AR FEB 2026 v14

ANNUAL REPORT | FEBRUARY 2026

In Remembrance

David Edwards 8/11/1950–12/4/2024 Elena Burton 8/13/1939–1/13/2025 Pat Ostwald 8/13/1926–1/14/2025 Charlotte Corbridge 7/18/1938–3/27/2025 J.C. Lodge 7/14/1952–5/11/2025 Claire Hartwig Coppola 11/1/1951–6/27/2025 Shelley Sampson 12/17/1952–7/22/2025 Fay Yates 5/16/1934–7/30/2025 Sally McElroy 2/10/1948–9/16/2025 Gail Sue McDougle 5/11/1945–10/11/2025 Jeff Bogart 5/17/1942–11/19/2025 John Richardson 9/5/1921 – 1/18/2026 Stephanie Corotis 1/24/1949–2/6/2026 Eternal God, support us all the day long until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, in your Mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

Moderator’s Annual Report S A R A H S C H U LT E

This past year has led many of us to question the strength of our democratic institutions. We wonder if our universities, the press, the courts, our legislatures, and our electoral process will survive the next few years. At a community level, our church is working to protect these institutions through education, communitybuilding, and direct action. At the church level, our lay leaders and ministers are also making efforts to revitalize the democratic governing of our own congregation.

As we learned from our MacKenzie Lecturer, Dr. Erica Chenoweth, an important act of resistance is to practice democracy in our local institutions.

First Congregational Church of Boulder is the heir of a 400-year tradition of congregational governance. Like all democracies, however, our church democracy needs time and attention to ensure that it meets the needs of its members.

This year, our moderators and ministers began a project called the Strategic Governance Review.

We are asking our church council and boards to answer three questions: • • •

Are we achieving our mission as set forth in the church Constitution?

Are we accomplishing the goals in our church Strategic Plan?

Do we need to make changes to allow us to achieve our mission and our goals?

These are important questions for our church democracy. The Constitution and the Strategic Plan are the congregation’s direction to our church governing bodies, detailing what roles they should play and what outcomes they should achieve. We hope that this project will allow our lay leaders to develop new ways of working and organizing that allow them to focus on long-term goals, bring more creativity to their work, and allow more congregation members to participate in their teams. We plan to complete this project this year.

On a different note, I want to thank you for electing me as your Moderator this year. Working closely with the lay leaders, congregation members, and ministers has been rewarding and fun. I wish all the best for our new moderator, Matt Hess, and all the church’s efforts in the coming year.

Senior Minister R E V . C H R I S T I N A B R A U D A WA Y - B A U M A N

This year has stretched us and revealed in new ways what the Spirit is making of us. As the ground shifted for our country, for our neighbors, and for many of us personally, we leaned more fully into what it means, in the words of our stewardship theme, to Practice Hope on Purpose.

Learning for the Sake of Our Future We began the year listening – to 2025 MacKenzie Lecturer Dr. Nancy Ammerman, who brought wisdom about congregational life in changing times. We continued the conversation with Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, holding national findings from EPIC, a nationwide study Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations, alongside our own story. A Capital Campaign Feasibility Committee began the slow, faithful work of discerning how to steward what we’ve been given and sustain what we’ve been called to. We joined The Christian Century’s Narrative Project, gathering in reading and study circles to learn how to speak our faith more boldly as a countercultural witness in the world. And as the year turned, Dr. Erica Chenoweth arrived as our 2026 MacKenzie Lecturer, their work on civil resistance inspiring both our congregation and the wider community and continuing to move among us still.

Pilgrimage, Justice, and Public Witness We walked our third Racial Justice Pilgrimage to Selma and Montgomery. We followed Joanna Macy’s Active Hope spiral through workshops and retreats. House Meetings last summer held space for prayerful discernment in a fragile political moment. Faith and Immigration forums deepened our commitment to stand beside our immigrant neighbors. From Exodus in the fall to Practicing Hope on Purpose after Advent, our preaching, Bible study, service, and stewardship traced God’s call to compassion and God’s insistence on justice.

Worship, Art, and Defiant Joy On Maundy Thursday, Trinity Lutheran’s choir joined our Chancel Choir in singing Mozart’s Requiem, a gift of beauty offered in the shadow of the cross. We were honored to host Rev. Martie McMane’s luminous art exhibit, All the Way to Heaven Is Heaven. In December, a $25,000 Vital Worship/Vital Preaching grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship invited us to claim worship itself as a wellspring of courage and healing. And with the McMane Arts Ministry’s generous support, Laura Riihimaki and others launched the Morrison Formation “Dancing Dinos for Democracy” to carry faithful creativity into our protest movements.

Partnership, Creation Care, and Community We deepened our partnership with the Center for African and African American Studies, welcoming Dr. Reiland Rabaka and standing alongside Kwanzaa and Black History Month celebrations.

Through our investment in a solar field with Pivot Energy, we subscribe to solar power sufficient to entirely cover our electricity usage, an act of creation justice.

When Kajsa Teitelbaum’s family faced medical need, our music ministry became what ministry at its best always is: showing up with love. Jessica Kressin, Andrew Todd, Evanne Brown, and Martha McWilliams stepped forward to offer their talents to help us carry on.

On February 1, you marked my tenth anniversary as your senior minister. I am grateful beyond what words can hold. Your faithfulness, your commitment to justice, your every expression of joy, these are among the many gifts I have been blessed to witness all these years. Rooted in Christ, may we go on practicing hope on purpose, together.

With gratitude for you and our life together,

Rev. Christina Braudaway-Bauman Senior Minister

Associate Minister R E V . L I N D A K O WA T C H

Dear First Congregational Members and Friends, I can’t believe that I completed my fourth year as Associate Minister at First Cong UCC Boulder. I am honored to serve you and serve alongside you as we journey in life and faith. It is impossible for my faith to become stagnant because of the walk of this congregation. Thank you!

Social Justice Ministries The social justice ministries found new ways to engage and provide belonging for our congregation, but the work didn’t stop inside the walls of the church. I don’t think any of us anticipated what we saw in 2025 with the current administration in the US working to divide us as a people, to dismantle and negate the work of scientists here in Boulder and around the county, to withdraw support from families that struggle to have enough food and shelter, to strip the Dept. of Education of resources utilized to meet the needs of underserved students and students with disabilities, to dehumanize our immigrant siblings through inhumane enforcement of homeland security through ICE, and the list goes on. I am so proud that more of our congregation is engaging in benevolence work, but also in advocacy work. There were first-time protestors from our congregation at various events throughout the year. More people are going beyond mass protesting to doing justice.

The Racial Justice Ministry sponsored the third pilgrimage to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and to be reminded how slavery and racism have been whitewashed in the history of the US. Matt Hess and I served as organizers and guides.

Racism still is prevalent in this world and we must always be ready to stand up for equality for all of God’s beloved children.

Congregational Care and Community Life There have been so many sacred times throughout this past year as I have been privileged to be present with members or family members of the congregation in difficult times. To be able to sit with someone as they share their struggles, questions about life, relationships, doubts, and faith are truly sacred. These times have deepened my love for this congregation and motivate me to continue to share the journey whenever and however God calls. I have grown close to those on the Visitation Team as together we care for members of our congregation and then grieve together their passing. The congregation always finds new ways to care for one another through meals, cards, fellowship, prayer, prayer shawls, and more. They will know we are Christians by our love. May we continue to love.

Worship and Preaching Preaching is a responsibility and privilege that I don’t take lightly. While I prepare diligently for each service in which I lead or participate, I am comforted by the fact that in spite of my words, the Holy Spirit is active and moving among us. I have been delighted that the testimonies offered by congregation members on special Sundays such as PRIDE, Mental Health, Climate Justice, Access Sunday and Gratitude Sunday have been empowering and encouraging to the speaker and the congregation. When we testify, we are stronger together to do God’s work Future In 2026 as we continue to journey in faith together through these very uncertain times, I pray that God will continue to speak to us and use us to make the table more open, more welcoming, and more loving. May we always support just laws and work to dismantle unjust laws. May we always make First Cong a city on the hill, so that all who come near will experience the presence of God. Blessings always,

Rev. Linda Kowatch, Associate Minister

Director of Music KAJSA TEITELBAUM

2025 was a year full of musical activities and some changes in music staff at First Cong. In the fall, our beloved Anne Martinez stepped back from her role as Children’s Music Director, and we have hired returning FCC member Julieta Garcia to take over for Anne. Our interim, until Julieta arrives in June of 2026, is Zachariah Smith.

