BMC Community Guidebook
Boulder Mennonite Church





Preface
Introductory
Information,
index
Denominational
Information
Small Groups
Committees







Special Function Groups
Nominations
Church Membership
Decision-Making Process
Publically Affirming
Congregation
Fundraising/Sales on
Sunday
Cornerstone Document







Ministry Plan (1995--1998)
Service Opportunities
Acronyms
Pastors
Current Small Groups
Annual Calendar
Current Committee Members
Preface
As a relatively small and young church, Boulder Mennonite does not yet have a long history or deep
traditions of its own. Still, the growing sense of the congregation is that we need to be more explicit about
who we are and what we do and how we do it, and to make that information more accessible to everyone in
the congregation -- especially as a group continually shifting with the schedules of school and the changes of
vocation.
This handbook does not prescribe how our church should function, but attempts to describe how it does
presently function. Thus it is a ``living document'' which should and will change; we hope it will be revised
annually. Suggestions for updates and corrections can be directed to church council.
originally compiled January 1997 by the
Documentation/Organization Review Committee
Bruce Fast, Pat Gillham, Susan Graber, Terry Mast
updated January 2001 baf
last updated May 2002 dcw
As a Christian community, called by Christ to be inclusive, caring, and
peace minded, we affirm that people of any race, ethnic identity, gender,
sexual orientation, ability, age, economic status, or life situation, are
welcome to be in full participation in our congregation.
Introductory information
God has showed you, O people, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do
justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8
You will recognize them by the fruits they bear.
Matthew 7:16
You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength. The second most important commandment is this: Love your
neighbor as your love yourself.
the ``Great Commandments'', Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34a, Luke 10:25-28
Boulder Mennonite Church is a community of Anabaptist Christians worshiping together and serving the
Boulder region in faith and in the peace tradition of the Mennonite Church. We welcome all to God and to
Jesus Christ, to receive counsel in the Holy Spirit, and to experience salvation as we follow Christ joyfully
and faithfully. We strive to celebrate and strengthen our relationships with God, neighbor, and self. As
disciples, we call each other to mutual accountability. We share God's love with the world as we minister to
human need and work for justice and peace.
BMC was birthed in the fall of 1984 as a new mission church by the Western District Conference of the
General Conference Mennonite Church. Marilyn Miller was called by the WDC Home Missions Committee to
be the new church planting pastor and she served as pastor until August 1989. Boulder Mennonite's charter
worship service was on November 25, 1985, where the core worshiping group covenanted mutual support
and accountability with each other in ``anticipation of increasing our love of God, neighbor, and self and
furthering love, justice, and Shalom in our world.'' The three primary scripture passages quoted above were
chosen as the foundational, guiding passages for BMC's spiritual and faith life. These passages continue to
provide that key guidance and inspiration for our church life in the 1990s. Steve and Susan Ortman Goering
came as pastors to BMC in October 1989 have served the congregation to the current time.
The Boulder Mennonite Church retains close relationship with the Western District Conference and shares
thanks to WDC for the Conference's continuing commitment during the initial years of church planting.
BMC is also affiliated with the national General Conference Mennonite Church, Newton, Kansas, and less
formally with the Church of the Brethren. Finally, BMC cooperates and interacts regularly with the Rocky
Mountain Mennonite Conference of the Mennonite Church.
B. Our relationship in
Christian community
A. Personal relationship with
God






Who are we?
Worship
Christian Care-giving
and Community Support
Christian Education
Youth Ministries
Decision Making
C. Our relationship with
Community and World




