Conversation
Welcome to Conversation, Issue 3
SENIOR MINISTER
REV. CHRIS BRAUDAWAY-BAUMAN
During the months of March, April, and May, we move through the seasons of Lent and Easter.
During Lent, we meet with Jesus in the middle of his ministry and walk with him all the way to the cross. It’s a journey of 40 days, not including Sundays, as each Sunday is said to include a little bit of Easter. The season of Lent is an invitation to reflect and pray and make ourselves ready to receive the fullness of joy that is Easter.
The season of Easter, beginning with Easter Sunday, is 50 days. The difference in length between the two seasons is meant as a reminder that even in the way the church tells time, we affirm God’s promise that hope is greater than despair, life is stronger than death, and love is more powerful than anything else in all creation.
In these tumultuous days, perhaps that’s a promise we need to hear now more than ever.
On March 2, the Sunday before Lent begins, we will gather for our Annual Congregational Meeting in Plymouth Hall. The meeting would not be complete without our gathering around tables to share a meal before we attend to the business of looking back to 2024 and looking forward to 2025.
Lent begins later that week, on March 5, with Ash Wednesday, a time when we remember our mortality with sober appreciation. We will share communion as well as the imposition of ashes, and be blessed to begin our Lenten journey. This year, we are letting the Gospel of Luke be our guide. Begining on Ash Wednesday, Jesus “sets his face toward Jerusalem.” Over the next 15 chapters of Luke, we will reflect on the stories that defined Jesus’ final chapter in ministry – the parables of the Good Samaritan, the fig tree, the lost sheep, and his meals with Mary and Martha and the tax collector Zaccheus.
The name “Lent,” from an old English word for “lengthening,” refers to the gradually longer days of springtime in the Northern Hemisphere. What was cold becomes warm. What was dormant awakens. Just as green shoots break through the winter ground and crocuses rise as harbingers of hope, so the church prepares to proclaim the lifegiving joy of Easter.
Our 40-day journey will lead us to Holy Week, where we will gather with Jesus and his followers at a table of grace, a garden of prayer, a cross of suffering, and a tomb of death, until we find ourselves at the dawn of Easter morning. This year’s Holy Week observance includes a performance of Mozart’s Requiem on Maundy Thursday, a joint project of our Chancel Choir and the Choir of Trinity Lutheran Church.
As the seasons unfold, we look forward to special First Congregational Church events – a Racial Justice Pilgrimage to Selma and Montgomery, Blessing of the Palms on Pine Street, Easter Brass and Easter Brunch, Creation Justice Sunday, and preparation for summer’s Arts Camp and our High School Mission Trip.
May the coming promise of life-giving, life transforming joy – be our undying hope and prayer.
Faithfully,
Rev. Christina Braudaway-Bauman Senior Minister
Everything In Between A Sanctified Art
DEVOTIONAL
verything In Between” devotional materials from A Sanctified Art, a group of collaborative creators, are available to accompany you through the season of Lent.
Devotional
Beginning with Ash Wednesday, this weekly devotional follows the scriptures of our sermon series through Easter Sunday. Each week offers commentary, poetry, visual art, written reflections, hymns, and reflection prompts – inviting you to look, read, pray, reflect, and enter more deeply into the Scripture texts and themes of this season of Lent.
A special e-reader version, which you can access on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone is available:
online.flippingbook.com/view/676218946
If you would prefer a print version of this devotional, pick one up in the Narthex of the Sanctuary or a table in the Link or ask the church office to mail it to you.
Daily Devotional Cards
Another resource is a collection of 52 daily devotional cards for Ash Wednesday through Easter. Each card has a question for reflection and a short prayer. These daily devo cards are designed to be used in a particular order and are numbered for ease of use. Place the stack of devotional cards by your bed to read and reflect on first thing in the morning or right before you sleep at night or use them as journaling prompts throughout the season.
First Congregational Church Boulder’s
New Website is Live!
