ALL-CHURCH RETREAT

“Crossing Over: Renewing the Vision”

 

Our church family will be gathering this Saturday, January 12th for a time of community-building, reflection and worship!  Beginning at 9:00a.m. the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Thompson will lead us in a creative consideration of our past, present and future as a congregation.  This is NOT a planning retreat but a time of real introspection and sharing.  Lunch is included.

Following Dr. Thompson’s facilitating, functional committees of the church will meet, for a short time, to set goals and establish a calendar for the year.  This event is for everyone in the congregation so plan to attend!  You don’t want to miss this one!

 

SITE SELECTION AND BUILDING COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED

The process of relocation continues forward, slowly.  Based on current timetables, we expect to be at 950 28th street for at least two more years.  As part of the process, the Board has established Site Selection and Building Committees for our move to a new location.

The Site Selection Committee has begun work on criteria for a new church site, and continues to research possibilities of properties.  If you see a property that you think is a possibility, send the information to Becky Campbell-Howe.

 

Site Selection Committee:

Becky Campbell-Howe, Chair

Janet Barriger

Eleanor Hubbard

Erik Mason, Board liaison

Terry Zimmerman, ex officio

 

The first meeting of the Building Committee is scheduled for Sunday, January 13.

Members of the Building Committee (they have not determined their leadership structure yet):

Steve Crowder

Charles Haseman

Gordon Koshio

Jeff Wilkins-Crowder

Chris Stelplugh, Board liaison

Becky Campbell-Howe, Site Selection Committee liaison

Terry Zimmerman, ex officio

 

THE ALTAR…CATION

 

On December 23, 2007, Ghost of Church Decisions Past made a dramatic appearance in front of the congregation during announcements.  With loud noises and smoke, Ghost emerged from behind the pulpit, and here is a synopsis of what he said:

 

It seems that a decision was made a long time ago about this (sanctuary) space that did not get completed.  Although we got rid of an old organ and bought a new one, moved the choir, the communion table and the lectern, we didn’t finish the job.  The front of the sanctuary has a ripped carpet, a hole in the floor, and an unused massive pulpit.  When we received a bid on our property, we stopped the work we had begun on the sanctuary renewal, and the front of the sanctuary looks pretty bad. There is a group of people with a plan about how to re-create a sacred space for the time we have left here at 950 28th street.

 

And here is the plan!

 

What do we intend to do?

• Remove the pulpit and lectern and re-design the lectern to be used by Terry and the elders
• Remove the steps and create movable risers for a variety of uses
• Clean it up, fix it up, make it look nicer, and create a more worshipful setting

 

Why do we think it needs to be done?

• The area at the front of the church is dirty and possibly a health hazard
• Although current members may not see its condition, new people will certainly wonder about the “look” of the sanctuary
• Worship space impacts worship mood; the current space reminds us that we started something we didn’t finish
• Experimentation with our current space will allow us to discover what we want and do not want in the new space we will create when we move

 

Who is the we?

• Eleanor Hubbard, chair of the Worship Committee, Barb Wilkins-Crowder, Charles Hasemen and lots of volunteer labor

 

What can I contribute?

• The Board has authorized $1500 to the project, but we need your input
• Please let us know what ideas you have about the Altar…cation

 

Where shall I share my ideas?  Eleanor Hubbard 303.494.9718 or <hubbarde@colorado.edu>, Barbara Wilkins-Crowder 303.665.3508, or <wcjandb@juno.com>, Charles Haseman 303.665.9775, or <greenman@indra.com>.

 

 

CHANGE OF DAY FOR CHOIR REHEARSALS

 

Effective immediately rehearsals for the sanctuary choir will be held Sundays starting at

12:15 in the Meditation Center.

 

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

February, March, April 2008

 

In the fall, we looked at three American movies that illuminated religion and the diversity of religious expression.  This theme will continue this spring: the first film is a documentary about the spiritual leaders from the major world religions and their views, the second and third film are delightful little gems about the religious themes explored in the first film.  You will be enlightened while you enjoy these films.

 

Friday, February 8, 7:00 p.m.

Hosts:  Dave and Kay Norris, 1860 Elder Ave., Boulder, 303.442.5081

Movie:  In God’s Name (120 minutes)

This was a primetime television special aired December 23, 2007, produced in association with the acclaimed French filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet (who filmed the firefighters during and after 9/11).  This special explores the complex questions of our time through the intimate thoughts and beliefs of 12 of the world’s most influential spiritual leaders. 

