January 2015
FCUCC January 2015
The Communicator
The Epitome of Congregationalism
By Rev. Dr. Benjamin Broadbent, Lead Minister
Our Ministry . . .
extravagant Welcome,
openness to Wonder,
positive and
proactive Witness
to the possibility
of a just world.
Annual Meeting
of the Congregation
On January 25
at 9:45 a.m.
Table of Contents
1. Annual Meeting
2. Culinary Cabaret /
2nd Sun. Singles
3. NOTES IN BRIEF
4. Children’s Advent Prep & Pics
5. a. Youth Ministry
b. Nominating Committee List
6. Elevator—Up Go the Walls!
7. a. Congregational Inclusion Project
b. Congregations Alive in Denver
8. History: From Sorrow, Beauty
9. Congregational Life
10. a. Adult Fay Fo I & II
b. Prayer Shawl Ministry
11. Mid-week Study/Prayer
12. Adult Fay Fo—The Forum
13. Worship Calendar
14. Birthdays & Anniversaries
15. Contact Information
16. The Communicator: Requirements
& January 15 Deadline
benjamin@fcucc.org
It drives me crazy when folks not familiar with our church call us “First
Congressional Church.” Given the current dysfunction of U.S. Congress,
this is not an association we want people to make. Congregationalism is
not perfect, of course, but it is an expression of church which says that
the members of a church, relying upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
should govern themselves instead of relying upon hierarchical structures
to govern from outside the congregation.
The congregational way of being church is embodied most
formally at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation.
On January 25 at 9:45 a.m. we will gather to:
ϯ Hear reports (stories) about the work the Spirit in the life of the church
ϯ Celebrate the impact of ministries and volunteers
ϯ Vote on the 2015 budget and new Church Council members who serve
on behalf of the congregation as leaders through the year.
We use “parliamentary procedure,” which doesn’t sound very
congregational, but in our setting this process intends to do at least
three things in a relatively short amount of time:
 Allow minority voices to be heard
 Allow the majority to get its way
 Encourage trust that the Holy Spirit is working through our discernment
and deliberations to strengthen us as a body and lead us in the way
that God is calling.
I hope some of you who have been around for a few years have noticed
that your elected leaders on the Church Council have worked hard
to make the Annual Meeting an event with energy, purpose, and
excitement.
And, I hope you will plan to attend. This is it! This is the big show! This is
what makes us a congregational church.
On January 25, the Sunday morning schedule encourages participation by
members (and non-member friends of the church) in the Annual Meeting.
We will gather for one worship service at 8:30 followed by a brief break
to get a bite to eat and to allow parents time to bring their children to
Sunday School (thank you, teachers, who make this possible).
The meeting begins at 9:45 in the Sanctuary and will conclude by 11 (at
least that’s the plan, because after that the children will be joining us).
Come, be congregational. Celebrate the work of Christ in the life of our
church. Show gratitude for those who serve. Speak your mind and vote
your conscience. Let Congress wallow in dysfunction and allow the Holy
Spirit to show us a different way.
2
FCUCC January 2015
CULINARY CABARET / 2nd SUNDAY SINGLES
A Culinary Cabaret
By Victoria Hansen, FCC Member
vhansen@coloradocollege.edu
Imagine a musical show where ...


Magical cookery welcomes you


A dog's supper inspires a raucous rag



A barber gets into the pie business

Shepherds welcome the Magi with
gifts of food and dance

A trio of Italian cooks work up a frenzy
preparing a feast


Church ladies scrap over recipes and
Hungry children fantasize about
growing fat
Lovers are wooed and united by tasty
desserts or seduced by scintillating dishes
Coffee not only percolates, it swings
Parents rhapsodize about the ease of
raising vegetables
Julia Child demonstrates the secrets
of creating a French chocolate cake in
real time
2ND SUNDAY SINGLES
You've just imagined A Culinary Cabaret!
All singles, and friends,
50ish and beyond ...
join us ...
Second Sunday Singles
will NOT meet on the 2nd Sunday (Jan 11),
but instead will get a group together
to attend the
"Culinary Cabaret"
on Friday, January 23
at the church.
Tickets go on sale soon and it's going to be great
fun so don't miss out!
Contact Connie Raub at ceraub@gmail.com
These scenarios will all be performed by many
of the talented people of First Congregational
Church on Friday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $5/person or $10/family
(cash only) and will be sold
Sundays, January 11 and 18.
Look for a table in the Founders Room
between services and
after the 11 a.m. service.
Bon Appetit!
3
NOTES IN BRIEF
FCUCC January 2015
BOOK GROUP—JANUARY 11 @ 6 p.m.
Calling all bibliophiles! Is reading your passion? Did you know that FCC has a Book Discussion Group? There
is no joining or long-term commitment. Just check out the next book we are reading. If it interests you,
grab a copy, read it, and join us! FCC’s Book Discussion Group meets quarterly for a lively discussion of the
selected novel. The group chooses one book from the following categories: Classic, Best Seller, Spiritual/
Religious Theme, Southwestern/Western, Non-Fiction. RSVPs are requested so the host can plan for having
sufficient desserts. Hope to see you at future book discussions!
January book is Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
Discussion will be on Sunday, 11 January 2015 at 6 p.m. in the Gregg Library.
