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Boulder, CO Service
Boulder is located at the base of the Flatiron Mountains, a short section of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The climate is fairly dry, with summers warm-to-hot and winters cold but seldom frigid, with significant snowfall. The mountains offer many possibilities for recreation, including hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, rock-climbing and whitewater rafting. Boulder is 30 miles north of Denver and affords many of the advantages of both smaller and larger cities. It has a population of 100,000, a fourth of which is made up of the student body at the University of Colorado. Many computer software, graphics and other high-tech industries are centered in the area. Boulder has "boomed" in recent years, and the progressive community is still trying to decide how to control growth and maintain a balanced use of natural resources and land. Civic participation is high and arguments frequent. Some Boulder volunteers have been disappointed by the lack of racial and ethnic diversity and by the white, middle/upper class flavor of the town. Boulder's above-average number of Buddhists, pagans, Rainbow Family members and street performers, along with other unique types not normally found in most cities of this size, creates another kind of diversity. Boulder also serves as a focal point for various activist causes ranging from Middle East concerns to Rocky Flats (nuclear testing ground) and death penalty protest and research. Boulder has good public transportation, including to downtown Denver and to surrounding towns. The agreeable climate encourages use of Boulder's network of bike paths for intra-city travel, both for work and play. Bring your own bike or use one of the MVS unit's beater bikes. Unit Church The church's philosophy of service is carried out largely within its physical walls. The congregation rents office space to groups that the church chooses to support as part of its social witness, including the Rocky Mountain Peace Center, two non-Mennonite campus ministries programs and the Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program. Members of the MVS Support Committee come from the congregation. Worship is fairly informal and includes a variety of musical styles. Dress ranges from suits to shorts. Members gather for a monthly potluck meal as well as fellowship times after worship. MVSers are encouraged to attend Boulder Mennonite regularly, unless a very strong conflict with current beliefs and practices exists. Unit members have served as church office administrator (a past MVS position), Sunday school teachers, small group and worship leaders, musicians and committee members. They have also taken leadership in building connections with other young adults at Boulder Mennonite Church. Points of interest
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