September 13, 2007 Volume 19, Number 17

First Christian Church Boulder, CO Friday & Saturday October 5-6, 2007

The Historical Jesus and the Future of the Church

Robert J. Miller & Joanna Dewey

LECTURE – Friday evening, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

The Rise and Fall of Traditional Christianity

Professors Dewey and Miller will explain how Christianity grew from a small dissident band led by a peasant-prophet-teacher named Jesus into a religion that served both the political needs of the Roman Empire and its successors and the religious needs of Christian people throughout many centuries. The speakers also discuss how, in the modern era, advances in the sciences, experiences of religious pluralism, and the historical criticism of the Bible have undermined the intellectual and religious adequacy of traditional Christianity.

WORKSHOPS:

The Historical Jesus and the Kingdom of God – Saturday, 9:30 A.M.-Noon

Early Christians turned Jesus into a divine Messiah who demanded worship. The message of the historical Jesus, however, was about the Kingdom of God, not about himself. Using gospel material, especially parables, identified by the Jesus Seminar as authentic, this presentation uncovers Jesus’ radical vision of human life under God’s rule.

The Death of Jesus—Then and Now – Saturday, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Followers of Jesus had to make sense of his death if they were to continue to embrace his message of the Kingdom of God. The New Testament presents various options, building on Jesus as victim, as martyr, and as sacrifice. Sacrifice gradually became the dominant understanding. The discussion will explore sacrifice, what uses it served and serves, and why it no longer satisfies many today.

Why Listen to Jesus? – Saturday, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Christianity has ignored the historical Jesus for nineteen centuries. Why should we pay attention to him today? Does he have any relevance for modern faith and culture? Dewey and Miller will lead a discussion on the relationship between historical evidence and religious faith, commenting specifically on the significance of Jesus' message and life for our times.

KICK-OFF UPDATE

An amazing array of food, fellowship, and creative cheers were shared at the September 9th kick-off tailgate dinner! May we continue to celebrate as we share our spiritual journeys in the 2007-08 church year.

Sunday morning classes for children and youth include:

9:30 Youth (grades 6-12) in Youth Room or first classroom, lower level of Christian Ed. Bldg. – led by Chris Stelplugh and Helen Wagner

9:30 Intermediate Grades (3, 4, 5) in Room 5 of Christian Ed. Bldg., introducing new Bible Quest lessons, with Spinners magazine, music, computer opportunities, fun, crafts/drama, snack – led by Kendra Colyar and Cindy Zimmerman

9:30 Childcare provided for infants/toddlers (throughout the morning as needed) and younger children, temporarily staffed by our new Childcare Provider, Angie Rothkamp!

AND at 10:45 (during church service) One Room Sunday School – lessons and activities for Pre-K/Elementary Grade Children – led by Heather McLaughlin, Angie Rothkamp, Polly Warkentine, and Melanie Abel (rotating Sundays)!

Christian Education Committee

RECONCILIATION MISSION SPECIAL OFFERING 2007

The passage for this year’s special offering for our denomination’s work advocating and

educating about racial reconciliation and anti-racism is from Luke’s gospel, chapter 16,

verses 19-31.

It is a story Jesus tells about the rich man and Lazarus, the poor man who sat at his gate. It is a story about heaven and hell, here on earth and after death. “Jesus’ words may seem harsh!” Yet, our special mission’s commentators note that “this story is told to a living audience of Jesus' time that had the chance for reconciliation before death — the chance to face off and to oppose oppression. We, like those forebears of the faith, have a similar opportunity to do all we can to participate in God's justice:

• To recall the people who dreamed to bring people together in mutual respect and love;
• To remember those who endured unmerited suffering so that others may be free;
• To engrave on our hearts the good news Jesus proclaimed that through the power of the Creator will build bridges of accountability and understanding;
• To be filled with their spirit and to know the strength of their love in the face of inequity.”

We invite you to give generously – as you feel so called in your ministry through the church and our congregation—to the ministry of Reconciliation this year on Sundays, September 30 and October 7. Thank you! Janet Barriger

FCCAFÉS

September 16 – Martha Mason – “Cruising

Through Europe on the River Symphony”

September 23 – “Faith Dialog with the

Multicultural Mosaic Foundation”

September 30 – Conversation Café

FNATM – SEPTEMBER 14

7:00 Saint Ralph – Hosts – Marcie Geissinger and Neil Ashby. Ralph is a typical teenager with atypical questions, the largest of which concerns his mother. She’s fallen into a coma, and the 14 year-old has set his sights on winning the 1954 Boston Marathon in a makeshift barter with God to make his mother well. His teacher, Father Hibbert, wants to encourage his dream, but in doing so, he goes up against the reserved ever-realistic Father Fitzpatrick. Does Ralph succeed? What does it mean to search for God and God’s meaning for our lives?

