Join Our Pop-Up Choir
Sunday, 8/11 at 9 AM – Choir Room
Come and be a part of our special Sunday morning POP-UP Choir! All singers are welcome, regardless of experience. We will learn a beautiful anthem to perform during the service. No prior singing experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and love for music. We look forward to seeing you there!
Brunch Church
Sunday, 8/11, 10 AM – Plymouth Hall
Join us for a special all ages worship service celebrating God’s gifts of creation and the generosity of the earth. Strawberry shortcake is on the menu! Gluten free and dairy free options will be available. Can you help with set-up, baking, serving, or clean-up? Sign-up here!
Memorial for Leona Stone
Sunday, 7/28 at 1:30 PM – Sanctuary and Plymouth Hall
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Leona Stone, as Leona died on June 29, 2024. There will be a memorial service held at First Congregational Church on Sunday, July 28, at 1:30 PM with a reception to follow. All are welcome.
Take Me Out to the Ballpark!
Friday, 8/9 at 6:40 PM – Coors Field Denver
The Church is sponsoring a trip to Coors Field in Denver to see a Colorado Rockies baseball game on Friday, August 9 at 6:40 PM vs. the Atlanta Braves. Tickets are $17 each and must be reserved and prepaid thru Jane Strohm; jestrohm@comcast.net or 303.717.5432. Get your tickets now so you can sit with us! Tickets will go fast!
Braiding Sweetgrass Discussion & Salad Potluck
Wednesdays at 5:30 PM – 7/24 and 8/14 – Plaza
Covering just one chapter or short story per meeting, Kevin Pettit, Sarah Schulte, and Lianna Campos will lead discussions on the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. For July 24th, we will be talking about chapter 6: Learning the Grammar of Animacy. All are invited to join and bring a salad dish to share!
Mission Partner – Wildlands Restoration Volunteers Opportunity (WRV)
Tuesday, 7/23 10 AM – 2 PM – Longmont “Cooks in the Kitchen”
Join our mission partner Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV) Event “Cooks in the Kitchen” to help prepare meals that will later be consumed in the field as the teams work this summer. There are five spots available to members and friends of First Cong. To participate contact Jill von Trebra or call/text 708-227-4437 to be put on the list. WRV is a Colorado nonprofit 501(c)(3) that organizes thousands of volunteers each year to complete more than 150 conservation projects throughout Colorado.
Retreat: Spiritual Support for Grief
Tuesday, 7/23, 10 AM – 3 PM – Bill Forbes’s Home, Sugarloaf Mountain
Join Bill Forbes and Jean Manifesto for a five-hour contemplative retreat where those experiencing loss can come together, walk a labyrinth, share common experiences and support one another in our journey. The loss can be recent, in the near or distant past, an anticipated loss for those supporting a loved one, or a loss of another sort such as loss of health or home. For more details and/or to register click here or email Linda at linda@firstcong.net
Mindful Works Pop-Up Store
Sunday, 7/14 – Plymouth Hall Following Worship
Our ministry partner Mindful Works and members of the FCC Mindful Works Ministry have designed and created a WISE Parament for WISE churches in the UCC. Please visit the Mindful Works Pop-Up Store in Plymouth Hall to view and purchase some of their goods. Mindful Works is a social enterprise providing empowering work to individuals striving to overcome obstacles due to mental health challenges.
For more information go to https://mindful-works.org
Memorial Service for Helene Willis
7/1 at 2:30 PM – Sanctuary
Helene Willis was a treasured member of First Congregational Church since 1997. She died on Thursday, June 13 at the age of 91. A Service in Memory and Thanksgiving for her life will be held on Monday, July 1 in the Sanctuary. A reception in the Standish and Heritage Rooms will follow. We extend our deepest sympathy to Helene’s husband Roe, to their children and grandchildren as we place Helene in God’s eternal care.
Backpack School Supply Drive for Family Learning Center (FLC)
Sundays, 6/30, 7/7 & 7/14 – Donations Accepted in the Link
Help the kids of Boulder’s Family Learning Center get a good start for the new school year! From June 30-July 14 we will be collecting school supplies like notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, markers and more to fill backpacks for students. You can view the full list of school supplies online here. Please write a check to First Congregational Church with “Backpacks” in the memo, or give electronically here.
Memorial Service for Julian Rush
Saturday, 6/29, 11 AM – Boulder First United Methodist Church
Rev. Julian Rush, the composer of one of our favorite hymns, In the Midst of New Dimensions, died last November in Arizona. A Service of Thanksgiving for his life will be held at Boulder First United Methodist Church, 1421 Spruce Street, on Saturday, June 29, at 11:00 AM. We remember with great joy the impact of his life and ministry on church and society. He pioneered inclusiveness in United Methodism and beyond, and saved countless lives through his service to the Colorado AIDS project. His music will live forever, as will his legacy of love.
