Women's Retreat at Pilgrim Cove
The Annual Women’s Retreat is our gathering of women from across the conference who come to camp to retreat, relax and have a wonderful time in the splendor of the mountain beauty. There will be bible study, worship singing, and presentations planned with ample free time to enjoy the lake, the outdoors, time with friends and much more. Come and see old friends and make new ones in the wonders of the outdoors. You can find more information and register here on the Pilgrim Cove Camp Page.
Back-to-School Sunday with "All Are Welcome" Sarah Inama
Join us for a special Back-to-School Sunday service on August 10th as we bless our children’s backpacks and celebrate the start of a new school year with kindness, inclusion, and community!
We’re honored to welcome Sarah Inama, a former West Ada school teacher who made headlines after being told to take down her “Everyone Is Welcome” sign in her classroom. Sarah is a passionate advocate for creating safe, welcoming spaces for all students. She will join Rev. Josh for a meaningful conversation about what it means to be a good neighbor and how we can teach our children to live out the values of acceptance and kindness.
Sarah will also read a children’s book during the service and lead a “Be Kind” bracelet-making activity during social hour!
If you have an “Everyone is Welcome” shirt, be sure to wear it that day!
Bring your backpacks, your friends, and your open hearts as we start the school year grounded in courage, compassion, and community!
All Church Camp
45 people have already signed up! Join us for a joy-filled weekend at beautiful Pilgrim Cove Camp on the shore of Payette Lake in McCall! From August 15–17, we’ll gather for a time of fun, connection, and renewal in nature. All ages are welcome — this is truly a camp for everyone! Enjoy water activities, hikes, worship, devotionals, campfires, s’mores, yoga, crafts, and more. You can check out the camp agenda HERE
Registration is now open: REGISTER
Exploring Membership Gathering
Join us after worship on Sunday, August 24, for a one-hour Exploring Membership gathering! We’ll serve lunch and offer a chance to learn more about who we are—our church’s history, values, our denomination, how we’re structured, ways to get involved, and more. You’ll meet some of our staff and leaders, connect with other newcomers, and have space to ask questions in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you're ready to join or just curious, we’d love to have you! RSVP by email church@boisefirstucc.org.
Fall Kick-Off Sunday
Join us for a joyful start to the season—Sunday, September 14! We’ll kick off a new worship series on Prayer, restart Sunday School, and welcome back our beloved choir (interested singers can come rehearse at 9:00am).
After worship, stay for a potluck (bring what your heart desires) and our annual silent auction—a simple, fun way to support our mission before a bigger auction returns in spring 2026. (Have goods, services, or experiences to donate? Email: church@boisefirstucc.org.)
We’ll also celebrate new members (want to join? Email revjosh@boisefirstucc.org) and enjoy cake and connection!
Plus, we’ll launch a Justice & Witness focus for the fall—a meaningful way to live out our faith together. Come be part of it!
Church in the Park
On Sunday, July 6th, we’ll be holding a special outdoor church service at 10 am at Ester Simplot Park in Boise, gathering at the pavilion. As part of the service, we’ll be celebrating the sacred act of baptism, whether by full immersion in the pond or sprinkling—offered for adults, teens, and kids alike. If you or someone in your family is interested in exploring baptism, we’d love to talk with you about it. Email Rev. Josh at revjosh@boisefirstucc.org to start the conversation.
Boise Public Library Pride Month Community Resource Fair
We have been invited to participate in the Boise Public Library’s Pride Month Community Resource Fair on Saturday, June 28, from 11am to 6pm at the Downtown Library.
This event is a powerful opportunity to share who we are and connect with the LGBTQIA+ community. If you're interested in taking a shift to help staff at either table, please reach out to Rudi & Marta Baker-Jambretz at magnificentmind@gmail.com.
Canyon County Pride
Our church is showing up with love and affirmation for Pride month in June.
We are hosting a table at Canyon County Pride on Sunday, June 8. Stop by our booth and learn more about Boise First!
We are in need of volunteers to help set up, staff and take down our booth. If you’d like to volunteer, please reach out to Marta Baker-Jambretz at magnificentmind@gmail.com
Canyon County Pride Interfaith Service
Join us at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 8th at Lakeview Park in Nampa for the Canyon County Pride Interfaith Service. We’ll come together on the main stage to celebrate, reflect, and stand in solidarity across faith traditions. This uplifting service welcomes everyone—come as you are to honor love, diversity, and the sacred worth of every person.
Greeter & Usher Training
Are you currently a greeter or usher, or interested in becoming one? Join us for an important Greeter & Usher Training on Sunday, June 1st after worship!
First impressions matter. In fact, Barna Group Research revealed that over 80% of visitors decide within the first 10 minutes whether they’ll return to a church—and greeters play a huge role in that decision. A warm smile, a helpful word, and a genuine welcome can make all the difference.
Let’s come together to refresh, reimagine, and revitalize how we welcome newcomers and regulars alike. Your presence and participation are essential!
Will you be there to help make our church a place where everyone feels at home from the moment they walk in?
New Member Welcome
Exciting News! On Sunday, June 1st, during worship we will be welcoming 15 new members into Boise First UCC!
