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June 7, 2023
Dear First Congregational Church,
At the turn of the 20th century, when our congregation had outgrown the building on
the site that is now the Carnegie Library, we moved across the street to the corner of Broadway and Pine. A new Sanctuary was constructed and lovingly dedicated in 1908.
Since then, thousands of faithful people have walked across its floor to find their place as we worship God together, standing to sing a favorite hymn, placing feet under a pew to pray, coming forward to the chancel to receive communion or make covenant promises of baptism, confirmation, marriage, or membership. Countless others have entered the aisles and rows to listen to lectures or concerts as our church has continuously opened our doors to host events for the wider community.
Replacing the Sanctuary Floor
Now, after 115 years of continuous use, the floor in our historic Sanctuary is giving way. Repeated refinishing means the wood is too thin to repair properly. So, this summer, after much planning, we will be replacing it. Thanks to Bob Matthias, who wrote a proposal to the State Historical Fund, the Church has been awarded a grant to assist us in restoring the floor to its original beauty. Southern yellow pine, the same species as our current floor, is now seasoning in containers in our parking lot as it adjusts to the dry Colorado climate. The grant award of up to $60,000 will cover half of the total cost of the construction. The other half will come from savings we have accumulated from distributions of our Capital Needs Endowment over several years.
As we prepare for the installation, the organ console and grand piano will be moved out. The organ pipes will be carefully wrapped for protection from the dust. The pews will be unbolted and stored up front on the chancel landing, which is not part of this project.
While we are fixing the floor, three other significant projects will also be undertaken.
The hearing loop will be newly and more robustly installed under the floor, including the choir risers. The dimming system for our sanctuary lighting, outdated and failing, will be replaced. The seats on the chairs at the front of the Sanctuary now worn thin will be reupholstered. The grant does not cover these three items, but as we have been anticipating this work, we have set funds aside for them.
Much of the old flooring will be repurposed, including a piece of furniture made by
church member Jan Rybczynski, a 2023 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. Once complete, the furniture will remain in our Sanctuary as an enduring gift of remembrance and gratitude to our forebears who built our beloved church.
Sunday Morning Worship
The last worship service in the Sanctuary for the summer will be on Sunday, June 18 at 9:30 AM when our elementary and middle school youth will offer their Arts Camp Musical.
Starting on Sunday June 25, a day when we will also gather for a festive picnic at Foothills Community Park, our weekly Worship Services will be held in Plymouth Hall at 9:30 AM, with a few exceptions.
The following Sunday, July 2, we are inviting the residents of Frasier Meadows to join us for worship at 10:00 AM (note the time change) in the Canyon Room at Frasier Meadows, 350 Ponca Place, Boulder. On that day, former U.S. Senator Tim Wirth will speak on “Unconventional Threats to our Republic: the 2024 Election” and our Easter Brass Quintet will offer music. Following this service of prayerful and prophetic patriotism, David Skaggs, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and longtime church member, will join former Senator Wirth in conversation with all who have gathered.
While worship will be at Frasier Meadows, childcare and children’s activities will be held
as usual in the lower level of the church building starting at 9:30 AM.
On Sunday, July 23 and Sunday, August 27, we will return to worship at Frasier Meadows while we make room in Plymouth Hall for our Soup Kitchen, providing
a place for our unhoused neighbors to linger and rest in a cool room while we serve
them lunch.
On most Sundays during the summer, however, our Worship will be in Plymouth Hall. Drawing on our successful experience some years ago hosting Dinner Church, we plan to offer Brunch Church, or “Worship and Waffles.” Starting Sunday, July 9, at 9:30 AM and continuing through August, you are invited to gather with others around tables for coffee and brunch. Worship will be woven through the meal. Each service will conclude with the sacrament of communion.
For those joining from home, we anticipate the livestream from Plymouth Hall will begin at 10:00 AM, as we transition from table conversations to a short sermon and singing. Our brunch menu will feature items such as egg frittata, coffee cake, fruit salad, and oatmeal with toppings. A bank of toasters in the back will be set up to prepare bagels with cream cheese or waffles with syrup. Gluten free and vegan options will always be available.
We welcome and need your assistance for Brunch Church to work! There are several opportunities to help – from setting tables or baking coffee cake on Saturdays to warming oatmeal and putting clean dishes away on Sundays. Shoppers and cooks will receive recipes and clear instructions. We expect to reimburse you for expenses. Folks of all ages are invited to participate in preparation and clean up. You can sign up here. If you would like to serve as a greeter or usher, you can sign up here.
We hope our Summer Sunday Worship will be joyously intergenerational, inspiring, and full of fun. To see the full schedule of Summer Sunday Worship Services, click here.
With gratitude for all the generations before us, now, and to come,
Rev. Christina Braudaway-Bauman
Senior Minister
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