Congregational
Welcome to Conversation, Issue 4
SENIOR MINISTER
REV. CHRIS BRAUDAWAY-BAUMAN
Summer stretches out before us, long and light-filled. It’s a season made for gathering, for growing, for grounding ourselves again in the life we share. This summer brings with it a beautiful rhythm of worship, connection, reflection, and renewal.
In these pages, you’ll find invitations to moments both joyful and tender: a musical offered by our children, Pride celebrations full of color and courage, a Mental Health Sunday marked by honesty and hope, and a Service of Prayerful Patriotism that holds our love for country in tension with our longing for justice. A Church Picnic is scheduled for June and Brunch Church Worship in July.
There’ll be meals shared, prayers lifted, and conversations that remind us we belong to each other. Bring your stories and your summer spirit. Let’s make this a season to grow in faith, to show up for each other, and to celebrate the goodness of our life together. With gratitude,
Rev. Chris Braudaway-Bauman Senior Minister
Summer at First Congregational Church: A Season of Story, Spirit, and Shared Life
A Symphony of Summer Music at First Cong
KAJSA TEITELBAUM
During the summer months, the FCC music ensembles take a well-deserved break after being active all year long. One would think that our building goes silent musically after Pentecost, but that is not the case. In fact, summer at FCC is a time of great variety of musical offerings. For each Sunday during the summer months, we have a different volunteer musician/group that offers their musical gifts to the congregation. You can hear anything from bluegrass, to opera, jazz, and rare folk instruments. The sky is the limit, and that is what makes our summer services so special.
The first thing on our 2025 summer program is ARTS Camp and their performance on June 8. Our elementary and middle school kids go away for one week and learn a musical that they bring back to the congregation. There will be singing, dancing, and acting, all in the same service.
Another beloved summer tradition is our PickUp Choir – a one-Sunday-only opportunity for anyone who has ever wondered what it’s like to sing in the choir. We gather in the sanctuary before the service, learn an anthem together, and then share it with the congregation that very morning. No long-term commitment required –just a willing heart and a joyful spirit. Read the Weekly email for announcements of the next pick-Up Choir Sunday.
This summer, we’ll also begin similar sessions for handbells and chimes, offering introductory workshops designed to open the door to new musical possibilities. While ringing requires a bit more preparation, our aim is to grow this ministry and make room for more hands to join the song. Keep an eye on our bulletins and email Weekly for session details.
Of course, no summer at FCC would be complete without our Service of Prayerful Patriotism, a cherished tradition featuring a brass quintet offering an extended prelude and stirring music throughout the service.
Do you sing or play an instrument? Would you like to participate in our volunteer summer music program? Not ready to perform a solo but would still like to be involved? For more information, email Director of Music, Kajsa Teitelbaum (Kajsa@firstcong.net).
Summer Fun at First Congregational
Arts Camp Musical Worship Service
Sunday June 8, 10:00 a.m.
Sanctuary and Online
After a week full of theater, the arts, fellowship, and fun at Highlands Retreat Cente in Allenspark, twenty-two elementary and middle school campers return to lead us in worship with a musical offering from the heart. This year’s production, Storms, tells the tender and courageous story of children wondering whether they have the strength to face the storms of life. As they explore the Gospel story of Jesus calming the waves, they discover a deeper truth: no matter what rages around them, Jesus is in the boat with them. Through song and story, they remind us that just as Christ is present with us, we are called to be present for one another – steadfast companions through every storm.
High School Mission Trip
June 15-20 | Ft. Worth, Texas
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. Thank you all so much for your incredible support of this year’s trip. We hope you enjoy the goodies won during the silent auction and that the pick-a-parties you attended were a delight!
Bible Study on Acts of the Apostles with John Bisceglia First, Third, and Fifth Wednesdays All Summer 5:30-6:45 p.m. | Zoom
Explore the book of Acts and find out how the story of our ancestors in faith is similar to our struggles today – some of the same problems and challenges continue. This is a come and go event, so join us whenever you are available to attend. We read the passages together so there is no preparation needed. Contact John Bisceglia (johnbisceglia80305@msn.com) to receive the Zoom link.