Membership is a meaningful way to feel more connected — it invites you to have a voice in major church decisions, share your gifts as you're able, and receive the church’s promise to walk with you in community and care.
Curious to learn more or also become a member? Email Rev. Josh at revjosh@boisefirstucc.org.
Worship at Wright UCC
For Memorial weekend, we will have a joint service at Wright UCC - 4821 W Franklin Road in Boise. Rev. Josh will preach, and Katy Knight from Wright will lead musical worship. Come experience the beauty of connection, song, and spirit as we gather as one!
Pre-service coffee begins at 10:30. Worship service starts at 11am.
If you are unable to attend, the service will be online at: https://www.youtube.com/@wrightchurch2251
Senior Luncheon
Join us for our Senior Lunch on Tuesday, May 6, when Harriet Almerico shares her experience of serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco. She also taught English at the American Language Center. She’s often asked if her time there was as exotic as it sounds. She says, “Yes!”
The pot-luck lunch will begin at noon, with time to visit during the meal. The theme of this potluck is simple: bring something that makes you happy!
Exploring Membership
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, May 4th for an "Exploring Membership" Gathering in the Fireside Room! 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.
Outdoor Park Service
On Sunday, April 27th, we will observe Earth Day by holding our worship service outside at Esther Simplot Park. We will meet at the park at our regular time, 10 AM at one of the park shelters - details to be announced later. Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a meaningful service outside. We’ll have one or two actions for the climate and the environment that you can help with. The park is located at 3206 W. Pleasanton Ave in Boise.
Easter Sunday
Join us on Easter Sunday, April 20th, at 10 AM as we rejoice in the joy of resurrection! As the shadows of Lent and Good Friday give way to the radiant light of new life, we gather in hope and community. Experience uplifting special music, a spirited sermon, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, followed by a social hour.
You’re also welcome—but not required—to bring baked goods or snacks to share. In celebration of renewal and beauty, we invite everyone to bring flowers from their yards to adorn the cross. Families are invited to bring their children by 9:45 AM to begin flowering. Come, rejoice, and celebrate with us! 🌿✨
Holy Saturday Events
Join us at Boise First UCC on Saturday, April 19 for a day of fun, fellowship, and reflection!
🥚 Easter Egg Hunt @ 4:30pm– Bring the kids (and invite a friend or two!) for an exciting outdoor Easter Egg Hunt on the church grounds. This is a great opportunity to introduce others to our inclusive faith community.
🍽️ Potluck Dinner @ 5pm– After the hunt, we’ll gather for a shared meal. Please bring something to share so we can enjoy a variety of delicious foods together.
🕯️ Holy Saturday Easter Vigil @ 6pm– As the sun sets, we will hold a special Easter Vigil on our outdoor patio. The Easter Vigil is a sacred time of waiting and hope, marking the transition from the darkness of Good Friday to the joy of Easter morning. Through scripture, prayer, and a fire pit, we will journey together in anticipation of resurrection. Dress warmly and bring a lawn chair.
Good Friday Service
Join us for a Joint Good Friday Service with Collister UMC and Wright UCC as we gather in reflection on the life and death of Christ. This hour-long service will be a time of song, sermon, and liturgy, inviting us to sit with the sorrow of Good Friday as we prepare for the joy of Easter. All are welcome to this sacred time of remembrance and community.
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 before offering the first communion. All are welcome to bring soup or bread to share (but it’s not required). Let your crockpot simmer throughout the day and then join us for a meaningful meal together, followed by communion, liturgy, and songs. Upon arrival, you will be invited to have your hands washed by Rev. Josh in remembrance of Christ washing his disciples' feet. Come as you are for this hour of sacred community, reflection, and nourishment.
Palm Sunday Service
Join us for a joyful Palm Sunday service on April 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM as we begin Holy Week. The children will parade around the communion table with palm branches and then participate in a special children's sermon before heading to Sunday school. The bell and chancel choirs will lead us in spirited musical worship as we celebrate and prepare for the week ahead.
April Book Club
On Tuesday, April 8th, we will gather to discuss "The Women", by Kristin Hannah. This novel follows three women as they serve as nurses during the Vietnam War, and how they deal with the unexpected trauma of coming home to a changed and politically divided America. As most of us grew up during this era, the discussion should be interesting.
Please join us at 1:00 p.m. on April 8th at the church; all are welcome.
Carol Bearce, Facilitator
The Boise First UCC Book Club meets the second Tuesday of the month
Senior Luncheon
The April Senior Lunch is on Tuesday, April 1st. Guest speakers Jane Buch and Liz Roberts will talk about their experiences of living as expats in Europe.
Jane and her family lived in southern Italy from 1985 to 1988, while her husband was a psychologist assigned to San Vito Air Station. She will use excerpts from her letters home to set the stage for sharing her experiences. Liz lived in the Netherlands with her family in 1996-97 when her husband, Steve Nelson, had a temporary work assignment there. She’ll talk about living abroad with small children and how the Dutch culture differs from ours.
The pot-luck lunch will begin at noon, with time to visit during the meal. It’s no April Fools’ joke but bring a dish with a color in its name. Will we have a dozen dishes of green beans?
Senior luncheons are held the first Tuesday of every month.
Installation
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