Anne’s work with “Joyful Littles”, our weekly music classes for babies and toddlers, continues to grow. Our string ensemble has established itself more, and play on a regular basis.

Our regular music ensembles, the Congregational Bells, the Chancel Choir, Faith Singers, and Joyful Noise, have continued to meet on a weekly basis, offering music for our services.

During Lent we offered weekly concerts on Thursday evenings, with solo musicians and ensembles offering music appropriate for the season. Then, on Maundy Thursday, a collaborative project between our FCC Chancel choir, the Trinity Lutheran choir, and members from Cantabile joined forces with orchestra and soloists for a memorable performance of the Mozart Requiem.

The summer kicked off with an energetic ARTS Camp for about 25 kids who worked really hard to put together a production called “Storms”, which was performed in the sanctuary at the end of the camp week. During the summer we had a great variety of music volunteers from the congregation offering music for our services.

Halloween was celebrated with an organ concert, with poetry and images projected on the walls.

Lianna organized pizza, games, and activities before the concert.

The Sawyer Organ Concert hosted organist Simon Jacobs from Colorado Springs, who presented an engaging and entertaining evening in November.

Our brass quintet offered music for Easter Sunday, the 4th of July weekend, and Christmas Eve. Music Sunday presented Gaudete, a collection of Christmas carols from a 17th century Swedish school song book, for choir and woodwinds.

At the end of 2025, Music Director Kajsa Teitelbaum went on medical care leave to care for her daughter Signe and husband Ben as they underwent surgeries.

Respectfully submitted,

Kajsa Teitelbaum

Minister of Faith Formation R E V. L I A N N A C A M P O S

As I reflect on 2025, I am moved by the energy, hope, and readiness of the congregation. When it comes to supporting and loving our youngest disciples, FirstCong is answering the call. Through your words, actions, prayers, and gifts, you make it so the children and youth are a full part of the congregation.

One of our goals this year was to work within families’ schedules. In the fall, we experimented with a new Sunday morning rhythm. Youth group was moved to lunchtime after church, so the youth would have choir rehearsal during their Sunday School time. Children would then have choir rehearsal after church, which meant that families with both age groups would have programming at the same time. On the first Sundays, our childrens and youth choirs put forth a musical offering and everyone stays in worship. On the second Sundays, we do a joint service project during Sunday School.

During 2025, our projects ranged from picking up trash in downtown Boulder, doing a spiritual gifts inventory, to preparing snack bags for Casa de Paz. On the remaining Sundays, we have regular Sunday School. The elementary class often focuses on Bible stories, utilizing SparkHouse Kids curriculum and the Children of God Storybook Bible. The youth class, when not in choir rehearsal, is guided by youth-chosen topics.

Outside of Sunday mornings, our children and youth have had a full year. In May, we blessed our seniors with blankets to surround them with love as they transition out of high school. In June, our children and youth had ARTS Camp in Allenspark.

Thank you to our counselors Maggie W., Andie W., Nora H., and Courtney D., our directors Kajsa and Anne, and the McCutchens and the Arts Ministry for all that you do. Our youth also went to Ft. Worth, TX for a mission trip. Thank you to Matt Hess for chaperoning and to the congregation for your support.

We’re looking forward to a great year in 2026 with robust faith formation opportunities for folks of all ages. It is a blessing to walk alongside each other on this journey.

In peace,

Rev. Lianna Campos

Missions and Justice in Action Board

Our Mission and Purpose The mission of the Mission and Justice in Action board is to serve the congregation by identifying causes and community partners aligned with our covenants and social justice ministries and actively supporting those in need through the sharing of God’s gifts of money, time, and talents.

Grant Making Highlights In 2025, MJA distributed approximately $64,000 from the Endowment to support our community partners and ministries. Using a simplified and equitable grant process, the Board awarded $3,000 grants to 15 trusted local partner organizations, strengthening long-standing relationships and ensuring consistent impact.

Additional allocations supported Social Justice Ministries, including Climate Action, Gun Violence Prevention, LGBTQ+ & Allies, Racial Justice, Faith and Democracy, Mental Health/A2A, and Pastor’s Purse, as well as targeted support for the Kenya Education Fund, Family Learning Center, Soup Kitchen, and special seasonal offerings. A reserve was maintained to respond to emerging needs.

Engaging Volunteers and the Congregation Volunteer engagement is central to MJA’s work.

Our successful Mission Fair connected the congregation with partner organizations. Moments for Mission and newsletter articles highlight upcoming projects, events and fundraisers.

The congregation participated in events such as Crop Walk, Highway 36 Clean-up, Backpack Drives, Intercambio tutoring programs, Meals on Wheels fundraising, Alternative Christmas Gifts, and the Gentle Nutcracker.

We are growing youth and intergenerational involvement in mission activities, including the Youth taking over Crop walk in the future.

Strengthening Partnerships and Board Practices In 2025, MJA further clarified roles between the Board and Social Justice Ministries, with SJMs serving as primary liaisons to relevant partner organizations. The Board also began a structured review of its constitutional responsibilities and strategic alignment, strategic imagining, strengthening governance, and long-term sustainability.

Looking Ahead As we move into 2026, MJA will continue to deepen partnerships, elevate stories of impact, expand volunteer pathways, and respond faithfully to emerging justice needs in our community.

Respectfully submitted, Allison Tatterson, Chair Missions and Justice in Action Board

Board of Faith Formation

We have a six-member Board that is currently seeking three new members since we have one member, Louisa Matthias, who stayed on an extra year when we were only able to recruit one new member last year. Susan Wilkinson and Bob Brown are also finishing their terms. Holly Hultgren and Steve Voida have one year left, and Heidi Lindeman has a two-year term.

Our Youth went on a Mission Trip to Fort Worth, Texas in June. Members of our board as well as other members of our church offered Pick-a-Party events and an online auction as a fundraiser for the youth.

ARTS Camp was held at Highlands this year.

Twenty four children participated and then the children presented their performance of “Storms” at church on the Sunday following camp.

This year we worked on cleaning and organizing the former Art room so that it could be used as a space for ongoing programs. Our next project will be the former Drama room, which is now used as a storage room.

During the Christmas Season, we once again were participants in the Lights of December Parade with our float, banner, and kids handing out candy, glowsticks, and information about our church. Rainbow light-up angel wings were a great addition to the parade participation. We had several children participate in the Christmas pageant at the 4:00 p.m. service. The use of glowsticks in the service was a safer option than the candles in past years. This service was very well attended.

Submitted by Susan Wilkinson Co-chair of Board of Faith Formation

Board of Spiritual Life

The Board of Spiritual Life continues to assist the ministers in the spiritual life of the church by preparing and serving communion, recruiting and supervising ushers, and any other supports needed for services of worship and music ministries.

• • • • • • •

• • •

Tasks and responsibilities for communion and ushering continue to be updated.

Each member was responsible for communion preparation and for ushering one time during each six-month period of their year of service.

Throughout the year lovely flowers were donated or were shared from members’ gardens.

A coffee for ushers was held in March.

SharePoint was adopted in April and continues to be reviewed and updated.

Member in Discernment Kent Fraser was received in May. Proposal for the Vital Worship Grant (administered by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship) was created during the spring and summer and was awarded to FCC in October.

Hanging of the Greens was prepared, enjoyed by all, and stored for next year.

Vital Worship Grant will be reviewed regularly by those who helped create the grant throughout the 2026 implementation period.

McMane Arts Ministry continues its relationship with BSL. Their monthly reports are sent by BSL to Church Council.

Under the guidance of the staff, the following were offered: •

Lent, 2025 devotional booklet: “Everything In Between” • Weekly Wednesday Lenten concerts • Advent 2025 devotional booklet: “What Do You Fear?”

• Gaudate carols on Music Sunday.

With thanks for all who made this report possible, Dan and Deborah Raessler, co-chairs Worship is at the heart of all we do, Worship gathers us, renews us, and sends us out.

McMane Arts Ministry

Colorado Pastel Society members graced us with a “Variety Show” full of colorful paintings in pastels and watercolors, charcoal, oils, and other mixed media from Dec. 2024-Feb. 2025 with a reception on Dec. 6th.

In February a Photography Show by Open Studios was hung, with a reception on March 7. In May, Open Studios replaced photography with their “Group Show” which took us through the summer.