Visit the following link for further information:
http://fcucc.org/faith-formation-2/adults/book-discussion-group/
Or contact Linda Boles, Book Discussion Group Chair
at jobolesjr@comcast.net or 593.9748.
OWL REMINDERS
January 11: Parents and K/1
children will share a joint
OWL session
from 9:45-10:45.
POOPED OUT PARENTS—Save the Date
Pooped Out Parents (POPS) will gather at the home of
Minette Church, on Saturday, February 14 at 6 p.m.
Look for more details by evite in late January.
Grade 5/6 OWL
starts March 1st.
More to follow.
Please contact janeridings@hotmail.com to be placed on the
distribution list or for more information about POPs.
PLYMOUTH CIRCLE
SAVE THE DATES for NADIA BOLZ -WEBER
Thanks to all who
participated in the
Plymouth Circle
events that we have
sponsored recently.
We are taking the cold
months OFF but will bring
more programs starting in
April 2015.
Contact Connie Raub at
ceraub@gmail.com
Newcomers are always welcome.
Our 2015 JWW Speaker will be Nadia Bolz-Weber, founding pastor of
House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver and a leading voice in
the emerging church movement..
If you’d like to learn a little now, read
her 2013 book titled Pastrix: the Cranky,
Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint.
Or, you could listen to Krista Tippet’s
terrific NPR interview at:
www.onbeing.org/program/nadia-bolzweber-seeing-the-underside-and-seeing-god
-tattoos-tradition-and-grace/5896
Or look up her website:
www.nadiabolzweber.com/
Lecture Weekend will be Friday, April 24 thru Sunday 26
4
CHILDREN & FAMILY PROGRAMS
FCUCC January 2015
Children’s Christmas Eve Services
Del Hokanson, Director of Children’s & Family Ministry
del@fcucc.org
HARK! Can you hear an angel calling that we need to “Go with God” and prepare for the
birth of Jesus?
The 3 p.m. Christmas Eve presentations by children were a culmination of four weeks of preparation
during Advent Sunday School. The process was as important as the actual presentation, as children
deepened into their scene, familiarizing themselves with the characters and the story. They then
embedded that knowledge into their memories by depicting the scene with their own hands-on art form
and prop creation. Their art became the backdrop for their scene and their prop was part of their stage
presentation on Christmas Eve. Middle School liturgists read the texts as the children brought their scene
to life.
Remembering that the process was as important as the actual presentation, see photos below of the
children at work during Advent.
We were blessed to have Sarah Stevens, District 11 art teacher, who worked with each group focusing
on their scene and stimulating children to create their own artistic interpretations. Hannah Rockey
from Millibo Art Theatre worked with children to create simple movements that represented their scene.
The third rotation involved creating a simple prop facilitated by Michelle Moore. Thanks go to all the
parents of preschool and kindergarten children, Amy Keating, Liz Shelton, Dawn Khederian, Alison
Gerbig, Jill Cameron, Molly Garrison and Thea Roland for accompanying and shepherding children during
the process. Thanks also to Middle School students who were the liturgical readers of each Biblical passage:
Isabelle Garrison-Kemp, Annabel and Giles Lewis.
5
YOUTH FAITH FORMATION / NEW SLATE FOR ANNUAL MEETING
FCUCC January 2015
Church Groups—Think of Our Youth
By Candace Datz, Director of Youth & Adult Ministry
candace@fcucc.org
With the New Year comes new intentions, new relationships, and new opportunities for creating
something fresh and alive. Our youth ministry has been getting into a groove, and I’ve been so
blessed to build relationships with the students and their families over the past few months.
Looking into 2015, we know that we will see a group of incredible confirmands join our membership
and confirm their baptismal vows. We will see another group of students graduate from high school and make their
way into the adult world of work and college. We will bless a group of youth as they embark on a mission journey to
New Orleans and bless them as they return with stories of God’s faithfulness and compassion. We will encourage a
group of 8th and 9th graders in a discovery of their sexuality during the Our Whole Lives program next fall. And we
will have the opportunity to be a steady, supportive congregation to our young people on a weekly basis as we
engage with the youth in various church settings.
And, with this New Year, we will be exploring different ways of encouraging our students to be broadly
active in the life of the church.
If you are the chair of a church committee or team, might your team be enhanced by adding the voice of a
young person? Then, ask a high schooler to join you!
Do you serve the worship arts through preparation? Ask a middle schooler to join you to see what you do!
Intimidated by teenagers but would like to help out? Talk to Candace! There are lots of opportunities for our whole
church to be involved in the Faith Formation of our young people and for our youth to be involved in all aspects of
the life of our congregation.
Take some time this year to get to know the incredible students in our youth ministry!
Nominating Committee Presents New Slate for Council
By Nancy Henjum, Chair of the Nominating Committee
nancyhenjum@msn.com
The eight dedicated members of your FCC Church Council meet on the second Thursday of each
month to share a meal, think strategically, discuss important issues, and to make key decisions guided
by our vision and mission statements. Our governance structure is prescribed in our constitution. By
partnering with quality staff and competent lay leadership, the Council works to ensure the healthy
body known as FCC.
