ON THE BOARD WALK

 

The Café Committee and the Board do not believe at this point that we will be able to secure the property belonging to the First Baptist Church on South Boulder Road.  It was a month after we gave them our backup contract before we heard from them at which time they informed us that there would be no appraisal of the property nor would they supply us with a property disclosure.  We also have learned that there is an automatic renewal on the first contract.  So, we have expanded the search to include Longmont and Broomfield.  The only property that we have a lead on right now is a new development between Arapahoe and Baseline on US 287.  Our real estate agent has had conversations with the developer and he is interested in having our church there but these are very preliminary talks so we do not know how that will play out.

 

Please mark your calendars for January 28 and February 25.  In two all-church meetings held after church, our church family will be engaged in lunch followed by a discernment process that the church board thinks will achieve the following goal and purpose by answering these questions.

 

Goal Statement: The Strategic Vision and Master Plan were created to provide a framework for re-vitalizing the FCC campus at 950 28th Street.  It was clear during this process that FCC must also

re-energize our worship and re-connect with our ministry and mission.  With the decision to sell our property, to purchase new property, and build (or re-model) a new church campus, some of the strategic vision/master plan document became irrelevant; other parts now seem exceedingly visionary.  Thus, it is crucial in this transition time to create a process to deal with this new reality while maintaining and up-dating our strategic vision.  This discernment process should take seriously that the best decision-making emerges out of thoughtfully and prayerfully considering our options and carefully listening for direction from the Holy Spirit.  It also requires discerning our most deeply held values and sharing them with each other.  The goal of this process is to infuse the planning process with both vision and a clear direction to enable our decision-makers to make both responsible and visionary decisions.

 

Purpose Statement: to achieve consensus on the mission and ministry of FCC in order to provide vision and direction as we create a new campus while also re-energizing our worship and re-connecting with our ministry and mission

 

Questions (to be answered by the end of the process)

·        what model of church best embodies who we are and who we intend to become?

·        how can we best allot the monies received by the sale of our property?

·        how will we create ownership in our new church campus (if we receive it free and clear) and how will a commitment to support financially and physically our future ministry and mission be sustained?

·        what are the values we should hold as we create a new church campus in addition to those already determined by the Strategic Vision (accessibility, adaptability, useability, welcoming, and "wired")?

 

(ON THE BOARD WALK continued)

 

In order to think about what church model best embodies who we are and who we intend to become, please start thinking about these three possibilities.

 

The Growth-Oriented Church

This church sees itself as a new church start, and focuses on increasing the membership.  The Growth Team is the largest group in the church, and growth is understood to be a key responsibility of every member.  Services are geared towards first-time visitors, quite possibly first-time churchgoers. When asked "What is your church all about?" a typical member's response might be:  "We help people to find a spiritual home here."

 

The Progressive Action Church

This church sees itself as a voice crying in the wilderness, crying out against the injustice of our society.  The Christian Action committee is very strong in the church, and church members are active and clearly identified as church in causes like gay rights, environmentalism, and more.  The church is a clearinghouse and meeting space for many groups, and it is well-known (some would say notorious) for its strong progressive voice.

When asked "What is your church all about?" a typical member's response might be: "We're out to show that conservative Christianity is a contradiction in terms."

 

The Family Church

This church sees itself as a large family, and supports each member through a network of structured and unstructured connections.  Small study groups are the core of this church's life.  It is rarely necessary to use last names in any conversation.  When asked, "What do you like about your church?" a typical member's response would be "I love this church – we are a family. "

Watch for emails, Ram's Horn and web-sites up-dates about our discernment process.  To be re-familiarize yourself with the Strategic Vision and Master Plan, check out our web-site at

http://www.fcc-boulder.org or ask for copies in the church office.