In Sept. we hung our founder Martie McMane’s show, “All the Way to Heaven is Heaven”. This popular exhibit ended in February 2026. We honored Martie with an FCC reception in Sept. and Martie gave FCC an Artist Talk following a Sunday service in mid-October. We held a “NOBO First Friday” reception in October. Martie conducted a collage workshop titled “Soul Collage” to a sold-out audience of enthusiastic participants.

We held a four-part series of artist talks, “Art and Theology” by Waverly Matthews of Pine Street Church for Advent, complete with brunch on four Sundays following church services.

Submitted by Melody Fuller

Board of Community Life

The Board of Community Life welcomed new members Joanne Corson, Amy Voida, and Carol Green in March 2025. Pastor Linda Kowatch compassionately guided us in making needed improvements both in the way we are organized and in how we provide care for the congregation.

We adopted SharePoint, with Phil BraudawayBauman’s leadership. We asked for and got a locked cabinet in Plymouth Hall so that we can better keep track of supplies, and two more locks will be installed there in 2026. We adopted a key management system that enables all Board members easy access to locked cabintes, the kitchen, and storage rooms. We adapted to a broken dishwasher early in the year by using paper products until a replacement was installed in late May. Most importantly, Pastor Linda facilitated a special meeting in January 2026 to go through the Strategic Planning process to help us meet our mission without experiencing burnout.

Wendy Hall created helpful documents for streamlining procedures for Coffee Hour, and monitored SignUp Genius for volunteers and baked goods. Laura Koepnick provided thorough minutes, using a template developed by Pastor Linda. Meal Train, organized by Julie Graf-Frye, was active, and was especially helpful for Kajsa Teitelbaum’s family early 2026. Joanne O’Keefe continued to organize handwritten care cards monthly.

Memorials Receptions were held for the families of Elena Burton (March); Pat Oswald (February); Charlotte Corbridge (April); Clare Coppola and David Edwards (July); Fay Yates, J. C. Lodge, and Shelley Sampson (August); and Gail McDougle (November).

Grace Gifts Donna Klopf and Jim Knopf planned sweets and treats for around 60 congregational members for July (brownies/summer-time theme), November (pumpkin bread/thankfulness-theme), and February (cupcakes/Valentine’s theme.)

Events Besides the traditional Spring Picnic, headed up by Phil; Fall Picnic, organized by Laura; and Jingle Mingle, headed up by Marj Fowler and Kim Anderson, BCL members helped with the Martie McMane reception; four Sunday Art Forums; Brunch Church (160 people); and the reception for MacKenzie speaker Dr. Erica Chenoweth (300 people). It was a busy and fulfilling year, and we look forward to growing our Board to meet the congregational needs of the future.

Submitted by Jane Thomas, Chair

Board of Management

The Board of Management (BOM) oversaw maintenance at the church, oversaw church expenditures, approved endowment distributions and worked with tenants on leases.

Key Points Accomplished We replaced kitchen equipment with a new garbage disposal and an energy efficient dishwaser with the help of Boulder’s PACE program, which covered 80% of the cost.

The June clean-up included planting 60 plants along the sidewalk where a fence blew down, trimming hedges and trees, spreading mulch, and installing cement tiles in the children’s playground to allow for a covered sandbox.

BOM approved a budget to design and construct way-finding signs to be placed around the church, which should start in 2026.

The Link roof and the Faith Center roof were resurfaced.

The HVAC system continued to have ongoing maintenance issues throughout the year.

The Capital Needs Fund, managed by the BOM, was used to balance the 2025 budget. This year $17,390 of the Capital Needs Fund was used for operating expenditures and $69,000 was returned to Capital Needs.

A number of Endowment bequests were approved.

BOM approved a 5% increase for the nonprofit tenant rent. Baby Bathwater, who rented the Carriage House, the only for-profit lessee, terminated their lease as of September 30, which is reducing rental income $60,000 on an annual basis. BOM has worked with Gibbons White, our rental agent, since March 2025 to find a new renter, but the Boulder commercial rental market is very soft, and no renter has come forward.

Alternative uses for the Carriage House have been explored.

Beginning in 2023, with research and help from the Climate Action Team, the church joined Pivot Energy solar farm, which went active in October resulting in anticipated savings of 10% on the Xcel bill.

BOM participated in updates and approvals of the Endowment Allocation Process and the Financial Policy.

BOM approved forming a committee, the Capital Campaign Feasibility Committee, to explore the interest and process of the church having a capital campaign.

Respectfully Submitted by Jeanne Lounsbury and Bob Matthias (BOM Co-Chairs)

Finance Committee

The church completed the 2025 Fiscal year with an Operating Net Income of $0. As is our practice, we had set aside monies from the Capital Needs Fund allocation in case of an operating loss, and we used $17,427 from that source to render the Net Income exactly $0.

In our monthly meetings, the Finance Committee has reviewed the church’s financial statements, corrected any errors, and alerted the relevant chairs when an account is over budget.

The Finance Committee has also completed several projects in 2025: 1. 1. An additional Payroll Time Tracking service has been purchased and implemented, from the same company that processes payroll for us. This enables self-reporting by our employees of hours worked, vacation time, etc., alleviating the need for staff to collect those numbers each month.

2. We updated our securities donation process, making explicit the timeline and various tasks required, and the needed communication between our investment firm and FCC, each time a gift of securities is received. This improved the documentation of these donations and the thanking of our donors.

3. We implemented a system for using SharePoint as the repository for all our monthly financial reports. All members of the Finance Committee can now access reports at any time.

A. Two groups - the Board of Missions and Justice in Action and the Music Ministry - have been given access to, and training on, the SharePoint financial documents relevant to them.

B. More groups - including the Arts Ministry, the Internal Grants (part of Missions), and the Facilities Committee - will be given access and4 training in 2026.

4. We are staying on top of checks that have been paid and sent out but not cashed/deposited.

(This prevents fees and outsized work by the accountant to void/reissue checks, especially when they occurred in prior months.)

Included with this report are the 2025 Operating Revenue and Expense statement and the 12/31/2025 Balance Sheet..

Respectfully Submitted by Wendy Orlando, Treasurer

First Congregational Church

5:25 PM 02/12/26 Accrual Basis

000 Operating - Revenue & Expenses Budget vs. Actual Detail December 2025 (100%) Jan - Dec 25 Ordinary Income/Expense Income 40000 · Donations / Pledges 40010 · Current Pledges 40023 · Prepaid Pledges

Budget

% of Budget

809,008 68,418

810,282 68,418

Total 40000 · Donations / Pledges

877,425

878,700

40100 · Donations - Other 40005 · Pledge Shrinkage Allowance 40015 · Contributions 40020 · One-Time Gifts 40021 · Prior Year Surplus 40025 · Late Pledges

0 49,804 35,130 25,924 32,682

(40,514) 20,000 50,000 25,960 32,146

Total 40100 · Donations - Other

143,540

87,592

41000 · Building Use 41100 · Short Term Rent 41300 · Parking Fees 41400 · Building Rent - Long Term 41401 · Baby Bathwater - Property Tax

15,735 7,740 61,934 8,361

17,495 7,740 80,015 8,300

Total 41000 · Building Use

93,769

113,550

42000 · Other Income 42100 · Miscellaneous Income

87

500

Total 42000 · Other Income

87

500

17%

1,114,822

1,080,342

103%

Expense 70000 · PASTORAL MINISTRY 70125 · Min. Profess. Expenses 70155 · Assoc. Profess. Expenses

5,997 2,492

6,000 3,000

Total 70000 · PASTORAL MINISTRY

8,489

9,000

71000 · MINISTRY OF MUSIC 71120 · Dir of Music Prof. Expenses 71135 · Instrument Maintenance 71140 · Instrumentalists 71145 · Music Supplies/Expenses 71150 · Substitute Organist / Choir Dir