Justice and Peace
In Resistance or
Nonresistance
Seeking a Third Way
Relationship to Larger
Church
Intro/A: Personal relationship with God
Boulder Mennonite believes that personal spiritual development and the nurturing of personal relationships
with God are of highest priority. These are encouraged through private study and prayer, small group
experiences, corporate worship, Christian Education classes, and retreat experiences. We understand that
one's spiritual life and personal relationship to God involve commitment and growth over time. This is true
even for those who have a sudden, transforming experience in their relationship with God.
We understand that the Bible is the primary guide to living life in the Spirit, and to understanding God our
Creator and Christ as Savior. It is the account of God's love in bringing Christ to us and in leading us to our
salvation; it is the history and practice of God's people.
We embrace the Anabaptist understanding of the ``priesthood of all believers'' where all stand with equality in their faith
and daily living before God. Given the commitment and sacrifices that are invariably required, BMC believes that to be a
Christian requires an adult decision, the public symbol of which is adult baptism. Sharing one's faith journey with others in
the context of small groups and classes enhances the spiritual development of all of us.
Intro/B: Our relationship in Christian community
Who are we?
Boulder Mennonite Church is currently a congregation of 155 active persons (adults and children) from the
triangular-shaped region of Boulder, Broomfield and Loveland. Active participants worship together in
Boulder and in dispersed, local small groups, and practice service and discipleship in our individual homes
and communities. We are a growing congregation, seeking to be of sufficient size to respond to needs in the
communities and world around us and to support a full-time staff and other significant ministries.
BMC seeks to be a setting for people of all ages and at different stages of their faith journeys. We strive to
provide a church life, including worship, Christian education, and small groups, that is inclusive of the needs
and interests of all members. We welcome diverse peoples to our church life while emphasizing ministries to
families and young adults.
Worship
Corporate worship is the integrating factor of life at Boulder Mennonite. It is the occasion all members and
participant meet together every Sunday, creating a common spiritual history. It is the time we bring
together our diverse lives for the purpose of worshiping God through praise, sharing joys and pains, praying,
learning, singing, and listening to and basking in God's gracious spirit. Our worship seeks to be Biblecentered, creative, challenging, and nurturing. We seek to incorporate the gifts of lay persons and children in
all aspects of worship. (Worship Committee)
Music and prayer are particularly vital to our BMC worship life. We wish to encourage diverse musical gifts
and tastes, and other artistic expressions, as an important ministry to our people. Prayer is our
communication with God in which we open ourselves to God, lifting our praise and our need, and seek to be
quiet enough to hear God's message to us.
Communion is shared every few weeks during worship. It is a significant symbolic event which serves to
remind us of God's unconditional love and sacrifice for us. Communion is open to all who profess to follow
Christ.
Christian Care-giving and Community Support
Boulder Mennonite maintains an active lay care-giving ministry through its small groups and its deacons'
ministry. BMC also supports more extensive care and support through its professional pastoral staff. This
care includes pastoral care and counseling, spiritual direction, hospital visitations, family/marriage
enrichment and support, vocational counseling, and support in times of personal and family crisis.
Members and friends will experience church life in its fullest sense through participation in the Boulder
Mennonite Small Group life. We emphasize and nurture small groups. We re-form groups every two years,
and believe that the growth of small groups is a means to extend the reach of the church and, ultimately, to
form new congregations.
Christian Education
BMC seeks to offer a complete range of Christian Education classes for children and adults. Adult classes
meet for Bible study and discuss varieties of spiritual and social ministry. Our children use the Jubilee
curriculum and learning through Bible stories; our youth and high school also use recent Bible and
peace/personal faith curricula.
(Christian Education Committee)
Youth Ministries
BMC is committed to creating a vibrant and effective middle school and high school youth ministry both to
its own youth and to young people in the community. Our mission is to nurture, support, and create the
strongest youth relationships possible with God and Christ, with our congregation, and with each other.
Tools to do this include Bible study, social activities, friendships, intergenerational relationships,
discipleship, and service activities. In spring of 2001 we hope to hire a part-time Youth Minister.
(Youth Ministry Team)
Decision Making
BMC is committed to an open process for decision-making and conflict resolution in our congregation. We
discern God's intended action through prayerful listening, being open to discovery, and discussing issues
together. This process, rooted in the consensus model, involves many bodies within the church: the BMC
Church Council, deacons, small groups, and the congregation as a whole.
Intro/C: Our relationship with Community and World
Justice and Peace
Micah 6:8, Matthew 7:16, and the Mennonite Confession of Faith (particularly Articles 9, 10, 21, 22, 23) set
parameters for how Boulder Mennonite intends to interact with people in the Boulder area, the Colorado, in
our nation and throughout the world. We believe that God calls us, as a community, and as part of the larger
Body of Christ, to thoughtfully and critically live in society (being in the world but not of it). This entails
seeking justice and peace. It is no easy task, for it requires routinely rejecting societal norms and beliefs
(e.g., racism, sexism, consumerism, nationalism, vengeance and violence, and careerism) and, on occasion,
disobeying government authority. We also believe that our resisting yet affirming presence in the world is
possible only with God's help.
In Resistance or Nonresistance
As followers of Christ, BMC affirms the Anabaptist faith positions of nonviolence and peaceful resistance to
evil as Biblically shown to us through Christ's life and teachings. These positions lead us to reject military
service as an appropriate way to resolve conflict. We critically examine how our involvement in occupations
and consumption activities may do violence to other humans and the rest of Creation; for instance,
involvement with the weapons industry, media, advertising, international finance, politics, multinational
corporations, and law enforcement. We acknowledge that the condition of humanity and the complexity of
the modern world makes it impossible for anyone to be totally separated from injustice.
Seeking a Third Way
We believe that Christ came not to condemn the world, but rather to save it (John 3:17). Christ did this, in
part by bringing forth the Kingdom of God. As participants in this unfolding Kingdom, we attempt to provide
an alternative to the ways of the world. This is often referred to as ``A Third Way.'' Ultimately, we seek to be
present in the world and hope to make it a better place. One way we are present is by living peacefully in our
daily actions at home, in the work place, and in our relationships with others. Boulder Mennonite is
dedicated to being a safe place for all, and seeks to be a community of hope, healing, and reconciliation.
Many Mennonites commit their lives to service, ranging from individual acts of kindness to more formal
service in the community, nation, and world, through such organizations as Mennonite Voluntary Service,
Mennonite Disaster Service, and Mennonite Central Committee.
(Service Opportunities, organizations/acronyms)
We believe that long-lasting peace in the world can be realized only when all people and the creation are
treated justly. Our commitments to peace and justice lead us to affirm the participation of our congregation
in Habitat for Humanity, the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS),
Christian Peacemaker Teams, shelters for the homeless, the Boulder Safehouse, and similar endeavors that
proclaim freedom for prisoners and seek to release the poor and oppressed, wherever they may be found. An
MVS Support Group encourages and helps volunteers who spend one to two years doing community service
in the Boulder area.
Relationship to Larger Church
We at Boulder Mennonite see ourselves as part of the world-wide Christian Church. This Church is the
assembly of those who believe and acknowledge Jesus Christ's, and who, in discipleship, attempt to follow
Him in ``worship, ministry, witness, mutual love and care, and the ordering of ... common life'' (p.39 of the
Confession of Faith). We affirm the diversity of the larger Church and consider ourselves reliant upon it,
representatives of its mission faithfully to live as Christ lived, and responsible to admonish those parts of
the Church that stray from this mission. Boulder Mennonite church also maintains denominational
affiliations.
Denominational Information
Anabaptist history
The first Mennonites belonged to a fellowship that developed in Zurich, Switzerland in 1525. They believed
in a personal relationship to Jesus Christ, symbolized by adult baptism. (They were nicknamed
`Anabaptists' -- rebaptizers -- by those who followed the prevailing practice of infant baptism.) These
Anabaptists believed that Christ's body, the church, was an entity separate from the government. They
believed in nonviolence, and an ethical life which conformed to the example of Jesus Christ and the
scriptures.
The movement initially sprang up in several countries including Switzerland, the Netherlands, and
Germany. The name `Mennonite' arose because Anabaptists carried the writings of Menno Simons, a former
Catholic priest, who through his visits and published writings led the Anabaptists in the Netherlands and
northern Germany in the mid-16th century. Persecution and economic hardships eventually drove some
Mennonites to migrate to such places as Prussia (now Poland and northern Germany), Moravia, the Russian
Ukraine, Russia, Canada, Central and South America, and the United States. Mennonites are now active in
numerous countries around the world.
Conference affiliation
BMC is affiliated with the General Conference Mennonite Church (GCMC), a fellowship of over 400
Mennonite congregations. As noted in its constitution, the purpose of the GCMC is ``to proclaim Jesus Christ
throughout the world ... to proclaim that persons may put their trust in God and receive Jesus Christ as
Savior and serve him as Lord ... to assist congregations in Christian worship, nurture and witness; and
together to understand the Christian faith and accept its implications for total living.''
Members view the identity of the General Conference in two ways: (1) as a fellowship of Mennonite churches
throughout North and South America, communicating with each other and discerning God's will, and (2) as
an institution embodied by staff workers, voluntary service workers, overseas mission workers, and others
whom these churches support financially and through prayer. With this support, these persons can do things
that the individual churches could not do by themselves, both in outreach and in creating worship and
educational resources. The work of these churches and communication among them is coordinated through
offices in Newton, Kansas, and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
BMC's fellowship, like that of hundreds of other Mennonite congregations, finds one expression of its
theology of service in actively supporting the work and goals of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
MCC is renowned for its relief work abroad, its disaster work in North America (MDS), and for its quiet but
persuasive testimony to our spiritual heritage, encouraging and enabling us to share some of our wealth
with those less fortunate, regardless of their religious beliefs.
BMC encourages participation in Denver Area Mennonite ministries, and in ecumenical interfaith efforts in
the Boulder area. BMC also has associate affiliation with the Church of the Brethren, another historic peace
church.
Confession of Faith
From the beginning, Mennonites have created statements of what they believe. A group of Anabaptists,
forerunners of Mennonites, wrote the Schleitheim Articles in 1527. Since then, Mennonite groups have
produced numerous statements of faith. All are based on the Bible as the Word of God and the trustworthy
guide of faith and life, and on Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord. ``For no other foundation can anyone lay
than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ'' (1 Corinthians 3:11).
The Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective (1995, available in booklet form) takes its place in this
rich confessional history. It is the work of two Mennonite groups in North America, the Mennonite Church
(MC) and the General Conference Mennonite Church (GC), and its intent is to describe (rather than
prescribe) aspects of faith which many Mennonites affirm.
The full text of the document consists of 24 articles, reflecting the traditional Anabaptist understandings of
God, Christ, the Bible, sin and salvation, and aspects of Christian life, in light of Christ's teachings.
Structural Groups
Groups within the BMC congregation have special roles in the life of the church:
Small Groups
Committees
Special Function Groups
are the primary units of mutual attend to certain church tasks on a
have a less formal schedule, not
support and outreach, sharing,
continuous basis, and generally meet meeting continuously during the
discipleship and Bible study for monthly. The usual model is that
year or selecting a chairperson, but
our church. Everyone in our
members serve two-year terms,
performing needed functions in the
congregation is encouraged to
appoint a chairperson, and report at church. These functions include
participate in a small group.
monthly church council meetings.
some important annual tasks.
Small Groups
Small groups are the key to close, accepting relationships. These basic assumptions inform the formation,
size and function of these groups.





