March 19 - March 25, 2025

WEEKLY

CONNECTION

Fear Not!

Michael DeSantis

Brené Brown reminds us that wholehearted living requires us to embrace “the gifts of imperfection.” For many of us, that’s some scary stuff! What does our faith teach us about letting go of our fears that we aren’t good enough?

This Week's Offering:

Youth Faith Exploration Sunday Classes

Featured events you won't want to miss!

IGNITE DEADLINE!

Monday, March 24 | 11 am

The deadline for article submissions to the March issue of IGNITE is Monday, March 24 at 11 am. Submissions are subject to review/editing. You may submit your article by replying to this email, or emailing Ray Grosser.

Clean out your Closet for a Cause (Clothes to Kids)

Through Sunday, April 13

Let's fill the Clothes to Kids bin with new and gently-used clothing. Drop your items in the bin at JUC any time between now and Sunday, April 13. Items should be clean and ready to hang in the Clothes to Kids shop. Volunteers are needed to transport clothing to the shop in Denver. Contact: Sarah Billerbeck

The Power of Our Name: A REAL Town Hall

Sunday, March 23 | Chapel | 12:30 pm

For anyone who feels they still have questions they have not had answered, join members of our Board and our Ministerial Team for a town hall. They will sit on a panel to respond to your concerns and curiosities. Childcare will be provided. This will be livestreamed and recorded for those who cannot attend in-person. Thank you for your continued engagement in this important work! Submit your questions before Friday, March 21.

Deepen in relationship with families of all kinds.

Jeffco Communities that Care needs youth for the 2025 Youth Town Hall!

Thursday, April 3 | 5 - 7 pm | Wheat Ridge Recreation Center

The Youth Town Hall provides opportunities for youth to share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas about issues impacting your community! You must be 11-22 years old to participate. The Youth Town Hall will provide snacks and a $25 gift card for your participation! Register by April 1st to attend, and register by March 28th for language interpretation services. Find more information here, or contact Sarah Billerbeck. 

First Friday Open Mic

1st Fridays | 6 - 9 pm | Next meeting: April 4

Share your talent! Kid performances welcome! Please sign up to attend the community pizza dinner ($5/person; $20/family suggested donation) so we know how much food to provide. During the show, wine, beer and soda are available for a modest donation, and there’s always chocolate!

We Are Parents + kids!

2nd Thursdays | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Next meeting: April 10

Take the night off from cooking! Bring the whole family, eat together then enjoy some parent-only time getting reconnected with church friends and getting to know new ones! Please sign up so we know how much food to prepare. $5/person; $20/family suggested donation.

Register for QUUest Camp!

July 6 - 12 | Casper, Wyoming

Join other JUC youth this summer at QUUest Camp held in Casper, WY. QUUest camp provides a spiritual adventure where youth live our UU faith through workshops, daily worship, personal reflection, and community-building activities like crafts, hikes, swimming, and bonfires. These immersive experiences foster faith development, deepen connections, and integrate social justice into what it means to be UU. Scholarships are available.

Serve respectfully in our community and beyond.

Abundant Harvest Table

Sundays | 10 am and 12 pm

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 to staff the table.

Mobilizing Mondays: Desserts for Arvada Rising

Monday, March 24 | 6 pm

Mondays are for mobilizing! Next Monday, let's come together and make desserts to be served at the Arvada Rising Day Shelter.

UUSC Support for the Vulnerable

Every other Wednesday | 6 - 7:30 pm | Next meeting: March 26

Would you like to be involved with JUC’s Immigrant support work? Please sign up so we know how many to expect. Contact: Gretchen May and June LeCrone

Green Task Force Speaker Series | Nuclear for Colorado: Hype or Hope?

