Denver CoC Blog

Scholarships for 2024 HOPE Volunteer Corps!

carmenham@gmail.com (Carmen Hamilton) — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 21:53:23 GMT

Teen Prom - Red Carpet

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 19:35:11 GMT

2024 Rocky Mountain Youth Camps

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:21:22 GMT

June 9 - 14, 2024

Please keep in mind your individual child's needs when considering sending them to camp. This will be a highly social environment with a lot of activity, and campers may not get a lot of sleep. We trust that if these are concerns for your child, your family will feel the freedom to opt out on this event. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Alex Montgomery

Registration Information

Both Camper and Parent/Guardian need to be present when filling out the Youth Camp Registration Form.

A separate Camper Registration Form will be needed for additional Campers.

Middle School Camp is for incoming 6th – 8th graders.

High School Camp is for incoming 9th – 12th graders and current 12th graders.

Camp Physical

Every Camper must submit a Physical signed by a Physician or CNP to attend camp.

The Physical needs to be dated after June 9, 2022.

If your Camper already has a Physical dated June 9, 2022 and newer, you do not need to get a new one.

If your Camper needs a new Physical:

Download this Camper Physical Form
Take your camper to the doctor for a physical and have the doctor sign this form
Scan signed document and email it to: dccadmdcc@gmail.com

Refund Policy for this Camp:
Refunds in case of emergency or illness are given at the discretion of the Administration and/or Youth & Family Ministry of the Denver Church of Christ according to the following schedule:
1) February 1st - April 15th, full or partial refunds will be considered
2) April 16th - May 26, partial refunds will be considered
3) After May 26th, no refunds will be given

Camp Volunteers

If you would like to serve at the 2024 Youth Camps, you will need to Apply and undergo a Backgro und Check.

Autoimmune & Physically Challenged (APC) Ministry

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:45:15 GMT

Mondays in February, 1st session February 12th @ 7pm

South Region Married Night Out

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:14:00 GMT

February 24 • 7pm • Lone Tree Library (10055 Library Way, Lone Tree 80124)

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service & Potluck

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:50:48 GMT

Hello Church family!

Please join us for a Potluck after our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service!

Join us for a wonderful Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5pm.

We will come together to sing joyful songs, partake in communion, and joyously celebrate the birth of Jesus. The atmosphere will be relaxed and perfect for families. Feel free to dress in your cozy pajamas or don your finest three-piece suit!

Following the enchanting candlelight service, we invite you to join us for a delightful Christmas Eve Potluck at 6pm. It will be a time of togetherness and delicious food. If you would like to be a part of this special occasion, kindly RSVP at the provided link by Thursday, December 22nd. This will help us ensure we have enough space and know what delectable dish you will be bringing. Please share in the comments section what delightful culinary creation you are able to contribute. We eagerly anticipate your presence at this extraordinary event!

Date: Sunday, December 24th

Time: 5 PM

Location: Denver Church of Christ Arvada Building (6925 Carr St, Arvada, CO 80004)

If you are unable to join us physically, fear not! You can still be a part of our celebration by joining us online. Simply click the link provided HERE .

Let us all come together on this special Christmas Eve to create joyful memories and honor the true meaning of this magical season.

Mother Son Event

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 16:08:19 GMT

Mother, Son Event Dec 2nd!

Get registered ASAP, registration closes at noon on Dec 1st.

Join us for a fantastic Mother-Son Event at the Denver Church of Christ!

Date: December 2nd
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 6925 Carr St, Arvada, CO 80004
Sons: 3yrs to 99yrs!!

Calling all moms and sons for a morning of quality time, laughter, and adventure! Get ready for a memorable day filled with exciting activities:

**Home Depot Workshop:** Unleash your creativity as you and your son assemble your very own race car or tool box! It's a hands-on project that's sure to bring out your inner builders.

**Nerf Gun Competition:** Prepare for epic battles in our Nerf Gun competition! Team up, strategize, and see who emerges as the Nerf champion. It's a test of skill, speed, and precision!

**Lunch Included:** We'll keep your energy up with a delicious lunch, so you can refuel for even more fun and bonding.

**Cost:** The cost for this incredible experience is just $10 per person. This fee covers all the materials for the Home Depot workshop and lunch.

This event promises to be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the mother-son bond and create lasting memories. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spots today!

Don't miss out on this chance for some quality family time and tons of fun. We can't wait to see you there!

Feel free to invite other moms and sons from your community to join in the fun. Let's make this Mother-Son Event a day to remember!

Christmas Toy Drive!

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 02:42:05 GMT

Snow Pile Toy Drive!

Please bring a new unwrapped toy or gift card to our church service on December 10th.

This year we will be supporting TWO fantastic causes: Foster Fete and The Children’s Hospital “Snow PIle” store! Snow Pile supports families in need whose children are patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado. FOSTER fete provides birthday presents to children of all ages within the foster care system.

For questions or for more information, contact Beth Carvajal at bethcarvajal@gmail.com ‬.

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 05:32:14 GMT

Bring your little ones and get ready to capture a truly magical moment! Santa is here and he can't wait to strike a pose with your kids for an absolutely unforgettable photo. Space is limited so don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

December 5th
6:30-8PM
6925 Carr St, Arvada, CO 80004
Suggested donation of $5 per child, all proceeds go to scholarships for kids camp.

Upcoming events for our Arvada (NW) Location & Small Group Discussion guides

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:57:06 GMT

Sunday's 10:30AM at our Arvada location.

Churches that Heal resources can be found HERE .

Christmas Cookie Contest!

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:56:27 GMT

Annual Cookie Competition! Click here to enter!

2023 Campus Fall Retreat

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 21:19:19 GMT

October 6-8 • YMCA Estes Park

Details:

October 6-8

Theme/title: BEYOND

Price: $150

Includes: 4 meals and lodging.

Open to juniors and seniors in HS in the RMR.

Guest Speakers: Willie and Katie O'Quinn from Lawrence, KS

Congregational Women's Midweek 10/7/23

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 21:53:47 GMT

The Grief Journey - Finding Peace in All of Life's Losses

rcferry@gmail.com (Rob Ferry) — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 17:38:27 GMT

Mondays, starting October 16th to November 20th

Elitches Teen Rally!

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 04:38:00 GMT

We're excited to have you join us for our 2023 Teen Rally!

We will meet outside the park at 10am on Saturday, September 9th . The Y&F team will stay until around 4pm but the teens are welcome to stay longer than that with parental permission. There will be a lesson, prizes, lunch (provided from 12-1:30pm), and pavilion location TBD. Registration price is $50 per teen ( but if they have season pass the price will be $20 per teen.)

Who: All High Schoolers (9th - 12th grades)

When: 10am Saturday, September 9th, 2023

Where: Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204

What: Lesson and Lunch (12-1:30pm)

Cost: $50 per teen*

*with season pass the price will be $20 per teen

**Please be aware that this event is more than our usual Teen Devo. This will be also a highly social and active environment. If you have any further questions, please contact Alex & Courtney Montgomery

Spiritual Discovery Group

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 18:29:00 GMT

Beginning in October 2023!

In Spiritual Discovery you will discover answers to these questions.

We will start to question what we truly believe deep down about ourselves, God and others.

• Proverbs 20:5 The purpose s of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

We all brought baggage with us from childhood. Some of us have heavier bags than others, but we all have baggage to some extent. Our baggage is packed with conclusions we came to believe about life. These conclusions influence what we believe about ourselves, what we believe about God and what we believe about other people.

This baggage can still affect us today as we try to live a Christian life. We can struggle again and again with the same thing, because we deeply believe something about ourselves that is not true. It is Satan's lie, and his stronghold in our lives. Lies we believe can lead to discouragement, disconnection, disengagement, codependency and addictions.

If we are unaware that our struggle is part of a spiritual battle rooted in a lie that we believe, we are left to try to manage the effects of the lie and deal with the consequences each time it resurfaces. The struggle continues because we are only treating the symptoms, not the root cause. Further, when a lie distorts our view of God, we are less likely to turn to him for help.

Spiritual Discovery is a bible study to help you to identify the lies you believe and discover the truth that will demolish these strongholds in your life. In small groups of around 4 women each, you will learn 7 principles that will help you break your unhealthy patterns. It is intended for use as a group study guide and includes discussion questions and homework to guide you on a journey of Spiritual Discover y.

If you are interested in joining a Spiritual Discovery group and/or would like more information, please reach out to Colleen Mueller at 1-224-475-5881.

Summer 2023 Co-ed Softball League!

