Newsletter - August 28, 2009

Denver First Church August 30, 2009

keeping in touch...

DFC Ministerial Staff Stephen Abbott Young Adult & Family Pastor

Rich Cantwell Business Administrator

Bud Curry Hospital Chaplain

Tina Hayhurst Student Ministries Pastor

Bob Huffaker Interim Pastor

Scott Nauman Pastor of Worship & Arts

Jerry Nelson Minister of Instrumental Music

Randy Smith Christian Education Pastor

Marvin Suyen West Campus Pastor

DFC Church Board John Bruneau Bob Cheney Curtis Clay Glenn Domokos Troy Edwards Vini Giannatala Bryant Jaggers Judy Jones Gregg Moran Gene Rakes Bud Roe Kathy Tate Jim Webb Ron Williams Bonnie York

Denver First Church 3800 E. Hampden Avenue Englewood, CO 80113 303/761-8370 www.DenverFirstChurch.com

Includes a trip on the Cumbres & Toltec Steam Train from Antonito, CO and Chama, NM and first class accommodations at the "Inn of the Rio Grande Hotel." We are Limited to 50 people. If interested, get full details at the I.N. GROUP BOOTH South Entrance. DEADLINE FOR REGISTERING AND PAYMENT IS, SUNDAY, SEPT. 13.

Table of Contents 1. IN Group Fall Color Trip

iv. timely news for the congregation…

2. news update i. important info…

v. how you can help…

ii.“kotchadoingood...”

vi.a final word...

iii. news from the board…

3. calendar of events: August 30-Sept. 5

News Update Important info... Dear Family and Friends of DFC, This past Sunday, we were again reminded of how blessed we as a church have been with guest speakers during this transitional period. Dr. Bob Huffaker (our interim pastor), Rev. David Ralph this past Sunday, and coming up this Sunday, Dr. Jim Diehl. We are so grateful for the way God has provided each of these speakers at just the right time to address our needs. Rev. Ralph spoke to us from Jeremiah 29, giving important context to the familiar passage that is often quoted and frequently taken incorrectly out of context. He reminded us that God at times will put us in a position of loss in order for us to return to Him and regain our allegiance to His purposes in our lives. He highlighted the fact that DFC has a unique DNA and as Pastor Shawn leads us, we will no doubt be using muscles that have long since atrophied in pursuit of God’s purposes for our church. He also provided us with the “10 Commandments for a Church Getting a New Pastor.” Please take a moment to read several announcements listed below that will appear in Sunday’s Insight. If you are viewing these in the eblast, click on each for important details; if you are reading this in the hard copy, please refer to the Insight for important details regarding these upcoming events. Bake Out Sunday

Membership Class

Hymn Sing

Family Camp at Golden Bell

Baptism Class - Date Change

Waves Lock-In

Caregivers Support Group

Women of the Word

Women of Faith

VBS CD Available

A Taste Of Christmas Today’s email will cover the following topics: “Kotchadoingood,” News from the Board, Timely News for the Congregation and How You Can Help.

News Update “kotchadoingood!” •

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We want to thank all those who participated in the Denver Family Church (West Campus) clean up and make-over through the Ride & Provide Outreach Ministry. We especially want to thank Harold Patterson for heading up that effort. Some of the work that was accomplished included landscaping, gardening, tree trimming, painting, developing a better drainage system for the parking lot and much more. “We are extremely thankful to everyone who supported and helped at our church last weekend for Ride and Provide. So much work was done and everyone worked willingly and joyfully. When God's people come together and work in His kingdom in all areas it is the greatest blessing. We and our church were encouraged abundantly. We praise God for all who were in charge of heading up this big job; you have no idea how much you have touched and blessed our lives. May God reward you a hundredfold.” Pastor Marvin and Cenida Suyen We would also like to recognize a variety of folks who have made a difference around our church, •

