue of Happenings.
  • Staff will select announcements to highlight in the Sunday Order of service and the new weekly "This Week" email.
These changes have been carefully considered after input from people in several different roles at the church, including lay leaders, staff, and "at-large" congregants. We hope both readers and contributors will be pleased with the new opportunities for accessing information, and helpful feedback is always welcome.
BFF: Countdown to the Move
Spring Cleaning Transition "Sale"
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. June 11 & June 12, Colvin Commons
Transition "sale" is coming up! Come shop between 9 am and 3 pm both days (Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12). Don't miss m any "treasures"  and some surprising things we have found.  Lots of nuts & bolts, some pictures, bookcases, party stuff etc.  Nothing will be priced, but donations to BFF will be gladly accepted. Come see you might find just what you need!!!


Blessing of the Trees
Calling All Treehuggers! Sunday, June 5, 10:00 a.m.
Many of us at First Universalist consider ourselves environmentalists and believe that trees need to be protected for the benefit of ourselves and future generations. Unfortunately, we can't save all the trees we love and soon we will have to say goodbye to some of our favorites. While we are very excited about our new building plans, we will be losing a few trees around First Universalist as a result, including the large climbing tree just outside the front door of the church. 
 
A new group is being formed with the hope that we might be able to keep the spirit of this wonderful ash tree ALIVE by transforming it into a tangible piece of art or furniture to be used by the FFRE program. If you would like to participate in a blessing ceremony, please plan to attend the single church service at 10:00 AM on June 5th, led by De Anna Hoyle. If you would like to volunteer in other ways, please contact Vanessa Johnston:
VanessaLJohnston@gmail.com. If you'd like to take a picture of your family with the tree or otherwise tell it thank you for its many years of shade and beauty, please know that it will be coming down in September 2016.
Faith Formation and Religious Education


Sunday, June 5, 10:00 a.m.
Multi-generational Worship Service: A Good Farewell
After nearly two years of intentional interim work with the Faith Formation and Religious Education ministry here at First Universalist, De Anna will reflect on this time of growth. Through story, song and visual worship, we will connect the dots about building community and moving forward as a whole. The FFRE staff, Interim Team and FFRE Committee will help us to say a good farewell to De Anna and wish her all good things on her journey.  Join us for this family service for all ages. Preschool and nursery programming will be available. 

An honoring of the trees will follow the service, and f amilies and others are invited to share in a gathering to hear the latest updates about the FFRE ministry.

Summer FFRE Programming Begins June 12!
UU Global Traveler: Passports to Cultures Around the World.  All ages welcome to explore a new country each Sunday. Opportunities still remain to volunteer with all ages. 
Sign up 

June Sunday Schedule: 
June 5 - Family worship service with De Anna and FFRE Staff
June 12 - Cuba
June 19 - India
June 26 - Germany

Find FFRE Online 
To sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, learn more about our classes and upcoming events, or to register your child, visit the FFRE ministry webpage
Lea rn more about recurring and special events and access the full church calendar on our Events page.
Transform
Building a Beloved Community

Welcome Homelessness Task Force!
We are pleased to announce the Social Justice Council's approval of the new Homelessness Task Force, a group which is already active doing important work.  Please email Shelly Dill at  shellrafiki@hotmail.com  if you are interested in being a part of the task force and want to receive regular updates about upcoming meetings and activities. 

The Homelessness Task Force is currently accepting donations for the Denver Rescue Mission. They need 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 place in the bin marked in the front foyer. Please only deposit listed items. Food and clothing cannot be accepted.
 
Film and Discussion: Where to Invade Next
Thursday, June 2, 5:00 p.m., Colvin Commons
Gather with us to watch Michael Moore's latest movie, Where To Invade Next.  After the movie, stick around for a discussion where we'll explore questions and brainstorm ideas for taking action as a community. Coffee, tea and juice will be provided. If you'd like, bring snacks to share. Hope to see you there!

March with us in the Pride Parade!
Sunday, June 19, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Parade along Colfax from Cheesman to Civic Center Park
PrideFest events are coming up soon on June 18 &19. Please plan to attend the Pride Parade and bring your friends and family. We will gather with other UU churchs in Cheesman Park (exact location in the park to be announced) and march with our banners along Colfax to end at PrideFest in Civic Center Park. Those who aren't able to join the march are encouraged to gather along the route or in the park. 

PrideFest Preparations!
The Gay Rights Task Force needs  volunteers to help organize our church's participation with other UU congregations in the Pride Parade on June 19.  Contact Pris Ledbury, 303-306-1569  or James Wright, 215-645-2805.

Racial Justice: D enver District Attorney Elections
Our Racial Justice Task Force is focusing this month on the upcoming District Attorney elections, as our  D.A. has tremendous discretionary power over whether and how individuals will be charged with offenses. Their decisions have a long and significant impact on real people and whole communities. Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition has compiled a  voter guide  for your information. Ballots will go out on June 6, so get the information now!

Documenting Immigration Stories: Training
Saturday June 4
, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., First Unitarian Society of Denver, 1400 Lafayette
This training is for volunteers interested in helping document stories and cases of people who are immigrants. Proficiency in languages other than English is a plus but not required. Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition will be launching a series of clinics to capture immigrant's experiences on June 11. The clinics will also be a safe place to bring cases of police or immigration abuse. Ahead of these clinics, they ask that volunteers be trained. We are hosting a training at First Universalist for our members and other community members. Contact Dan Moen.

