Newsletter - November 1, 2009

Denver First Church November 1, 2009

keeping in touch...

DFC Ministerial Staff Shawn Siegfreid Lead Pastor

Stephen Abbott Young Adult & Family Pastor

Rich Cantwell Business Administrator

Bud Curry Hospital Chaplain

Tina Hayhurst Student Ministries 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

Table of Contents 1. IN Group Banquet 2. news update i. important info… ii. “kotchadoingood” iii. board perspective iv. timely news for the congregation…

v.a final word... 3. calendar of events: November 1 - 7

News Update Important info... Dear Members and Friends of DFC, In Ephesians 4:16 it says “From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” These words of Paul describe the Body of Christ at work; powerful reminders of what the Body of Christ should look and act like. I have been here at DFC a little over two weeks and have been able to experience this Body firsthand. The first thing I have observed is faithfulness! The people of DFC are very faithful and involved. When Paul says ‘each part does its work’ it reminds me of what I have observed. I want to say thank you to all of the faithful people of DFC. We are working together for the building of His Kingdom. The second observation that I have made is the sense of family. The Body of Christ is a family. And as we know, sometimes families have differences. The Bible does not hide that there were times of differences and even divisions in the early church. It shouldn’t surprise us that we would struggle with the same thing today. We are imperfect and at times can have differences. The key for me is that the family is held together by Him. If we will follow Him together we will stay on the right track. Also it says we are “built up in love.” 1 Peter 4:8 says “love covers a multitude of sins.” If we will build each other up in love, the Body of Christ cannot be defeated! This is my prayer so that the people of Denver cannot help but see we are a community of love, grace and power and want to be a part of it! Lets us keep being the Body that builds itself up in love! Amazed by His Grace! Pastor Shawn 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. Youth Fund Raiser Men’s Basketball DFC Ladies Book Club Widows & Mature Single Ladies Brunch Inclement Weather Policy

Evening Service Singles Bowling & Dinner College Preview Days A Taste of Christmas

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

News Update “kotchadoingood!” Nazz Jazz This past Sunday night Nazz Jazz played their final concert in Greeley, Colorado-an epic/epoch event in Dr. Jerry Nelson’s long and storied tenure at DFC. Thank you, Jerry, and members of Nazz Jazz—past and present—for your considerable contributions to the musical context of DFC. Last Sunday What a remarkable day of worship we experienced together as a congregation last Sunday! The Sunday morning service was marked by the inspired preaching of Pastor Shawn and worshipful, celebratory music from choir, orchestra and congregation! Sunday evening’s service was very well attended. The congregation, led alternately by four different song leaders, sang heartily the hymns of the church. Thank you, Linda Jackson, for organizing this wonderful evening of worship. There will be a repeat! Congregation Contributions Thank you, DFC, for your generous contributions of hygiene packs to support Mission:Denver, our ministry to Denver’s unemployed and under-employed. And thank you, as well, for supporting “Trunk-or-Treat,” DFC’s Halloween alternative for children; you provided—at present count—more than 11,000 pieces of candy for the children of DFC and the surrounding community! Honoring One of Our Own Heather Hill, daughter of Winston and Carolyn Hill, will be singing the National Anthem at the Jets football game this Sunday. Why will she be singing the Anthem? Well, that in itself would not be unusual for Heather, an internationally acclaimed opera singer. But, she is singing the Anthem this Sunday because the New York Jets are honoring her father, Winston Hill, the Namath-era, multiple Pro-Bowl, offensive tackle, for his service to the Jets and to the game at-large. Parenthetically, Winston is a new addition to the First Impressions team at DFC. Grateful Staff For the past few years, October has been designated as Pastor Appreciation month. The ministry leaders of DFC want to thank members of the Church Board and the congregation for your thoughtful and generous expressions of appreciation that have been directed to all levels of the church staff and to various lay leaders as well. God bless you.