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Thanks to Bruce Gibeau for painting Room 6 in the Garden Level for us to use as a special needs room. Thanks to Josh Sihombing for volunteering during the week in the Youth Department, College Department and, pretty much anywhere we need help. Thanks to Pauline Starr for her consistent work each week in volunteering for the Children’s Department. Thanks to Joanne Miller. She is a greeter in the East Foyer and each week she brings goodies for visitors and regular attenders. Thanks also to our First Impressions team for their committed service week in and week out. Thanks to our volunteers in the First Edition Bookstore and the First Stop Coffee Shop. Thanks to Lila Shafer for her weekly help with the Insight, CD/DVD mailings and so many other things in the Business office. Thanks to Darlys Mathews for allowing the youth group, under the leadership of Lee Fulks, to use her Nomee Ranch in Colorado and for allowing the singles to come the weekend of August 29-30.

News Update “kotchadoingood!” •

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Another ministry, which is quite often overlooked, is the Sunday Night “Traditions” Service. Each Sunday night at 6:00 pm, we have a wonderful service. Bud Curry and Stephen Abbott are speakers that give of their time to make these services exceptional. Last week, Stephen spoke about Romans 14, 15 and 16. You won’t want to miss out on these wonderful services. Sunday, August 16th, Pinky Sloan presented the opportunity for our congregation to participate in supporting the ministry of the Gideons. Attached, please see below a letter of gratitude to DFC from the Gideons.

News Update news from the Board... Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Do you sense a spirit of enthusiasm and excitement at DFC in recent days? It's not a spirit, it's the Spirit. He is leading us. He is drawing us close to Himself. And He's whispering directly into our ear the call that resonates in our heart of hearts! If I allow my eyes to fixate on the current conditions of the world, my mind can quickly tumble into discouragement. But if I will do as He has called me to do and fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2), I will find a vibrant resolve to accomplish all that is set before me in His precious name. We are involved in a very real battle over the eternal destiny of the many souls we encounter every day. The writer of Hebrews paints a wonderful picture in the twelfth chapter of living a life inspired by the realization that we are privileged to be representatives of the One who endured an unspeakable penalty so that we might experience the grace of our Father rather than the punishment for sin. While the trial, the beating and the excruciating pain of crucifixion were horrific, they were not the unspeakable penalty Jesus endured. When praying in the garden as the culmination of God's plan was about to go into motion, the Son desperately sought an alternative to the separation from the Father He knew He was about to experience. If this "temporary" separation brought anxiousness to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, with the full knowledge He would be resurrected and reunited with the Father, how much more should the thought of "eternal" separation generate motivation for us to rescue everyone we can from such a horrible fate? As the Israelites arose each morning to tangible evidence the Living God was with them through manna and the pillar of cloud, you would think they would have been inspired to live a life of expectancy and dependence upon Him. We know that is not what happened. But how much more should we live that life of expectancy and urgency out of gratitude and love? We have an intimacy with Him that the Israelites couldn't conceive -- He is living within us! On Sunday, September 13, 2009, our new pastor will deliver a challenging message. We are launching an emphasis called "Plug In" to encourage each of us to plug into ministry and fulfill the individual calling God has placed in our spirits. Details of ways that the church will help equip us to do this will soon be forthcoming. For our part, on September 13, what if each of us contacted two people who we used to see as part of the DFC family but haven't seen in a while and asked them to come on that Sunday to see if they might feel a connection to the challenge our pastor will bring? The battle is upon us. We are about to be called to action. Let us make a deliberate effort to unite in the battle with others who recognize what is at stake! Serving Him Alongside of You, Vini Giannatala

News Update timely news for the congregation... •

Pastor Shawn’s Schedule September & October •

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September 13th is “Kick-Off” Sunday! Pastor Shawn will be here and will preach that morning. Invite your friends! This will be a great Sunday and you can get information on all of our fall activities. Saturday, October 2nd we will host the Casting Crowns/Matt Redman concert. That Sunday, October 4th, Pastor Shawn will speak in our morning service. Sunday, October 18th is the “Installation Service” for Pastor Shawn. This will be his first “official” Sunday as our Lead Pastor.