Per our by-laws, each year two or three members of the Council end their three-year commitment and are replaced
by new volunteer leaders who have answered the call "With God's help to set the table for all who hunger and thirst"
through governance
The Nominating Committee's charge is to guide the search for the open positions. The 2015 open positions are Council
(Secretary, Worship, and Outreach), Nominating Committee vacancies, Chair of Mission Giving and Outreach (MG+O),
and Chair of Financial Ministries Table (FMT). Nominating Committee has successfully matched members to serve in
these positions.
Below are the names of the members who are enthusiastically ready to serve. We will present these candidates
to the Congregation for approval at the Annual Meeting in our Sanctuary on January 25, 2015 at 9:45 a.m.
Slate for 2015
Secretary:
Lisa Mason
Nominating:
Jill Robinson
Worship and Spiritual Life:
Chris Reimer
Nominating (Ad Hoc):
Beth Garrison Kemp
Outreach:
TBD (at press time)
Mission Giving and Outreach Chair:
Sky Foerster
Nominating:
Blake Pelton
Financial Ministries Table Chair:
Julia Nace
6
ACCESS & ELEVATOR UPDATE #6
FCUCC January 2015
Up Go the Walls!
(Access Corridor and Elevator Addition, Project Update #6)
By Kirk Wohlhueter, Facility Manager
kirk@fcucc.org
With the weather cooperating, our General Contractor is
wasting no time pushing hard, taking full advantage of the
good weather conditions knowing it could change at any
moment.
We have now satisfied the City of Colorado Springs and The
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. We have secured
the complete Building Permit for the addition and no more
hurdles are standing in our way.
The exterior demolition is complete; the old stairwells have
been removed. The existing exit doors have been secured
shut and the interior building Evacuation Plan has been
modified for the duration of construction.
Excavation for the foundation has been completed. The existing
utility pole located closest to the southwest corner of the
addition was too close to the excavated hole and required
shoring up. We had to rent a truck from the City, close the
alleyway and prop up the utility pole. This was done to
prevent blowing the side of the excavated hole out, causing
the pole to fall.
At the conclusion of the excavation, the Soil Engineer completed
the first inspection. The type of soil encountered and the
readings of the density test have proven to be better than
originally expected. No additional compaction or structural fill
will be required, helping to keep our budget on track.
The foundation subcontractor is now on site. The concrete footings were poured Friday, December 12.
With that behind us, we are pushing hard to form and pour the concrete walls so we can backfill and
return the City Utilities truck, avoiding paying for more rent than required.
Excavation can be one of the largest areas of risk, not knowing what might be encountered beneath the
surface of the soil. We did face a few challenges along the way, but there were not any items of great
concern or that carried high cost impacts to the budget.
If we can have a little luck with the weather and get the Foundation and Exterior Block Walls up, we will
not be as dependent on the weather and will have more control of our own schedule. Progress has been
great so far. The construction team is all working together to compete this common goal.
It’s great to see a plan come together!
7
INCLUSION PROJECT / CONGREGATIONS ALIVE!
FCUCC January 2015
Congregational Inclusion Project (CIP)
By Siri Everett, Council Member for Worship & Spiritual Life
sirieverett@gmail.com
Tait Berge, a writer and pastor who lives with cerebral
palsy, was the guest speaker—with his service dog— at both
Kids Community worship services on November 23; the MG&O grant
to CIP paid him handsomely. (A salary commensurate with education
and experience is a basic right for which people with disabilities
have long advocated.)
Del Hokanson, in an effort to expand the children’s awareness of
disability and our church’s response to the variety of abilities,
prepared the children for Tait’s visit and created an accessible sacred space at the north end of the
Atrium for these services. The “chancel” of the improvised sacred space included a drawing of the
entrance to the elevator corridor and a bulletin board with images/icons of the many expressions
of ability.
The children generated these responses: “If it’s hard to speak, why don’t you just write?” “I have a
friend with Down’s Syndrome. Is that how your brain works?” “Can you just have surgery to fix it?”
These responses are reflective of their capacity for curiosity and empathy, and of Del’s creation of a
place that allows openness, kindness, and wonder.
Come to CONGREGATIONS ALIVE!
Thursday, February 5 – Saturday, February 7, 2015
At First Plymouth Congregational UCC, Englewood, CO
What is Congregations Alive?
A three-day event presented by the Rocky Mountain Conference UCC
An event for pastors, teachers, educators, and all interested lay people, who are interested in dynamic speakers, empowering worship, and timely workshops that will energize your congregation
COST: $100 per person ($55 for just one day) discounts for 2 or more people from
the same church
Features:
Keynote Speaker:
Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Associate Professor of Christian Education,
Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA
Worship Leader:
Rev. Maren Tirabassi, UCC Poet, Writer, Editor, Pastor, Teacher
Union Cong’l Church UCC, Madbury, NH
30 + Workshops:
Including Faith Formation topics with Rev. Dr. Ivy Beckwith,
Team Leader - UCC Nat’l Staff, Cleveland
“Peace Village” with Betsy Woodward C.M. UCC Educator and Peacemaker,
San Mateo
FIND more information and online registration at: www.rmcucc.org
QUESTIONS? Please contact any of the following: joanne@bogarthome.net or melindacampbell@comcast.net or
saraweatherman@comcast.net
8
PEOPLE & EVENTS IN EARLY FCC HISTORY
FCUCC January 2015
A Peek in the Past: From Sorrow, Beauty
by Chris Steenbergen, Church Historian
chris.steenbergen@yahoo.com
In 1876 Roselle Theodore Cross became FCC's first full
time pastor. He was the son of Gorham Cross, a largely
self-taught Congregational minister. Roselle worked his way through
school, first at Oberlin College and later Union Seminary. Early on, he
was principal of the Oberlin Preparatory Department, but the ministry
beckoned. He had been pastor in Hamilton, NY for two years when the
call from FCC came.
