Newsletter - September 27, 2009

Denver First Church September 27, 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

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

Table of Contents 1. All Church Work Days 2. news update i. important info…

v. how you can help… vi.a final word...

3. calendar of events: September 27iii. board perspective October 3 iv. timely news for the congregation… ii. “kotchadoingood”

News Update Important info... Dear Members and Friends of DFC, Dr. Bob spoke to us this past Sunday about what’s at stake when we disobey God. He used the Scriptural account of Jonah’s disobedience as his example. The story of Jonah also reveals the limit to which God will go in order not only to bring a Jonah to his senses, but also to extend His redemptive grace to a city that is lost and undone. Like a rebellious boy whose aunt is pulling him by the ear, Jonah ultimately complied with God’s calling; but how happier the ending, had Jonah fully surrendered to the God of His salvation. There is a losing of which that Jonah—and all the rest of us Jonahs alike—should be in hot pursuit. It is penned in the words of an old, rarely-sung song: Let me lose myself and find it, Lord, in Thee. May all self be slain--my friends see only Thee. Though it cost me grief and pain, I will find my life again: If I lose myself, I’ll find it, Lord, in Thee. 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. Coats, Boots & Blankets Drive

Bake Out

Evening Service

DFC Ladies Book Club

Casting Crowns

Tennyson Center Ministry

Children’s Ministry Needs

District Youth Power Surge

Trunk-or-Treat

Divorce Care

Celebration Choir & Orchestra College Preview Days Today’s publication will cover the following topics: “Kotchadoingood!”, Board Perspective, Timely News for the Congregation and How You Can Help.

News Update “kotchadoingood!” The Refuge Stephen Abbott’s Sunday School class, “The Refuge,” is growing! In recent weeks, they have: •

Averaged over 60 in attendance

•

Started 6 neighborhood small groups

•

Begun a men’s group on Wednesday evenings here at DFC at 6:30 pm called “Tender Warrior.” Last week, over 16 men attended this study.

Stephen is an exceptional speaker and just started a new study in The Refuge on the Pentateuch (the 1st five books of the Bible). Curtis Clay is co-teaching and it is an enlightening series. Please visit http://refuge.denverfirstchurch.com for a calendar of activities and more info on The Refuge. Preschool Marilyn Anderson, our Preschool Director, has reported on the wonderful things happening in our Preschool area. For the first time in years, there is a complete staff of laymen working in all the different areas and people are stepping up and volunteering their time above and beyond the basic needs. She has a full complement of workers. Last week, the 3 year old department had 21 children in attendance – that’s a 50% increase!

News Update Board perspective... Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Board met Tuesday for our monthly meeting. It is both exciting and somewhat challenging to tackle all that is happening over the next several weeks. We have the Casting Crowns with Matt Redman concert on October 2; welcoming Pastor Shawn to the pulpit October 4 and then again October 18 for his installation celebration; plans to show our appreciation to our wonderful staff during Pastor Appreciation Month; and the children's Halloween alternative activity, this year called Trunk-or-Treat -- to name just a few of the events! Please check the Insight online or call the church at 303-7618370 for information on these and other ways to be involved. Also, watch for new accessibility to Board minutes, financial reports and other information available on the website soon. Of course, as Dr. Bob has emphasized through his messages, and Pastor Shawn punctuated on September 13, the focus of our energies in all of these things must be on connecting people with Jesus Christ. We must constantly ask ourselves, "How will this expose people to the Lord?" (John 12:28-50). As J. Vernon McGee points out, our point must never be to gain a result, but to be sure the Word of God is proclaimed. His Word can accomplish what we could never engineer -- namely to convict man of his need for the Savior, turn from his depravity, and be saved. Two Bible studies I am following right now, one in Ezekiel and the other in Revelation, have me focused on the depths of man's reluctance to yield to God and His plan and purpose for us. The prophetic Word of God spoken through Ezekiel demonstrates this in both the time it was written, during the Babylonian conquest of Israel, and in its statements regarding the coming tribulation at the end of the age. Revelation, of course, documents in graphic detail how our Father will intensify His demonstration of His sovereignty over the universe during the tribulation period. Yet, of those who will experience these horrible judgments poured out on the earth, the overwhelming majority will choose to die rather than bow to God. Thus, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2-3) so we will not lose heart. As we invest ourselves in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who have either not heard or not accepted it, we must leave the results to Him. Our hearts must remain tender and sensitive to the lost. But the tenderness must flow from an intimate relationship with the Father. His passion for His lost sheep will then emanate from us and He will attract people to Himself. We have the ultimate privilege as His children to expend our lives in this endeavor! Serving Him Alongside of You, Vini Giannatala