PAM ARCHER
At First Congregational Church Boulder, we are a vibrant, welcoming, and progressive community, united in faith and service. But in an increasingly digital world, we faced a critical question: How do we share our compelling story with others – both within our church family and with the broader community? 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. It became clear after surveying the congregation and other churches that the best starting point was to implement a new church website – a digital space that truly reflects our church’s heart and mission. Our previous website didn’t capture our essence, so we sought a design that would engage members and warmly welcome newcomers. We wanted an inviting platform where both long-time congregants and first-time visitors could easily navigate and find meaningful connections.
After evaluating over ten design companies, we selected Theory One Design for their deep understanding of progressive church communities. Their past work demonstrated the thoughtful design and functionality we envisioned. They provided a structured process that allowed us to build a website tailored to our needs. Through a collaborative process, we gathered input from diverse church members, ensuring our new site reflected our values. Key features include an “I’m New” section, details about our justice and service ministries, our many small groups, worship service information, an archive of sermons, an events calendar, and a new member dashboard where you can access all your favorite site locations, forms, documents, and signups from a single page. The site was designed to be visually appealing while remaining functional and easy to navigate. To bring our community to life online, Theory One also captured photos and videos of our congregation in action.
First Congregational Church Boulder’s New
Website is Live!
On January 26th, we unveiled the new website to our congregation, followed by its official launch on January 27th. To ensure everyone had the opportunity to explore its features, we hosted two website show-and-tell sessions on February 2nd – one before our 10:30 service and another at Frasier Retirement Community. These sessions allowed members to ask questions, share feedback, and familiarize themselves with the site’s new features.
Since the launch, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback. The site’s welcoming design and user-friendly navigation make it easier than ever to stay informed and engaged. More importantly, it serves as an inviting gateway for those seeking a spiritual home. Members have expressed appreciation for the intuitive layout, the beautiful imagery, and the ease of accessing important church information and resources.
This project has been a labor of love, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed. The dedication of our Communications Team, the expertise of Theory One Design, and the support of our congregation all played a role in making this vision a reality. Our new website is more than a digital presence, it’s a reflection of who we are as a church and a testament to our faith and mission.
Moving forward, we are excited to see how our new website continues to support our congregation and extend our reach to those looking for a welcoming church community. If you haven’t explored it yet, we invite you to do so. Leave us your website change suggestions by clicking on the New Website Suggestion quick link button on the Member Dashboard page. Here’s to this next chapter in sharing the spirit of First Congregational Church Boulder with the world!
Member Dashboard
Weekly Collective Action for Justice Racial
Justice, Gun Violence Prevention, Climate Action Team, LGBTQ+, and Mental Health/A2A
LAURA RIIHIMAKI
For those who are looking for action without a lot of reading, I will give you the bottom line up front. You are invited to join the Coalition of Social Justice Ministries of FCC in collective advocacy actions by signing up for weekly action emails. (here’s the link: https://forms.gle/ RDEPtLhEeQ6QhyrC8
A faith that doesn’t address our relationship to power is not worth its salt. This assertion is a relatively new one for me in my faith journey, but it has become central to my understanding of what it means to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Our scriptures are full of reminders that God remembers the oppressed and brings oppressors to justice. Clearly, we need to be reminded frequently that God cares how we use our power, and that however powerful we think we are, there will always come a time when we lose that power. We are all vulnerable mortals in the end.
Leaders from the Coalition of Social Justice Ministries (Racial Justice, Gun Violence Prevention, Climate Action Team, LGBTQ+, and Mental Health/ A2A) have been meeting over the last few months to prepare ways for the congregation to participate in advocacy for justice.
We started an email list last month to send out weekly actions that congregation members can take to respond to injustices in the world around us. We encourage you to sign up and respond to the action requests when you can, and trust that others will respond when you don’t have the bandwidth. That is the beauty of collective action. We all put in what we can and together we build something stronger. Even a little bit helps.
Some of these weekly actions will be focused on bills for the Colorado statewide legislative session that is now underway and goes through early May. Others will be focused on national or local events.
Some may be events to attend. Everything will be non-partisan and focused on the priorities of our social justice ministries as well as defending democratic systems that lead to more voices being heard.
