Denver First Church

December 13, 2009

keeping in touch...
DFC Ministerial Staff
Shawn A. Siegfreid
Lead Pastor

Stephen Abbott
Young Adult & Family Pastor
Rich Cantwell
Business Administrator
Bud Curry
Hospital Chaplain
Tina Hayhurst
Pastor
Mike Hull
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
Table of Contents
Troy Edwards
Vini Giannatala
Bryant Jaggers 1. Christmas Eve v. how you can
Judy Jones help…
Gregg Moran
2. news update
Gene Rakes
i. important info… vi.final word...
Bud Roe
Kathy Tate ii. kotchadoingood!” 3. calendar of events:
Jim Webb December 13-19
Ron Williams iii. board perspective
Bonnie York
iv. timely news for the
Denver First Church congregation…
3800 E. Hampden Avenue
Englewood, CO 80113
303/761-8370
www.DenverFirstChurch.com
News Update
Important info...
Dear Members and Friends of DFC,

For several years I have avoided it. I had even been a little proud that maybe I was just
a bit different than others. You see others, they succumbed to It. They couldn’t fight It
off. They got It! Well, I got It too! I finally got the flu that so many others have struggled
with. I hadn’t felt this bad in a long time.

When you feel that bad, your perspective changes. I have to admit that I asked God
“why” just a little. “Why now?” “Why couldn’t my wife be present to help me?” I
remember in the writings of Paul that he said this “That is why for Christ sake I delight in
weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak,
then I am strong.” Now, I am not as spiritual as Paul. I didn’t thank God for letting me be
sick. Though I am now reminded that, when God allows sickness or persecution or hard-
ship in our lives, His plan is that you lean on Him and Him alone.

People say, “why, why, why.” I have said why. I believe the reason that He allows these
circumstances in our lives is that He wants us to draw near to Him. Yes, I believe some of
our strongest moments in life have been those weakest moments; those moments that
there was no good answer. The only answer is “My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness.” This is the very voice of God! This is the perfect
answer! His Grace is sufficient. His Presence is enough!

Maybe this note reaches someone facing much more than the flu. Maybe God has
allowed a circumstance that brings you to your knees. He has you where He wants you!
You are now powerful because you have become weak. Now is the time to minister, to
move in His Spirit for His glory. God will always use our weaknesses!

By the way, I am feeling better. When God allows relief and recovery we are thankful!
Let us always be ready when the next “storm” moves in. God is getting ready to use us!

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.

Special Evening Service Adult Sunday School Teachers Meeting

Navajo Shoebox Caregivers Support Group
“Three Nights in Bethlehem” Singles Christmas Party
Youth Winter Retreat First Edition Bookstore Sale
Celebration Choir & Orchestra A Taste of Christmas - Thank You

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

Thanksgiving Offering
Thank you to everyone who gave to the Thanksgiving Offering for Others!
We have exceeded our goal of $75,000! Our final tally says that we have
collected $79,842 (that’s almost $5000 over our goal!) that will go to help
people “Across the Street and Across the Sea!”

A Taste Of Christmas
We want to thank Gay Borrego, Cheryl Gallentine and their wonderful
crew of volunteers for making “A Taste of Christmas” such a huge success
this year! Gay helped organize the event and Cheryl did the meal
preparation. Thanks also to the 24 men who showed up to serve. What a
great way to honor the women in our lives!

A Night of Hope
Thank you to Scott Nauman, Diane Easton and the Celebration Choir &
Orchestra for ministering to us with “A Night of Hope” last Sunday. We
had such a great crowd -- over 600 came to the afternoon event! Thank
you for all of your hard work and for leading us in worship.

Handicap Van Ministry

George Elliott heads up our Handicap Van Ministry. Every week, he heads
out to pick up people who want to come to church, but do not have
transportation to get here. George is very dedicated to this ministry and
does amazing things with little recognition. See “How You Can Help” for
info on helping George in this area of ministry.
News Update
Board perspective...
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have just entered into a contractual agreement to implement a

communication tool called “Unifyer.” The implementation of this software is
being planned and developed through the month of December and into
January. Unifyer is designed to allow the DFC family to communicate more
effectively and to provide individuals with a customized stream of information.
With it, you will be able to select the ministries and other groups that specifically
interest you and follow all the events and updates related to that group. There is
also a "friend network" within Unifyer to allow you to communicate one-on-one
with other people. Or perhaps just follow their blog! We're very excited about the
potential Unifyer holds for connecting and mobilizing our body of believers!