Rev. Cross was married to school teacher Emma Asenath Bridgman,
also from a Congregationalist lineage. In early 1876 their eldest son,
Theodore, had died at age 3. That same year, en route to Colorado
Springs, their youngest, Charles, took ill and died, only 3½ months old.
They arrived with their, also sick, one year old daughter, Leora. While
in the Springs their son Judson was born and later in Denver they had
another son, Cleaveland.
Rev. Roselle T Cross; from FCC archives
Roselle Cross was FCC's pastor for only 4½ years but with significant
accomplishments. Under his pastorate, membership quintupled from
44 to 219, while Colorado Springs' population only doubled, and FCC built its first church: on Bijou Street,
facing Acacia Park. Both the Pueblo and Manitou Congregational churches were organized under his
guidance. He pioneered youth ministry, giving five minute children's sermons (later sermons are collected
in: “Clear as Crystal”; 1887) and organizing the Boys' Exploring Association. On an outing with them in
Williams Canyon, the main entry to the present Cave of the Winds was discovered. Emma Cross sang in
the church choir and taught little children's Sunday School.
Pastor Cross was a man of many interests. He edited and published “The Congregational News”, a local
Colorado monthly, and wrote five books, several series of papers, numerous articles, poems, and travel
sketches. He was an amateur geologist and avid outdoors man, visiting emerging churches in Colorado's
back country on horseback. In 1881 he accepted the call to establish a church on Denver's west side.
In total, he served 10 churches across the country. He died in 1924 in Twinsburg, OH at eighty years of age,
emeritus for only six years, and was buried at Oberlin.
It is said, that Johann Sebastian Bach, who saw 10 of his 20 children die in infancy, rose above his misery
and wrote, what was perhaps his most magnificent music in days of suffering. Similarly, Pastor Cross, in the
time after the tragic loss of two young sons within one year, made FCC flourish.
9
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
FCUCC January 2015
Congregational Life (November 16-December 14)
By Rev. Dr. Jacque Franklin, Associate Minister
jacque@fcucc.org
THANKS
Liturgists for the last month of Sundays were Thea & Ruth Roland, Rev. Jocelyn Bakkemo &
Paul Brookens, Mike Matthews, Lee Tatum, Chris Reimer. Those who supported the Advent
rotations for Children’s Faith Formation were Sarah Stevens, Hannah Rockey, Molly Garrison, Michelle
Moore & ALL parent supporters. Sanctuary Arts Team and helpers decorated the Sanctuary for Advent
at this year’s Hanging of the Greens. Kid’s Community Worship volunteers were Tait & Kelly Berge, Siri
Everett & Anne Broughton, Kirk Wohlhueter & Barbi Bailey, Sara Doud, Casey Scott, Cyndi McFarland,
Kelly Berge, Tyesha Clark & our great Ubuntu squad. November Adult Faith Formation was led by Alyce
Morgan, Rev. Steve Alsum, John Snyder. Children’s Faith Formation volunteers for the Fall were Jennifer
Ross, Ken Dayton, Jean Archer, Polly Strovink, Brooke Bell, “Grannie Annie” Skinner, Kim Brown,
Claudia De la Cruz, Bev & Oscar Ridings, David Bribach, Wilma Steenbergen, Margaret Reiber, Beth
Hammond, Karen Clere, and Nancy Forgy. Godly Play Worship facilitators were Denise Ellsworth,
Cyndi McFarland, Anna Adams & Marilyn Fife. Ceil Malek read one of her creative writing pieces as a
creative worship offering. Kathryn Eastburn and Stewardship Team were responsible for the Dinner on
the Grounds. The Elevator Ground Breaking ceremony included Andrea Barker, Angie Adams, Kirk
Wohlhueter, Lynn Young, Mary Hope. Randy Goodwin resigned as one of the church’s custodians and
handyman. He served many years in that position keeping the church building beautiful. Charlotte
Bundgaard coordinates Mission Moments monthly for worship. Kathryn Eastburn coordinated the lovely
Thanksgiving Dinner.
P R AY E R S
Sid Skirvin, husband of Shirley Skirvin is in hospice care at home. He has been in declining health for
several months. Our prayers are for them both as caregiving a loved one can take its toll. Bill Edmondson
is in a care facility receiving physical therapy to gain his strength. Maggie Santa-Wood, one of our college
students, rolled her jeep over the Thanksgiving holidays. Fortunately, she was physically all right, but
prayers for her to regain her driving confidence. Paul Roberts had heart surgery and returned home from
the hospital. Wilma Steenbergen had her 16th surgery in Denver and is now home healing. Sharon Stine
had cancer surgery and returned home celebrating a positive prognosis. Betty Freudenburg is in hospice
care at home and continues to decline in health. Jocelyn Bakkemo received our prayers and blessings
as she took a job in Monticello MN. She made that move recently and is through the worse part of it.