Book Group and Bible Study with Margot Pickett and Chris Braudaway-Bauman
Who Stole My Bible?: Reclaiming Scripture as a Handbook for Resisting Tyranny
Second and Fourth Wednesdays, June 11, June 25, July 9, and July 23
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Heritage Room
We’ve all seen examples of Scripture being used and abused to justify racism, sexism, reactionary politics, and even violence. Who Stole My Bible? by Jennifer Butler shows how the Bible from Genesis to Revelation inspires us to find our voices to resist oppression of any kind. Each chapter brings together significant stories of Scripture with true stories of courageous religious communities countering authoritarianism and white supremacy in America today. The author, Jennifer Butler, an ordained minister, is the Executive Director of Faith in Democracy. Interested? Contact Margot Pickett (margot. pickett@gmail.com) or Chris Braudaway-Bauman (chris@firstcong.net).
Church Picnic
Sunday, June 22, 11:30 a.m.
Foothills Community Park
800 Cherry Ave Boulder
Following the 10:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, June 22, join First Cong folks at Foothills Community Park. Our Board of Community Life will provide BBQ sandwiches, salads including vegan options, baked beans, dessert and beverages. All are welcome and warmly encouraged to join us for food, fellowship, games, and a playground for the kids. Face painting, balloon animals, great food, and great company! Hope to see you there under the picnic shelters!
June is PRIDE Month
Join the LGBTQIA+ and Allies Ministry as First Congregational Church joyfully lives into its Open and Affirming (ONA) Covenant. Rooted in the belief that each of us is lovingly made in the image of God, our covenant calls us to embrace our whole selves – including our sexuality – as sacred and good.
Boulder Pridefest
Sunday, June 15, 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Central Park-Canyon Boulevard, Boulder
Find us at the Boulder PRIDE Festival! Our church booth will be alive with color, connection, and celebration. Stop by for engaging activities, warm conversation, and an invitation to experience the radical welcome of our church community.
Pride Sunday Worship Service
Sunday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. | Sanctuary and Online
The Sunday following Boulder Pridefest, we gather for a vibrant worship service lifting up the voices, gifts, and faithful witness of LGBTQ+ people. Through song, story, and sacred testimony, we’ll affirm the beauty of every beloved child of God. Wear your rainbow colors, bandanas, and tees –come as you are, come in joy, come with pride.
Pride Sunday Worship Service
Sunday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. | Sanctuary and Online
The Sunday following Boulder Pridefest, we gather for a vibrant worship service lifting up the voices, gifts, and faithful witness of LGBTQ+ people. Through song, story, and sacred testimony, we’ll affirm the beauty of every beloved child of God. Wear your rainbow colors, bandanas, and tees –come as you are, come in joy, come with pride.
Mental Health Sunday Worship Service
Sunday, June 16, 10:00 a.m.
Sanctuary and Online
Please join the Mental Health Ministry (MHM) as they lead worship on June 16. As a WISE (Welcoming, Inviting, Supportive, and Encouraging) Congregation, First Congregational supports the MHM as they provide meaningful ways to learn about Mental Health, remove the stigma surrounding mental health, and reveal new ways to become a more intentional and active WISE Congregation. All of us deal with mental health issues whether it is depression, addiction, anxiety, nervousness, uncertainty, etc. This year the service will include a testimony of one who contemplated dying by suicide and ends by giving hope, as they were able to regain their mental health through medication and therapy. We recognize that not all stories have the same endings, but the discussion is important to bring to the forefront. We will also hear from a therapist who will speak on how to better love one another and create spaces to more freely discuss mental health.
Service of Prayerful Patriotism
Sunday, June 29 | Sanctuary and Online
9:45 a.m. Extended Prelude with Brass Quintet
10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship
Guest Preacher Sen. Mark Udall
11:15 a.m. A Congregational Conversation will follow worship with Sen. Mark Udall and Rep. David Skaggs
On this Sunday, our worship is an extended prayer for our country. In these days as our democracy is being challenged in surprising ways, this morning serves both as a confession of the ways we have fallen short of living our ideals and as a renewal of our aspirations and hope.
Former U.S. Senator Mark Udall
For several years First Congregational has had a tradition of blending prayer and patriotism for the Sunday nearest the 4th of July. This year that is June 29, when we will welcome former United States Senator Mark Udall to the pulpit. Other recent guest preachers for “4th of July Sunday” have been 2nd District Representative Joe Neguse and former Senators Tim Wirth and Gary Hart. Except for Sen. Hart, the throughline is Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, represented by Tim Wirth (1974-86) and then FCC member David Skaggs (1986-98) followed by Mark Udall (19982008) and, with Governor Polis in between, Joe Neguse (2018-present).
