Conversation
BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY
By Rev. Chris Braudaway-Bauman
Hoover
Archer
Linda Kowatch
Welcome to Conversation
SENIOR MINISTER
REV. CHRIS BRAUDAWAY-BAUMAN
Welcome to the Conversation! The continual unfolding of First Congregational Church’s ministry into new initiatives and activities leads us to recognize a need for additional avenues of communication. With greater and enhanced communication adopted as one of the four priorities* of our church’s strategic plan, we find ourselves eager to reach out to you in some new ways.
A publication with a broader purpose than the Sunday bulletin will enable us to share information about our many activities and to offer reflections on matters closest to the congregation’s heart. Incorporating a longer look ahead on the calendar, such a piece will also serve as introduction to newcomers in our midst.
Hence, this magazine! This is the first issue of what we imagine will be a quarterly offering –Fall, Advent, Lent, and Summer.
The name, “Conversation,” is inspired by the sculpture that graces our Plaza, just outside our Sanctuary doors. Created in 2015 by National Sculptors’ Guild fellow Carol Gold with a granite base by John Kinkade, the sculpture was given as a gift to the church after a deeply meaningful conversation our former Senior Minister, Rev. Martie McMane, held for the donor’s husband and his family just a week before his death. We love this piece of art, not only for the tender meeting for which it is a graceful remembrance, but also because it serves, in the words of our McMane Arts Ministry, as an expression of “our church’s openness to dialogue, our call to community, and the conversation of faith with the events of our lives and the life of the world.”
The conversation at First Congregational Church never ends. It is a joyful ongoing invitation for us to meet and join one another, whoever we are and wherever we are on life’s journey, to walk together and to sit down beside each other, face to face – to talk, to listen, to share our lives, to speak deeply about things that matter, and to learn and grow in faith together.
Welcome to Conversation, Volume 1, Issue 1! It is available online through a link in the Weekly email and on our website, firstcong.net. We are also printing copies, available for you to pick up in the Link. Let us know what you think about our opening effort and tell us what you might like us to highlight in upcoming issues.
See you in church,
Rev.
Christina Braudaway-Bauman
Senior Minister
*(The four priorities of the church’s Strategic Plan dopted by the congregation in October, 2022 are Social Justice, Faith Formation, Congregational Care, and Communications.)
8:30 AM in the Chapel
10:30 AM in the Sanctuary and Online
Worship
September 29 - Blessing our Get Out the Vote Letters and Beginning of a Season of Prayer
October 6 - World Communion Sunday for All Ages
October 13 - Open and Affirming Anniversary Sunday with Dr. Emily Askew preaching
November 3 - All Saints Sunday for All Ages
November 24 - Gratitude Sunday
by
Photo
Keith Lance
Sunday School
Sunday School officially resumes on September 15th! In addition to our nursery, we will have three Sunday school classes and all classes are exploring topics of mental health. We have a unique weekly rotation of Sunday School activities.
On first Sundays of the month, we celebrate communion in an intergenerational worship service. There are no classes, and instead, everyone worships together in the sanctuary. Youth are invited to be communion helpers and there is a “bulletin for all ages” available.
Second and third Sundays are traditional classes. All children and youth start with their families in the sanctuary and then are blessed to go with their teachers to their classes. Youth, grades 6 to 12, will gather in Grace Gallery. Grades Pre-K through 1st will be in one class and grades 2nd through 5th will be in another. Children can be picked up at their classrooms and the nursery after worship on your way to coffee hour.
Fourth Sundays are hereby known as “Serve Sunday!” All classes will mix for various social-justice based service projects. More information will be released as a fourth Sunday is upcoming.
Fifth Sundays will be a special activity. All youth will meet in the Grace Gallery and children should be dropped off at their classrooms. Similarly, more information will be released as a fifth Sunday is upcoming.
Our nursery is open every Sunday for newborns through pre-K. Our nursery is staffed by coordinator Laura and volunteers. Laura and all of our nursery volunteers not only love and provide a safe place for our youngest ones, they also read stories, do small crafts, have a yummy snack, and play, play, play.