Everyone is invited! Come and enjoy the movie and the conversation about the movie. Please let Marcie know if you will attend or if you need a ride.

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP

The next meeting of The Women’s Book Group

is Sunday, September 16 at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Priscilla Gifford. The group will discuss The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse by Louise Erdrich. All are invited!

DEBORAH-REBEKAH GROUP

The Deborah-Rebekah Group will resume for fall meetings on Thursday, September 20 at

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

FCC – COMMUNITY TABLE

Thursday, September 20 is FCC’s night to serve at Community Table.

DWCC

The first fall meeting of the Disciple Women Coordinating Committee will be on Thursday,

October 4 at 9:30 a.m. in the Education Building, Room #5.

ELDERS

Following the 10:45 a.m. worship service on October 7 the Elders will meet in Riley Hall.

NEW WOMEN’S GROUP

All women are invited to the next New Women’s Group brunch meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 13. Rosemary Campbell will host the group. The discussion topic will be “This I Believe” process updates / optional sharing of drafts.

CROP WALK

This year’s CROP WALK is Sunday, October 14, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

FCC BOARD MEETING

The next regularly scheduled FCC Board meeting is Tuesday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Education Building, Room #5.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE

The next Worship Committee meeting is Sunday, October 21 following the sanctuary worship service.

30TH ANNUAL DINNER FOR COLORADO CHRISTIAN HOME

Saturday, November 10 is the annual dinner for the Colorado Christian Home at the Colorado Convention Center, Korbel Ballroom.

LIFE & NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION!

Peggie & Roger Hudiburg celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, September 1, their anniversary date, with their friends and family.

Milton and Carol Ashmore enjoyed their trip to Baltimore to see their son and family. They also took in a side trip to Lancaster County. According to Carol, they had a great time. Ask them about their lost cell phone!

San Antonio was the destination for Martha Mason’s last adventure! She was there for a paper doll convention. One of the highlights of the trip was the River Walk.

Shawn Crowder is safely back in Boston and looking forward to starting a 2nd year of classes at the Berklee College of Music. When he arrived he found a letter in his student mailbox, naming him to the Dean’s List for spring semester 2007. Apparently, it sat in his mailbox all

summer! Congratulations!

Marcie Geissinger had lunch and a few hours at the Sydney Zoo with Kelly Coleman. She also talked with Larry Fabiny and Tristan on the phone. They are all enjoying their time and work in Australia, and hope to return to their home in Boulder next year. They sent

greetings to friends here.

Talk about extremes! As Barb and Gordon Koshio were returning from a summer in Hawaii, Mary and Hugh Crowder were about to board a cruise ship for Alaska!

Speaking of Hawaii, Bob and Kay-Lowe Wendling are planning a trip to the 50th state too!

Snorkeling and luaus on the agenda?

Grandchildren provide the nicest excuse for travel – so say Eleanor and Dennis Hubbard who are making the trek to Boston to visit Calvin and his parents, Kirsten and Brian.

Perhaps Bennett Ford has joined the “I don’t care much for spiders” club that our pastor started. It’s thought Bennett was bitten by one of the eight-legged critters! Ouch!

The annual rummage sale was the usual success! So many gave so many hours for the good of the cause and once again, our fearless leader was Kay Norris who has the task down to a precise science. Thanks, Kay!

CROP WALK

What are you doing Sunday afternoon, October 14th? Would you like a way to visit with friends, make new friends, enjoy the outdoors, get exercise AND help change the world? Come walk with us in the Boulder County CROP WALK. It’s a 10K sponsored walk which raises money for fighting hunger. We’ll start and end at Community UCC Church at 2650 Table Mesa Drive. Registration starts at 1:15 and the walk starts at 2:00.

See Heather Avens for more information and to get your walker envelope. www.bouldercropwalk.org

Heather Avens

RUMMAGE REVIEW

Start making a pile in the corner of your home with great things for next year’s sale. There will be at least one more rummage sale in our present location. Maybe next year’s will be our giant moving sale!

