December 2014 Communicator - First Congregational Church

December 2014
FCUCC December 2014
The Communicator
Advent Is Many Things
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.
Table of Contents
1. Advent Is Many Things
2. Family Advent Schedule
3. The Mystery & Christmas Giving
4. a. Children & Family — K/1 OWL
b. Kids Pics from November
5. a. Advent, a Busy Time for Youth
b. POPs Party / Young Adult OWL
6. Elevator Ground Breaking!
7. Dementia Caregiving –Holidays
8. a. Dealing With Loss
b. Seeds Fundraiser & Plymouth Cir
9. New Members; page 1 of 2
10. New Members; page 2 of 2
11. a. Gratitude Beyond Sunday
b. Cong. Alive! & 2nd SS
12. A Peek in the Past: An Injustice
13. Cooking School-2014 Recap
14. Congregational Life
15. a. Mid-week Study/Meditation
b. A Culinary Cabaret
16. a. Adult Faith Formation Hour
b. The Forum & Sessions I & II
[email protected]
The season of Advent, like most aspects of Christian faith, is, on the one hand a
simple time of year – four Sundays leading up to Advent; it is, on the other hand,
a complex and polyvalent symbol.
Here are some of the many meanings of Advent:
Advent means “coming,” from the Latin venire. Advent signifies a holy
coming, the coming of the Christ Child, the birth of Jesus.
Advent also signifies “second coming.” Jesus was born in Bethlehem over
2000 years ago. When we practice Advent, we practice telling the story
of Jesus’ first coming as we await his return. We are “in-between” two
Advents.
Advent is sometimes called “The Little Lent.” While Lent is the time of
preparation for the feast of Easter, Advent is a time of preparation
for the Feast of Christmas.
Advent, like Lent, is traditionally a time of penitence. It is an introspective
time. The heart is prepared by meditating upon salvation history as
presented in the Bible, by hearing the words of the prophets, especially
Isaiah who has prepared Israel and all the world for the coming of the
Messiah.
Advent is a time to light candles. As the daylight hours wane (in the northern
hemisphere), we light candles and invoke words like hope, peace, joy,
and love to prepare for the coming of the One who brings and redefines
all of these words.
Advent is a time to strain our ears and to hope, by the power of the Holy
Spirit, that we might hear a Word from God. Mary heard a Word from
God, and in hearing she conceived a child (I’m speaking theologically,
not biologically). She gave birth to a child whom Joseph named
“Yeshua,” which means “God saves.” Jesus is for us the long-awaited
Messiah, the Savior of the World, the Son of God come to bring good
news to a world in desperate need of God’s Word and presence.
17. Worship Calendar
18. Birthdays & Anniversaries
19. Contact Information
20. The Communicator: Requirements
& December 15 Deadline
Advent is many things. I hope that the fellowship and ministry of First
Congregational Church become for you an environment in which your own heart
might prepare for the coming of Christ into your life in fresh and surprising ways.
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FCUCC December 2014
FAMILY ADVENT SCHEDULE
CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24
SUNDAY, December 21
at 4 p.m. in our Sanctuary:
THE MYSTERY
3 p.m. Child-friendly service
5 p.m. Traditional Lessons & Carols
Pre/K/Gr 1 arrive 3 p.m. to
create a craft/snack
before the service.
7 p.m. Traditional Lessons & Carols
11 p.m. Candlelight Communion
They are invited to the manger
as part of this traditional and
beautiful storytelling event.
FCC ADVENT SCHEDULE FOR FAMILIES
HARK! Can you hear an angel calling that we need to “Go with God” and
start preparing for the birth of Jesus?
As part of the 3 p.m. Christmas Eve service, preschoolers to middle schoolers will sit with families for the
service but come out of the pews when it is their turn to help bring the text readings and the story of the birth
of Jesus to life. Middle school students will lead the readings and support groups as Ubuntu Shepherds. Each age
group will concentrate their four week Sunday School preparations on one of the four renowned scenes and then
on Christmas Eve, they will witness the other scenes while also playing their part in their scene. We are blessed
to have Sarah Stevens Vick, D20 Art teacher, working with each group to focus on their scene via art pieces
which will stimulate children to create their own artistic interpretations. Children’s artwork will feature during
the service. They will also be blessed to work with Hannah Rockey from Millibo Art Theatre to create simple
movements that represent that scene. The third rotation will involve making a simple prop that they will use
during their presentation.
THESE ROTATIONS TAKE PLACE DURING SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:45-10:45
NOV 30
Advent 1
DEC 7
Advent 2
DEC 14
Advent 3
DEC 21
Advent 4
ALL CHILDREN MEET IN SANCTUARY AT 9:40 to work with MANDY
Pre/K/GR 1 AND
pre/K parents
10:00 -10:45
Grade 2/3
10:00-10:45
Grade 4/5
10:00-10:45
ARTWORK – room BC
opposite Nursery
MOVEMENT
in Sanctuary
PROP making
in room 1
PROP making
in room 1 (lower level
Founders’ bldg.)
ARTWORK- room BC
opposite nursery
MOVEMENT
in Sanctuary
MOVEMENT
in Sanctuary
PROP making
in room 1
ARTWORK – room BC
ALL CHILDREN and
pre-K/K/Gr1 parents
IN SANCTUARY for
full rehearsal
opposite Nursery
YOUR PART AS PARENTS/GUARDIANS
To help maximize your child’s experience and assist with our planning, please contemplate trying to
attend each Sunday in Advent.
Parents of preschool and kindergarten people are asked to travel with their children to assist with
movement and projects.
Bring your child to the Sanctuary by 9:40 and collect them from the rotation area listed above.