Thank you for your continued support of our growing Sunday School program. If you have any questions, want to get on Lianna’s weekly email list, or have an interest in assisting, please contact Lianna, Minister of Faith Formation. Their email address is lianna@firstcong.net and her extension is 103. Better yet, come find her office on the third floor! Hint: it’s across from several bookcases with very interesting books.
Youth Group
Each week, our youth gather to hang out, laugh, and support each other. We typically meet on Sunday evenings at church, but sometimes we take field trips out too! For example, this summer, our youth jumped at a trampoline park, solved an escape room, engaged in collaborative storytelling on an adventure quest, and traveled to join the festivities at Denver Pride.
On Sunday evenings this fall, our group splits into two with Middle School (grades 6-8) meeting 5:00-6:15 pm in the Faith Cave and High School (grades 9-12) meeting 6:30-7:45 pm in the Grace Gallery.
A typical Sunday night will include a ridiculous kind of game or competition, chatting about a topic our youth have expressed interest in talking about, and doing a related activity. Naturally, a scrumptious range of allergen-friendly and gluten-free junk food is always on hand.
Be sure to check the bulletin to see what Youth Groups will be doing week to week! Parents will also receive weekly emails about the upcoming activities.
Mealtime Prayer Cards
Look for the basket in the Link with the packets of Mealtime Prayer Cards to take home with you and to give away to others as a gift from you and First Congregational Church’s 4th Soil Parenting Team. Put them on your dining table and take turns choosing a grace to begin your meal.
Family Night
This fall, we’re looking forward to launching “Family Nights!” Centered around a catered meal for everyone, we will have separate activities for different age groups.
Family Night at First Cong Sept. 15th, Oct. 6th, and Nov. 3rd 2024
• Open Play in the Nursery - 4:00 - 5:00 pm (for parents and pre-school children)
• Dinner for All Ages - 5:00 - 5:45 pm (catered)
• Programs - 5:45 - 7:00 pm
Children’s Group (grades k-5)
This is a play and fellowship group that is similar to a typical “youth group.” We’ll play games, hear a story, and do a creative activity. Children should wear clothes they can play in.
Combined Youth Group (grades 6-12)
This is a chance for our middle and high schoolers to get together for some games, a discussion, and a creative activity!
Parents Group
Come meet with other parents and participate in a thrilling discussion led by our 4th Soil Parenting Team!
SEPTEMBER
Small Groups Booklet and Fair
Our Small Groups Ministry fosters community and faith growth. Join a book or Bible study, write memoirs or poetry, discuss movies, make music, engage in social justice, or join groups like Men’s Breakfast, Women’s Spirituality, Wonder Women, X Women, LGBTQ Lunches, and more.
For details, check the Small Groups booklet, available in the Link or at firstcong.net.
Meet group representatives at the Small Groups Fair on Sunday, September 15, at 11:45 AM in Plymouth Hall. Come and learn more!
ADULT FORUMS: SUNDAYS, 9:15 - 10:15 AM
September 8
The Sand Creek Massacre: A Racial Justice Ministry Forum Representatives from Right Relationship Boulder will help us reflect on the tragic 1864 event that profoundly impacted the Cheyenne and Arapaho nations, shaping their relationship with the U.S. and the American West.
September 15
Home Electrification and Electric Vehicles: A Climate Action Team Forum Julia Moravcsik of Go Electric Colorado will discuss all things electric.
September 22
Learn More About Lianna Be in conversation with Lianna Campos, our Minister of Faith Formation. Learn about her background, her interests, and her vision for our children, youth, families, and adults. What would you like her to know about us?
September 29
Difficult Conversations: A Ministry of Last Things Forum
Our Ministry of Last Things (MLT) will facilitate a discussion designed to help us begin and or renew discussions of difficult topics regarding health care and end of life decisions with our families.
Get to Know Lianna Campos
MINISTER OF FAITH FORMATION
Lianna here! I started here on March 1st, 2024, and it has been a whirlwind of a six months. There have been so many instances of affirmation of both call and presence from this congregation, it would far exceed my recommended word limit for this article to list them all. Thank you and bless you for just everything. Truly.