News Update Board perspective... Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Pastor Shawn delivered another inspiring, challenging message Sunday morning. As we begin to settle into the reality of what we are called to do and be as a community of believers, it deepens the appreciation of the incredible gift of salvation afforded us through the Lord, Jesus Christ. This past Tuesday, we as a Board had our first opportunity to meet with Pastor Shawn officially assuming his role in directing the leadership of the church. The passion he demonstrates from the pulpit was also present in our meeting as he began to share with us a little about what the future might hold for us. Truly exciting days are ahead -- indeed, they are already here. Last weekend also marked the end of an era of ministry for Nazz Jazz, the big-band group of musicians and vocalists from among our ranks who have been traveling ambassadors for DFC for several years. It has been my privilege to be a member of that group since its inception. We've played many different venues over the years. But the Father saw fit to allow us, on Sunday night, to place an exclamation point at the end of the ministry by culminating a weekend of concerts (Friday in Cheyenne and Saturday in Loveland) with an opportunity to play the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley on Sunday. It is a beautiful, 1750-seat auditorium that has hosted many of the biggest names in the music business as well as Broadway productions. We were truly humbled by the grace of God to allow us such an opportunity where He could receive the glory. As I reflect on the many ministry opportunities the group has been afforded over the years, I am struck by the impact of our (human) leader and arranger, Dr. Jerry Nelson. For those who are relatively new to the DFC family, you may not be aware of the monumental talent our Father has entrusted to this man. For those who have been around for awhile, you have certainly benefited from it. But the most striking thing about Jerry is his perspective about this incredible talent. You see, his talent is most-assuredly world class. And, just as assuredly, it is this talent that has opened so many doors for Nazz Jazz to use music as a vehicle for evangelism. But Jerry ever keeps the understanding that he is able to do what he does because he has been given a "five-talent gift" (Matthew 25:15). Just like Timothy, we all need a Paul as a role model and mentor. Jerry has consistently been that to me and so many others as he always reflects the glory back to the Master Gift Giver. Nazz Jazz is grateful to you, our church family, for allowing us to represent Him and you. And we are grateful to Him for giving us our very own Paul. Serving Him Alongside of You, Vini Giannatala

News Update timely news for the congregation... Inclement Weather Policy In the case of bad weather, the most important thing is for everyone to be safe. Please do not travel to Denver First Church for worship services or activities if you feel that doing so would be unsafe. If there is an actual state of emergency (declared by the governor), services and activities will be cancelled. If bad weather makes you wonder whether church or a church event has been cancelled, you can tune in to TV stations 9(NBC), 7(ABC) or 4(CBS) to find out. You can also check the website www.denverfirstchurch.com home page for pertinent updates. Sign up to have your cell phone receive a text message when breaking information happens at DFC. Please text “Follow DFC” to 40404 to receive such updates. Church-wide Communication •

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In the event of a closing or delayed opening due to inclement weather or other emergency, an announcement will be placed prominently on the church website and on the church voice messaging service at 303.761.8370. Office staff will attempt to notify the contact person for affected activities. A determination of church program status will be made and communicated as expeditiously as possible. The goal is to make a determination by 7:00 am for morning and daytime operations and activities, and by 1:00 pm for evening activities. Sometimes there are circumstances that make these timelines unrealistic. We appreciate your understanding.

Worship Services, Sunday Programs and Special Events •

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Every effort will be made to conduct Sunday morning worship and Sunday School. Only extremely hazardous weather, impassable travel conditions, severe damage to facilities, and/or a power outage at the church will cause a cancellation. If at all possible, weddings, funerals, and major one‑time special events will be conducted as scheduled. Cancellation of Sunday evening programs will be announced on the voicemail greeting at 303.761.8370, and will be posted prominently on the DFC website by 1:00 pm.

