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Grace Commons Staff News
Our beloved staff member, Libby Brown, is retiring at the end of this month. I am appreciative, as I am sure you are, for the many ways Libby has served our well-seasoned community through the Roots Ministry over the last 15 years. Libby shares her gratitude to the congregation through this letter. Join us for worship Jan 8 as we celebrate Libby and her ministry with us. Going forward, Pastor Rich Bledsoe will oversee a host of volunteers to continue the Roots ministry into the future.
Pastor Search
Our Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) held their first meeting in December. They are laying a foundation for their work through prayer and discovering more about their role in discerning who God has chosen to be our next Pastor/Head of Staff. Keep current on the work of the PNC through regular updates on our website.
Boulder Vision Project
Over the past year the Boulder Vision Project (BVP) has made significant progress while navigating a number of challenges. As you know, the project was conceived prior to the COVID pandemic and prior to the twin challenges of inflation and rises in interest rates. I am pleased to report that the core BVP vision is still on track. Our neighbors, the City of Boulder and other strategic partners are pleased and frankly surprised by our deep commitment to the community of Boulder. Encouraging support came last week when we learned that we will receive a $150,000 Worthy Cause Grant from Boulder County.
To remind you of past milestone achievements:
- One year ago we received approval from the Planning Commission of the City of Boulder.
- Soon after we entered into a development agreement with the City for Phase Two, the Annex project, and Phase Three, the Main Campus.
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In Jan 2022 we opened our new preschool, Pathways Learning Academy, as part of Phase One. Last month I gave a more detailed report on the status of the preschool.
BVP leadership has been hard at work with our development partners: Element Properties, Coburn Architects, Pinkard Construction (our general contractor) and other consultants to finish pre-construction work and refine the design for the Annex. In early February we will submit our application to CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority) for tax credit financing. Soon after we will schedule a congregational gathering to update you on the entire Boulder Vision Project and answer your questions.
We have been challenged during our 150th year to say yes to God’s heart for Boulder and beyond. As our ECO Synod Executive, Dana Allin, reminded us in his sermon last September, The Mission of God Has a Church. This Christmas, we are reminded of the heart of that mission. As Eugene Peterson translates John 1:14: The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.
May you know God’s richest blessings this Christmas.
Warmly in Christ,
Randy Bare
Transitional Pastor
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