April 23 - April 29, 2025

WEEKLY

CONNECTION

Awed by Each Other

Rev. Jen Simon

Join our pastoral care leadership team and Rev. Jen as they share what happens when we open ourselves to the awe of trusting our selves to one another.

Youth Faith Exploration Sunday Classes

Featured events you won't want to miss!

Filling Our Cup | April 1 - 30

The Board of Trustees has launched a pledge increase campaign for the month of April. All pledgers are asked to increase if possible - even if it's not your month. The goal is to get 200 increases during this month to help fill a budget deficit. We are currently at 111 increases/new pledges. New pledges count too! If you don't have a pledge yet, this is a great time to set one up.

Recap: What is Driving The Power of Our Name?

Thank you to all who have come to support The Power of Our Name events over the last 4 months. If you haven't had the opportunity to participate in this process, please consider watching the recordings of the Town Hall, or the BIPOC UU Panel. In this month of openness to awe, the Board of Trustees wants to share our own in response to the vulnerability, intention, and care that our members and guests have shown in this process. We are inspired by your commitment to holding space for all sides of the conversation. Sign up for a community conversation (below) to share your voice with us.

The Power of Our Name - Community Conversations

Next meeting: Thursday, April 24 | 6 - 8 pm | JUC

Talk through questions or concerns before we vote in May. Groups will be facilitated by a member of the Board of Trustees, and a member of the Shared Mission Team. This space is for ALL voices. View all meeting dates, times, and locations here.

Auction Event: Moana Sing-along

Friday, April 25 | 6 pm | $10

Have some food and fun, watch and and sing along to one of our favorite movies - MOANA. Young and young-at-heart - join Emily Bonadore and Laura Lizut to sing our hearts out!

Auction Event: Springtime Staff Burrito Brunch

Saturday, May 3 | 10 am | $12

Join the JUC staff for a delightful Springtime Burrito Brunch on the JUC patio. We'll serve mouthwatering Santiago's breakfast burritos, fruit, coffee, and juice. All ages welcome for casual fun and fellowship.

Spring Congregational Meeting

Sunday, May 18 | 12:30 pm

Vote on candidates for leadership positions, the 2025-2026 budget proposal, and

The Power of Our Name. The meeting will be streamed live and there will be online voting options open past the meeting date. Look for more information about agenda items soon. Childcare will be provided.

Deepen in relationship with families of all kinds.

Lottery for Family Camping Trip to Pickle Gulch

July 25-27 | Lottery closes TODAY

Families of all compositions, ages, and abilities will enjoy a weekend of camping, exploring, fellowship, food, and fun!

High School Treat Retreat

April 26 - 27 | Foothills Unitarian Church

JUC High Schoolers are invited to attend a regional overnight retreat at Foothills Unitarian Church. Planned by Sarah and FE staff from local churches and youth (Including our own Dylan Cross). Contact: Sarah Billerbeck

LAST First Friday Open Mic until the Fall!

Friday, May 2 | 6 - 9 pm

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

Multi-generational Self Care Saturday for Women

Saturday, May 3 | 3 - 6 pm | $20 Suggested Donation

JUC’s Self Care Saturday is a volunteer-led, mini-retreat. We will have mini-sessions hosted by fellow congregants. There will be time to gather in community for spiritual practice, participate in activities that are social, crafty, reflective, and fun. Then we will share a meal together. Child care will be provided. If you would like to lead a session, please email Laura Lizut.

Save the Date! 

Sunday, June 1 | 10 am

Please come to church for this Multi-Generational service where we celebrate our teachers, our COA Youth, our bridging seniors and all of our kids! 

Serve respectfully in our community and beyond.

Justice Conversations on the Patio

Sundays | Between Services (10 - 11 am)

What are your biggest concerns? What would you like to see happen in Jefferson County? Join fellow JUCers on Sundays for conversations about issues and hopes you have for our county and our state. JUC CAN is gathering ideas to help inform efforts for the coming year. Acting locally is one way to take positive steps in today’s world. Look for our Yellow Justice Conversation signs and join us on the patio!