As I look toward my Ordination on October 12th, I’m called to reflect on everything that has brought me here. For my full ordination paper, feel free to send me an email! Here are two paragraphs that I believe sum up my call.
While I’ve definitely felt safe in the UCC as a queer person, I was really excited to find that all of my spirituality is affirmed through the denomination. I fell in love with the phrase “God is still speaking,” and admire that we recognize that God doesn’t always use a straight, white, English-speaking, upper-class, cisgender man to do so. My church seeks to see, love, and serve God in all people and places. Our denomination, in their open letter to the United Methodist Church following the called conference in February 2019, acknowledges how the church has hurt people without making excuses, and commits itself to doing better. We honor the diverse experiences and understandings of God. Above all, I believe that the UCC lives and breathes that God is love.
My spiritual journey has not been easy. It has brought deep, long-lasting wounds that are far too common in our world. I have no doubt that as I continue on this path, more pain will come as a mere consequence of my mortality and my humanity. Where I find solace is in believing and experiencing the constant calming and calling presence of God. I believe that I am called to use the pain and wounds I have experienced to help heal the pain and wounds caused by the church. I believe that I am called to live into my identities as a queer person and a survivor of sexual assault, depression, and suicidal ideation with authenticity, and that the pain I have experienced will have a purpose. Without owning these parts of my past, my story would be incomplete.
I believe that I am called to live authentically; to make visible my soul and in doing so, make visible the light, love, and hope of the Divine.
At this time in my life, I am living out that calling in the world of faith formation. I believe that the church is a unique place where we can explore our authentic selves and dream of and work to make the world better. Our very foundation is the love of the Creator of the universe! So we hear the sacred stories of God’s people and listen for the voice of the still-speaking God to speak to us and through us. I enjoy and think I’m gifted at developing opportunities for those things to happen, and I’m so grateful to be doing that here at First Congregational.
Author Sarah Ban Breathnach wrote “the authentic self is the soul made visible.”
What are some other things that you might want to know? I love dogs (and all animals), so please show me pictures of your pets. I play softball and volleyball as often as I can, and I love games. Board games, cards, and phone games are my jams, and I love watching a video game with a good story. I’ve recently learned how to play Dungeons and Dragons, and I want to explore other types of role playing games. I love to read and almost always multiple books that I’m reading at a time. On TV, I love a good workplace sitcom. In general, I love supernatural horror, YA dystopia, and high fantasy media. Also, I love small talk like this (and I have great personal boundaries), so feel free to ask what you’re curious about!
I would love to get to know you more. Come to a program or stop by my office (it’s on the third floor)! Let’s talk on the phone or meet for some coffee! Tell me what book you’re reading and/or if there’s something you want to learn about.
My email is lianna@firstcong.net and my extension is 103.
Thank you for being here. And thank you for inviting me to be here. May we continue to joyfully and fruitfully be here together.
In peace, Lianna
SEPTEMBER
Highway Clean-Up
Saturday, September 21 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Join us to clean up our adopted stretch of highway! Vests and bags are provided; bring your own gloves. Meet on Left Hand Canyon Dr. by the Greenbriar Inn on Route 36. There’s plenty of space away from the highway, and cyclists often show their appreciation. Bagels and coffee will be available at 8:45 AM.
Electric Vehicle Car Show September 22 11:45 AM
Our Climate Action Team (CAT) will host an Electric Vehicle Show in the west parking lot. Different makes and models of EV’s will be on display as well as information on features and accessories of each vehicle and lease options.
Installation of Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist September 22 , at 3:00 PM Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church 1980 Dahlia St, Denver
Join us for a worship service celebrating the installation of Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist as Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Older Adults at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Rev. Chris Braudaway-Bauman will be preaching.
Newcomers Coffee September 29 11:45 AM
If you’re new to First Congregational Church and want to learn more or get connected, join us after worship to meet the ministers and leaders, ask questions, and explore ways to get involved.
at First Cong Making Music
Chancel Choir
Our adult choir meets in the choir room on Thursdays 7:00-9:00 PM and sings every Sunday morning throughout the academic year. We sing a varied repertoire and do at least one major work every year.