The memorial service for Alice York will be Thursday, September 3rd at Forest Lawn Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. There will be a family and friends gathering on Wednesday, September 2nd (also in St. Louis). There will also be an informal memorial service at the home of Bud and Bonnie York on Sunday, September 20th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Their address is: 15514 E. Prentice Lane in Centennial. In lieu of flowers, if you feel so led, please send a donation to YWAM, at University of the Nations at 75-5851 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, and put “Memorial for Alice York” in the memo portion of your check. Women of Faith Conference (September 25 & 26) tickets are available! Special seating is available for those with mobility difficulty. This is all day Friday and Saturday. Please contact Elsie Ellison for more info: 303/806-0248. Visit the sign-up table in the Breezeway on Sunday.

News Update timely news for the congregation... •

CASTING CROWNS and MATT REDMAN will be at DFC in 5 weeks! Friday October 2 is coming quickly! The Lord has entrusted us as a church with a GREAT opportunity to reach out to our community, our friends and especially those who need to see the love and power of Jesus. This is one of the finest opportunities we at DFC could ever have asked for and they are coming right to us! To reach out to those who possibly grew up in the church but are no longer attending is not only an awesome responsibility, but an incredibly open door into the spiritual lives of so many of the ‘de-churched’ we all know! A concert like this has the potential for tremendous purpose and mission! The first question needing to be asked is not, “Do I like Casting Crowns and Matt Redman?” The first question we need to ask is, “Who is it that I should invite to this concert who is not walking with the Lord or who has walked away from His church?” Then, buy their tickets, invite them, spend time together that evening and reintroduce them to the new dimension of ministry God is growing at DFC! We are anticipating a powerful night of worship and hope you are planning to join us! I urge you to pray about who God may want you to bring. Tickets are available at First Edition Bookstore (at DFC) and at Mardel. Or, you can fill out a ticket request form on DFC’s website. Or call Lynn Nauman directly at (303) 909-3351 to order tickets. For the first time in recent DFC history, we are doing reserved seats for the concert. The seats will be numbered and you can choose where you want to sit (if those seats aren't sold already)! We expect the concert to sell out, so get your tickets now! We also need your help getting the word out. On Sunday, August 30th, we will have posters and flyers available in the East Foyer, West Foyer, Breezeway and Receptionist Desk. If you know of a place that would display either the posters or flyers, please take some with you and get them out. They are, however, quite expensive so only take them if you are planning to distribute them. Casting Crowns is one of the leading worship bands in the country and we are incredibly blessed to have them at DFC. Let's continue to work together as God’s church to make this a time that will bring Him great glory! Yours & His, Scott Nauman

News Update timely news for the congregation... •

Preschool News Last week, the news from the Children’s Department announced several opportunities for our elementary age children. This week, we have news for our Preschoolers! On Sunday, September 6, the Preschoolers at DFC will begin a series of lessons that focus on God’s love, provision and protection. Lessons entitled Baby in a Basket, Escape from Egypt, A Path through the Sea, and A Desert Surprise are sure to be shared creatively and meaningfully with our preschool children. Those who are eager to join the Bell Choir are welcome to attend the first rehearsal scheduled for Sunday, September 13. Bell Choir will begin at 8:45 AM on Sunday mornings. All kids are invited to join and all kids are sure to be successful. The approach is based on recognizing colors and ringing a colorcoded bell. Parents: Please check your children in at the Adventure Zone Welcome Desk by 8:45 AM each Sunday morning if you would like your children to participate. The Bell Choir will meet in Room 1. Participants will be escorted to their Sunday School classes after each 30 minute Sunday morning rehearsal. On Wednesday, September 16, Peek to Peak classes will begin for Pre-K and Kindergarten children. All three and four year olds are invited to participate in a class called Rainbow Promise. Peek to Peak and Rainbow Promise are scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM and will end at 8:00 PM. The preschoolers at DFC are thriving. God has certainly blessed our church with these little ones who spontaneously sing… Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so; Little ones to Him belong, They are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. Sincerely, Susan Foster

News Update how you can help...