Of course, we want everything we do to have purpose. We must ask ourselves

how any activity, behavior, process or thing will lead to promoting the Gospel or
helping believers grow in their faith. This requires relentless scrutiny of our
motivation, constantly asking if we're doing something to God's glory, or our own.
As the passage in Isaiah 9 from Pastor's message Sunday points out, there are
many "people walking in darkness." The haunting question for me is how to move
them into seeing the Great Light.

I notice in Isaiah 9:4 that our Lord shatters the yoke that burdens, the bar across
the shoulders, the rod of the oppressor. He doesn't just ease the pain. He
implements a once-and-for-all solution to break the hold of Satan, the oppressor.
He offers the solace for which our souls long our entire lives.

In Matthew, chapter 2, the magi see the light. In Luke, chapter 2, the shepherds
see the light. In Acts, chapter 9, Paul sees the light. In each case, the response is
dramatic, life-changing and immediate. Today, the light shines just as brilliantly,
heals just as completely and erupts into one's life just as quickly. During this season
in which so much focus is already drawn to the eternity-altering event of the birth
of Christ Jesus, we believers must seize the opportunity to let the Light shine. What
does this require? Gently lifting the weary faces of the unredeemed souls walking
in darkness and simply pointing them to the Savior. No hedging or softening. Like
the angel of the Lord in Luke 2:11, we must state with clarity, "A Savior has been
born to you; He is Christ the Lord." That's what the weary souls are waiting to hear.

Serving Him Alongside of You,

Vini Giannatala
 News Update
timely news for the congregation...
Special Evening Service - This Sunday
Join us at 6:00 pm Sunday, December 13th for a night of music and a sermon from
Pastor Shawn. Pastor Shawn will also take time to answer questions. Stay for a time
of fellowship afterwards. Please bring homemade cookies to share. We will
provide hot cider and hot chocolate.

Calendar
December Dates:
12/11-13 Navajo Shoebox trip
12/13 Advent Theme:Joy
12/13 DFC Children’s Christmas program
12/13 Evening of Music with Special Speaker: Pastor Shawn
(bring homemade cookies please!)
12/20 Advent Theme: Love
12/23 No Wednesday Evening Activities
12/24 Christmas Eve Candlelight service - 5:00 pm
12/25 Merry Christmas! - church building closed
January Dates:
1/1 New Year’s Day - church building closed
1/3 No evening service - church building closing at 2:00 pm

Christmas Eve
Bring your family and friends and join us at 5:00 pm on Christmas Eve, December
24th for a candlelight service. It is a great way to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Bake Out: Bake Sale

Reports are in on last Sunday’s Bake Out: Bake Sale. This once a year event is such
a great new tradition for DFC. Over $600 was earned through the Bake Sale to go
toward Mission:Denver! What a treat to buy some really yummy baked goods
and, in doing so, to help Denver’s homeless and underemployed! Thanks to
Marilyn Campbell and all the selfless bakers that make this event happen! You did
a great job!
News Update
timely news for the congregation...

DFC December Outreach

During December, our Worship & Arts Department will be reaching out into our
community.

Here is the schedule for our Celebration Choir & Orchestra:

December 9, 7:00pm Call Time: 6:30
Riverpointe Retirement Community, 5525 S. Prince, Littleton
(between Santa Fe & Federal, south of Belleview—13 story red brick building)

December 10, 7:00pm Call Time: 6:30

Christian Living Communities The Village @ The Johnson Center
5500 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial
(south of Arapahoe Rd, west of Holly—3 story building, west of shopping
center)

December 16, 7:00pm Call Time: 6:30

Wind Crest Retirement Community, 3480 W. County Line Road
(east of Santa Fe, south of County Line Rd)

December 17, 7:00pm Call Time: 6:30

Wind Crest Retirement Community, 3480 W. County Line Road
(east of Santa Fe, south of County Line Rd)

The Vocal Ensemble will be at Heritage Club of Aurora on Dec 16

News Update
timely news for the congregation...

DFC December Outreach (continued)...

