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
Table of Contents
Vini Giannatala
Bryant Jaggers
Lyle Johnson 1. MOPS Consignment iv. timely news for the
Judy Jones Sale congregation…
Gregg Moran
Bud Roe 2. News update v. how you can
Kathy Tate
i. important info... help…
Jim Webb
Ron Williams 3. Calendar of Events:
Bonnie York
ii. kotchadoinggood
May 24-May 30
iii. news from the
Denver First Church board...
3800 E. Hampden Avenue
Englewood, CO 80113
303/761-8370
www.DenverFirstChurch.com
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!

• 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 week-
in/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...

• 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...

• 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 replace-
ments 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.
22Theycame 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."
25Once
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

Sunday, May 31: Wednesday, June 3:

9:00 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
10:30 am: Morning Worship Service - Senior 6:30 pm: Prayer Meeting
Sunday (Sanctuary) (Community Room)
Nursery available Celebrate Recovery
(Room 200, 202 & Cry Room)
1st - 4th Grade Children’s Church
(GLA) Youth Worship Service
5th & 6th Grade DOGS Worship (Rock Room)
(Dog Pound)
6:45 pm: MASH Men’s Bible Study
12:00 pm: Rock Worship Band Practice (Room 201)
2:00 pm: Growing Kids God’s Way Thursday, June 4:
(Room 200)
5:00 am: Palomas Mission Trip Leaves
Childcare for ages birth - 3
(nursery) 6:30 pm: Ladies Book Club
Childcare for ages 4 and older (Fellowship Hall)
(GL Room #5)
Friday, June 5:
2:30 pm: Tsunami Band Practice
Palomas Mission Trip
3:00 pm: Children’s Committee Meeting
(Community Room) 8:00 am: Youth: Obey Your Thirst - Golden
Bell Camp (meet at DFC)
3:30 pm: Collaboration Band Practice
MOPS Consignment Sale Seller Sign
4:00 pm: Financial Peace -Up (Breezeway)
(GL Auditorium)(Childcare
provided in Room 5) 1:00 pm: Concerned Disciplers Event

4:30 pm: Special Evening Service & 5:00 pm: Celebrate Recovery Sponsor
Reception (Fellowship Hall) Meeting (Cry Room)

6:00 pm: Quizzing Practice 6:00 pm: Celebrate Recovery

(Fellowship Hall)
Tuesday, June 2:
Divorce Care (Fellowship Hall/
7:00 am: Men’s Bible Study Community Room)
(GL Conference Room)
Saturday, June 6:
7:00 pm: Prophesy Bible Study - Bereans
(Fellowship Hall) 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)