You may also find us at a table at coffee hour so you can learn more about what we are doing.
There is a lot of power in collective action – people working together is the only way to counter individuals with an outsized influence in the community because of their wealth or status.
As a church, we know something about the power of community and what it means to work together for a common goal. And we have a call to work for the oppressed – it is in Jesus’ words repeatedly – we are here to offer good news to the poor, the widow, the orphan, the sick, those in prison, and to the stranger.
Come join us in organizing for justice.
Laura Riihimaki Coalition of
Social Justice Ministries
Lenten Concert Series
March 6-April 10
All concerts are at 6:00 p.m., with the exception of the first one, which begins at 5:00 p.m.
Lent is a season associated with turning inward, examining ourselves and our relationship with God, and focusing on Christ’s sacrifice for us. Music is a great tool to help us do just that. This year, First Congregational Church presents a Lenten Concert series giving you an opportunity to sit down for a while each week, be present in the moment, and to turn your focus to God.
Each Thursday evening during Lent, we are hosting one or more musicians to play music appropriate for the season. They will offer 30-40 minutes of music, ending in sufficient time for Chancel Choir members who wish to bring a pack dinner to eat before choir practice begins at 7:00 pm.
We have an outstanding group of musicians lined up for you to enjoy. On March 6 and 13 you can hear clarinetist Nick Davies from Colorado Symphony, first as part of a quartet and then as a soloist, presenting Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time. We are also proudly presenting soprano Ekaterina Kotcherguina, flutist Rachelle Crowell, pianist Jessica Kressin, and duo Christine Teng, piano, and Charlie Bistodeau, violin.
Nick Davies
Eugene Kim
Alaina de Bellevue
Jessica Kressin
Charlie Bistodeau
Kajsa Teitelbaum
Owen Lin
Joshua Sawicki
Rachelle Crowell
Ekaterina Kotcherguina
Christine Teng
Lenten Concert Series
March
6-April 10
March 6-Quartet: Nick Davies, clarinet, Owen Lin, violin, Eugene Kim, cello, and Joshua Sawicki, piano (Sanctuary)
March 13-Nick Davies, clarinet, and Alaina de Bellevue, piano (Sanctuary)
March 20-Rachelle Crowell, flute, and Kajsa Teitelbaum, piano (Chapel)
March 27-Jessica Kressin, piano (Chapel)
April 3-Ekaterina Kotcherguina, soprano, and Kajsa Teitelbaum, piano (Chapel)
April 10-Charlie Bistodeau, violin, and Christine Teng, piano (Chapel)
Nick Davies is the Bass/Utility Clarinetist of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. He previously held positions with the Great Falls Symphony, Chinook Winds, Santa Fe Opera, Sarasota Opera, and Des Moines Metro Opera. He has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Indianapolis Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, and Bozeman Symphony as guest principal.
Alaina de Bellevue is a freelance pianist, vocal coach, and music director based in Boulder. She currently serves as the pianist for Colorado Ballet’s pre-professional division, is the principal pianist for Fort Collins Symphony, and appears regularly with orchestras across the Front Range.
Praised for her sound, technique, and stage presence, Rachelle Crowell is a flutist and educator. A two time NFA Young Artist quarterfinalist, she has won multiple competitions. She has performed with esteemed ensembles, including the Colorado Symphony, Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Cheyenne Symphony, Colorado Bach Ensemble, and Boulder Philharmonic.
Jessica Kressin, our Chancel Choir Accompanist, studied Piano Performance at CU Boulder. She performs in Denver, is part of Duo Azure with Ekaterina Kotcherguina, competed in Lyon, France, and serves as principal pianist for the Arapahoe Philharmonic and music director at Breaking Glass Arts, a small immersive opera company based in Denver.
Praised for her “fresh and exuberant” stage presence, soprano Ekaterina Kotcherguina excels in both comedic and tragic roles. A frequent vocalist in our worship services, she has performed with Longmont Symphony, Boulder Bach Festival, and Opera Company of Middlebury. A Denver-based voice teacher, her 2024-2025 season includes Rosalinde in Germany, Mozart’s Requiem, and recital collaborations.