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 16:53:41 GMT

Opening Day of the League: Sunday, May 21st at 1 PM

Championship Game: Sunday, July 30th at Ruby Hill Park after Congregational Outdoor Service

$10 to play to offset the cost of paying for umpires

Softball Schedule

Week 1-3: Waddell Park, 2940 Cottonwood Dr, Denver CO 80221
Week 4-5: Hidden Lake Park, 6600 Lowell Blvd, Westminster, CO 80221
1st Round of Playoffs 07/23/23: Hidden Lake Park, 6600 Lowell Blvd, Westminster, CO 80221
Championship 7/30/23: Ruby Hill Park, 1200 W Florida Ave, Denver, CO 80223, 1:30pm

Marriage Retreat Breckenridge

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 15:06:23 GMT

We look forward to seeing you at the marriage retreat this weekend!!

Our program will begin at 10 AM at the The Village at Breckenridge , Elevation Room.

Click HERE for Directions! This will take you to a back entrance that is closer to the doubletree.

NOTE: WE WILL HAVE A DELAYED START DUE TO SNOW.

We will have a few cars shuttling people from the doubletree to the Village meeting rooms. If you are unable to walk, please cue up in the roundabout at the double tree starting at 10:15AM

A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT PARKING: The Double Tree standard rate is $45 a night and the group has a negotiated rate of $20 a night. Due to staffing shortages, it is self parking, no valet. There is no parking at the Village at Breckenridge, where our meeting space is, as they’re owned privately by homeowners and managed by an HOA, there are not passes available for parking at the Village at Breckenridge. Alternatively, The City of Breckenridge has $10 overnight parking in the Airport lot. There is a free shuttle from the airport lot to the Village at Breckenridge and the Double Tree. Please see this link for more information: https://www.breckpark.com/overnight-parking

Saturday Schedule (UPDATED DUE TO SNOW)

(new times) 10:30 AM Coffee, Tea & Fellowship. Be sure to stop by our Photo Booth
There are comfy couches and several lounge areas if you want to head over and relax.
11AM Program begins with videos, a fun game, door prizes and a general session on having crucial conversations in marriage.
1:00-3:00 Lunch Break. Click HERE for some dining ideas.
3:30-5PM Break Out Sessions, class details can be found below.

5PM Evening Free.

7PM We will have a scavenger hunt for those who want to participate.

There will be a QR code with an online app to participate. You can particpate between 7-9PM Saturday.

Sunday Schedule

10 AM Coffee and pastries at the Village at Breckenridge, Elevation Room.
10:30-12 Church Service Begins, at the Village at Breckenridge, Elevation Room.

2023 Rocky Mountain Youth Camps

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 01:51:26 GMT

June 4 - 9, 2023

Registration Information

Both Camper and Parent/Guardian need to be present when filling out the Youth Camp Registration Form.

A separate Camper Registration Form will be needed for additional Campers.

Middle School Camp is for incoming 6th – 8th graders.

High School Camp is for incoming 9th – 12th graders and current 12th graders.

*Registration is CLOSED*

Camp Physical

Every Camper must submit a Physical signed by a Physician or CNP to attend camp.

The Physical needs to be dated June 10, 2021 through May 21, 2023.

If your Camper already has a Physical dated June 10, 2021 and newer, you do not need to get a new one.

If your Camper needs a new Physical:

Download this Camp Physical Form
Take your camper to the doctor for a physical and have the doctor sign this form
Scan signed document and email it to: dccadmdcc@gmail.com

Refund Policy for this Camp:
Refunds in case of emergency or illness are given at the discretion of the Administration and/or Youth & Family Ministry of the Denver Church of Christ according to the following schedule:
1) February 1st - April 15th, full or partial refunds will be considered
2) April 16th - May 21st, partial refunds up to 50% will be considered
3) After May 21st, no refunds will be given

Camp Volunteers

If you would like to serve at the 2023 Youth Camps, you will need to Apply and undergo a Backgro und Check.

Rocky Mountain Kids Camp

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 18:42:34 GMT

June 16 - June 18, 2023

Parents, send your kids to Stellar VBS Kids Camp! This year's camp will launch kids on a cosmic quest where they'll have a blast shining Jesus' light to the world. Stellar rocket kids on an out-of-this-world adventure that's light years of faith-building fun.

Who: Incoming 1st - 5th graders

When: Friday, June 16th – Sunday, June 18th

Where: Bear Trap Ranch, 8655 Old Stage Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Check-in: 9AM - 10AM at Bear Trap Ranch

Closing Ceremony and Pickup: Sunday, June 18th at 11:30AM

Cost:

Early Bird Registration, Feb 5th to Mar 5th: $400/Camper

Regular Registration, Mar 6th to May 14th: $425/Camper

Late Registration, May 15th to May 31st: $450/Camper

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

Camp Volunteers

If you would like to serve at Kids Camp, you will need to Apply and undergo a Background Check.

Forming - 12 Week Zoom Course

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 20:04:10 GMT

12 week course • Apr. 17 - July. 24, 2023 (no class, May 29th, Jun 12th, Jul 3rd)

Denver HOPE Volunteer Corps

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:59:52 GMT

Teen Prom - A Night in Paris

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:01:20 GMT

Scholarships for 2023 HOPE Volunteer Corps!

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 21:48:00 GMT

Meditating on God's Word

hans@denverchurchofchrist.org (Hans Rasmussen) — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 14:56:24 GMT

Does the Bible command us to read it every day?

The short answer is no.

There is no specific verse in the Bible that says that one needs to read the Bible every day. However, the Bible does emphasize the importance of studying and meditating on God's word.

For example, in Joshua 1:8, it says, “ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

In Psalm 1:1-3, it says, “ Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. ” (Psalm 1:1–3, NIV)

So while the Bible does not command us to read it every day, it does encourage us to meditate on it regularly and to make it a part of our daily lives. Many Christians find that reading the Bible daily helps them to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God.

Below are some ideas of ways to meditate on God's word. As you look at these ideas, r emember that there is no one "right" way to meditate on the Bible, and that different forms of meditation may resonate with you at different times. The key is to approach your meditation practice with an open heart and mind, and to allow the words and wisdom of scripture to speak to you in a personal and meaningful way.

If you want to connect more with God and His word we can help. Click the button below and we can connect.

Garden Love: March Volunteer Opportunity

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 01:00:49 GMT

March 11, 2023 • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Upcoming events for our East Location

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 22:41:22 GMT

Join us Sundays!

10:00AM at the Colorado Early Colleges - Aurora

Upcoming events for our South (Lone Tree Hub) Location

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 20:15:36 GMT

Please join us in-person for worship church service at

The Lone Tree Hub (8827 Lone Tree Parkway)
Every Sunday morning at 10:00am.

Congregational Service on May 18th at Lifesource Adventist at 10:30am. There will be no church service at Lone Tree Hub this date.

Additional information

Information will also be available on the ministry-specific GroupMe's: (South Teen Parents, Middle School Parents, Denver Yo Pros, Singles Chat, DCC Singles, South of the Border, South Region Young Marrieds, etc.)

Autoimmune & Physically Challenged (APC) Ministry

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:09:10 GMT

To sign up, send a text or email to:

Cyndi Rainville @ 970-387-8534, cyndirainville@hotmail.com or

Karen Underwood @ kunder331@gmail.com

Young Professional Scavenger Hunt

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:49:16 GMT

EVENT CLOSED

Christians Seeking Justice Monthly Vision & Strategy Gathering

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 23:15:43 GMT

Join us on Saturday, February 18th

at 11am for the Do Justice Webinar

We would like to invite you to a webinar in the spirit of gathering Christians who actively seek/pursue/promote justice instead of simply wishing for it. It is in that spirit that we’re looking forward to the upcoming Do Justice webinar on February 18th. We believe it will be a catalytic moment that helps move us from the awareness we received in the Let Justice Roll conference to beginning to DO justice as a part of our daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly rhythms, just like the other aspects of our discipleship. ~Christians Seeking Justice

MIT (Ministry in Training) Details and Application

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 17:14:41 GMT

MIT Applications are now OPEN! Fill one out today!

Garden Love: Volunteer Opportunity

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:10:25 GMT

February 11, 2023 • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Jan 11th Congregational Midweek

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:00:38 GMT

Please log on and join us Wednesday , January 11th

at 7 PM for this S pecial C ongregational Midweek.

We would like to invite you to an online congregational midweek this Wednesday in order to address some recent concerns within our worldwide fellowship. In light of these concerns, we’d like to discuss how we can continue making our spiritual home in Denver a place we all love.

