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We have had a wonderful and exciting start to our ministry year. University Ministry at Grace Commons celebrated 125 years of history in our midst, Student Ministry (middle school and high school students) is off and running on Tuesday nights, and in partnership with the Center for Humanities & the Arts at the University of Colorado, we hosted a dynamic evening of conversation titled Difficult Dialogues.
The highlight of the month happened on Sept 10 when we voted to formalize the call of our next Pastor, Rev. Anthony Ceder. The vote was unanimous after a Spirit-filled worship service. The day was capped off with our annual Party in the Parking Lot. God is on the move, and we are excited for what is to come.
Before we formally welcome the Ceder family, I want to take a moment to thank our staff who have worked diligently and collaboratively to keep the home fires burning and ministry moving during these years of transition. Their faithfulness has been a gift to us all. We can expect Anthony and his family to join us the first week of November. At that time Anthony will start to establish office hours while also helping his children to transition to school and life in Boulder. He will preach on November 12 and 26, continuing our sermon series, Journey with Jesus. As we have learned, the whole family of God is needed to keep ministry and mission going in Boulder County. We are thrilled to have Anthony come be a part of it.
Our finances continue to be an area of needed growth. We have 71% of our pledge budget for this ministry year, but that does not mean that we have 71% of the budget. Our pledge budget (the portion of our overall budget that we anticipate receiving through pledges) makes up 75% of our total budget. We have historically received 25% of our budget through unpledged giving. Both pledged and unpledged giving combine to make up our annual budget. At the current pledged amount the pledging shortfall will be $625K. Ministry and mission in Boulder County is depending on our partnership together—to make a way for the building to stay open and available for ministry use and for our departments to engage our community in meaningful ministry. God calls us to steward well our time, talents and finances. If you haven’t already, please consider partnering with us financially as well as with your time and talents.
Here are a few things to look forward to as outreach and discipleship opportunities:
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Men’s Life begins on Oct 17 at 6am, providing men an opportunity for community and discipleship.
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Sewing Circle Fall Bazaar on Oct 21 & 22 with proceeds supporting missions through the sale of handmade items.
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Trunk-or-Treat on Oct 28 from 4-6pm is a great opportunity to meet families from the local community, sharing sweet treats and “spooky” fun.
We have distributed the last of our financial gifts contributed in response to the Marshall Fire. A total of $258,000 was generously donated by 450 individuals, churches and other organizations. Due to the faithful work of the Marshall Fire Task Force and the Deacons, we were able to give gifts in the form of checks, gift cards, supply baskets and bags, and meals to 100s of families and individuals impacted by the fire. For a fuller reporting of all of the work of the Deacons and Marshall Fire Task Force you can read more here. Thank you for your generosity to this community. Thank you also to the Marshall Fire Task Force for their diligence and care in distributing the funds and extending compassion to those impacted by the fire.
I look forward to worshiping with you as we continue our Journey with Jesus. It is a privilege to join with you in ministry and mission to Boulder County.
Warmly,
Emily Crider
Pastor of Family Ministry
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