2,442 3,315 1,500 4,422 250

2,600 4,000 1,500 4,000 1,200

Total 71000 · MINISTRY OF MUSIC

11,929

13,300

72000 · CHRISTIAN EDUCATION STAFF 72120 · C. E. Director Prof. Expenses

456

1,500

Total 72000 · CHRISTIAN EDUCATION STAFF

456

1,500

73000 · C. E. PROGRAMS 73115 · CE Supplies 73118 · CE Events 73125 · Curriculum

2,392 2,955 337

5,000 5,000 3,000

Total 73000 · C. E. PROGRAMS

5,685

13,000

Total Income

100% 100% 100% 0% 249% 70% 100% 102% 164% 90% 100% 77% 101% 83% 17%

100% 83% 94% 94% 83% 100% 111% 21% 90% 30% 30% 48% 59% 11% 44%

Page 1

5:25 PM 02/12/26 Accrual Basis

First Congregational Church

000 Operating - Revenue & Expenses Budget vs. Actual Detail December 2025 (100%) Jan - Dec 25

Budget

74000 · SUPPORT SERVICES 74144 · Financial Advisory 74145 · Accountant 74147 · Life & Disability Insurance 74150 · Advertising 74160 · Bank/Payroll Expenses 74170 · Computer Replacement* 74175 · Computer Maintenance/Supplies 74176 · AV Tech Labor 74177 · AV Equipment 74180 · Congregational Ministry 74185 · Office Equipment Rent/Lease 74190 · Office Supplies/Equip 74195 · Postage 74205 · Workers Comp Insurance

19,053 33,042 4,309 776 7,679 1,616 16,437 13,360 1,246 6,263 8,270 4,327 660 2,628

30,300 31,350 4,000 1,500 8,000 3,000 15,000 15,500 1,500 8,500 10,000 4,000 2,000 2,900

Total 74000 · SUPPORT SERVICES

119,665

137,550

76000 · FACILITIES EXPENSE 76100 · Facilities 76101 · Facility Management 76102 · Facility Maintenance 76103 · Carriage House Property Tax 76104 · Brokerage Fee - New Lease Ext 76106 · Day Porter Expenses

% of Budget 63% 105% 108% 52% 96% 54% 110% 86% 83% 74% 83% 108% 33% 91% 87%

20,438 187,839 8,361 750 18,877

21,154 191,220 8,300 750 22,000

236,266

243,424

97%

76125 · Maintenance/Supplies

1,418

2,000

71%

Total 76000 · FACILITIES EXPENSE

237,684

245,424

77000 · BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 77300 · Board of Management 77301 · Stewardship

384

900

Total 77300 · Board of Management

384

900

77400 · Board of Missions & Soc. Act. 77402 · Missions-Other 77404 · Alt Xmas Market Supplies 77405 · Interfaith Alliance Membership 77406 · CO Immigrant Rights Coalition 77407 · NAACP Membership 77408 · Colorado Faith Communities 77409 · Together Colorado

138 109 0 250 0 200 500

150 100 250 250 500 100 500

Total 77400 · Board of Missions & Soc. Act.

1,197

1,850

77500 · Board of Community 77501 · Community Life 77502 · Membership Committee

5,720 14

6,200 250

Total 77500 · Board of Community

5,735

6,450

77600 · Board of Spiritual Life 77603 · Spiritual Life - Other

2,238

2,100

Total 77600 · Board of Spiritual Life

2,238

2,100

Total 77000 · BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

9,553

11,300

Total 76100 · Facilities

97% 98% 101% 100% 86%

97%

43% 43% 92% 109% 0% 100% 0% 200% 100% 65% 92% 6% 89% 107% 107% 85%

Page 2

First Congregational Church

5:25 PM 02/12/26 Accrual Basis

000 Operating - Revenue & Expenses Budget vs. Actual Detail December 2025 (100%) Jan - Dec 25

Budget

% of Budget

78000 · UCC Participation 78100 · Association per capita 78105 · Conference per capita 78110 · OCWM - Our Church Wider Mission

762 7,515 33,000

752 7,515 33,000

Total 78000 · UCC Participation

41,277

41,267

100%

79000 · Salaries & Benefits

717,772

723,525

99%

Total Expense

1,152,510

1,195,866

96%

Net Ordinary Income

(37,688)

(115,524)

33%

Other Income/Expense Other Income 42001 · Capital Needs - End. Dist. Trf 42005 · Audit Funding Expense 42007 · Endowment Admin Fee Receipts 43000 · Investments Gain/Loss 43010 · Investment Interest / Dividends

17,427 (5,000) 11,229 17 14,016

86,296 (5,000) 11,228 3,000 20,000

20% 100% 100% 1% 70%

37,688

115,524

33%

37,688

115,524

33%

0

0

0%

Total Other Income Net Other Income Net Income

101% 100% 100%

Page 3

5:35 PM

Balance Sheet by Class

First Congregational Church

000 Operat...

100 Capita...

200 Benev...

0 0 21,818

400 MacKe...

(2,660) 0 21,118

500 Sawye...

(2,573) 0 52,988

600 McMa...

0

8,847 0 142,118 0 0

(30,833) 0 230,219

0

267,038 19,000 (140,541) 0 0

0

0 0 0

2,511,800

99,327 2,412,473

0 0

0

0 0

As of December 31, 2025

02/12/26 Accrual Basis

ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 10005 · 1st Bank 10010 · Chase- Gibbons White 10200 · Lido - 904 10201 · Lido - Capital Endowment Fund 10201.1 · Lido - Capital Budget as Needed 10201 · Lido - Capital Endowment Fund - Other Total 10201 · Lido - Capital Endowment Fund

700 Music ...

750 Voss ...

800 New In...

900 BoM P...

950 Renew...

0 0 0 0

0

66 0 0

0 0

(4,356) 0 5,293

0

(15) 0 0

0 0

0 0 5,211

0

(90) 0 13,380

0

0 0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0

0

0

0 0 0 0

0

0 0 237,822 0

0 2,200,665 0 0

0

158,473 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 156,872

0 0 0 0

132,160

0 0

0

202,047

0 0 0

0 0

0

0 0 0

400 201,647

0 0

0

0 0

0 0

0

0 0

0 0

0

0 0

10202 · Lido - Sawyer Endowment Fund 10203 · Lido - Benevolence Endowment 10204 · Lido - McMane Arts Endowment 10205 · Lido - MacKenzie Endowment 10206 · Lido - Music Endowment Fund 10206.1 · Lido - Music - Handbell Reserve 10206 · Lido - Music Endowment Fund - Other 0

TOTAL

235,425 19,000 351,603

2,511,800

99,327 2,412,473

158,473 2,200,665 237,822 156,872

202,047

400 201,647

132,160

356,519

145,265 211,254

0

6,739,196

47,664 920

128,226

0

0

0 0

47,664 0

7,714 1,496 5,846 46,915

0

0

0 0

0

356,519

145,265 211,254

0

0 0

0

0

0 0

0 0

Total 10206 · Lido - Music Endowment Fund

0 0

0

0

0 0

0 0

0

0 0

0

0

0 0

0

10206.3 · Lido - Voss Children's Fund 10207 · Lido - New Initiatives Fund 10207.1 · Lido - Prism 10207 · Lido - New Initiatives Fund - Other

0

Total 10207 · Lido - New Initiatives Fund

47,730

61,971

114,501 13,725

0 0

0 0 0 0

6,801,167

0 0

129,163

0

128,226

0 0

0 0 0 5,000

47,730

114,501 13,725

356,504

5,000

0 0 0

0 0 0 5,550

134,163

0 0

137,371

5,550

0 0 0

0 0 0 0

362,054

10,834,121

0 0

215,337

0

0

0 0 0

0 0 0 10,401

137,371

0

0 0

288,237

10,401

0

0 0 0

0 0 0 0

225,738

0

0 0

176,931

0

39,855

0 0 0

0 0 0 562

288,237

39,855

0 0

178,690

562

0

0 0 0

0 0 0 0

177,493

0

0 0

2,351,630

0

0

0 0 0

0 0 0 17,675

178,690

0

0 0

2,711,186

17,675

0

0

0 920

0 0 0 7,675

2,369,305

0

17,635,288

0 0

146,417

7,675

0

47,730

38,592

38,592

0

7,714 1,496 5,846 52

2,718,861

0

134,163

0

0

0 0

15,108

0

401,909

0

0

10208 · Lido - BoM Projects Fund 10209 · Lido BoM Projects Fund 10210 · Lido - Audit Fund

161,526

0

0

137,371

0

0

10,834,121

10,834,121 0

225,738

0

0

0

10,794,265

0

288,237

0

0

0 10,794,265

177,493

280

280

39,855

0

10,794,265

178,690

0

0

0 0

2,369,305

0

0

0

0

13,513,126

13,357

13,357

0

161,526

(10)

(10)