Our God is a caring God who wants us to experience the richness and support of a caring community.
The church is to be a caring community that offers close, accepting relationships through careful
listening, forgiving attitudes, and personal care.
Personal care and community become most concrete and meaningful in small groups of twelve or
less.
Small Groups are becoming the key pastoral structure of our church. Small Group leaders are
trained and supervised by our pastors and become part of the pastoral team.
The pastoral team invites all to become part of a Small Group that meets regularly. The second and
fourth Sunday evenings of the month are left unscheduled as a possible time for these groups to
meet.
Qualities of a Small Group








Has five to twelve members.
Comes together around a common interest or need.
Meets regularly (weekly or biweekly) at a time and place most convenient to its members. Sunday
and Wednesday evenings are left unscheduled for other BMC activities, as a possible time for these
groups to meet.
Is people-centered. Meetings are filled with fellowship, study, and dialogue.
Groups agree to confidentiality. Nobody criticizes behind another's back.
Group members listen to and care for each other. They pray for each other and help each other in
times of need.
Group leaders meet with each other and the pastor monthly for supervision and continuing
education.
Groups are encouraged to participate in welcoming new church participants and in service and
discipleship activities.
Committees
The following committees of the church seek to perform vital functions for the congregation, meeting
regularly, and communicating with other church leadership at monthly meetings of the Church Council.
Choices for members/replacements on committees are made (in the case of deacons and Chair) by the
congregation directly, or indirectly through a Nominating Group in the case of trustees, Christian Education
Committee, MVS Support Group, Worship Committee, and Youth Ministry Team. The Nominating Group is
chosen by the congregation at its meeting in late January. Small group leaders are chosen by the deacons,
together with the pastors. For other committees, or for filling vacancies that occur off the usual schedule,
Church Council members decide on how to invite people to serve.
Church Council
The BMC church council is the primary decision-making council of the church. It makes the month-to-month
decisions for the church where congregational meetings are not needed or cannot be arranged quickly
enough. Council decisions can be reviewed by the congregation if BMC members make the request. The
council approves, recommends or declines to recommend decisions to the congregation for congregational
meetings.
The council also makes month-to-month financial decisions, affirms visions for the church, provides
oversight and guidance to committee activities, and facilitates communication and and decision-making. The
monthly meetings are scheduled by the church Chair. The Chair, pastors, treasurer, and representatives
from the church committees attend each meeting. Committee representatives may send a report to council if
unable to attend in person. In addition, any participant in the life of BMC is invited to attend council
meetings.
Chair
The church Chair provides leadership to the congregation regarding business matters and congregational
decisions. The chair





sets dates, times and agenda for monthly Church Council meetings
provides leadership at the meetings
informs committees of meetings;
encourages representation of each committee
assists with ad-hoc groups to perform special tasks as needed
The Chair is chosen by the congregation as a whole, by nomination ballots (early January) which help guide
the pastor and deacons in seeking a BMC member who is able and willing. The Chair's term is two years.
Christian Education Committee
This committee consists of two members and a pastor as an ex-officio member. A member's term is 2 years,
and the Nominating Group arranges for replacements when necessary. The task of this committee is to
organize and supervise adult and children's Sunday school, summer enrichment activities and the children's
Christmas program. Members attend regular meetings for planning and evaluation:






April: Organize the summer activities; Sunday school, Bible school, etc. Evaluate the second
semester.
May/June: Organize a Sunday School teacher appreciation event.
June/July: Initial coordinating of teachers and classes. Order materials.
August: Final plans for adult and children's Sunday school.
November: Elect a coordinator for the children's Christmas program.
December: Evaluate the first semester. Organize classes for the second semester. Order materials.
Deacons
The deacons of Boulder Mennonite Church guide and nurture the spiritual life of the congregation, working
to enhance the well-being of all members and participants of the congregation. With the pastors, the deacons
shape BMC's vision of its ministry. This includes





identifying spiritual needs of the congregation and shaping programs to respond to those needs
promoting small groups (or ``care groups'') as the primary functional care unit of BMC
administering, with the pastors' recommendations, the Boulder Mennonite Mutual Aid fund to meet
physical/financial needs of our church members
promoting, with the pastors, special programs of spiritual nurture in the congregation such as
marriage enrichment, vocational/career planning, etc., based on identified needs of the congregation
providing support to the pastors; a place to ``check in''
The deacons meet with the pastors monthly to review congregational members and participants with special
concerns or needs. The health of the small groups in the church is reviewed. The agenda is set by the deacon
appointed as ``chair''; this duty can rotate among the deacons.
The deacons may make recommendations to the Church Council for support in areas they feel appropriate.
At least one deacon attends each Church Council meeting and represents the committee.
There are to be three deacons, all members of the church, with staggered terms so that there is a turnover of
one deacon per year. Every January, members and participants of the BMC congregation are give
opportunity to consider the duties of deacons and a list of eligible members. After a suitable period of time,
about two weeks, they submit ballots of nomination for a replacement deacon. The results guide the Chair
and pastors in seeking a new deacon, a BMC member who is able and willing to commit to a 3-year term as
deacon. The congregation may renew a deacon's term only once.
Trustees
The trustees take responsibility for the upkeep of BMC's building and grounds, to maintain safety,
functionality and appearance, and to respond to the specific physical needs of BMC and the tenants. This
involves work (or delegation of work) in the following areas: cleaning, painting, carpentry, flooring, heating,
plumbing, lighting, electrical, and telephone. Sign construction and installation is necessary when new
tenants move in. Trustees must also respond to rare events such as theft, flood, storm, and fire. Trustees
organize workdays and are called upon to fill special seasonal needs, such as the Christmas tree. Where
appropriate, the trustees keep written documentation of the work that they have performed, such as a log of
boiler repairs, or a listing of telephone circuits and wire codes.
BMC has three or more trustees, serving staggered terms of three years each.
Cooperation between trustees is essential as many, if not most, tasks require multiple workers with multiple
skills. Needs should not go unmet, and no single trustee should be disproportionately burdened by these
needs. In order to allow the trustees to operate in an efficient and effective fashion, one of the three trustees
is chosen by the others as Chair, who




attends Church Council and reports to the Council, or arranges for such representation
meets at least bimonthly with the building administrator to identify important building needs.
coordinates communication between trustees, arranges meetings when necessary, and delegates
areas of responsibility to the appropriate trustees. For instance, one trustee may take special
responsibility for tasks involving carpentry.
takes primary responsibility for keeping track of seasonal responsibilities of the trustees.
The general duties of the trustees as a group may be done by the trustees themselves, by volunteers
recruited by the trustees, or by hired contractors, as appropriate, in order to minimize expense and
maximize quality of the facility. This includes duties such as hiring persons or recruiting volunteers for
custodial, lock-up, snow removal, and lawn care duties, talking with building inspectors, zoning board,
insurance representatives and contractors, scheduling and advertising and organizing workdays. Trustees
may make decisions on spending, without consulting Church Council, for amounts up to 25% of the amount
budgeted for building maintenance. Council and/or the treasurer are consulted for larger amounts.
In addition to responding to unscheduled and changing needs of BMC and the tenants (things breaking,
leaking, etc.), these are some seasonal items:




March/April: Plan spring workday
May: Organize volunteer sign-up for spring/summer lawn mowing and watering
May/June: Spring workday
August/September: Plan, organize fall workday