Here is the schedule for our Seniors Choir, “Heaven’s Calling”:

Dec 11: 10:00am (meet at DFC at 9:15)
Julia Temple Healthcare Center
3401 South Lafayette Street
Englewood, CO 80113
Phone: (303) 761-0075--Heather

Dec 13: 6:00pm

DFC Traditions Service

Dec 18: 10:30am (meet at DFC at 9:15)

Englewood Meridian—3rd floor
3455 South Corona Street
Englewood, CO 80113-2810
(303) 761-0300--Angie

Dec 20: 6:00pm (meet at DFC at 4:00pm)

Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Community
2445 South Quebec Street
Denver, CO 80231-6030
(303) 756-9489
News Update
timely news for the congregation...
End of Year Giving Reminder
The end of year is quickly approaching (believe it or not!!). Contributions (tithes and
offerings) that you would like to be posted in 2009 need to be dropped off at the
church or postmarked by 5:00 pm on December 31st. If you have questions, please call
the Business Office at 303/761-8370.

DFC Military Support Group

We are a group of concerned church members with relatives in our country's armed
forces. We usually meet on the first Sunday of each month, 5 to 6 PM, church's Room
200. Our next meeting will be on December 13.

There is a lengthy roster of our church's people in uniform on the back of the "Prayer
Requests" brochure, available every Sunday at the main usher stations around the
church. Please take one this Sunday and pray for all the military folks.

We're still gathering/updating addresses to begin sending cards and letters to our
military people, especially those in the war zones, for the Christmas season. If you can
help us, please email Pinkysloane at pinkysloane@q.com - thanks!!

West Campus Update

We are so blessed at what God’s been doing at the Denver Family Church of the
Nazarene (West Campus) and we have a wonderful month ahead of us in December.

On the 1st we had a Boys College program at the Convention Center and our core
group was featured. They were on TV and in the newspaper. They were featured
because of the good work they are doing and it’s been a wonderful experience with
the Boy Scouts. On the 2nd we took over 35 gifts to the Navajo Church -- we were
blessed to partner with the Colorado District in this project. During this crucial and
emotional month, we’ve been making lots of home visits to cater to those in need. On
the 19th we plan to have our biker friends, the Biker Angels visit and give gifts to kids in
our church. It’s been great to see that people - some not even from our church - are
looking out for the families in our church. This is the 2nd year that the Biker Angels have
blessed us in this way. We have special Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve services
planned. We plan to go caroling, especially in the homes of senior members. We are
planning a huge Hispanic concert with 4 bands on the 26th of December with lots of
food and music. We have a pastor’s luncheon planned for the Hispanic pastors in our
community.

We are so blessed and thankful to God. We love Him with all our Hearts. We wish you a
merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,
Cenida Suyen
News Update
timely news for the congregation...

Kid’s Corner

On Sunday, December 13, 2009 at

10:30 AM, our DFC kids will be helping us
solve “The Mystery of the Manger”. This
musical presentation will be shared with
our entire church family during the
morning service. As you can imagine,
many hours have gone into rehearsing.
Guaranteed, our children will be filled
with excitement as they share the
message of Christmas on Sunday
morning.

The final dress rehearsal for “The Mystery of the Manger” is scheduled for
Saturday, December 12, 2009, starting at 9 AM. After this rehearsal, all cast
members are invited to attend the cast party scheduled to begin at 12 Noon.
The cast party will take place in the Fellowship Hall.

On Sunday morning, the Children’s Department is asking parents to check

their cast members in at the Adventure Zone Welcome Desk by 9 AM. After
check-in, cast members will need to be escorted to the sanctuary for a sound
check.

As we look forward to “The Mystery of the Manger”, please know that all
are welcome to attend this special service. Those who attend are sure to be
blessed by our children who, like the angels, are eager to “Bring you good news
of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior
has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10 – 11 NIV

Sincerely,
Susan Foster
News Update
how you can help...

Prayer Needed
Please continue praying for Harold Fleshman. He is still recovering
from back surgery. And please pray for Wilma as well.

Donating Appliances
If you have any appliances to donate, we have a team of men that
would be willing to pick them up and deliver them to charity
organizations. Places like the Nazarene Compassion Center will
make sure that they get to someone in need. To donate an
appliance, please contact Randy Smith’s office at 303/806-2625.