0

24,964

0

24,964

Total 10208 · Lido - BoM Projects Fund 10211 · Lido - Renewable Energy Fund 1072 · Bill.com Money Out Clearing Total Checking/Savings Other Current Assets 11000 · Pledges Receivable 11100 · Prepaid Expenses 11105 · Prepaid Expenses - Annuity Plan 11200 · Funds Transfer Total Other Current Assets Total Current Assets Fixed Assets 15000 · Building & Improvements 15100 · Building & Improvements Total 15000 · Building & Improvements Total Fixed Assets TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Accounts Payable 20001 · *Accounts Payable Total Accounts Payable

Page 1

5:35 PM

Balance Sheet by Class

First Congregational Church

(13,282)

000 Operat...

1,286

1,286

100 Capita...

8,678

8,678

200 Benev...

2,466

2,466

400 MacKe...

727

727

500 Sawye...

218

218

600 McMa...

0

0

700 Music ...

0

0

750 Voss ...

379

379

800 New In...

0

0

900 BoM P...

0

0

950 Renew...

472

472

As of December 31, 2025

02/12/26

(13,282)

(2,697)

Accrual Basis

Credit Cards 20010 · Divvy Credit Card

0

TOTAL

Total Credit Cards

0

75,080

75,080

52,400

404 6,139 1,670 5,210 38,977

30,265

(9) (17) 25 1,621

2,852

2,852

1,616 1,000

0

0

0

0

0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0

0

0 0

0 0 0

0 0

0 0 0

0 0

1,616 1,000 0

0 0

(2,697)

0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0

Other Current Liabilities 20000 · Accounts Payable - Accrual 20020 · Security Deposits 20100 · Flow Through Accounts 20101 · Arts Camp

0

0

0

0

2,876 2,212 1,158 415 1,420 514 1,599 4,637 2,082 11,096 480

0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0

0

0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0

0

0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0

0

0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0

0

0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0

0

0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0

2,876 2,212 1,158 415 1,420 514 1,599 4,637 2,082 11,096 480

0

0

0

0 0

0

0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0

0

0

0

2,852

2,852

0

0 0 0 0

20104 · Men's Retreat 20107 · Women's Retreat 20110 · Men's Breakfast 20111 · Flowers.

20113 · Endowment Committee 20115 · Camping Trip 20116 · Memorial Services 20120 · Arts Camp - Scholarships 20121 · Dinner Church Worship 20122 · Youth Mission Trip 20177 · Church Historian 20181 · Event Registrations 20181.1 · Pilgrimage

0

52,400

404 6,139 1,670 5,210 38,977

0 0 0 0

0

0 0 0 0 0

(9) (17) 25 1,621

0

0 0 0 0 0

30,265

Total 20181 · Event Registrations 20188 · Additional Professional Expense 20189 · Calvin Institute 20190 · Misc Flow Through 20191 · Morrison Formation

20150 · Mission Partners 20151 · Adult Work Trip 20163 · Soup Kitchen 20164 · Eco-Ministry 20167 · Pastor's Purse 20199 · Miscellaneous - Missions

Total 20100 · Flow Through Accounts

Total 20150 · Mission Partners

0

0

3,246

0

257,793

0

0

296,857

75,080

0

75,080

0

0

20200 · Prepaid Pledges 20230 · Prepaid - next year (2026)

0

Total 20200 · Prepaid Pledges

0

0

30,209 8,428 55,550

55,550

0 0 0

0

55,929

0 0 0

0

0 0 55,550

0

0

0 0 0

0

0 0 0

0

0

0 0 0

0 0 0

0

Total Current Liabilities

0 0 0

0 0 0

0

498

296,857

0 0 0

30,209 8,428 0

0

0

3,142 104 0

727

0

0 0

0 0

0

55,929

0 0 0

2,466

0

0 0

0 0

52,400

0

0 0 0

74,435

498

0 0

3,142 104

0

727

0 0 3,246

1,276

2,466

0 0

20251 · Relocation / Sabbatical 20252 · Accrued Property Taxes 20254 · Potential Capital Campaign.

20300 · Payroll 20330 · Pension Boards (EE) 20340 · Withholding Taxes

149,843

74,435

0 0

Total 20300 · Payroll

161,526

1,276

Total Other Current Liabilities

161,526

Total Liabilities

Page 2

5:35 PM

Balance Sheet by Class

First Congregational Church

0 0 0

000 Operat...

13,513,126

13,511,851

2,263,075 10,772,924 475,852

100 Capita...

2,369,305

2,294,869

1,996,769 0 298,100

200 Benev...

178,690

176,223

145,803 0 30,420

400 MacKe...

177,493

176,766

147,069 0 29,697

500 Sawye...

288,237

287,739

221,203 0 66,536

600 McMa...

225,738

225,738

186,214 0 39,524

700 Music ...

137,371

137,371

123,651 0 13,720

750 Voss ...

401,909

345,980

310,947 0 35,033

800 New In...

134,163

134,163

125,808 0 8,355

900 BoM P...

47,730

47,730

43,401 0 4,330

950 Renew...

17,635,288

17,338,430

5,563,939 10,772,924 1,001,568

As of December 31, 2025

02/12/26

0

Accrual Basis

Equity 34000 · Board Designated 34200 · Restricted Net Income

161,526

TOTAL

Total Equity TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Page 3

Communications Committee

The purpose of the Communications Committee is to develop and maintain inclusive and effective communication strategies that support the work of our congregation and help extend a welcoming presence to the wider community. In 2025, our focus was on strengthening both our internal communications and the ways we share the life of our church beyond our walls.

Another important effort this year has been improving communication among boards and committees through the rollout of the Microsoft SharePoint tool, making it easier to collaborate and access shared information. As a result, we were also able to sunset our old on-premises server. So far, we have launched 16 different SharePoint sites.

We began the year with the launch of our new firstcong.net website, the result of an eightmonth project completed in partnership with Theory One. This new site supports our Strategic Plan goals and provides a more accessible and welcoming online presence. Keeping the website current continues to be a significant part of our work. Each week, we review upcoming events and announcements so they can be shared on the website, in the weekly email, and on social media.

Overall, this has been a year of building strong foundations that will help us communicate more effectively and share the story of our congregation more widely.

Expanding our social media presence has been another key step this year. We established business Facebook and Instagram accounts and implemented new processes to share upcoming events, news, and highlights from congregational life. A small social media team meets weekly to review the church calendar, plan posts, and maintain a posting schedule.

To support these updates, the committee developed branding and style guidelines, implemented new processes, and created website and social media maintenance user guides for our volunteer contributors so that our communications remain clear, consistent, and welcoming.

We also held several Communication Needs Focus Sessions with both leaders and members of the congregation to better understand priorities and preferred communication channels. These conversations are helping shape an overall communications plan that will guide our work moving forward.

Submitted by Pam Archer, Chair

Personnel Committee

During the past year, the Personnel Committee focused its work on staff care, policy stewardship, future staffing, and compensation planning.

A significant portion of the committee’s attention was devoted to staff care, particularly in response to the medical circumstances affecting Kajsa Teitelbaum and her family as well as Pastor Lianna Campos. The committee received regular updates from Rev. Christina Braudaway-Bauman regarding health developments, anticipated leave, and evolving needs. Personnel supported plans for coverage of worship, music, and choir responsibilities during Kajsa’s leave and children and youth programs during Lianna’s leave.

Both Kajsa and Lianna benefitted from Colorado’s newly introduced Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI). There were many questions concerning the coordination of FAMLI benefits with short term disability benefits that required urgent research by Pastor Chris and Personnel Committee members. As a team, we were able to quickly untangle sometimes conflicting procedural requirements to ensure Lianna and Kajsa received a full and timely benefit.

The Personnel Committee also reviewed and modified our church’s Employee Handbook with an eye towards issues related to sick leave accrual, eligibility, alignment with FAMLI, disability provisions, approval processes, and training.

Additional changes related to employment law were suggested by Employers Council. Church Council recently reviewed and ratified all Employee Handbook changes. These changes ensure our Employee Handbook reflects current legislation and best practices. We have also budgeted for periodic review of the Employee Handbook on a 3-year cadence.

Finally, the committee engaged in compensation and staffing discussions tied to budget planning.

This included review and endorsement of salary and benefit adjustments, consideration of cost-ofliving increases, and evaluation of future staffing needs ,such as flexible roles and a potential communications position or internship supported by non-operating funds.

Together, these efforts reflect a year of attentive care, oversight, and thoughtful planning by the Personnel Committee consisting of Pastor Christina Braudaway-Bauman, Jessica Austin, Tom Lounsbury, Holly Hultgren, Eric Malmborg, Matt Hess, Sarah, Schulte, and Brad Sissom.

