Who We Are

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First Presbyterian Church Boulder, Colorado

2010 Mission Study Report

Approved by Session May 11, 2010 with revisions made May 12, 2010

Contents page Foreward

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Section 1

Who We Are

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Section 2

Our Neighbors

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Section 3

What We Are Called To Be and To Do

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Appendices

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Foreword In November 2009, the Mission Study Committee was appointed by the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Boulder, Colorado, to discern God‘s vision for our church. The task given by session was to take the needed time to listen to God and the congregation. We were encouraged to slow down, think, pray, and vision together--as a committee and as a church. We have specifically sought to understand who we are as a church, whom we are being called to serve, and what God is calling us to be and to do. Our charge included both discerning our vision and putting it into writing. For over six months, the committee has prayed and met together weekly. We have had many individual conversations with congregation attendees and members, gathered hundreds of pages of written input, participated in numerous individual and group meetings, and sponsored church-wide prayer gatherings and congregational forums. Many of the strengths, weaknesses, and ways to move forward described in this report are the result of what we learned from our interactions with the First Pres family. We are deeply grateful to God for His abiding presence and help on this, the 2010 Mission Study Report In humility and prayer,

The Mission Study Committee Bill Kinnard Ashley Matthews Lou Moeller Pru Nagel Amy Pallas Debbi Tucker Dean Schulz Fred Westover Willie Knierim, Moderator Dr. Gary Stratman, Staff Resource

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Who We Are For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. Romans 12:3-6 [NRSV]

First Presbyterian Church (FPC) is a church of approximately 1900 members, located in the heart of Boulder, Colorado. Our church facilities are adjacent to the city‘s primary commercial district and four blocks from the University of Colorado‘s 25,000-student campus. Of our membership, 57 percent live within the city; the rest live in Boulder County and other surrounding counties. By most standards, we are considered an affluent church.

Our History First Presbyterian Church of Boulder was born of the extraordinary skills and passions of Reverend Sheldon Jackson in 1872. He was Superintendent of Missions for ―Western Iowa, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Idaho, Montana, Utah and All Regions Beyond‖—all territory in the Midwest and West from Canada to Mexico. In the decade of his superintendence, 34 Presbyterian congregations were established in the new state of Colorado through his indefatigable efforts. Through the balance of the 19th and into the 20th century, Presbyterianism in Colorado, including Boulder, grew in ―stature and favor with God and man.‖ This did not preclude the usual fits and starts or the growing pains attendant to establishing a ―decent and in order‖ culture in the fiercely individualized, independent West. The Boulder church experienced every possible shortcoming and only repentance and forgiveness affected renewal and restoration. Indeed, the 137-year history of First Presbyterian Church, Boulder, is the history of God‘s bestowing amazing grace on His people, in this place, during the time in which they were called to serve Him. The first 15 of 19 lead FPC pastors averaged tenures of four years. Short tenures made it difficult for long-term, deep-rooted, wide-ranging ministries to take hold. Remarkably, however, the church was able to establish regional outreach to miners and other needy, marginal people in Boulder County and beyond. Perhaps these successes built a strong tradition of missional activities initiated and led by congregational members.

After 1935, four pastors quadrupled the average ministerial tenure: John Sanders, 13 years; Ralph Evans, 11; Bob Oerter, 23; and Peter Barnes, 17. Formative decisions were

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made in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s as pastors, sessions, and congregations united in determining that First Presbyterian Church would be identified as a church which embraces the person and work of the risen Christ Jesus, commits to His Lordship, and proclaims the Good News of grace, salvation, and love. This aligned the church with the central core and essence of the Reformed Christian faith. The decisions made in these decades may seem ordinary today, but at the time they were made the vision of the church‘s main purpose had become secondary to other strong, attractive societal pressures. Making these decisions restored the main tenets of our faith to their rightful centrality and prompted a renewed emphasis on Biblical teaching, as well as preaching and prayer. From that time forward, FPC has reaffirmed and sought to live out this theological orientation and to reflect it in and through a missional focus. In the 1970s and 80s, the church ministry expanded in many areas, especially in adult classes, greater emphasis on youth programs, church choirs, and senior adults. During this time, the professional staff increased to accommodate the expanded programs. Physical facilities also were expanded in the early 1980s when the church acquired property on the southwest corner of 16th and Walnut Streets. Named the ―Annex,‖ the refurbished property answered the need for additional space to accommodate more classes, youth activities, and the Deacon‘s Closet ministry. In May of 1992, Dr. Peter Barnes was called to First Pres as senior pastor. Within seven years, the sanctuary, children‘s wing, atrium, and Oerter Hall were expanded and remodeled. Pastors, session, and the congregation embraced the vision articulated in the 2004 Ministry Master Plan. By 2002 or so, First Pres Boulder was at new heights of membership, enjoying a beautiful new renovated and expanded physical plant. The congregation was energized by remarkable youth leaders at the middle school, high school, and college levels; filled with busy young families; supported by gifted counseling and pastoral ministers; inspired by bright and passionate missions and spiritual formation associate pastors; uplifted by an outstanding music ministry; and led by an experienced senior pastor who guided the flock through Scripture every Sunday. Six years later, that same pastor‘s leadership was under attack, and he was on his way to resignation. Membership was down by 400 to 500 people, mostly through loss of many of those young families. A new building program had been proposed, then was cancelled because of insufficient financial support. The counseling ministry had been eliminated through budget cuts. Two directors of music had come and gone. An emergent worship service had been started, won a loyal following, and then was dropped, taking with it most of its members. Further decline in membership resulted from dissatisfactions with personnel decisions and how they were made. Middle and high school participation was down. A combination of these factors caused the previously booming ―contemporary service‖ at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings to become thinly attended.

