Our February FOG meeting is almost here! On the last day in February, we will reap the benefits of Scott and Jean Nelson's hospitality. They reside at 1525 Lodge Court in Boulder. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. we will enjoy tastes of California Reds. Beer lovers might bring a stout (beer of the month) and for those continuing dry January, there will also be non-alcoholic beverages. The usual "rules" apply: Couples bring a hearty appetizer and a bottle. Singles bring either. All must be over 21. 

Contact Marj Fowler to receive notice emails or to host.

It’s that time of the year! Agenda items include the election of officers, board and committee members, an update on the progress of our Faith in Action Strategic Plan, and approval of the 2025 budget. The Meeting will begin with a meal of homemade chilis and soups. Gluten-free and vegan options will be available. Kids are invited to participate in special activities during the meeting. Everyone is welcome, and church members are especially encouraged to attend. Please view the annual report online.

Many are deeply troubled by recent actions by the Administration. While citizen protests alone won't turn things around, speaking out can bolster those in elected office who are fighting for democratic values, those in public service who simply want to do their jobs, and those of us seeking some sense of purpose, lest we acquiesce. You may wish to join Former Congressman David Skaggs on Monday, March 3, at 11:45 to take a stand for what we believe outside the NOAA-NIST "campus" on South Broadway. Signs will be welcome. City authorities have been notified. 

A quiet service of prayer, confession, Scripture, song, the sacrament of Holy Communion, and Imposition of Ashes marks our entrance into the reflective season of Lent.

Lent is a season associated with turning inward, examining ourselves and our relationship with God, and focusing on Christ’s sacrifice for us. Join us on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. for our first concert featuring a

Quartet: Nick Davies, clarinet,
Owen Lin, violin, Eugene Kim, cello, and Joshua Sawicki, piano. Music is a great tool to be present in the moment, and to turn our focus to God. Join us each Thursday evening during Lent for our concert series, Thursday 3/13 will showcase Nick Davies, clarinet, and Alaina de Bellevue, piano. Come, listen, reflect,

and be renewed.

The McMane Arts Ministry is pleased to present an exhibit in collaboration with Open Studios in our gallery hallway and the Heritage Room. Beginning February 26 and continuing through April 26, “Our Best Shots” showcases some of the best photographs taken by area artists. Join us for a celebratory First Friday Reception on March 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m..

With so many concerns in the world today like lives lost to wars and senseless acts of violence, entire cities burned by wildfires, divisive policies enacted, and struggles in our personal lives, where do we find hope? Through whole & small group discussions with old and new friends and having fun together, the Men’s Retreat provides an opportunity to build an Active Hope. The retreat cost is $185.00 with partial and full scholarships available. Email Peter Oakes or Linda Kowatch for more information and then register online.

Each week’s session will begin with 25 minutes of centering prayer, followed by discussion of the book Open Mind, Open Heart

(20^th anniversary edition) by Father Thomas Keating, the Cistercian monk who founded the worldwide "Contemplative Outreach," teaching people the art of meditation. Along the way, the group will also explore other prayer practices including lectio divina and Zen meditation and read selections from other sources, such as The Energy of Prayer by Thich Nhat Hahn. Contact Kevin Pettit for more information and to join the group.

The hospitality of our congregation is enhanced by attentiveness to everyone’s safety. We are glad to partner with Mental Health Partners for De-escalation training. This two-hour training will help you learn how to help individuals de-escalate during times of stress or crisis, manage a dangerous outburst, and recover from distress. Participants will talk through situations to practice implementing these strategies. If you are an usher, on our safety team, a volunteer in the Soup Kitchen, or are interested in signing up, contact Eric Nickell.

Gather to discuss this year’s One Book One Boulder selection by Valarie Kaur. See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love invites readers to embrace revolutionary love as both a remedy for our times and a path to a better future. Valarie Kaur, renowned Sikh activist and civil rights lawyer, shares her transformative philosophy – a radical, joyful practice that connects us to others, opponents, and ourselves. On April 27, we'll go together to meet Valerie Kaur in person. Contact: Chris Braudaway-Bauman.

The congregation of First Congregational Church, the LGBTQ+ and Allies Ministry, and other organizations are partnering with the Boulder Museum to sponsor the exhibit Bending the Arc. This exhibit which opens on March 14 with a reception, focuses on the first six marriage licenses granted for same-sex couples in Boulder in 1975 which were some of the first in this country. Through our donation of $2500 docents will be provided for scheduled tours. 

Our newest edition of Conversation is packed with exciting updates and meaningful opportunities! Discover our brand-new Devotional, Everything In Between by A Sanctified Art. Explore the launch of our redesigned website. Take part in our new Weekly Collective Action for Justice.

Experience the beauty of our Lenten Concert Series. Volume One, Issue Three is filled with inspiring worship experiences, important news, and upcoming events. Pick up a print copy in the church office or flip through the digital edition online here.

Art, poetry, Scripture, and written reflections invite you to look, read, pray, reflect, and enter more deeply into the Scripture texts and themes of our Lenten series. A Sanctified Art collaborative creators have provided a special e-reader version, which you can access on your computer and mobile devices. Print versions are available to pick up in the Narthex and on a table in the Link. A collection of 52 Daily Devotional Cards for Ash Wednesday through Easter are also available. Each card has a question for reflection, and a short prayer. Pick up a set of cards in the Narthex or the Link.

Are you ready to bring more justice into the world? Sign-up to be added to our weekly collective action list. Led by our congregation's Coalition of Social Justice Ministries, we will send out a weekly email with something, one thing, you can do during the week to advocate for a more just world. If you have questions or need help signing up, email Caitlin Smith.

• Give

• Small Groups

• Volunteer Opportunities & Sign-Up Genius Links