Submitted by Brad Sissom

Investment Committee

Investment Committee Activities In 2025, the committee welcomed our newest member, Sue Nagle. Sue joins Christina Ingersoll (chair), Jean Nelson, David Thorne, and Robert McClung. Rich Molpus resigned from the committee due to a move out of state. The investment committee meets quarterly to review our invested accounts’ performance and allocations and to discuss how best to balance three goals: 1. Seeking strong financial returns on investments 2. Protecting the church’s assets from market risks 3. Honoring the church’s values and commitments to social justice and earth stewardship.

In October, after robust discussion and decision making, the Investment Committee and our Investment Manager collaborated to increase the underlying ESG score of the portfolios while also reducing the underlying expense ratios of the investment funds and simplifying our overall portfolio. By the end of 2025, 70% of the overall accounts were in ESG-specific strategies.

Distribution Decision Once a year in July, we make our annual decision about the percentage of endowment sub-accounts to distribute to the missions and committees supported by endowments. This year, the committee unanimously agreed on 4.25%. This is the third year in a row of a 4.25% decision. It is a rate that follows industry-accepted common practice of a sustainable draw around 4% annually and falls within our expected parameters of 3% to 6%. Although exact distribution amounts differ each year, we know the church missions and committees value consistency as they work through budgeting for each year’s activities.

Our 2026 distribution amounts are as follows.

Account 2026 Distribution Amount Benevolence Fund $70,365.53 Capital Needs Fund $90,098.21 McMane Fund for the Arts $8,728.37 Jane Sawyer Organ Fund $5,668.28 MacKenzie Lectureship Fund $5,635.03 Music Fund $5,640.80 Voss Children’s Fund $4,904.11 Accounting Expenses $11,940.02 Total $202,980.34 2025 Economic Review 2025 was a year where the US market truly proved its grit. Despite headlines of government shutdowns and trade tensions, the stock market remained remarkably steady. The S&P 500 grew by about 18%, marking its third straight year of impressive double-digit gains. While AI superstars initially led the way, the growth eventually “broadened out” to more traditional sectors like banking and manufacturing, creating a relatively balanced market. In a win for sustainable investing, ESG funds slightly outperformed the broader market, delivering returns of roughly 18.2% compared to the standard 17.9%. As we settle into 2026, the outlook is cautiously optimistic. We are entering the fourth year of this bull market with slightly lower interest rates and advances in productivity reaching the broader economy.

Invested Account Progress Overall, with some deposits from gifts and bequests and some withdrawals to fund the work of the church, our endowed fund account balances closed 2025 8.3% higher than they were at the close of 2024. In years with severe market downturns, the work of the church continues, continues to be funded, and we may see negative growth. Strong growth years like 2025 help accommodate future volatility.

Submitted by Christina Ingersoll

Endowment Committee

2025 gifts to the Endowment Funds, mostly from the “Give While You Live” program, totaled $169,235.

During 2025 we developed the new Endowment Brochure to match the format of the other committees at the church. We also made sure that the church website was up to date regarding the Endowment Committee information and methods to make contributions.

The “Give While You Live” program has been extremely important, During 2025 we also focused on bequest, estate planning, and planned giving at death, to make sure that everyone in the congregation understands why they need a will and the importance of naming the church in their will or estate plan.

We held an event at Frasier Meadows to honor and thank those who have made contributions to the Endowment Funds.

Dean Fowler will step down as chair of the committee at the end of February 2026 and we are actively recruiting new Endowment Committee members.

Submitted by Dean Fowler, Chair

Safety Committee

The Church’s Safety Team met monthly and additionally to prepare for special occasions for the purposes of organizing trainings and safety coordinator presence during Sunday services and important events. Updates to the duty check list, name tags and lanyards are consistently in the coordinator baskets. Sign up Genius is used to coordinate 2-4 team members each Sunday and special events. Teaming with the ushers before each service has proven beneficial to ensure good communication and assistance as other needs arise.

Activities included: •

•

•

•

•

Spring- Clinica Family Health (previously known as Mental Health Partners) conducted De-escalating Training for 20 Safety coordinators, ushers, church staff and AV staff.

Spring and Fall-Bob Matthias conducted “behind the scenes” tours of the Church facility and grounds to review entry/exit points and safety features.

Summer-successful preparation and safe event while hosting former US Senator Udall during worship and his following conversation during Independence Day celebrations at FCC. Fall-whole church Evacuation Drill in partnership with Boulder Fire Department.

High praise was received from the captain for how quickly we exited the building! (I’m sure the donuts were part of the efficiency!) Great teamwork with the 14 volunteer/assistants and all church participants!

Winter-focus is to recruit a few more volunteers and add training/orientation for the new recruits.

Respectfully submitted, Eric Nickell and Kelly McDevitt, Co-chairs

MacKenzie Lectureship Committee

In 2025 the Committee and First Congregational were very fortunate to have as their MacKenzie Lecturer Nancy Tatom Ammerman, Emerita Professor of the Sociology of Religion at Boston University. Her Friday, February 7 lecture “How Shall We Gather? Reflections on America’s Changing Religious Landscape and the Necessary Future of the Church” was well attended and very apropos. She also delivered the Sunday, February 9 sermon, “Dwelling in the Wilderness.” Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi from the Iliff School of Theology led the lively Saturday, February 8 workshop “Envisioning the Church of the Future.” Aided by the Board of Community Life, a reception was held after the lecture and a bagel breakfast before the workshop.

Identifying the annual MacKenzie lecturer is a main task of the rather informally organized Lectureship Committee (which only meets during the school year). We began soon after the February 2025 event and benefited from the collegial relations of Pastor Chris and Committee member Stewart Hoover. At Chris’s suggestion the Committee decided to invite Dr. Erica Chenoweth, faculty member at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, to be our 2026 lecturer on February 13 with the topic “Civil Resistance: Where Do We Go from Here?” Preparations for the event took up the time of most Committee meetings in 2025.

The committe consisted of Stewart Hoover, Jane Cummings, Kaudie McLean, Kevin Pettit, Gintas Vildzius, and Co-Chairs Lee Carlin and Shirley Harkess.

Respectfully submitted, Shirley Harkess and Lee Carlin, Co-Chairs

Accessible to All (A2A) Mental Health Ministry (MHM) This past year (2025) was another year of change for the Mental Health/Accessible to All (MHM/ A2A) Ministries, but we accomplished much and are encouraged for what lies ahead.

Our ministry began increasing our advocacy work for MH/A2A issues. Deborah Raessler was our liaison with First Cong’s Coalition of Social Justice Ministries and helped us stay updated on public policy.

We continue to offer ongoing support groups: a monthly grief support group facilitated by Bill Forbes and Jean Manifesto and a monthly support group for caregivers facilitated by Bill Forbes.

We provided $500 support to Faith4All Boulder to continue their ministry with two rehab and care facilities in Boulder. Faith4All also secured a MUD Grant from the Rocky Mountain Conference for $2,000.

On April 27 we partnered with the Climate Action Team to provide a workshop on Active Hope with Monica Mueller and Mary Catherine Molpus.

At our May meeting we learned that our chair Mary Catherine and her family were moving back to Tupelo, MS. We used our May meeting to discern the direction of the ministries. We determined that the current Ministry had the capacity to meet bi-monthly and members would take turns facilitating the meetings. We decided to begin each meeting by spending 45 minutes having a discussion on topics related to our ministry and forming deeper connections with one another. We set yearly minimum goals to continue providing: A2A Sunday, MH Sunday, Mission Fair and, RISE Against Suicide Christmas In August fundraising campaign. Then as we had opportunity, we would provideone to two Programs/Learning Opportunities per year for the congregation.

June 15 was Mental Health Sunday. Laura Riihimaki and Jane Ireland shared testimonies which opened the door for others in our congregation to be more comfortable sharing about their own mental health journeys.

Our Rise Against Suicide Fundraising Campaign with the LGBTQ+ and Allies Ministry raised $3,879.50.

August 31 was A2A Sunday when Kea Giles and Christina Ingersoll provided testimonies on the topic of Neurodiversity and what their families wished everyone understood. Sarah Raessler made a scripture video for the worship service.

November 16 we co-sponsored with the Gun Violence Prevention Ministry a forum entitled: Youth, Mental Health, and Gun Violence.