Join Zoom Meeting- Click HERE

or copy and paste https://denverchurchofchrist.zoom.us/j/86816649095?pwd=eC9LajlmdWRsbVdpdzFTb3p1RUI3QT09

Meeting ID: 868 1664 9095

Passcode: 777

One tap mobile

+17207072699,,86816649095# US (Denver)

+17193594580,,86816649095# US

Dial by your location

+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)

+1 719 359 4580 US

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

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+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

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Meeting ID: 868 1664 9095

Find your local number: https://denverchurchofchrist.zoom.us/u/kbbWqw2S1E

Spiritual Renewal Workshop

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 18:28:19 GMT

FREE Spiritual Renewal workshop • January 14 •10am to 2pm PST - Register HERE !

A Family Story of God's Faithfulness

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:27:37 GMT

In 2015, I prayed that someone from my family would get baptized before 2020. At first, I prayed consistently but then about a year later I stopped. I had started to lose faith. That didn’t mean that God had stopped working, though.

In 2018, my parents came to church a few times in Denver and heard me preach. They met some people their age and realized people weren't “weird”. I even found out that they started giving financially to the church. They would come to church once every few months and watched consistently online

In the summer of 2019, I was hanging out with a friend who leads a campus ministry in New York City. I told him my parents were getting more involved. He suggested I ask them if they wanted to study the Bible and learn what becoming members may entail. I asked my mom about a month later at lunch if this was something that might interest her. She was actually offended because she thought that they were members! Fortunately, they weren’t too upset and began studying the Bible in greater depth.

Peace

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:01:12 GMT

I love this time of year for many reasons. Most importantly, we get to celebrate the birth of Christ. As this season rolls around every year, I often find myself thinking more about Mary, the mother of Jesus. I am an anxious worrisome woman who comes from a long line of anxious worrisome women. I can’t imagine all the ways, being the mother of Jesus, brought fear and anxiety to Mary. I know we will never know exactly how she felt in all the very pivotal moments in her life but I imagine her being an example of great peace.

Sonny, my husband, preached the most amazing sermon on Sunday about the birth of Jesus and it got me thinking even more about Mary.

Imagine you are a teenage girl, and some random angel informs you that you will be giving birth to the Messiah. Mind you….you will be pregnant as a virgin. Now, if it were me, I would have been freaking out for sure, explaining to them that they clearly have the wrong person and there must be some big ole misunderstanding. I can only imagine that being so young, she had to have been so frightened about what was to come and I am sure she was wondering “why me?’. Her response to the angel completely baffles me.

Her response, at least to me, sounds so calm and resolved. There was no argument, just a simple acknowledgement of her willingness to do what she had been called to do. Once she accepted her calling, she then had to endure the gossip, the pain of labor and just simply being the mother of Jesus. Mary knew that Jesus would not always belong to her. She understood that she would have to let him go to fulfill His bigger and greater purpose. Imagine the time she must have spent searching for peace, peace from God, peace in her decisions as the mother of Jesus, peace in watching him suffer and die. As a mother, it is something I will never be able to understand or imagine.

But Mary believed in God. She trusted Him and His will for her and her son. Is this how we feel? Do we believe in God so deeply that we trust His will and plan for us? It’s not easy to do. The world is full of hurt people who hurt people.

Being the mother of two teenagers, I see how cruel the world can be, especially to our kids. It is so hard to watch them hurt, to listen to their cries and to support them as they try to find their way. We have to learn to let them go just like Mary had to let her son go. What our children will go through and how we suffer in watching them is no comparison to what Mary and Jesus experienced as mother and son.

New Paragraph

Joy

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 21:29:21 GMT

I want you to think about what brings you joy in life. What makes you feel happy? What makes you feel like you have a purpose? What makes you feel at ease? It could be stages of life, activities, or people that you like to be around. With Christmas right around the corner, you might be thinking of family traditions, seeing loved ones, giving or getting awesome gifts, or just sleeping in (an impossible dream for a parent of two toddlers i.e. me).

These might be small things or they might be some of the most vivid memories that shape our lives. They help us identify what really matters, what we are truly passionate about. Across cultures joy is a foundational experience and every language (that I know of) has many words to describe it. We might talk about it as happiness, glee, elation, contentment or being cheerful. The Bible also has many words to describe joyfulness. And, just like English, each specific word has a slight emphasis or nuance that separates it from others depending on how it’s being used, but they all generally refer to the feeling of joy.

But that isn’t the complete story of life. The truth is that we live in a world scarred by selfishness and brokenness. Many of us have beautiful holiday memories, but we also have stories of pain, frustration and sadness. This is where the bible offers a unique view of joy. Instead of joy or contentment being a reaction to things going our way, the Bible authors view it as a mindset to adopt in any situation. This is because they don’t view joy as something that is tethered to happy circumstances, but instead to their expectation and hope in God’s promises and faithful love.

This is why the first thing God’s people do after being freed from Pharaoh’s oppression in Exodus 15 is sing and jump for joy. Even though the promised land was far away, they were in the middle of a desert, they had to flee their homes the night before, and they were vulnerable to attack, they chose to rejoice because they trusted God’s promises. It’s this trust and this event that later prophets reflected on when God’s people were in exile under the oppression of foreign empires. Isaiah writes of a time when God’s people would again be redeemed and return,

“They will enter Jerusalem singing,

crowned with everlasting joy .

Sorrow and mourning will disappear,

and they will be filled with joy and gladness .” Isa 51:11

Jeremiah writes that on that day God will “turn their mourning into joy ” He says, “I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow” (Jer 31:13). So even in their struggles, God’s people were able to choose joy because of their hope in God’s promises and love.

It’s this mindset of joy that came to define the early church communities even while being under persecution (Acts 13:52). But it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean you should deny the fact that bad things happen or stuff your feelings. In his letters to early church communities, Paul reflects not only on the good times but also the intense sorrow he feels from losing friends, loved ones, experiencing betrayal, and terrible persecution. He sums up this tension in one of his letters to the Corinthian churches as being “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing ; as poor yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything ” (2 Cor 6:10). It’s a statement of faith, as he is real about his pain he has chosen to trust that Jesus' love and promises will not let his sorrow and pain have the last word.

So as you come to the “Happiest season of all” what attitude will you choose and why? As you think about this new year and all the uncertainty that it brings, what is going to guide your contentment? How can the promises of God change the way you interact with your family, your coworkers, your boss, or your brothers and sisters at church regardless of how they interact with you? How can you “rejoice in the Lord” in any circumstance (Phil 3:1)?

This is so much more than telling you to “view the glass as half full” or to “turn that frown upside down.” Christian joy is a mindset that we choose to adopt that trusts in the power of Jesus' resurrection and all of the promises of God. Christmas is the time that we celebrate that joy become human for all of us!

Reflecting on Love This Christmas

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 12:54:32 GMT

I love this time of year. The winter, the snow, decorations, Christmas lights up everywhere, Christmas trees can be seen in windows, and every now and then some Christmas music. But most of all I love the family time with all of us together sipping on hot chocolate and hanging out around the family room.

The truth is most Christmas’ have not been this way for me. I have worked in retail for almost 30 years. This was the time of year that was so busy I often slept less and worked many overnights and early mornings. I worked much that I barely had time to celebrate with my family. I remember one Christmas I was home so little my wife, Lisa, and my two children, Josh and Kailee came to my work to visit me. We spent the night in a local hotel to be together so I wouldn’t have to spend more time away from them. I loved the idea of Christmas but did not love the commercialized version in which I was living.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

“8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

I can think I am trying to work my way into God’s good grace but in reality, HE already loves me because of Jesus and there is nothing that can separate HIS love from me, I have already been given HIS grace. So, I can stop performing and start enjoying what God has given me. With life being so busy, working so hard to be my best, and striving to perform constantly, I need a way to find peace.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message Version)

Wow, my busy, tired, worn out, burned-out self can find a better way by simply choosing to walk and work with Jesus and learn from HIM. What really? It’s not about having more or taking more vacations to feel refreshed? That might help some. It’s about getting away and walking with Jesus, HE will show me how to take a real rest. It’s only as I find this rest in Jesus that I will be able to stop my striving and love others in a way that is pure and sacrificial. Jesus’ actions and HIS love will prompt me to give out that love HE has shown me.

“7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:7-12

In this time of Advent, I reflect and remember Jesus and HIS love for me, just as I am. In turn, this inspires me to show my love for others throughout this season and each day forward.

