Palm Sunday
Join us Sun. March 29th at 10:00am as we begin Holy Week with joy and celebration! We’ll gather out front with palm branches and bring back an old Boise First tradition — following the Keener’s donkey around the exterior of the building, waving our palms and singing as we process into the sanctuary from 23rd Street. The Willamette University Choir will lead us in song, offering spirited Palm Sunday music alongside our Chancel Choir as we mark Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and step into the sacred journey of the week ahead. Invite friends and family for this special and festive service. And plan to stay afterward for an all-church work day as we spruce up our grounds in preparation for Easter weekend. Let’s begin Holy Week with praise — and a little holy teamwork!
All Church Work Day
Roll up your sleeves and join us after worship on Sunday, March 29 for our All-Church Work Day! This is a great chance to pitch in, care for our building and grounds, and share some fellowship along the way. Let's get our church grounds all cleaned up for Holy Week.
Questions? Email Ellen Winslow at ellenwinslow@yahoo.com
Maundy Thursday Soup Dinner
Join us for a special Maundy Thursday gathering as we remember the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a meal with his disciples and offered the first communion. Bring soup or bread to share if you’re able (not required!) — let your crockpot simmer through the day and come ready for a meaningful meal together.
Our evening will include communion, simple liturgy, and songs. Upon arrival, you’ll be invited to have your hands washed by Rev. Josh in remembrance of Christ washing the disciples’ feet.
Come as you are for this hour of sacred community, reflection, and nourishment. Please bring your own bowl and spoon.
Ecumenical Good Friday Service
You are invited to a sacred Ecumenical Good Friday Service on April 3 at 6:30pm at Boise First United Church of Christ (2201 Woodlawn Ave., Boise), offered in partnership with Collister United Methodist Church, Wright Congregational United Church of Christ, Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship, and the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Together, we will gather in solemn reflection on the life, suffering, and death of Jesus. This hour-long service will include meaningful music, scripture, prayer, silence, and contemplative liturgy. Good Friday invites us to pause — to sit with grief and injustice — and to remember the depth of God’s love revealed on the cross.
As we journey through Holy Week, this sacred time of remembrance prepares our hearts for the hope and resurrection joy of Easter.
All are welcome to join in this shared act of worship and community.
Holy Saturday: Easter Egg Hunt, Potluck & Vigil
Join us at Boise First UCC on Saturday, April 4, for an evening of community.
Easter Egg Hunt | 4:30 PM
Bring the kids—and invite a friend or two—for an outdoor Easter Egg Hunt on the church grounds. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the warmth and welcome of our inclusive faith community.
Potluck Dinner | 5:00 PM
Following the hunt, we’ll gather for a shared meal and fellowship. Bring a dish or dessert to share.
Holy Saturday Easter Vigil | 6:00 PM
As the sun begins to set, we will gather on the outdoor patio for a sacred Easter Vigil. This ancient tradition invites us to pause in the in-between space—honoring the quiet of Holy Saturday as we wait in hope for resurrection joy. Through scripture, prayer, and firelight, we will journey together from darkness toward light. Please dress warmly and bring a lawn chair for the vigil.
Easter Sunday Services
Join us on Easter Sunday as we rejoice in the joy of resurrection with two identical services at 8:30am and 10:15am, filled with uplifting music, a hopeful message, and a warm, welcoming spirit—the only difference being a special offertory from the Chancel Choir at the 10:15am service. Children are invited to come 15 minutes before either service to help flower the cross in the sanctuary. Stay after either service for a joyful social hour, and come ready to celebrate new life, hope, and the beauty of Easter together!
April Senior Luncheon
Seniors, the April meeting will celebrate Nevada’s Burning Man Festival. Sue Sharp will share her
experiences of the Festival, which she describes this way: radical inclusion, gifting, decommodification,
radical self-reliance and self-expression, communal effort, civic responsibility, leaving no trace,
participation, immediacy. Come hear what she has to say.
We challenge you to bring a plant-based dish for the potluck lunch, which begins at noon in the dining
room. See you on April 7.
Why Sharing Gender Pronouns Matters
Join us after worship for a thoughtful panel conversation with Frosty Biggs, Rudi Baker-Jambretz, Marta Baker-Jambretz, Jane Buch.
This personal and educational space will explore questions such as:
What pronouns mean to each of us personally
Individual members' journeys with pronouns
Why it matters when others use pronouns correctly
Why it can be meaningful when cisgender people also share their pronouns
And other reflections that help deepen understanding and compassion
Come ready to listen, learn, and grow together in love and respect.
