April 9 - April 15, 2025

WEEKLY

CONNECTION

Something Real, Together

Michael DeSantis

Our culture tends to portray spiritual experiences as solitary endeavors. But there is also an energy that moves between us and among us whenever we gather. What if that energy is the Spirit of Life at work in our lives?

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. The goal is to get 200 increases during this month to help fill a budget deficit. Stop at the table on Sundays this month to talk with a Board member about the campaign. New pledges count too! If you don't have a pledge yet, this is a great time to set one up.

The Power of Our Name - BIPOC Panel

Sunday, April 13 | 12:30 - 2 pm

The JUC board and a panel of our BIPOC UU siblings will discuss their experiences as UUs of color in our denomination and reactions to our 'Power of Our Name' name change initiative.

The Power of Our Name - Community Conversations

Next meeting: Sunday, April 13 | 6 - 8 pm | Online

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.

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

Through Sunday, April 13

Drop your clean, ready to hang items in the bin at JUC by this Sunday, April 13. Volunteers are needed to transport clothing to the shop in Denver. Contact: Sarah Billerbeck

Auction Event: Moana Sing-along

Friday, April 25 | 6 pm | $10

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

Deepen in relationship with families of all kinds.

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! $5/person; $20/family suggested donation.

Nature’s Keepers

Sunday, April 13 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Join us on the JUC patio to find new ways to create with nature. We'll learn to source from Nature to create food/tea and an assortment of crafts. Bring a picnic lunch and water bottle. Participants must be registered through our FE program.

Easter Egg Hunt Helpers Needed!

Sunday, April 20 | 9 am and 11 am Services

We invite our Middle School and High School Youth to help hide Easter Eggs for our annual Easter Egg hunts after each service. Please sign up if you would like to help!

Lottery for Family Camping Trip to Pickle Gulch

July 25-27 | Lottery closes Wednesday, April 23

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

First Friday Open Mic

1st Fridays | 6 - 9 pm | Next meeting: May 2

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!

Serve respectfully in our community and beyond.

UUSC Support for the Vulnerable

Every other Wednesday | 6 - 7:30 pm | Next meeting: April 9

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

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. 

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.

Mobilizing Matters: Social Justice Jam

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

Join Sarah and Baker as we sing some of our favorite social justice and protest songs. Let’s raise a joyful (and powerful) noise together! Folks are welcome to bring their own instruments to jam with.

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!

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 13

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

New Here Online

Thursday, April 17 | 6 - 7:30 pm

Curious about becoming a member at JUC or just want to learn more about who we are? We’re piloting an online version of our New Here class. It’s a welcoming space to explore our UU values and ask questions. Sign up to receive the Zoom link!

Spiritual Practice Series: Wisdom Healing Qigong

Thursday, April 17 | 6:30 - 8 pm

Paige LeBlanc will lead this class on Wisdom Healing Qigong (WHQ), an embodiment practice using movement, sound, and meditation to deepen our inner Knowing and Alignment. It's 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 society at large. What shapes your theology of resources? Can your budget be an expression of your deepest UU values? 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 part of our history: the Universalists! Learn how UU theology was shaped by the Universalist message and what it means today. Contact: Jen Simon

Gather with with JUCers who share an identity expression.

WOMBATS Men's Group

Thursdays every 6 weeks | 5:30 pm | Next meeting: April 10

Harmony Village Center (Golden)

A community of people who identify as men connecting authentically. Meetings consist of social time, a meal, and a program based on listening and reflection. Contact: Zack Schreiner

Queer Connections Group

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

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: 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.  

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

Explore spiritual practice with a lay leader guide.

Yoga As You Are

2nd, 4th, & 5th Thursdays | 2 - 3 pm | Next meeting: April 10

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

CUUPs April Full Moon

Saturday, April 12 | 6 - 7:30 pm

Celebrate the full moon! 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

Mindfulness Meditation

Sundays | 5 - 6:15 pm | online | Next meeting: April 13

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

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

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

Union of Unitarian Universalist Gamers

Saturdays | 5 - 9 pm | Next meeting: April 12

This group uses tabletop roleplaying games to help people build community, exercise creativity, and celebrate their unique voices. No prior experience is necessary. Contact: Zack Schreiner

Great Books Discussion

2nd & 4th Mondays | 7:30 - 9 pm | Next meeting: April 14 | Hadji Murad by Leo Tolstoy

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

Drumming Circle

3rd Thursdays | 2:30 - 4 pm | Next meeting: April 17

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

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

Important announcements for members.

Memorial Service for Bob Drew

Saturday, April 12 | 1 pm

Celebrate Bob's life with family and friends. Read Bob's obituary.

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

The EMGT Directors will approve selected grant requests that support JUC’s mission and goals. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 15 with the support of a JUC standing committee.

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.

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.