May 31, 2024

Dear Grace Commons Family,

School is out and the Ceder family is saying “Welcome Summer.” We are excited to experience our first full summer in Colorado. We have heard about favorite day trips, hikes and camping spots, and are eager to check out the hidden gems around the area.  

We are entering a busy summer at Grace Commons. First up is a Congregational Meeting on June 9 at 9am in our Chapel for the purpose of electing a new class of officers (click the link to view the 2027 nominee bios) and hearing plans for the Ministry Year 25 budget. Electing the officers that lead our congregation is a responsibility of our covenant partners, and I hope you will make every effort to join us.

As we finish Ministry Year 24 (July 2023–June 2024), I am pleased to announce that we are on track to meet our budget goals for this year as we continue to pray for a strong finish. How we finish our budget year in June will have a great impact on what we are able to plan for the upcoming year. We will have more to share at the Congregational Meeting.

Last Sunday, Doug Smith, who is part of the 1603 Walnut St Project team, and I were able to share an exciting answer to prayer. For years, and especially the last several months, our church has been seeking God's will for the 1603 Walnut St property. Last week we received news that our plans to develop affordable housing and an event space received an approval that provides a significant source of funding for the project. One week before the decision was made over 70 people from our church met to pray for God's will to be done in regards to this initiative. We laid hands on the building and many fasted to ensure we were doing all we could to know and follow God’s good and perfect will. Now that we have our response, we are excited to see the plans come to fruition. Thanks be to God for his answer to our prayer for clear direction. We believe this project will be a blessing to our church and community in the coming years. 

Although summer is a time of traveling and outdoor adventures, we are launching a new sermon series this Sunday, June 2 inspired by the The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones. Using these Old Testament stories, we will gain a deeper understanding of how every story whispers the name of Jesus. Please join us and consider inviting a friend. Stop at the table in the Narthex following worship if you would like to purchase this Bible so that you can read along each week. The Bible is also available online for those who are audio and e-book readers. The Jesus Storybook Bible is my favorite!

On April 28 we commissioned four Annex students as they committed to serve in South Africa with a prison ministry. A mission experience such as this needs our prayer. To pray for these students over the summer, use this prayer card. We look forward to hearing their stories when they return.  

Even though the summer break has just begun, we are already planning for the fall. The Annex has named two interns, Tyler Curnow and Ava Hayden, to join our staff for this next school year. Pray for them as they make a transition to college ministry and Boulder. We are praising God for their willingness to serve among us. 

Our Kids and Student Ministries have wonderful plans in store for this summer. Newly married Alan Balfe Iturriaga is back following his wedding and honeymoon and has his sights set on many great events. As the Student Ministry is ramping up, we will use the summer to make staff additions. Your prayers are coveted as we look forward to seeing God move in mighty ways this next school year with teenagers in Boulder County.

Our Kids Ministry is hosting Outta Bounds, an onsite joyful, and unique downtown adventure camp July 29–Aug 2. Click the link to register your child. This experience is made possible by the Outta Bounds staff members who travel around Colorado running the Day Camp. We are looking for host homes to provide lodging for these 25 or more camp staff members while here at Grace Commons, July 28–Aug 2. If you would like to consider being a host, simply fill out this interest form.

Finally, I want to mention my excitement for the Hofmann family. As you know, so many people were affected by the tragic Marshall fires in 2021. Carl and Rupali Hofmann are finally moving into their new home. It is a joy to hear Carl talk about the experience. Their joy is a symbol of the healing many are starting to experience in the aftermath of the fires. 

There are truly so many reasons for us to thank God for all he is doing in our midst. As always, if you have questions about anything in this leadership update please don't hesitate to ask. Jennifer and I remain humbled to be in ministry among you, and we hope to spend time with many of you this summer. 

Anthony

1820 15^th St, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303.402.6400

Office Hours: M–Th, 8:30–noon

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