September/October: Inspect and test heating systems for coming season, including boiler check.
Facilitate repairs and maintenance.
October: Clean up leaves. Remove hoses; cutoff and drain faucet outside office. Fall work day
November: Plan snow and ice removal for coming season; organize volunteer sign-up for shoveling
December: If requested, get Christmas tree and/or help with other decorations
A significant portion of the job does not occur on any schedule; rather, trustees respond as the needs of BMC
and the tenants change and as things break, wear out, leak, etc.
MVS Support Group
Individuals with Mennonite Voluntary Service spend one or more years doing community service. The MVS
support group encourages and helps such volunteers who are working in the Boulder area with material, a
household, and other needs as they arise. The group also encourages young people from our own
congregation to consider serving with MVS. This group meets monthly. Group members agree to 2-3 year
terms, which are staggered. The Nominating Group checks annually regarding necessary replacements.
Worship Committee
The Worship Committee reviews and helps establish a monthly worship plan, and provides lay feedback and
advice to the pastors. The committee helps enhance worship by providing new ideas, provides opportunities
for individuals in the congregation to use a diversity of gifts in worship, coordinates the music schedule, and
plans workshops and retreats to enhance the worship and community experience.
Youth Ministry Team
The Youth Ministry Team organizes, develops and oversees the youth ministry program, providing resources
and helping plan events. The aim is to give youth a meaningful and educating church experience. The
committee also serves as liaison between the youth and the rest of the congregation. The team consists of a
leader, chosen by the Nominating Group, plus the youth teachers and youth group leaders, with the
participation of parents and youth themselves.
Special Function Groups
The following groups perform additional important functions in the church. These groups are less formal in
regards to how individuals become members, term length, meetings, and representation at Church Council.
From time to time, other groups appear for a specific task, and disband.
Treasurer, and Budget Committee
The treasurer is a church member and volunteer who handles church finances on a continuous basis for at
least two years.




Weekly: deposits offerings, rent checks, and other income; records sources of income/offerings;
reports current offering/budget status for the weekly bulletin
Biweekly: pays church bills, reimburses folks with itemized receipts
Monthly: balances the bank statements & accounts; prepares monthly report for Church Council,
with year-to-date budget/account information; pays salaries (pastors, custodian, administrator)
Periodically: reports delinquent rent payments (over 2 months late) to administrator;

Annually: (Nov.-Dec.) provide budget statistics to Budget Committee as necessary; (Jan.) generate
necessary tax forms for pastors and employees; provide receipts for last year's givers, or provide
necessary data to someone who does
The Budget committee is an ad-hoc group, which may or may not include the treasurer, which convenes
toward the end of the year to draw up a proposed budget for the coming year. Basing it proposals on
congregational input, the committee presents a budget to Church Council with salary recommendations. The
stewardship packets which are distributed during the annual stewardship drive include financial pledge
forms which, when completed and returned to the treasurer, can help in formulating the next year's budget.
Greeters, Welcomers
A group of individuals from the congregation commit to take turns, for one year, serving as greeters on
Sunday mornings. Greeters make special effort to welcome visitors and to make sure that everyone gets the
day's bulletin and other materials. Welcomers are those who help with follow-up contacts to those who have
recently visited and expressed interest in BMC.
Both of these groups are re-formed on an annual basis, and receive special training from church leadership.
Pastoral Review Team
This group meets on an annual basis to prepare and conduct the pastoral/congregational review. This
provides a special avenue of communication and accountability between the pastors and the rest of the
congregation, whether it is a thorough, in-depth survey, or (in ``off years'') a more casual review.
The team is also responsible for collating the results of the review and presenting them in an appropriate
way to Church Council and to the congregation.
Stewardship Committee
This group prepares and administers an annual Stewardship Drive, which incorporates





a sermon series
a stewardship program
a visitation/pledge process
the collection of pledges and gift/talent surveys
a concluding event of celebration and thanksgiving
This activity is the major component of stewardship education, and supports the continuing effort of the
church leadership to encourage the congregation to move toward tithing and fuller participation in service
and worship activities. The successful Stewardship Drives in past years have been of great interest to other
congregations.
The Stewardship Chair does the work of coordinating the stewardship drive; planning the date with Church
Council, getting volunteer help from the congregation, and presiding over the planning and execution. It is
advisable that the Chair be someone involved in previous drives. In the weeks prior to the Stewardship
drive, 6-8 other volunteers from the congregation join for a relatively brief period of intensive work in
planning, preparing, and assembling stewardship packets.
Building Administrator
The building in which BMC meets is used by various groups all week long, and requires quite a bit of
attention to function adequately for the tenants and our own congregation. A Building Administrator, paid a
monthly salary by the church, handles issues of finding tenants, collecting rent, enforcing policies of building
usage, and liaising with tenants and with those providing custodial and maintenance and lock-up services.
The administrator reports monthly at the church council meeting. The preference is that the administrator
be an active or associate member of BMC.
Nominations
The entire congregation participates in the nomination of a Church Chair and Deacons.
The Church Council, deacons, and members of a specially appointed {\it Nominating Group} divide
responsibilities for helping to fill vacancies among church committees, special interest groups, and small
group leaders.
Because the annual (autumn) Gift Discernment process provides personal input from members regarding
their own interests in participating in the day-to-day life of BMC, the Council and the Nominating Group
should consult this compiled list as they seek people to fill the various positions.
Annual events that help guide the nominating process are:




autumn: gifts discernment as part of Stewardship Drive
late January: formation of Nominating Group at congregational meeting
spring: congregation nominates deacon and Chair; then the Nominating Group starts its work
September 1: New committee members begin their terms
A: The Congregation
In spring, the congregation as a whole participates in selecting a new deacon and (every other year) a new
Chair. The congregation considers the names of eligible members and the description of responsibilities of
these positions, provided by the current Chair and the pastors. After the specified time frame (perhaps two
weeks) congregational members submit nominations for the positions. The Chair and pastors use the
nominations to guide them in contacting individuals about their potential service.
B: Nominating Group
A special Nominating Group is formed each January at the congregational meeting. This committee consists
of two individuals chosen by the congregation, plus one deacon, who will determine personnel needs for the
following:





Christian Education Committee
MVS Support Group
Trustees
Worship Committee
Youth Ministry Team Leader
The Nominating Group contacts each of the above to determine which committee participants' terms are
being completed. The Nominating Group may check to see if any of these individuals are willing to commit to
another term with the same committee. Where there are vacancies, the group works to identify and contact
possible replacements, aided in discernment by the results of the Stewardship Drive and possibly by
consultation with small groups. The work of finding willing replacements should be started as soon as any
deacon/chair vacancies are filled, to be finished by summer so that folks are ready to begin their new
positions at the start of the committee year, on September 1. When special circumstances require finding
replacements at other times of the year, Council will work directly with the committee involved.
C: Church Council
The Church Council and deacons are responsible for filling other positions, according to the schedule of each.
The deacons advise the pastors on selecting leaders for small groups in the spring. Otherwise, it is the
Council which is responsible for the filling of other roles and positions in special function groups. As the need
arises, individual Council members are appointed at the appropriate times to contact individuals about
serving in these ``other groups'', including