Spiritual leaders of Hinduism, Buddhism, Muslim, Shintoism, Judaism, Sikh, and representatives of both Catholics and Protestants, speak out about violence and hatred, faith, peace, unity, tolerance, and hope.  Seen at home and in their places of worship, these deeply religious figures disclose the common ground among believers around the world. 

 

Friday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.

Host:  Martha Mason, 660 S. 42nd St., Boulder, 303.494.1057

Movie:  Children of Heaven (83 min) Iranian with English sub-titles

A delightful movie about a boy who accidentally loses his sister’s shoes and must share his own sneakers with her in a sort of relay since each attends school at different times during the day.  Finally, the boy enters a much-publicized foot race, hoping to place third.  The prize: a new pair of sneakers.  Children of Heaven is just…heavenly.

 

Friday, April 11, 7:00 p.m.

Host:  Sandy Bish, 1381 Carlson Ave., Erie, 303.828.0348

Movie:  Cape of Good Hope (107 minutes)

Mark Bamford’s thought-provoking comedy explores the ever-present friction between class, race and faith in modern-day South Africa, tracing the intersection of multiple lives.  Although her tiny animal shelter is open to all creatures great and small, Kate still can’t seem to open her heart to romance.  Meanwhile, her employees and clientele are in need of rescue themselves.

 

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION

 

Administrative Assistant for progressive religious student organization.  Strengths and experience must include bookkeeping, excellent communication and organizational skills, QuickBooks, Excel, and database skills.  9-15 hours per week with seasonal flexibility.  Send cover letter and resume to Progressive Radically Inclusive Student Ministry (PRISM), 1041 Grandview Ave, Boulder, CO, 80302, Attn: Suzanne.  For more information, please call Suzanne at 303.530.0411.

 

BOILER:  MORE OF THE SAME

We have had huge expenditures on the boiler/heating system this year; mostly unexpected and

definitely unwelcome.  We have once again gotten it fixed, but there are things you can do to help

us prevent further expenses before we move.

 

1. Wear layers to come to any of the church buildings; sometimes it is too warm, sometimes too cold, and rarely just right.  We are trying to get it just right, but it is highly unlikely that we will be able to do so given the age of the boiler.
2. Do NOT reset the temperature on any thermostat.  Manipulation of the temperature seems to cause problems.  To get heat in any part of the building, you need to push the lever on the left side of the thermostat and make certain it remains in.  You will hear a whish of air.  This will start the heat in that area.  It will shut off automatically.  If you want things warmer or cooler in any particular space, give me a call and I will work with the heating company to calibrate that area.
3. Pray for a warm winter in Boulder.  You skiers can have your snow in the mountains, but in order to contain fuel costs and prevent further maintenance of the boilers, we need a warmer winter.

Dennis Hubbard, Chair, Property Committee

 

 

 

WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

 

            Liz Case (friend of Priscilla Gifford), Joann Dennett, Mary Foster (friend of Marcie Geissinger), Bruce McKenzie & family upon the death of Jeannette, Tom Swanson (son of Frances Swanson), Connie Visser, Pam Ware, Cheryl Welch (friend of Priscilla Gifford), Bill White.

 

 

 

SELECTED TEXTS

 

January 20                                          January 27                                          February 3

Isaiah 49:1-7                                        Isaiah 9:1-4                                          Exodus 24:12-18

Psalm 40:1-11                                      Psalm 27:1, 4-9                                    Psalm 99

1 Corinthians 1:1-9                               1 Corinthians 1:10-18                           2 Peter 1-16-21

John 1:29-42                                        Matthew 4:12-23                                 Matthew 17:1-9

 

 

 

IN SYMPATHY

 

Our love and sympathy are extended to Shirley Kassinger and family upon the death of her husband, Charles Kassinger, on December 6th.  Shirley and Charlie were living at Manor Care at the time of his death and Shirley continues to reside there.

Charlie will be remembered for his smile and as a tenor in our sanctuary choir.  A celebration of his life took place in our sanctuary on December 11th with Rev. Zimmerman officiating.

 

LIFE & NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION!

 

Two bits of news from Sarah Johnson, our former Nursery Attendant: she is now an

assistant librarian at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library in Broomfield working in the children’s department and conducting toddler and family story times.  And she is

                      engaged to be married later this year.  Congratulations, Sarah!