Please collect Sunday School nametags prior to 9:40 with all ages available from the hallway below
the Founders’ Room.
Other than the preschool/K/Gr1 group, I need two parents to travel and support the older Grade 2/3
class and the Gr 4/5 class. Please contact me at [email protected] if you are willing to help.
There will be opportunities for parents to create an Advent Ritual for your home available in the Atrium
during Fay Fo Hour, led by Beth Garrison-Kemp.
WISHING YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN A BLESSED AND JOYOUS ADVENT SEASON
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THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY PAGEANT / CHRISTMAS GIVING
103rd MYSTERY
Sunday, December 21
at 4 p.m.
in our Sanctuary
Our musical drama is a
Christmas Pageant combining
the Biblical accounts of the
birth of Jesus along with
church legends and
beloved Christmas carols.
One unknown in The Mystery
is who will be Mary and
Joseph. We have a lovely
tradition of secrecy
surrounding these two
people each year with the
Mystery team tapping persons
in our faith community who
have been of
outstanding service.
Our ceramic Christ child was
acquired in Italy around 1900
and lent, and eventually
gifted, to the church by the
Haney family.
The Angel Choir consists of
high school and college
women. The Shepherd and
Wise Men roles are taken by
male singers of the church
and the cherubs are our
very own children.
Come!
Deepen into the Mystery.
FCUCC December 2014
CHRISTMAS GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
There are several opportunities approved by your Mission Giving
and Outreach committee that offer a chance for you to give gifts to
people in need in our Colorado Springs community and beyond.
Christmas Tree Personal Gift Project features personal gift
suggestions gathered from North Middle School counselors
for kids in need at that school. It also features gift card
needs of people who live at Partners in Housing, a low
income housing facility.
Look for the Christmas tree in the Founders’ Room
from November 30 - December 14.
Pick an ornament with a detailed description of the gift or gift card
needed and return the gift or gift card by December 14th.
Be sure to look on the back of the ornament for details about the
personal gift you have chosen, and please return it by the requested
date so no one is left out.
P. S. The quiet angel who has provided this opportunity for giving for over 20 years is Phyllis White. She was inspired to do
this project when she saw the deep needs of so many people in
our city while she worked as a volunteer at Ecumenical Social
Ministries. Assisted by Rosi DeBaker, Phyllis contacts counselors
at both organizations, creates the ornaments, and delivers the
gifts that you so generously give.
Cambodian Scarf Sale
On December 7th only, silk scarves, hand-knit acrylic scarves, hats
and beanies will be sold in the Founders’ Room. All money for the
scarves will go to two projects in Cambodia that serve needy women
and children. Gayle Jordan and Kelli Scarborough sponsor
these projects through the sale of the scarves.
One Nation Walking Together
This organization gives you the opportunity to donate much
needed items to Native American reservations. Items to donate may
include: disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, shampoos,
conditioners and lotions (even the small size from hotel stays).
MG&O invites you to join in the joy of giving to the
neediest through projects close to the heart of FCUCC members.
By Kelli Scarborough, MG&O Team Member
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FCUCC December 2014
CHILDREN & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Our Whole Lives: Sexuality and our Faith
By Del Hokanson, Director of Children’s & Family Ministry
[email protected]
OWL: Upcoming Dates for Family Calendars
“To offer sexuality education in a congregation is to acknowledge
that human sexuality is simply too important, too beautiful, and
too potentially dangerous to be ignored in a religious community.”
– Rev. Lena Breen
Kindergarten/ Grade 1 OWL starts in January
January 4: Peter Hokanson and Polly Strovink will be facilitating the mandatory parent orientation for
any parents wanting to discover more and sign up their K/1 child for this significant opportunity that will
be held during Faith Formation hour. All preschool – Grade 5 Sunday School children on that Sunday will
share a kids’ community Epiphany event during Fay Fo hour, supported by the rest of the Sunday School
teachers.
January 11: Parents and K/1 children will share a joint OWL session form 9:45-10:45
January 18March 8: K/1 children will continue to explore the developmentally appropriate OWL
curriculum from 9:45-10:45 during Fay Fo (Sunday School hour).
Grade 5/6 OWL Coming in Spring
March 1- May 17 classes will be facilitated by Jean Hagerman and Rick Shick. The mandatory parent
orientation will happen in February prior to these classes starting. Classes will be held during Faith
F o r m a t i o n Hour and extend through the second service, finishing at noon. Watch for more information
in the January 2015 Communicator.
K C Worship’s November theme was “Go with God - Following the Footsteps of Jesus' timeline to the Elevator Construction Site”
and also to the wheels of our cerebral palsy guest, Tait Berge, and his wife, Kelly.
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YOUTH FAITH FORMATION / POPS PARTY / OWL for age 22 -35
FCUCC December 2014
Advent, a Busy Time for Youth Groups
By Candace Datz, Director of Youth & Adult Ministry
[email protected]
As we begin our celebration of Advent during which we prepare ourselves for the coming Christ child, it is
with great joy that we announce that the Youth Group will be embarking on our own mission to the city of
New Orleans next summer. Just as Christ came humbly to earth in a manger, we will approach NOLA with
humility, looking to serve the community that we find ourselves a part of and learning as much as we can.
We will be partnering with an organization called Camp Restore that will serve as our home away from
home, our kitchen and our community connection. Camp Restore has opportunities for ministry with other
local non-profits who are doing service work and continue the restoration of their city after multiple tragedies. Our plans on the ground in New Orleans will continue to firm up as we get closer to our departure
day.
There will be a Parent/Youth Informational Meeting on a date to be announced. The trip will be open to
current 7th graders and up. We will depart June 13th and return on the 21st.
Be on the lookout for announcements about fundraisers and registration deadlines!
YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
High Schoolers who are interested in joining the Mystery as angels and shepherds should contact Marcy
McNeill at [email protected].
During Advent Faith Formation some of the Middle Schoolers will be participating in the preparations for
the Child-Friendly Christmas Eve service with Del Hokanson and the Children’s Ministry.
The High Schoolers and the rest of the Middle Schoolers will be exploring Advent themes through music.
POPS HOLIDAY PARTY
Saturday, December 13
at 6 p.m.
at the home
of Jane and Eric Ridings
Something new: tapas bar,
Group activity, dessert bar.
As always, plenty of beverage
and time to socialize, without
distraction from the kids!
Newcomers are
always welcome.
Please contact
[email protected]
for more information.
SAVE THE DATES—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 [email protected]
or 719.359.0600
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FCUCC December 2014
ACCESS & ELEVATOR UPDATE
We Have Broken Ground!
(On the Access Corridor and Elevator Addition)
By Kirk Wohlhueter, Facility Manager
[email protected]
Project Update:
The Construction Team has been given the green light, and we
have issued a notice to proceed to Bryan Construction.
We are pressing forward as quickly as we can.
The General Contractor (GC) has moved the operation
on site, and a temporary construction/security fence
has gone up. The GC’s Superintendent (Frank
Bradowski) has moved in; his office is located in the
back of The Dwelling Place. This helps close the gap
in construction costs by not having to rent a
temporary office/storage trailer.
Coordinating parking is a huge challenge for the downtown area, so we all have to do our part and work
together. A huge thank-you to Swan Law, Pikes Peak
Association of Realtors, and First United Methodist
Photos by Mike Matthews.
Church. These businesses have stepped up to provide
us with temporary employee parking at no cost for the duration of construction.
Please remember there is no parking allowed by anyone in the parking lots surrounding our
church, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please be respectful of our neighbors. If you park
in those locations, you are subject to fines or being towed.
We have pulled our demolition and foundation permits. We still have a few review comments to address
with Regional Building on the overall project design. They are very minor comments or they would
have never issued us the permits.
Our Church’s Construction Team is still very busy reviewing product submittals and shop drawings. It is
a common practice for the GC to submit construction material types. This insures that the materials
meet the standard of quality required, and it avoids having something installed that we find
unattractive.
With the cold weather coming on, we are working as fast as we can to complete the excavation and
backfill, the foundation, and the exterior walls, and to swing the roof steel and metal decking in
place. Once we have a dried-in building shell, we will not be concerned with the weather, and we
can be in greater control of our schedule.
Our current construction schedule is 16 weeks once we have started excavating the foundation.
The schedule will be refined and updated as we move forward.
We did postpone the start of construction by one week after the Groundbreaking Ceremony. This ended
up being a great decision. It allowed us to get ahead of pre-fabricated materials and to avoid having
an open hole in the ground to protect from the drastic change in the weather we experienced in
November.
More to come next month!
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DEMENTIA CAREGIVING & THE HOLIDAYS
FCUCC December 2014
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiving… During the Holidays
Larry Patzer, FCC Member and active Alzheimer’s caregiver
[email protected]
The expected excitement and joys of the holidays are just before us. Remember that these
are our expectations of what has been and still should be. As a caregiver you’ve toned down
your expectations a bit, but you still want the holidays to be joyous and happy. With a care
receiver past the initial Alzheimer’s/dementia stages, this expectation is probably unrealistic. However,
the expectations of your non-local family members may not be dampened at all. After all, they don’t have
your daily experience. “Bring grandpa over to our house for Christmas day dinner! The whole family will
be there. It will be great for us all.” No it won’t. The noise and chaos of all the people, especially
the young grandkids, will be very confusing and disorienting for grandpa and he will likely not be able to
tolerate it. It will be a miserable day for him and you. It’s a hard choice to make, but the Alzheimer’s
Association and other experts in the field (and my personal experience) recommend that you stay at
home.
Caregiving is a role thrust on the caregiver and is unwelcome. The role is tiring, frustrating, anger
producing, and depressing. The caregiver can become more ill than the care receiver without positive
help and support of others, plus energetic self-care. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, thirty or
more percent of Alzheimer’s caregivers die before their care receiver due to burnout.
Stress over the holidays is a common phenomenon for most folks. As a caregiver you are more stressed
(yes you are!) and tired as you realize again that Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries
will never be the way they were. This is depressing. The coming holiday season is the most depression
producing time of the year. It is essential that your focus be on you and your care. It’s just like on the
airplane, “… place the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping your child.” If you don’t take care of
you, your care receiver will be without a caregiver.
There are numerous things you can do combat holiday depression—these few will help.
1) Acknowledge that feeling down is because of your expectations of your situation.
2) Remember your situation is external, not of your making.
3) Cut yourself some slack—you are doing the very best you can and all that you can.
4) Be active! Physical movement is the easiest and best first step in reducing stress and its
associated depression.
If you are not making progress quickly, get professional help fast. It’s easy to get depressed. However, it
takes time, a vigorous engagement in the process, and an expectation of change to keep depression at
bay.
This holiday season, it’s easy to think, “Bah Humbug!” Instead, let “Happy Holidays!” give you joy from
knowing you are providing the gift of your very best compassionate care.
Larry is an Alzheimer’s caregiver and can be contacted at [email protected] with questions, comments,
or more information.
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TWO OPPORTUNITIES / SEEDS FUNDRAISER / PLYMOUTH
FCUCC December 2014
Two Opportunities for Those Dealing with Loss
By Christine Hall, FCC Member and Hospice RN
[email protected]
“Good Mourning,” a Saturday morning gathering for those who have lost loved ones,
meets every other month (usually February, April, June, August, October) throughout
the year in our Gregg Library between 9 and 10:30 a.m. It is a highly confidential time in which we share
our grief journey with others who are still feeling the sharp edges of grief in their everyday lives. The
opportunity to talk from this level of our hearts and hear about the grieving process from those in
attendance helps make our burden a little lighter.
