By: Jeanette Ford
Jeanette Ford joined First Congregational Church in October 2015. She is an active member of the Wednesday afternoon memoir writing group and has published three books: Archival Principles and Practice (1990), Archival Principles for Churches (2002), and most recently My First 90 Years: Memoirs of Jeanette White Ford (2018).
Along with Phil and Marlys Robertson, I attended the Boulder Barbershop Quartet Concert at the Dairy Center earlier this month. It was delightful music marked by harmony.
Several quartets and two larger choruses performed pieces ranging from “Buffalo Gal, Won’t You Come Out Tonight” to “Amazing Grace.” Every song ended with the harmony distinctive to the barbershop sound.
Harmony. Such a beautiful concept. It works in music. It works in families. It is essential for any group of people trying to reach a common goal. First Congregational Church of Boulder is a good example of diverse people working together in harmony.
First let us look at our diversity. We come in all sizes from toddlers, such as Mikaya Silva, to towering Nils Nordberg. We are of all races, from Caucasian to native American, to African-American, to Asian. We are of different educational backgrounds, from first graders to university professors. Some of us, like Bill Jones, a long-time baritone in a barbershop quartet, can sing. Others have trouble carrying a tune in a bucket. We are all different.
Yet, somehow, by the grace of God, for over 150 years, the group of Christians known as the First Congregational Church of Boulder, Colorado, USA, has managed to be a beacon of light and grace to the community it serves.
The church’s goals of using inclusive language, promoting just peace, caring for the whole earth, being open and affirming to all, providing accessibility to all, and supporting mental health unite us. May we also be one in love for each other and for God. Like a good barbershop quartet, may we continue to work together in harmony for the next 150 years.
“Therefore God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience . . . Above all, put on love–the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:12. HCSB