Vigil for Jeanette Vizguerra 

EVERY MONDAY | 6pm | GEO ICE Center, 3130 N Oakland St, Aurora 80011

Gather to protest the detention without warrant of community organizer Jeanette, and others.

UUSC Support for the Vulnerable

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

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

The Trump Regime's War on Climate and Clean Energy Solutions

Thursday, April 24 | 7 pm

Join the Green Task Force for a talk on the disastrous potential impacts of Project 2025, testimonies from folks inside targeted institutions, and ideas for mobilizing. Reception to follow.

Mobilizing Matters: Social Justice Jam

Wednesday, April 30 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Join Sarah, Laura, and Baker as we sing some of our favorite social justice and protest songs. Bring your own instrument and join the jam. Charts provided.

Pronoun Workshop

Thursday, May 1 | 6 - 8 pm

This workshop will allow parents, caregivers, and friends to dive into the hows and whys of pronouns in order to learn about how to support and affirm trans and non-binary folks. Come with an open mind and heart, and be prepared to practice!

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. 

JUC is on YouTube!

New episodes of JUC's Faithful Resistance Video Podcast released Thursdays.

Answer the question of what it means to be UU.

Communication Tools and Practice Group

2nd & 4th Sundays | 12:30 - 2 pm | Next meeting: April 27

This group offers a confidential and supportive space to explore practical tools for speaking with clarity, courage, and care. You’ll learn skills to align your words with your deepest values. Contact: Holly Storm

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 part of our history: the Universalists! Learn how UU theology was shaped by the Universalist message and what it means today. Contact: Jen Simon

New Here

Sunday, May 4 | 12:30 - 2 pm

Are you curious about Unitarian Universalism? Are you interested in becoming a church member? We'll talk about our history, covenants, principles, and what it means to be a member. We'll also cover 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 this class. Coffee and light snacks provided.

Spiritual Practice Series: Lectio Divina

Thursday, May 15 | 6:30 - 8 pm

JUCers are invited to learn, or engage deeper with, the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina. Led by Senior Minister, Rev. Wendy, Lectio Divina is a great tool for deepening through reflecting on a particular text (of your choosing).

Gather with with JUCers who share an identity expression.

Queer Connections Community Potluck

Sunday, April 27 | 12:30 - 2:30 pm

This is an informal community fellowship gathering, open to the JUC community, and intended to foster multigenerational and multicultural connections. Bring a favorite beverage, dish, and (optionally) board game, craft or other activity to share. To help the planning team, please fill out the "Sign Up" form if you plan to attend.

Golden Circle Luncheon

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

Let’s gather for a meal, games, and good company! If you're 70+,come welcome the change of seasons together. A $5 donation per person is requested at the event. Please sign up in advance so we can plan for food.

Women's Group

1st Mondays | 6 pm | Next meeting: May 5

Come together with people of all ages who identify as women to foster community, support one another, and embrace Unitarian Universalist values. All are welcome to socialize, share experiences, and pursue personal growth while celebrating our diverse identities and perspectives. Bring a snack to share. Contact: Sarah Brown

Queer Connections Group

2nd Mondays | 7 pm | Next meeting: May 12

This is a compassionate safe space dedicated to adults (18+) of the LGBTQIA+ community. 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. Snacks are optional but welcome. Contact: Avery Konnecke

JUC Mom's Group

3rd Mondays | 6:30 pm | Next meeting: May 19

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.

Yoga As You Are

2nd, 4th, & 5th Thursdays | 2 - 3 pm | Next meeting: April 24

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 towel. Contact: Martha Eastman

Mindfulness Meditation

Sundays | 5 - 6:15 pm | online | Next meeting: April 27

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

Beltane Celebration with CUUPS

Saturday, May 3 | 12 - 2 pm

Celebrate the joy of summer’s arrival with our daytime Beltane ritual! All ages are welcome as we honor the turning of the Wheel with light ritual, music, and community. Bring your energy, your loved ones, and a summer treat to share!