For questions or to register, email Kajsa@firstcong.net.
Congregational Bells
Our adult handbell choir meets in the sanctuary on Tuesdays 5:30-7:00 PM. We ring a 5-octave set of Malmark bells, and ring about once a month in services and more often during the holidays.
For questions or to register, email Kajsa@firstcong.net.
Joyful Noise
Children ages Kindergarten through 5th grade meet on Sunday mornings 9:30-10:15 AM and sing about once a month for the church service. This is a group that likes to have fun together, both in and outside of rehearsal.
For questions or to register, email Anne@firstcong.net.
First Congregational Church has a longstanding reputation of offering a strong music program for both children and adults. Our focus is to offer opportunities for music making in a fun and safe environment, and for praising God with all the different instruments that we have available. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of previous musical experience. Please take a moment and look through our different groups below. Perhaps you will find one that is the right fit for you!
Individual volunteers from our congregation also sing and play on a regular basis in our services. If you sing or play an instrument and want to share your gifts with our congregation, please email kajsa@firstcong.net.
Faith Singers
Children 6th grade and through high school meet on Sunday mornings 11:45 AM-12:30 PM and sing about once a month for the church service. With a repertoire spanning from contemporary to classical, they are always looking for new songs to learn and sing together.
For questions or to register, email Anne@firstcong.net.
Joyful Littles Music Class
This group is for children ages 0-5 and their caretakers. They meet on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM in our nursery, to sing and play together. This class is free and open to the community.
For questions or to register, email Anne@firstcong.net.
FCC String Ensemble
This is a project based group that plays 2-3 times per semester. Any string instrument is welcome, regardless of level. We operate on a mentor system where more experienced players help the less experienced players.
For questions or to register, email Kajsa@firstcong.net.
Bread Journey for the
by Phil Braudaway-Bauman
Photo
Bread for the Journey – that’s what we hope to offer one another as First Congregational Church moves from summer to fall.
Food that feeds our souls – isn’t that what we all long for? Isn’t that what we need as we enter a new season, as our lives returns to a full fall schedule, as our kids begin a new school year, and as our country faces a consequential election?
During this season, we are focusing attention on the nourishment we need to be sustained in this anxious time. Our worship, of course, is intended to provide nourishment, as are all the facets of life we share as a community of faith. But some of us have also expressed an interest in offering something more for these days – special opportunities to join one another in prayer and to stay connected to the promise that God is continually moving in our midst and watching over all.
So, beginning Sunday, September 29, you are invited to participate in 40 Days of Prayer.
Usually, Lent is the season we set aside with 40 days of reflection and prayer, mirroring the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. Recognizing how this pattern of attention and intention is meaningful to so many of us, we invite you to add another 40-day season of prayer this year, beginning Sunday, September 29, and concluding the first week of November.
No doubt you’ll notice that this season of prayer coincides with our country’s approaching election. In this time of heightened anxiety, of deep divisions, and vastly different visions for our future, prayer seems a particularly appropriate response – a plea for protection and participation for every voice and voter, and a way to keep our thoughts, words, and deeds centered in love and aligned with God’s hope for us all.
Starting the end of September, each week the church will send you a link to a Prayer Book with Scripture, prayers, poetry, and art, a collection to prompt your reading and reflection, and to accompany you through each day.
If you happen to have a reading or a photograph you would like to contribute to this weekly offering of edifying words and beauty, please send them to Chris Braudaway-Bauman at chris@firstcong.net.
On Thursday evenings 6:00 to 6:45 pm, starting on October 3, we will gather in the Chapel for a weekly service of silence, quiet singing, candlelight and a time for you to speak
the prayers and concerns of your hearts. We imagine it as our version of Quaker meeting, a time of silent listening with an open-ended invitation for worshipers to speak as the Spirit moves them followed by a prayer response.
As the days draw closer to the beginning of November, watch your Weekly email for more opportunities to be in community and prayer, including opportunities for Prayer Walking planned and led by Jane Ireland.