She looks forward to her work developing a Department of Spiritual Care in a new Medical Facility. Lane
Cornforth, Karen Knabe asked for prayers for new jobs and their prayers were answered! Karen Valentine
had shoulder surgery and is back to work and church. Bentley Roberts had a fall and is getting physical
therapy at home. Siri Everett had knee surgery and is back on her feet recovering well.
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S
Kathy & Arnie Sparnins, for winning the Britt Penrod Award for their documentary, Voices of Grief. Sarah
Wilkerson’s work paid off as the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act passed the U.S. House
of Representatives. The church’s group of knitters and crocheters made & distributed over 450 hats/150
scarves this year to Veterans Stand Down, One Nation Walking, Monument & Mesa Houses, Crawford House,
Westside Cares, The Street Church, and Operation Homefront. Brooke Bell’s grandmother, Esther Allen,
turned 100 in November. Alison Raines & Michelle Tollefson were married on Nov 13.
CONDOLENCES
to Richard Grebenstein and family on the loss of son-in-law Michael Augelli who
died 11/24 in hospice care.
10
ADULT FAITH FORMATION HOUR / PEOPLE OF THE YARN
FCUCC January 2015
Adult Faith Formation Hour Offerings I & II
By Candace Datz, Director of Youth & Adult Ministry
“Poverty Immersion Introduction” –
candace@fcucc.org
In The Gregg Library, facilitated by Katherine Fatica
Jackie Jaramillo from the Springs Rescue Mission will be facilitating an introductory experience for those wanting to
cultivate an open heart and open mind towards those struggling in poverty. We will discuss obeying the call to serve
our neighbors, understanding the “culture of poverty,” and learning to relate to those who are suffering. The class is
based on Ruby Payne’s book “Bridges Out of Poverty.” We are grateful to Ms. Jaramillo for giving of her time to offer
this excellent class to our congregation. For more information contact Katherine Fatica at 719.473.6928.
“Survival of the Human Spirit in the Age of Technology Apocalypse” –
In the Dwelling Place, led by Don Allred
Science and technology continually pose new questions about the very nature of life, consciousness, and the meaning
of "human.” From daily family choices about social media to societal choices about artificial intelligence, genetic
engineering, and mind-machine interface, the human spirit faces unparalleled opportunity and threat. These
inescapable choices define the direction of humanity, but for the most part unfold without even our awareness.
We cannot avoid this tsunami of profound choices, yet we are not even armed with clear definitions of “human
spirit,” consciousness,” and “life.” In three sessions we will address recent hypotheses of science, and will consider
foundations and reference points for choosing our future direction.
Sessions are not sequential, so missing one does not preclude attending later ones.
The January Forum Schedule—See page 12
Fun, Food and Fellowship of the Prayer Shawl Ministry
By Mary Jane Ray, Prayer Shawl Ministry
mjray9999@yahoo.com
Seventeen “People of the Yarn” met Saturday,
December 13th, to celebrate another successful
year. This is always a time of fun, fellowship, and
celebration. This year’s efforts, as in several years
past, focused on wrapping twenty beautiful, hand
knit or crocheted Prayer Shawls to be delivered to
T.E.S.S.A. These shawls will be given to the
resident women and their children in T.E.S.S.A.’s
“safe house.” As the name implies, this is a place
of safety and sanctuary for residents that are in
abusive domestic situations. Often times they flee
their home with nothing more than the clothes on
their back.
Prayer Shawl Ministry, “People of the Yarn,” with decorated bags of shawls
If you would like to join these and others (both women and men) in contemplative prayer and the creation of
prayer shawls and baptismal blankets, please consider joining the Prayer Shawl Ministry.
We meet most Thursday mornings at 11:30 a.m. in the Gregg Library.
And, a special “thank you” to the church for providing the yarn to make these beautiful “portable hugs.”
If you would like further information, contact Mary Jane Ray at mjray9999@yahoo.com or 719.599.7976
OR contact Barb Kaiser at bkcolorado@yahoo.com.
11
MID-WEEK STUDY & PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES / Y. A. OWL
FCUCC January 2015
Bible Nerds
Friends of Emerson
Join the "Bible Nerds" for weekly,
lectionary-based Bible Study.
We meet (upstairs) in the Gregg Library
on Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11 a.m.
New members are always welcome
at the Friends of Emerson group
that meets twice monthly.
Facilitated by Lucy Bell.
All opinions are welcome in our lively,
wide-ranging discussions of next Sunday's Scriptures.
If you would like to be prepared
to "pester the pastor", please participate!
With questions, please contact
Kathy Beck (264.9105).
Soul Feast
Soul Feast meets each Thursday morning at 9:15 a.m.
first in the Kitchen for refreshments,
then in the Carey Chapel.
Contact Mike Matthews (719.375.5269) or
LMMATT222@comcast.net for information about
the current topic. All are welcome.
In January, the group meets on
Thursdays, January 8 & 22
From 4-5 p.m.
Upstairs in the Gregg Library.
Contact lucycbell@comcast.net
for more information.