IFCS is Puttin' for a Purpose!
Saturday, June 24, 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
June promises to be an exciting month for Integrated Family Community Services (IFCS)! First Universalist's  Emily Kuo-Lillie, board member at IFCS, is looking for your support! The annual Puttin' For A Purpose Mini-Golf Food Drive and Friend-raiser will take place Saturday, June 24, 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Emily is putting together a team of five individuals to participate in the mini-golf tournament. Together, the team needs to raise $1000 ($200 each); if you'd like to play or simply donate to the cause, please let her know:  Emilypmkuo@gmail.com
214-534-4292.

Donations needed this month: As a part of this event, for the whole month of June we will be competing with other churches, service groups, and businesses to collect the most nonperishable food items for our Food Bank. These donations will be collected in the IFCS bin in the front entryway of the church. Last year we barely lost to Highlands Ranch Rotary... this year we will win! Thanks for your support!

Congolese Asylum Seeker Needs Support 
Evodie Sebehelie, a  member of our community who is seeking asylum, has been waiting for a work permit that still has not arrived. She is in need of ongoing donated grocery cards and/or someone willing to drive her to the African grocery store and purchase food. Evodie remains isolated, and suggestions for her ongoing integration to Denver would be welcome. If anyone has any contacts in the Congolese community, or even African community, with any young adults please contact Shelly Dill:  shellrafiki@hotmail.com
Renew
Special Events 

Documents and Donuts Event
Sponsored by the Next Chapter
Saturday, June 4, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 
3001 S. Garfield Street, Denver
Ilene Kasper and Ardis Westwood are offering this 
End-of-Life "Documents and Donuts" Event. We encourage all people, no matter what their age, to complete these important documents. We will review five documents consistent with current Colorado law. There will be time to ask questions and clarify your own specific hesitations. 
RSVP by June 1, and include your donut preferences. 
Contact Ilene:  ilenekk@msn.com303-887-6688 or Ardis:  ardisjean@comcast.net,  303-952-9700.

Sing for Your Supper (fundraiser dinner)
Saturday, July 16
There are some spaces available for our fundraiser dinner on July 16th!  All proceeds go to support the church. Harryl & Michael Hollingsworth and Melody & Ed Durso invite you to come sit by the pond, sip a cool glass of chardonnay, rest your "feets" awhile, and enjoy a sing-along and BBQ. The cost is a $75 per person donation to First Universalist Church. Contact Harryl Hollingsworth:  creativepercomcast.net or  303-722-6483
Connect
Recurring Events

June 3: "Anyone Can Learn to Draw" with James Syring

Senior Support Group
Fridays, June 3 and June 17, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Room 4 
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. Contact DeeAnna:  614-546-8814, daparrish34@gmail.com

Pathway to Membership and Connection
Sunday, June 5, 11:30-2:00 p.m., Colvin Commons
All are welcome to this class that explores the life of the church and the many ways to connect in our congregation. If you are interested in learning more about membership and belonging, join us for light refreshments and class. Childcare is available. RSVP to Rev. Jeannie Shero.

Young Adult Board Game Night
Friday, June 10, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Colvin Commons
Tuesday, June 28, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., TBD
Join other young adults (18 - 30 something or feel that way) for an evening of board games and fellowship. Bring your favorite games or enjoy ours. Guests are always welcome. To request childcare for June 10, please contact claire@firstuniversalist.org and we will do our best to provide it. Childcare available June 28 until 8:30 p.m.

Social Justice Book Club (4th Mondays)
Monday, June 27, 7:00 p.m., Room 3
All are welcome to join us on the fourth Monday of each month. This month, we will discuss Octavia's Brood  by  Walidah Imarisha , an  anthology of short stories that explore the connections between radical speculative fiction and movements for social change . C ontact Ian Jaffe:  ianjaffe@gmail.com
or 3
03-941-8891.
Community Forum


No forum June 5, June 19, or July 3

Mortality, Morality, and Honor: The End-of-Life Paradigm - with Dr. Charles Hamlin
Sunday, June 12, 12:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Dr. Hamlin currently serves on the National Board of Compassion and Choices, the largest advocacy group for choice at the end of life and aid in dying. His presentation will visit society's attitudes towards death and dying, and with philosophy, humor, a little data but no dogma, he will attempt to define how culture, law, religion and medicine interact to shape the landscape of the last chapter. 
Following his talk, there will be an interactive discussion. This is a particularly timely topic as the Colorado legislature considers  the End-Of-Life Options Act  this session.

Fall 2016 Ballot Initiatives on Oil and Gas Development, including F racking - with CREED
Sunday, June 26, 12:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Tricia Olson, Executive Director of Coloradans Resisting Extreme Energy Development (CREED), and activist Razz Gormley will talk about CREED's 2016 ballot initiatives to protect Coloradans from the negative impacts associated with hydraulic fracturing ("fracking").  The presentation will explore the impacts of fracking operations, why ballot measures are the tools of choice for relief in Colorado, and what is in the proposed ballot initiatives.
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 monthly e-newsletter of events and announcements. It is produced by the First Universalist Church of Denver and is emailed monthly. In addition, subscribers will receive a weekly update about Sunday services and major church news.Our list is secure; we do not share email addresses.
 
Submission Guidelines: Send announcements of  event title; date; time; locale; cost; and contact information to 
Happenings@firstuniversalist.org.  Event details will be published to our website and highlights will appear in the monthly e-newsletter, Happenings.