We have a traditional Christmas Brunch on Saturday, December 13th, 10:30 a.m., at the home of
Richard and Christine Hall. Each year we bring a favorite dish of the one we are memorializing and
missing during the holiday season. Please join us. We have lots of tears, great stories, laughter, and food
to share.
The Grief Workshop offered by Kathy Sparnins meets once a week and helps the griever learn about
the process of loss and grief and what to expect during this difficult time. This is an important
component of coming to terms with loss. The “Good Mourning” group has a different focus where the
griever has an opportunity to check-in as time goes by and talk about how well he/she has been able to
re-engage with the fullness of life. These two groups complement each other and provide a strong
outreach to our grieving participants.
Please contact us for details at:
Christine Hall, [email protected] or Annie Campanaro, [email protected]
“All Things Christmas” Fundraiser
PLYMOUTH CIRCLE
By Teresa Latimer, FCC Member
What: “All Things Christmas” is a fundraising event to benefit
Seeds Community Cafe presented by the Kerygma Sunday School
Class at First United Methodist Church.
When: Friday, December 5
Saturday & Sunday, December 6, 7
5 p.m.—8 p.m.
9 a.m.—2 p.m.
Where: The Mission Arts Center, 324 North Nevada.
About Seeds: Seeds Community Cafe’s mission is to impact and solve
hunger insecurity, transform lives, build and celebrate with community.
At Seeds, guests enjoy a creatively crafted meal – then pay whatever they
believe is fair for the portion they ordered. Community contributions and
donations will continue to support Seeds in offering volunteer opportunities
for those who can’t afford to pay in an atmosphere of inclusion and dignity.
Seeds bridges a critical gap missing in our community: pulling together great
healthy food, education and involvement in local food sustainability.
For more information, visit www.seedscommunitycafe.org
The Colorado Springs
Youth Symphony will be
the featured program
hosted by Plymouth Circle
on Wednesday,
December 3
at 1 p.m.
in the Founders’ Room.
All are invited to enjoy and
marvel at these talented
young people.
Light refreshments
will be provided.
Contact Connie Raub at
[email protected]
9
MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS, page 1 OF 2
FCUCC December 2014
Karen Chiroux
Karen came to Colorado 18 years ago with her husband Michel Chiroux and was invited to FCC by
her closest friend Beth Apotheker. She felt like she was home as soon as she walked in. She has
two girls, Ivy 10 and Hana 8, who were baptized at FCC and enjoy being a part of the FCC family.
Karen is already involved in Children's Ministry and Bell Choir and hopes to do more. She has been
a flight attendant for 17 years and enjoys running, hiking, backpacking, camping, and travel.
Victoria Garmonia and Lisa Mattivi
Victoria and Lisa moved to Colorado Springs and wanted an O&A church that would accept their
family. Victoria is already involved in the Chancel Choir and attends Soul Feast. Lisa is interested
in visitation ministry and environmental justice.
Karen Heater and Joan Landrum
Karen and Joan come with their kindergartner Caleb Landrum and are involved in Children’s
Ministry. They were invited by Casey and Sue Scott. Karen, who is from Pennsylvania, can make a
mean Shoo Fly Pie and plays the French horn. Joan was born and raised in Colorado Springs and
loves to read, bicycle, ski and snowshoe.
Judy Jacob
Judy comes to us from Canyon Lake Methodist church in Texas. She volunteers at our front desk
during the week. She loves worship and Soul Feast. Judy’s passions are children, music, staying
sober, dancing, and evolving.
Karen and Robert Jones
Karen and Bob moved back to Colorado Springs and looked for a UCC church and found us online.
Karen was raised in Nebraska and has been a teacher, homemaker, and caregiver. Bob is a
physicist who has been an industrial researcher and professor. In retirement they sailed the
Intracoastal Waterway for three years. They enjoy the adult faith formation offerings and hiking
group. Karen is interested in prayer and care ministries. They both have a passion for the
environment and outdoor sports.
Pat and Rob Jones
Pat has been attending FCC since 2011 and currently serves on our church staff as the Nursery
Attendant Supervisor. She also volunteers at ESM. Her passion is to serve those experiencing
homelessness. She and Rob were married in 2012. Rob is a lawyer who grew up in Texas. As a
child he visited Colorado and came back to live here as an adult.
No photo of
Amy, Emma & Liam
was available
at press time.
Amy Keating
Amy comes to church with her daughter Emma, a sixth grader, and son Liam, a fourth grader. She
came with a friend and decided to join this church. She is passionate about theater and teaches
theater in high school. Amy has lived overseas where she met her spouse and she likes skydiving
and whitewater rafting.
Karen Jan Knabe
Karen came with her daughter, Eva (who is now one of our nursery attendants). She has lived in
Colorado Springs for almost two years and has found the fellowship here loving and caring. She is
looking for a job and wants to make new friends. Her passions include the Homeless Initiative and
community outreach. An interesting fact about Karen is that she identifies herself as a Mexican,
Jewish Christian or Messianic Jew with family heritage from the 1500s in the New World that
escaped the Inquisition from the Spanish Basque region.
Eleanor Howard Law
Eleanor comes to us from Union Congregational UCC of West Palm Beach Florida. She has been a
speech pathologist and a bookkeeper. Eleanor grew up in this church and came back in August
after losing her husband, David Law. An interesting fact about Eleanor is that she participated in
the Christmas Mystery as a child and came back to celebrate the 100 th production several years
ago.