Our partnership with Mindful Works continues as they earned over $800 in Thanksgiving pie sales from the congregation. We love using the cloth napkins made by Mindful Works at Brunch Church, Congregational Meetings, and other meal-related events.

We also continue to provide ongoing support for the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (INMI) and the Hope Coalition through their Hope Lights the Night, remembering those who lost their lives to suicide.

In December we had a lovely Christmas gathering at the Raessler home to celebrate God’s inclusive love for all of God’s children.

Respectfully submitted, MHM/A2A Members

Membership Committee and Statistics

The Membership Committee seeks to welcome visitors to our church and to help them become familiar and integrated into church activities and groups that interest them. We make sure that they are familiar with First Congregational Church: our values and purpose, our mission and outreach, and our community and spiritual life. In 2025, we welcomed 14 new members during four special New Member Sunday services. Many of them are fully engaged and have contributed their diverse experience, interests, and skills to enhance our church community.

Members of the committee meet visitors and members at the Link every Sunday to ensure that we answer any questions, steer them in the right direction and provide them with name tags, brochures or sign-up sheets.

We follow up on new visitors every Sunday through the Friendship Pads in the pews. New visitors receive a welcome follow-up email and are invited to attend newcomer events and other special gatherings.

Once a month we hold a Newcomers Coffee in the Heritage Room after the 10:30 service. These gatherings offer visitors a chance to meet with the ministers, members of staff, and lay leaders of our FCC community. They can ask questions and learn more about the many ways they can become engaged and, if interested, how they can join as members.

At least every quarter we have a special 10:30 worship service when those who have decided to join are formally welcomed into our church community and they and the congregation pledge their support of each other.

New Member Gain • Confirmands • New Members • Returning Members

14 0 14 0

Deaths 8 • Elena Burton 1/13/2025 • Pat Ostwald 1/14/2025 • Charlotte Corbridge 3/27/2025 • J.C. Lodge 5/11/2025 • Fay Yates 7/30/2025 • Sally McElroy 9/16/2025 • Gail Sue McDougle 10/11/2025 • Jeff Bogart 11/19/2025 Transferred Out

3

Baptisms 2 • Magda Ingersoll 1/5/2025 • Annika Ingersoll 1/5/2025 2024 Membership 512 • Losses

- 11 • Gains + 14 2025 Membership (Active Members)

515

Respectfully submitted Jane Cummings, Chair Committee Members: Rhonda Fadum, Jon Heinbach, Keith Lance, Don Mayer, Adam Reed, Diane Sealand

Ministry of Last Things

The Ministry of Last Things had a successful year of engaging the congregation in end-of-life planning and conversation. Their projects were under the support of Associate Pastor Linda Kowatch and leadership of Jean Abbott.

We recognize that our Ministry primarily addresses those who are aging but feel that that our focus touches younger generations by encouraging conversation, planning, and engagement. As people identify transitions that challenge them at any stage, we offer resources to help them.

MLT members led and participated in nine forums over the year: January 26th Forum: Five Questions for the New Year Two forums to think about our Spiritual Legacy in February and March August 24: Special Conversation with Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist: “Death: More than Just a Medical Event”, following worship October 30, follow-up forum: Pearls and Q & A from “Planning for the Future” The major project of the year was creation of a workbook for the congregation: Taking Care of you and Your Family: Getting your Affairs in Order 1. Emergency Information 2. Conversations with Loved Ones – Medical Care Wishes and Planning 3. Vital Information and Financial Documents 4. Plans for After My Death 5. My Spiritual Legacy

This was presented in a series of four forums in August attended by over 50 people and is available through the church office for those who couldn’t attend.

We also renewed and revised with leadership our support for the following: In the church’s future planning, we would encourage developing a space to honor those who come before us and after us, in some way that reflects the variety of ways people right now wish to see themselves memorialized. We would encourage some kind of contemplative setting. We also recognize the other priorities we have as a congregation.

We welcome new people and ideas to join our ministry!

Current members: Rev. Linda Kowatch, Jean Abbott, Janet Beardsley, Lee Carlin, John Edlin, Bev Lyne, Eric Malmborg, Sue Nagel, Bob Patoff, Tiffany Thorne, Louisa Young, Carol Young Submitted by Jean Abbott

Racial Justice Ministry

In 2025, the Racial Justice Ministry (RJM) focused its efforts on immigration advocacy, indigenous rights, and building community partnerships through education and direct action. The following is a summary of the year’s key activities and initiatives.

Core Initiatives and Advocacy Immigration Justice: RJM hosted a fourpart forum series led by Kristen Aldretti and Allison Hamm to educate the congregation on immigration issues. Throughout the year there were opportunities to oppose proposed ICE detention facilities in Colorado, participate in a vigil outside of the GEO detention facility in Aurora, and get trained to court watch in immigration court. Racial Justice led the entire congregation in preparing Love & Snack bags for Casa de Paz, a nonprofit that supports immigrants in detention and provides the bags to friends and family visiting loved ones at the GEO detention center.

Indigenous Rights: RJM hosted a forum on November 9 led by Right Relationship Boulder to learn more about the Fort Chambers site development and opportunities to advocate for the amplification of Native voices.

Black Liberation and Community Support: The ministry strengthened its partnership with The Center for African & African American Studies (CAAAS) at CU Boulder, donating $2,000 to sponsor their Kwanzaa and Black History Month events. The congregation did a great job of showing up to support this growing relationship.

We look forward to Dr. Rabaka, the CAAAS director, leading worship again in April 2026.

Together Colorado: RJM members actively participated in Lobby Days and legislative advocacy, supporting bills related to workers’ rights, housing justice, and preventing local law enforcement cooperation with ICE .

Education and Community Engagement Pilgrimage: In March, 17 participants traveled to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama, to learn and reflect on the history of the civil rights movement.

Palestine/Israel Advocacy: The ministry hosted a screening of the documentary A State of Passion in November to highlight humanitarian work in Gaza and sponsored the Jerusalem Youth Choir’s visit in May. Respectfully submitted, Matt Hess and Jessica Austin, Co-chairs

Gun Violence Prevention Ministry

Our year began by focusing on Colorado’s legislative session. In 2025 the church’s GVP Rapid Response Network (RRN) included 42 members. We called or emailed legislators to support GVP bills that increased gun safety or to oppose bills that would have repealed gun safety laws. As a result, 12 new gun safety laws were enacted! They include gun show regulations; requiring a permit to purchase some semiautomatics (assault weapons); notifying parents of school age children about firearm safety; and requiring victims of domestic violence to be notified if an abuser attempts to buy a gun.

Partnering with Giffords Gun Owners for Safety we hosted a forum to learn about this organization and about the progress of the 2025 bills during Colorado’s legislative session. Because a focus of our ministry is the care of our youth, we partnered with the Mental Health Ministry to host a forum on Youth, Mental Health, and Gun Violence with speakers from CU and the community. Team members joined our youth for a reading and discussion of what peace looks like through the children’s book Sparking Peace.

Annual activities include the FCC Mission Fair in May, National Gun Violence Awareness in June, and distribution of gun locks with Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence (CFCU) at the County Fair in July. In late summer FCC hosted a regional meeting of CFCU congregations to share ideas and actions for the coming year. In October and November, we joined very successful gun safe and lock giveaways with the Boulder Rotary Club and Longmont UCC. In December the GVP Ministry joined other CFCU congregations to remember all victims of gun violence through the annual Sandy Hook Vigil. Members provided educational information about gun safety and handed out gun locks to gun owners who recognize this important step in keeping families and community safe.

Respectfully submitted, Carol Young, Chair

LGBTQ+ and Allies

The LGBTQ+ and Allies group is entering its fourth year as an official First Congregational Church social justice ministry (started in March 2022). A main goal of the ministry is to advocate for the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ persons.

Continuing as chair and co-chair are Carmen V. and Kea G. Members of the group (45 on the email list, about 15-20 active participants) meet at church every third Sunday of the month for a BYO lunch (bring your own) and to share joys and concerns. It is a good time to strengthen relationships and to support one another. Folks are always welcome to join in; just ask Pastors Linda or Chris where the group meets, and come see us!

June was PRIDE month, and the LGBTQ+ and Allies group hosted a booth at the Boulder PRIDE festival promoting the church and the value of all God’s people. We had a prize wheel and handed out Otter Pops (thanks to all in the congregation who helped us with that!). Folks wore their “Love is Love” t-shirts and enjoyed chatting with the many people walking by.

