Watch (at home) the movie The Penguin Lessons which is streaming

on Netflix. Then join us in the Heritage Room to discuss the film on Friday October 10 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Bring a movie snack to share

and something to drink for yourself. For more information contact Dean Fowler.

A fun and educational group for young adults, and anyone who would like to get to know them better. We will gather for an introductory potluck dinner at the home of Jill and Bob von Trebra, and plan some events (like plays, films, hikes, etc.) for upcoming months. Main course provided; bring something to share, and some ideas! RSVP for dinner and interest in future events to Bob or Jill.

The Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) Ministry invites you to come have

a FREE coffee, say hello and learn more about Giffords Gun Owners for Safety. Ask any questions, talk about ideas and help our communities by working to reduce gun violence. See you there!

How is God calling our church to secure our future financially? This session kicks off the conversation we will have over the next 6-8 months exploring the feasibility of a capital campaign to strengthen our operating budget and sustain our shared ministry. Today’s topic: What does our financial future look like and how will this process work?

Are you new to First Congregational Church and hoping to get more connected? Join us after the 10:30 a.m. service on October 12 in the Heritage Room for coffee and conversation. You’ll have a chance to meet some of our ministers and leaders, ask questions, and learn about the many ways you can participate in our life together, including joining us

as a member.

Support Groups for grief and caregivers meet every month. These groups are always open to new participants, including first time visitors and folks who haven’t attended in a while.

Grief in person meeting: Noon-1:30 p.m., Room 312.

Contact Bill Forbes or, Jean Manifesto.

Caregivers Zoom meeting: 2:30-4:00 p.m. Contact Bill Forbes.

Storytime, Native art market, Indigenous food vendors, educator resources, speakers, panels and a Healing Bus. Free and open to the public. Presented by Right Relationship Boulder. More information here.

The 40th anniversary of Boulder’s CROP Hunger Walk will take place on October 12 in at the Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1241 Ceres Drive, Lafayette, and we are searching for walkers and contributors. Register to walk and join our team or contribute to help Church World Service and Community Food Share. Both are lacking sufficient funding to help our undernourished friends in Boulder County. Please support our church youth who will be participating and available in the Link before church and at coffee hour to help you register or answer questions. Checks must be payable to CWS/CROP or donate directly online.

What if the word “homosexual” was never meant to be in the Bible? Join us on Open & Affirming Sunday (ONA) for Lunch and A Movie to watch 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. This feature documentary follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. The church will provide lunch. Invite your friends and family.

Keep Our Republic's Article III Coalition and the University of Denver Law School present a program on judicial independence and the rule of law. Three retired federal judges will speak on the history and importance of judicial review in our system of checks and balances. The judges (David Tatel, ret'd U. S. Ct of Appeals, D. C. Circuit; Judge Deanell Tacha, ret'd U. S. Ct of Appeals, 10th Circuit, Denver; and Judge Liam O’Grady, ret'd U. S. Dist. Court E. Dist. Va.) are nominees of Republican and Democrat Presidents. Contact David Skaggs.

Election season is upon us, and ballots will be mailed on October 10. Do you know the 11 candidates for City Council? If not, consider attending the Climate and Energy Candidate Forum on October 14th at 6:00 p.m. The event is online. Register here.

The FCC Fall Highway Cleanup will be on October 11 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. We will gather on Lefthand Canyon Dr. adjacent to the Greenbriar Inn to conduct this cleanup on Route 36 (FCC Adopt a Highway site). Covered toes and long pants are strongly recommended. Some work gloves provided. Orange vests and bags provided by CDOT. It's a beautiful area of the county and the cleanup is much-appreciated by bike riders passing by. Coffee and donuts will be provided by the Climate Action Team. Contact Allison Hamm to volunteer.

The Climate Action Team (CAT) is excited to announce that First Cong

is going solar! In the spring of 2023 CAT, with Jean Nelson as point person, began exploring joining a community solar farm being built by PIVOT Energy to go online in 2025. Through two years of behind the scenes work by Jean and the Board of Management, we are proud to announce the farm is going live. Join us for this forum with Matt Brenn from PIVOT Energy tells us how it works!

Edvard Grieg and Scott Joplin are both musical innovators: Joplin revolutionized jazz by creating the immortal ragtime, while Grieg birthed a unique musical style, warm, edgy, and beautiful. Both composers gifted us with unique and memorable rhythms and melodies. Jessica Kressin, Chancel Choir Accompanist, and Marianna McLean invite you to an entertaining program mashup of music from these great composers. They perform together as Rhapsody Duo, a collaboration born years ago from their close friendship and frequent classical "jam" sesssions.

Deals for Meals Casino Night and Silent Auction – Meals on Wheels provides daily meals and personal interactions to our neighbors in need. You can take part in their fundraiser – and enjoy an evening of fun – at the Boulder Elks Lodge on 10/25/2025 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. See Meals on Wheels website for more information on the event, for tickets or to participate in the silent auction online. If you are interested in volunteering with MOW Boulder, check out that same website and click on "Volunteer Options"

Join us for an evening of games, food, and frightfully fun music. After games and pizza, a concert in the Sanctuary features scary organ music, haunting poetry, and spine-tingling visuals projected on the walls. Costumes are encouraged! Come dressed up and you might just get a treat (or two) at the door. Whether you’re a ghost, ghoul, or something less spooky, all are welcome to this family-friendly Halloween celebration. Contact Lianna or Kajsa.

The Women’s retreat is occurring the same Friday as our usual FOG date. Rather than lose half of our group, we are going to meet on Friday, November 7, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Erik and Susan Wilkinson are hosting at their home: 1534 Harlequin Drive in Longmont. The theme is blended wines. Couples bring an appetizer and a bottle of wine. Singles bring one or the other. All over 21 are welcome. Contact Marj Fowler (262-786-3609) or Susan Wilkinson (303-775-4642).

You can still explore the biblical roots of hospitality, learn the realities of immigration today, hear stories from immigrant neighbors, and discover ways to act with love and justice right now.

PART 1 – Watch online here

God of the Journey: A Biblical Theology of Immigration

PART 2 – Watch online here

Immigration 101: Understanding the Landscape

PART 3 – Read the story here.

Crossing Paths: Stories from Our Immigrant Neighbors

PART 4 – View the slides here.

Hands, Hearts and Voices

At its meeting on Wednesday, September 17, the Church Council discerned that the Declaration by People of Faith in Support of the Lives and Rights of Immigrants is in keeping with our congregational Covenants. The Council therefore approved a request from the Racial Justice Ministry for our church to join other congregations and individuals across Colorado in signing the Declaration. You may read the letter here. If you are so moved, you are welcome to add your own signature.

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