April Bookclub
Join us on Tuesday, April 14th at 1pm as we discuss Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo.
This is the remarkable true story of Ellen and William Craft, who escaped slavery through daring, determination, and disguise, with Ellen passing as a wealthy, disabled White man and William posing as “his” slave.
In 1848, a year of international democratic revolt, a young, enslaved couple, Ellen and William Craft, achieved one of the boldest feats of self-emancipation in American history. Posing as master and slave, while sustained by their love as husband and wife, they made their escape together across more than 1,000 miles, riding out in the open on steamboats, carriages, and trains that took them from bondage in Georgia to the free states of the North.
To learn more about upcoming books and bookclub, visit our GROUPS page!
Bids & Blooms at Boise First
Our beloved annual auction has moved to spring! Join us on Sunday, April 19th at 11am. We’re celebrating the season with Bids & Blooms — an afternoon of generosity, beauty, and community fun. Gift baskets • Handmade goods • Themed dinners • Vacation stays • Event tickets • Lessons or services • Art • Unique experiences. If you can dream it, someone will bid on it! Every donated item helps our ministries, programs, and daily operations blossom!
Interested in making a donation to the auction? Simply fill our this online DONATION form or email Mary at church@boisefirstucc.org
Online bidding opens on April 12th! Check back for the auction link and more details!
Exploring Membership Gathering
Interested in becoming a member of Boise First United Church of Christ or learning more about our community? Join Rev. Josh after service for one hour on Sunday, March 22nd. This informal gathering is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn about the history, values, and mission of our church, and find out how you can get involved. Whether you're new to the church, a new member, or just looking for more information, all are welcome.
Sign up HERE
March Book Club
For the month of March, we are reading “Life after doom: wisdom and courage for a world falling apart” by Brian Mcclaren. This book addresses feelings of despair about the state of the world, particularly concerning climate change and societal instability, by offering a hopeful, yet realistic, guide for navigating these challenges.
The book club meets the second Tuesday of every month in the Fireside Room at Boise First UCC.
All are welcome to attend!
March Senior Lunch
In the 1990s, Idaho saw a rise in AIDS cases, with 170 deaths reported by April 1995, 10 years after the first case was identified. By mid-1995, over 400 people in the state had tested positive for HIV/AIDS. The era was characterized by high stigma, limited treatment options prior to 1996, and the emergence of criminal charges for non-disclosure. Our own Allen Haumann will share about his 32-year career with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare during the 1990s at the senior lunch on Tuesday, March 3. The potluck lunch will begin at noon in the church dining room. All are welcome to attend!
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday Procession Outside!
Join us Sun. March 29th at 10:00am as we begin Holy Week with joy and celebration! We’ll gather out front with palm branches and bring back an old Boise First tradition — following the Keener’s donkey around the exterior of the building, waving our palms and singing as we process into the sanctuary from 23rd Street. The Willamette University Choir will lead us in song, offering spirited Palm Sunday music alongside our Chancel Choir as we mark Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and step into the sacred journey of the week ahead. Invite friends and family for this special and festive service. And plan to stay afterward for an all-church work day as we spruce up our grounds in preparation for Easter weekend. Let’s begin Holy Week with praise — and a little holy teamwork!
Ash Wednesday at Boise First
Ash Wednesday at Boise First UCC
Mark the beginning of Lent in ways that fit your day and your spirit. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 days before Easter, a season of reflection and renewal in the Christian tradition. The ashes—made from last year’s palm Sunday—are placed on our foreheads as a public and personal reminder of our shared humanity, our need for grace, and our hope for transformation and new life.
Ashes on the Go
8:00–10:00am – Drive up to the church entrance at 22nd & Woodlawn to receive ashes from Rev. Josh without leaving your car.
12:00–1:30pm – Rev. Josh and Christian faith leaders will be in the Idaho Capitol rotunda, offering ashes to anyone inside.
Evening Worship
7:00pm at Boise First UCC – A 30-minute service centered on healing and wholeness, with music, prayer, and the imposition of ashes.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Please join us for this year’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper! If you haven’t attended before, you may know it by its other name, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, which is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. Years ago, many Christians made pancakes to use up their stock of eggs, milk, butter, and fat in preparation for Lent. At Boise First, we celebrate with pancakes, fun activities for all ages, and King’s Cake, which is decorated with typical Mardi Gras colors – purple (for justice), green (faith), and gold (power) with a small doll stuffed inside. Whoever finds the doll will enjoy good luck throughout the year!