Leaders of small groups
Pastoral review team
Stewardship committee
Treasurer, Budget committee
Greeters and welcomers
Church Membership
The following understandings of membership vs. inactive member status are prompted by questions from
individuals both inside and outside of BMC, and from the General Conference. These definitions and
proposals from the deacons were reviewed and approved by Church Council in mid-1995.
Active resident members and participants:
Persons involved in BMC worship, and/or BMC activities, programs, or groups. Those in this
category who have chosen to intentionally, formally affiliate and remain active with the
church as formal members will be designated with an asterisk in the church directory.
Associate resident members:
Persons who choose to intentionally affiliate with Boulder Mennonite, but who choose to
retain their full membership in a different church due to uncertain or nonpermanent
residency in the Boulder region. Examples of this might be VS participants, persons not able
to find permanent employment, etc. It is understood that associate members are transferred
to the Wider Fellowship list if they move away from the Boulder area.
Inactive resident members and friends:
Members, participants, and friends who have not attended worship and have not been
involved in the programs, activities, or groups of the church and have not had contact with
the church for a period of three years.
Wider fellowship members:
Participants or members who no longer live within driving distance of the church and who do
not participate in church programs due to this geographical factor.
The deacons review and update BMC listings annually, and make decisions regarding movement of persons
from one category to another. Letters shall be sent to inactive persons encouraging them to be active in other
congregations in their local communities, and asking if they wish to formally be retained on our membership
listings. This should be a registered letter; if BMC receives no response, the person shall be formally dropped
from the rolls.
The sum of active formal members and associate members is the ``church membership'' number we report to
General Conference and others. The sum of all active resident members and participants and associate
resident members (the first two categories), plus children, is the number of persons understood to be served
through/by the congregation.
Decision-Making Process
A Process For Spiritual Discernment
To Carry Out God's Action
The Basis
It is clear that majority rule is not seen by our congregation as an appropriate method of deciding matters of
importance. Some adaptation of a consensus model is preferred, the main question being how much time and
effort the congregation can be expected to invest in resolving a particularly weighty or divisive question.
The manner in which Boulder Mennonite Church makes decisions is part of its identity. A goal of consensus
is consistent with an Anabaptist emphasis on peacemaking, and the process described below incorporates
many elements which give the congregation a chance to achieve consensus. Our communal decision-making
process will be included in the Inquirers Class curriculum, it will be brought up from time to time in the
consciousness of the congregation (for instance, at annual meetings), and will require reconfirmation by the
congregation from time to time, as the constituency of the church shifts.
Our goal in spiritual discernment and subsequent communal decision-making is to bring the experience of
God to a given human experience. We understand spiritual discernment to be a spiritual discipline which
calls for bridging the gap which so often exists between worship and decision-making. So again we focus on:
how is God calling and leading our congregation (not just each of us as individuals) in responding to this
proposal? The congregation consists of busy people with considerable commitments. While it is right to lead
the congregation in the direction of this form of decision-making, the realities of our time constraints and our
patience must be honored.
Adopting this model of communal decision-making will require a commitment of time and of learning and
practicing the process. Note that there are some built-in limits on the amount of time and participation: in
particular, one issue will not be pursued in more than two meetings of a maximum of two hours apiece.
Points 7d and 7e2 below touch on two circumstances where an actual vote will be in order, but voting will be
considered a `last resort' after a full exercise of this model has fallen short of consensus. We will seek to
educate ourselves




in thinking in terms of what God is calling the congregation to, rather than what we each want
personally,
in the importance of prayer and openness to God's Spirit in pursuing Christian unity and direction,
in the techniques of consensus decision-making,
a willingness to invest more time in listening to each other,