As we join our hearts in prayer, may we place our every concern in God’s care. May we listen attentively to the Spirit’s leading to discern with clarity our calling as people of faith in this tumultuous time. May we breathe in the peace that surpasses human understanding, and breathe out God’s own compassion into the world.
In this time of heightened anxiety, of deep divisions, and vastly different visions for our future, prayer is a particularly appropriate response –
RACIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY COLORADO PILGRIMAGE
BY KAREN HOOVER
In March 2023, the Racial Justice Ministry led a highly impactful pilgrimage to civil rights sites in Selma and Montgomery, AL. Twenty-two members and friends of the congregation participated in the pilgrimage and later shared their experiences and reflections in Sunday morning worship. Interest in such experiences then led RJM to identify sites in Colorado of civil and native rights significance and to announce a pilgrimage on October 19-20, 2024. Registrations quickly filled the 40 spaces and carpools are now organized to set out on our itinerary to four sites in southeast Colorado.
Though largely ignored, this region of our state has great historical significance in the westward migration of trappers, miners, and settlers on the Santa Fe Trail. And as a consequence, the native tribes of Cheyenne and Arapaho were increasingly threatened and displaced. This resulted in the deadliest day in Colorado history on November 29, 1864, when a peaceful encampment of 750 Cheyenne and Arapaho women, children, chiefs and elders was brutally attacked at dawn. The unauthorized massacre of 230 at Sand Creek was led by a colonel who thought it would lead to his promotion to general—as had occurred in other military units following battles in the so-called “Indian Wars.” Only recently has the site of the massacre been designated as the Sand Creek
Massacre National Park Service Historic Site, due to the efforts of the descendants of those massacred.
Also figuring in this history is the nearby reconstruction of Bent’s Old Fort, also a National Park Service Historic Site. Both this site, and the Koshare Museum in La Junta, will provide a context for our learning and reflections on this period of our state’s history.
Our travels will also include the site of one of 10 internment camps nationwide to which Japanese citizens were forcibly relocated and incarcerated for three years during World War II. The Amache camp, built of flimsy barracks on the barren plains near the town of Granada, also was only recently designated a National Park Service Historic Site, again due to the efforts of the descendants of the 10,000 Japanese who were incarcerated there.
In preparation for the pilgrimage, all are invited to attend two upcoming Adult Education sessions on Sunday, Sept. 8 and Oct 6. at 9:15 am in Plymouth Hall. On Sept 8, three representatives from Right Relationship Boulder, an organization of native and non-native people, will present information on the role of Fort Chambers in Boulder in the Sand Creek Massacre. Our congregation had
only recently been established on the tribal campgrounds near Valmont Butte before the massacre occurred and members of the RJM are researching any possible connections. After church, join a festive church picnic catered by Tacobe Native American Feast to celebrate the conclusion of our summer educational focus on Braiding Sweetgrass, by Native American scientist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer.
On Oct. 6 we will welcome Gil Asakawa, a retired Denver Post reporter and author of Being Japanese American, who will present on the topic of Japanese Americans in Colorado.
In addition, a resource list of preparatory readings and videos has been created by the RJM and can be accessed online (https://tinyurl.com/ys5zcpjr).
The Racial Justice Ministry and pilgrimage participants look forward to this weekend of education and reflection in this significant region of our home state—and to moving forward together in our work for justice and reconciliation with greater understanding of the impact of these events.
OCTOBER
Chancel Choir Retreat Saturday, October 5
Open and Affirming Anniversary (ONA) Sunday Sunday, October 13 - 10:30 AM Worship 11:45 AM Lunch (RSVP Requested) 12:45 PM Workshop
We will celebrate our 37th anniversary as an ONA congregation with guest preacher Dr. Emily Askew. Recently retired after 16 years teaching theology at Lexington Theological Seminary, Dr. Askew focuses on Queer theology, domestic violence, disabilities, and immigration.
After worship, join us for fellowship and learning.
A light lunch will be served at 11:45 AM, plus a workshop and Q&A at 12:45 PM. Dr. Askew will discuss the Bible’s passages on homosexuality, addressing the “clobber passages” and exploring what Scripture says about all relationships. RSVP for lunch at linda@firstcong.net.
