David Dean presents a sermon by
Rev. Gretchen Haley, Minister at Foothills Unitarian in Fort Collins, CO
“After the Fall”
Elizabeth DeCoux, Worship Leader
Garret Kaplan, Guest Musician, Piano
“We are right now in the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur… Between these two holy days lies the practice of Teshuva, which has as its root, the word “shuv,” or “turn.” The wisdom of Teshuva is, in our culture, often skipped over, as if forgiveness is something we offer when enough time has passed, or when we’re just ready to let it all go. But Teshuva insists there is intentional work we need to do before we reach atonement – or at-one-ment…”
About Our Sermon Presenter
David Dean, a BBUUC member and an integral part of our Worship Team, is an Emmy-nominated editor who works as Senior Editor/Post-Producer for the PBS series “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love.” David is also a presenter, writer, and storyteller who volunteers his time as the editor of our worship videos and contributes his other talents in the worship arts to our ministry.
About the Sermon Author
Rev. Gretchen Haley has served as one of Foothills’ ministers since 2012, overseeing worship, justice-team work, and congregational leadership. She currently serves as their Senior Minister. She is passionate about progressive faith, spiritual depth, innovative worship, and partnerships that inspire courageous love and transform communities. Raised in a liberal Catholic family, Rev. Gretchen discovered Unitarian Universalism while attending graduate school in Boulder and later pursued her call to ministry at Iliff School of Theology. Before becoming a minister, she earned theatre degrees and founded a large in-home personal care agency. Outside church, she enjoys time with her adult children and grandson, biking, poetry, art, live music, travel, and the beauty of the natural world.
About Our Guest Musician
Garret Kaplan is an accomplished pianist, composer, and record producer. He is a University of North Florida student studying music technology and has a Conducting Certificate. Garret is a student of Dr. Gary Smart and Dr. Erin Bennett. He is the winner of numerous awards. Most notably, the 2023 UNF Piano Playoff. In his spare time, he enjoys painting, photography, and cooking.