10
MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS, page 2 of 2
FCUCC December 2014
Erin and Jeremy Lloyd
Erin and Jeremy attend church with their preschool daughter Berkeley and their son Jocoby
who is a kindergartner. Jeremy is an active-duty military Air Force officer and professor. He
is passionate about his family, music, and football. Erin is a teacher who would like to volunteer for Faith Formation. She speaks fluent German, backpacked through Europe at age 19,
and has worked on a Disney cruise ship.
Lisa Mason
Lisa was baptized and confirmed in this church. She is returning after 32 years. She works as a
financial planner. Lisa is involved with the hiking group, cooking classes, and attends Forum regularly. She has lots of passions, with three-day-eventing as her sport. Lisa was on the search committee that chose Pastor Jerry Jordan, and it was Jerry who performed her wedding. After losing
her husband, Lisa wanted to come back to be close to her mom and dad and to this church.
Connie Miller
Connie came to us because she already has friends here. She is passionate about healthy life style
and is considering being a health coach with an organization called “Take Shape for Life.” Connie
has trekked the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, biked across the Dolomites and across America.
She has served as a school social worker for 24 years and currently works at Mann Middle School.
Her other passions include her grandsons with whom she spends much time.
Ruth and Dale Mosher
Ruth and Dale join us from Longmont, Colorado. Ruth was ordained as a UCC Pastor in Allentown,
Pennsylvania in November. She currently serves as a hospice chaplain. Dale is an engineer and
enjoys climbing 14-ers. Dale and Ruth were married in 1980 and have two grown children. They
have joined FCC because this is an O&A and social justice church.
Sara Salkind
Sara attends with her husband and their two-year-old, Ian. She teaches second grade and was
born and raised in Colorado. Her sister was in the Gospel Choir and when Ben did a cartwheel in
the front of the church in his sermon, she knew that this was her church. Sara was baptized at
FCC in October.
Ani Rose Whaleswan
Ani Rose started coming to FCC with her eighth grade daughter, Marisol. She appreciates FCC
because of its status as a Justice and Peace church. She has been a group therapist, client
advocate, retreat minister, spiritual director, youth and adult educator, potter, artist, writer,
speaker and was a Catholic nun for five years (because she couldn’t be a priest). She is interested in the Homeless Initiative and women’s spirituality.
Shaun Zigler
Shaun came to Colorado Springs because her son lives here. She looked for an O&A church and
found herself here. She often brings her neighbor’s granddaughter to church. She has been a
director of a homeless and foster youth shelter and a teacher for emotionally handicapped
children. She would like to support parents with children or youth struggling with mental illness
and autism. Shaun shared the interesting facts about herself that she has been widowed three
times and lived in Mexico for three years.
Welcome one and all to our FCUCC family!
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FCUCC December 2014
STEWARDSHIP / CONG. ALIVE / 2ND SUNDAY SINGLES
Gratitude Beyond Sunday
By Polly Strovink, Chair of the Stewardship Team
[email protected]
We celebrated the end of our Annual Appeal a few weeks ago with an exciting groundbreaking for the elevator project and another wonderful Dinner on the Grounds.
It was a great day for Gratitude Sunday.
Week after week during the Annual Appeal, we were further along than we had been in years past.
And now, we conclude the campaign almost to our $815,000 goal, with only a little follow-up remaining.
The Stewardship Team is so grateful to our church family, for your response to the Annual Appeal, and
for your generosity. We wanted to say thank you on Gratitude Sunday, but we don't want to stop there.
We want you to hear our gratitude throughout the year.
Your commitment to our church—commitment of money, of time, of talent—allows us to focus together
on our vision of a just world. Thank you. As we “Go with God” into 2015, we hope that you're inspired
and energized by the programs and ministries of our church and that you're compelled to join in the
journey in new and exciting ways.
SAVE THE DATES FOR 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
WATCH for more information and online registration at: www.rmcucc.org
QUESTIONS? Please contact any of the following: [email protected] or
[email protected] or [email protected]
2ND SUNDAY SINGLES
The Second Sunday Singles
will celebrate December
in a festive way.
All singles, and friends,
50ish and beyond …
come join us for a
Turkey Dinner and
White Elephant Gift
exchange
on December 14
at 5:30 p.m.
in the Gregg Library.
Don't forget your wrapped
White Elephant gift and
bring a side dish to complete
our meal along with
your favorite beverage.
We also have some ideas
to share regarding our
November meeting.
Contact Connie Raub at
[email protected]
12
PEOPLE & EVENTS IN EARLY FCC HISTORY
FCUCC December 2014
A Peek in the Past: An Injustice
by Chris Steenbergen, Church Historian
[email protected]
Edward Payson Tenney assumed the presidency of struggling Colorado College in 1876.
Born in 1835 in Concord, NH, son of a local pastor, he was educated at Dartmouth, and
at Bangor and Andover Theological Seminaries. Tenney served several New England
Congregational Churches and in 1868 had been pastor of the Congregational Church of Central City, CO.
At that time he pushed with the Ministerial Congregational Association for the establishment of a Christian
College near Monument. The Association considered it premature and he was recalled to the East within a
year. Now that his original idea had materialized, he set off with all his energy to strengthen the College.
Tenney's emphasis was on the financial and organizational aspects of
Colorado College. He refused the title of professor and went by
president only. He established preparatory feeder schools in Trinidad
and in the Utah and New Mexico territories. His fundraising efforts at
New England congregations emphasized the need for higher education on
the “frontier” in pamphlets such as “The New West”. Enough funds were
raised for the construction of the first building, “the College”
(now Cutler Hall), quickly followed by several others. By 1879 the
faculty had grown to nine, six of whom were members of First
Congregational Church, including Edward, who with his wife Ellen had
joined in late 1879.