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Young people felt marginalized. ―If you value us, why did you ignore our choice for music director and cancel our favorite service?‖ they asked. Mid-lifers lost confidence in church leadership (even when they were part of it) and fretted over finances. Parents of young children were distressed by the layoff of the Director of Early Childhood Education. Many people heard a more compelling message at a new, nondenominational church located a few miles outside Boulder‘s city limits. Communication was perceived to be breaking down, even as new technology opportunities for communication burgeoned. Many servants soldiered on. The church‘s service to the community was largely uninterrupted. Missionaries continued to be sent. The Word was preached. Some new ministries were formed and prospered. Adherence to core values and a powerful mission statement was affirmed, but dissension took voice and morale deteriorated. A few months after the resignation of the senior pastor in 2009, an interim senior pastor, Dr. Gary Stratman, arrived and provided a calming presence. An era of reexamination and transition began as the church sought its new identity, guided by Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

What We Believe In 2004, the leadership of First Pres Boulder wrote in the Ministry Master Plan the mission, vision, and core values statements that have been reaffirmed by subsequent sessions. They stand today as our foundational belief statements First Presbyterian Church, Boulder

Mission Statement Our purpose is to joyfully worship a wonderful, just and gracious God, help people grow as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the power of His Spirit, share the message of God’s love throughout the world.

Vision Statement We believe God is calling us to be a loving community of believers in Jesus Christ, which seeks to transform lives and shine as a beacon of hope in Boulder County and the world by:

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   

Praising God through heartfelt worship that leads believers and seekers to a personal encounter with Him;. Connecting people with one another to provide a place of belonging, friendship, and service; Growing in Christ through meaningful study and faithful prayer; and Reaching out to others with energy, compassion, and the message of Christ’s love for all who hunger and thirst in body, mind, or spirit.

Core Values Christ centered Biblically faithful Outreach and service Prayer Community Grace During 2008, a vision team comprised of staff and lay leaders summarized the 2004 vision statement in this proclamation:

Growing as a Family of Grace The 2008 statement was subsequently expressed in a visual representation.

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The visual expression of God‘s work in our midst and a sermon series on the implications of the vision helped start the necessary process of healing following the resignation of our senior pastor in 2009. It also encouraged the congregation to refocus on new plans for our church‘s future. Prominently displayed on church materials, our vision continues to remind us of our hope to be a grace-filled family serving God.

Our Strengths Every member of First Pres has his/her unique reasons for belonging to our church, but some reasons are expressed often and by many members as strengths of our church body. Unity of Beliefs. United by our mission, core values, and vision statements, we at First Pres enjoy a high degree of agreement on being a church that is Christ centered, biblically faithful, and missional while growing as a family of grace. We value Christ-based relationships with each other and with the community. Dedicated, Creative Congregation and Staff. Members of our congregation and staff are dedicated and creative, providing a diverse set of spiritual gifts and passions. We have a significant number of deeply devoted and gifted people in our church family; many people stay in our church because they are inspired and encouraged by these exceptional people. We feel most alive when we are involved in following Christ through church ministries. Our equipping ministries prepare us to go forward in a partnership with Christ to serve others in need. As the body of Christ, our goal is to encourage and equip every member of the congregation to serve, then to provide them with opportunities to do so. Numerous and Wide-ranging Ministries. First Presbyterian Church serves Christ through a wide range of ministries both locally and globally. A recent count identified 174 ministries. We have a deep and abiding missions focus through which we support 49 missionaries in the field through three active mission committees. We are also known as a ―sending church,‖ having provided financial and spiritual support over the past 20 years for 24 seminarians who completed seminary and were ordained. We are currently providing seminary support for five men and women. Within and beyond our church, we are particularly known for our middle school, high school, and university youth ministries. We are also recognized in the Boulder community for our service to the homeless through the Deacon‘s Closet and Lamb‘s Lunch in which we work with people from other churches and organizations. Our quality music ministry serves the community as well as our own congregation. We maintain an active senior adult ministry. During this transitional period, new ministries have emerged, as we seek more ways to serve Christ and meet the needs of our congregation and the community around us. Over the last two years, the following new ministries, all lay led, have taken root:

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Biblical Mentoring and Discipleship (men) Discovery and Spiritual Gifts Coaching Course Presbyterian Foundation Health Ministry and Parish Nurse Relational Intentional Neighborhood Groups (RINGS) Stories (women) Global Strategies in Liberia for the Prevention of HIV/AIDS For a complete listing of our ministries, refer to the Encyclopedia of Opportunities on the FPC Web site (www.fpcboulder.org). Active Small Groups. Small groups are a growing presence at FPC. We gather together to study the Word, share our thoughts and burdens, pray, and socialize. Through small groups, we hope to become more open, honest, and transparent as we continue to grow in Christ. Traditional Worship Services. We at First Pres consider worship to be central to who we are as followers of Jesus Christ and to who we are as a church. First Pres provides traditional worship service Sunday at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m., both of which are faithfully attended and embraced by stable congregations. We believe worshipping God is essential to spiritual growth, and we seek to have God be the audience for our worship. We worship through praise, prayer, confession, receiving forgiveness, hearing the Word, and being commissioned. We praise God and humble ourselves before Him through our music, sermons, Lord‘s Supper celebrations, and Baptisms on Sunday mornings. Special events provide other opportunities for worshipping God. These include the Glory of Christmas concerts and Christmas Eve, Lent, and Holy Week services. Easter services are held in an auditorium on the University of Colorado campus. We have special services for families and children during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Well-used Physical Facilities. The physical facilities of the church serve a broad range of ministries, gatherings, and fellowship activities. In addition to serving our own ministry needs, we make our facilities available to governmental and community groups beyond our congregation. Recently in our atrium, we established a Connections Center that serves as a hospitality center, providing information about church activities and ministries to both visitors and members. Partnerships. First Presbyterian Church partners with other churches and organizations in serving the homeless, sponsoring youth camps, mentoring in a local school, offering the Perspectives course, and supporting Habitat for Humanity. Fiscal Responsibility. As a result of having to cancel the Phase Two building plan and lay off staff, FPC renewed its commitment to transparency and accountability in our finances. We live within our budget and are held accountable by session. The budget, expenses, and receipts are tracked monthly, and the church‘s financial status is

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communicated frequently to the congregation. We maintain capital reserves to enhance and further our ability to serve Christ. Active Relationship with the Denomination. First Presbyterian Church has a positive relationship with the Presbytery of Peaks and Plains. As the largest congregation in the presbytery, we provide the greatest per capita contribution and are supportive of the Presbytery in many ways, including participation on major committees. Although we tend toward more conservative values than some congregations in the PCUSA, we keep abreast of the issues debated in the General Assembly and press for adherence to traditional Presbyterian beliefs and practices. FPC is part of larger groups sharing similar beliefs, including Presbyterians for Renewal and Presbyterian Global Fellowship. First Pres has a strong foundation of beliefs, traditions, and programs. Members and newcomers sense the dedication and faith of the people who came before us and built First Pres into a healthy church body. Through those generations and continuing today was and is the understanding that our strengths come from the Lord and that without Him we will not prosper.