Bird Walk at White Rocks/South Teller Farm Trailhead
Saturday, 6/29, 6:30 to 9:30 AM
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. Please leave the dogs at home, and plan to arrive ready to go promptly at 6:30 . White Rocks/ Teller Farm. Click here for location. Contact: Chris Braudaway-Bauman chris@firstcong.net
First Cong Booth at Boulder Pride – Volunteer!
Sunday, June 30, 2024, 11:30a-5:00p Centennial Park
In 1987 First Cong became an Open and Affirming Congregation, meaning we invite and affirm our LGBTQ+ siblings into membership and leadership. To live into that covenant, we invite everyone to participate in Boulder PRIDE on June 30. We need volunteers to help host and welcome people at our booth AND we need 600 frozen freezer pops. Sign up for both in the Link after worship or email Carmen Valdes valdesc@hotmail.com to become part of the First Cong PRIDE Booth Team.
Soup Kitchen Volunteers – Urgent Need
Sunday, 6/23 – Sign-Up Here
Soup Kitchen is Sunday, June 23 and we are in urgent need of volunteers for both shifts (First Shift: 9 – 11:30 AM and Second Shift: 11:30 AM – 2 PM). We will train you on the spot. There is no need to be nervous! Please sign up here as an individual, family or small group or contact me at linda@firstcong.net and I will sign you up. For info contact: Soo Rhee soo.rhee@colorado.edu
Join Our POP-UP Choir
Sunday, June 23 at 9 AM
Come and be a part of our special Sunday morning POP-UP Choir! All singers are welcome, regardless of experience. We will learn a beautiful anthem to perform during the service. No prior singing experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and love for music. We look forward to seeing you there!
Women’s Retreat 2024
Friday to Sunday, 8/30 – 9/1 – Highlands Retreat Center, Allenspark
As we enter the fall, we’ll take a weekend to reflect on friendship, its gifts, its necessity, how friends enfold us in times of deepest joy and keenest sorrow, and how we help each other grow and thrive. Join us for a time of sharing, connecting, and nurturing our faith and friendships together. Our time together begins with dinner on Friday and concludes mid-morning on Sunday. Can’t attend for the whole weekend? A Saturday only option is available. Register by Tuesday, August 13.
A Prayerful Patriotism
Sunday 7/7, 9:30 AM Worship – Sanctuary and Online
Join us for worship on Sunday, July 7, as we welcome Congressman Joe Neguse as our preacher for the morning. Elected to his first term in November 2018, he became the first Black Member of Congress in Colorado history, representing Colorado’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Music by our Easter Brass Quintet and Chancel Choir. Following worship, Former U.S. Representative and beloved church member David Skaggs will join Joe Neguse for a community conversation. Musical Prelude at 9:15 AM. Invite friends and neighbors.
All Church Picnic
Sunday, 6/23 Following 10:00 AM Worship Service
Foothills Community Park, 800 Cherry Ave. Boulder
Following worship on Sunday, 6/23, join First Cong folks at Foothills Community Park. Our Board of Community Life will provide pulled 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. Hope to see you there under the picnic shelters!
Heartsaver First Aid CPR and AED Training
Wednesdays, 6/12 or 7/17, 6 to 8 PM – Standish Room and Online
Join Kelly McDevitt from First Cong’s Safety Team for this important emergency training, which include three hours of online learning and two hours of hands on skills. This American Heart Association course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. There is a $20 fee for the online learning component, but the rest is a gift to us from Kelly McDevitt. Sign up to participate on 6/12 here or 7/17 here.
Dementia Man: An Existential Journey
Saturday, 6/8 or Monday 6/10 at 7 PM – Frasier Meadows
Ministry of Last Things (MLT) present, Dementia Man, An Existential Journey (dementiaman.com) is the award-winning autobiographical story of a man who faces his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by actor and playwright Samuel A. Simon. After the show there will be a panel discussion and reception. This event sponsored by BRC’s Alzheimer/Dementia Initiative, and co-sponsored by Frasier Meadows and by the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter. Seats are limited so reserve your seat HERE. Frasier Meadows, 350 Ponca Place, Boulder.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day Is June 7
Wear Orange June 7–9!
National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 7. June 7-9 is a weekend when we honor the lives of people in the United States affected by gun violence. Because orange symbolizes the value of each person’s life, we wear it to call an end to gun violence. Please join us that weekend with a scarf, pin or other orange item. There will be virtual and in-person events across the nation. Boulder Moms Demand Action is holding an event on Sunday, June 9. Check their website for more information.