Fundraising, through a nowadays very acceptable approach, became
Rev. Edward Payson Tenney;
Tenney's undoing. The College obtained property (at the present
From: A Colorado College Reader, Tutt Library
Special Collections, Colorado College
“Old North End”) to be sold later at a profit, which would go into the
Endowment Fund. Unfortunately, land prices didn't rise at the time and
paying the high short term interest of the loans to banks and local individuals became unsustainable,
causing a collapse of the scheme and serious losses, including to church members. Tenney's motives were
questioned and in 1884 he was forced to resign. In early 1885 the church suspended his membership and a
church committee concluded that he was “guilty of conduct unbecoming a Christian” and “unfit for
membership in the Church of Christ”. The church could “not endorse him for ministry or any financial
responsibility.”
Edward P Tenney returned East, a bitter man. FCC granted Ellen Tenney a letter of Transfer in 1889, but in
the church's ledger only the word “dropped” starkly shows behind his name. Over time, faculty (and church
members) such as Prof. Marden and Prof. Kerr recognized the injustice done to Tenney and made their
individual peace with him. FCC did not.
13
FCUCC December 2014
2014 COOKING SCHOOL
Cooking School: A Look Back at 2014
By Christine Hall, Cooking School Coordinator and RN
[email protected]
The Health Care Ministry’s “Cooking School” completed its 5th year following the
well-received presentation by representatives from Williams-Sonoma on the topic
“New Twists on Old Holiday Recipes.” During the holidays, our focus is often on food
preparation and entertaining—a perfect time for us to try some of our new skills and recipes—so we choose
not to meet during this time but will resume again during the 2015 Lenten Season for our 6th year.
We started our sessions this year on March 21st with a Bread and Wine Lenten theme.
Oscar Ridings demonstrated the magic of making yeast breads, and Tim Christensen
from “Fermentations” helped us start our own batch of Pinot Noir, which we ultimately
bottled and labeled and are just now opening for the holidays.
In April, our own Angie Adams and Mary Frieg from the Savory Spice Shop on Tejon transformed a basic
soup recipe into very different tastes with the judicious use of spices, herbs, and condiments.
In May, our new member Ken Dayton demonstrated the art of the Taco Salad made from fresh, springtime
ingredients, followed by the demonstration of a recipe that produced a tasty, moist chicken dish.
Charles Kiskiras and daughter generated the largest attendance of the season in June with his “Greek
Extravaganza” where they assembled some of the dishes Charles fondly remembers from his mother’s and
grandmother’s kitchen in the Greek community in Chicago in which he was raised.
In July, one of our “Cooking School” stars, herself a professional caterer and owner of “Simply Delicious
Baked Goods,” Susan Schenk, from Temple Shalom, shared some of the delicious dishes from the Jewish
cuisine that have been popular for centuries. Then, in August, she demonstrated the importance of the
artful presentation of our kitchen creations.
September has become our time to attend the Wine Festival at the Canon City Holy Cross Abbey, where we
happily tasted the wines made at the Abbey and began holiday shopping.
We brought the series to a conclusion in October with the Williams-Sonoma presentation referred to
above.
Our mission is to create community around the table, to extend an extravagant welcome to neighbors,
friends, and strangers, to nurture our bodies with fresh, whole foods, and to “find our way back to the
center of a well-lived life,” in the words of Michael Pollan from his book In Defense of Food.
Please watch for our 2015 series, and know you are warmly welcome!
14
FCUCC December 2014
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Congregational Life (October 12 – November 14)
By Rev. Dr. Jacque Franklin, Associate Minister
[email protected]
THANKS
Our Sunday Liturgists were Chris Reimer, AJ & Blake Olesen-Phelps, Gloria Latimer, Lee
Lehmkuhl, and Polly Strovink. KC Worship volunteers were Sara Doud, Cyndi McFarland, Kelly Berge,
Tyescha Clark, Ubuntu Squad, Mindy Matthes, Laura Pfender, Sue, Brad & Alec Mikaelian, Tiffany
Schmid and Karen Lloyd. Denise Ellsworth, Cyndi McFarland, Anna Adams & Marilyn Fife assisted with
Godly Play Worship. Fall Festival was supported by Suzanne Laffely, Denise Ellsworth, Tom Francis, Nick
Palerino, Dawn Khederian, and Youth Group. Peggy Weissman and Trig Bundgaard were our two October
Adult Faith Formation Hour facilitators. Bill Edmondson has volunteered in the church office many times,
but he is stepping down. Paul Brookens led Middle School Faith Formation. Tracy Rumans and Alysa Webb
were Sunday School subs. Trig Bundgaard and Brad Mikaelian shot and edited the “Go with God” video.
Trig Bundgaard and Carol Finch created the historical video shown on Historical Sunday. Marge Murray,
Ruth Connell, Nancy Forgy, Marti Booth were interviewed for that video. Creative offerings during our
Annual Appeal “Go with God” campaign were Ceil Malek for creative writing, Ellen Brown for paintings,
Linda Pavian Roberts for photography, Ben Broadbent and Brian Hofflander for the “Go with God” theme
song, and Gloria Lattimer for tap dancing. Musical accompanists were Paul Rule on the cello, Mandy Todd
and Russ Ware on drums, Brian Hofflander on bass. Flute Choir played and was directed by Phyllis White.
Handbells rang, Joyful Noise sang, and Men’s Ensemble performed, all directed by Mandy Todd.
Kathryn Eastburn and the Stewardship Team fed over 100 people for the Dinner on the Grounds.
Kirk Wohlhueter, Angie Adams, Mary Hope, Andrea Barker and Lynn Young participated in the Ground
Breaking ceremony for the elevator.