Congratulations to Rynette Schescke who graduated in December with a two-year associates degree in Engineering Graphics Technology with an emphasis in Architectural Illustration from Front Range Community College!

Robyn Wodiuk has resigned as our Nursery Attendant after only 6 weeks.  She will no longer be a student at Naropa and will not be living in the area.  If you, or someone you know might be interested in the position, please notify the church office.

Guess who got their driver’s license?  Megan Howe!  Congratulations!

 

 

members Margrith Muhlheim and Priscilla Gifford had a lot of laughs performing at a CU women’s basketball game with the new cheerleading group, the Golden West Gurlz.

 

THANK YOU

            Dear FCC Congregation

                        Thank you so much for the generous Christmas gift.  I’m so very grateful for your gift.  I purchased a beautiful necklace this year from a previous years gift.  I will put this year’s gift towards our cruise to the Caribbean in March.  The cruise will be a first for Mike and myself.

                        Thanks again for your thoughtfulness.

                                                                                                With love, Linda Abel

 

 

HOW GENEROUS!  THANK YOU!

 

Thank you for your generous Christmas gift!  You have always been a giving congregation.  It is fun to anticipate how we might use it.  Blessings,

Cindy and Terry

 

 

            The following is a message from Robyn Wodiuk:

                        Thank you so much for the holiday gift, I greatly appreciate it.  I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas and that the New Year brings joy and love into your hearts and lives.  Thank you for your friendliness I experienced while working for FCC.

                                                                                                Sincerely, Robyn Wodiuk

 

 

            The Outreach Committee would like to thank everyone for their contributions to the Christmas Special Offering. 

                                                                                                Outreach Committee

 

 

FCCAFÉS - 9:30 a.m. - Riley Hall

 

Coffee and tea available.

 

January 13 – “Questions of Faith: What Happens After Death?”

 

January 20 – Jane Byers et al – “New York, New York & Mardi Too!”  Jane Byers and the crew who went to New York city in September to hear Mardi sing will tell you all about their experiences.  There will be pictures and story telling.  You won’t want to miss it!

 

January 27 – Eleanor Hubbard – “Crèches & Christmas.”  Eleanor will display and talk about her nativity scene collection (crèches).  If you have special nativity scenes that you would like to display, please let her know.  You may think Christmas is all over, but in the church year it’s not.  Come and enjoy yet another opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Contact Eleanor at <hubbarde@colorado.edu> or 303.494.9718.

 

February 3 – Sandra Hergenreder – “A Second

Look at Psalms”

 

DEBORAH-REBEKAH GROUP

 

Deborah-Rebekah Group meets Thursday, January 17 at 9:30 a.m. in the Spruce Room at Golden West.

 

FCC – COMMUNITY TABLE

 

Thursday, January 17 is also FCC’s night to serve at Community Table.

 

WORSHIP COMMITTEE MTG.

 

The Worship Committee will meet on Sunday, January 20 immediately following the sanctuary worship service.

 

FCC BOARD MEETING

 

The FCC Board will meet Tuesday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Education Building, Room #5.

 

ELDERS

 

The elders will meet Sunday, February 3 following the sanctuary worship service.

 

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP

 

The Women’s Book Group meets Sunday, February 3 at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Priscilla Gifford.   The group will discuss The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.

 

DWCC

 

Thursday, February 7 at 9:30 a.m. the Disciple Women Coordinating Committee meets in the Education Building, Room #5.

 

NEW WOMEN’S GROUP

 

New Women’s Group will meet on Saturday, February 9 at 9:00 a.m. in Riley Hall.  The group will be assisting with the Rose Bowl project headed by Jan Einert.  Once the rose bowls are ready for delivery, depending on the time, some deliveries may be made.  Joann Dennett and Lou Holden will prepare a lunch / brunch at Joanne’s home to begin around 11:00.  Come join in this unique traditional project and in the fellowship of New Women at lunch.

 

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM AVAILABLE AGAIN!

 

If you are having difficulty hearing speakers during the worship services or need to leave the sanctuary and don't want to miss anything – please try out the free assistive listening system, now connected with our new sound system.

Simply help yourself to a receiver, located on top of the sound system box in the back of the sanctuary.  Choose the earbud, headphone, or neck loop (for hearing aid T-setting) attachment.  Set the volume as needed during the service.  (It can be used anywhere within 300+ feet of the microphones.) See David Shepherd or someone on the Diaconate if there are problems or questions.

 

 

 

NEXT RAM’S HORN DEADLINE: MONDAY, JANUARY 21