Charlie Bistodeau is a freelance musician working in the Boulder area. He has played with groups such as the Boulder Philharmonic, Boulder Symphony, Boulder Opera, Bozeman Symphony, and McKinney Philharmonic. He recently completed a Master’s degree in Violin Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was a Teaching Assistant. Charlie and his wife Kathryn have loved getting to know the First Congregational community over the last year!
Christine Teng, our Children’s and Youth Choir Accompanist, is a collaborative pianist from Rochester, New York. With degrees and honors in piano performance and keyboard collaborative arts, several years’ experience as the staff accompanist at the Eastman Community Music School, and a piano fellowship at Musiktheater Bavaria in Germany, she is currently enrolled as a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in Collaborative Piano at CU’s College of Music.
Bending the Arc: Museum of Boulder
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Six Marriages to Same-Sex Couples
In the 1970s, a significant amount of activity was stirring in Boulder around the rights of people to love and marry the one they love. Some of these actions were significantly ahead of their time and much of the rest of the country.
On March 26, 1975, a marriage license was issued at the Boulder County Courthouse to Dave McCord and Dave Zamora by the County Clerk, Clela Rorex. This was nearly the first time in the country two men had been granted a marriage license. As the good news spread, more couples came. Five more were granted before the Colorado Attorney General ordered her to stop.
Already in place due to the efforts by Mayor Penfield Tate II and City Council member Tim Fuller was an amendment to Boulder’s Human Rights Ordinance to include protection from workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. Amid backlash, Fuller was recalled and Tate narrowly stayed in office.
Community and activism had been stirring in pockets of Boulder’s LGBTQ+ communities. Community members approached these elected officials, at great personal risk. Their support opened doors that some had not even considered could be opened.
Stirred by the movement of this Spirit, First Congregational Church formally adopted a Statement of Openness, Inclusion, and Affirmation for Gay and Lesbian persons on October 21, 1987. With this decision, we made a bold declaration to be an Open and Affirming congregation within the United Church of Christ. By doing so, we became the first church in the Rocky Mountain Conference and the 16th church nationwide to make this important commitment.
In joyous observance of the 1975 marriages, in honor of our own commitment to be an Open & Affirming congregation, and in celebration that equal marriage is the law of the land, our LGBTQ+ and Allies Ministry and our whole congregation have given a gift of $2,500 to the Museum of Boulder to support the exhibit. Through our donation, museum docents will provide guided tours of the exhibit.
Watch your Friday Weekly and Sunday morning emails for a schedule of church groups visiting the tour. Postcards for “buy one get one free” museum admission, may be picked up in the church office.
The Museum of Boulder is located right across the street from the church, on the corner of Pine and Broadway!
Meet at the museum for a celebration opening night on March 14! Tickets are available here... https://tinyurl.com/3thmu9w6
Mozart’s Requiem: A Masterpiece
Shrouded in Mystery
Maundy Thursday, April 17
7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem in D minor, K. 626, is probably one of the most well-known works in the classical music repertoire. Composed in the final year of his life, 1791, the Requiem is surrounded by a tapestry of mystery and legend, mainly because of Mozart’s wife, Constanze, who created stories to make the work more appealing to the public.
The piece was commissioned by Count Franz von Walsegg, an eccentric nobleman who intended to pass it off as his own work in memory of his late wife. Mozart, already in declining health, began working on the Requiem with great intensity. However, he was unable to complete the composition before his untimely death on December 5, 1791.
It is often rumored that Mozart perceived the Requiem as his own funeral mass. As his health deteriorated, he became increasingly obsessed with the project, reportedly saying, “I fear I am writing a requiem for myself.” His widow, Constanze, desperate to secure the commission fee, enlisted Mozart’s student, Franz Xaver Süssmayr, to finish the work based on Mozart’s sketches and instructions. The finished work was then premiered on February 14, 1792, on the anniversary of count Walsegg’s late wife’s passing.
The completed Requiem Mass is structured into several movements, including the Introit, Kyrie, Sequence, Offertory, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. The Requiem is written for winds, strings, timpani, organ, choir, and soloists.