Our Weaknesses While we feel blessed by the strengths of First Pres, we recognize that we fall short of our goals and possibilities to serve our Lord. As we name our weaknesses, we realize that they are challenges to be met. Difficulty Living Out Our Vision. Although our vision is ―Growing as a Family of Grace,‖ we do not always live out this vision. Neither laity nor staff has a clear, concise strategy for implementing the vision. Proud, Elitist Attitude. As a church and as individual members, we sometimes project an attitude of pride and perfection rather than humility and dependence on God. We are accustomed to being seen as a successful church, and we are troubled that some of our members have left to join other churches. We sometimes have unrealistically high expectations for each other, our staff, and lay leaders. When disagreements arise, instead of embracing healthy conflict, some of us show a critical spirit, an us/them attitude, and a lack of grace. We do not have a process or culture that encourages positive change. Insufficient Transparency and Authenticity. We have a pressing need for greater transparency and authenticity. We have a hard time being vulnerable with one another, letting go of our ―successful‖ image, relinquishing our personal agendas, admitting our faults to one another, and asking for forgiveness when needed. Many believe that these failures result from our church body not being sufficiently engaged in spiritual conversation. We are working on better use of the many spiritual gifts and passions of both the staff and congregation through more effective collaboration.

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Inadequate Inclusion. Although progress has been made recently in developing a better sense of community within our congregation, more needs to be done. Our small groups, young families, youth, college students, singles, and older senior members still live in subgroups within our church with too little connection to each other. Newcomers, and even some long-term members, do not feel a part of First Pres and consider us to be a church of cliques with a ―country club‖ feel. Some express the sense of being marginalized; these groups include persons who are single, married without children, home-bound, and elderly. Similarly people who are living below the poverty level, those more politically and theologically liberal, individuals hurting emotionally, and others dealing with special needs do not always feel included at First Pres. Declining Membership and Attendance. First Pres is experiencing a significant decline in attendance particularly in the under-45 age group. This group is our church‘s future, and we need to recognize that they are diverse in gifts and needs. The Walk, the ministry which serves those in their 20s and 30s, has had limited success in serving some of these young people. Many families are looking for a vibrant leader who ministers to their concerns. No Vibrant Alternative To Traditional Worship Service. We no longer have an alternative worship service that is vibrant and welcoming. A need exists for such a service, as evidenced by the loss of membership when North, First Pres‘ emergent service, was cancelled. The contemporary worship service offered at 11:00 on Sundays has lost momentum, and its attendance has dropped significantly in recent years. The need for an alternative to our 8:00 and 9:30 Sunday traditional services is voiced by a wide range of current members of varying ages. Lack of Consistent Corporate Prayer. As a church body, we do not often gather for corporate prayer to seek God‘s guidance for us. Prayer is not widely taught, consistently communicated, nor effectively modeled. Although there are a number of active e-mail prayer groups, there are only a few groups that come together solely for the purpose of prayer. This is a vital need, as we know that only through prayer and the Holy Spirit‘s guidance can we ascertain how God wants to lead us forward as a congregation. Failure to Integrate University Ministry Attendees. Although First Presbyterian Church treasures its University Ministry program in many ways, few of the students who attend University Ministries are integrated into other activities of the church. For instance, only ten percent of the university students who participate in the Annex program on Tuesday evenings attend First Pres on Sundays. Even those university students who help with middle and high school ministries on Wednesdays do not attend worship on Sundays. A number of college students have said that with a few changes to our 11:00 service and a more welcoming attitude, they would worship with us on Sunday rather that at churches much farther away from the university area where they live. Ineffective Communication. Communication needs to be improved among staff members and departments, as well as within the congregation and with communities beyond the church. Improvement is needed in both technological and person-to-person

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communication. These issues have been discussed repeatedly by staff and laity over many years, but commitment to implement changes has been tepid. While the updating of technology to enhance ministries and reach out to the community has been slow, it is now underway. As we upgrade our communication technology, we need to resist letting technology replace social interaction. Inadequate Response to Secular Culture Challenges. We are faced with a culture that does not know God, believes truth is relative, and emphasizes self-gratification and humanistic self-help. The message of sin is unpopular. Many people today are unwilling to recognize Jesus as the Son of God whose resurrection is the foundation for our personal hope as well as the fulcrum for mission to a world in need of His hope. We fail to communicate our faith in the broader society. Although we are committed to national and global missions and support our missionaries generously, many of us are unable or unwilling to be personally involved in sharing the gospel as part of our daily lives. We recognize that our church needs to equip every believer to comfortably share the Good News of salvation in our troubled world.

So who are we at First Pres, Boulder? We are part of the body of Christ, united in our beliefs and grateful for our strengths, while recognizing that we fall short of responding to the many opportunities we have to serve Jesus Christ. There is a hunger for renewal among us as we look toward the future. We pray for the Holy Spirit to move among us, transforming us as individuals and as a church so that we might serve Him more fully than we have in recent years. As we move into the next era of First Pres, we seek first the leading of our Lord to help maintain our strengths while we press forward in addressing our weaknesses.

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Our Neighbors On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor; but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 [NIV] . . . so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31 [NRSV]

Although located in the heart of Boulder, First Presbyterian Church serves a much greater geographic area with members and attendees residing throughout the 751 square miles of Boulder County and even surrounding counties. The city of Boulder, however, is the governmental, commercial, and cultural center of the area served by First Pres and influences most of the people in our congregation.

