As summer’s warmer weather beckons us to spend more time outdoors – hiking and picnicking, First Congregational Church’s Social Justice Ministries have planned a variety of activities for our communal reflection, recreation, learning, and joy.
The beautiful book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by indigenous scientist, Robin Wall Kimmerer will serve as our touchstone. Copies of the book, both young adult and adult versions are available at the Boulder Bookstore, saved for you on a First Congregational Church bookshelf, on the 11th Street entrance of the store. An engaging recording of the book, read by the author, is also available for free on Audible.
Join us for…
A Wildflower Hike on Goshawk Ridge Trail
Saturday, June 8, 7:45 AM
Meet at the Eldorado Park and Ride on Marshall Road to carpool to the trail head.
Goshawk Ridge is described as “a little-known gem that is extraordinary for its constant variety of blooms through the seasons.” Much of the hike is in a Habitat Conservation Area. We will start on Fowler Trail, then go onto the “hiking only” portion of the trail to where it meets up with the Goshawk Ridge Trail which loops around back to Fowler. That hiking route is about 3 miles. Those looking for a longer walk can add the Spring Brook Loop for an additional 2 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Contact: Allison Hamm allison_hamm@yahoo.com
A Natural History and Bird Walk
Saturday, June 29, 6:30 to 10:00 AM, Location TBD
Join Steve Frye, church member and Ringmaster of the Flying Circus Birders, to enjoy and explore the natural history of Boulder County. All ages are welcome. The walk is gentle, but it will cover two to three miles. Come dressed for the weather conditions. Bring optics if you have them. The location will be announced in the Friday Weekly email from the church on June 28. If you would prefer a notice delivered to your inbox, sign up here
to receive an email a day or two before the hike.
Difficulty: Easy. Dogs are not allowed on the bird walk.
Contact: Chris Braudaway-Bauman chris@firstcong.net
Conversations on Braiding Sweetgrass
Wednesdays, July 10, July 24, August 14, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Church Plaza with a Potluck Salad Supper
Join discussion facilitators Lianna Campos, Kevin Pettit, and Sarah Schulte for conversation on selected portions of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book. Page numbers to read in preparation will be available two weeks before each session in the Friday Weekly email from the church or by contacting Lianna at lianna@firstcong.net
Wildlands Restoration Service Project
Friday, July 12, 9:00 AM
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers Headquarters
2100 Collyer Street, Longmont
Adults and children ages 5 and up are invited to plant and weed a native plant landscape “headquarters” of Wildlands Restoration. Spaces have been reserved for 10 volunteers. Sign up by June 21 to reserve your spot by contacting Allison Hamm allison_hamm@yahoo.com
Braiding Sweetgrass Vacation Bible School
Sundays, August 4, 11, 18, August 25, 10 AM – 2 PM
FAITH Center 3rd Floor and Standish Room
Children and youth will enjoy fun, exciting lessons and games focused on the major themes of the young adult version of the book. After the 10 AM worship service, adults are invited to join an intergenerational activity, craft, or service project. All ages will have lunch together.
All Ages Brunch Worship in Plymouth Hall
Sunday, August 11, 10 AM
Join us for a special worship service celebrating God’s gifts of creation and the generosity of the earth. Strawberry Shortcake is on the menu. (Gluten free and vegan options are available). Want to help set, bake, serve, or clean-up? Look for the sign-up link in the Weekly email as August draws near.
A Native American Feast
Sunday, September 8, 11:45 AM
Foothills Community Park, 800 Cherry Avenue
Join us after worship for a church picnic of traditional Osage recipes and ingredients, catered by Tocabe American Indian Eatery in Denver. The menu will include Indian fry bread, wild rice, corn and tomato salsas, black and pinto beans, and shredded bison. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
As the summer unfolds, there will be more Braiding Sweetgrass details to share, including periodic devotionals based on the themes of the book! Look for them in your Weekly emails from the church and the Sunday morning bulletin. Feel free to invite friends and neighbors to join you for activities.
In the spirit of Robin Wall Kimmerer who says, “Gratitude is much more than thank you.
It is a thread that fosters relationships,” we are grateful for you!
Allison Hamm, Matt Hess, Kevin Pettit, Laura Riihimaki, Sarah Schulte, Lianna Campos, Chris Braudaway-Bauman