practical steps (scheduling, facilitation, child care) that make the process workable. While leaders in
the congregation will work on learning how to facilitate the process, the entire church is urged to
understand the ideas and workings of seeking unity and direction.
The Process
1. A church member (usually a council member) presents a proposal to church council.
2. Church council engages the proposal; decides whether to proceed with the proposal at all, to act on it
without input from the congregation, or to send it forth (perhaps modified) to the next stage.
3. The processed proposal is put to the church's small groups, if appropriate. The small groups discuss the
proposal and report back to council with their response. At this level, discussion and seeking out of feelings
and ideas is sought, not consensus. Council may ask for written comments from the small groups, to insure
effective communication. This small group setting is the time for sharing of individual visions, and also for
each person to begin asking the question of spiritual discernment: how is God calling and leading our
congregation in responding to this proposal?
There will be an extra meeting at the church, at a time advertised at least a week in advance, for those not
in (or unable to attend) one of the small groups. At least one church council member will be at this meeting
to provide the relevant information, and to convey the response of the meeting back to church council.
4. Church council uses the feedback from small groups to modify the original proposal, and form its own
recommendation to the congregation.
5. At a congregational meeting, the moderator presents the original proposal, and the feedback of the small
groups, and the council's recommendation. The modified proposal is set forth clearly, along with a clear
statement of the goal of the meeting. A time of prayer and silence is appropriate. In no case will more than
two hours be spent on discussing a single proposal at a meeting.
6. The feelings and ideas of the formal members and active participants of the congregation are solicited. The church Chair
(or chosen facilitator) guides the discussion to determine what divisions of opinion exist and to explore the nature of
objections; to allow objections to be addressed and alternative viewpoints to be explored; to seek the changes of wording
which will render the proposal more acceptable.
7. The matter of the proposal may be resolved in a timely manner in one of the following ways, in the
following order of preference:
7 (a) unanimous affirmation of (a version of) the proposal.
7 (b) general agreement to adopt (a version of) the proposal, with everyone willing (for the
sake of the group) to allow passage of the proposal, but with alternative points of view noted.
This kind of standing aside by those with differing viewpoints can take one of two forms; the
concerns of those who have difficulty supporting the proposal can be noted verbally in the
meeting, or in a more forceful case, be written into the proposal itself. (See `Consensus' in the
glossary below.)
7 (c) unanimous agreement to drop the proposal.
7 (d) unanimous agreement to conduct a vote, agreement on the required percentage for
passage, and agreement to abide by the results.
7 (e1) failing to accomplish unity via one of the above, the matter is postponed to a 2nd
general meeting. (If progress is clearly not being made, or there is a special time constraint,
the meeting can choose postponement before the whole two hours are up, by a voice vote.)
The meeting chooses a group, including one or more of those on each side of the issue, to
rework the proposal in good faith before the 2nd meeting; the use of a neutral mediator is
encouraged, if appropriate.
7 (e2) If this is already the 2nd meeting on the proposal, and unity has not been
accomplished by the end of the meeting, then the meeting proceeds to a final vote where 80%
is the required result for passage. All formal members and active church participants may
vote, though the votes of those who are not actually formal members may not constitute over
30% of the total votes. (If the number of voting non-members does exceed 30% of the total,
then their votes will be weighted so that this block of votes counts for 30% of the total.
Deacons will be consulted if there is any question of who is a member or active participant of
the congregation.) If this `last resort' vote fails to yield 80% or higher, the outcome will be
that of no decision. The proposal is effectively denied, and dead for the time being.
Suggestions For Congregational Meetings
At the beginning of such decision-making meetings, let there be a time of prayer and silence, and then a
review of purpose of the meeting, the possible directions the meeting can take, the nature of the unity we
seek and the ways we can agree and disagree with each other, how we can express our different viewpoints
and explore the viewpoints of others.
Always keep the working proposal very clear, so that we all know what we are working on. While we may
not talk of voting (except cases 7d and 7e2), it is fine to take straw polls from time to time, if needed, to know
where we stand on the current proposal. This is one way to discover differing viewpoints, which can then be
discussed.
People should be reminded to speak for themselves only, not for (hypothetical) other positions, or others not
present, or for those who are silent. Also, while emotions are sure to be involved in discussions of important
issues, speakers will generally be encouraged to keep emotions in check while discussing issues; we shall let
emotions serve us and help drive us in doing what is right, but not let them control us.
If only one or two members are unable to support overall agreement, there is a possibility of less timeconsuming resolution in making those people part of the group charged with reworking the proposal before
the 2nd meeting (point 7e1 above): part of the meaning of good faith is that all members of that group will
support the revised proposal which they bring to the 2nd meeting. We want to stress listening, and take
seriously the opinions and viewpoints of the whole group. We will explore the viewpoints which differ from
our own, and deal with them by discussion, reworking and rewording of the proposal, and reminding
ourselves that we are seeking direction for the congregation as a whole. Those who find themselves with
views not in accordance with the apparent majority are likewise to remember that we are seeking direction
for the congregation as a whole, and that their options include working on an alternative which is still
acceptable to the others, or permitting passage of the proposal in one of the senses listed above.
Glossary
UNANIMITY
the fortunate state of affairs when everyone agrees. This is an ideal situation, but not realistic! If an
issue is serious enough to require a congregational meeting, unanimity is unlikely; and if unanimity
is likely, the issue can probably be decided by church council, rather than requiring a congregational
meeting.
CONSENSUS
mutual consent. Everyone need not agree with a decision (in the sense that everyone is thrilled with,
or in favor of a proposal) to go ahead with it. But the congregation can proceed with the permission of
those who don't share the viewpoint of the apparent majority, where permission can take one of
several forms including
yet have an honest difference of judgement, and deferring to the prevailing
judgement,
the way, but please record me as being opposed.''
COMMUNAL DECISION-MAKING
our adaptation of the true consensus model. In particular, while we hope to achieve consensus as
described above, there are time restrictions on the number of meetings (two) and time per meeting
(two hours), and provisions for a vote when those limits are passed --- requiring 80% for passage.
This compromise between the ideals of consensus and short-term efficiency will be reviewed and
revised after this version has been tried twice, following its approval on June 4, 1994.
Publically Affirming Congregation
In May 1996, the BMC congregation approved the following in a special congregational meeting:
1. We adopt a statement of welcome indicating the acceptance of gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons as
full members and capable of assuming responsibility and leadership in all areas of church life. Our
statement of welcome, included in the weekly bulletin, will read
``As a Christian community, called by Christ to be inclusive, caring, and peace
minded, we affirm that people of any race, ethnic identity, gender, sexual orientation,
ability, age, economic status, or life situation, are welcome to be in full participation
in our congregation.''
2. We add our church's name to the list of Publicly Affirming Congregations maintained by the
Supportive Congregations Network.
3. We express our willingness to be listed as a church to whom gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons are
referred, who are seeking a welcoming church home.
Fundraising/Sales on Sunday
In October 1998, the Church Council agreed on the following Policy Statement for Fundraising and Other
Sales on Sunday:
Church Council has affirmed the use of our gathering time on Sunday mornings for the
following activities specifically related to the life of Boulder Mennonite Church: youth
activities, trips, or missions; congregational benefit (e.g., budget fundraisers); other causes
directly supported by the congregation (e.g., VORP, MCC, 10000 Villages, Christian
Peacemaker Teams).
Other Christian, non-profit groups wishing to make sales at BMC on a Sunday may do so.
However, all interested parties must get the Council's affirmation in advance of the date
requested. Requests can first be directed to the Church Chair who will bring the request to
the Council. Any individual or non-Christian group may make a similar request about
fundraising in the church on any other day of the week.
Setup for all persons doing fundraising at BMC should be done to minimize the impact on
Christian Education programs and on BMC worship services.
Cornerstone Document
In the process of formulating a ministry plan for 1996--1998, the deacons and pastors wrote the following
description of BMC's identity and goals. It was presented to the congregation at the 1996 annual meeting.
The Boulder Mennonite Church seeks to be a vibrant, Christ-centered community as
we invite new people to join with us in following Christ, our Savior, simply, joyfully,
faithfully, together.
Our Relationship With God
The Boulder Mennonite Church is a community of Anabaptist Christians serving the
Boulder region in faith and in the peace tradition of the Mennonite Church. BMC is an
inclusive, inviting faith community. We seek to welcome all to God and to Jesus
Christ, to receive counsel in the Holy Spirit, and to experience salvation as we follow
Christ joyfully and faithfully. We strive to celebrate and strengthen our relationships
with God, neighbor, and self. As disciples, we call each other to mutual accountability.
We share God's love with the world as we minister to human need and work for justice
and peace.
Personal Relationship with God
Boulder Mennonite believes that personal spiritual development and the nurturing of
personal relationships with God are of highest priority. These are encouraged through
private study and prayer, small group experiences, corporate worship, Christian
Education classes, and retreat and camp experiences. We understand that one's
spiritual life and personal relationship to God involve commitment and growth over
time. This is true, even for those who have a sudden, transforming experience in their
relationship with God. We understand that the Bible is the primary guide to living life
in the Spirit, and to understanding God our Creator and Christ gas Savior. It is the
account of God's love in bringing Christ to us and in leading us to our Salvation; it is
the history and practice of God's people. We embrace the understanding of the
``priesthood of all believers'' where all stand with equality in their faith and daily
living before God. Given the commitment and sacrifices that are invariably required,
BMC believes that to be a Christian requires an adult decision, the public symbol of
which is adult baptism. Sharing one's faith journey with others in the context of small
groups and classes enhances the spiritual development of all of us.
Our Relationship In Christian Community
Understanding of Self
Boulder Mennonite Church is currently a congregation of 110 active persons (adults
and children) from the triangular-shaped region of Boulder, Broomfield and Loveland.
Active participants worship together in Boulder and in dispersed, local small groups
while practicing service and discipleship in our individual homes and communities.
We are a growing congregation, seeking to be of sufficient size to respond to needs in
the communities and world around us and to support a full-time staff and significant
ministries.
Small Group Life
Members and friends will experience church life in its fullest sense through
participation in the Boulder Mennonite Small Group life. We emphasize and nurture
small groups. We reform each group periodically, and believe that the growth of small
groups is a means to extend the reach of the church and, ultimately, to form new
congregations.
Ongoing Church Life
BMC seeks to be a setting for people of all ages and at different stages of their faith
journeys. We strive to provide a church life, including the experiences of worship,
Christian education, and small groups, that is inclusive of the needs and interests of
all members. We welcome diverse peoples to our church life while emphasizing
ministries to families and young adults.
Decision-Making
BMC is committed to a process of making decisions and resolving conflicts in the
congregation through prayerful listening, discovery, and discussion which encourage
consensus. This is intended as process for spiritual discernment to carry out God's
intended action. This process, rooted in the consensus model, involves many bodies
within the church: the BMC church council, deacons, small groups, and the
congregation as a whole.
Christian Care-giving and Community Support
Boulder Mennonite maintains an active lay care-giving ministry through its small
groups and its Deacons' ministry. BMC also supports more extensive care and support
through its professional pastoral staff. This care includes pastoral care and counseling,
spiritual direction, hospital visitations, family/marriage enrichment and support,
vocational counseling, and support in times of personal and family crisis. Corporate
Worship is an integral part of life at Boulder Mennonite. It is the occasion all members
and participant meet together on a regular basis, thus creating a common spiritual
history. It is the time we bring together our diverse lives for the purpose of praising
God, sharing joys and pains, praying, learning, singing, and listening to and basking
in God's gracious spirit. Our worship seeks to be Bible-centered, creative, challenging,
and nurturing. We seek to incorporate the gifts of lay persons and children in all
aspects of worship. Music and Prayer are particularly vital to our BMC worship life.
We wish to encourage diverse musical gifts and tastes and understand these to be an
important ministry to our peoples. Prayer is our communication with God in which we
open ourselves to God, lifting our praise and our need, and seek to be quiet enough to
hear God's message to us. Communion is shared every few weeks during worship. It is
a significant symbolic event which serves to remind us of God's unconditional love and
sacrifice for us. Communion is open to all who profess to follow Christ.
Christian Education
BMC seeks to offer a complete range of Christian Education classes for children and
adults. Adult classes meet for personal Bible study and discuss varieties of spiritual
and social ministry topics. Our children use the General Conference Jubilee curricula
and direct learnings of Bible stories; our youth and high school also use recent Bible
and peace/personal faith curricula.
Youth Ministries
BMC is committed to creating a vibrant and effective middle school and high school
youth ministry both to its own youth and to youth in the community. Our mission is to
nurture, support, and create the strongest youth relationships possible with God and
Christ, and with our congregation, and with our youth peer group. Tools to do this
include Bible study, social activities, friendships, intergenerational relationships,
discipleship, and service activities.
Our Relationship With Community And World
Justice, Peace and Discipleship Theology/Ministries
BMC affirms the Anabaptist faith positions of nonviolence and peaceful resistance to
evil as Biblically shown to us in Christ's life and teachings. This leads us to reject
military service as an appropriate way to resolve conflict. We believe also that peace is
a way of life, which is reflected daily in action and deed in our family lives, in the work
place, and in our relationships with others. We also recognize that different persons
are called to manifest their faith in different ways, ranging from individual acts of
kindness to more formal service in the community, nation, and world. We believe that
the basis for long-lasting peace in the world is through justice for all people and for all
of creation. Our commitments to peace and justice lead us to affirm the leadership of
the church and the participation of our members in Habitat for Humanity, the Victim
Offender Reconciliation Program, Mennonite Voluntary Service, Christian
Peacemaker Teams, Shelters for the Homeless, the Safehouse and similar endeavors
that proclaim freedom for prisoners and seek to release the poor and oppressed,
wherever they may be found. Boulder Mennonite is committed to being a safe place for
all, and seeks to be a place of hope, healing, and reconciliation from woundings in life
experience. BMC pro-actively provides safety for those in need; perpetrators of
domestic violence and sexual abuse will be confronted and made accountable. Pastoral
leadership of Boulder Mennonite is directed g to intervene appropriately in situations
of domestic violence and to report incidences of child abuse to appropriate authorities.
Practicing Christ-Centered Living
We recognize that Christ-centered faith, thinking and living are not limited to Sunday,
but should extend into our daily lives. We are encouraged to study Christ's ways,
discern God's wishes through prayer, and apply these in our homes, work place, and
communities. Aware of the constant pressure from the world to have other gods of
money and material belongings, we try to support each other in our efforts to reflect
God in our daily work and actions. We understand that all we are and all we have to
be gifts from a gracious God. Thus, we encourage good stewardship of our resources.
Relationship to Larger Church
The Boulder Mennonite Church relates to and actively supports the Western District
Conference, and the General Conference Mennonite Church. BMC will nurture a less
formal, though supporting relationship with the Church of the Brethren. BMC is
encouraged to participate in Denver Area Mennonite ministries, and in ecumenical
interfaith efforts in the Boulder area.
Ministry Plan, 1999-2002
1995-1998 ministry Plan
1999-2002 ministry Plan
After much discussion in the congregation about our vision for the church, and which directions to take in the
coming years, the following Ministry Plan expresses (in abbreviated form) the priorities as affirmed by the
congregation.
1999-2000