Louise Johnson, CFO of the rummage sale, reports cash proceeds of about $2,200.00. Goods left after the sale were dispersed to many area charities. The bulk of the goods went to ARES thrift store where Boulder Bucks, vouchers given to those in need, are honored. ARES (Alcohol Recovery Effort Shop) serves many agencies in Boulder including Emergency Family Assistance Association, Boulder County Social Services, Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, and many others. Some goods were taken to other outlets including The Salvation Army, Hospice and Humane Society thrift stores. Children’s books and toys become part of the Share-A-Gift program. Books went to the Boulder Public Library for their annual book sale. Coats and children’s clothing were taken to the deacon’s closet at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church for distribution. Doris Martin created a new program where tee shirts and warm sweaters from the Rummage Sale will be given to our Community Table guests who need a clean item of clothing. Old music will be given to the University of Colorado music library to be used either in their collection or by music students. Sporting goods will go to a consignment store where they may earn a few more dollars to the Rummage Sale. Thus the outreach of this project extends far beyond the money collected.

There is always a danger in listing volunteers as it is easy to leave someone out but, to the best of my knowledge, the rummage sale project was made possible by: Linda Abel (lots of copying, flyer distribution, message taking), Melanie Abel, Thomas Abel (expert toy tester), Neil Ashby, Carol Ashmore, Jane Byers, Rosemary Campbell, Ann Canady, Kendra Colyar, Jean Crowder, Ray Crowder, Steve Crowder, Bill Einert, Jan Einert, Marcie Geissinger, Jeannine Henderson, Ray Henderson, Helen Hoon, Jim Howe, Marilyn Howell, Dennis Hubbard, Eleanor Hubbard, Louise Johnson, Barb Koshio, Keith Lance, Doris Martin, Erik Mason, Martha Mason, Michael McDonald, Alex Merrell, John Merrell, Dave Norris, Kay Norris, Kay Lowe-Wendling, Jeff Wilkins-Crowder, Cindy Zimmerman, Terry Zimmerman, and Mark. Key shopper Peggie Hudiburg was out of town. Special recognition needs to go to John Merrell. John single-handedly hauled load after load of items from the education building over to Riley Hall all day Wednesday and then returned to help on Thursday and Saturday as well. Also special thanks to the core of seven or eight workers who were there all four days and to Marcie Geissinger for coordinating the post-sale dispersal of goods.

I think we can chalk this up as another successful sale as we consider not only the monetary returns, but also the multiple gifts going out into the community. Not to mention the very real side benefit for many of the contributors of now having more space in their closets and garages! Of course the camaraderie of the workers is priceless! All factors combine to make this a labor intensive, but mercifully short term, endeavor and excellent outreach program of the church.

Kay Norris, Rummage Sale Coordinator

SELECTED TEXTS

September 16 September 23 September 30

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Jeremiah 8:18 –9:1 Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

Psalm 14 Psalm 79:1-9 Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16

1 Timothy 1:12-17 1 Timothy 2:1-7 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Luke 15:1-10 Luke 16:1-13 Luke 16:19-31

Stewardship Campaign 2007!

“Living in the Light of God: Let Your Light Shine!!”

Campaign kick-off – Sunday, September 30

Consecration Sunday – Sunday, October 21

WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Craig Canady (son of Ann Canady), Joann Dennett, Ferne Denton, Lois Ilsemann (friend of Priscilla Gifford), Liam (brother of Cathy Swanson), Beverly Martin (friend of Priscilla Gifford), Lola Monroe (grandmother of Jen Sullivan), Sherrill Morris, the extended family of Melba Pinon.

WANTED!

Our Educational Ministry needs to fill three positions. You may be just the person we are looking for!

WANTED: A person or persons to lead a Sunday morning adult Bible study. Qualification – love of your church, love of people, curiosity about scripture and the ability to read! Apply at the church office or by calling 303.442.1861. Available immediately!

WANTED: Nursery attendant for Sunday mornings. This is a paid position. Must love infants and young children. Apply at the church office or by calling 303.442.1861. Until this position is filled, Angie Rothkamp will be serving in this capacity.

WANTED: Someone who loves young people to teach our High School class on Sunday mornings. Must have a sense of humor! Again, apply at the church office or by calling 303.442.1861. When a Youth Director is called, this position will be filled by that person. Until then, youth are invited to join the middle school class taught by Chris Stelplugh and Helen Wagner.