When was the last time you took time to remember how much Jesus loves you? Not your performance, not what you produce, but YOU?
How could taking time to reflect on Jesus' love for you help you to better love others?

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:42:25 GMT

December 17 • 6pm

A Thrill of Hope, a Weary World Rejoices!

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:57:55 GMT

In Luke 2:25-38, we have the brief stories of a man and a woman who understood this “thrill of hope” in the midst of long waiting. As newborn Jesus is brought to the Temple by his parents to be presented to God, they meet Simeon and Anna: two devoted, pious Jews who knew where to place their hope and who understood that for which they were longing.

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah." Luke 2:25

Over the centuries, much speculation has gone into the story and identity of Simeon. However, the only things we know for sure about him are what Luke records. We know that his name means God has heard, surely not a coincidence but a fact that roots this man into an honest relationship with his God. We are told he was righteous and devout; so much so that God had entrusted him with a unique, specific promise through his Spirit—Simeon was promised that he would live to see the Messiah, the hope of God’s people, with his own eyes.

Nowhere in this passage is the word hope used, but it is so clearly implied in Simeon’s wait. Here was a man who looked around, saw the despair and hopelessness of the world around him, undoubtedly had his own specific troubles to add to the mix, and made a choice.

He was going to wait on God, to wait for God. He was going to live a life of stubborn refusal to give in to the hopelessness. He was waiting for the Consolation of Israel. What a phrase! The Consolation of Israel was a term given to the long-awaited Messiah God had promised his people. The word Consolation here means comforter, one who would come alongside and minister to and advocate for the people. It is actually the same word Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit in John 14. Simeon, in his pining, had pinned all of his hopes on this Consolation.

I wonder what other places he might have been tempted to place his hope?

A stronger government? A stable job for himself? A happy family? And when was this promise made to him that he would see Messiah before he died? Was he a young man who had to fight to hold to his hope over the course of a long life? Or was this promise whispered in his aging ears after a long night of crying out to God, perhaps on the brink of giving in to the weariness of waiting? At any rate, because he placed his hope in God and was willing to wait, when the voice came telling him to act, he did:

"Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:27

A thrill of hope indeed! A weary world rejoices!

Simeon’s hope was grounded in God’s word. It was rooted in Scriptures that his ancestors had been reading for 1500 years and it was rooted in a life lived in obedience to what he saw therein. While the world was stuck in sin and error, he trusted God and placed his full hope in Him. And because he was so willing, he saw his hope in the flesh!

And he was not alone in his hope. In that same afternoon at the Temple, we are told of another who dared hold to hope.

2:36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

I’ll tell you what—I cannot wait to sit down with dear sister Anna when all things are made new to hear the details of her story. What tragedy made her a widow in her late teens/early twenties? Had she ever had children? Was the Temple her only viable safe shelter? Who supported her and welcomed her into their lives? It’s not hard to imagine such a story being driven by words like despair, rage, anguish and hopelessness. And yet. In those four short sentences that make up the entirety of her place in the biblical narrative, I hear a different set of words. I hear joy! Gratitude! Devotion! Connection! Hope!

Whether her early years prepared her for such faithful expectations or the losses accrued over time molded her heart to cling to God alone, here was a woman with properly placed hope—the redemption sent from her God. When I picture this scene, she is uncomfortably loud and demonstrative in her thanks and her evangelism!

Every time I read these handful of verses, I am moved by the simple faith and dogged hope of Simeon and Anna. I’m inspired and convicted by the ferocity with which they fixed their eyes on God and waited on him. And I get shivers at the fact that God saw this in them and gave them what they hoped for.

I have been a disciple of Jesus for the past 27 years. I was 18 when I said “Jesus is Lord” and went down into the waters of baptism. When Jesus promised us life to the full, he was not kidding.

My life since that day has been way more full than I could have ever anticipated. It has been full across the spectrum—from joys, laughter, friendships, challenges, anguish, health, sickness, abundance, loss, discipline, refinement, growth, sin….life to the full.

All of it.

While I have never regretted my choice, I have often fallen short of my pledge. But I stand here still, amazed at how God has continued to love me and desire our connection.

Over these past handful of years, I have realized how easy it is for me to become weary in holding on to hope. The longer this life goes on, my own mistakes, the hurtful choices others make, a desire for an easier way—all have stood as temptations to letting go of hope. But perhaps even more than a weariness in holding to hope, I have a growing awareness of how easy it is for me to misplace my hope.

Through different losses, disappointments, failures, and victories, I see that I am prone to placing my hope in the wrong things. I have put my hope in the church. I have put my hope in my marriage. I have put my hope in my children and my desires for them. I have put my hope in health and an assumed longevity. I have put my hope in my abilities. Don’t get me wrong—each of those things are great gifts in my life. They are all things worth fighting for and finding joy and delight in. They are all worthy of an intentional cultivation. But I can never put my hope in those things. They were not designed to carry, nor were they ever intended to hold the weight of hope!

Only God can do that. He is the only one that can hold up under the weight of our hope. Interestingly, when you dive into the Scriptures and study out the places hope is discussed, a pattern emerges. What does the Bible say we are to hope in? God. His Word. His promises. His Love. Resurrection. Loud and clear, he spells out for us where we are to put our hope.

Perhaps this is why the stories of Simeon and Anna resonate so powerfully in my heart. Their example of holding to such properly placed hope over the course of long and faithful lives is worthy of imitation. Just as they waited for Messiah, let us be people who wait for him as well, rejoice that he has appeared, and let our souls can feel their worth.

“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees!” O Holy Night, Adolphe Adam

Questions:

Do you currently feel more hopeful or weary? What circumstances are driving that?
What must Simeon have felt when he took Jesus in his arms? What do you think went through Anna’s mind as she came upon the scene? Take a few moments to write out a first person response from each of their perspectives.
What are possible places you have misplaced your hope? Spend some time in prayer talking about them with Jesus, then do the same with a trusted friend.

Challenge: Find 7 different Scriptures that talk about hope. Write them out on individual notecards. What patterns do you see?

MLK Day 2023 - Celebrando La Diversidad!

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 02:26:08 GMT

Sunday, January 15 • 1pm -4pm • St. Cajetan's • 101 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO 80204

Registration for this event is CLOSED. For more information, please contact Carmen Hamilton .

El registro para este evento esta cerrado.

Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto Carmen Hamilton

El Dr. King popularizó la idea de “ querida comunidad “, en la cual el visualizó una sociedad basada en la justicia bíblica, igualdad de oportunidades y el amor por los demás seres humanos. Una de las maneras en las que el y la Sra. King, visualizaron cómo construir una comunidad era el que se sentarán todos alrededor de una mesa.

Inspirados por el legado del Dr. King, HOPEww Denver y el comité de diversidad de Denver, lo invitan a “Celebrando la diversidad “.

!Acompáñanos, mientras comemos juntos y conversamos con nuestros hermanos y hermanas, miembros del ministerio de habla hispana y la comunidad en general! Tendremos la oportunidad de escuchar historias inspiradoras y enriquecedoras y así también desacreditar los mitos que rodean a la comunidad hispana.

También esperamos que este tiempo comiendo juntos sea un catalizador para que crezcamos en desarrollar mejores relaciones en la comunidad y así poder proveer herramientas prácticas que ayuden a esas conexiones.

Se proveerá almuerzo. El espacio es limitado. !Así es que regístrate pronto!

Christmas Dress-up Contest!

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 16:05:10 GMT

Hey there! We've got something super exciting coming up - our congregational Christmas Service on December 10! Can you believe it? We can't wait! And guess what? We're asking all families to dress up in their snazziest Christmas outfits on that day. How cool is that? Oh, and here's the best part - there will be prizes for the top costumes! So, feel free to let your creativity run wild and come up with something totally unique. We can't wait to see what you come up with! By the way, if you want to get a taste of the fun we had last year, check out these awesome photos! They're bound to get you even more excited. See you there!

New Paragraph

Teen Friendsgiving!

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 14:44:08 GMT

Calling all Teens: North, East, South and West!! Come join us and bring your friends to our congregational Friendsgiving 2022, a Thanksgiving celebration with FRIENDS!!!

Children's Christmas Choir!

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 02:14:48 GMT

ALL CHILDREN ages 2 through 6th grade are invited to join our ♫ Kids' Christmas Choir ♫ for the Denver Church’s Annual Congregational Christmas Worship Service on Sunday, December 11, 2022!