Boulder City and County: Charms and Challenges Boulder ranks very high in national surveys as a desirable place to live, as reflected in a recent Boulder Daily Camera article. Top 10 reasons Boulder made top 10 lists this decade. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Fittest, healthiest best for athletes: 14 rankings Greenest: 10 rankings Best place to retire: 10 rankings Friendly to the arts: 8 rankings Bike-friendly: 8 rankings Best place to live: 6 rankings Smartest: 3 rankings Vegetarian friendly: 3 rankings Friendly to singles: 3 rankings Best destination: 2 rankings ―Boulder Basks in Perennial Top 10-ness,‖ Boulder Daily Camera, December 20, 2009

Boulder County is ranked in the top 50 affluent counties in the country, and many of the small towns in Boulder County achieve high rankings for desirable smaller communities.

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Physical Beauty and Climate. Much of Boulder‘s attraction is the geographic beauty of the area, with spectacular foothills on Boulder‘s west side and expansive plains to its east. Beautiful vistas as well as rock outcroppings and evergreen trees create remarkable public, commercial, and residential properties. To protect its beauty, Boulder city government decades ago enforced strict building codes to prevent building in areas designated as ―green belt.‖ A relatively mild four-season climate further contributes to Boulder‘s attractiveness. However, with every charm comes challenge. While physical geography and climate attract many people to the Boulder area, not all are able to afford the cost of living that has resulted from strict building codes. This has created an underclass in Boulder who are homeless or live in the few government-subsidized or private low-income housing areas. Homeless people who do not gravitate to the community-provided shelter in downtown Boulder often spend their nights in parks near First Pres. Many low or lower middle-income Boulder workers live outside the county in smaller plains communities, such as Lafayette or Louisville, or mountain communities, such as Nederland and Jamestown. Racially Homogeneous Population but Diverse Culture. Although Boulder considers itself to be culturally diverse and extols the virtues of diversity and openness to all races and economic classes, it is in reality dominantly a middle- to upper-income white community. The largest minority population is Latino, which remains largely isolated from the broader community. Without natural racial and cultural intersections, the people of Boulder, including First Pres members, have to be inventive and intentional in reaching out to others in our community who differ racially, culturally, or economically. Physically-fit Citizenry. The geographic terrain and mild climate of the Boulder area draw many world-class athletes, runners, cyclists, tri-athletes, and extreme sports enthusiasts. Even more remarkable is the commitment of a large percentage of Boulder‘s population to personal physical fitness. The annual Bolder Boulder is one of the nation‘s largest professional-citizen 10K foot races. Running, biking, hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and camping are highly popular. In addition, youth sports, such as football, basketball, soccer, and tennis, are part of most families‘ lives. While physical fitness is a positive attribute of a population, it creates particular challenges for Christian ministry. For many Boulder residents, spiritual longings are eclipsed by personal dedication to sports. Youth sports compete with First Pres activities, particularly Sunday morning worship services. Attendance at professional and university sporting events consume residents‘ time and resources. Career Opportunities. Along with physical beauty, the Boulder area attracts people to its career opportunities. The University of Colorado, the area‘s largest employer, includes nationally-recognized academic departments, some of which boast Nobel

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laureates. A collection of major government and scientific institutions draw highlyeducated experts to Boulder. Entrepreneurs have engendered many local start-up companies, some having national prominence. Multi-national corporations (particularly medical, software, and electronics) have a presence in or near Boulder. High-paying jobs and lucrative businesses have created an affluent general population in the city. However, the draw of many ―new economy‖ jobs, with their ebb and flow, create a substantial and continual population turnover in Boulder. The affluence also creates the need for support and service industry workers, but the salaries paid for those jobs do not match the high-cost of living in the city. As a result, many families live outside Boulder city limits in county communities whose cost of living is also rising. The distance 43 percent of First Pres‘ members must travel to attend First Pres, has become an increasing impediment to their attendance, especially in periods of high fuel costs. This is particularly a problem for young families who in the past have been attracted to the Christian education and youth activities of First Pres. Value on Education and the Arts. Stimulated by the University of Colorado‘s academic atmosphere and community offerings, Boulder residents and the Boulder Valley School District place a high value on education and support generally outstanding public schools. An active arts community flourishes in the Boulder area, with a widerange of music, dance, drama, and visual arts opportunities available While the education and arts communities help populate our congregation with many talented people, the opportunities to engage in education and cultural activities also compete for time in First Pres members‘ calendars. There are also fringe elements in all the arts offerings that challenge Christian beliefs and practices, especially among our youth. Liberal Politics. Politics in the city of Boulder, and to a lesser extent in Boulder County, tend to be liberal. Boulder has been and is the home of numerous Democratic members of state and national legislative bodies. Considerable attention is paid to environmental concerns and to the protection of individual rights. Although Boulder‘s governmental and political leaders tend to take a hands-off approach to religious institutions, the political leanings of the community do not necessarily support the beliefs or ministries of evangelical churches. Religious Diversity. A tour around Boulder would include a number of mainline Christian churches, including First Pres. Churches represent a broad spectrum of beliefs, some less committed to Scripture, but others evangelical and orthodox. One of the most popular Boulder churches is Unity, which appeals to many people describing themselves as ―spiritual but not religious.‖ The Catholic community is large and includes most of the Latino population. Several parochial schools are supported by churches. In recent years, the growth of megachurches has happened primarily outside the city limits of Boulder. Flatirons Church in the community of Lafayette has grown to 11,000

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attendees in eight years. This and other non-denominational churches exert wide appeal to young singles and families. However, the most striking reality of religion in Boulder is its diversity beyond Christianity. A noticeable religious presence is Buddhism, with a Buddhist Temple located a few blocks from First Pres and several Buddhist retreat centers in the mountains west of town. Much Buddhist activity is supported by Naropa University with its Buddhist founder‘s philosophies woven throughout programs of study. In addition to Buddhism, Hindu influences can be seen in downtown stores that carry statues of Hindu gods and goddesses. Boulder has a small but active Jewish community and some Muslims, most of whom attend the University of Colorado. A wide range of eclectic and New Age religious beliefs are supported by various ―churches.‖ There are occult, Wicca, and other pagan groups, as well as an atheist club. Such persuasions are well represented in booths at community gatherings, such as the annual Boulder Creek Festival. Underlying Boulder‘s religious diversity is a mix of worldviews: naturalism, pantheism, and theism are each represented in our community. This diversity challenges evangelical Christian beliefs on a daily basis and makes us ever vigilant about the influences on our youth as well as ourselves. Boulder is considered desirable by most of its residents who take pride in its physical beauty, diverse cultures, and progressive government. Most of us are amused by the label ―The Peoples‘ Republic of Boulder,‖ which is often applied to us by other Colorado and national critics. Yet the celebrated acceptance of alternative beliefs and lifestyles poses real challenges for a church in the heart of Boulder seeking to live out biblical principles.