CU FOOTBALL PARKING

CU games in Boulder for 2007 – Check your calendars!

September 15, 8 pm – Florida State

September 22, 1:30 pm – Miami of Ohio

September 29, time TBA – Oklahoma

October 20, time TBA – Kansas

November 3, time TBA – Missouri

Friday, November 23, 10 am – Nebraska

RESIDUAL OF GIFT ANNUITY FROM

DELMAR AND CLARA LEMONS

FCC Boulder just received from the Christian Church Foundation a check representing a distribution of the residual of a Gift Annuity from Delmar and Clara Lemons. We give thanks for their thoughtfulness in remembering our church in their financial planning.

The policy of FCC Boulder is that 10% of all gifts of this type will be placed in the Permanent Fund so that it will keep on giving to FCC Boulder.

Marcie Geissinger, Financial Secretary

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BENEFIT

TENNYSON CENTER FOR CHILDREN!!!!

[ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO TENNYSON CENTER!]

BEYOND AMAZEMENT: The Magic of Aaron Black

Illusion, Magic and Comedy from one of the industry's most promising rising stars!

The entire family will enjoy this wonderful performance that will amaze, entertain and astound!

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 16 / 3pm and Sunday, Sept. 23 / 3pm

WHERE: The Soiled Dove-Lowry, 7401 E. 1st Ave., Denver (Lowry)

Tickets: $15 adults, $10 children
IN PERSON: Twist & Shout Records, 2508 E. Colfax

The Tavern Lowry (above Soiled Dove), 7401 E. 1st Ave.

ONLINE at www.soileddove.com

BY PHONE at 303-229-1555, Ext. 109

UPDATE ON SALE OF CHURCH PROPERTY

Since my last report to you, three extensions to the contract to sell our church property have been signed. We thought each time we were very, very close to the agreement between FCC and Chanin and Golden West, which involves the release of an easement FCC has granted to GW. AND, we still think we are close to the completion of the due diligence so that FCC will receive escrow funds, and the search for new property can begin. The minute I know of this approval, you will hear me shouting however far apart we are!

Marcie Geissinger

Chair, Board of Trustees

HOLY LAND ALTERNATIVE TOUR

Jeff Wright, pastor at Fort Collins' Heart of the Rockies Christian Church, will host a tour to Israel and Palestine January 18-28, 2008. An alternative tour includes experiences of the "living stones" as well as the "holy stones." In addition to walking in the footsteps of Jesus and experiencing the holy sites of Jerusalem, the Galilee and Bethlehem, tour participants will visit with Global Ministry mission partners and Jews, Muslims and Christians living in the Holy Land to learn about the current religious, political and social environment in the Middle East. Jeff and his wife, Janet, have been traveling to Israel and Palestine for several years now as Disciples/UCC Global Ministries short-term missionaries working with the East Jerusalem YMCA Rehabilitation Program in Beit Sahour, just outside of Bethlehem. For a copy of the tour itinerary, contact Jeff (wright@frii.com <mailto:wright@frii.com>

BE AMONG THE FIRST TO VIEW ANYONE AND EVERYONE

In her directorial debut, Boulder filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz’s Anyone and Everyone eloquently captures the vivid memories of horrified, disbelieving parents and their gay offspring in a series of emotion-packed interviews that are a must-see for all families. Polis Schutz’s film unravels the complex emotions that were faced by the parents as they react to the revelation about their children’s sexuality.

When he learns that his own son is gay, a Cherokee father phones his son to apologize for the pain he caused the young man because, as a Saturday night gay-basher, the father hunted down gays and frequently beat them up. The Mormon mother who dreaded the anguished, difficult life her son would face vowed never to be silent again. A lesbian daughter of Japanese American parents spewed her “in your face” anger at her parents saying, “I’m a lesbian. That’s the way it is, so get used to it.” An African American mother, when told by her son that he was gay, forced the young man to see a psychiatrist in the hope the boy could be “cured.”

Across the country, from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds and religions, parents of gay and lesbian children were interviewed by Polis Schutz in poignant, heart-wrenching interviews that fill the documentary with emotion and stark enlightenment. This is a documentary without political agenda or doctrine. It is a must-see for all parents.