Bible Jubilee

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:48:00 GMT

Please RSVP if planning to attend this special day of teaching!

October Community Gardening Day!

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 17:18:11 GMT

Monthly Community Gardening Day • Oct 29 • 10 am

Spiritual Discovery Group

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:06:47 GMT

Beginning in November...

In Spiritual Discovery you will discover answers to these questions.

We will start to question what we truly believe deep down about ourselves, God and others.

• Proverbs 20:5 The purpose s of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

If you are interested in joining a Spiritual Discovery group and/or would like more information, please reach out to Colleen Mueller at 1-224-475-5881.

The Grief Journey • Online Course • Fall/Winter Session

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 15:50:08 GMT

6 week course • Nov. 1 - Dec. 13, 2022 (no class, Nov 22)

Social Equity in Deuteronomy

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 20:16:47 GMT

As we approach the holiday season, we often find ourselves reminded of the needs of those around us.

However, from the beginning of civilization, it was God's desire that we live in communities filled with regard and concern for each other, regardless of the season. Thank you, Rick Ramunno for this insightful article into the heart of our God for the under-resourced, and often invisible, individuals all around us.

Throughout human history, the various societies that mankind has created have always had certain populations of their communities that were vulnerable and disadvantaged compared to the other parts of the populace. Particularly in the ancient world, these sub-groups of civilization were ignored and often oppressed. However, thousands of years even before Jesus was born, the God of Israel was hard at work developing legislation for his people to enact that would empower the disadvantaged within their own society. This took place during a period of history when the idea of showing dignity to vulnerable communities within a nation simply did not exist. Yahweh’s legislation was weaved in throughout the Torah. An example of it is in Deuteronomy 10:14-20:

“To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the Lord set his affection on your ancestors and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations—as it is today. Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.” (NIV)

In the Ancient Near East, none were more marginalized than orphans, widows, and the immigrant. [1] The God of Israel made it absolutely clear how He viewed these groups of people. He worked to defend them! In fact, he loved the foreigners who lived among the Israelites even though they were not Hebrews. Israel was chosen to be used by God, but they were not allowed to utilize this special status to become conceited, rather they were expected to serve others by becoming a light to the world. Yahweh fully expected his people to follow his example by defending orphans and widows, as well as by providing for immigrants within their borders. This scripture, as well as many others within Deuteronomy, provided a safety net for the unfortunate and vulnerable members within Israelite society. [2]

We, as modern members of God’s Church, must work to do the same. We ought to take advantage of opportunities to display respect and dignity to members of our society that typically do not receive it. It is also important that we intentionally work to serve the marginalized and vulnerable members within our communities.

Food for thought

1. How can you display respect and dignity to individuals that don’t often receive respect in their communities?

2. Who are the disadvantaged in your community and how can you serve them?

[1] Alexander Desmond and David Baker, Dictionary of the Old Testament Pentateuch, (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2003), 292.

[2] (Desmond and Baker, 884).

Congregational Teen Halloween Party!

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 19:00:10 GMT

October 29 • 7- 9:30pm

Women's Midweek - Region Details!

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 21:16:08 GMT

Women's Midweek is by region this month! Details here!

Campus - Parent Weekend!

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 16:43:20 GMT

Details on image below! To register, scan the QR code, or click the image!

Trunk or Treat!

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 20:11:34 GMT

October 23, 2022 • 1:30pm - 4:30 PM • Lone Tree Hub

Don’t Let Anxiety Ru(i)n Your Life, Part 3

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 23:39:46 GMT

Part 3: Using the Psalms, cont.

For the past two weeks, we have been talking about our fears and anxieties. You don’t need me to tell you how they can run our lives into the ground, paralyze us, suck the joy out of life and ruin our relationships. As we mentioned before, this is something that people everywhere are experiencing. The cries and questions that arise from fear and anxiety have existed for centuries.

And God has answers to those questions. The problem is that we often don’t take the time to listen.

Instead, we want quick fixes. If you are like me, when you see someone struggling with anxiety you want to help them overcome it as soon as possible. That makes sense for a number of reasons: anxiety is awful, no one wants to see others in pain, and you certainly don’t want their pain and uncertainty spilling over into your life.

So you tell them some scripture that you think can help them move on as fast as possible. Many of you know what I am talking about because you have been at the receiving end of this approach.

You hear verses like 1 Peter 5:7 which tells us to “Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you.” But somehow just hearing that doesn’t help in the moment. In fact, it can make you more frustrated because you feel like people are just trying to give you a quick fix!

Let me be clear; Peter is spot on in 1 Peter 5:7. The key is to cast your anxieties on God. He really does care for you. But what does that look like? Is it just venting to God? Is it pretending that everything is okay? Where did Peter learn to “cast his anxieties onto God”?

So we looked in the book that has taught God’s people to pray for millenia. The Psalms.

Last week we looked at Psalm 3 and we just walked through the first 2 verses. And what we saw was David’s life crumbling around him. His kingdom was taken from him, and his family was completely broken. In the midst of all of that, people were telling David that God was through with him; that he was completely worthless and without any hope.

Worst. Day. Ever.

So how does David pray through this and confront this anxiety with God?

He begins by addressing the source of his fear. He states his anxieties before God, he doesn’t stuff them. That’s where we left off last week: writing out your version of Psalm 3:1-2 and being real about your fears and anxieties with God. If you haven’t done that, you need to do that.

Let’s keep going.

Metaphor 3: “Lifter of my Head.”

This means essentially what you’d think! It’s a statement of confidence! Even though everything around David looks awful, in large part because of his awful decisions, he can still hold his head high because God gives him confidence. Even when everything is in shambles, David is convinced that God hears him, listens to him and answers him (3:4). So he can get a great night of sleep (3:5).

So he has identified the source of his anxiety, he has realigned his priorities and trust in God, and now he knows that he is living in God’s mercy and grace, no matter what happens, “for the Lord sustained me” (3:5).

And even if things do get worse, he knows that God’s love is stronger than death, which is what being surrounded by thousands of people on every side would result in (3:6). He reaches a place of profound peace!

But that doesn’t cancel out his emotions. Read verse 7.

3:7 “Arise, Lord!

Deliver me, my God!

Strike all my enemies on the jaw;

break the teeth of the wicked.”

This is the part of the psalm where we say, “Now David, you can’t talk like that!” And the more that you read the Psalms, the more you will come across passages like this (and some a far more brutal). You’ll see where a clear enemy is identified and the psalmist is crying out in lament and frustration, praying for justice against that enemy.

And honestly what would you have him do?

Pretend it’s not there? Like there aren’t terrible things happening in this world? Would you have him give full vent to his rage? He does neither.

He is furious with his enemies, which makes sense. But instead of stuffing his emotions or giving them full control, he prays through it. In an act of faith, he is honest with God and commits his enemies over to God’s justice. And that’s how the story goes in 2 Samuel 18. David refuses to lift a finger against his son. In fact, David pleads that his son is treated with mercy before the battle where his son is cut down!

I am convinced that it is because David truly prayed through his emotions, not letting them control him, but being real with God that he was able to cope with his anger and love his enemies . God took his anger and he can really take yours. It’s not surprising to him. Do you realize that?

It all ends with verse 8.

“From the Lord comes deliverance.

May your blessing be on your people.”

David knows that if deliverance is coming from anywhere it’s from God, not him. Yahweh is the true blessing and what the people truly need.

That’s Psalm 3. It’s a journey through terror and anxiety to peace and confidence. You should reread it again.

As we close up, I want you to add to your version of Psalm 3. Last week we wrote down the sources of our fear and anxiety.

For this week:

What would it look like for God to be a shield through those situations or relationships?
What would it look like for him to be your glory?
Could it be that this sense or anxiety or fear comes from misplaced glory (misplaced importance)?
Can this be a chance to relocate your importance/confidence/self worth to where it belongs?
What would it look like for you to turn these circumstances or enemies over to God to find peace?

Women's Retreat Reflection: "I'm here"

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 21:27:19 GMT

Last week, a group of women from the Rocky Mountain region of churches met together to enjoy each other's company, spend time in nature and, most importantly, reconnect with their Father. Ann Harbin shares what impacted her from the weekend. If you had the opportunity to attend, what impacted your heart? Share your take-away in the comments below!

We also wanted to share one of the resources offered at the retreat. Below, you will find a study guide designed to walk you through your own time of reflection with our God. We hope you are able to use this tool to grow even deeper into your understanding of the care, guidance and love God has for you.

