Newsletter - May 31, 2009

Denver First Church May 31, 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 Curtis Clay Glenn Domokos Les Dryer Troy Edwards Vini Giannatala Bryant Jaggers Lyle Johnson Judy Jones Gregg Moran 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

Table of Contents 1. MOPS Consignment Sale

iv. timely news for the congregation…

2. News update

v. how you can help…

i. important info... ii. kotchadoinggood iii. news from the board...

3. Calendar of Events: May 24-May 30

News Update Important info... Dear Family and Friends of DFC, Where can you go to hear a quote like, “If your horse dies, you have permission to get off”? Dr. Bob provides us with a seemingly endless supply of word-pictures capable of packing a punch. Well, how about it? Do we find ourselves at times either belaboring an issue or trying to breathe life into a program that’s long dead? There comes a time when it’s appropriate to give the thing a decent burial and move on to What’s Important Now. We have many life-giving challenges that face us in the days ahead. One of our greatest needs is to have an army of people waiting in the wings ready to sign up for duty. Will you step up as a volunteer today? This past Sunday we were also blessed with the incomparable music of Dave Boyer, accompanied by Jerry Nelson and NazzJazz. And those of you who were present will know that Jerry announced his intention to pursue a new chapter in his career. For so many of us this was unexpected news—news of such magnitude it will take us time to absorb its meaning. More comment on Jerry and his contributions will be found under “Kotchadoingood!” 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

First Impressions Luncheon

Evening Service -- Honoring our Graduating High School Seniors DFC Ladies Book Club

Palomas Mission Trip

Widowed Ladies Spring Tea

Tennyson Center Ministry

Support Group for Caregivers

College Ministry Opportunity

GPS Class Potluck

Singles Concert in the Park

Symphony of Praise DVD Status

DivorceCare

Children’s Summer Camp Today’s publication will cover the following topics: “Kotchadoingood!,” News from the Board, Timely News for the Congregation and How You Can Help

News Update kotchadoinggood!

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It may take us months for the significance of Jerry Nelson’s Sunday announcement to sink in. For 36 years, we have grown accustomed to the music ministry of Jerry Nelson; we have had the luxury of taking his world-class piano performance—as well as his widely acclaimed orchestral arrangements and compositions—as a given...as just “the way it’s supposed to be.” The music ministry at DFC often flows smoothly—even seamlessly—largely because of the endless hours, unseen and uncounted, invested by Jerry. Whether we think of DFC’s 70’s TV ministry, “A Reason To Sing”; Saturday Nights in Denver productions; guest performers; NazzJazz; the Year of Jubilee; or weekin/week-out performances with the choir and orchestra, Jerry’s influence is indelibly apparent. There is so much over the years that has been accomplished through DFC’s music ministries that could not have been reasonably attempted without Jerry’s quiet, steadfast, committed genius behind the scenes. There will be many tributes: Jerry’s legacy is deeply embedded in DFC’s DNA. But, Friends, it’s time as never before to LET THE APPRECIATION BEGIN. Thank you, Jerry. Bruce Timnick steered the effort to gather backpacks for Denver’s homeless, for distribution at DFC’s Mission:Denver. Currently, it appears that about 40 backpacks have been received! Thank you, Bruce, and all who participated in this effort. Recently, we received a thank-you letter from a family that was so warmly received by our congregation. I won’t attempt to relay the story; it’s found on the next page...

News Update kotchadoinggood... I would like to take this opportunity to tell your church family thanks for all the prayers. My wife was flown to Swedish Medical Center the 26th of April. She had developed blood clots on the brain and it required blood thinners and observations with surgery being the last resort. Well after 3 MRI's there was no change in the clots (horrendous was the term the doctors used to describe the MRI) which the Dr.'s said was good because the brain (one of God's great designs) would heal itself and re-route the blood flow. Long story short, she had localized seizures so surgery happened. It was a last resort as she is 11 weeks pregnant with our 5th child and the doctor informed us that there was a significant risk to the unborn baby because of exposure to the amount of radiation and more potent blood thinners used during procedure. I was driving back to the hotel I was staying at on Sunday a.m. but the Lord tugged on my heart and I drove into your church's parking lot and was welcomed into your church for worship service. I got there and saw a guy standing by the coffee counter. He ribbed me because I had a [DFC] coffee mug and he didn't, and he'd been a member for 30 years. That opened up a conversation. He invited me to sit with him and his wife and some fellow DFC members. I felt so at home, as if I was back at my home church. Thanks Van and Miriam Owen, Mr. [David] Radke, Gary and Susie [Orndoff]. Well I left the church after a wonderful spirit-led Children's program and belly full from BBQ and told my wife about it. God has blessed us many times like that. Later that evening the nurse in the Critical Care Unit said we had visitors. The curtain was shut and I was wondering as to who it could be. Gary and Susie had come to visit and bring me a CD copy of that morning's sermon (which I was hoping to get somehow because the pastor had shared a Mother's Prayer that resonated in my heart "God, if you save my child, I will give him to you…”). Susie prayed over my wife and baby. The Lord is still working on me, as I had to muster every fiber in my body to keep from blubbering. Since then Bud Curry has been here every day to pray for my wife and baby. The power of prayer is awesome as I know our family is on your prayer chain (thank you Miriam). We leave tomorrow as the doctors have told us she is well. Thank your church family for all the prayers and I pray many blessing to DFC. "God is good...All the time." Phil and Santana Moreno

