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Over Presidents' Weekend, our high school students, along with Annex students serving on Work Crew, traveled to Crooked Creek Ranch for High Altitude Camp. Gathering with over 400 other students from across the state, the Holy Spirit provided miraculous spiritual breakthroughs for our students and leaders. Have you ever wondered what camp with 400 high school students looks like? Enjoy this short video created by an Annex student.
At Session’s Feb 9 meeting, your elders approved Dave Pommer and Lindsay Waymire to begin the process of discernment as ordination candidates in our ECO denomination. Kelsey Walega will be coming to Session for the same approval at our Mar 9 Session meeting. You can learn more about their ordination journey here. As always updates from Session are posted on the Session in Review page on our website approximately one month after each meeting.
Business Office
The Grace Commons Administration and Operations team, aka the Business Office, continues to revamp and rework using best practices and new team members. Our team consists of:
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Your PartTime Controller (YPTC), an outside vendor with whom we have been contracting services to improve and automate our accounting and financial processes
- Cristina Parcells, our part-time Accounting Manager
- Pam Eichelberger, our part-time Bookkeeper
- Larry Drees, our Director of Administration and Operations
Pastor Search
Our Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) has been hard at work this month editing the Pastoral Opportunity Profile. You will be able to read it on our website in mid-to-late March. Over the next two to three months, Rob Lauer of Agora Search Group will be engaging with prospective candidates as potential pastors emerge through the process. Our PNC will be communicating their progress each month directly with you starting in March.
Boulder Vision Project
As I reported last month, on Sun, Mar 19 we will hold an open forum to present the congregation with the most up-to-date plan for 1603 Walnut Street (aka the Annex) and answer your questions. If tax credit financing is approved by CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority) and other milestones are met, we anticipate a second forum in early May to provide the most recent updates. On Sun, June 4, we plan to hold our Annual Congregational Meeting to elect new officers, at which time, assuming the project meets the Trustees’ financial parameters, we will hold a congregational vote to encumber the Annex property.
Stewardship Update
Next week you should receive our annual stewardship letter as we prepare for Ministry Year 24 (MY24) which begins July 1, 2023. Prayerfully consider your response as everyone is needed. Inspired by Nehemiah’s call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, we are each called to build God’s Kingdom in Boulder County and beyond. If you do not receive a stewardship letter, pick up a copy at the Welcome Desk on a Sunday morning in March.
Looking Ahead
This is a really exciting time to be part of the Grace Commons leadership team of Trustees, Elders and Deacons. We are currently seeking nominations for each of our boards. You can nominate yourself or another covenant partner to serve by using the form found on our website.
You will want to participate in one or all five of our Sabbath Gatherings, happening each Thursday in March, 5:30pm in Oerter Hall. Enjoy a leisurely time of food and fellowship with others. Families are welcome and encouraged to attend—we have plenty of high chairs available! You can RSVP for a meal and learn more at Sabbath Meals.
On Fri, Mar 31, 7pm in the Chapel, reflect on the season during a Lenten Concert. Featuring an ensemble of Grace Commons vocalists and instrumentalists and supporting musicians, they will perform works by Vivaldi, Telemann, Bach and Haydn. A reception will follow in the Parlor.
Holy Week is an important seven days in the Christian Church. Worship happening during Holy Week is listed below:
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Palm Sunday, Apr 2, 9:30am
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Maundy Thursday, Apr 6, 5:30pm in the Atrium: Family Meal, Worship & Communion
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Good Friday, Apr 7, 7pm
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Easter Sunday, Apr 9: 9 & 11am Worship including 10am Celebration & Easter Egg Hunt
As you experience God’s love through worship and community, share it with others during this Lenten Season.
Warmly in Christ,
Randy Bare
Transitional Pastor
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