Community Table – Volunteers Needed to Host
Weekly Starting Tonight, Friday, 5/31
Beginning this week, FCC is partnering with Bridge House and other Pine Street churches to provide weekday evening meals to Boulder’s unhoused community. Tonight, and continuing every Friday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, it will be our turn. Bridge House will cater the meal every week and take care of the set up and clean-up. Starting on the second Friday in June, we will be signing up an FCC host for every Friday to receive our guests with your good cheer and hospitality. To volunteer Sign Up here. For more info contact linda@firstcong.net
Arts Camp and Musical
Sunday, 6/9, 10 AM Worship – Sanctuary
From June 2 to June 8, our elementary children and middle school youth will be away at our annual Arts Camp. On Sunday, June 9, they will lead us in worship. This year’s production, What’s Up, Zak? is an imaginative retelling through drama and music of the stories of Zacchaeus the tax collector and Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, from Luke’s Gospel, and how their lives are change by encounters with Jesus. The Arts Camp Musical is always highlight of the church year! Don’t miss it!
FCC Get Out the Vote 2024 Campaign
Sunday, 5/26 Immediately Following Worship – The Link
Join the FCC Social Justice Ministries on Sunday, May 26, after worship during Coffee Hour in the Link to continue our Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaign. Throughout the summer, we will be working with non-partisan organizations to write letters and postcards to encourage low-propensity voters to vote in November. There will be a table in the Link to train you, provide space to write or give you packets to check out and write at home. Contact Caitlin Smith (csmitty12@gmail.com)
June 2025 Sweden Choir Tour Info Meeting
Sunday, 5/26, Following Worship – Sanctuary
FCC Chancel Choir plus supporters are planning a concert tour to Sweden for mid-June, 2025. Twelve days of traveling around cities, countryside, visiting historical and cultural sites. For more information, come to our initial meeting in the sanctuary, or email Kajsa at kajsa@firstcong.net for more information.
Fellowship of the Grape (FOG)
Friday, 5/24, from 6–8 PM – 905 Rainlilly Lane, Boulder
FOG will convene for its May meeting on Friday, May 24th 6-8PM at Roy and Laura McCutchen’s home, 905 Rainlilly Lane, Boulder. With Memorial Day imminent, please share a wine that brings back memories. Couples please bring an appetizer and a bottle of wine; singles may bring either. Come meet new friends and socialize with those you know well.
Intercambio Community Conversations
May 30 6:30-8:00 PM – RSVP by May 24
Join us for Intercambio’s upcoming Community Conversations on May 30, 6:30-8:00 PM, at their Longmont office (1715 Iron Horse Dr.). This unique event fosters language skills, confidence, and life-changing connections for English as a second language speakers. Five spots are reserved – RSVP by 5/24 to Jill at vontrebj@comcast.net. For inquiries, contact Irene at irene@intercambio.org or 970-670-0145. Explore more at intercambio.org.
LGBTQ+ and Allies Ministry Lunch
Sunday, 5/19 – from 11:15 AM – 1 PM
On the third Sunday of each month immediately following the worship service LGBTQIA+ Persons and Allies gather for food, fun and fellowship. Each person is responsible to bring their own lunch and drink. You can bring a snack to share if you like. If you would like more information please contact linda@firstcong.net. Please join us!
Welcoming New Members
Sunday, 5/19 – During Worship
We invite you to jump in, roll up your sleeves, and enter deeply into the life and ministry of First Congregational Church. We are receiving new members at 10:30 AM worship. If you would like to join us, please contact Julie Griffitts julie@firstcong.net
FORUM: Shakespeare, Youth, and Violence Prevention
Sunday, 5/19 at 8:45 AM – Standish Room
The Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) Ministry invites youth, parents, and other Shakespeare lovers to a forum focused on how Shakespeare can be used to teach us how to deal with conflict resolution. Dr. Amanda Giguere, Director of Outreach of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, will lead the discussion Childcare will be provided. For more information contact Carol Young
E-Council for Lianna Campos
Saturday, 5/18 at 11 AM – Zoom
Lianna will have her ecclesiastical council on zoom. This is a final step
in the ordination process for the United Church of Christ, and will feature Lianna talking about her theology and church practices, and having general conversation about her faith and call journey. Members of the Southeast Association of the Indiana-Kentucky conference will then vote on if Lianna should be ordained! Lianna would love for you to be there on Zoom for this important step in her journey. You can read Lianna’s paper here. Meeting ID: 926 449 4206 Passcode: 7171
FCC Get Out the Vote 2024 Campaign
Sunday, 5/12 – Immediately After 10:30 AM Worship Service
Join the FCC Social Justice Ministries on Sunday, May 12, after worship during Coffee Hour to continue our Get Out the Vote campaign. Throughout the summer, we will be working with non-partisan organizations to write letters and postcards to encourage low-propensity voters to vote in November. There will be a table in Plymouth Hall to train you, provide space to write or give you packets to check out and write at home. Contact Caitlin Smith
Church Yard and Garden Clean-Up
Saturday, 5/18 from 9 – Noon
The Facilities Committee invites you to join us for a Church yard and garden clean-up at First Congregational on Saturday, May 18, from 9 AM to Noon. Wear gloves and grubby clothes. All ages welcome! We need help spreading at least 6 yards of mulch. Bring wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, and forks. Coffee and snacks will be provided. See you there!