Don’t Let Anxiety Ru(i)n Your Life, Part 2

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 21:44:04 GMT

Part 2: Using the Psalms

Last week we talked about how fear and anxiety can run and ruin our lives. This is not unique to us. So we asked the question, how did Jesus and his disciples deal with it?

We probably know the verses and the one-liners. How we shouldn’t be “anxious about anything ,” (Phil 4:6), but how do we get there? How did Jesus and his disciples get there? How could they pray through their anxieties and fears, and experience freedom in any circumstance?

They used the Psalms.

You’ll see what I mean.

Read Psalm 3. I really mean it. Please read Psalm 3.

What’s the first line that you read in the Psalm? (hint: It’s not talking about the foes)

It talks about who is writing this and what is happening as he’s writing this. Mine reads like this

“ A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom .”

Why do you think that the author included that? (hint: It’s not because he likes to record history.)

It’s so that you can know what is going on. So you can have a window into what David is experiencing. So that you can imagine what he is feeling.

When you see this background in a psalm, just go back and read the story it’s referencing again. Google it if you don’t know: “David fleeing from Absalom”. Where does that bring you? 2 Samuel 15. Take the time and read the story. It’s worth it, I promise.

What is happening in the story ? Spark notes version: one of King David’s sons has formed a resistance army, slandered David’s name and has successfully overthrown his father’s throne. So David leaves with some advisors and his family and they are running for their lives, terrified, as an army of over 12,000 chases them through the wilderness.

That sums up the worst day I can think of .

Can you imagine the terror that you would feel? What would you do? How would you confront that kind of fear with God? That’s what this is all about.

In Psalm 3: 1-3, David begins by confronting the source of his fears.

What does he keep repeating in these first verses?

"Lord, how many are my foes!

How many rise up against me!

Many are saying of me,

“God will not deliver him.”

(I may or may not have highlighted the repeated word)

This makes sense!!!! AN ARMY WANTS TO KILL ME!!! HELP!!! David identifies his concrete source of fear. He’s not sugar-coating it. A lot of people want him dead. Fear is literally running his life!

But that’s not all that David says.

Apparently Absalom’s people are saying that , “God will not deliver him.” Essentially they are saying that God is done with David. That David’s relationship with God is over. I think it’s important to note here that this is a whole different kind of fear. This isn’t an army coming to kill you, it’s an attack on his identity, importance, and self worth.

It really helps to have a picture of where David came from to see the scale of this attack.

David begins as a runt-of-the-litter shepherd boy, he is only chosen from God’s grace.
He grows in fame because God allows him to defeat a Philistine champion in battle.
From there he became the best general in Israel’s history.
He was protected from the previous king's jealous rage.
Big point: God’s grace and deliverance got him everything . But now everything’s gone.

Don’t Let Anxiety Ru(i)n Your Life, Part 1

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 17:54:03 GMT

Part 1: Confronting Fears and Anxieties

Most people don’t live for the things that they value the most. We all would say we do, but most of us don’t.

You don’t need me to tell you this .

When people run their marriages into the ground because they give all of their time and energy to their work instead of their family, those people aren’t happy about that decision. When individuals stay in toxic relationships and consistently experience abuse, it’s not because they think verbal, physical, or sexual abuse is appropriate. When we skip school because of how we expect others to treat us, it’s not because we think that education isn’t worth our time.

The reason is fear.

Fear of what our employer will do
Fear of whether or not I will have value/love outside of this relationship.
Fear that I will be humiliated and rejected at school.

Fear and anxiety can run our lives

But that is nothing new. Whether it’s you reading this right now on your laptop or living life 2000 years ago, people have always experienced fear and anxiety. Even Jesus experienced fear and anxiety. Actually, his life is full of it!

So the question is how did he overcome it? What is his secret?

The answer actually seems pretty straight forward when you look at passages like Philippians 4:6-7:

“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

RMR Women's Retreat

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 16:50:24 GMT

September 23 - 25, 2022

Registration is Closed.

If you have already registered and need to pay for the Retreat or make additional payments, you can do so by clicking on the button below.

We invite women from all over the Rocky Mountain Region to join us for a weekend together in the Rocky Mountains! There will be plenty of opportunities to relax, enjoy God and His creation, and make memories with one another. Through this time together, it is our desire that each women leave with a refreshed heart and renewed hope!

Where: YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO

When: Friday - Sunday, September 23 - 25, 2022

Guest Speaker: Stacy Peterson (Albuquerque Church)

Registration Includes: 2 nights lodging, 3 meals on Saturday, Sunday breakfast, and program fee

Registration Closes: Sunday, September 18!

Retreat Schedule

Friday, September 23: Registration opens at 6pm and you can get your keys at that time.

Arrive at your leisure. Dinner is NOT provided by the YMCA so we encourage you to stop and eat together on your way!

We will have a gathering room with games, a jewelry exchange, and plenty of space for catching up with each other.

Saturday, September 24:

7 - 9am: Breakfast

10am - 12: Program - In Him

12 - 1pm: Lunch

1 - 5pm: Time to do as you wish! Activity information will be handed out at check-in.

5 - 8pm: Dinner

Dusk: Bonfire for all who want to smell like wood smoke.

Sunday, September 25:

7 - 9am: Breakfast

8 - 9:30am: Guided Prayer Path (come and go at your leisure)

Check out by 10am

10:15am: Sunday Service

Room Configuration

Each room has two queen beds and a foldout floor futon mattress. If you prefer, you can call the front desk to request a rollout bed. There is a small refrigerator in each room. Rooms do not have kitchenette facilities. You can rent a microwave for $35.

Registration Information

Registration Cost depends on how many people are in your room. You can share a room with 1 - 4 other people, or have a room to yourself. If you are spending the night at the YMCA, you will have use of their facilities and access to their activities. (You will receive a handout at check-in).

Special Registration Situations

If you are coming up just for the day on Saturday or you are spending the night at a different location, the following applies to you:

Cost is $40. Register online.
Meals are NOT included. You may purchase meals at the YMCA cafeteria.
You do not need to purchase the YMCA Guest pass.
If you choose to purchase the YMCA Guest pass for $25, you will have access to the YMCA facilities and activities. Go to the Sweet Memorial building to get your pass.
If you do not purchase the YMCA Guest pass, you will not have access to the YMCA facilities and activities.

Registration Dates: July 15 - September 4, 2022

Late Registration Dates: September 5 - 18, 2022

Registration Closes: Friday, September 18, 2022

Registration Cost Breakdown

You get to choose who you will room with!

Please select your roommates
Register yourself
Encourage your chosen roommates to all register soon with the same women

Refund Policy: We will consider refunding 50% of your registration under special circumstances through September 16, 2022. After September 16, there will be no refunds.

Contact WomensRetreat@DenverChurchOfChrist.org with questions.

RMR Family Weekend

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 23:09:49 GMT

September 10 - 11, 2022

In place of our Teen Rally, this year, the Denver Youth & Family Staff wanted to offer a weekend for your ENTIRE family. A weekend packed with family worship, FUN, parent workshops, classes for your teens, FOOD, and lots of great memories. Our hope is that your family leaves the weekend more connected and equipped. Register your family TODAY!

Saturday, September 10

Time: 3pm - 8pm

Location: Arvada Church Building (6925 Carr St, Arvada)

What: Classes for both parents & teens, followed by dinner

Cost: $10 per person

We will provide some child watch for those who register for it.

Sunday, September 11 • Communion Service

Time: 9:30am

Location: Elitch Gardens (2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204)

Sunday Family Fun

Time: 10:30am - 4:30pm

Location: Elitch Gardens (2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204)

Cost: $35 if registered and paid by Wednesday, September 7th
Parents and non-high school teen siblings are welcome to join us at Elitches for $35 per ticket.

Registration Closes: Wednesday, September 7, 2022

We cannot offer the group discount for Elitches after September 7. No exceptions.

Each high school teen must register separately

You will automatically be directed to the Payment Page when you submit the Registration Form.

If you need to make additional payments or if the payment link on your registration form did not work, you can pay here:

Contact DanLewis305@gmail.com with questions.

2022 Campus Fall Retreat

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 21:05:12 GMT

October 14-16 • YMCA Estes Park

Details:

October 14-16

Theme/title: I AM

Price: $105

Includes: 4 meals and lodging.

Open to juniors and seniors in HS in the RMR.

Guest Speakers: Leke & Marielos Lewu from Miami, FL.

Southwest Singles' Retreat!