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Our cupboards are bare! We have an urgent need in our pantry for corn, beans, soup, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, tuna, salmon and canned veggies. Our cupboards are literally bare because we have been giving food to families in need in recent weeks at record levels! Your immediate response to this will help us to address the future needs for families in need. Please bring these items to the Reception Desk or the Missions Booth anytime. Kick Off Sunday, September 13th is right around the corner! Are you thinking about friends who have never attended DFC or friends who formerly attended DFC? This is the perfect time to invite them to visit (or return). Invite everyone who comes to your mind. They can come and meet Pastor Shawn and get acquainted with ministries that are about to launch for 2009. Do you have a testimony, praise or answered prayer that you would like to make known to the congregation? Please email them to Randy Smith at [email protected] or call him at 303/806-2625. Mission:Denver is this Saturday, August 29th. Come help serve food and distribute clothing to those in need. The location is 2877 Lawrence Street. Meet at DFC at 8:00am. It will end at approximately 1:30pm. For info: John Bruneau at 303.328.7303.

News Update a final word...

The Road to Recovery is very much like the road from Denver to Vail. Flatlanders would perhaps anticipate that the road would elevate gradually from 5280 feet progressing toward the ultimate altitude in Vail of 8000 feet. The reality is that the road to Vail goes up and down, back and forth and from side to side. There is road construction; there are traffic jams and tunnels. As you proceed on the road, you think you have almost reached your destination when, all of the sudden, the bottom drops out! You lose significant altitude after coming through an unthinkably long tunnel. It is tempting when driving on that road to think that something is amiss. You might try to get off the road and try a short cut, but this only delays the progress. The key is staying on the road no matter what. And that’s how you get to Vail. Transition periods are often like this as well. We have ups and downs, we go from side to side, there are unexpected delays along the way, and at times, it brings one to the place of wondering if we are ever going to get to where we are supposed to be. The key is to stay “on the road” and to keep moving forward. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and following along the path that He opens up before us with confident faith will get us where He wants us to be. We aren’t there yet, but for sure, we are on the right road. Let’s keep on moving together one day at a time through this process of transition. Randy Smith

Calendar of Events August 30 - September 5

Sunday, August 30: CR Trip to Nomee (off-site) 8:30 am:

Youth Prayer Time

9:00 am:

Sunday School (all ages) Nursery & Preschool open

10:30 am:

Morning Worship Service (Sanctuary) Nursery available 1st - 4th Grade Children’s Church (GLA) 5th & 6th Grade DOGS Worship

12:00 pm:

Tuesday, September 1: 7:00 am:

Men’s Bible Study (GL Conference Room)

7:00 pm:

Prophesy Bible Study - Bereans (Fellowship Hall)

Wednesday, September 2: 4:30 pm:

Hang Time in the Youth Café

6:30 pm:

Wednesday Night Prayer (Community Room) Celebrate Recovery (Room 200, 202)

Fresh Flood Adult Leaders Lunch Meeting (Wave Pool)

Youth Worship Service (Rock Room)

Rock Band Practice (Rock Room) 2:00 pm:

Tsunami Band Practice

3:30 pm: 4:00 pm:

Collaboration Band Practice Membership Class (Room 200)

4:30 pm:

Children’s Committee Meeting (Community Room)

6:00 pm:

Hymn Sing (Sanctuary)

Friday, September 4: 5:00 pm:

Celebrate Recovery Sponsor Meeting (Cry Room)

6:00 pm:

Celebrate Recovery (Fellowship Hall)

Saturday, September 5: 7:00 am:

Monday, August 31: 9:40 am:

Celebrate Recovery Sponsor Meeting (Cry Room)

7:00 pm:

Monday Evening Women’s Bible Study (GL Fellowship Hall)

Men at Prayer (Community Room) Ladies Prayer Walk (DFC Parking Lot)