Golden Satsang

1st Sundays | 1 - 3 pm | Next meeting: May 4

The Golden Satsang is a vibrant, nurturing and sustainable forum for meditators to support each others’ spiritual practice. Contact: Margie Robinson

Tai Chi Contemplatives

Monday, May 12 | 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Tai Chi is an internal martial art, our movements are slow, graceful and very easy to follow and learn. We practice Tai Chi Chih, which can help with balance, concentration, strength, breathing, attention and coordination. We always welcome newcomers. Contact: Jan Jahner

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

Great Books Discussion

2nd & 4th Mondays | 7:30 - 9 pm | Next meeting: April 28 | "Chelkash" by Maxim Gorky

Read from the great books of our civilization and discuss them with others. Share your insights and questions to reach a fuller understanding of these works. Contact: Carol and Clint Flynn

Creative Writers Circle

1st Saturdays | 10 am - 12 pm | Next meeting: May 3

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! Contact: Sharon Groten

Science & Spirit

1st Sundays | 12:30 - 2 pm | Next meeting: May 4

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

Drumming Circle

3rd Thursdays | 2:30 - 4 pm | Next meeting: May 15

An afternoon of ecstatic drumming and dancing. No experience required, no age or physical limits. Bring a drum, or we have drums and instruments to share. Dancers are always welcome! Contact: Bill Barr

Important announcements for members.

Feeling Sick? Please Stay Home!

If you or your kids are feeling under the weather, please join us virtually for Sunday service and refrain from attending any in-person events at JUC. We look forward to seeing you again once you're healthy! Thank you for cherishing our disabled and immunocompromised siblings.

Join the JUC NAMIWalks Team!

Saturday, May 10 | 2 pm | Robert Clement Park, 7306 W Bowles Ave

Walk to raise awareness and help overcome the stigma of mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness in Colorado provides education, support, and advocacy for persons with mental illness and their families. Funds raised pay for free programs throughout Colorado. With recent challenges to non-profits, we need you! Join our team or donate to show support for better mental health services.

Delegates Needed for General Assembly

June 18 - 22 | Baltimore, MD

Jefferson Unitarian Church is a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association and eligible to assign up to 13 delegates to the annual national assembly, June 18-22, 2025 in Baltimore. Any JUC member in good standing is eligible to serve as a delegate either in person or remotely.

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.

An Immigrant Family’s Struggles for Justice Across Generations

Sunday, April 27 | 12:30 - 2 pm | 4101 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80222

Human Rights Consultant Krysta Heard initiates our 2025 Ally education events and shares interconnected experiences as a first-generation immigrant & DACA recipient living in a mixed-status family. Her activism & advocacy began to change laws that required her to separate from her son & husband as part of the process to receive legal residency. A 2024 Biden Order would have resolved her case, but a Trump appointed judge ruled it illegal.

How Unilateralism is Eroding America's Global Power

Sunday, April 27 | 4 pm | JUC

This program is sponsored by Jefferson Humanists and presented by Jack Donnelly, a professor in the Korbel School of International Studies. Donnelly has worked principally in international human rights, and authored books such as Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice and Systems, Relations, and the Structures of International Societies. Bring your questions and join us at JUC for socializing and savoring our community table of food & drink.

Western Unitarian Universalist Life Festival (WUULF)

June 16 - 22 | Ghost Ranch, New Mexico | Registration Deadline: May 5 WUULF is an annual week-long, multi-generational camp for Unitarian Universalists at the Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, New Mexico. We are a loving community from a diverse set of age groups, backgrounds, and cultures who gather in New Mexico each year to express our appreciation for each other and our world.