News Update news from the Board... Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Bryant Jaggers reports on behalf of the Search Committee that they are extremely close to taking the next step in the process of selecting our new Senior Pastor! That step is to bring a short list of candidates and a recommendation to the Board. The committee is hopeful that this step could take place in the first half of June. The Board would then consider the matter and select one candidate from the names proposed. This would be followed by presenting the name to the congregation for consideration. We will provide more details on the format of how we might go about "getting to know" the candidate as that time approaches. If you have particular interest in the pastoral selection process as laid out in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, refer to section H, paragraph 115 of the Manual. Tuesday night was the final Board meeting of the church year. Joining us in that meeting were new Board members Bob Cheney and Gene Rakes. Les Dreyer and Lyle Johnson finished up their current terms of service to the congregation -- service approached with the utmost consideration and prayer in the case of both men. They were each honored with a Scott Stearman statue and our heartfelt gratitude. Won't you take the time to thank them, as well, when you see them at church? They served without desire for recognition, but in so doing, we can express to a small degree how much we appreciate them. We did much of what you would expect in a final meeting of the year, like finalizing budgets and such. When I say "finalizing," that's really a misnomer. We have agreed to allow the budget to be seen as a short-term plan that won't necessarily take firm shape until after the new Senior Pastor has arrived and we see how some other issues facing the denomination develop at General Assembly. Business Administrator Rich Cantwell did a fine job of presenting some complex, structural changes facing DFC and the Nazarene denomination with regard to giving and the accounting and use thereof. As we gain greater understanding of how the church moves forward with these changes, we will be sure to communicate these with you. Speaking of communicating, the Board voted to establish a new committee, the Communications Committee (or “Comm Comm” as we're affectionately dubbing it), dedicated to focusing on keeping the congregation and those "outside the walls" informed about DFC. This committee will be comprised of a Board and staff representative as well as several members of the congregation. The Board elected me to chair the Comm Comm for the upcoming year. The selection of the staff representative will be the next step. Then committee members will be sought. If you have a passion for communication and are creative in your thought processes, apply, through the Business Office, to serve on this committee. Call Rich at 303/806-2603 if interested. Serving Him Alongside of You, Vini Giannatala

News Update timely news for the congregation...

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Gentlemen: Don’t miss Promise Keepers’ “Wake-Up Call,” Saturday, May 30, from 9am to 12 noon. The event will take place at Southeast Christian Church, 9550 Jordan Rd., Parker, CO. For more information, visit www.promisekeepers.org. Mission:Denver—Help serve food and distribute clothing to those in need! Location is 2877 Lawrence Street in downtown Denver. Meet at DFC at 8:00am. We will return to DFC at approximately 1:30pm. For more info contact John at 303.328.7303. May 31 is Graduates Sunday at Denver First Church! In the morning worship service ALL graduates who have responded will be honored. Sunday AFTERNOON, from 4:30-6:30 pm, a service has been designed to honor, commission, and express support for our High School graduates. Our guest speaker, Rev. Chanshi Chanda, will present an inspiring message, “The Power of One.” Refreshments will follow. Note: This will be our evening service. Milestones Have you seen the Milestone Project photographs on display around town? These photographs capture images of children from various countries experiencing milestones that all children, regardless of their culture, face. With Promotion Sunday right around the corner, the children who attend DFC will be facing milestones that signify that they are taking steps forward in their spiritual journey. Here are some details that will help families know exactly what will be happening in the Children’s Department over the next couple of weeks. Preschool June 7 is Promotion Sunday for Preschool. 2's turning 3 in June, July & August will promote to 3's. 3's turning 4 in June, July & August will promote to 4's 4's and Pre-K's will promote in September.