Our Geographic Neighbors, Near and Adjacent Boulder city and county is a multi-layered community with wide cultural, if not racial, diversity. Yet, it is still a series of neighborhoods. First Pres sits in the center of one geographic neighborhood, but its members live in a multitude of neighborhoods within the city limits and beyond Our Nearest Geographic Neighbors. Although First Pres has always been adjacent to the city‘s commercial center, in its early and mid history it was surrounded by middleclass family neighborhoods. Increasingly, single family homes have been replaced with apartment housing, both low- and middle-income, and very high-end condominiums. The immediate neighborhood around the church facilities could best be described as mixed—commercial and residential, low-income and high-income residential. Moving out concentrically from the church facilities and downtown commercial areas, neighborhoods include the University of Colorado campus and middle-income, single family dwelling areas with noticeable turnover of homeowners. There are also high-end,

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single family dwellings in well-established neighborhoods. Small commercial areas and churches are scattered throughout the city. Living in these neighborhoods are identifiable and labeled groups of people. While these groups have significant variation within themselves, they represent a cross-section of the Boulder population. A listing of neighbors physically closest to First Pres illustrates the diversity of our immediate surroundings. Neighbors Physically Close to FPC * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Singles living downtown and/or near CU Consumers attracted to the Pearl Street commercial area Boulder High School Business owners Wealthy loft owners/Yuppies University of Colorado Goss Grove and other student-oriented housing University/City Family Housing Communities Naropa University Homeless men and women HIV/AIDS patients—BCAP Homosexual community Whittier Elementary School Columbine Elementary School Buddhists Liquor Mart customers Shut-ins and elderly in nursing homes Spanish-speaking Latinos

Adjacent Neighbors. Beyond First Pres‘ neighbors who live within Boulder‘s city limits, lie the neighborhoods First Pres reaches through its members who are scattered throughout Boulder County and beyond. Although most people identify Boulder as the commercial and cultural center of the area, residents of smaller communities in the county (Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, Erie) increasingly identify themselves as residents of these communities and support their own commercial, educational, and religious institutions. The fact that almost half of First Pres‘ congregation commutes from beyond Boulder‘s city limits to the church is a testament to the church‘s message and programs. However, it is clear that commuting for 20 to 30 minutes to church worship and activities is becoming more burdensome to county residents. This, combined with the emergence of vibrant, fast-growing, non-denominational churches closer to their homes, is challenging the loyalty of these members to First Pres. It is also making it more difficult for First Pres to attract new members from outlying county areas.

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Our Distant Neighbors. In addition to local missions, First Pres Boulder has long supported multiple international agencies and missionaries, many sent from our congregation. First Pres considers the people supported through our mission endeavors to be our neighbors, albeit not our geographic neighbors.

Groups First Pres Currently Serves First Presbyterian Church identifies 174 distinct ministries, programs, and activities. Many people who are members of or attend First Pres are served by and participate in these activities. The groups described in this section are those commonly mentioned by congregants. However, we recognize that the size and vitality of groups vary considerably. Adults. First Pres reaches out to adults in a variety of activities: * * * * *

Worship services Sunday adult classes Young Adults—The Walk Men‘s Ministry—Men‘s Life, annual Men‘s Retreat, Career Networking Women‘s Ministry—The Well, Stories, Summer in the Shade, annual Women‘s Retreat * Seniors‘ Ministry—Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) * Elderly and Mobility-challenged Ministry–visitation, financial support to Special Transit, Senior Adult Ministry Children and Youth. Many parents choose to be active at First Pres because of the educational and relationship support for their children. * Preschool—nursery and preschool Sunday school classes; FPC Cooperative Preschool * Elementary—Sunday school classes, KidTrek Sunday School, KidzWorship, Base Camp, Music Camp, Treehouse Library * Middle school—Sunday school classes, Fishy, Snow Camp * High school—Sunday school classes, Club, Salt and Light choir, Snow Camp. Monday pizza University Students. A very strong college program, the Annex, draws hundreds of university students to First Pres on Tuesday evenings for worship service. A substantial number of Annex participants also participate in small, adult-led Core Groups and help with middle school and high school programs on Wednesday evenings. Each year some 30 college students from the Annex complete short-term mission trips through the Messenger program. Economically Disadvantaged. First Pres reaches out to both adults and children who are economically disadvantaged:

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Adults—Lamb‘s Lunch, Deacon‘s Closet, Thanksgiving Dinner, Habitat for Humanity Children—Kids‘ Hope, Columbine School Workdays

Developmentally Disabled Adults. For adults who are developmentally disabled or for whom living independently is challenging, First Pres has the Bridges Too program. Visitors to the Church. Visitors to the church who make their presence known are first welcomed with a gift and follow-up letter. Membership classes are offered throughout the year for visitors who are interested in joining First Pres. Other Presbyterian Churches. First Pres interacts with the other churches in our presbytery through active participation in presbytery activities. First Pres and individual members of the church take an active role in Highlands Camp located in the mountains west of Boulder. International Neighbors. First Pres has an active outreach to our international neighbors, both those in Boulder, many who attend the University of Colorado, and others in their home countries around the world. * Doorways (English as a second language classes taught weekly, spring/fall) * Agros and Trapachitos (coffee projects which provide microloans in Central America) * AIDS Africa (projects in Liberia and Kenya) * Short-term missions (New Orleans, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Christians in Palestine) * Compassion International (First Pres partners with Compassion to encourage families to foster children in developing countries) Tanzania Kids * Missionaries Engaging FPC members and attendees in active service is a goal of our church. While many people in the church give hours of personal service to various ministries, we know there are others who seldom participate beyond Sunday worship. Our prayer is that they will be called to existing ministries or new activities in the future.