To participate, please RSVP here. We still need help with set up and clean up - you can sign up to volunteer on your RSVP form.
For questions, contact:
Elaine Mayo ElaineReeder.mayo@gmail.com
or Laura Stavoe laura@boisefirstucc.org
Bookclub
The book for February is "James" by Percival Everett. James is a 2024 novel by Percival Everett that retells Mark Twain's Adventures of Huccleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved man, Jim, who is renamed James in this version. The book follows James as he escapes slavery to find his family, joining Huck on a journey down the Mississippi River, and is acclaimed for giving Jim agency, intelligence, and a powerful voice, earning numerous awards, including the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. The Library! had numerous copies.
The bookclub meets the second Tuesday of every month. All are invited to attend! If you have any questions, contact
Carol Bearce, cmbearce@gmail.com
February Senior Luncheon
Seniors, the February meeting will celebrate Boise’s Anne Frank Memorial. Our own Ellen Albus has
been involved from the beginning. She will talk about our church’s historic involvement with the Idaho
Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights and her current role
with the Center. We will also learn how we can be involved in the Center’s programs.
For the potluck lunch, which begins at noon in the dining room, bring a dish you would serve to your
valentine (and not just desserts!). See you on Tuesday, February 3. Also, are you able to stay after lunch
and help with clean-up? Email Elaine Mayo at elainereeder.mayo@gmail.com to volunteer.
Exploring Membership Gathering
Interested in becoming a member of Boise First United Church of Christ or learning more about our community? Join Rev. Josh after service for one hour on Sunday, January 25th for an "Exploring Membership" Luncheon. This informal gathering is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn about the history, values, and mission of our church, and find out how you can get involved. Whether you're new to the church, a new member, or just looking for more information, all are welcome.
Register HERE
Annual Congregational Meeting
Join us Sunday, January 18, after worship for our congregational meeting, where we will officially vote on the 2026 budget. With pledges collected and projected expenses finalized, we’ll also share information on major financial priorities and invite your input. These include a potential capital campaign for roof and HVAC replacement (both nearing the end of their lifespan), organ maintenance, and the possibility of moving toward solar energy. We will also vote on a slate of new team chairs and Church Council officers.
Your participation will help guide the church in stewarding resources wisely for both present and future needs.
Idaho Women's March
Idaho Women's March 2026
It has never been more urgent to raise our voices and stand together.
Join us for the 2026 Idaho Women’s March on Saturday at 1 pm in front of the state capitol.
The march will begin with live entertainment, powerful speakers talking about women’s education, reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights, followed by a march around the Capitol building, a symbol of our collective strength and unwavering determination to fight for our rights.
This is our time to speak out.
This is our time to stand up.
This is our time to march.
Save the date. Spread the word. Show up.
Together, we are the power that drives change. Join your friends from Boise First! Meet at the corner of 8th and Jefferson between 12:30-12:45.
Interfaith Worship Service
As the 2026 Idaho Legislative Session begins, people of faith and conscience will gather for an Interfaith Worship Service on Sunday, January 11th at 2pm on the steps of the Idaho State Capitol, 700 W. Jefferson St., Boise to call our leaders back to the sacred responsibility of governing with justice, humility, and care for all people. Rev Josh will be offering the sermon.
We come together to reject legislation that dehumanizes and devalues our neighbors—and to resist the misuse of religion and Christian Nationalism as the backbone of public policy. Our faith traditions teach that every person has inherent worth, and that love of neighbor must guide our common life.
Through prayer, music, reflection, and witness, we will charge Idaho’s leaders to stop passing harmful laws and to govern for the common good—not fear, exclusion, or ideology.
All are welcome—people of all faiths and none—who believe in dignity, justice, and true religious freedom for all.
January Senior Luncheon
Seniors, start the new year with your friends as we hear Keystone Chaplain Charly Pedersen talk about hospice care. He and one of the company’s staff nurses will tell us what draws them to this specialty care, as well what hospice care is and isn’t. Our own members, Lois Maple and Elaine Mayo, will share their experiences.
For the potluck lunch, which begins at noon in the dining room, bring your favorite comfort food. See you on Tuesday, January 6.
Christmas Eve at Boise First UCC
Christmas Eve at Boise First UCC
Celebrate the wonder of Christmas with us! Both candlelight services will include beloved carols, a children’s moment, and a Christmas message from Rev. Josh.