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 23:11:26 GMT

"I’m going to do something new. See, I have already begun! I will make a road through the wilderness for my people and create rivers for them in the desert!"

- Isaiah 43:19 -

The problems of the world are getting bigger. Busy, stress-filled lives have become the norm. As Christians, areas of our lives can feel like a wilderness. Past hurts, regrets, grief, and deferred hopes all play a part. It can feel overwhelming, tempting us to withdraw from the God who desires to walk alongside us in desolate spiritual places and quench our thirsts.

Come to Oasis.
Turn your wilderness into worship.
Leave with a refreshed and transformed soul.

Explore the site links to learn more about the conference and register!

Congregational Fall Leadership Day

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 20:50:57 GMT

Leadership Day • August 27, 2022 • 9:30am - 2:30pm

Financial Peace University

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 23:18:34 GMT

Planning for the future is hard when you’re still paying for the past! Listen—there’s a better way...

Father & Son Campout

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 21:29:52 GMT

Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21, 2022

Very Important Information!

If you are planning to attend this Campout, it is important that you read through this Father & Son Campout Packet well before you leave for camp.

June Community Gardening Day!

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 02:05:25 GMT

Monthly Community Gardening Day • June 25 • 10 am

"Christmas in July" Toy Drive

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 12:32:08 GMT

God's heart for the hurting, oppressed and marginalized is clear. The mission of generosity for His people is woven throughout the scriptures.

Deuteronomy 10:18 says, "He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing."

Psalm 68:5-6 says, "A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the lonely in families."

This summer we have an opportunity to support this very mission in what we are calling, "Christmas in July"!

Our Denver HOPEww chapter is partnering with Foster Fete, a nonprofit whose mission it is to make foster children's birthdays special and bright. Foster children often have birthdays that go forgotten and uncelebrated. Foster Fete aims to change that.

As a congregation, we are organizing a TOY DRIVE to donate to this fantastic group. Foster Fete celebrates foster children of all ages from 0-20 years old. We are asking every family to bring a new unwrapped gift to our congregational service on July 24.

If you'd like ideas for gifts, please see Foster Fete's Amazon wishlist found HERE.

For questions about gifts or alternate pick-up options, please email Beth Carvajal .

HOPE Scouts June Meeting

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 02:18:49 GMT

June 11 • 2:00-4:00pm

Won by One Concert!

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 20:59:04 GMT

June 24 • 7-8 pm • The Arvada Building

Come watch some softball!

Wed, 18 May 2022 22:44:14 GMT

Join us for some family time out on the field!

What is an Elder?

Sun, 15 May 2022 22:26:27 GMT

On May 3, we heard from Rob Ferry and Hans Rasmussen regarding what the Biblical role and qualifications are for an elder. You can find the recording for this discussion HERE or by clicking the image below.

Sundae Sunday ... Bring Your Neighbor Day!

rcferry@gmail.com (Rob Ferry) — Sat, 14 May 2022 14:59:27 GMT

Join us for a fun, family time of worship!

Sunday, June 5th

10 AM

Lone Tree Hub @ 8827 Lone Tree Pkwy, Lone Tree

As we anticipate the arrival of summer, we encourage everyone to wear Hawaiian shirts or any kind of summer attire (sunglasses, shorts, sandals, fun hats...)

In the lesson we will discuss achieving the breakthroughs you desire.

Ice cream Sundaes, music, and games will follow service. The eSports Lounge gaming room will be open as well.

Childcare will be provided during service for children ages infant through 5th grade.

Denver Church of Christ - South Region

Diversity Workshop: Video Recording

Sat, 14 May 2022 00:38:19 GMT

"Leadership & Listening: Discover the art of drawing people out (even if they’re angry and hurt)."

Our impact and influence in our community, as leaders or aspiring leaders, is limited by how well we actively listen and “draw people out." Without these empathetic skills or knowledge to connect with anyone, we limit our influence in the world because empathy and listening is a Biblical virtue. However, if we embrace these empathetic skills, we will become more like Jesus, who was slow to speak and quick to listen — to the poor, the needy, those without a voice, and to the Father. In this workshop led by Greg Dillon, certified coach and trainer, we learn to lead by listening, just like Jesus, our King.

This workshop was offered on April 30 and sponsored by the Denver Church of Christ Diversity Committee.

Greg is a Senior Manager in Learning and Development at Randstad USA, where he provides leadership coaching and training for internal leadership staff. He also is an ICF certified coach and has his own Coaching and Training Company (Dillon Coaching & Training – www.dcandt.com) , where he works with coaching clients regarding their careers, leadership, public speaking and general life-goal achievements. He has a Master’s degree in Training & Development from Leslie University in Cambridge, MA and over 28 years’ experience in leadership training & development, coaching and sales. Greg has also worked in Executive Education and Professional Education at Georgia Tech, as well as worked for two prominent management consulting and training firms in Massachusetts and Georgia. Before working in the business and academic world, Greg worked in the ministry for 8 years for churches in Colorado and Massachusetts and has spoken all over the country on various topics relating to career transitions, leadership, and adult learning/training.

Greg has been married to Kathryn (the love of his life) for 35-years and has 3 daughters, 2 son-in-laws and 2 granddaughters who all live in the Southeastern US.

Missions and Family

Fri, 13 May 2022 22:41:58 GMT

Kim shares about raising a family with a mission mindset.

Special Missions Service • May 15

Fri, 13 May 2022 15:15:22 GMT

May 15 • 10:30am • Denver Marriott Tech Center

N.O.B.A. Collaboration Call

carmenham@gmail.com (Carmen Hamilton) — Fri, 13 May 2022 13:12:45 GMT

May 26 • 7:30pm • Online

Our N.O.B.A. (Not on Bread Alone) program has been incredibly loved and supported by our Denver Church of Christ Family. We would like to meet together to discuss how we might deepen this area of our outreach. It is our hope to provide greater opportunities for longterm growth, both in our relationships with the unhoused community and within the individual lives of those we are seeking to support.

We cannot do this alone! We would love to hear your ideas, insights, connections and experiences! Please join us for an evening as we collaborate on how we can love our community more deeply, with greater commitment and greater impact!

If you would like to join this discussion, please sign up HERE .

Joy in Christ

Thu, 12 May 2022 18:49:24 GMT

Joy can be elusive, especially when loss and circumstances can hit us so hard!

Ann reminds us of several of God's promises:

We have a peace in Him that cannot be changed by circumstance.
He will never let our suffering be in vain.
And before we could do anything about our own powerlessness, He offered forgiveness for free.

These truths don't change, no matter what life throws our way. And deep within these truths, we can discover a joy that can withstand even our darkest moments!

The Grief Journey • Online Course

Tue, 03 May 2022 12:34:14 GMT

6 weeks course • May 24th thru June 28th, 2022.

Rocky Mountain School of Ministry and Theology • Summer Courses

Tue, 03 May 2022 12:20:32 GMT

Please consider auditing or taking for credit one of these courses at our own Rocky Mountain School of Ministry and Theology this summer!

2022 Special Missions

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 18:30:29 GMT

Enjoy this special video from our brothers and sisters from Vietnam!

Congregational Midweek: Teaching on Elders

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 19:15:43 GMT

Online Midweek • May 3 • 7 PM

Join us for an evening of teaching by Rob Ferry and Hans Rasmussen on what the Biblical role and qualifications are for an elder. We are hoping to present new candidates for eldership to the congregation and wanted to share an evening together exploring the roles and qualifications in preparation.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://denverchurchofchrist.zoom.us/j/84414047090

Meeting ID: 844 1404 7090

One tap mobile

+17207072699,,84414047090# US (Denver)

Meeting ID: 844 1404 7090

Find your local number: https://denverchurchofchrist.zoom.us/u/kARJJ54BJ

Scholarships for 2022 HOPE Volunteer Corps!

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 18:29:38 GMT

Deadline EXTENDED until April 30!

NW Midweek Service -Gifts Test

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 12:46:42 GMT

What on earth are we here for? Join us as we explore our Spiritual Gifts.

We had a great midweek service! Please take the FREE online spiritual gifts test.

Wondering what your Spiritual Gifts are? Copy this code 248E6D and then click the button below.

It will take you to a website to take a Spiritual Gifts Test, use the code 248E6D and your test is FREE!

Things to remember.

This is not a pass fail test, so there are no wrong answers.
Do not spend too much time on any one item. Usually your immediate response is best.
Answer according to who you are, not who you would like to be or think you ought to be.
Please give an answer for each item. Do not skip any items.
Do not ask others how they are answering or how they think you should answer.
Work at your own pace.