Thursday, March 27 | 7 pm

The push for nuclear power with House Bill 25-1040 would allow it to siphon off funding intended for renewables. At the same time, small nuclear reactors have received much media attention but little scrutiny. However, nuclear carries a number of serious drawbacks that can’t be wished away. Hear about the technical side from Chuck Kutscher, (NREL, CU Boulder) and from Ean Tafoya, State Director for GreenLatinos. Please plan to stay for a reception with food, drinks, and conversations afterwards. Contact: Martin Voelker

Mobilizing Mondays: Protest Safety Training

Monday, March 31 | 6 pm

Learn tips and strategies for safely attending protests with JUC’s own Piper Perry.

Justice Matters: How Waste & Fraud in US Healthcare Affects Us All

Thursday, April 3 | 7 - 8:30 pm

Having amassed a huge war chest, the private health industry profiteers are bribing politicians to thwart meaningful reforms and a switch to single payer health care. But we still have ways to fight back. Vince Markovchick, MD, is a retired physician and professor. Among other honors, he is past President of the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He is now working pro bono for the ‘Health Care for All Colorado Foundation’ and ‘Physicians for a National Health Program’. Join Dr. Markovchick at JUC for this important conversation. Contact: Martin Voelker

Don't miss the opportunity to join the 2025 Guatemala trip! 

Tuesday, July 8 - Thursday, July 17, 2025

Our trips to Rabinal provide a unique opportunity to engage with the scholarship students and their Mayan community. This year's trip will be led by Lisa Bickford and hosted by ADIVIMA and the Mayan students who are recipients of our scholarship. This will be a mixed age trip with a variety of activities. We are opening the trip up now to other UU churches. If you are interested, please contact Gretchen May with questions, to receive a trip brochure, or for an application.

JUC is on YouTube!

New episodes of JUC's Faithful Resistance Video Podcast released every Thursday at 10 am

Check out JUC's Youtube Channel for episodes of the Faithful Resistance video podcast, recent sermons, and more!

Answer the question of what it means to be UU.

Communication Tools and Practice Group

2nd & 4th Sundays | 12:30 - 2 pm | Next meeting: March 23

Ever share something that matters deeply to you, only to feel it get lost in translation—met with silence or an unexpected reaction? Ever bite your tongue on something that matters, just to keep the peace? This group offers a confidential and supportive space to explore practical tools for speaking with clarity, courage, and care. Whether you’re navigating differences or advocating for justice, you’ll learn skills to align your words with your deepest values. Adults and youth ages 13+ (with guardian) welcome! Contact: Holly Storm

New Here

1st Sundays | 12:30 - 2:30 pm | Next meeting: April 6

Are you curious about Unitarian Universalism? Are you interested in becoming a member of JUC? In our New Here class, we will talk about our history, our covenants, our principles, and what it means to be a member. We will also cover what you need to know about our church programs, from worship to social justice, faith exploration, and caring for our people. In order to become a member, we ask that you attend at least one New Here class. Coffee and light finger foods will be provided, as well as childcare for your little ones.

Buy Your Book for Rev. Wendy's Upcoming Class: Crisis of Life

Tuesdays beginning April 8 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm

How does our faith and faithfulness sustain us in the hard moments and chapters of our life? Join Rev. Wendy for a 6 session class in shared exploration of this question. Class is based on the book Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything by UU Minister, Rev. Jen Crow, after her house burned down. You can read the book ahead of time or as we go.

Spiritual Practice Series: Wisdom Healing Qigong

Thursday, April 17 | 6:30 - 8 pm

JUCers are invited to learn about and engage in a spiritual practice that might be new to them or to which they want to commit at a deeper level. This class will focus on the spiritual practice called Wisdom Healing Qigong (WHQ) and will be led by JUC member and WHQ teacher Paige LeBlanc. WHQ is an embodiment practice using movement, sound, and meditation to deepen our inner Knowing and Alignment within our bodies, minds, and the world. It is a wonderful foundation for increasing awareness of stuck places and rebirthing new flow. Contact: Sarah Billerbeck

Imagining Abundance: a UU theology of giving

Saturday, April 19 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Over the course of our lives, we receive messages about money and resources from many sources, including our families of origin, our communities, our financial professionals, and our society at large. What shapes your giving and your theology of resources? How can your budget be an expression of your deepest UU values? Sign up by Monday, April 14. Contact: Jen Simon

Universalist History and Theology

Mondays beginning April 28 | 7 - 9 pm

We've explored the history and theology of the Unitarians. Now, let's explore that other important, but perhaps lesser-known, part of our history: the Universalists! Come learn how our UU theology was shaped by the Universalist message and what it means for us today. Contact: Jen Simon

Gather with with JUCers who share an identity expression.