News Update timely news for the congregation... Baptism Classes Adult Baptism Class: Pastor Bud Curry will meet with adults interested in becoming baptized on November 8, from 5-6pm in Room 200. To register, please call Angie at 303/806-2603. Youth Baptism Class: Kari Wright will meet with youth interested in becoming baptized in the Rock Room on November 11th from 6-7pm. Daylight Saving Time ends Remember to set your clocks BACK one hour at 2am Sunday morning (or Saturday night!). A Taste of Christmas It’ll be here before you know it! “A Taste of Christmas” will take place on, Saturday, Dec. 5. Tickets (only $12.00, ladies!) go on sale beginning next Sunday, November 8. (Hostesses, your pre-sales need to be taken care of this Sunday, Nov. 1.) We have 21 hostesses confirmed already! Volunteers are still needed in all areas. See Gay Borrego at the booth near the South Entrance on Sunday. 31st I.N. Group Annual Banquet This event will be Saturday, Nov. 21, at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. The reception area (Community Room) will open at 5pm. The theme is "Around the World with Dr. Jim Diehl". Our musical treat will be Van & Miriam Owen singing with Linda Jackson playing the piano. Tickets are $20.00 (reserved by table number) and are available at the I.N. GROUP BOOTH, SOUTH ENTRANCE. Note: Semi-Formal Dress. Note that the I.N. Group is now open to all adults.

News Update timely news for the congregation... Kids Corner The Mystery of the Manger Have you played Clue recently? This board game that has been around for years continues to captivate astute young sleuths! Well, there is a different type of mystery being solved in the Children’s Department. The Mystery of the Manger is the title of the Christmas musical that will be performed by our DFC kids on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 10:30 am. Rehearsals for this musical started in September and will continue until the 13th of December. Each age group in the Children’s Department (Preschool, Elementary, and DOGS) follows a specific rehearsal schedule that has been woven into their Sunday morning programming. Whereas each small group rehearsal is important, there are several whole group rehearsals that families will want to mark on their calendars: Sunday, November 1, 2009, Sunday, November 29, 2009 and Sunday, December 6, 2009 If your family faithfully arrives at 9:00 am for Sunday School, then your child will be present for his/her engaging Sunday School lesson and be on time for these rehearsals. Sunday School teachers will escort all children from their Sunday School classes to the rehearsals. Each of these whole group rehearsals will begin at 10:30 am. Our entire DFC family will want to be in the sanctuary, with the children, who will use their voices to help us solve The Mystery of the Manger on Sunday, December 13, 2009. The musical will begin at 10:30 am. See you there, Susan Foster

News Update timely news for the congregation... Get a Jump Start on Your Christmas Gifts! Do you want to get some of your gifts taken care of early and support our youth? It's easy and makes your Christmas giving simple. Stop by the Student Ministries Booth or the GL Welcome Center and pre-order gift cards. We will have a variety to choose from, as well as some cards on hand (like King Soopers, Chili's, and Starbucks) that you can purchase right then. A percentage of each card goes to support our youth and enable some students to go on trips they otherwise may not be able to afford. Thank you for your support. Widows and Mature Single Ladies of DFC Join us for a brunch on Saturday, Nov. 14th at 10am in the Fellowship Hall of DFC. Our own Dixie Whittaker will be our speaker. Secret Sisters will be revealed! Bring a gift with your own name on it. Please call Sarah at 303-806-2625 by Nov. 7th to reserve your spot. Transportation will be provided upon request. Join us for fun, food and fellowship! Singles Bowling & Dinner Meet at Monaco Lanes on Saturday, Nov. 14th at 3pm for a few games of bowling! We’ll go out to dinner at Gunther Toody’s afterwards. Bring $20-25 for expenses; shoes - $4.95, one game of bowling - $5.50, dinner – approx. $10. For more information contact Jincy Mills at 303-552-7970. Children’s Christmas Musical Adventure Zone Worship is rehearsing the kids Christmas musical, "Mystery At the Manger". All elementary students should have a listening CD and are encouraged to be listening to the musical 24/7! If your child does not have a CD, please contact Gwenda Rakes at 303-761-8370 or Deanna Griffiths at 303-9051926 and we will make sure they receive one. Mystery at the Manger will be presented on Sunday, December 13th as part of the morning worship service! Sad News Scott Nauman’s father, Glenn L. Nauman, passed away on Monday, October 26th. Many of you have asked about funeral arrangements. A Celebration of Life service was held this morning, Friday, October 30th at 11:00 am at St. Luke’s Church in Faribault, MN. Please be in prayer for Scott and his family in this time of loss.