Cupcakes for Mother’s Day from Mindful Works
Sunday, 5/12 Order in the Link Before Church or at Coffee Hour
Support our mission partner Mindful Works as they sell cupcakes for Mother’s Day! You can order your cupcakes Sunday, 5/12 in the Link before the service or at Coffee Hour in Plymouth Hall after the worship service. Cupcakes can be picked up on Thursday, 5/16 at Mindful Works. Mindful Works is a social enterprise providing empowering work to individuals striving to overcome obstacles due to mental health challenges.
A New Floor for Plymouth Hall
Vote for Your Favorite Sample After Worship
This summer, we’ll be replacing the floor in Plymouth Hall. During Coffee Hour following 10:30 am Worship this Sunday, floor samples will be available for you to view and vote for your favorite. The Facilities Committee will supply the ballots.
Newcomers Coffee
Sunday, 5/5 – 11:45 AM, Heritage Room
Are you new to the First Congregational Church community? Looking to find out more and get better connected? Join us on Sunday, May 5, after 10:30 AM worship to get to know some of ministers and leaders at FCC, ask any questions you may have, and learn more about the many ways you can get involved. We will be receiving new members during worship on Pentecost Sunday, May 19.
FCC Get Out the Vote 2024 Campaign
First Event: 5/5 – Immediately Following 10:30 AM Worship Service
Love your neighbor by making sure their voice is heard! Join the FCC Social Justice Ministries on Sunday, May 5, after the service to kick off our Get Out The Vote campaign. Throughout the summer, we will be working with non-partisan organizations to write letters and postcards to encourage low-propensity voters to vote in November. We will train you on the spot. Contact Laura Riihimaki.
Bible Sunday
Sunday, May 5 at 10:30 AM Worship – Sanctuary
We will be presenting our kindergarteners and third graders with age-appropriate Bibles. We are so excited to put the Word of God into the hands of our young disciples and want to make sure that everyone is included! Do you have a kindergartener or third grader in your family to whom you would like to give a Bible? They don’t have to attend FCC to have their Bible blessed here! Do you have a student that did not receive a Bible in kindergarten or third grade from First Congregational? Please let Lianna know at your earliest convenience at lianna@firstcong.net.
CAT Forum – Climate Change: Crisis, Grief & Hope
Sunday, May 5 at 9:15 AM Standish Room
Join Climate Action Team (CAT) for Climate Change: Crisis, Grief and Hope, an interactive discussion on Climate Change. Together we will share questions and concerns we have about climate change, take time to grieve what is happening to creation, provide hope through actions around the world, and provide you with an opportunity for action with CAT so you too can be encouraged. Join us! For more info contact Caitlin Smith.
Youth Group Trampoline Party
Sunday, 5/5 from 3 – 5 PM
All middle and high school youth are invited for two hours of trampoline fun at Get Air Trampoline Park, 2251 Ken Pratt Boulevard, Longmont. Drop off at 3 PM and Pick up at 5 PM at the Park. No charge to enter, but parental signature on the waiver is required. Waivers can be filled out when dropping off on May 5th or online with the link above. Bring a water bottle. We’ll provide some snacks, but bring money if you’d like more. Let’s Bounce!
Growing Gardens Spring Plant Sale
May, 4–5 – 1630 Hawthorn Avenue, Boulder
Board of Missions & Christian Social Action (BOMCSA) invites you to purchase your garden plants from our mission partner, Growing Gardens, whose mission is to enrich the lives of our community through regenerative urban agriculture. Plant sales run from 9 AM – 4 PM the following dates in May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19. For more information visit. For more info contact Jill von Trebra.
