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December 19, 2025
Dear First Congregational Church,
During this holy season and as the new year approaches, we hold the Teitelbaum family in our hearts. On January 9, Signe Teitelbaum, beloved 10-year-old daughter of Kajsa and Ben, sister of Liv and August, will undergo a liver transplant in Denver. Ben, Signe's father, will be her donor, a gift of love beyond words.
Beginning December 29, Kajsa, our Director of Music, will step away on family leave to surround her children and Ben with the care they need throughout January, and possibly longer.
We give thanks that our congregation is blessed with a deep bench of gifted musicians who will carry on while Kajsa is away. We have made arrangements to ensure continuity in our ensembles and worship services:
8:15 a.m. Chapel Worship: Jessica Kressin, our cherished choir accompanist, will serve as musician for this service.
10:30 a.m. Sanctuary Worship: Andrew Todd will serve as our organist, joining Jessica in offering music for worship. A frequent fill-in for services in the past, an experienced organist, and concert pianist, Andrew is the Assistant Dean of Advancement at CU's College of Music.
Chancel Choir: Jessica Kressin will direct and accompany the choir. She will be joined by Martha McWilliams, a new member and retired church musician, who will assist as needed.
Congregational Bells: Evanne Browne will serve as director. Evanne is the retired Director of Music at First United Methodist Church and Seicento Baroque Ensemble.
Wednesday Lunch Concerts, Youth Bells, and Silver Bells will pause for a winter rest and resume later this spring.
A meal train has been set up to help support the Teitelbaum family during this tender season. If you feel moved to prepare and deliver a meal, you may sign up here.
A Caring Bridge website has been set up so that Kajsa and Ben can send updates. You can also send them messages through the site, here.
Cards of love and encouragement are welcome. They may be sent to the Teitelbaum family at: Teitelbaum Family, PO Box 1601, Nederland, CO 80466
In addition, a Care Team – Amy and Steve Voida, Michelle Sparks, Monika Rutkowski, Jean Nelson, and Phil Braudaway-Bauman – will coordinate volunteers who can companion the Teitelbaum family through the coming year, tending to occasional needs as Signe and Ben heal and the whole family learns to navigate their new reality. If you feel called to be part of a list of Errand Elves who can help with an occasional task, please contact Amy Voida at amyvoida@gmail.com to give her your name and contact information.
Thank you for surrounding Kajsa, Ben, Signe, and their whole family with your prayers and your generosity. Together, may we hold them in a circle of hope and healing.
With gratitude for you and for our life together,
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