Ordination of Lianna Campos Sunday, October 12 via Livestream We rejoice as Lianna Campos, our Minister of Faith Formation, will be ordained to Christian Ministry. The service of worship will take place at First Congregational UCC in Indianapolis at 12:00 PM MDT.
Halloween Concert with Kajsa Teitelbaum October 27
Spooky music, poems, and imagery to prepare you for Halloween. 7:00 PM in the sanctuary.
ADULT FORUMS: SUNDAYS, 9:15 - 10:15 AM
October 6
Amache: A Racial Justice Ministry Forum
Gil Asakawa, retired Denver Post reporter and author of *Being Japanese American*, will speak on the history of Japanese Americans in Colorado, including the WWII internment camp at Amache near Granada.
October 27
A Caring Congregation This forum highlights the many ways FCC is a caring congregation—through the Visitation Ministry, Support Groups, Care Trains, Grace Gifts, and more— and explore how you can get involved.
Get Out the Vote
BY CAITLIN SMITH
When Alan Norton, Laura Riihimaki, and I stepped into the Standish room after service on May 5th to kickoff our GOTV effort, I found myself battling anxious excitement: both bracing for a handful of people to show up and trying to trust my instincts that our effort would succeed. It took less than 15 minutes for my instincts to be validated – we handed out nearly 300 letters to more than a dozen writers and I was so nourished by the event that I missed my own soccer game.
Every week since, the GOTV efforts kindles more of my commitment to the nourishing and hopeful community we have at First Congregational. As an overall effort, the numbers are both inspiring and humbling.
As of August 14th, we have had more than 100 people write at least 20 letters or postcards.
Dozens more have been volunteered (or voluntold?) by their spouses, partners, friends, or small group counterparts to write a handful of letters.
Every week, we have had new writers ask to be trained and to write their first batch. Some have volunteered for GOTV campaigns in previous elections, but many are participating in any GOTV effort for the first time.
Our letters capture the breadth of our congregation’s motivations for voting. Pen stroke by pen stroke, we have articulated our collective desires to have a government that expands our rights, that protects our homes from wildfires, that provides health care, that preserves opportunity and safety for our children, and numerous other wishes.
On October 1st, we will share these desires with more than 4,000 infrequent voters in...
...Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and perhaps Texas, Wisconsin, and North Carolina and ask them to make their voices heard on November 5th.
But, to me, it has thrived in the most essential and powerful of ways: by forging new friendships and bringing forward frequent, selfless, collaboration. Nearly every week, I hear a story about how the act of or commitment to letter writing is building other relationships – people who get together for coffee to write their letters; people who have their children, neighbors, in-laws, cousins, friends, or spouses help with the effort; or people who check out letters and lend them to those who do not attend our church, but who are eager to make their voice heard in this election.
I am often stopped, sometimes at church and sometimes elsewhere by members of the congregation who share how the GOTV effort has helped their nerves or helped them get involved. All these small moments have rekindled my faith in the power of our church community and the durability of our democratic commitments. Our GOTV effort is the embodiment of how democracy itself has endured for 248 years: through the small, hopeful, and collaborative actions of individuals coming together to systemically advocate for the values and changes that will contribute to a safer, more equal, and more prosperous future.
NOVEMBER
November 3
Newcomers Coffee 11:45 AM
New to First Congregational Church? Join us after worship to meet the ministers and leaders, ask questions, and learn how to get involved.
November 10
Forum: Gun Violence Prevention Ministry 9:15 - 10:15 AM
November 17
Fall Congregational Meeting 11:45 AM
The agenda includes a presentation of the 2025 Target Operating Budget and an Update on the progress of our Faith in Action Strategic Plan and of our ongoing priorities for Social Justice, Faith Formation, Congregational Care, and Communications.
November 22 and 23
Sawyer Organ Events
The 2024 Sawyer Organ Concert features the Kondens, a duo from Sweden. Music for Organ and Recorder.
Concert on Friday evening, Sanctuary at 7:00 PM Workshop Saturday morning at 10:00 AM
The workshop is mainly for organists and collaborating musicians, but everyone is welcome.