Queer Connections Community Potluck

Sunday, March 30 | 12:30 - 3:30 pm

Join us for a JUC community potluck gathering after church. This event is open to the JUC community, and hosted by the Queer Connections Group. This is an informal community fellowship gathering intended to foster multigenerational and multicultural connections. Bring a favorite beverage or dish to share. As you are called, we also invite you to bring a favorite board game, craft or other activity. Please help the planning team by letting us know that you will be attending, and what you will be bringing by clicking the "Sign Up" button and adding your information. Contact: Stacie Amaya

Golden Circle: Muffins with the Ministry Team

1st Thursdays, every other month | 10 am | Next meeting: April 3

JUC members 70 or better are invited by the ministry team for connection and conversation. We’ll spend time getting to know each other, discussing the monthly theme, and breaking into small groups for deeper conversations. Bring muffins to share!

Women's Group

1st Mondays | 6 pm | Next meeting: April 7

Be a part of the Women's Group at JUC, where people of all ages who identify as women can come together to foster community, support one another, and embrace the values of Unitarian Universalism. This inclusive space welcomes individuals to socialize, share experiences, and pursue personal growth while celebrating our diverse identities and perspectives. Bring a snack to share as we nourish both our bodies and our spirits. Contact: Sarah Brown

Queer Connections Group

2nd Mondays | 7 pm | Next meeting: April 14

Queer Connections is a compassionate safe space dedicated to adults of the LGBTQIA+ community. We welcome all ages 18+. It's a time to socialize, give input on future events, share stories, support each other's voices, approach spirituality from a queer lens, discuss current social and political issues affecting our community, and collaborate on ways to lift up queer folks, young and old, in and outside of our congregation. Snacks are always welcome as well as optional. Contact: Avery Konnecke

WOMBATS Men's Group

Thursdays every 6 weeks | 5:30 pm | Harmony Village Center (Golden)

The WOMBATS are here to create a community of people who identify as men to connect authentically. Meetings consist of time to connect socially, share a meal, and a formal program based on listening and reflection. Contact: Zack Schreiner

JUC Mom's Group

3rd Mondays | 6:30 pm | Next meeting: April 21

Join other JUC moms for an opportunity to deepen and connect. There will be a mix of faith-exploration activities and socialization time.  

Explore spiritual practice with a lay leader guide.

A Very Heathen Ostara

Saturday, March 22 | 4 - 6 pm

Celebrate the Ostara season with CUUPs! Join us for seasonal reflections, socializing, and springtime vibes—no need to be a practicing Pagan, all are welcome! Bring a snack to share and come enjoy the turning of the wheel with us. Contact: Emily Bonadore

Mindfulness Meditation

Sundays | 5 - 6:15 pm | online | Next meeting: March 23

Meditate together and discuss a mindfulness-related theme. Meeting Link Contact: Tina Voelker

Yoga As You Are

2nd, 4th, & 5th Thursdays | 2 - 3 pm | Next meeting: March 27

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

Golden Satsang

1st Sundays | 1 - 3 pm | Next meeting: April 6

The Golden Satsang is a vibrant, nurturing and sustainable forum for meditators to support each others’ spiritual practice. Current Book Study: Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Contact: Margie

CUUPs April Full Moon

Saturday, April 12 | 6 - 7:30 pm

Celebrate the full moon with CUUPS! Enjoy an evening of reflection, connection, and community under the moon’s glow. No need to be a practicing Pagan—everyone is welcome! Bring a snack to share and soak in the moonlit magic. Contact: Emily Bonadore

Connect, grow and have fun with others over a shared interest.