P R AY E R S
Sid Skirvin who is in hospice care at home continues to decline in health. We surround him and his wife
Shirley with prayers. Siri Everett had knee surgery and is recuperating. Tiffany Schmid, Eli & Emerson
Hauber were in a car accident on the highway that totaled the car and shattered Tiffany’s shoulder blade.
Mary Tatum had surgery and is recovering. Bill Edmondson was hospitalized and is home now and doing
better. Kelli & G.L. Scarbourough’s daughter, Laurie Voss was diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment in Durango. Margaret Garrett is recovering from surgery. Rick Smith’s mother, Pat Smith
of North Carolina fell and is recovering from a coma. Judy Pickle is recovering from knee surgery. Glenn
Marshall and Kirk Wohlhueter’s friend Jim Pierie was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S
Brooke Bell’s grandmother, Esther Allen, turned 100 in November. Mo Morrow has a new grandson,
William Alder Corum, born on November 3 in Reno, Nevada. Chloe Kiskiras had a role in the UCCS
Theatreworks production. Michael Haven, former member who is now living in California, passed the
Ecclesiastical Council that approved her ordination, pending call. Ruth Allen Mosher was ordained as UCC
clergy on November 9 in Allentown Pennsylvania. Malia Alstrom and BJ Reichert were married on October
11. Casey Tencick and Sue Scott were married on October 12. Victoria Hansen received the Pikes Peak
Arts Council Award for her performance as Julia Child in “Bon Appetit.”
CONDOLENCES
Judy Pickle lost her younger brother who died of lung cancer on November 4. Lucy Bell lost her companion
dog, Mollie in November. Phoebe Belteau lost a good friend to brain cancer in November. Sherrie Walker
lost her father Gary Nanninga, who died on October 17 in hospice care. His service of memorial was
Saturday, November 8 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 2111 Carlton Ave. Colorado Springs.
Dakota & Christian Malacara grieve the loss of Dakota’s mother, Lola Malacara, who died on October 28.
15
MID-WEEK STUDY / MEDITATION OPPORTUNITIES / CABARET
FCUCC December 2014
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
[email protected] for information about
the current topic. All are welcome.
In December, the group meets on
Thursdays, December 4 & 18
From 4-5 p.m.
Upstairs in the Gregg Library.
Contact [email protected]
for more information.
Med ita tio n & Pra ye r
Mondays at 5:30 p.m.,
in the Carey Chapel,
an hour of prayer
For more information, contact
Jerusha Goebel ([email protected])
SAVE THE DATE!
Primo Congo’s very own
musical revue:
A Culinary Cabaret
What Would Jesus Brew?
We will be singing and dancing our way
through a food-infused program.
Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, January 23, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets go on sale in January.
Watch for further announcements.
For more information,
contact Victoria Hansen at
719.640.3046 or
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
16
ADULT FAITH FORMATION HOUR OFFERINGS
FCUCC December 2014
What's Happening at the Forum in December
by Howard Ray
[email protected]
To access the Forum schedule, use the FCC web site www.fcucc.org:
select Faith Formation, Adult, then select Forum.
7 Dec: Anthony Surage - Looking at the Spiritual Edges Below the Surface of Our Lives.
Anthony has been a public educator for the past 31 years and a fly fishing guide for the past 25. While he
doesn't have any formal training in theology, Anthony deeply contemplates spiritual issues and the human
experience. He tries to ask some of the difficult existential questions of life. Come hear Anthony weave themes
from fly fishing, story, poetry, and the Christian faith (and perhaps a recollection about spending time with
Pastor Emeritus Jim White). He will speak to us about the spiritual edges found outdoors. Forum attendees can
gain new insights with a different perspective from Anthony.
14 Dec: Steve Alsum & Mitch Liester - Distinguishing Visions from Hallucinations.
For centuries, all "unshared sensory experiences" (you are the only one who sees, feels, hears, etc.) were
diagnosed as hallucinations in the medical community. People were either called "nuts", given the silent treatment, or both. With the recent growing awareness in the media of near death experiences, it is becoming
apparent that these are distinct events. "Seeing deceased loved ones as one nears death is very different than
seeing cockroaches large enough to saddle." Dr. Liester and Rev. Steve Alsum have presented together at
medical schools and conferences around the country. Steve (Master of Divinity) is a member of our
congregation who followed twenty-five years as a pastor with becoming a chaplain on the Spiritual Care
Team at Pikes Peaks Hospice (also on staff at Center Life, a holistic education counseling and spiritual direction
center in Colorado Springs). He also trains chaplains in our region. Mitch is a local psychiatrist who has
published numerous articles on various topics to include inner voices, near death experiences, the mind-body
relationship to cancer, visions, and treatments for addictions using Ayahuasca. His work emphasizes the
understanding of consciousness as it is expressed in its myriad states. Together they lecture and research on a
variety of related topics. Let's listen to their intriguing ideas and stories and welcome them back to the Forum.
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.
Sundays in Advent: Adult Faith Formation Hour Offerings I & II
Adult Faith Formation I in the Gregg Library (upstairs)—Facilitated by Rev. Crystal Karr
“Advent Reflections from Season of Glad Songs.” Following up on the contemplative retreat with Fr. David
Denny and Tessa Bielecki, Rev. Crystal Karr will present selections from Denny and Bielecki’s most recent book
Season of Glad Songs: A Christmas Anthology. This class will explore insights for creating a contemplative
Advent experience and provide space for personal reflection and quiet.