YOU ARE INVITED

WHAT: Premier of Anyone and Everyone. The free event starts with a reception and the opportunity to meet the filmmaker, Susan Polis Schutz. Q&A after the film will include a panel of interviewees from the film as well as Susan Polis Schutz.

WHERE: Boulder Public Library Auditorium; (Canyon Blvd entrance, just east of 9th St)

WHEN: Saturday, September 15 – 6:00 P.M. reception; 7:00 P.M. film premiere

This event is co-sponsored by PFLAG Boulder, Bent Lens Cinema, the City of Boulder's Human Relations Office, the C.U. GLBT Resource Center, the First United Methodist Church's Reconciling Ministries Committee and Boulder Pride.

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

September, October, November 2007

In the spring, we looked at three diverse movies from around the world; this fall we will experience three American movies that illuminate religion and the diversity of religious expression. The first movie was a heartwarming look at a teen’s desire to save his mother, and the second movie’s theme is a sometimes disturbing look at how a young Jewish American tries to understand his religious and social heritage. The movie that ends our series this fall is a movie that will help us to better understand the conservative Christian movement, and what they teach their children.

September 14, 7:00 p.m.

Hosts: Marcie Geissinger and Neil Ashby

Saint Ralph – 98 minutes

Ralph is a typical teenager with atypical questions, the largest of which concerns his mother. She’s fallen into a coma, and the 14 year old has set his sights on winning the 1954 Boston Marathon in a makeshift barter with God to make his mother well. His teacher, Father Hibbert, wants to encourage his dream, but in doing so, he goes up against the reserved ever-realistic Father Fitzpatrick. Does Ralph succeed? What does it mean to search for God and God’s meaning for our lives?

October 12, 7:00 p.m.

Hosts: Bob and Kay Lowe Wendling

Everything is illuminated – 106 minutes

A young American Jewish man begins an exhausting quest – aided by a naïve Ukrainian translator – to find the righteous gentile woman who saved his grandfather when his small Ukranian village (along with most of the populace) was obliterated during the Nazi invasion of Russia in 1941. Does he succeed? What does it mean to search for God and God’s meaning for our lives?

November 9, 7:00 p.m.

Hosts: Cindy and Terry Zimmerman

Jesus camp – 84 min

This riveting Oscar-nominated documentary offers an unfiltered look at a revivalist subculture where devout Christian youngsters are being primed to deliver the fundamentalist community’s religious and political messages. Building an evangelical army of tomorrow, the Kids on Fire summer campus in Devil’s Lake, ND is dedicated to deepening the preteens spirituality and sowing the seeds of political activities as they’re exhorted to ‘take back America for Christ.’ Do they succeed? What does it mean to search for God and God’s meaning for our lives?

Everyone is invited! You may come one time, or every time. Come and enjoy the movie and the conversation about the movie. Please let the hosts know that you will attend. Call Marcie Geissinger, 303.499.2145, if you need a ride.

FCCAFÉ – September 23

“Faith Dialogue with the Multicultural Mosaic Foundation”

The Multicultural Mosaic Foundation established in April 2003, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to help cultivate moral and cultural values in our society by promoting tolerance and dialogue.

The United States is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world. MMF believes that diversity is our strength. We have a great deal to learn from one another, which can

enrich each of us without undermining our own identities. In such a diverse society, there are many opportunities for mutual understanding and for creating a society rooted in common values.

Living and working together, respecting other people's sacred is not always easy. We must draw on our faith to bring about reconciliation and understanding. Our way of dialogue is forgetting the past, ignoring polemical arguments, and giving precedence to common points, which far outnumber polemical ones. The truest fruits of religion are healing and positive. Together, listening and responding with openness and respect, we can move forward to work in ways that acknowledge genuine differences but build on shared hopes and values.

NEXT RAM’S HORN DEADLINE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Your Church Staff Welcomes You:

Terry Zimmerman, Pastor Linda Abel, Administrative Secretary

Rebecca Hirsch, Director of Music Jeff Hogan, Organist

Jaime & Leticia Alvarez, Custodians

An open and affirming congregation.

E-mail: fccboulder@fcc-boulder.org, Terry’s E-mail: terryzimmerman@fcc-boulder.org

Linda’s E-mail: lindaabel@fcc-boulder.org

Office Hours: Monday – Friday - 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (303) 442-1861 Fax: (303) 442-6413

Keep up with what’s happening at FCC on the website, www.fcc-boulder.org.

First Christian Church

950 28^th Street

Boulder, CO 80303