The Requiem has become a cornerstone of choral and orchestral literature, admired for its powerful expression of sorrow, hope, and beauty.
You can hear Mozart’s Requiem at First Congregational Church on Maundy Thursday, April 17th, at 7:00 p.m., when our Chancel Choir, Trinity Lutheran Choir, and singers from the local community choir Cantabile join voices in our sanctuary.
Special Worship Services and Events
March
Annual Meeting
Sunday, March 2, Noon
Plymouth Hall and on Zoom
It’s that time of the year! Agenda items include the election of officers, board and committee members, an update on the progress of our Faith in Action Strategic Plan, and approval of the 2025 budget.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, March 5, 6:00 p.m.
Sanctuary
A quiet service of prayer, confession, Scripture, song, the sacrament of Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes marks our entrance into the reflective season of Lent.
Men and Friends Retreat: Active Hope
Friday, March 7, 6:00 p.m - Sunday, March 9, 11:00 a.m. Hyde-Barclay Cabin, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park.
With so many concerns in the world today like lives lost to wars and senseless acts of violence, entire cities burned by wildfires, divisive policies enacted, and struggles in our personal lives, where do we find hope? Through whole and small group discussions with old and new friends and having fun together, the Men and Friends Retreat provides an opportunity to build an Active Hope. Contact: Peter Oakes at peteroakes44@gmail.com or Linda Kowatch at linda@firstcong.net
Book Group: See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love
Mondays, 3/12 (5:30 p.m.), 3/26, and 4/9 (7:00 p.m.)
Heritage Room
Gather with a small group of First Cong folks and Chris Braudaway-Bauman to discuss this year’s Boulder Public Library’s One Book One Boulder selection by Valarie Kaur. See No Stranger invites readers to embrace revolutionary love as both a remedy for our times and a path to a better future. Valarie Kaur, renowned Sikh activist and civil rights lawyer, shares her transformative philosophy a radical, joyful practice that connects us to others, opponents, and ourselves. Discussions will prepare us to meet with the author on Thursday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. in the Canyon Theater of the Main Library. Email Chris (chris@firstcong.net) to join the group. Meeting in person.
Special Worship Services and Events
March
Lenten Study of Prayer: Open Mind, Open Heart Mondays, 6:00 p.m. March 10 – April 14 (with the possibility of extending into Eastertide) On Zoom Only
Each week’s session will begin with 25 minutes of centering prayer, followed by discussion of the book Open Mind, Open Heart (20th anniversary edition) by Father Thomas Keating, the Cistercian monk who founded the worldwide ‘Contemplative Outreach’, teaching people the art of meditation. Along the way, the group will also explore other prayer practices including lectio divina and Zen meditation and read selections from other sources, such as The Energy of Prayer by Thich Nhat Hahn. Contact Kevin Pettit (kevin@Faith4All.org) for more information and to join the group.
Commissioning our Racial Justice Pilgrims Sunday, March 16 - 10:30 a.m.-Sanctuary
During worship, we will commission our Racial Justice Pilgrims as the embark on a journey on March 17-21 to remember the civil rights struggle in Selma, visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, and learn about the work of the Equal Justice Initiative. This group trip is an opportunity to reflect intentionally on our country’s deep history of racial violence and the ongoing movement for equit and justice.
Usher/Greeter Appreciation Coffee
Sunday, March 23, 9:15 a.m.
Heritage Room
We’re grateful for this opportunity to gather for morning coffee and treats to thank all those who serve as representatives of our church’s warm welcome on Sunday mornings and for every service of worship. If you might be interested in joining this fine crew, please join us for this event to find out more!
Newcomers Coffee
Sunday March 23, 11:45 a.m.
Heritage Room
Are you new to the First Congregational Church community, looking to find out more, and get better connected? Join us after 10:30 a.m. worship to get to know some of our staff and leaders, and learn more about the many ways you can get involved, including joining us as a member. Childcare is available. Can’t make this one? There’s another coffee on April 27.