6:30 p.m. Service – A joyful celebration featuring our Chancel Choir and a small Bell Choir ensemble.
9:00 p.m. Service – A spirited candlelight gathering filled with carols, community, and special music from Becca Taylor and her sister, as well as a festive musical contribution from Diana and the Eric Ellis Family.
Between services, from 7:45–8:45 p.m., enjoy cookies and warm drinks during a festive social hour in the Fellowship Hall. Childcare for ages 5 and under will be provided during both services.
This year’s Christmas Offering will support furnishing a room at the new Interfaith Sanctuary facility—helping create a warm, welcoming space for neighbors in need.
Invite your friends and family to come share in the light, music, and hope of Christmas!
The Longest Night Service
Join us for a contemplative gathering of readings, ritual, and song as we mark the longest night of the year. This service creates space to honor grief, loss, and disappointment—and to acknowledge that the holidays are not always a season of joy for everyone. We will begin by firelight outside the church entrance before moving into the fellowship hall. This will be an in-person service only.
The Sounds of Christmas
Join us for The Sounds of Christmas, a special musical worship service marking the halfway point of Advent. The morning will feature an organ prelude, the ringing of the full bell choir, and the Chancel Choir sharing beautiful seasonal pieces. Together we’ll lift our voices in beloved carols. Please note: the full bell choir will be featured during this service on December 7 instead of on Christmas Eve, which will include smaller bell ensembles for the 6:30 pm service. The morning will also include a short children’s sermon, a reflection by Rev. Josh, and the celebration of communion as we rejoice in the hope and promise of Christ’s coming.
Hanging of the Greens
Join in the holiday cheer as we deck the halls and prepare our church for the Christmas season! Come help hang the greens, trim the tree, and fill the sanctuary with the spirit of Advent. We’ll share a spaghetti dinner, laughter, and plenty of holiday joy as we get ready to welcome Christmas together.
Please RSVP if you will be joining us for dinner:
RSVP HERE
Entering the Tent of Abraham
Entering the Tent of Abraham
Among the values Muslims, Christians, and Jews share is a desire to generously extend hospitality and graciously receive it. What are the ways in which we welcome guests into our respective communities and homes? How do we express gratitude when we are guests? Let’s find out by joining together in the spirit of an interfaith Thanksgiving meal catered to by Kabab House and shared in the space of Boise First United Church of Christ (2201 Woodlawn Ave, Boise). All are welcome to share in this celebration of thanksgiving and friendship. We encourage folks to
We encourage folks to RSVP here: DINNER SIGN UP
Christmas Cookie Boxes
Get into the holiday spirit with a box of our all-butter holiday cookies—approximately 3 dozen delicious treats in each box! Quantities are limited, so don’t wait.
Preorder online: ORDER HERE
Prepay online: PAY HERE
Cost: $25 per box
Pickup: Sunday, December 14th, 11am to Noon.
Can’t make it during pickup hours? Email the office at church@boisefirstucc.org to make arrangements. Treat yourself, share with friends, and support Boise First UCC this holiday season!
Alternative Gift Market
Join us at our annual Alternative Gift Market. This year's focus is on housing.
What is an Alternative Gift Market? This is a chance for people to give a monetary gift on behalf of another. This event offers alternative gift ideas outside of the usual retail items we spend money on every year.
This years recipients are: CATCH, Intermountain Fair Housing Council, and Jesse Tree. This event is run in conjunction with our annual Soup for the Soul. So come have some soup and learn more about these three amazing organizations!
Rake Up Boise
Every November thousands of volunteers from local businesses, schools, churches, and neighborhoods join together for NeighborWorks® Boise's Rake Up Boise™ to rake yards for senior, veteran, and disabled neighbors.
It’s more than leaf cleanup—it’s a 40-year tradition of neighbors helping neighbors and one of the Northwest’s largest, most beloved volunteer events.
Be a part of the Boise First team. REGISTER HERE
How to Challenge Christian Nationalism
SOLD OUT
With the rise in calls for political violence against those who identify as progressive—and the growing pressure to marginalize anyone who does not share the narrowly defined faith of Christian nationalism—faith leaders in our community are coming together to respond.
Saturday, November 8th, Boise First will host a free, one-day workshop that defines Christian nationalism from both political and theological perspectives and offers practical suggestions for how we can faithfully challenge white Christian nationalism in our communities.