Cen t er in g P ra y er
Mondays at 5:30 p.m.,
in the Carey Chapel,
an hour of prayer
For more information, contact
Jerusha Goebel (JerushaGo@msn.com)
YOUNG ADULT OWL
Young Adult OWL—Holy Sexuality for ages 22-35
FCUCC & High Plains UU Church will be
offering a ten week class with a weekend
retreat about our faith and love, relationships, sexual pleasure, healthy
boundaries, justice, mutuality and
communication.
The class will be on Tuesday evenings,
from February 3 thru April 14
with a Saturday/Sunday retreat in mid-March.
The cost is $110 for FCUCC members,
$135 for non-members.
Couples are welcome.
Registration begins December 1 and
enrollment is limited.
Contact Rev. Derek Krehbiel at
derek.krehbiel@comcast.net or 719.359.0600
What Would Jesus Brew?
Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Wild Goose Meeting House
401 N. Tejon Street
Join this radical group of people
for drinking and discussion
without dogmatic assertions of knowledge,
damnation of others, or judgment.
For more information,
contact Trig Bundgaard at
trygve@trystanphotography.com
12
ADULT FAITH FORMATION HOUR —THE FORUM
FCUCC January 2015
What's Happening at the Forum in January
by Howard Ray, FCC Member
hray99@gmail.com
To access the Forum schedule, use the FCC web site www.fcucc.org:
select Faith Formation, Adult, then select The Forum.
4 Jan: Richard Skorman [in the Sanctuary] - How Greenway, the Internet, and Bicycle
Infrastructure Will Secure our Economic Future.
Richard returns to the Forum to speak about his ideas on what makes Colorado Springs a special place in
which to live. There has been much discussion about the local economy in recent years. Richard has been
a leading voice amongst those who are willing to look at fresh approaches to job creation and quality of
life in our city. He has a unique perspective as a business owner (Poor Richard's Downtown and Bookstore,
and Rico's Restaurant), former Vice Mayor of Colorado Springs, community activist, proponent of cultural
and ethnic diversity and is well respected by people of all political viewpoints. Perhaps you will have a
question to ask Richard.
11 Jan: Trudy Strewler-Hodges—CASA Children and Christian Service (Court Appointed
Special Advocates).
Trudy has been the Executive Director for CASA of the Pikes Peak Region, since its inception in 1989.
Her community involvement is extensive including Pikes Peak Movement for Children, Joint Initiatives for
Youth and Families, Stop Family Violence Coalition, Colorado Children’s Justice Task Force, and Colorado
Commission on Children and Families. Trudy has given over 25 National presentations. She was recently
presented with the Women of Influence Award by the Colorado Springs Business Journal. CASA of the
Pikes Peak Region is a nonprofit organization that trains and supervises volunteers to represent the best
interests of victims of child abuse, neglect, and severe domestic conflict. CASA volunteers are appointed
by judges to be a voice for these children in court and in the community. The desired result is that
children be placed in safe, loving homes where they can thrive.
18 Jan: Chuck Benson - Selections from the Life of the Christ in Art.
The Forum always looks forward to a return appearance by Chuck, a member of FCC. He typically
draws the audience in with his ability to bring artistry to life as he describes the people, places, and
ideas pictured. He has taken groups to Europe and US locations to study and examine both art and
architecture . Chuck has lectured at the Denver Art Museum, PILLAR, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts
Center, and at UCCS (including the very popular “Sacred Spaces of the World"). He will integrate
beautiful photographs with accompanying explanation of the art and the themes behind the works.
Come prepared for a strong sense of meaning and understanding.
25 Jan: No Forum (Annual Meeting in the Sanctuary at 9:45 a.m.)
The Forum is in session most Sunday mornings September through May at 9:45 a.m. in the Carey Chapel
through the efforts of Jean Tidball, Don Allred, Bruce Latimer, and Howard Ray.
Send a message with your questions and comments to hray99@gmail.com.
Other Adult Faith Formation Hour Activities, see page 10.
13
J A N U A RY 2 0 1 5 W O R S H I P C A L E N D A R
FCUCC January 2015
Sunday Morning Schedule
Worship at 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Faith Formation Hour classes for all ages at 9:45 a.m.
(January 25 – One service at 8:30 a.m., followed by Faith Formation Hour for
children and the Annual Meeting of the Congregation for Adults & Youth)
January 4 – 2nd Sunday after Christmas / Epiphany Sunday / Multi-Generational Worship
Today, people of all ages gather for Multi-Generational Worship with Holy Communion at both
services. Rev. Dr. Benjamin J. Broadbent preaches a sermon on Matthew 2:1-12 entitled
“Another Road.” Brian Hofflander shares Milt Hinton’s arrangement of the African American
Spiritual, “Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho,” a solo in the slap-bass style, and the Chancel Choir
presents Holst’s “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” at 11 a.m.
January 11 – 1st Sunday after Epiphany / Baptism of Christ Sunday
Today, Rev. Dr. Jacque E. Franklin preaches a sermon on Mark 1:4-11 entitled “Defining
Moments.” Phyllis White (flute), Joyce Hanagan (oboe), Kay Wehofer (violin), Veselka Kuzma
(cello) and Scott Christiansen (keyboard) share J.C. Bach’s Quintet in D Major. The Chancel
Choir presents the Shaw/Parker arrangement of “I Will Arise” at 11 a.m.