Drumming Circle

3rd Thursdays | 2:30 - 4 pm | Next meeting: March 20

Join fellow JUCers for an afternoon of ecstatic drumming, and possibly dancing. No drumming experience required, no age or physical limits. Bring a hand drum if you have one, but we also have extra drums and other instruments to share. Dancers are always welcome! Contact: Bill Barr

Great Books Discussion

2nd & 4th Mondays | 7:30 - 9 pm | Next meeting: March 24

Great Books is based on the idea that by reading from the great books of our civilization and discussing them with other people– sharing your insights and questions you can reach a fuller understanding of these works than you could on your own. This week: poetry by Yevgeny Yevtushenko and Joseph Brodsky. Contact: Carol and Clint Flynn

Union of Unitarian Universalist Gamers

Saturdays | 5 - 9 pm | Next meeting: March 29

This group uses the medium of tabletop roleplaying games (Dungeons and Dragons) to foster a space where people can build community, exercise creativity, and celebrate their unique voice. No prior roleplaying game experience is necessary and feel free to drop in and out as you see fit. Contact: Zack Schreiner

Creative Writers Circle

1st Saturdays | 10 am - 12 pm | Next meeting: April 5

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! Contact: Sharon Groten

Science & Spirit

1st Sundays | 12:30 - 2 pm | Next meeting: April 6

Encourage your curiosity with presentations and lively discussion on a wide variety of scientific topics. No specific scientific or technical background is required. Contact: Tripp Bishop

Important announcements for members.

Memorial Service for John Bunting

Friday, March 28 | 10:30 am

Celebrate John's life with family and friends.

Endowment and Memorial Gift Trust (EMGT) Call for Grant Applications

Each year the EMGT Directors approve selected grant requests from congregants and staff that support JUC’s mission statement and goals. All applications must be submitted with the support of a JUC standing committee and must be received by Tuesday, April 15.

Funding for EMGT projects was originated with donations from JUC members. Annually the EMGT Directors establish available dollar amounts for funding based on the interest earned on the principal of the fund. To learn more, visit the EMGT webpage. For questions email emgt@jeffersonunitarian.org

If you need to speak with a minister, email cares@jeffersonunitarian.org or call 720-CHURCH9 (720-248-7249). To learn more about pastoral care at JUC, please visit our webpage.

Our Culture is Our Resistance: Repression, Refuge and Healing in Guatemala

Sunday, March 23 | 4 pm

This talk is presented by Jonathan Moller: author, documentary photographer, and human rights activist. His presentation will feature human rights issues in Guatemala & activism addressing these issues. Moller's books on Guatemala, Peru, Cuba & Black Lives Matter will be available for purchase & author signing. All proceeds will benefit peace & justice nonprofits in Guatemala. For more information about Moller, visit his website. Join us at Jefferson Unitarian Church for socializing & to enjoy our community table of food & drink. This program is sponsored by Jefferson Humanists, a chapter of the American Humanist Association.

Mile High Community Band Spring Concert

Thursday, April 3 | 6:30 pm

Don't miss the first Mile High Community Band concert of 2025! The concert will be held at JUC, and is free and open to the public.

Volunteers needed for upcoming Heart of Hope Gala

Saturday, October 18 | Social Capital (Arvada)

Hands of The Carpenter, a Denver-based nonprofit, is seeking enthusiastic volunteers for their upcoming Heart of Hope Gala. They need help with auction item procurement, securing sponsors, and selling tables and tickets. As a token of appreciation, volunteers will receive a free ticket to attend the gala on October 18th at Social Capital in Arvada! Hands of The Carpenter is dedicated to helping single moms secure reliable transportation, enabling them to get to work and care for their families. Contact: Nicole Potter