The church’s Pride Sunday followed on the next week, with speakers Jane I. and Julie G. telling about their experiences with the LGBTQ+ community. It was a show of bravery and also a joyous celebration.

In August, the group once again joined with the Mental Health Ministry to raise funds ($3,879.50) for RISE Against Suicide, a program for at-risk youth that helps them be seen by a mental health professional more quickly than would otherwise be possible.

In October, First Cong marked 38 years of being an open and affirming (ONA) congregation. On this ONA Sunday, Pastor Linda preached, and there was a Mission Moment presentation by Davis Dunbar of Rocky Mountain Equality (formerly known as Out Boulder County).

The LGBTQ+ and Allies group met for a Christmas party at Kim and Carmen’s house for the second year. The group has a good bond, is open to suggestions for ministry action, and welcomes one and all.

Submitted by, Carmen V

Climate Action Team

The Climate Action Team stayed quite busy in 2025, doing our best to educate, advocate, collaborate, and take action as well. We have 15-plus active members and can always use more!

Our accomplishments in 2025 were: •

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Our church electricity is now fully supplied by an active Pivot Energy solar farm, lowering our electricity bills by almost 10% and lessening our carbon footprint on the planet. This happened after almost three years of research and planning, after determining that solar panels cannot be placed on our building roof. At no cost to us, we now have a 10-year contract with an optional 10-year renewal.

We led the annual Creation Justice service.

We lobbied at the State Capitol for climate legislation in partnership with other climate non-profit organizations such as 350 Colorado, Together Colorado, Colorado Jewish Climate Action, and Greenfaith.

We continued with our decades-long bi-annual Highway Cleanup project on Hwy 36.

We drew the congregation’s attention to Sun Day, September 21, celebrating renewable sun and wind power.

We attended Bill McKibben’s presentation of his hopeful book “Here Comes the Sun”.

We donated money to the Wild Bear Nature Center in Nederland to help them recover after the terrible fire in October that destroyed their downtown space.

We had many Forums this past year, sometimes partnering with other Social Justice ministries within the Church: Active Hope – How to Face the Mess We’re in with Unexpected Resilience & Creative Power Waterwise/Firewise Home Landscaping Firewise Home Hardening against flying embers (cause of 80% of homes destroyed by fire)

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Solar Farms and how they work for commercial and residential properties Together Colorado – a collaboration of over 200 faith communities in Colorado committed to transforming State and local legislation to provide more justice and equity for all people and the earth we live on.

We look forward to working in future years with other Social Action groups within and beyond the church who share our concerns about the health of our planet and all the life upon it.

Jean Nelson and Kirk Nordstrom, Co-Chairs

Visitation Ministry

A foundational ministry of First Congregational UCC Boulder is the Visitation Ministry. The Pastors make regular visits to the hospital, various care facilities, and homes, to provide pastoral care and support. At the same time, it is important that members of the congregation also care for one another. Creating a Caring Congregation was the focus of Goal #3 of the strategic plan and the Visitation Ministry is part of that goal.

The mission of the Visitation Ministry is to be extensions of God’s love to those who find themselves isolated due to health or other concerns. With at least 70 members who are 80 years old or older, there are many older people that are finding themselves less able to make it to weekly worship services and serve the church in the same way they previously could. For the Visitation Ministry we believe that being present and providing support allows congregation members to feel a bit less isolated. In the past year, we have found ourselves listening, laughing, crying, singing, holding hands, and providing rides at various times with those in our congregation.

We treasure all of these times.

This past year we had five human members and one canine member on the Visitation Team, who met regularly on the fourth Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. At each gathering we discussed a topic through a reading that helps us to better accompany members of our congregation in our visits. We also talked about the shared grief we carry when members of our congregation die with whom we have developed strong relationships. We shared ideas on how to better serve and love members of the congregation. We provided information so that the Card Train, Meal Train, and Board of Community Life can better serve and love through cards, meals, and Grace Gifts.

Beyond the official Visitation Ministry we have witnessed many in the congregation care for one another. We know that there are people who listen to the Prayers of the People on Sunday mornings and send out a card immediately. We have witnessed people taking a meal, making a phone call, offering a ride when seeing a need of someone on their board, ministry, small group, friend group, or choir. There are so many ways that we all are part of the Visitation Team. Thank you to all who provide God’s love to others.

Respectively submitted, Visitation Ministry

Knitting Ministry

Since 2000, the Knitting Ministry of First Cong has been knitting prayer shawls for members of the congregation, given in times of illness, grief or support. In the past 25 years a total of more that 400 shawls have been knitted for those in our church community in need of love and support.

In 2008, we began knitting a blanket for each of the graduating high school seniors within our congregation with that hope that they would take them to the next adventure in their life and know that we are there for them. Somewhere along the journey we began knitting baby blankets for new arrivals in our midst.

Shawls and blankets have been made for centuries.

They are universal and embracing. They enfold, comfort, cover, wrap, nurture, hug, shelter, and beautify. They are symbolic of God’s all inclusive love.

If you are interested in learning (or re-learning) to knit, join us. We will be there to help you with anything you need. The knitting is simple and the camaraderie is great. We invite you to join us in this fun and rewarding ministry.

Alma Alber and Jane Strohm

Officers, Board, and Standing Committee Rosters for 2026-2027 The complete 2026-27 rosters for Officers, Boards and Standing Committees are listed below. New members of these groups will be elected by the Congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting. The proposed new members, whose names will be presented for nomination at Annual Meeting, are listed in bold and italics.

Officers Sarah Schulte Matt Hess Jeanne Lounsbury Kathy Minter TBD Wendy Orlando Chris Shearer-Cooper

Past Moderator Moderator Moderator Elect

2027 2028 2029

Clerk Treasurer Historian

TBD TBD

Board of Spiritual Life Tom Woods Co-Chair 2027 Amy Ostwald Co-Chair 2027 Karen Connolly 2027 Molly McElroy 2028 Caroline Douglas 2029 Scott Allman 2029 Board of Faith Formation Holly Hultgren 2027 Steve Voida 2027 Heidi Lindeman 2028 Jane Strohm 2029 Allison Tatterson 2029 Bob von Trebra 2029

Board of Community Life Wendy Hall Term Extended Phil Braudaway-Bauman Co-Chair 2026 Joanne Corson Co-Chair 2028 Julie Graf Frye 2026 Jim Knopf 2026 Marj Fowler 2026 Jane Ireland 2026 Laura Koepnick 2027 Kim Anderson 2027 Donna Klopf 2027 Amy Voida 2028 Carol Green 2026 Kristin Groth 2029 Susan Brinks 2029 Katie Mills 2029 Board of Missions and Justice In Action Victor Austin Co-Chair 2027 Greg Shoffner Co-Chair 2027 Brenda Laartz 2027 Jeanne Quinn 2027 Sherry Leach 2028 Tony Leveridge 2028 Marci Leveridge 2028 Kathy Wade 2029 Linda Tilly 2029 Jana Milford 2029 Board of Management Bob Matthias Co-Chair/Term Extended Rod Baker Co-Chair 2028 Ed Byrne 2027 Steve Hultgren 2027 Chris Heckman 2028 Rich Mills 2028 Scott Wade 2028 Jean Nelson 2029 Roy McCutchen 2029 Diane Sealand 2029 Bill Tilly 2029 Gintas Vildzius 2029

Nominating Report

Membership Committee Jane Cummings Chair Jon Hinebuach Rhonda Fadum Adam Reed Carolyn Reed Don Mayer Keith Lance Diana Sealand Nancy Wade Communications Committee Pam Archer Chair Anne Martinez Carmen Valdes Jenny Thayer Stewart Hoover Phil Braudaway-Bauman Kathryn Bistodeau Jane Anne Ferguson Endowment Committee Tom Lounsbury Chair Dean Fowler Libby Black Louisa Young Jay Rourke Jon Hinebauch Marc Crawford Brian Laartz Investment Committee Jean Nelson Chair Christina Ingersoll David Thorne Robert McClung Tim Borstelmann

Personnel Committee Sarah Schulte Chair Matt Hess Jeanne Loundsbury Jessica Austin Eric Malmborg Holly Hultgren Karen Cumbo Stewardship Committee Libby Black Chair Amy Voida Jon Hinebauch Nicole Speer Allsion Hamm Tara Kelly Rick Kron

The Morrison Formation: Dancing Dinos for Democracy

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