Spirituality
and
Worship



Defining
and
Strengthening
Community


Form new small
groups, balancing
emphases on prayer,
bible study, service
Create ``Spiritual
Toolbox''; resources
for individual
devotionals, prayer,
music
Explore new
understandings and
practices of prayer
and fasting
Identify resources for
Stewardship
Discern
congregational vision
and make decisions
regarding facilities
Bring additional
resources, special
speakers, to youth
ministry
Form Community
Life Committee (or
equivalent) to
delegate creation and
planning of events
2000-2001







2001-2002

Re-focus on our
worship time
together; worship
space, involvement
of youth, art, music
Explore additional
ways of testimony
and faith sharing
Identify resources
for Stewardship
Follow up on the
ideas on facilities,
mission, vision
Continue additional
emphasis on youth
Discern and invite
individual gifts
Conduct marriage
enrichment
program/workshop.
Revisit singles'
group or program




Assess and form
new small groups
Develop new
elements for
Stewardship
program
Focus on
Anabaptist
theology and how
it leads to a
passionate
spirituality
Bring outside
resources to
parenting
Conduct a
Spiritual Retreat
and groups (e.g.,
potlucks, socials,
single's group)


Welcoming,
Outreach
and
Service

Focus on issues of
hospitality; visitors,
toddlers & families,
singles
Emphasize
engagement and
support of a specific
public ministry in
Boulder; possibly
VORP, coffeehouse
ministry, CPT



Focus on issues of
hospitality in
regards to sisters
and brothers with
mental and physical
health issues
Participate in antiracism workshop
(e.g., Damascus
Road)
Choose and focus on
one local or global
ministry
Consider and
examine a church
plant




Focus on issue of
hospitality to
refugees
Become sister
congregation to a
church in another
country
Encourage local
outreach efforts
such as EFAA,
Atwood Shelter,
MVS, MDS,
Habitat
Conduct ``Living
Simply'' outreach
Service Opportunities
Here are some of the ways in which individuals of our congregation serve in the community and the world.
For many of these there is one person who serves as contact person for our congregation.