The Sawyer Organ Concert is a gift to the whole community from the Sawyer Organ Fund of The First Congregational Church Endowment.
First Congregational Church Boulder’s Journey to a New Website
sharing our story with the world
BY PAM ARCHER
At First Congregational Church Boulder, we are more than just a community of faith; we are a vibrant, welcoming, and progressive family, united by kindred hearts on a shared journey of faith and compassionate service. We cherish the connections we’ve built, the values we uphold, and the mission we serve. But in an increasingly digital world, we’ve faced a critical question: How do we share who we are with others—both within our church and with the broader community? How do we tell our compelling story?
In June of last year, this question took center stage for our newly established Communications Team, which emerged from the church’s two-year strategic planning efforts. The team set out to discover the most effective means of conveying the spirit and message of the First Congregational Church to a broader audience. It became evident that the best starting point was to implement a new church website—our digital front door and a crucial tool for communicating who we are.
Our existing website did not capture the essence of who we are as a congregation. We wanted a platform where current members could stay informed and connected, and potential new members could easily see what makes our church special.
Starting with over ten design companies, we embarked on a thorough Request for Proposal (RFP) process. After narrowing our options to three candidates, we invited them to present their visions. Ultimately, we chose Theory One Design due to their extensive experience with churches and their ability to “speak our language.” Their reference sites were beautifully designed and included the features we needed as evidenced by their First Church Cambridge or Rock Spring UCC sites.
Once selected, we hosted a workshop as part of Theory One’s Discovery process. This gathering allowed us to seek input from diverse groups within our church—young families, long-time members, and those involved in community service. Their insights were instrumental in shaping the vision for our new site.
The Communications Team then worked with Theory One to develop a comprehensive site map outlining necessary pages and key features, including a dedicated I’m New section, information about our justice and community activities, worship services, an archive of sermons, an events calendar, news feeds, a blog for sharing reflections and more.
We are currently finishing website design reviews and on September 7 and 8, Theory One will return to capture our community life through video and images. We are excited to see the active spirit of our congregation reflected on our new website.
In the next two months, our Communications Team, along with community members, will create our site content while Theory One completes their development process. This will involve selecting imagery that showcases our dynamic community life and crafting warm, inviting text for the site. Throughout this journey, Theory One has collaborated closely with us to design a site that is both visually engaging and user-friendly.
We anticipate launching the new website by the end of this year, ideally aligning with the holiday season, a time of renewal and community connection. This new online presence will serve as a powerful tool for sharing our story—with those who already cherish our church and those searching for a spiritual home like ours. We eagerly await the moment we can proudly unveil a website that reflects the heart and soul of First Congregational Church. This project has been a labor of love, and we are excited to see how it will enable us to reach out to others and continue our mission of compassionate service in the world.
Love One Another
BY REV. LINDA KOWATCH
Coming out of the pandemic, the congregation of First Congregational Church realized that there were more people that were struggling with anxiety and isolation and needing community. So, we wanted to create more intentional pathways of being a caring community with true belonging. Gary Gunderson, Director of Operations for the interfaith Health Program of the Carter Center in Atlanta, states, “The power to bring people into meaningful relationships in the context of God’s love is at the root of every congregational strength.” First Congregational Church is striving to live into this strength through organizing love in multiple ways.
Each of us is an extension of God’s love. We can provide belonging to one another, just as Jesus modelled for us while on this earth. In John 13:3435, Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” How do we love one another? When we notice someone is missing, perhaps we could email telling them they were missed. If someone has surgery, maybe we could text them or send a card. When possible, an invitation for coffee might provide a spark to someone who is isolated. We are not called to fix or solve problems, but rather to be a presence that creates space to hear one another’s stories and to offer a connection and sense of belonging.
Some of the formal ways for the congregation to care for one another are through our Meal Train, Care Train, Visitation Ministry, and Grace Gifts.
The Meal Train provides meals for those who need meals while recovering after surgery or an illness.
The Care Train is a group of people who send greeting cards to those who might need a little extra encouragement by letting them know they are being held in love and prayer.
