First Cong. UCC of Boulder Celebrates 30 Years of ONA

Boulder, Col—On October 14 & 15, First Congregational Church UCC of Boulder will celebrate 30 years of their “Open and Affirming” (ONA) designation, with their multi-day “Still Standing on the Side of Love” event.

The official designation, awarded by the UCC’s Open & Affirming Coalition, refers to the church’s full inclusion and affirmation of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons (LGBT) in its life and ministry.

As part of the Open & Affirming (ONA) Coalition’s “100% Vision”—for every UCC congregation to be ONA—First Congregational Church, UCC of Boulder thanks the ONA Coalition for their powerful and vital work.

FCCUCC was designated ONA in 1987, and the 16th UCC congregation to do so after the initial group of 15 churches joined. They were the first in Rocky Mountain to earn the designation.

Now, as they prepare to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this designation, they are reminded of all the discernment and work that led to this groundbreaking decision, which was solidified at the UCC’s 15th General Synod.

During the weekend of October 14 & 15, FCCUCC will honor this legacy and its impact on their community by offering a variety of educational, musical, relational, and worship experiences. The renowned Bishop Yvette Flunder of City of Refuge UCC in Oakland, CA, will serve as the celebration’s speaker and preacher, and will also headline a concert on Sunday, October 15 at 7 p.m.

In 2017, society has seriously wrestled with several challenges to the radically inclusive message of the United Church of Christ, and in particular, the church’s status as ONA. In times such as these, it is more imperative than ever for us all to take the opportunity to celebrate with one another, whether in body or in spirit, the revelation that, indeed, we are all One in Christ.

In light of this, FCCUCC invites and welcomes one and all to join them in prayer and joyful presence for this momentous occasion. In the months and years ahead, as more and more UCC congregations reach similar milestones, it is the church’s sincere hope that their mutual encouragement serves as a blessing and inspiration for other communities who are considering ONA certification.

 

For more information, please contact: 

Rev. Pedro S. Silva, II
Associate Minister & ONA Subcommittee Member
First Congregational UCC—Boulder, CO
pedro@firstcong.net • 303.442.1787 ext. 102