 

                                                                                                Rosie Campbell

Co-President of FCC

 

JUST BEING CHARLOTTE

 

We give thanks for the very special person that Charlotte Haynes was to each of us.  Charlotte certainly loved First Christian Church of Boulder.  In her will, she gave FCC of Boulder a gift of $1000, as well as directions for completion of her pledge to the church for the year.  In addition to the gifts she named, Charlotte’s son, Paul, has generously interpreted her wishes and has both completed her capital campaign pledge of three years and contributed to the four remaining special offerings for 2006.  On December 10, the Church Board agreed to place the entire $1000 bequest in the FCC Permanent Fund where it will serve as a living memorial and keep giving income to FCC for years to come.

THANKS for her spirit that remains with us.

Marcie Geissinger

Chair, Trustees

 

SPREAD THE JOY!

 

Recently, members of the FCC family have shared the Spirit of Giving with two different groups.  The first is Disciple Mission Fund which has received the balance of our income from the August rummage sale.  Total receipts were $2,793.63.  We have kept $100.00 to pay the Boulder city tax which comes due in January.  So DMF has our check for $2,693.63 which is credited to First Christian Church, Boulder’s Outreach Giving for the year 2006.  Working for several days to set up, sell and then pack up leavings of the rummage sale can be a chore!  But that’s what it takes to make this project a success for mission.

The second group which has been gifted by our church family is the Tennyson Center for Children.  As in the past, we chose to purchase clothing and shoes for 2 children in the Dress-A-Child program.  Our total giving was $495.00.  The amount needed for each child was $145.00.  Money beyond that amount has been sent to TCC to be used as needed to purchase clothing or shoes for other children at the Center.

Thanks to Kay Lowe-Wendling and Carol Ashmore who watched for bargain days and special sales to make the money go as far as possible in the purchasing.  Carol also delivered the gift bags to the Center.  The generosity of each of you is a part of these Outreach gifts. 

And to remember children whose lives are being turned around by the skill and caring of the Tennyson Center is truly putting into practice Jesus’ teaching “You did it unto Me.”

Thank you,

Louise Johnson, Disciple Women’s Treasurer

 

 

Many thanks for your prayers and thoughts during my knee surgery and beginning of re-hab.                              Ray Crowder

 

 

            I want to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the FCC-Boulder family for the generous Christmas bonus.  I look forward to another wonderful year with First Christian Church!  I’m thankful for my position at FCC.  Peace.

Linda Abel

 

 

Cindy and I want to thank you all for your generosity!  The Christmas gift will be set aside for some luxury we otherwise wouldn't indulge in.  Just remember that your friendship is our most treasured gift!

Terry and Cindy Zimmerman

 

 

Thank you to everyone who helped us prepare for our baby Grace's arrival by participating in our baby shower.  We felt extremely blessed to have so many people from our church family attend and give so many thoughtful and generous gifts!  Thank you FCC for being such a loving and supportive church family!

Heather Avens, Steve Kadlec and Grace Kadlec

 

THANKS TO OUR MUSIC DEPARTMENT FROM ALL OF US!

 

Our grateful thanks to Becca Hirsch, Ikuko Inoguchi Scheuren, the sanctuary choir and others who contributed their musical talents for the beautiful enrichment to the spirit of worship during the Advent season.

 

ELDERS

            The following are the elders for the year 2007:  Heather Avens, Janet Barriger, June Craig (GW only), Debbie Haseman, Jim Howe, Louise Johnson, Keith Lance, Erik Mason, Jim Tallman and Barb Wilkins-Crowder.

 

            The continuing elders wish to thank Milton Ashmore and Eleanor Hubbard for their service to our congregation during the last three years.  We welcome four new elders:  Janet Barriger, June Craig, Jim Howe and Keith Lance.

                                                                                                Heather Avens

                                                                                                Elder Chair

           

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO KATIE THOMPSON

 

            Katie, daughter of Dave and Vickie Thompson, marched with the Fairview Marching Knights on December 28 at Disney World!  The band also visited Epcot Center and Universal Studios.

 

 

YOUTH UPDATE!