News Update timely news for the congregation... Important Calendar Items – September Dates: 9/26 9/29 – 10/1

Mission:Denver IN Group Fall Colors Trip

October Dates: 10/2 Casting Crowns concert 10/4 Pastor Shawn 10/10 & 17 Shipshape for Shawn & Sherri – 8-12 (lunch 12-1pm) 10/17 – 27 Nicaragua trip 10/18 – 10am Pastor Shawn installation 10/25 Communion 10/25 10/27 10/30 10/30 10/31 10/31 10/31

Bake Out October Board Meeting Fred October, youth outreach NazzJazz concert 7:30pm Trunk or Treat in the west parking lot Mission:Denver Daylight Saving Time change

November Dates: 11/01 Tennyson Center 11/08 Baptism Class 11/15 Baptism 11/20-22 Power Surge district retreat 11/24 November Board Meeting 11/26 Thanksgiving day – no Mission:Denver in November December Dates: 12/2-6 Mexico shoebox trip 12/03 Point Loma preview days 12/03-04 A Taste of Christmas preparation 12/05 A Taste of Christmas 12/06 DFC Christmas concert 3pm 12/11-13 Navajo shoebox trip 12/12 Mission:Denver 12/13 DFC Children’s Christmas program 12/20 12/24

Bake Out: Bake Sale Christmas Eve service – Baptism & Communion

News Update timely news for the congregation... Children’s Department Update Last week, my mom became a U.S. citizen. After living in America for 51 years and having served her entire career as a minister in The Salvation Army on U.S. soil, she finally made the decision to officially wave the stars and stripes. It is human nature to approach decisions with caution. We weigh our options. We think of the implications. Is it the same for children? Evangelism statistics tell us that 85% of believers accept Christ between the ages of four and fourteen. This is why investing in our youth is important. This is why those who are called to serve in the Children’s Department at DFC do so with passion and conviction. Each Children’s Department worker is a member of The Extreme Team and on Sunday, October 11, 2009, members of The Extreme Team will be gathering after the morning service to plan lessons, decorate classrooms, practice music, and review security procedures. Before attention can be given to such matters, each Extreme Team member will be praying for our DFC kids and their families. They will also be praying for those who will be joining us for the first time on October 31st during the Trunk - or -Treat outreach event. Won’t you join us as we pray that God will prepare the hearts of our children and that each one will make the decision to sing… Into my heart. Into my heart. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in today. Come in to stay. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Sincerely, Susan Foster

News Update timely news for the congregation... West Campus Update Marvin & Cenida Suyen have been pastoring at Denver Family Church (otherwise known as West Campus) since 2006. Cenida sent us a report to let us know what has been going on at the West Campus since their arrival, including a schedule of events offered and growth reports. We arrived in Denver, Colorado on September 21st, 2006. Our primary support has been God’s love shown through Denver First Church of the Nazarene and the Colorado District (Church of the Nazarene). At first we were at a loss, not knowing what God was about to do in our lives and in the life of our beautiful little church on the corner. There was a group of Anglo members who had been in the church and were actually part of physically building the church. They have been a group of God’s children who have always had faith and never gave up on God’s promises. Since the neighborhood is predominantly Hispanic, there was a vision of having a Hispanic congregation in our church. It seemed very difficult at first because we only heard of one Hispanic person – and they were not attending at the time. We tried as best as we could to settle in and get used to the culture, food, customs and climate. However, we were challenged in different ways and one of those challenges was homesickness. God used many means and many of His children to help us through every stage of our ministry and lives. We have seen how God used one phone call from a Hispanic senior to get the ball rolling and for an entire family to be saved. This was only the beginning of many blessings to come. Gradually we started to see the birth of a new Hispanic adult Sunday School that currently has about thirty students and continues to be a class that has not stopped growing. We now have forty-seven members, thirty seven of them Hispanic. There are youth, young couples, adults (Anglo and Hispanic) and two children’s classes (nine to eleven years and six to eight years), a toddler class and nursery every Sunday morning.