January 18 – 2nd Sunday after Epiphany
Today, we host a guest preacher known to many in our congregation. Rev. Benjamin Reynolds
is pursuing his PhD and serves as Director of the LGBTQ Religious Studies Center at Chicago
Theological Seminary. Rev. Reynolds will preach on I Samuel 3:1-20 a sermon entitled “What Can
I Do?” The Bells of Saint Vrain Handbell Ensemble share special music, Scott Christiansen
presents a rousing arrangement of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the Chancel Choir sings at 11.
January 25 – 3rd Sunday after Epiphany / Annual Meeting Sunday
Today, we gather for one service of unified worship at 8:30 a.m. New Members join and Rev.
Broadbent preaches a sermon on Mark 1:14-20 entitled “Follow Me.” The Annual Meeting of
the Congregation follows at 9:45 a.m., concurrent with Sunday School programs for children in
Preschool thru 5th Grade. All adults and youth encouraged to attend the meeting.
Coming in February…
ϯ Evolution Sunday
ϯ Ash Wednesday
ϯ 1st Sunday in Lent
14
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
FCUCC January 2015
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
01/01
01/01
01/01
01/01
01/01
01/01
01/01
01/01
01/01
01/01
01/01
01/01
01/02
01/02
01/03
01/03
01/03
01/04
01/04
01/04
01/04
01/04
01/06
01/07
01/07
01/07
01/07
01/07
01/08
01/08
01/09
01/09
01/11
01/12
01/12
01/13
Peter Thomas
John Mothersole
Kent Kane
Glenn Capers
Mike Ross
Douglas Hagerman
David Lippincott
Melvyn Weissman
Steve Brown
Bob Rushmore
Betty Freudenburg
Glen Whitehead
Donald Sharke
Frank Jopp
Ruth Lehmkuhl
Kathy Kreps
Howard Ray
Sharron Waterhouse
Bob Jones
Patty Lee
Jeffery Stine
Calieb Griffith
Cathy Schwotzer
Gari Steadman
Jenny King
Angel Kennedy
Shayla Brown
Eliana Calderon
Hans Krimm
Chole Anderson
Cathy White
Deidre Schoolcraft
Eric Ridings
Ruth Koenigsamen
Laura Jane Dawson
Nora Wilson
01/14
01/14
01/14
01/15
01/15
01/15
01/16
01/16
01/16
01/18
01/18
01/18
01/18
01/19
01/19
01/20
01/21
01/21
01/21
01/21
01/22
01/23
01/23
01/23
01/23
01/23
01/24
01/24
01/24
01/24
01/24
01/24
01/25
01/25
01/26
01/26
01/26
01/27
01/27
01/27
01/27
Phyllis McCoy
Janet Foerster
Angela Morgan
Margery Layton
Lisa Riegel
Bob Scheafer
Jonathon Reilly
Nancy Steffy
Alec Duffy-Webb
Margit Evensta
Rick Steffens
Hana Chiroux
Rachel Stewart
Jean Tidball
Adam Beal
Victoria Hansen
Anne Brown
Liz Ryan
Darlene Avery
Ellen Francis
Joan Ericson
John Stevens
Nick Palarino
Sarah Warren
Isabelle Kemp
Adam Ross
Holly DeVore
Denise Elsworth
Christy Kessler
Julia Harris
Sarah Ohle
Ivy Chiroux
Sue Prendinger
Sean Sipos
Kris Anderson
Phillip Tencick
Trystan Bundgaard
Gail Rogers
Kurt Strovink
Cody McKay
Sofia McFarland
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIE S
01/02 Tamara Bartlett and
Mary Tatum
01/03 Sidney and Shirley Skirvin
01/03 Steve and Amy Alsum
01/04 Daniel and Nancy
Ekberg-Tynan
01/07 Victoria Garmonia and
Lisa Mattivi
01/12 Scott and Sara Doud
01/13 Dax and Amethyst Kurbegov
01/19 Tracy and Winter Rumans
01/20 John Birkhead and
Matthew Cheney
01/24 Matt and Barbara Broadbent
01/25 John and Lorelei Vollmar
01/26 Ben and Karol Finch
01/29 Janet and Sky Foerster
01/28
01/28
01/28
01/29
01/29
01/30
01/30
01/30
01/31
01/31
Linda Roberts
Dave Babin
Ian Turner
Melinda Hockensmith
Scott Warren
Kelly Cain
Tom Valentine
Dax Kurbegov
Jane Warren
Zack Parrinella
15
CHURCH COUNCIL
Moderator
Audio / Visual
Lee Lehmkuhl
Vice Moderator
Julia Nace
Secretary
Blake Olesen-Phelps
Care & Fellowship
Judy Kort
Outreach
Siri Everett
Education
Gloria Latimer
APPOINTED OFFICERS
Membership Clerk
Lois Benson
Historian
Chris Steenbergen
Faith Formation
Tracy Rumans
Financial Ministries
Polly Strovink
Financial Advisory
Sky Foerster
Worship & Spiritual Life
Paul Schwotzer
Clergy/Congregation Relations
OPEN
& Blake Olesen-Phelps
Angie Adams
Treasurer
FCUCC January 2015
VOLUNTEER CHAIRS
CHURCH CONTACT INFO
Forum
20 East Saint Vrain Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Office Hours: M-F 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Voice: 719.635.3549
Fax: 719.633.4715
Email: office@fcucc.org
Website: www.fcucc.org
Julia Nace
Howard Ray, Jean Tidball,
Don Allred & Bruce Latimer
Grounds
Steve Getty
Health Ministry
Peggy Weissman
Historical
Karol Finch
Human Resources
Gordon Riegel
Justice & Peace
Jerry White
JWW Lectureship
OPEN
Kitchen Witches
Lois Benson &
Dolly Eager
CHURCH STAFF
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
Communicator Editors
Ardith Hanson, Layout
Pete Hokanson, Text Editor
Communion Coordinator
Rose Enyeart
Flowers Coordinator
Ann Benson
Flute Choir
Phyllis White
Head Ushers 8:30 a.m.