Groups Currently Not Addressed by First Pres Although First Pres reaches many people through its activities, we know that there are groups who have needs we could help address but to whom we are not intentionally ministering. There are cross-over needs among these groups, but we will identify them by groups in this section. Young Adults. Despite our very successful university ministry, we have not been successful in maintaining a vibrant ministry to young adults, including, graduate students,

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and young professionals, both single and married. This is a population which is drawn to downtown Boulder for both jobs and entertainment, and yet we see few of them in our congregation. Singles. At one time First Pres had a very active singles ministry, but currently there isn‘t a flourishing singles program. Among this group are some of the young adults mentioned above, but it also includes somewhat older adults who are never married, divorced, and single parents. Parents of Children and Youth. Our children and youth programs are quite successful, with many parents involved. Still we serve large numbers of children and youth, from preschool through high school, whose parents do not participate in church activities. Parenting skills seminars may be one way to entice these parents to be more engaged in our youth activities. Programs for families with particular circumstances, such as singleparent and blended families, are needed but not currently offered. Persons with Religious or Spiritual Beliefs Different from Ours. Boulder has an exceptionally large population of persons who are completely unchurched, who are spiritual but not religious, and who belong to religions very different from ours. While we seem effective in reaching out to people who wish to know more about Christianity, we are not as comfortable at reaching out to unchurched people who come to the church for special events like weddings or funerals or to drop off their children for special activities. Nor are we good with seekers, people who classify themselves as spiritual-butnot-religious, or even with people who are unsatisfied members of other mainline churches. Given the Boulder culture in which we live, we need to consider our outreach to the people with whom we cross paths daily. Professional and Governmental Groups. Boulder is blessed with very well educated groups of people—university professors, scientists, ―techies,‖ government/political experts. While people from these professions are well represented in our congregation, we do not have specific ministries for these professional groups. Similarly, we are physically close to a successful business community and to many city and county government workers, but we do not extend special invitations to interact with them. We need to reach out to university staff, professors, and graduate students. Spanish-speaking Latino Community. We know there is a large adult Latino population in Boulder and Boulder County. We do not seek them out or develop opportunities to get to know them better. Special Interest Groups. Boulder area residents identify themselves with various secular groups—athletes, food enthusiasts, book readers, artists, musicians, volunteers. First Pres is filled with people sharing these interests, but we seldom create opportunities to intersect with the interests of these groups. Recognizing groups whom we are not serving offers us insight into how we can better reach out to our neighbors, near and far. The opportunities are many. While we can‘t do everything, we can recognize the common needs of people and seek to provide programs

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that not only meet those needs but also consider the realities of people‘s schedules and other obligations. In all our efforts, we can strive to be a blessing, not a burden or irritation, to those whom God would have us serve.

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What God Is Calling Us To Be and To Do

. . . You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. . .And you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39 [NRSV] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. . .teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 [NRSV]

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God; what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 [NRSV]

As we, the Mission Study Committee, approached the question ―What is God calling First Pres to be and to do?‖, we returned to the core values stated in the 2004 Ministry Master Plan. Christ Centered Biblically Faithful Outreach and Service Prayer Community Grace Our conversations with congregational members, our committee deliberations, and prayer have led us to reaffirm these core values and to use them as our foundation for thinking about First Pres today and in the future. We rejoice in knowing that the core values, rooted in the Reformed and evangelical traditions of the Church, are enduring. We are heartened by the ministries and activities that grew out of the 2004 Ministry Master Plan, some of which faltered but many of which have taken root. At the same time we recognize that changes in our church and our world since 2004 call for a new look at how to lean into those values in today‘s realities. In reassessing our core values today, we have considered how First Pres has attempted to live out each value in the past few years. Reflecting on the voices of congregants and the leading of our Lord, we first state what we believe each core value calls us to do today. Then we suggest some new steps that First Pres can take to help us more effectively

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demonstrate the core value in our church life. Neither the statements of what we are being called to do nor the new steps ideas are listed in an order of priority. That task will be the responsibility of session and individual ministries.

We Are Called To Be Centered on Jesus Christ I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. . . . If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. John 15:5-8 [NRSV] And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17 [NRSV] ―Jesus Christ is to be at the center of all church life at First Presbyterian Church of Boulder. Worship, teaching, service, fellowship, and evangelism grow out of our joyful response to what God the Father has done in sending His Son to be our Savior and Lord. In the power of His Spirit, we are to be bold in our identification with Jesus as His followers and servants, as He transforms us into people who increasingly reflect His love to each other and to a hurting world.‖ [Ministry Master Plan, 2004] As we reaffirm this core value from our 2004 Ministry Master Plan, we also recognize that First Pres has remained faithful to this value and made it one of the hallmarks of our church. From the pulpit, the congregation has been challenged by sermon series based on books such as Greg Ogden‘s Discipleship Essentials. Through ministries including ―Biblical Mentoring and Discipleship‖ for men and ―Stories‖ for women, we have been given tools and encouragement for building Christ-based relationships. Now we must ask, what does being Christ-centered mean to First Pres today? What does being Christ-centered call us to do today? 

To become more transformed by Jesus, think more like Jesus, live thoroughly as Jesus‘ disciples, be motivated by his resurrection and its implications, and reflect Christ‘s love in all that we do.



To become more aware of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

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To become more open, transparent, authentic, humble, and gracious to ourselves, each other, our staff, and our neighbors, near and far.

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New steps in being a Christ-centered church   

Conduct preaching and teaching on what it means to be centered on Christ, including discerning his living presence and guidance through the Holy Spirit. Encourage more congregational participation in new sermon series through small groups. Connect more congregation members with ministries that serve both local and global communities.