News Update timely news for the congregation... West Campus Update, continued... The following is a breakdown of some of the programs that we have to offer: Monday evenings: •

program for young boys, Boys Scouts of America

Tuesdays •

Baptism Classes

Wednesdays •

All day Prayer and Fasting

•

Prayer Meeting in the evening

Thursdays •

Hispanic Praise Service

•

Food Box Distribution

Fridays •

Youth Meetings/Activities

Saturdays •

English Bible Study

Sunday afternoons •

Sports

•

Outings as a church

In August 2009 we elected our first Church Board under our pastoral care here at Denver Family Church. We have been blessed to see physical, spiritual and material growth in our great little church. Our people are brave, willing and supportive. We continue praying for God to continue doing His will in us as His church. We are thankful to every person who has been supporting us and those who have the best interest of our church at heart. Our attendance is approximately one hundred thirty persons on Sundays and our offerings have increased significantly. During these three years we have carried out over ten marriage ceremonies, dedicated over fifteen babies and had numerous Holy Communions. We thank God for all He has allowed us to do during these three years and ask for His continuous guidance and wisdom. In Christ’s Service, Rev. Marvin and Cenida Suyen

News Update timely news for the congregation... Divorce Care Begins This Friday, September 18 Our fall session of Divorce Care is up and running! We meet Fridays from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. New this session - we are offering a class for kids as well that will run simultaneously with our Divorce Care Class!! The class for kids is being led by a professional Christian psychotherapist. If you know of anyone with children who are suffering through the sorrows of divorce, bring them to this class. For information contact Randy Smith’s office at 303/806-2625. Traditions Service This Sunday night in our Traditions Service at 6:00 pm in the Diehl Chapel, Dr. Daniel Roysden will be speaking on the “Sacredness of Prayer.” Be sure to join us for a meaningful time of worship.

News Update how you can help... Coats, Boots & Blankets Drive Winter is COLD! Can you imagine what it would be like to not have a warm home to go to at the end of the day? This Sunday, September 27 is the day to bring in new or gently worn (and clean!) coats, boots and blankets. Bring them to the church and we’ll load up a trailer-full for Mission:Denver. We will do our best to spread some warmth for the cold winter months. For more info, contact John Bruneau at 303/328-7303. Donate Your Car We all know how important transportation is. If you have ever been without a car for a few days, you realize how much you depend on your car. Going to the grocery store, running the kids to school, a trip to the pharmacy…everyone needs transportation. Right now, we have a person in our church that is in need of a car. If you have a car that you would like to donate to the church, please call Rich Cantwell in our Business Office at 303/806-2603. Moving Help Have you ever needed to move to a new home or apartment? All of the sudden, all of your friends that own trucks disappear! You’ve seen the bumper sticker that says “Yes, this is my truck; No, I won’t help you move!” Face it, it is hard to get help to move – no one likes to do it; it is hard work. If you would like to volunteer in a much needed area, we have got the place for you! If you would be interested in being a part of a team helping people move, please contact the office of Randy Smith (303/806-2625). The nature of the help can include those interested in helping people pack as well as those in a position to load and transfer boxes and furniture.

News Update how you can help... All Church Work Days - October 10th & 17th from 8:00 am -12:00 pm The work day will be followed by an all you can eat food bar! Please give four hours to make DFC shipshape for Shawn & Sherri… ...and Shawna, Shayli and Shaden! Pastor Shawn’s installation service is scheduled for October 18 and we would like to give him and his family a wonderful welcome that says we are ready for business! We are asking for 100 volunteers to help us on October 10 & 17 and, so far, we only have 14 people signed up! We need 86 more volunteers! Whether you are an indoor or outdoor person, we have plenty of work for all: Inside: Paint touch-up Oiling wood panels Polishing brass Window cleaning Carpet cleaning and much more… Outside: Weed control Cleaning out flower beds Cleaning up the children’s playground Soil prep for grass seeding Tree trimming Cleaning gutters and much more… Please sign up at the Hot Booth this Sunday or call Randy Smith’s office at 303/806-2625. Let’s work together as a team.

News Update how you can help...

