Leap for Joy
Dear Friends,
Every year our congregation makes its plans for what’s next. Good things continue to go on. People are looking for signs of hope, and this is one of those places in the world where goodness is happening.
We depend on the generosity of the people of this parish to continue to be a place of joy in the midst of even difficult days and times. Across the 166 years of this congregation, we have been a lighthouse in Boulder. We have been—and we continue to strive to be—a place of light, a place of joy, a place of meaning, a place reminding all of God’s abundance, grace, and forgiveness surrounding us.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus encourages his followers to “leap for joy.” We are leaping for joyhere at First Church. At worship we leap for joy, with extraordinary music, vivid storytelling, and the testimony of people in the congregation who, through their words and lives, help us see a great light streaming in often dark places.
I leap for joy when I meet every week with the Illuminators, who are identifying the gifts, talents, dreams, and passions of people who live in the street. This week the city government of Bloomington, Indiana, reached out (a university city not unlike our own!) and asked about making a learning journey to learn from the Illuminators. This light, this leaping for joy, is being seen across the country.
Throughout October, you will be hearing from people in our parish about their vision of the leaping for joy around here, and their commitment to the financial support of this good place and our witness to our faith and life here in Boulder!
You will have in your hands a magazine, which is also available online (with video), telling stories of who we are and what we are up to as we leap for joy in and around Boulder!
Please prayerfully consider your gift to First Church in this next year as we leap for joy together!
Keep tellin’ the Story,
Learn more about why we leap for joy directly from members of First Church:
THE JOY OF REVITALIZATION
First Church is a place where weplan wisely for the future
THE 50-YEAR FIX
For the past 166 years, First Church has been a spiritual home for the community of Boulder. Our trustees have been hard at work to get our space ready for the next 166 years of ministry with the “50-Year Fix” – designed to provide maintenance and upgrades to our building so that major repairs aren’t needed for another 50 years!
This year, we took a big step forward on this journey:
- New roof installed—preparing for solar panels and long-term sustainability
- Boiler repairs and other essential maintenance to keep our facilities safe, warm, and welcoming
- Modernizing and expanding patio stairs—making ourlawn more open and accessible
A COMMUNITY LANDMARK WHERE ALL CAN GATHER
This year, we also opened our building to the wider community in a whole new way. Two beautiful murals, created by local artists, now grace our building—celebrating creativity, diversity, and the spirit of welcome.
Thanks to this collaboration:
- We’re part of the Downtown Boulder Mural Tour, bringing new attention to our historic space
- We’ve built bridges with artists, neighbors, and visitors
- We’re affirming that sacred spaces belong not just tocongregations, but to the whole community
THE JOY OF COMMUNITY
First Church is a place of gatherings.
At First Church, we know that sharing a meal is holy work.
Our Illuminators and Animador embody this by gathering folks who are housed and unhoused around shared tables—where stories are told, friendships are formed, and we fall in love with each other.
Potluck dinners organized by members help us move beyond Sunday small talk and into deeper relationship. On Sunday mornings, our coffee cart in the narthex invites people to slow down, sip something warm, and connect before entering worship.
When we share meals as part of our worship, we get to know the people sitting next to us in the pews—often through a bite of someone’s favorite dish.
Artists welcome – visual and musical, bringing creativity, storytelling, and reflection through concerts, murals, and special events
Community gatherings – film festivals, concerts, and public events that invite neighbors, seekers, and strangers into shared joy and beauty
Spruce Street Angels – caring with compassion: meals, rides, visits, and support in times of need
Scholarships – helping the next generation continue their education across the globe
This is church—together with our whole community.
THE JOY OF MULTI GENERATIONS
First Church is a place of generations coming together.
WEAVING GENERATIONS, ONE TABLE AT A TIME
Lexi Fortna, our Weaver of Generations, builds relationships in meaningful ways—often around the dinner table. Over the past year, she has visited families, shared meals, listened deeply, and honored the sacred rhythms of everyday life.
In these moments, Lexi highlights the quiet ways the Spirit is at work in children, youth, and parents—reminding us that God meets us wherever we are, not just in a pew on Sunday.
This is ministry grounded in presence, connection, and grace.
WORSHIPPING TOGETHER
One of the most beautiful parts of our congregation is how all generations come together in worship—speaking, singing, serving communion, and sharing their gifts. Children, youth, adults, and elders each bring unique voices that make worship rich and relational.
These moments are more than roles—they form faith, pass on traditions, and remind us that everyone belongs in God’s story.
This intergenerational connection strengthens our church today and sustains it for generations to come.
THE JOY OF WORSHIP ARTS
First Church is a place where art and worship intersect.
THE ART OF WORSHIP
In our congregation, worship is more than words—it’s an experience of beauty, creativity, and connection. Each week, artists lead us into sacred space with their gifts in music, images, and movement.
At the heart of this ministry is our Director of Worship Arts, Charlotte Warren Sass, whose vision shapes worship that is rooted in tradition and alive with imagination. She is joined by our accompanist, Zerek Dodson, our Chancel Choir, and many local artists who bring worship to life.
Here, art becomes devotion—an expression of our gratitude, longing, and hope as a community of faith.
UPGRADING OUR SANCTUARY
First Church hosts concerts, film festivals, and community events, filling our space with music, movement, and meaning. To support artists in and beyond our congregation, we are investing in key AV upgrades that will provide:
- Better lighting and sound
- Stronger live streaming, so more people can join from anywhere
- Improved support for community partners who share their gifts in our space
WORSHIP THROUGH STORY & SONG
On 5th Sundays, we’re trying a new kind of worship—blending story and song in creative ways. These services lift up voices and music from the Boulder community, where worship meets storytelling and the Spirit speaks in fresh, surprising ways.
THE JOY AROUND US
First Church is a place where we share our joy.
LEARNING TOGETHER
Learning happens everywhere—around tables, in cabins, and on Boulder’s streets.
This year we welcomed Theologians-in-Residence, who shared wisdom from our mountain retreat. Our Illuminators and Animador lifted up the gifts of unhoused neighbors, connecting them with community.
And one member launched a home study of the Beatitudes, gathering people for food, scripture, and conversation on Jesus’ vision of justice and compassion.
WORKING TOGETHER
Our committees and lay leaders are at the heart of First Church, guiding and serving with love.
This year, Church Council hosted a joyful meal to honor the many hands that keep our church strong. The Staff-Parish Relations Committee supported our staff by hiring a new bookkeeper and building manager—important steps in caring for our resources and facilities.
Through it all, our lay leaders ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, living out our commitment to respect, shared leadership, and deep listening.
At First Church, we are growing something lasting.
- We’re repairing and reimagining our historic building.
- We’re creating space for worship that is vibrant, artistic, and inclusive.
- We’re building community throughout our city.
All of this is only possible through the generosity of our community. As you prayerfully consider your giving for 2026, we invite you to reflect on the impact we are making together and how you can contribute now and throughout the next year. We can’t wait to see what we’ll build together next.
Church Office: office@fumcboulder.org or 303.442.3770