Adult Faith Formation II in the Atrium—Facilitated by Beth Garrison-Kemp
“Parent’s Advent Craft Spectacular!” We know Advent can be a crazy time for families. To bring a little
structure and fun to the table, Beth Garrison-Kemp will be leading an informal craft and activity time in the
Atrium during the Faith Formation Hour. Come and go as you please, have fun creating something to take home
with you to help your family embrace the Advent season, and learn something new!
17
DECEMBER 2014 WORSHIP CALENDAR
FCUCC December 2014
Sunday Morning Schedule
Worship at 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Faith Formation Hour classes for all ages at 9:45 a.m.
(December 28 – One service at 9:30 a.m. and No Faith Formation Hour)
December 7 – 2nd Sunday in Advent: – Multi-Generational Worship
Today we celebrate Holy Communion at both services and Rev. Broadbent preaches a multi-generational
sermon on “Peace.” The Joyful Noise Children's Choir sings and rings handbells and handchimes at 8:30;
the Chancel Choir presents "And the Glory of the Lord" from Handel's Messiah at 11.
December 14 – 3rd Sunday in Advent / “Gaudete” (Joy) Sunday
Rev. Broadbent preaches on “Joy.” Brooke Bell shares liturgical dance to original music by Lyn
Boudreau. Liturgical Dance will be shared at both services and Lee Lehmkuhl shares "Every Valley Shall
Be Exalted" from Handel's Messiah, and the Chancel Choir sings "Gaudete" by Stephen Hatfield, featuring
soloist Russ Ware.
December 21 – 4th Sunday in Advent
The Bells of Saint Vrain Handbell Ensemble share special music at both services and Rev. Jacque
Franklin preaches on “Love.”
December 21 at 4 p.m. - The 103rd Mystery Pageant in the Sanctuary
Come discover who will be Mary and Joseph. Come see the Angel Choir, the
Shepherds and the cherub-children. Come and deepen into the Mystery.
December 24 – Christmas Eve
3 p.m. Child-Friendly Service of Lessons & Carols –
Children present Victor C. Johnson's arrangement of "African Noel."
5 p.m. Service of Lessons & Carols – Rev. Broadbent preaches;
Phyllis White and Scott Christiansen share flute and piano duets.
7 p.m. Service of Lessons & Carols – Rev. Broadbent preaches;
the Chancel Choir sings Craig Courtney's “The Yearning.”
11 p.m. Candlelight-Communion – Rev. Franklin preaches.
December 28 – 1st Sunday after Christmas
The Flute Choir offers special music at 9:30 a.m. and Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Jerry Jordan preaches.
Coming in January…
Baptism of Christ Sunday, Epiphany, Annual Meeting Sunday, New Members Join
18
FCUCC December 2014
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
12/01
Jim Matson
12/01
Cate Roalstad
12/03
Trish Thornton
12/03
Karen Greco
12/03
William Tynan
12/04
Gretchen Howard
12/04
Erin Lloyd
12/05
Garrett Dawson
12/05
Eliot Laffely
12/05
Chloe Kemp
12/06
Linda Seyfert
12/06
Adam Freeman
12/07
Carol Emmer
12/07
Richard Hall
12/07
Carol Keenan
12/07
G.L. Scarborough
12/07
Jessica Cameron
12/07
Taitum Godwin
12/07
Olivia Godwin
12/08
James Mikaelian
12/09
Anthony Nelson
12/10
Jim Bramwell
12/10
JoAnne Henjum
12/10
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARI ES
12/12
Jack Barber
12/12
Zachary Taylor
12/12
Kate Hammond
12/13
Vanessa Hopkins
12/13
Pat Dolin
12/01
James and Patti White
12/13
Alexis Clere
12/05
12/14
Mike Matthews
Lauren & John
Mothersole
12/14
Michael Anderson
12/09
12/14
Drew Moore
Ruth Roland &
David Petersen
12/15
Don Drake
12/10
Christiaan & Wilma
Steenbergen
12/16
Jimmy Sue
Guggenhime
12/12
Kris & Ed Doerffel
12/16
Scott Smith
12/20
Elfriede & Frank Jopp
12/16 Nora Brachtenbach
12/22
Lynn & Ben Young
12/16
Eli Wright
12/28
12/18
Mary Jane Ray
Nancy Henjum &
Steve Kern
12/18
Mindy Matthes
12/29
Casey & Rock Welch
12/18 Samantha Stearns
12/25
Harper Pfender
12/19
Dennis McGuire
12/26
Karen Kirouac
12/20
Brooke Brown
12/26
Zach DeBacker
12/21
Nancy Briley
12/27
Anna Adams
12/21
Steve Alsum
12/27
Karen Jan Knabe
12/21
Logan Bennett
12/27
Carrol Loveless
12/22
Lee Tatum
12/28
Karen Jones
12/22
Victoria May
12/28
Zachary Kelly
12/22
Aiden Eslinger
12/28
McKenzie Kelly
12/23
Virginia Kane
12/28
Camellia Almeida
12/23
Erma Chappell
Terry Henderson
12/29
Lorelei Vollmar
12/23
Suzy Taggert
12/10
Lea Qualls
12/29
Jeanie McConnell
12/23
Emma Keating
12/11
Andy Kort
12/29
Brian Hofflander
12/24
Drew Getty
12/11
Phil Tate
12/30
Ann Benson
12/24
Julia Getty
12/11
John Boles
12/30
Trig Bundgaard
12/23
Sydney Sandberg
12/30
Tori Anderson
19
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 December 2014
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: [email protected]
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
David Kopp
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
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)
20
FCUCC December 2014
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 January issue is Monday, December 15, 2014
This is in the middle of the Christmas season,
so, please plan AHEAD and be ON TIME or early. Thanks!
Please send articles to: [email protected] AND copy to
Ardith at [email protected] AND
Pete at [email protected]
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
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.

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