Casting Crowns/Matt Redman Concert October 2nd – Casting Crowns “Until the Whole World Hears Tour” will be at DFC at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale in the DFC Bookstore or at Mardels. Artist Circle: $50 (in advance) and General Admission: $30.00 (in advance). This concert is such a great opportunity to invite your un-churched friends to DFC. This can be a very non-threatening way to bring someone new to church. Please continue to pray that God would bring those who need to hear His message to the concert. This is also area in which we can all become involved by purchasing tickets to be distributed for the benefit of others. Or, if you would prefer, you can send any amount of money and designate it as money to be used for Casting Crowns. That money will be applied to ticket scholarships for those in need. Get Plugged In Getting plugged in is not just a theme for a Sunday. Rather, it’s time for us as a church to continue to move forward. Many people have been volunteering in the Children’s Department (as noted in the article above) and in various service ministries of the church, but frankly, we need all of our people to be involved in some area of service. We have much to do and we want to encourage people to have a general attitude of “where can I get plugged in?”.

News Update A Final Word... Being one who has preferred Beethoven over the Beatles and Bach to Bacharach, I have often observed the change of mood music of the Great Composers can inspire in a matter of moments. Seconds before, I had been operating at my standard nondescript emotional baseline, but now I am impacted by the keening chords of the symphonic strains. The composer, pulling from his palette, mixes timbre, cadence, and melody to arrange soul-stirring song to cover the void of silence. The canvas upon which we paint our lives is, by contrast, the canvas of time. In units of days, we paint the picture of who we are and who we will become, one decision at a time, throughout each successive day. Dr. Heartsill Wilson, award-winning motivational speaker and friend of DFC, captured the magnitude of what a day represents in the following statement: This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good, but what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it! When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, and not loss; good, and not evil; success, and not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it. Let’s choose to invest our lives to accomplish our Father’s purposes – one day at a time – starting today! Randy Smith

Calendar of Events Sept 27- Oct 3 Sunday, September 27:

Wednesday, September 30 (continued):

Coats, Boots & Blankets Drive

6:15 pm:

Nursery Open (ages 2 and under)

8:00 am:

Praise Team Sound Check

6:30 pm:

8:30 am:

Choir & Orchestra Sound Check

Wednesday Night Prayer (Community Room)

9:00 am: 10:30 am:

Youth Prayer Time

Women of the Word (Fellowship Hall)

Sunday School (all ages)

Choir Rehearsal

Nursery & Preschool open

Celebrate Recovery (Room 200, 202)

Morning Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Youth Worship Service (Rock Room)

Nursery available

Men’s Study - Tender Warrior (Room 201)

1st - 4th Grade Children’s Church (GLA) 5th & 6th Grade DOGS Worship 2:00 pm:

Rock Band Practice

MASH Men’s Bible Study (West Diehl Chapel)

3:00 pm:

Tsunami Band Practice

Children’s Activities (all ages)

4:00 pm:

Collaboration Band Practice

4:30 pm:

Children’s Committee Meeting (Community Room)

6:00 pm:

Traditions Service (Diehl Chapel)

Thursday, October 1: IN Group Fall Colors Trip 6:15 pm:

Choir Rehearsal Childcare (Room #5)

Monday, September 28: 9:30 am:

Celebrate Recovery Sponsor Meeting (Cry Room)

Tuesday, September 29:

6:30 pm:

Ladies’ Book Club (Community Room)

7:00 pm:

Praise Teams & Choir Orchestra

IN Group Fall Colors Trip 7:00 am:

Men’s Bible Study (GL Conference Room)

9:00 am:

Women of the Word Leaders (Fellowship Hall)

Friday, October 2: 5:00 pm:

Celebrate Recovery Sponsor Meeting (GL Conference Room)

6:00 pm:

Celebrate Recovery (GL Fellowship Hall)

Women of the Word Childcare (Room #5) 9:30 am:

Women of the Word (Fellowship Hall)

7:00 pm:

Prophesy Bible Study - Bereans (Fellowship Hall)

Wednesday, September 30: IN Group Fall Colors Trip 4:30 pm:

Hang Time in the Youth Café

5:00 pm:

Women of the Word Leaders (Fellowship Hall)

5:30 pm:

Rock Band Practice

6:00 pm:

Youth Accountability Class

Praise Team Vocals & Rhythm

Divorce Care (Community Room) Divorce Care for Kids (GL Room #6) 7:30 pm:

Casting Crowns Concert

Saturday, October 3: 7:00 am:

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