We Are Called to Be Biblically Faithful For whatever God says to us is full of living power: is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are. Hebrews 4:12 [LB] Remember what Christ taught us and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise; teach them to each other and sing them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16 [LB] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (RSV) ―We seek to know, understand, and live under the authority of God‘s Word. This happens through faithful biblical preaching and teaching in the many areas of church life, as well as through personal study of the Bible. We believe Scripture is to be learned and lived out in all areas of life, and it is the source of truth for our maturing walk with God. [Ministry Master Plan, 2004] As relevant today as it was in 2004, we reaffirm this core value and assert that Scripture is the compass of the Christian faith. Together with prayer, it is a central source of direction and substance as it guides us, through the Holy Spirit, in living out our commitment to Jesus Christ, corporately and personally. As the inspired Word of God, the Bible is a record of His justice and love in the world and is a trustworthy guide for living. In recent years, the First Pres congregation has encouraged members to delve into the Bible through various small group Bible studies and church-wide small group study of

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Rick Warren‘s book, The Purpose Driven Life. Sermon series from the pulpit that focused on ―transition‖ and finding God in the wilderness have opened our minds to the power of Scripture in providing guidance for everyday life. So how shall we live out this call to Biblical faithfulness now and in the future. What does being Biblically-faithful call us to do today? 

To be deeply devoted to the Truth and to the truths of Scripture. Live it! Share it!

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Continue convicting, relevant, transparent, and personal preaching of Truth in love. Expand on-going efforts to revitalize the 11:00 worship service so that the worship experience during that service is dynamic and engaging.

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Teach and nurture the development of scriptural knowledge, application, and accountability to serve as tools for the defense of the Kingdom of our risen Messiah.

New steps in being a Biblically-faithful church 

Infuse wider, deeper, and more contagious Bible study throughout the church with more variety of study styles as well as diversity in the age and background of participants.

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Create authentic, contemporary, rich, and challenging alternative worship services that embrace the diverse worship needs of members and nonmembers.

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Thoughtfully, lovingly, and systematically plan and implement worship experiences that seek to apply God‘s wisdom and healing to areas of our brokenness, hurt, and sin.

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Support opportunities to connect scriptural teaching with preparation for sharing the love of Christ with our neighbors.

We Are Called to Be Engaged in Outreach and Service. He sat down and summoned the Twelve. “So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all. Mark 9:35 [The Message] Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be 25

evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! 1 Peter 4:10-11 [The Message] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 [NIV] ―We seek to demonstrate God‘s love in our community by serving the hurting and needy. In this we follow the example of Jesus, who came not be served but to serve. We want to cultivate an awareness of the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all people, and we are ready with a helping hand and gentle, respectful words about the hope we have in Jesus Christ.‖ [Ministry Master Plan, 2004] First Pres has always been clear about the importance of outreach and service in the name of our Lord. Many activities and ministries, such as the Deacon‘s Closet, that were active a decade ago are still vital today, Other outreach efforts are newer, including the men‘s ministry and the recently formed health ministry. The new RINGS neighborhood groups are extending the presence of First Pres into neighborhoods across the county. Still we know that there are many people who have spiritual, emotional, and physical needs that we are not serving, whose lives could be changed with our help and God‘s grace. The challenges are great, but we believe First Pres is being called to increase our commitment to service and outreach. What does being engaged in outreach and service call us to do today? 

Welcome and love all—the unloved, the loved; the poor, the wealthy; the more obviously broken, the less obviously broken; the angry, the fearful, the seekers, the disconnected.

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Form partnerships with downtown neighbors, churches, businesses, and local secular and religious organizations that help the community.

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Encourage and enable all members to grow in their ability to personally share their faith through their relationships with people outside the church.

New steps in becoming a church engaged in outreach and service 

Intentionally focus more on groups now marginalized, such as homeless, singles, single parents, childless couples, divorced, disabled, college students, homosexuals, and the sick. Spotlight these groups in public ways as a form of acceptance and welcoming.

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

Welcome youth and encourage University Ministry members to consider First Pres as their place of service and worship; urge First Pres members to reach out to youth and college students.

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Create an ongoing conversation on evangelism through preaching, small groups, Bible studies, service groups within the church, and church committees.

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Find creative ways to engage the congregation and staff in making the sharing of faith a part of everyone‘s way of life.

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We Are Called to Be a Praying People. Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 [NIV] We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You. 2 Chronicles 20:12b [NIV] Never stop praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 [NLT] ―Prayer is intimacy with God. It is the often unseen spiritual discipline for growing in our relationship with God, for seeking to know His will for us as individuals and as a church, and for bringing the needs of God‘s people and the world before Him.‖ [Ministry Master Plan, 2004] As it was in 2004, this core value is at the heart of our desire for First Pres. Prayer helps us change and extend ourselves beyond our own self-sufficiency. Prayer is also essential to linking what God has called us to be with what He has called us to do. Over the years, First Pres has been intentional in encouraging prayer through prayer chains and ―All-Church Prayer Time‖ held Tuesday mornings in the chapel. The Prayer Room created by the University Ministries and used by the church in times of specific needs has heightened emphasis on individual prayer. The All-Church Prayer Gatherings hosted by the Mission Study Committee in January and February demonstrated the power of corporate prayer. Now we wish to become a praying people of even more commitment and depth. What does being a praying people call us to do today? 

To become individuals who pray regularly and often and who grow to delight in prayer.

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

To become a church that prays regularly and often as a congregation and that comes to delight in prayer.

New steps in being a church of praying people 

Elevate prayer as a more prominent, dynamic part of our worship services, including practicing more confession and praying, not just reciting the Lord‘s Prayer.



Develop some regular worship services that primarily contain prayer and fewer other elements of service.

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Nurture and develop ―prayer champions‖ to continue systematic all-church prayer gatherings.

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Use the pulpit to teach the congregation how to pray better. Do this regularly and passionately. Invite laity to share in the teaching of prayer from the pulpit.