 

The church should be very proud of their youth!  For Christmas this year, the youth did projects ranging from adopting a family of five in Denver to adopting, shopping for and wrapping gifts for two children on an Indian reservation to deciding what the Christmas spirit really was for them individually and deciding how to spend ten dollars in that spirit.  (One example of their choices was buying a warm pair of gloves for the women and children's shelter in Longmont.)  They had a party for themselves, of course, but really spent time studying what Christmas was really about and how to participate in that.

 

Our next big event will be a mystery event (so far, even a mystery to us, but that will soon be decided) supporting the Souper Bowl of Caring on February 4th.  Youth all over the country will collect cash after church the day of the Super Bowl, to donate to their charity of choice.  It's a way that those of us who will have lots of Super Bowl foods can give some to those who have little on a daily basis.  This year we will also be discussing doing a service blitz!  Other youth groups have served at soup kitchens, gone door-to-door collecting canned goods, anything their creative minds can think of, and this year we will be doing something too!

 

But before that, we have a deadline on getting in paperwork for the Midwinter Youth Retreat at La Foret Camp and Conference Center to be held Friday, February 16th through Monday, February 19th.  This is a retreat for youth, grades 6 through 12, and will be a rocking event!  The cost is $75 per youth to attend.  Paperwork and checks made out to our church need to be returned to Sherrill by Monday, January 22nd, so she can get them turned in on time...space is first come, first served!  (I know the turnaround time on this is short, but the blizzard and following snowstorms prevented our regional staff from getting the information out to us until very late!  (Sorry!)  We are also looking for an adult to attend as a sponsor, at our expense.  Please contact Sherrill for more information.

 

Otherwise, the FCC youth have a lot to look forward to this spring, including the Winter Drumline finals at CU, Winter Guard Performances, an overnight lock-in, Pastor’s class for half the youth group and various other TBA events.  Doesn't it make you wish YOU were in Youth Group?

 

Peace and Blessings,

Sherrill

 

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

   February, March, April 2007

 

These diverse movies from around the world will touch your heart and remind you again how no matter where we live, no matter what our social condition, our lives are interconnected and we share some common values.

 

February 9

 

Hosts:   Golden West Friends, 1055 Adams Circle, Aspen Room RSVP to Priscilla Gifford, 303.939.0895

 

Paradise Now – Hany Abu-Assad’s disturbing yet moving tale finds two men at a critical juncture in their lives.  They’ve been drafted as suicide bombers in an upcoming assignment in Tel Aviv.  Granted a night to spend with their families, they go home but are unable to say goodbye for fear of tipping their hand.  But perhaps it isn’t time for farewells yet as the two become separated during their mission and must decide on their own whether to continue or bail out.  A very timely movie bringing human faces to our dialogue about terrorism.

     

March 9

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

Born into Brothels – This Oscar-winning documentary is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in Calcutta's red-light district, where their mothers work as prostitutes.  Spurred by the kids' fascination with her camera, Zana Briski, a photographer documenting life in the brothels, decides to teach them photography.  As they begin to look at and record their world through new eyes, the kids awaken to their own talents and sense of worth.  Although set in some of the worse slums of India, this story will bring the movie-goer a sense of hope.

 

April 13

 

Host:  Sandy Bish, 1381 Carlson Avenue, Erie, 303.828.0348

The Keys to the House – After his wife dies giving birth to their mentally and physically handicapped son, Paolo, Gianni is unable to cope with his duties as a father.  Fifteen years later, he returns to mend his fractured relationship with his son but finds that rebuilding a bond won't be easy.  His friendship with the mother of a disabled child provides the support he's been looking for and the tools he needs to make amends.  This is a heart-warming story of reconciliation and forgiveness.

 

Everyone is invited!  You may come one time, or every time.  Come and enjoy the movie

and gathering.  Please let the host know that you will attend.

 

 

LIFE AND NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION!

 

Prayers of thanks that no one was injured when Shawn Crowder and 3 friends were involved in a rollover accident on January 6th.  Amazingly, all walked away without a scratch!  God IS good!