Sen. Udall enjoys an amazing political lineage. His dad was Arizona Congressional Representative Mo Udall, who ran for President in 1976; his uncle Stewart was Secretary of the Interior in the Kennedy Administration after serving in the House for six years; his cousin Tom was Senator from New Mexico (2008-2020), overlapping with Mark’s time in the Senate (2008-2014). Mark is an accomplished outdoorsman and mountaineer, having attempted Mt. Everest several times, and was a leader in Congress on environmental issues and preserving Colorado’s wild lands. He was Arizona’s boys’ golf champion in 1968.
Mark has deep values to match his Western heritage. Like so many, he shares our distress with the state of American politics. But he is an irrepressible optimist. And that spirit will no doubt show up in the thoughts he shares with us on June 29.
Backpack School Supply Drive for Family Learning Center (FLC)
Donations Accepted in the Link
Help the kids of Boulder’s FLC get a good start for the new school year! From June 29-July 13 we will be collecting school supplies like notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, and more to fill backpacks for students. Below is a full list of school supplies needed Support this effort by writing a check to First Congregational Church with “Backpacks” in the memo, or giving electronically by using the QR code.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Crayons
Washable markers
Glue sticks
Erasers
Blunt-tipped scissors
Notebook
Folders
3rd through 5th grade Crayons
Colored pencils
Washable markers
Glue sticks
Blunt-tipped scissors
Erasers
Pencil case
Ruler
Folders
Notebooks
Middle School and High School
Planner
Index cards
Highlighters
Notebooks
Folders
Erasers
3-ring binder
Calculator
Colored pencils
Pens
Pencil case
Glue sticks or glue
Ruler
Protractor
Graph paper
Sticky notes
Scissors
Pre-K/K Sunday School Class
Sunday, July 6 and beyond! This summer, we are launching a new Sunday School class just for our preschool and kindergarteners! Starting July 6th, our 3s, 4s, and 5s will go to their own classroom for Sunday School where they’ll hear Bible stories, do crafts, learn songs, and play in beloved community. Do you have a child in your life who will be in this new class? Or are you interested in teaching? Let Lianna know at lianna@firstcong.net.
Youth Gatherings
Youth group will meet throughout the summer for fun activities in the Boulder County area! All youth grades 6-12 are invited to times of fellowship and conversation. Stay informed through Lianna’s emails, the weekly news email, and the Youth GroupMe (and if you’re not getting any of those, please let Lianna know at lianna@firstcong.net). Here are our youth gatherings for this summer planned so far:
“Sunset Swim” Night
at the Great Outdoors Waterpark
Wednesday, July 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m 500 E South Boulder Road, Lafayette
Gateway Park Fun Center
Sunday, July 20, 3:00-5:00 p.m. 4800 28th Street, Boulder
Pop Culture Theology with Lianna Campos
Thursdays, July 10 to August 21 (excl. 7/24) Heritage Room, at 6:00 p.m.
Since premiering in the 1970’s, Star Wars has had an undeniable impact on our culture and entertainment. This summer, let’s have a movie study group! On your own each week, you’ll be encouraged to watch that week’s movie. Then we’ll meet at the church to discuss the different theological concepts in each movie. Let Lianna know you’re interested at lianna@firstcong.net.
Play Dates in the Park
Sunday, July 13, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Waneka Lake Park in Lafayette 1600 Caria Drive, Lafayette, CO
Rough and Ready Park in Longmont
Sunday, July 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
301 E 21st Ave., Longmont, CO 80504
There are so many lovely parks around, we should meet up and enjoy them this summer! Families are invited to come hang out for a few hours where there’s a playground for the children to play at. See the dates, times, and locations above!
Brunch Church Worship Service
Sunday, July 20, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Plymouth Hall
Come savor the sweetness of summer as brunch and worship blend into one joyful gathering. We’ll meet around tables in Plymouth Hall, lifting our hearts in praise and our forks in fellowship. As we worship through word, song, and shared presence, we’ll also break bread together. On the menu: egg frittatas, summer fruit salad, and coffee cake –with vegan and gluten-free options available. All are welcome at the table. Watch the Weekly email for opportunities to sign up to help.
Christmas In August Campaign for RISE Against Suicide
Each year the Mental Health and LGBTQ+ and Allies Ministries partner to sponsor a fundraising campaign called Christmas in August for RISE Against Suicide. RISE helps youth at risk of suicide by removing the financial and social barriers to treatment, enabling them to find hope and healing. Many in our congregation have experienced loved ones dying by suicide. This is one way that our congregation can journey with them and young people as they navigate in a world that can be a difficult place to find hope. Please watch for announcements in August for opportunities to participate in this important fundraiser.