The Visitation Ministry is a group of laypeople who visit those who are isolated due to life circumstances or health reasons.
The Grace Gifts are packaged by our Board of Community Life and then delivered by members of the congregation to some of those experiencing loss of loved ones, loss of independence, or discouragement.
Join us and reflect on how you might be more involved in these ministries to be the hands, feet, and heart of Christ to those who might need to make a connection to experience belonging by attending a forum on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 9:15am in the Standish Room titled: Being an Even More Caring Congregation. Hear from members of the Visitation Ministry and recipients of the Meal Train to learn the importance of joining together to meet the needs of one another.
As we continue the journey of life as a faith community, may we be courageous enough to reach out to someone and invite them into relationship with us. When we love one another, others will know that we are Children of God, and they too will come to know they are God’s Beloved.
Spiritual Support Group for Those in Grief
The Spiritual Support Group for those in grief meets on a monthly basis, serving those who are at differing stages of grief for a variety of reasons. The group is facilitated by volunteers and offers a safe and confidential setting where one can receive support for the sometimeschallenging journey. The meetings are structured along respectful guidelines that foster sharing, reflection, and an invitational spirit.
2nd Sundays, from12:30 - 2:00 PM Conference Room
Contact Bill Forbes wmforbes1@gmail.com and Jean Manifesto jam@jeanmanifesto.com
Spiritual Support Group for Caregivers
The Spiritual Support Group for Caregivers meets on a monthly basis, serving those who provide care for loved ones. The group is facilitated by volunteers and offers a safe and confidential setting where one can receive support for the sometimes- challenging caregiver journey. The meetings are structured along respectful guidelines that foster sharing, reflection, and an invitational spirit.
2nd Sundays, from 2:30 - 4:00 PM Via Zoom
Contact Bill Forbes wmforbes1@gmail.com
Spiritual Support Group for Mental Health & Wellness
A Spiritual Support Group for Mental Health and Wellness meets for persons who are affected with mental health challenges, as well as for family and friends. This confidential group provides a place to share, learn, and grow in a supportive environment. We welcome all faith traditions or none.
2nd & 4th Mondays, 6:30 - 8:00 PM Via Zoom
Contact Anne Weiher anne.weiher@gmail.com
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways that you can volunteer at First Congregational Church. We have weekly needs to help prepare for Worship Services and we have other needs for serving our community. Please have a look at our volunteer opportunities.
Ushering
Ushers help create a sense of welcome at First Congregational Church. Members, friends and visitors experience inclusive welcome each Sunday as ushers greet them at the door, give them a bulletin, help them find a seat, collect their offering, and guide them forward for communion. If you have questions or would like to join us in this vital calling, contact Tom Woods tnwoods@comcast.net.
Communion Servers
The first Sunday of each month and at other special services the congregation celebrates communion. Volunteers provide, prepare, and serve the elements, the bread and the cup. Members of the Board of Spiritual Life will help train you to participate in worship in this way. If you have questions or would like to join this team, contact Dan Raessler draessler@yahoo.com or Deborah Raessler dcraessler@yahoo.com.
Flowers
Each week flowers are placed on the communion table in the chancel. You are welcome to provide flowers in honor of or in memory of someone or an occasion. If you have questions or would like to provide flowers contact Anne Byrne annebyrnehome@comcast.net.
Community Table
Every Friday 4 – 6 PM Plymouth Hall First Cong partners with Bridge House, Community Table, and other Pine Street churches to provide weekday evening meals to Boulder’s unhoused community. Each Friday evening 4:30 – 5:30 PM dinner is served in Plymouth Hall. Bridge House provides set up, the hot meal, and completes clean-up. FCC provides a host from 4 – 6 PM each Friday night. For more info contact linda@firstcong.net.
Soup Kitchen
We need your help! Soup Kitchen is the 4th Sunday of each month, and we need volunteers to work each shift. We will train you on the spot. The first shift is 9:00-11:30 AM and you will help prepare food and serve it. The second shift is 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM and you will serve food and clean up. Sign up here as an individual, family or small group. If you have questions about Soup Kitchen contact: Soo Rhee soo.rhee@colorado.edu.