be active in the University Hill neighborhood via community organizing, restorative justice, and
direct peacemaking
organizing meals at the Boulder Homeless Shelter; ten volunteers help cook and serve a meal
(2nd Friday) each month the shelter is open
organizing the collection of food for Emergency Food Bank; contacting the Food Bank to arrange
the month, publicizing the project to congregation, and arranging to have the food brought to Food
Bank
CROP walk; gathering information and pledge sheets, publicizing
Christmas donation; deciding which organization to give to, publicize to the congregation and
gather items
working with Habitat for Humanity
Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP); mediating, fundraising
communicating with representatives or with governments about issues of justice and human rights
service with MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service), MCC (Mennonite Central Committee), or CPT
(Christian Peacemaker Teams)
service with MVS, or being part of the MVS Support Group
School kits, collecting supplies for refugee children, delivering them to MCC
Heifer Project, collecting funds for this overseas development project
children's ministries at the Atwood Emergency Shelter
Acronyms
BMC --- Boulder Mennonite Church
COF --- Confession Of Faith
CPT --- Christian Peacemaker Teams
EFFA --- Emergency Family Food Assistance
GC --- General Conference --- short for
GCMC --- General Conference Mennonite Church
HfH --- Habitat for Humanity
MC --- Mennonite Church
MCC --- Mennonite Central Committee
MDS --- Mennonite Disaster Service
MSC --- Mennonite Service Committee
MVS --- Mennonite Voluntary Service
VORP --- Victim/Offender Reconciliation Program
WDC --- Western District Conference
Pastors
Steve and Susan Ortman Goering have pastored at BMC since October 1989. Both Steve and Susan are
ordained pastors in the General Conference Mennonite Church, and their ministry is unique in that they
work together in sharing the pastoral position at BMC. They feel that this shared leadership is important in
modeling mutual male/female relationships to the larger congregation. Susan contributes specifically in
worship planning and preaching, evangelism, and youth work; Steve's responsibilities include small group
programs, pastoral care, administration and preaching. They share in tasks related to congregational
visioning and leadership.
The pastors bring different life experience to their pastoring roles. Susan taught in high school and worked
as a legal secretary prior to attending seminary. Susan pastored at the Arvada Mennonite Church during
1984-88. She also has worked as the Western United States Director for Mennonite Voluntary Service based
in Newton, Kansas. Susan currently serves on the Executive Committee for the Commission on Home
Ministries for the General Conference. Steve has a graduate degree in engineering and practiced as a
chemical engineer for fourteen years prior to attending seminary. He also studied in a one-year program of
Advanced Clinical Pastoral Education at the Bethesda Psychiatric Hospital prior to coming to Boulder. BMC
is his first pastorate. Since his role at BMC is half-time, Steve also does consulting work with the larger
Mennonite church and serves as a Conference Minister.
The Goerings live in north Boulder. Matthew and his spouse Sadie now live in Rapid City, SD. Christie will
soon be graduating from Seattle Pacific University. Katrina is attending fifth grade at Escuela Bilingue
Washington.
Steve and Susan feel it a privilege to pastor at BMC. Says Susan: ``BMC is a unique, welcoming and growing
congregation that shares many distinctive nurturing, justice and peace gifts to the Boulder community. We
are pleased to be part of its ministries.''
TOP
Current Small Groups
1997-1999
1999-2001
Autumn 1999 - Spring 2001
Group #1: Simplicity and Grace: Living out of the Divine Center
1st & 3rd Sundays of each month, 4:00-5:30pm, Boulder/Louisville
In this group, we will explore the inward realities as well as the outward manifestations of living simple,
grace-filled lives centered on Christ. Starting with Bible studies and a chapter on simplicity from Richard
Foster's Celebration of Discipline, we will later go on to read and discuss Philip Yancey's What's So Amazing
about Grace?.
Group #2: The Presence of the Kingdom: Following Christ in An Age of Globalization
1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month, 7:00-8:30pm; Boulder area
This small group will focus on what it means to follow Christ in an increasingly globalized world; a world in
which trade, production, media, and other cultural activities cross national boundaries with little restraint.
We will address this question wholistically through Bible study & prayer, by sharing our personal
experiences, by reflecting on Christian theology, and by attempting to understand the emergence and
consequences of globalization. Along with the Bible and a couple of books, we will explore film, music, fiction,
etc. as they relate to our topic. We will also participate in a service project that challenges a negative aspect
of globalization.
Group #3: Signs of the Times
Wednesdays, twice a month, 6:30-8:00pm, Boulder area.
Biblical theologian Walter Wink has written several books which shed light on the nature of modern
spiritual realities. In particular, he explores the "myth of redemptive violence," the nature of the
"Domination System," and Jesus' alternative to them. We will read material from Wink and use it to help us
understand better the teachings of Jesus, personal spirituality, and how to live Christ's values more
authentically. In addition to a service project, activities will include prophetic visits to Basemar Cinema.
Group #4: Christian Discipleship Today: Living the Jesus Story
Longmont, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 6:30-8:30pm.
This group is open to all who struggle with what it means to be Christ-like in their daily lives. We will
wrestle with this fundamental issue through Bible study and discussion of Jesus' words and actions, sharing
of individual life experiences, and reflection on the writings of some modern day disciples such as Howard
Zehr, Jimmy Carter, Dorothy Day, and Mother Theresa. We will also act upon Christ's call to minister to the
marginalized and the oppressed. Therefore, members will seek to know and serve the children and families
of the Atwood Emergency Shelter in Longmont. Group members will plan and participate in a fun and
educational activity with the Shelter children one Saturday a month.
Group #5: Parenting from an Anabaptist perspective
Every other Wednesday, 7:00-8:30pm, Lafayette area.
Our time together will consist of both personal sharing and relevant theme-based discussions. Topics to be
explored include: teaching children anabaptist values amidst our culture that emphasizes materialism and
violence, managing our lives to maximize the amount of quality time we can spend with our family, and the
development of nurturing relationships within the family. We will draw upon a variety of resources
including the writings of Philip Osborne, Myron and Esther Augsburger, and Wendy Wright. We will
creatively seek out service ventures that involve the efforts of both parents and their children.
Group #6: Healing Touch & Christian Spirituality
Two Sundays per month after church at 12:45; members bring food to one member's home to meet and eat
together.
This small group will study and experience healing within the context of Christian Spirituality. During
Jesus' life and the early years of Christianity, physical and emotional healing was an important part of the
ministry. Verses describing instances of healing are among the most numerous in the New Testament.
Resources related to healing will be explored. The group will focus on learning, caring for each other and
choosing service activities.
Group #7: Faith, Nature, & Ecological Living
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, 7:00-9:00pm, Boulder/Louisville area
Our group will explore the relationships between God, the environment, and humanity from a Mennonite
perspective. We will also discuss ecological stewardship on a personal and community level (which will lead
to a service project of our choosing). During meetings the group will engage some short readings but will also
focus on personal sharing and lively discussion.
Group #8: Creative Music Workshop
1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 6:30-8:00pm, Boulder area
This group is open to musicians (instrumentalists and/or vocalists) who are beyond beginner's level, and
would like to perform with others. Emphasis will be placed on contributions of musical gifts to Boulder
Mennonite Church; special music for worship, organizing caroling, hymn-sing events, etc. The musicians
who join will shape the direction of this group. Personal sharing and prayer will be part of our activity.
Youth activities
Monthly activities are planned for the middle school and high school youth of the church, by arrangement
with the youth and parents.
Annual Calendar
The following calendar reflects many of the annual activities of BMC; several of these (including the retreat,
stewardship drive, MapMaking) have, in previous years, taken place in other months. Other events are
obviously connected with the holiday calendar.
January
Congregational meeting
February
InterMennonite seminar
Ethnic Potluck
March
Maundy Thursday meal and
communion
April
Easter brunch
Bibles presented to 6th
graders
May
Sunday School Teacher and
Small Group appreciation
events
Spring work day
June
celebration of high school & college
graduates
July
Mennonite Church USA national
conference (biannual)
WDC meetings (July or August)
August
new Christian Education semester
September
New small groups (alternate years)
Stewardship Drive
EFAA food collection
MapMaking
October
Fall work day
mountain retreat
MCC school kit collection
November
BMC Birthday, Sunday before
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
December
Advent
Christmas tree evening
caroling
children's Christmas program
Bibles presented to 1st graders
Current Committee Members
as of January 2001:
Church Chair:
Susan Graber
Christian Education Committee:
Dick Williams, Mary McKay, Paul McKay, Brian Ladd, David Claassen-Wilson, Douglas Minter
Deacons:
Gretchen Williams, Brenda Otteman, Bruce Fast
Trustees:
Maurice Miller, Mark Meyer, Don Jensen, Bill Eeds
MVS Support Group:
Elizabeth Dewey, Eldon Mast, Brenda Longacre
Worship Committee:
Karen Cox, David Claassen-Wilson, Nicole Yoder, Brenda Otteman
Youth Ministry Team leader:
(vacant)
Nominating Committee:
Karen Cox, David Wiens, Brenda Otteman