First Universalist Church of Denver   

Each week participants will consider a different critical or current issue. The group will analyze at least three perspectives or viewpoints for addressing this issue. We will use the Deliberative Democracy framework to thoughtfully review each of these ideas. Topics will be selected by the group in a survey in the first session. Class members are encouraged to bring open minds and analytical thinking to our discussion-oriented class.

This is a discussion of the current week's events in the first hour. Dick will do the first week overview. Then the facilitators would like two people in class to volunteer each week to do an overview of the week before. The second hour will be a discussion of a specific topic.

This is a discussion of the current week's events in the first hour. Dick will do the first week overview. Then the facilitators would like two people in class to volunteer each week to do an overview of the week before. The second hour will be a discussion of a specific topic.

The Documentary Film class will cover a wide variety of films. Each will be shown in class and be followed by a discussion of the film. Class members are expected to stay for the discussion. The Facilitator likes to remain flexible as to what movies to show due to availability, the arrival of new films, or events that would make a film topical. If a film is repeated from an earlier class, it will not have been shown in class for 6 or more years.

Since films are of varying length, class may end at 2:45 or extend past 3 pm. The class will be informed in advance when a longer film will require class to go past 3 pm.

The Ed Sullivan show reflected - arguably defined - American entertainment culture for 23 years spanning TV's infancy to its adulthood. Families gathered around the TV set on Sunday nights year after year. Over time, recording artists developed the widespread belief that appearing on the show was essential to success. Performers covered the waterfront: rock-and-roll singers and groups, opera divas, crooners, torch singers, acrobats, animal acts, comedians, ventriloquists, and scenes from Broadway plays and musicals as well as movies. There were live interviews of news-makers (Fidel Castro!), hour-long biographies along the lines of "This Is Your Life," and international road shows. The course will trace Sullivan's pre-TV career and his heavy-handed oversight of production. It will feature abundant video clips (Elvis, Beatles, etc.) and segments of two excellent documentaries.

Recommended: A Thousand Sundays: The Story of the Ed Sullivan Show by Jerry Bowles

Experience the joy and energy of singing with others as you engage your body, brain, and breath in learning both new and familiar songs! Making music together creates an instant sense of community, connection, and camaraderie. In this spirited class, you’ll explore simple, empowering tools that strengthen your voice, sharpen your listening, and support healthy breathing. Together, we’ll build a vibrant shared knowledge of diverse musical styles and cultures—one song at a time. Only sing when you’re alone? Come feel the excitement of voices joining yours and the confidence that blossoms when we sing together! Think you can’t sing? If you can talk, you can sing—truly! This class is upbeat, welcoming, and full of fun. There is no music reading; we’ll learn by listening, repeating, and jumping right in. Bring your curiosity, your enthusiasm, and your voice, and discover how joyful group singing can be!

Required: 20 minutes minimum of standing/movement several times in the 2 hours.

Required: personal water bottles

Think Again by Adam Grant explores the ways we think and how we can challenge ourselves to reconsider our own perspectives. In this class we will read the book Think Again by Adam Grant and discuss each section in depth in order for us to understand how we can challenge our own thinking and improve it by learning (or refining) how to "think like a scientist." This class is highly interactive - we will break into smaller groups each week in order for people to connect with the material and each other.

Laurel Canyon is a narrow strip running from Sunset Strip through Hollywood Hills. From this unusual location, and in a very short period of time, a great 'west-coast music' would be born. Performers like The Beach Boys, The Byrds, The Mamas and Papas, The Monkeys, The Doors, Buffalo Springfield, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, and many more, would get their start right here in the 'Canyon of Dreams.' Come prepared to enjoy the music and experience the history unfold once again.

"Join us in exploring one of the world's major religions. This course is designed for those who want to better understand Islam's rich history, diverse traditions, and its role in today's world. We will journey from 7th century Arabia to the present, discovering the life of Muhammad, the birth of a revolutionary faith, and how Islam has evolved. We'll examine such questions as: What made Muhammad's message so transformative? How did Islam spread so rapidly? What role have women played in Islamic history? What caused the Sunni-Shia division? How do Muslims today navigate tradition and modernity. Through guided discussions and thoughtful conversation, participants will gain a nuanced understanding of history, theology, and current issues. This course provides a space for questions, reflection, and the sharing of perspectives."

Required Reading: No God but God The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam by Reza Aslan. The Updated Version in Paperback $17.00

Add your voice to the Colorado sesquicentennial! This class invites you to workshop your short memoir, for possible inclusion in the illustrated, coffee table anthology Unplugged Colorado Voices, sequel to volume #1, which has won 10 book awards. Participants will share, beta read, and workshop everyone's prepared draft of a 700-1000 word personal experience of the Rocky Mountain West — an issue, adventure, revelation, oddity, escapade, skill, or ordeal — each a valuable story that otherwise would never be heard. I present the background of the Unplugged Voices Project in a safe space to hone storytelling and wordsmithing skills, and equally help others. Additionally, this class offers tips for good blogging and shows the way to work toward a collection your own experiential memoirs. You bring the stories; I do the rest. I need your help to make book #2 as fabulous as the first! Come prepared with a few sentences or rough draft of a real-life personal story.