News Update timely news for the congregation... Kindergarten On Sunday, June 7, there will be a graduation ceremony on the North West patio at 9 AM for the current Kindergarteners. The Kindergarteners and their families will be featured in a Bible presentation ceremony during the morning worship service in the sanctuary. These families will then gather in the Kindergarten classroom for a brief training session and light lunch right after the worship service. Early Elementary Grades Current 1st, 2nd & 3rd graders will promote to their new classes on Sunday, June 7. Fourth Grade Current 4th graders will be recognized at a Graduation Reception on Sunday, June 7. The breakfast will begin at 8 AM and end at 9 AM. At the close of this reception, the current 4th graders will promote to the DOGS. The DOGS is all about action! Your first activity will be a 5th & 6th grade bike ride along the Highline Canal to Lois Lenski Elementary School and back. This bike ride will take place on Sunday, June 7 after the morning service. Parents are invited to attend. All participants will need a bike, helmet, sun block, water bottle, and a sack lunch. The plan is to be back at church by 5:30 PM. DOGS (Disciples of God) On Sunday, May 31, the DOGS will have a party at 9:15 AM to celebrate the current 6th graders. This will be a special time for our current 6th graders to reflect on all that they have experienced in the DOGS. As you can see, the Children’s Department is on the move. Our children are growing up and growing strong in the Lord. This is happening because our children are listening intently to God’s word. It is also happening because God has purposefully selected dedicated and creative leaders to serve and offer guidance to others. As the Children’s Department continues to grow, please pray for additional volunteers who are sensing God’s call to this important ministry. Is God speaking to you? Sincerely, Susan Foster

News Update how you can help...

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Our DFC Food Pantry helps those in need every week. Right now, we are very short on soups, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauce and jelly. Please help by donating these items, or other non-perishable items. You can drop them off at the Reception Desk or in the pantry “bins.” Over a period of months, several of you have responded by volunteering to help in Children’s Ministries. As this ministry grows, and needs for replacements arise, we are URGENTLY in need of more volunteers to step up and offer your services. Please call Gwenda at 303.806.2612. Your help is needed TODAY! Thank you.

A FINAL WORD Isn’t it true that Jesus sometimes uses His first touch on our lives to spark faith in us so He may complete His greater work? This was certainly the case in the story found in Mark 8:22-25. 22They

came to Bethsaida and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" 24He

looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around."

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more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. If this is the case personally—with an individual—might it not also apply corporately? That is, as we proceed through the hazy days of transition, might it not be possible that the ways in which we have seen God’s hand at work thus far could spark our faith corporately to apprehend with increased clarity the gracious gifts He has for us today? May it be so. In Jesus’ Name. On behalf of the Ministerial Staff of DFC, God bless you. Randy Smith

Calendar of Events May 31-June 6 Wednesday, June 3:

Sunday, May 31: 9:00 am:

10:30 am:

Sunday School (all ages)

4:30 pm:

All Youth BBQ (Back Lawn)

Nursery & Preschool open

5:00 pm:

CR Leaders Meeting (Room 200)

All Youth Breakfast (3rd Floor)

5:30 pm:

Rock Worship Band Sound Check

Morning Worship Service - Senior Sunday (Sanctuary)

6:30 pm:

Prayer Meeting (Community Room) Celebrate Recovery (Room 200, 202 & Cry Room)

Nursery available 1st - 4th Grade Children’s Church (GLA) 5th & 6th Grade DOGS Worship (Dog Pound) 12:00 pm:

Rock Worship Band Practice

2:00 pm:

Growing Kids God’s Way (Room 200) Childcare for ages birth - 3 (nursery) Childcare for ages 4 and older (GL Room #5)

2:30 pm:

Tsunami Band Practice

3:00 pm:

Children’s Committee Meeting (Community Room)

3:30 pm:

Collaboration Band Practice

4:00 pm:

Financial Peace (GL Auditorium)(Childcare provided in Room 5)

Youth Worship Service (Rock Room) 6:45 pm:

MASH Men’s Bible Study (Room 201)

Thursday, June 4: 5:00 am:

Palomas Mission Trip Leaves

6:30 pm:

Ladies Book Club (Fellowship Hall)

Friday, June 5: Palomas Mission Trip 8:00 am:

Youth: Obey Your Thirst - Golden Bell Camp (meet at DFC) MOPS Consignment Sale Seller Sign -Up (Breezeway)

1:00 pm:

Concerned Disciplers Event

4:30 pm:

Special Evening Service & Reception (Fellowship Hall)

5:00 pm:

Celebrate Recovery Sponsor Meeting (Cry Room)

6:00 pm:

Quizzing Practice

6:00 pm:

Celebrate Recovery (Fellowship Hall)

Tuesday, June 2: 7:00 am:

Men’s Bible Study (GL Conference Room)

7:00 pm:

Prophesy Bible Study - Bereans (Fellowship Hall)

Divorce Care (Fellowship Hall/ Community Room) Saturday, June 6: Palomas Mission Trip Waves at Golden Bell Camp 7:00 am:

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

2:00 pm:

Widow’s Might Spring Tea (Fellowship Hall)