Second Sunday of Easter, with Guest Preacher Dr. Reiland Rabaka | | |
An impression of The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.
Mike Moyers, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.
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SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
APRIL 12, 2026
8:15 AM CHAPEL
10:30 AM SANCTUARY AND ONLINE
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Do Justice. Love Kindness. Walk Humbly:
The Black Social Gospel and the Work of Social Justice.
Micah 6:8
Come hear that enduring call which asks not for spectacle but for substance, not for noise but for neighbor love. It reminds us that justice is a verb, kindness a discipline, and humility a way of walking together through history’s long and winding shadow.
8:15 a.m. Contemplative Prayer Worship and Communion
Join us in the Chapel for a Contemplative Prayer Service – short readings, extended moments of silence, quiet singing in the spirit of Taizé, and the sacrament of holy communion.
10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary
We are honored to welcome Dr. Reiland Rabaka as our preacher on Sunday, April 12,
at our 10:30 a.m. worship. Dr. Rabaka is the Founder and Director of the Center for African & African American Studies at CU Boulder (commonly called “The Cause”), and Professor in the Ethnic Studies Department. We also welcome the worship leadership of Minister Glenda Strong Robinson and Madelyn Strong Woodley, members of Second Baptist Church. All three are beloved friends of our congregation.
8:15 a.m. – Contemplative Prayer and Communion | Chapel
8:45 a.m. – Forum: End of Life Options | Standish Room
9:30 a.m. – Joyful Noise and Faith Singers Rehearsal | Sanctuary
9:45 a.m. – Chancel Choir Rehearsal | Chapel
10:30 a.m. – Worship | Sanctuary and Online
11:45 a.m. – Board of Missions and Justice in Action Fair | Plymouth Hall
4:00 p.m. – Youth Group | Bounce Empire in Lafayette
The Nursery is open from 8:15-11:45 a.m. for children ages 0-5.
Early Schoolers start in their classroom at 10:15 a.m.
All Children and Youth K-12 will start in worship then go to Sunday School.
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End of Life Options: Where Will Your Body Go?
Sunday 4/12, 8:45 a.m. | Standish Room
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Guest speaker Sue Mackey, Certified Thanatologist, will address organ and whole-body donation, burial and cremation, and environmentally friendly options such as green burial, water cremation, and body composting. so you know your options and are able to make a better-informed decision today. Plan now so you can live and play freely!
Join us for Breakfast bites at 8:45 a.m. and the presentation at 9:00 a.m.
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Board of Missions and Justice in Action Fair
Sunday, 4/12, 11:45 a.m. | Plymouth Hall
| Join us for the Board of Missions and Justice in Action (MJA) fair as we highlight all the ways the church serves and to keep us connected to our Community Partners. Learn more about our MJA Board as they present our five Social Justice Ministries: Racial Justice, Climate Action, LGBTQ+, Mental Health / A2A, and Gun Violence Prevention. Also meet representatives from some of the many Community Partners whose good work our congregation supports through benevolence grants, membership dues, and volunteer energy. Our Church has more than thirty Community Partners whom we support financially and/or through service. While you’re at the Fair, take a few moments to stop over at the Carriage House to help us imagine how we might use this space to expand the church’s ministry. Doors will be open! | | | | |
Support Groups for Grief and Caregivers
Sunday, 4/12
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Support Groups for grief and caregivers meet every month. These groups are always open to new participants, including first time visitors and those who haven’t attended in a while.
Grief in person meeting: Noon-1:30 p.m., Room 312. Contact Bill Forbes at or Jean Manifesto.
Caregivers Zoom meeting: 2:30- 4:00 PM. Contact Bill Forbes.
| | CREATION JUSTICE SUNDAY, APRIL 19 | | | | |
Creation Justice Sunday & Blessing of Scientists
Sunday, 4/19, 8:15 a.m. | Chapel and 10:30 a.m. | Sanctuary
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Join us as our Climate Action Team (CAT) lead our 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. Together, we will be reminded that God calls humanity to be faithful stewards of the earth and that science – and the work of scientists – is an essential partner in this sacred responsibility. Through worship, prayer, and reflection, we will explore our deep interconnectedness with all of creation and listen again for God’s vision
of wholeness for the world. In this service we will also bless scientist and those in science profession that work to understand and care for our world. Invite your scientist friends.
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Forum: Home Electrification
Sunday, 4/19, 9:00 a.m. | Standish Room
| Have you considered electrifying your home? The Climate Action Team (CAT) invites you to a forum led by Stuart Cummings and Edward Kean of Go Electric Colorado. They will discuss all things electric including home envelope improvement, heat pumps, solar panels, geothermal, home battery storage, data centers, and rebates. Join us as we learn to better care for all of creation! For more information contact Bill Young. Childcare provided. | | | | |
Memorial Service for Betty Wickstrom
Sunday, 4/19, 2:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
| With gratitude for a long and faithful life, we gather to remember and give thanks for Betty Wickstrom, who died at the age of 98. Betty was a beloved member of First Congregational Church for 24 years, a steady presence among us. We invite you to join in this service of thanksgiving and hope, as we hold her life in prayer and entrust her to God’s eternal care. Betty is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Maurya and Linnea, and their families, and by all who were blessed to know her. | | | | |
Youth Group Park Picnic
Sunday, 4/19, 4:00 p.m. | Waneka Lake Park
| All youth grades 6-12 are invited to a park picnic at Waneka Lake Park. There's a playground, a field for kickball, and an athletic trail! Bring a snack or drink to share if you're able. RSVP to Lianna. | | | | |
On the Rocks Spring Concert
Sunday, 4/19, 7:30 p.m. | Sanctuary
| You’ve heard them sing in a couple of our worship services. Now you’re invited to their concert. On the Rocks, CU Boulder’s first all-treble ensemble and our favorite a capella group is having a concert in our Sanctuary. What began as a small group of students with a passion for singing has grown into one of the most recognized and celebrated ensembles on campus. Come hear their fresh takes on some of your favorite songs. | | | | |
Receiving New Members
Sunday, 4/26, 10:30 a.m. | Sanctuary
| This is your invitation to roll up your sleeves, join the journey, and step fully into our community of faith, service, and celebration. Curious or ready to take the plunge? Contact Julie Griffitts, and become part of the story we’re writing together. | | | | |
Newcomers Coffee
Sunday, 4/26, 11:45 a.m. | Heritage Room
| Are you new to the First Congregational Church community, looking to find out more, and get better connected? Join us on the 4th Sunday of the month, after worship, to get to know some of our staff and leaders and learn more about the many ways you can get involved including joining us as a member. | | | | |
Family Lunch'n Chat
Sunday, 4/26, 11:45 a.m. | Grace Gallery
| For families with all ages, we'll have a family luncheon after worship on April 26th in the Grace Gallery. We will have lunch together and split into age groups: elementary, youth, and adults. The nursery will be open during this time. Stay after worship ready for good conversation and fellowship with other families here at First Cong. | | | | Pick-a-Party Fundraiser Returns! | Here’s a great way to show your support for the Youth of our Church. The Board of Faith Formation is coordinating Pick-a-Party events to raise money for their Mission Trip to Kansas City in July. Can you host a Pick-a-Party? It could be anything that interests you, such as a dinner party, geocaching, or a games night! We are gathering information about party offerings from now through April 10th. For those interested in attending a party, sign-ups will be available from April 19th through May 3rd. Please sign up to host a Party. For questions, please contact Lianna Campos. | | New image and message below ? | | | | |