EVENTUALLY, Kendra Colyar, Louise Johnson, Priscilla Gifford and Jeannine and Ray Henderson all were able to complete their holiday travel plans despite the blizzards!  Kendra got home to Spokane, Louise joined with family in California, Priscilla flew to

         Negril, Jamaica with family and the Hendersons made it to Connecticut!  The Wilkins-

         Crowder family was ahead of the storm in getting to Arkansas.

Nelson Shepherd had pancreas surgery last week.  He is expected to have a significant reduction in pain as a result.

 

 

Congratulations to Christine Manica and Zachary Morris who were married in Denver on December 30th!  Rev. Zimmerman co-officiated at the service.

The calendar tells us it is winter, but bones tell the staff it is fall!  Linda Abel, Becca Hirsch, Sherrill Morris and Terry all had recent falls.  Only two can be attributed to ice.  Guess who!

 

Our sympathy is extended to Vickie Thompson and family in the death of Vickie’s uncle in Georgia.

 

Keith Lance hosted his nephew and niece-in-law for a few days after Christmas.

 

 

 

Bill Baird and Marie Notebottom were married on December 12 in the sanctuary by Rev.

Zimmerman.

 

Ikuko and Zachary Scheuren spent two weeks in Japan with Ikuko’s family celebrating the New Year.

 

Helen Hoon spent most of the month of December in Florence, Montana with family.  She is glad to be home.  Winter in Montana isn’t as nice as the summer time!

Joe Sellers and Jim Tallman spent Christmas in Minnesota with Joe’s dad.

 

 

Joe Abel was home for Christmas following 3 months of mechanical school in Yorktown, Virginia.  He is now living in Boston and working at the Coast Guard base there.

 

Thanks to the Worship Committee for being Johnny-on-the-spot in removing our Advent season decorations from the sanctuary for the start of our season of Epiphany.

 

 

 

WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Becca Hirsch, Barbara Johnson, Don Knight, Nelson Shepherd, John Stickle.

 

 

FCCAFÉS - 9:45 a.m. - Riley Hall

 

Coffee and tea available.

January 14 – Conversation Café

January 21 – “Africa!” – Mary ann Pinon

January 28 – “A Sicilian Experience” – Marcie Geissinger and Neil Ashby

February 4 – “My Story” – Laura Burright

 

ELDERS

 

Following the 10:45 a.m. worship service on January 14 the elders will meet in Riley Hall.

 

DEBORAH-REBEKAH GROUP

 

Deborah-Rebekah Group meets Thursday,

January 18 at 9:30 a.m. in the Spruce Room at Golden West.

 

FCC – COMMUNITY TABLE

 

Thursday, January 18 is FCC’s night to serve at Community Table.

 

FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING

 

Saturday, January 20 is the date scheduled for the Functional Committee Meeting (once known as the all-church planning retreat).  The Board and all committees will meet from 10-12 in Riley Hall.

 

LIVING THE QUESTIONS SESSIONS:

 

Wednesday, January 24 – 1:00, Riley Hall

Thursday, January 25 – 5:30, Church Library

DISCERNMENT PROCESS

The first of two luncheon discernment meetings will be on January 28.  Lunch that day will be provided by the FCC general Board.  Following worship on February 25, the second meeting will be an all-church potluck meal and discussion.  You are encouraged to attend one or both meetings to make your views known.

 

DWCC

 

Thursday, February 1 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 3 at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Carol Poore.

 

END-OF-YEAR STATEMENTS

 

End-of-year statements of giving are available in the narthex.  If you wish to have yours mailed to you, please call the church office.

 

Other questions?  Call Marcie Geissinger at 303.499.2145.

 

 

NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR CAROL POORE

 

<wicksma@peoplepc.com>

 

The Youth of First Christian Church will again participate in collecting Souper Bowl Sunday offering at the rear of the sanctuary on Sunday, February 4.  An estimated 16,300 groups have registered for 2007.  Last year’s donations totaled $5,020,274.43. 

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

 

The church office will be closed on Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

 

The next date for FCC to provide a meal for the UMHE students is February 14, 2007.

 

 

NEXT RAM’S HORN DEADLINE: MONDAY, JANUARY 22