Forum by Ministry of Last Things (MLT): Roots, Fruits and Seeds Part 2 March 30, 2025, at 9:15am
Standish Room
Join MLT as we continue to reflect on our Spiritual Legacies. In Part 2 of this series, we dig a little deeper into our own values as we share stories and consider the gift of our Spiritual Legacies. What is it we want to pass on? What don’t we want to pass down. Join us as this week we look at Roots, Fruits, Compost and Seeds of our lives.
Special Worship Services and Events
April
Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) Forum April 6, 2025, at 9:15 a.m.
Standish Room
Join the Gun Violence Prevention Ministry (GVP) as we seek to build a safer world for all our children and grandchildren. Learn about new ways of approaching gun legislation and what is happening in Colorado and at the national level in passing common sense gun laws. More details to come. To sign up for GVP Updates please email Carol Young at ccyoung2010@ gmail.com.
Guest Preacher: Dr. Reiland Rabaka Sunday, April 6, 10:30 a.m. Worship
On this Sunday, we are honored to welcome Dr. Reiland Rabaka as our preacher for 10:30 a.m. Worship. Dr. Rabaka is the Founder & Director of the Center for African and African American Studies, also known as CAUSE. The author of 19 books and more than 100 scholarly essays, Dr. Rabaka lectures extensively both nationally and internationally. His cultural criticism, social commentary, and political analysis has been featured in print, radio, television, and online media venues, including NPR, PBS, The New York Times, The Associated Press, and The Guardian. Dr. Rabaka is also a poet and musician, and a wing of his work includes significant contributions to African American musicology, including the music of the Civil Rights, Funk, and Hip Hop Movements.
Living with Climate Change: Waterwise Landscaping
Sunday, April 27 at 9:15am Standish Room
Join the Climate Action Team as they present Waterwise Landscaping. Irrigated urban landscaping uses a lot of water. Commonly, 50% & more of the water supplied to cities is used to irrigate landscaping, & often 50% of this is wasted. Also, a few peak days in summer drives the design and maintenance of urban water systems. Attention to the 7 fundamentals of Xeriscaping (waterwise landscaping) can reduce water use dramatically.
Creation Justice Sunday Sunday, April 27 at 10:30am
Join us on the Sunday following Easter as the Climate Action Team (CAT) leads us in worship on Creation Justice Sunday. Through singing, prayer and scripture we will be reminded that God calls us to protect and nurture creation.
Active Hope with Monica Mueller, Ph.D. Sunday, April 27 from 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Monica Mueller has a Ph.D. in in Philosophy with a focus on Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy. We will journey together to co-create Active Hope in our church community. In this workshop Monica will guide us in a journey of gratitude, grief, connection and ultimately transformation, moving from a business as usual model to being active participants in the Great Shift needed to support each other and our world.
Holy Week Worship April 13-
April 20
Palm Sunday April 13
Maundy Thursday April 17
Good Friday April 18
Easter Sunday April 20
Palm Sunday-April 13
8:30 a.m. - Worship in Chapel
10:30 a.m. - Worship in Sanctuary and YouTube
Celebrate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week with choirs singing Hosanna songs and the Procession of Palms.
10:00 a.m. - Blessing of the Palms
A brief outdoor neighborhood service and parade in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church on Pine Street. A live donkey and a combined ecumenical choir will lead us as we join Jesus on the way.
Maundy Thursday-April 17
Mozart’s Requiem 7:00 p.m. – Sanctuary and YouTube
For our Holy Week observance, a stirring concert with orchestra, soloists, and combined choirs from First Congregational Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Cantabile vocal ensemble.
Good Friday-April 18
6:00 p.m. - Worship in Our Chapel
The evening of Good Friday is met with our deepest prayers and laments. Acknowledging that words alone cannot hold the mystery of this day, the story of Jesus’ passion is conveyed in Scripture, silence, and song.
Easter Sunday-April 20
9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Worship in Sanctuary (YouTube at 11 am )
Extended Musical Preludes at 8:45 and 10:45 a.m.
Services of Joy with brass and bells as we celebrate the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection. A festive fellowship hour is held between the services. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers during worship is available.