We Are Called to Be a Connected Community. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:8 [NIV] Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. 1Thessalonians 5:11 [NIV] ―We seek to be a church home where people of all ages and backgrounds can ‗come as they are‘ and feel welcomed, develop deep and lasting friendships, and find a place to serve and grow spiritually. We want all who have the desire for more intimate community to participate in small groups or get connected with others who share common interests. True Christian community creates opportunities for people from all walks of life to serve, learn, and grow together.‖ [Ministry Master Plan, 2004] The leaders who identified ―community‖ as a core value in 2004 sought the same kind of church community that we seek today—welcoming, committed, connected. Certainly many First Pres ministries and activities have community building as one of their main purposes. Flubby Family Night helped strengthen ties among its participants. Work Days at Columbine Elementary School have bound our church community with the larger Boulder community. The mission work trips taken by many members of our church have forged community bonds among our members and with the people around the world whom they have served. These community building efforts provide a solid foundation 28

upon which to strengthen our community connectedness as we enter a new passage in our church life.

What does being a connected community call us to do today? 

To intentionally build community through activities within and outside the church walls, including people of diverse backgrounds and ages.

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To become a community that is itself a witness: ―See how they love one another‖ as was said of the early Christians.

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Reinforce a leadership model in which staff and members of the congregation work side by side in doing ministry. Encourage more collaboration and communication between staff and lay leaders to create a greater sense of community and new momentum for more dynamic, organic lay ministry involvement.

New steps in being a connected community 

Encourage staff and members to use multiple forms of communication to inform the congregation and wider community about church activities and opportunities. Conversely, we need to encourage congregants to assume responsibility for keeping themselves informed of church ―news.‖

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Integrate into leadership positions young adults, single parents, seniors, and others who have not traditionally been in these positions by accommodating their time, physical, economic, or other limitations.

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Individually and corporately, be a shelter from the outside world, demonstrating that the church is different from the secular world.

We Are Called to Be Grace-Filled and Grace-Extending The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Galatians 6:18 [NIV] For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. . . But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 2:15; 4:7 [NIV]

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See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 [NIV] ―As undeserving and rebellious people who are known and forgiven by a loving God, we seek to offer God‘s love through Jesus Christ to all so they may share in His goodness. We understand that we do not merit God‘s favor and are thus quick to forgive and be forgiven. In gratitude to God, we strive to live according to the teachings of Scripture, not to earn God‘s love and favor but to demonstrate our love for Him and thankfulness for His grace to us.‖ [Ministry Master Plan, 2004] Today as in 2004, grace is at the core of our beliefs and hopes. Recognizing that we can not buy or earn grace, we delight in the gift of being grace-filled. Being grace-filled, we are commanded to extend that grace to those around us in our families, work, church, community, and larger world. We have learned the power of grace through sermons rich with reminders that we all ―are beggars telling other beggars where to find bread.‖ From the pulpit and through small group studies we have learned how to live more perceptively and graciously, like our Lord Jesus. We have exhibited our understanding of grace through projects such as Kid‘s Hope, Glory Community, Habitat for Humanity, Columbine Work Day, and Lamb‘s Lunch. Now we are called to new depths and expressions of grace. What does being grace-filled and grace-extending call us to do today? As directed by Romans 12: 10-21: 

To live harmoniously, honor one another, and be joyful.



To practice hospitality and associate with people from all walks of life.

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To overcome evil with good and to bless our persecutors

New steps in being a grace-filled and grace-extending church 

Encourage the telling of real stories in worship services of members struggling with sins, doubts, crises, and daily life struggles (not just stories with happy endings). Validate these stories as examples for others to follow. Include examples of people within the church who are practicing grace.



Expand and promote a lay counseling ministry and more support groups for people dealing with issues related to parenting, divorce, death, suffering, anger, control issues, malice, addictions, and sexuality.

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

Partner and serve with other churches, as well as civic and nonprofit organizations, to participate in common outreach activities. Determine what needs are being met and what needs remain unmet.

First Pres, Boulder, Going Forward This 2010 Mission Study Report lovingly challenges First Presbyterian Church, Boulder. We are a church with a long history of God‘s faithfulness, with a time-tested vision, mission, and set of core values. God is very present and at work in our church. God is not changing, but the world is changing. Our culture is changing, The Christian church in America is changing, and Boulder is no exception. A growing majority of people currently feel they have no need for God. There are many bright people whose worldview has no room for a Creator/Redeemer. Unless we can be transformed into disciples who show the glory of God‘s Kingdom, those people will not have a reason to open their hearts and receive the gift of grace. We know that God is not finished with our church. He is still calling us. He calls us to be and do in ways that please Him. As a body, we are called to know Him better, to trust Him more, and to rely on Him more fully. He also calls us to learn new ways to love one another better and more freely. He calls us to humble ourselves and risk more in our relationships with Him and with one another. As we do this, we can fulfill His great desire for us, which is unity. He wants us to become so unified with one another and with Him that whatever we are doing, we are a powerful witness to the reality of His love. ―I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.‖ John 17:21 [NLT]

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Acknowledgements In the process of preparing this report, the Mission Study Committee was embraced and encouraged by so many. We wish to extend our deep appreciation for the generous input and prayerful support of the congregation and staff of First Pres, Boulder. The insight and sensitivity of Gary Stratman guided us through uncharted territory. Sandy Lutz provided the practical logistics for our continuing work. We were refreshed and encouraged by Doug Stevens, former Interim Pastor of Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church and Executive Director of the Renewal Project. Sharryl Davis transformed this body of ideas into an understandable, comprehensive report through her impressive editing skills and abundant insights. Using all of you, the Holy Spirit has blessed us beyond our fondest hopes and expectations. Thank you.

The 2010 Mission Study Committee

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Appendices A set of appendices is currently being prepared to accompany the Mission Study Report. The appendices will be as follows:

FPC Membership, by Gender, 2009 FPC Membership, by Marital Status, 2010 FPC Membership, by Age Boulder County Population, by Age US Population, by Age Boulder County Population, by Ethnicity US Population, by Ethnicity Boulder County Residents, by Place of Birth Boulder County Population, by Levels of Education US Population, by Levels of Education FPC Childhood Education Attendance, 2010 FPC Membership, by Zip Code FPC Members‘ Driving Distance to Church FPC Average Weekly Attendance, 2006-2009 FPC Total Attendance, l998-2009 Congregational Ideas for Improving FPC Important FPC Documents Issued from 1991 to 2010

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Appendices 1-17

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