Highway 36 Clean-Up
Saturday, 5/4
FCC adopt-a-Highway Spring Clean-Up is scheduled on May 4 from
9 to 11 AM. Vests and bags are provided. Bring your own gloves, and it
is recommended to wear long pants and closed toe shoes. Meet on Left Hand Canyon Dr. adjacent to the Green Briar Inn on Route 36. Many hands make light work and it’s fun! Plenty of room away from the highway for clean up activity, and the bicyclists shout out their appreciation. Bagels and coffee provided at 8:45 AM. Helpful if you RSVP to allison_hamm@yahoo.com but not required.
Hymn Sing with Kajsa Teitelbaum
Tuesday, 4/30, from 12:15 – 1:15 PM First Cong Sanctuary
Join us for a Hymn Sing with Kajsa Teitelbaum on Tuesday, April 30
from 12:15 – 1:15 PM hosted by the Women’s Spirituality Group. EVERYONE is welcome to attend and the more voices there are, the more inspiration and encouragement we will receive! Please invite your neighbors and friends to join us! Contact linda@firstcong.net
Spring Food Drive – Donate Starting Today!
Look for Lists of Needed Items in the Red Wagon
Join FCC’s Spring Food Drive to help your neighbors in need. Collections run through May 3 to donate to local food pantries run by BCAP (Boulder County AIDS Project) and EFAA (Emergency Family Assistance Assoc): EFAA’s list of needs is here and BCAP’s here. Drop donations in the little red wagon in church on Sunday or contact your neighborhood leader to deliver your donation: Bob Matthias, SE Boulder; Roy McCutchen, North Boulder; Bob Patoff, Lafayette/Louisville; Kristen Aldretti, Gunbarrel/Heatherwood; and Phil Braudaway-Bauman, Longmont/Niwot. Questions? Contact Don Reed, Drive Leader.
Pick A Party Fundraiser – Sign-Up Sunday
For High School Pilgrimage – Sunday, 4/28
Go on a Geocaching treasure hunt and picnic, enjoy a BBB evening (Board Games and Bourbon with Bob and Amanda Brown) play Dungeons and Dragons with Lianna Campos, enjoy a French dinner or Indian food, or Paella. Look for the table in the Link, sign up to claim your spot, and help our High School Youth raise funds for their May Pilgrimage to Birmingham and Montgomery. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to join the fun!
Forum: Mental Health Ministry “Hero’s Journey”
Sunday, 4/28 at 9:15 AM – Standish Room
On April 28th, JoAnn Burton will present a forum describing Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. As we face personal and societal challenges throughout the year, Campbell’s concepts can provide us a framework that helps us articulate, understand, and guide our journeys. Living our Hero’s Journey can be humanizing, affirming, and empowering! We’re all familiar with stories that illustrate the Hero’s Journey from Odysseus to Barbie, this is a chance to see how we can engage in our journey. For more info contact anne.weiher@gmail.com
Visit the History Colorado Center with RJM
Saturday, 4/27 at 10 AM – 1200 N. Broadway, Denver
Join the Racial Justice Ministry on Sat, 4/27 for a visit to the History Colorado Center to experience exhibits on the Sand Creek Massacre and the Amache Japanese Internment Camp, which will help prepare us for a pilgrimage to the actual sites in SE Colorado on October 19-20. Meet at 10 AM in the lobby of the History Colorado Center; admission $15/adults with 18 and under free. To carpool or offer rides, please text Karen Hoover @ 303-808-6554 by 4/25.
Fellowship of the Grape (FOG)
Tonight, at 6 PM – 287 Pearl Street in Boulder
Our April FOG meeting is tonight, Friday the 26th from 6 – 8 PM, hosted by Louisa Young. Having just traveled to Seattle, she is asking for wines from the State of Washington. Also, if you would care to bring appetizers with the same derivation, (fish, fresh fruits and vegetables), it would be much appreciated. Couples please bring a bottle of wine and an appetizer. Singles may bring either. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Parking is very limited in her cul de sac. Carpooling would be greatly advised.
Youth and Young Adult Pilgrimage to Montgomery
May 28-31, Tuesday – Friday – Orientation on Zoom, Tuesday, 4/2, 7 PM
All high school youth and college age adults are invited to join Sam Bauman and Libby Black on a racial justice pilgrimage to Montgomery, Alabama. This learning and community building experience, just after Memorial Day, is this year’s alternative to our traditional youth mission trip. The itinerary, 4 days and 3 nights, includes visits to The Legacy Museum and The National Monument for Peace and Justice, as well local food and a fun recreational activity. Please complete this short formby April 1, and attend the Zoom on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00 PM. Questions? Contact Sam Bauman Zoom Meeting ID: 815 2814 5498