Getting Things in Order:
Protecting You and Your Family
Sundays, August 3, 10, and 24, 9:00 a.m.
Standish Room
Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life?
For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. – James 4:14
We know that nothing can separate us from the love of God, including death, but we do not know what tomorrow will bring. The Ministry of Last Things (MLT) is relaunching its new and improved notebook to help you get your things in order. This notebook is important for people of all ages, including single people, individuals in retirement, Gen Zers, and people who have dependents. What happens to your children or vulnerable adults such as aging parents or grandparents if something were to happen to you? This notebook can help you prepare for such events.
Join the Ministry of Last Things for this three-part Sunday Forum. Together, we’ll take the first steps in preparing for the unknown. The notebook and the sessions will help you:
• Determine what is important to you in your life and your care;
• Talk with your family about your medical care should you not be able to communicate your desires;
• Organize your essential contacts and financial affairs should your family need to act on your behalf;
• Make end-of-life plans that lessen the stress on those you love when they are grieving.
If you haven’t prepared for an unfortunate incident that leaves you without the ability to make decisions or causes your death, this is a very important series for you to attend. If you already have a notebook completed, this is a great opportunity to make sure your information is updated and reflects your current values and wishes. Don’t let one more year go by without Getting Your Things in Order to Protect You and Your Family. For more information contact Jean Abbott (jabbott49@gmail.com).
Memoir Writing Forum
Sunday, August 17, 9:00 a.m.
Standish Room
In June of 2016, a small group of people who love to write began meeting each week to create stories about our lives. We write in response to prompts and then share what we have written with the group. Our goal has always been to commit to a regular writing practice. Sometimes we are asked how many of us have published our memoirs and we have to admit that publishing isn’t really our goal, but writing is. (Even during COVID, we met on Zoom every week.)
Over the years, dozens of First Cong members have written about their life experiences. We have expanded our repertoire from strictly memoir writing to include other genres: essays, travelogues, novels, journals, and family history. Along the way, we have discovered that writing helps us process experiences and we learn a lot about ourselves and each other. Often, we sit down to write on a particular topic only to discover that an entirely different story is there, waiting to be expressed. We have all worked together to create a supportive, thoughtful, and loving environment where we offer each other encouragement and reflective insight.
On Sunday, August 17th, we will share our favorite pieces of writing at an adult Forum in the Standish Room, beginning at 9:00 a.m. We would love for you to join us!
A Morning with Lorraine Leist
Sunday, August 24 | Sanctuary and Online 10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship guest preacher Lorraine Leist
Our preacher for the morning, the Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist, serves as Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Older Adults at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church in Denver. Previously, she served as a palliative care chaplain at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. Before that, as a treasured member of First Cong, Lorraine was involved in the development of our Ministry of Last Things.
11:15 a.m. A Congregational Conversation with Lorraine Leist and Jean Abbott
Following worship and a quick coffee break, Jean Abbott, the chair of our Ministry of Last Things, will join Lorraine in facilitating a congregational conversation on the topic: Is Dying More than a Medical Event?
Access Sunday Worship Service: Neurodiversity
Sunday, August 31, 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary and Online
The world in which we live has become a dangerous and unwieldy place for those living with disabilities. The Accessible to All (A2A) Ministry of First Cong will lead a worship service on August 31 with the theme “Neurodiversity.” We believe that all people are made imago Dei, in the image of God. There are no mistakes with God. All individuals are uniquely gifted and should be celebrated, but when human-made “norms” are imposed on all, we lose the creativity and giftedness of all. Join us as we learn about our neurodiverse siblings. Living in a diverse world, we strive to provide inclusivity for all.
Women’s Retreat Weekend 2025
Rest • Reconnect • Be Restored Friday, October 24, 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 26, Noon Highlands Retreat Center, Allenspark
This fall take a weekend to step away from the usual routine and make space to rest, reconnect, and be refreshed. Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by the beauty of autumn, the Women’s Retreat offers time to slow down and enjoy meaningful time together. It’s a chance to breathe deeply, linger in conversation, find new friends, or deepen lasting connections – all in the company of women walking this journey together.
We’ll begin with dinner on Friday and conclude mid-morning Sunday after a closing time of worship.
Can’t attend the full weekend? A Saturday-only option is available.