Drawing on the disciplines of biblical studies, theology, and peace studies, the workshop will explore realistic and effective strategies of nonviolent resistance within the context of faith communities. Together we will consider topics such as:
Defining white Christian nationalism
Political idolatry
Nonviolent civil resistance
Biblical authoritarianism
Theologies of oppression
The day will be designed for congregants across Idaho and leaders from a variety of theological backgrounds, and everyone is welcome. We hope you’ll join us for this important and timely conversation.
November Senior Lunch
Seniors, join your friends on November 4, when we hear from two Boise First members about ways we
can support affordable housing in our community. They will share their stories of how they got involved and how we can too.
Jessica Ashton will talk about Furnishing Hope. This program gathers community donations to provide furniture and accessories for the newly housed – tangible hope for the future.
Bart Cochran, CEO and Founder of LEAP Housing, will discuss the LEAP Housing Impact Fund (LHIF), a socially focused investment program. People can use their resources to invest in opportunities that create affordable housing.
For the potluck lunch, which begins at noon, bring your favorite soup, side dish, or dessert.
Halloween Celebration
On October 26 our Youth Ministry team will host our annual Halloween celebration for children during our fellowship time. Children are invited to come in their costumes and participate in games and crafts following Sunday school. Everyone is invited to bring Halloween-themed treats to share.
All-Church Congregational Meeting
We invite everyone—members and friends alike—to join us for our all-church congregational meeting on Sunday, October 19th, following the service. We’ll vote on and provide space for discussion around the proposed 2026 budget, and hear a report from the Worship Arts Team on the state of our organ. Your voice and presence are welcome!
October Bookclub
The book for October is "Better Living Through Birding" by Christian Cooper. This book was suggested by Liz. This is about a gay black man's encounter in Central Park with a white woman walking her dog. The library has 8 copies available.
All are welcome to join us! Questions: Reach out to Carol at cmbearce@gmail.com
Ada County Crop Hunger Walk
Join us for the Ada County CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 12 at 3:00 pm at Julia Davis Park (Agriculture Pavilion, between the Bandshell and Zoo). Registration begins at 2:30 pm. Walk a 3-mile loop along the Greenbelt and through downtown, or choose the shorter 1-mile route. This year’s goal is 150 walkers and $25,000 raised to fight hunger and poverty locally and globally. Seventy-five percent of funds go to Church World Service, with 25% supporting the Idaho Foodbank.
Be part of the Boise First UCC team—or make a donation to our team HERE
Order your CROP Hunger Walk T-shirt by September 21: $12.25 (Kids M–L & Adult S–XL) or $14.25 (Adult XXL). Contact Liz Roberts at nodawaykid@gmail.com to place your order.
A Special Homecoming Sunday with Rev. Nancy S. Taylor
We are thrilled to welcome back Rev. Nancy S. Taylor, who served as Senior Minister of Boise First Congregational Church in the 1990s, as our guest preacher on Sunday, October 12th.
Rev. Taylor is the Senior Minister Emeritus of Old South Church in Boston, where she served for 18 years as the church’s first—and only—female senior minister since its founding in 1669. While in Boise, she founded Idaho Voices of Faith for Human Rights, co-founded the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, and helped establish what is now the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights.
We look forward to welcoming Rev. Taylor back to Boise First UCC and hearing her powerful preaching once again. Please consider inviting friends, neighbors, or former members who may remember her ministry with gratitude.
All are welcome—come share in this joyful Sunday of worship and community!
Budget Town Hall
We’ve heard that many of you have questions about the church budget—how it works, how surplus funds are used, and the specific ways investments have been made this year to improve our building and grounds. Church leadership wants to create space for open conversation, deeper transparency, and clear answers. Join us for a Budget Town Hall where we’ll share a more detailed look at how funds have been spent in 2025 and provide time for your questions.
October Senior Luncheon
Seniors,our luncheons got off to a great start last month. On October 7, we will hear from Ginni Neil and David Cornell who will tell us about a recent vacation.
David says, “Ginni and I became interested in the Road Scholar trip to central Brazil, when we
heard favorable remarks about it by the renowned speaker and impersonator, Janet Worthington.
Our talk will share our experience in the central Amazon River region aboard a 30-passenger ship with 15 other Americans and 10 mostly Portuguese-speaking staff, who provided excellent food and learning experiences about the flora, fauna and peoples of a fascinating region.
For the potluck lunch, which begins at noon, baked potatoes will be provided. Please bring your favorite topping, side dish or dessert.