Naz Car
The “Naz Car” ministry will be helping the church repair donor cars
to be given to the needy. We need people who have skills to join
us! We also will be teaching the next generation about cars. We
are accomplishing this by building a drag car. We need an older,
full frame car. Some suggested cars are Nova, Camaro, Firebird,
Vega, etc. Contact Bob Davis if you can help. 303-916-5206

Van Drivers Needed

George Elliott is in charge of our Handicap Van Ministry. He needs
more drivers to assist on a weekly basis (3-4 more drivers). If you
would be willing to help in this important ministry area, please call
George at 303/489-2997.
News Update
final word….
The congregation of Denver First Church is known for its generosity. Examples
abound, whether the subject is service or giving financially. Recent examples
include:

• Seniors going out in sub-zero weather this past week to sing carols to
those in nursing homes
• 24 men who showed up to serve at “A Taste of Christmas”
• Around 140 volunteers helping us make the campus “Shipshape for
Shawn”
• Navajo Shoebox Project—where nearly all the boxes were returned with
gifts for those in need
• A very full pantry—at present—making it possible for us to give to those in
need
• A Thanksgiving offering that—in one day—surpassed all expectations

You are a generous crowd!

A need has come to the surface this week. This past Sunday four families met
with the Tending Committee. The needs were met. But, for the first time in
recent memory, the Tending Committee fund has been completely de-
pleted. In this economy, as you can imagine, the need is great. The Tending
Committee is careful, responsible, discreet, applies sound judgment, and
operates with a high standard of integrity.

Would you join me in giving a special offering to the ministry of meeting the
needs of our congregation? If 400 individuals and/or family units gave $50
each—above our tithe—we could provide solid funding for the Tending
Committee to continue its ministry of benevolence. Just make out a check to
DFC and in the “Memo” section indicate “Tending Committee.” Others will be
blessed by your generosity and you will be blessed for your faithfulness.

As we walk in obedience to His moving among us, may we find favor in His
sight today.

Randy Smith
 Calendar of Events
December 13-19

Sunday, December 13: Wednesday, December 16 (continued):

Navajo Shoebox Mission Returns 6:00 pm: Waves Christmas Party (Wave Pool)
9:00 am: Sunday School (all ages) Rock Christmas Party (Salvation Army)
Nursery & Preschool open 6:15 am: Nursery open for Birth - 2 years old
10:30 am: Morning Worship Service - The Mystery 6:30 pm: Celebrate Recovery
of the Manger (Sanctuary) (Room 200, 202)
Nursery available Wednesday Night Prayer
(Community Room)
2:00 pm: Rock Band Practice
Women of the Word Bible Study
3:00 pm: Tsunami Band Practice (Fellowship Hall)
4:00 pm: Collaboration Band Practice Celebration Choir & Orchestra
4:30 pm: Adult Sunday School Teachers Meeting (Wind Crest - off-site)
(Community Room) Children’s Activities for all ages
5:00 pm: Puppet Practice for 5th & 6th Grade MASH Men’s Bible Study
(GL Room # 12) (West Diehl Chapel)
Bible Quizzing Practice for Blue Level Thursday, December 17:
- 4th - 6th Grade (GL Room # 14)
6:30 pm: Celebration Choir & Orchestra
Military Support Group (Wind Crest - off-site)
(Room 200)
Friday, December 18:
6:00 pm: Traditions Service (Diehl Chapel)
9:15 am: Heaven’s Calling Seniors Choir
Monday, December 14: (Englewood Meridian)
9:40 am: Celebrate Recovery Sponsor 3:00 pm: Harvester’s Class Party (Fellowship Hall)
Meeting (Cry Room)
5:00 pm: Celebrate Recovery Sponsor
6:00 pm: Caregivers Support Group Meeting (Cry Room)
(Community Room)
6:00 pm: Celebrate Recovery
Tuesday, December 15: (GL Fellowship Hall)
7:00 am: Men’s Bible Study Divorce Care
(GL Conference Room) (GL Fellowship Hall)
9:00 am: Women of the Word Leaders Mtg Divorce Care for Kids
(Fellowship Hall) (Room #6)
9:30 am: Women of the Word Bible Study Saturday, December 19:
(Fellowship Hall)
7:00 am: Men at Prayer (Community Room)
7:00 pm: Bereans Prophesy Bible Study
(Fellowship Hall) Ladies Prayer Walk (Parking Lot)
Wednesday, December 16: 4:30 pm: Singles Christmas Party (Off-site)
5:00 pm: Women of the Word Leaders Mtg.
(Fellowship Hall)
5:30 pm: Bible Quizzing Practice for Red Level
- 1st - 3rd Grade (GL Room # 2)