Special Worship Services and Events
May
Pick a Party (Plus)
Saturday, May 3, Time TBD
This summer, our high schoolers are going on a mission trip to Ft. Worth, Texas, and we have some incredible opportunities to support their endeavor. Starting March 23rd, between the services and during coffee hour, sign up for a pick-a-party! There are so many options this year thanks to your generosity. Parties are happening all spring and summer so there’s certainly something up your alley!
Additionally, the Board of Faith Formation will be hosting an online auction mid-Spring for items and experiences that have been donated, including things like pieces of art and gorgeous condo rentals. Thank you so much for your support!
Living with Climate Change: Firewise Landscaping
Sunday, May 4 at 9:15 am Standish Room
The Climate Action Team builds on last week’s forum as they look at how to make your home safer from wildfires. As we learned, water usage and landscaping around your home can make your home more vulnerable to fire. This forum illustrates how to make a waterwise wildlife landscape and make it Firewise too. Don’t worry if you missed WATERWISE LANDSCAPING, you will still learn how to be Waterwise and Firewise.
Missions and Justice in Action Fair (MJA)
Sunday, May 4, 11:45 a.m.
Plymouth Hall
Learn more about our Missions and Justice in Action Board (MJA) as they present First Cong’s five Social Justice Ministries: Racial Justice, Climate Action, LGBTQ+, Mental Health / A2A and Gun Violence Prevention. Also meet representatives from some of the many Community Partners whose good work our congregation supports through benevolence grants, membership dues, and volunteer energy. This is a fair you don’t want to miss.
Special Worship Services and Events
May
Bible and Blanket Sunday Sunday, May 4, 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary
Each year, we celebrate the faith of our kindergarteners and third graders with new Bibles. Join us in celebrating this faith milestone. We’d love to give Bibles to all of our children, so please let Lianna know if you have a child you’d like to participate, including but not limited to children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews/niblings, and family friends. Thank you for joining as we continue this beloved tradition.
On this Sunday, we will also bless our graduating High School Seniors. Members of our Knitting Ministry knit and then wrap a shawl or blanket around the shoulders of our students. We lay hands on them and bless them as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives. Thank you to the Knitting Ministry for your faithful support. We look forward to celebrating this milestone together with our seniors!
Summer Schedule Begins Sunday, May 25, 10:00 a.m. Worship One Service Only
On Memorial Day Sunday, we start our summer schedule, moving from two Sunday morning worship services to one that begins at 10:00 a.m. This is also the last Sunday the Chancel Choir will sing before their summer break, so we’ll take this opportunity to thank them for their worship leadership!
Special Worship Services and Events
June
ARTS Camp
June 1-7
Children, middle school youth, and counselors head to Highlands Camp and Retreat Center in Allenspark for ARTS Camp 2025. This is a residential camp where we explore our God-given creativity in all of its different facets to create a musical theater production! This is open to elementary and middle school campers who have completed grades 2-8. For more information, contact Lianna Campos, Minister of Faith Formation (lianna@firstcong).
Arts Camp Musical-Sunday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary and YouTube
High School Mission Trip
June 15-21
This year’s annual high school mission trip, June 15-21, is taking us to Fort Worth, Texas! We will focus on Food Insecurity, doing hands-on work in places like community gardens and food pantries/ kitchens while also learning about advocacy efforts to secure and increase affordable access to healthy food. This trip is open to all current high schoolers (grades 9-12).
Special Worship Services and Events
June
Save the Date...
Boulder Pridefest Sunday, June 15 Central Park
Pride Sunday Sunday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. Sanctury and YouTube
All Church Picnic Sunday, June 22 11:30 a.m.
Foothills Community Park 800 Cherry Ave Boulder
Our Best Shots – McMane Arts Exhibit Now through April 26
The McMane Arts Ministry is pleased to present an exhibit in collaboration with Open Studios in our gallery hallway and the Heritage Room. Beginning February 26 and continuing through April 26, “Our Best Shots,” showcases some of the best photographs taken by area artists.
Join us for a celebratory First Friday Reception on March 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