News Update a final word... You might recall that in the 9/11/09 eblast to the congregation, we had paid tribute to DFC’s former bus pastor, Jim Middleton, on the occasion of his passing. This being Pastor Appreciation month, I had received a note from one of our parishioners which, in part, cited the influence Jim had had on her life. I include this excerpt from her letter: I had seen church buses in my neighborhood and asked some of the other kids what that was about. They told me that the bus took them to Sunday School at 2000 S. Milwaukee St. One Saturday afternoon in March 1971, the doorbell rang and there stood a tall, lanky, red-headed man. “Hello! I’m Jim Middleton and…” He explained the bus ministry and DFC. The next morning, I was waiting for the bus and hopped on when it pulled up. I hope to have some impact on someone else’s life. (Perhaps I have; over the years I’ve led 12 people to Christ.) All because Jim came to my door one day in March 1971. In His Grace, Shirley L. Stafford Friends, do you see it? In his first message to his new congregation, Pastor Shawn spoke on “The Principle of One”—keeping our focus, not on the 99 sheep that are in the fold, but on the one that is still out there. Jim had that focus, and by focusing on this one, an additional 12 have come into the fold! And, in speaking with Shirley, she mentioned that each of those 12 people have led at least 1 more person to the Lord! Isn’t that wonderful! Please join me in praying that, over the course of the next 30 days, God will put someone in your path and mine who is a “Shirley,” just waiting to be asked…to follow Jesus. On behalf of the Ministry Team of DFC, Randy Smith

Calendar of Events November 1 - 7 Wednesday, November 4 (continued):

Sunday, November 1: 9:00 am:

Sunday School (all ages)

5:30 pm:

Bible Quizzing - Red Level 1st - 3rd Grade (Room 2)

Nursery & Preschool open 10:30 am:

11:45 am:

Rock Band Practice

Morning Worship Service (Sanctuary)

6:00 pm:

Youth Accountability Class

Nursery available

6:15 pm:

Nursery Open (ages 2 and under)

Tsunami & Collaboration leave to perform at the Tennyson Center

6:30 pm:

Wednesday Night Prayer (Community Room)

Adventure Zone Worship (GLA) 5th & 6th Grade DOGS Worship

Women of the Word (Fellowship Hall)

Youth leave to help with Trunk-or-Treat at Tennyson Center

Choir & Orchestra Rehearsal Celebrate Recovery (Room 200, 202)

12:00 pm:

Concerned Disciplers class lunch (Fellowship Hall)

4:30 pm:

Adult Education Committee (Community Room)

Men’s Study - Tender Warrior (Room 201)

Military Support Group (Room 200)

MASH Men’s Bible Study (West Diehl Chapel)

5:00 pm:

Puppet Practice (5th & 6th Grade) (Room 12) Bible Quizzing - Blue Level 4th - 6th Grade (Room 14)

6:00 pm:

Traditions Service (Diehl Chapel)

Monday, November 2: 9:40 am:

Celebrate Recovery Sponsor Meeting (Cry Room)

Tuesday, November 3:

Youth Worship Service (Rock Room)

Children’s Activities (all ages) 8:00 pm:

Choir Rehearsal for Teens (Rock Room)

Thursday, November 5: 6:15 pm:

Choir childcare, GL Room #5

7:00 pm:

Praise Teams & Choir Orchestra Rehearsal

Friday, November 6: 9:15 am:

Seniors Choir Rehearsal (Diehl Chapel)

7:00 am:

Men’s Bible Study (GL Conference Room)

5:00 pm:

9:00 am:

Women of the Word Leaders (Fellowship Hall)

Celebrate Recovery Sponsor Meeting (Cry Room)

6:00 pm:

9:30 am:

Women of the Word (Fellowship Hall)

Celebrate Recovery (Fellowship Hall) Divorce Care (Community Room)

Childcare (Room 5) 7:00 pm:

Bereans Prophesy Bible Study (Fellowship Hall)

Wednesday, November 4: 4:30 pm:

Hang Time in the Youth Café

5:00 pm:

Women of the Word Leaders (Fellowship Hall)

Divorce Care for Kids (GL Room #6) Saturday, November 7: 7:00 am:

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

9:00 am:

Shoebox Christmas preparation (Fellowship Hall)