OPEN
11 a.m. Virginia Carlson
& Dave Doman
Lay Representative to ESM
Liturgist Coordinator
Our Whole Lives
Marsha Garrett
Nancy Lippincott, RN
Office Volunteers
Judy Jacob
Christy Kesler
Mindy Matthes
Cindy McFarland
Margaret Rieber
Lucy Shick
Pat Steffens
Phyllis White
Karen Knabe
Associate Minister
Rev. Dr. Jacque Franklin
Ministry Discernment
Director of Financial Ministries
Ruth Roland
Mission Giving & Outreach
Jill Robinson
Music & Arts
Susie Marten
Mystery Tradition
Nancy Forgy
Communications Coordinator
Emily Bond
Facility Manager
Seminarians:
Kirk Wohlhueter
Director of Music and Arts
Mandy Todd
Organist
Rev. Steve Alsum
Rev. Darlene Avery
Rev. Jocelyn Bakkemo
Rev. Lyn Boudreau
Rev. Stephen Brown
Rev. Pat Dolin
Rev. Derek Krehbiel
Rev. Patty Walker
Samantha Garrett
RoMa Johnson
Jeff Dodson
Logan Bennett
Scott Christiansen
Director of Youth & Adult Ministry
Candace Datz
Del Hokanson
Nursery Attendants
Custodians
Sunday Sexton
Kiara Nath
Patricia Jones
Sean Drevs
Eva Knabe-Hoepfer
Karen Jan Knabe
Judy Jacob
Trig Bundgaard
Membership
RoMa Johnson
Steve Brown
Nominating
Nancy Henjum (Chair),
Beth Garrison-Kemp, Sue Taylor,
Deidre Schoolcraft,
Richard Grebenstein
Planned Giving
Jennifer Malenky
Plymouth Circle
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Receptions
OPEN
Barb Keiser &
Mary Jane Ray
Amy Colwell
Risk Reduction & Response
Nancy Dawson
Director of Children’s & Family Ministry
ASSOCIATED IN MINISTRY
4-Way Covenant:
Jeanie Tate
Marketing & Comm
Lee Tatum
Lynn Young
Parish Nurse
Library
Lead Minister
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Broadbent
Sanctuary Arts
Stewardship
Liz Arnold &
Connie Raub
Polly Strovink
Bob Scheafer &
Randy Goodwin
Teri McCabe
AD HOC STAFF
Wedding Coordinator
Funeral Coordinator
Receptions Coordinator
Gail Rogers
Victoria Hansen
Amy Colwell
PASTORS EMERITI
Rev. Dr. Jerry Jordan (1973-1988)
Rev. Dr. James White (1989-2005)
16
FCUCC January 2015
Non-Profit Org.
20 East Saint Vrain Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1198
US Postage
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
PAID
Colorado Springs, CO
Permit 607
First Congregational UCC is
an Open and Affirming
Congregation.
We invite people of every
age, race, marital status,
sexual orientation, gender
expression, means, ability
and spiritual tradition to
join us in the love of God
and neighbor through
Christian worship,
dedication to education
and commitment to service.
THE COMMUNICATOR
T he C om m u ni c at o r: De adl i ne & Re q ui re m e nt s
By Ardith Hanson, Communicator Layout
& Pete Hokanson, Text Editor
The Communicator invites articles, notices, and letters relevant to the life of our congregation.
Accepted submissions may be edited for length, clarity, and correctness.
Opinions expressed by writers do not necessarily reflect official FCC policy.
DEADLINE for the February issue is Thursday, January 15, 2015
so, please plan AHEAD and be ON TIME or early. Thanks!
Please send articles to: communications@fcucc.org AND copy to
Ardith at ardithmarie@gmail.com AND
Pete at petehokanson@gmail.com
REQUIREMENTS:
 Include author’s name, church role & contact email and phone.
 Include a title suggestion and, if desired, photos, etc.
 Full page articles should be a MAXIMUM of 500 words (one page in size 12 font). Be brief.
**If you want photos or graphics added, the article MUST be shorter.
 Short articles and announcements are welcomed and will be vetted to decide about inclusion .
 May be a MSWord attachment or an email.
 Accepted LATE submissions may be placed in the next edition or may be sent out via weekly e-blast.
PRINTED
C O M M UN I C A T O R S
A V A I L AB L E
AT CHURCH

In the Welcome
Center and

In the Atrium,
by the front door,
The full-color
electronic version will
still be available by
email as well as on
our new website.
See it at: fcucc.org