Register by: Tuesday, October 7
A Tradition of Safety at First Congregational
KAREN CUMBO
In 2017 First Congregational Church formed a Safe Church Task Force to explore our ability to plan for and respond to all kinds of incidents – medical, storms, intruders, fires, etc. Our mission was to improve safety for congregants, visitors, and staff, while maintaining our culture of being an open and welcoming church. Using guidance from the Boulder Police and Fire Departments, the Task Force made improvements, both to the Church building and to Church operations, and in 2018, an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) was developed. The Task Force borrowed from plans made by other churches around the country as well as a model EOP developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Task Force members and Church staff had training in de-escalation techniques, active shooter procedures, and CPR.
In 2019, the new Safety Team members began serving as volunteer Safety Coordinators at worship services and other large events. These Coordinators provide leadership in the event of incidents, including decision-making, communications, and coordination with other agencies. Historically, most incidents are medical, and most are minor.
Safety Coordinators wear nametags with a red lanyard, and sit in the Narthex during the 10:30 a.m. service, or in the Chapel during the 8:30 a.m. service. Additional medical professionals in attendance are also identified to provide assistance if needed.
An evacuation drill for the congregation was planned for October 2019, but it was cancelled because of a power outage. The drill was rescheduled for May 2020, but the church building had been closed as a public health response to the COVID19 pandemic. The drill was intended to test the procedures that had been developed, and to
increase awareness among congregants of those procedures and of safety as an important priority for all houses of worship. Expect to participate in the first of periodic evacuation drills this fall. Guidance will be provided in advance.
The Safety Team has updated its CPR and first aid training and invited numerous individuals serving the Church to a training about deescalation, mental health, and how to interact with potentially disruptive people.
As a member of the congregation, you are encouraged to be conscious of potential risks, aware of exit locations, and to be prepared to help those around you, in particular those with mobility challenges. New members of the Safety Team meet monthly and serve with these qualities: be welcoming, be compassionate, act with common sense, and be decisive.
Valuable Information Bookends
Home Page and Member Dashboard
PHIL BRAUDAWAY-BAUMAN
Launched nearly six months ago, our new website (www.firstcong.net) contains a wealth of information both for those seeking to find a church and for regular attendees and members. But how do you know where to find what you want? We suggest you start at our Home Page and the Member Dashboard. Think of these as the bookends to the library of information contained in First Cong’s public presence.
The Home Page (www.firstcong.net) can be accessed from anywhere within the site by clicking on the First Cong logo in the upper left corner of the page you are on. In addition to basic information to welcome a visitor to our church, you will find here three special sections of valuable material. Updated regularly, these items may be most useful at any given time.
Scroll down past the “Our Ministries and Priorities” section to see the current Feature Item, an event or announcement set against a tan background.
Immediately below The Feature item is a list of six Upcoming Events and two Latest News items. These Events and News items also update constantly, based on what we believe is most useful to you. Click on any event or news item to be taken to a fuller description.
The Member Dashboard is our collection of tools, communications, and pathways to information that we believe you will find useful. Find the Dashboard by clicking the link in the small upper menu on any page: This “Dashboard” (in computer-speak, a dashboard is a single screen that serves as a starting point for a variety of information or tasks) is not only for members, but anyone who wants to connect, learn more, and dig deeper into our life as a community of faith. Within two main presentations, our Member Dashboard guides you to all sorts of information.
At the top, Six Tiles highlight upcoming events, announcements, or concerns. Click on any one to get to a fuller description. For example, currently our tiles include Stewardship 2025 and a request for Fellowship Hour goodies.
Immediately below, a series of Buttons, arranged into six groupings, take you to whatever you are seeking:
Quick Links guide your way to our church directory or your Realm account log in, and give you access to our weekly devotionals, publications, calendar, and various request forms (for adding events or announcements, for expense reimbursement, for prayer requests, etc.);
Volunteer Signup gathers many of our ongoing signups, so with a single click a button takes you immediately to your activity of interest (ushering, Sunday flowers, Soup Kitchen, and others);
E-Communications is a cluster of buttons that give you access to all the electronic information that comes from the church: the Weekly Email, Minister Letters, and Conversation magazines, each with historical archives;
A Give section guides you to opportunities for pledging and giving to First Cong’s ministries;
Governance & Leadership includes buttons to open our main corporate documents; and
Group & Committee Resources is a growing section that guides you to resources of interest for your Board or Committee.
We hope you find our Home Page and Member Dashboard useful starting points to help you find your way to the church information you need!