Christus Victor: A Good Friday Reflection

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 12:19:56 GMT

Mark would use imagery that his Roman audience was very familiar with…

Roman emperors declared their lordship and deity in no greater way than the Imperial Triumph.

The Imperial Triumph: a procession through the streets of Rome during a coronation, a victory march, or a celebration.

The spoils of war, including weapons, gold, silver, jewelry and even prisoners would be paraded.

The triumphator would be given the purple robe from Jupiter’s statue and a laurel wreath made of gold would be placed on his head to signify their rank and power.

The Roman soldiers and the crowds watching the procession would acclaim Caesar is Lord.

The procession marched to a flourish of trumpets, the beat of drums, and the aroma of incense.

Mark narrates Jesus’ very own Imperial Triumph procession – to the Cross.

Mark 15 reads: " The soldiers put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, King of the Jews” … Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him."

Little did they know they were bowing to the King of Kings…

What about us?

Paul says it eloquently in 2 Corinthians 2:14: “ But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.”

Christus Victor or, Christ the Victor in Latin.

Jesus won the victory by leading us out of captivity in his Imperial Triumph procession.

We are no longer captives to sin and death. Can you say that again? No longer captives to sin and death!

In fact, we are the aroma (incense) of the One who has saved us from captivity.

Good Friday is not a somber day……it is the day Jesus became King and I became free.

2022 Annual Meeting

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 03:53:12 GMT

Annual Meeting • March 27 • 6PM • Online

A Woman of Great Courage

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 17:00:42 GMT

In honor of Women’s History Month, I would like to to share about a woman from the bible who has impacted my life. We read her story in the following scripture:

“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

“You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:25-34 NIV

Pausing to Reflect

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 23:04:37 GMT

“I don’t want to write this”

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 20:41:30 GMT

At first it was a fear of stealing a spotlight which should be on others. I have no right to speak on this topic. It’s time for black voices to be raised. It’s time to give them the microphone. And, indeed, all of these things are true.

But there was something else there, a fowl green smell that wafted from the back door of my subconscious. Cautiously, I opened that door that is so difficult to open, to even recognize that it is there, and found fear in a different form.

I am afraid to raise my voice. What if I say something wrong? What if I offend someone and I am perceived as an enemy instead of an ally? What if this affects my future relationships? What if the post goes viral and is read on the Today show as a prime example of White racism in America?? What at first appeared as hesitation, showed to be much a larger fear than was anticipated.

Should I be so surprised by my own cowardice? Haven’t I done this in smaller ways before? Coworkers, friends, family members have spoken less of their fellow humans because of skin color in my presence. To some, I gave truth spoken in love. To others, I gave silence and a new topic of conversation.

We are grateful for each of our guest authors who have chosen to explore tender topics, such as race, within their writing. If you would like to learn more about how issues of race might be impacting your friends, church and community, we encourage you to look into the resources listed below.

• Be the Bridge Book Group: offered in 8 week sessions. The goal of this group is to create healthy dialogue about race in our communities, and to create a safe and positive space for both learners and well-seasoned reconcilers to ask questions, process thoughts and share ideas. Contact Kaitlyn Bush for more information.

• Cultural Humility and Racial Equity Training: This 2 part course can be offered to small groups and/or community groups. This training offers a safe space to discuss issues around identity, culture and race, and how understanding these more deeply allows individuals to make a greater, kinder impact on those around them. Contact Carmen Hamilton for more information.

• Meals that Heal: This is a family to family opportunity to take conversation to a deeper level. Families, or households will be matched together to enjoy a meal and time of conversation together. Participants will be provided with a “care package”. In this package will be a list of gentle conversation starters to introduce topics related to identity and culture. The goal of this time is to open opportunities for deeper conversation and grow in appreciation for the individual experiences of those around us. Contact Suzie Conner for more information.

Common Dust?

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 22:38:13 GMT

The following is a poem called “Common Dust” By Douglas Johnson:

“And who shall separate the dust
what later we shall be:
Whose keen discerning eye will scan
and solve the mystery?

The high, the low, the rich, the poor,
the black, the white, the red,
and all the chromatique between,
of whom shall it be said:

Here lies the dust of Africa;
Here are the sons of Rome;
Here lies the one unlabeled,
the world at large his home!

Can one then separate the dust?
Will mankind lie apart,
when life has settled back again
the same as from the start?”

"For the Love of Literature" Denver HOPEww Scouts Book Drive

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 03:44:06 GMT

Sat, February 26 2 PM - 4 PM • MLK Jr. Library 9898 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010

Women's Midweek - The Identity of Jesus

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:05:01 GMT

Jesus understood the importance of His identity. He knew who He was. He fought hard and was intentional about striving to understand what His identity was. He worked out of that identity and didn't work out of his reputation.

We live in an era that reverses that. Our reputation is often what we allow to identify us. We are taught to find our identity in sexuality, success, family status, career, wealth, etc., etc., etc. However, Jesus dove deeply and consistently into God’s word to find His identity.

Where do you go to receive your identity? How much effort do you spend seeking your identity from a Godly perspective? How much consistency do you put into that search? Do you allow the word to define you? On the contrary, how much do you work on your reputation? How much emphasis do you put on being who you feel you “should” be?

After watching Meegan's video, here are some questions you may choose to reflect on, by yourself or within a small group!

Why does it matter that Jesus was so intentional about knowing His identity?
What are the scriptures for you that help you understand your identity in Christ?
(If you don't have scriptures in mind, we have included a list below. Take your time to read through this list and see which ones may resonate with you. Hold these close to your heart as you seek to find your identity in Christ).
What ways are you actively working to understand your identity in Christ? On the other hand, what ways do you work to cultivate your reputation?

Huddle up, Parenting Devotionals

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 15:09:43 GMT

You don't have to do this alone, let's huddle up and help each other!

Parenting can be tough. But, you are not alone. Join us as we huddle up together and learn ways we can help and support each other as parents.

Parents of Birth thru 5th Grade• Feb 13 • Arvada Building (following our 10:30AM service)

We will provide lunch for you and your family, daycare will be provided. Please RSVP at http://evite.me/hKP9phU319

Disciples In Motion - Winter/Spring 2022 Session

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 17:12:48 GMT

DIM is centered on the healings of Jesus and is for anyone with anything that interferes with their walk with God. Anyone with anything...

Grace for a New Day

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 02:05:07 GMT

I love the new year. There is something about the feeling of “starting fresh”. .. Unfortunately, this time of the year is also very challenging for me. January 19, 1988 was the absolute worst day of my life.

Marriage Intensive Workshop - Alaska

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 00:11:29 GMT

A unique opportunity to help those are seeking to enhance their marriages from Dr. Jennifer Konzen! Jennifer is a member in the San Diego Church and a nationally renowned marriage therapist, who will be conducting week-long intensives in Alaska in May/June 2022. Click the image above, or HERE , for more information.

Humility Over Fear

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 18:10:36 GMT

In one of his sermons, Martin Luther King discussed what it means to truly love others.

He begins by stating,

“Now first let us deal with this question, which is the practical question: How do you go about loving your enemies? I think the first thing is this: In order to love your enemies, you must begin by analyzing self…

Now, I’m aware of the fact that some people will not like you, not because of something you have done to them, but they just won’t like you…

But after looking at these things and admitting these things, we must face the fact that an individual might dislike us because of something that we’ve done deep down in the past… That is why I say, begin with yourself. There might be something within you that arouses the tragic hate response in the other individual.”

Kaitlyn shares a part of her story with us in the post below. As we read her vulnerable thoughts, we can each ask ourselves how we can be better. How can we be better listeners? Better see-ers? How can we better love those around us by first beginning with ourselves?

I’m bi-racial, my mom is white and my dad is black. People in Colorado don’t really know how to categorize me; I know that. I’ve been told I look Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican. I have a script down to explain my background to people. I knew that if I had children with a black man, my children would look black. My fears would be reality. But I knew that if I had children with a white man, my children would look white. They would look safe. I wouldn’t have to give my future son potentially life-saving instructions on how to cooperate with police. I wouldn’t have to pray for my future son to not be objectified as someone to be feared due to his stature and darker skin complexion. I wouldn’t have to be afraid that my future son would be racially profiled.

Unfortunately, I carry these fears into the church. I am grateful to be a part of this church. I’ve been a faithful member since I was 19 and this church has saved me from so much. But we are not perfect. I would even dare to say that we are not the church God has called us to be. In some of His last moments, Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one (John 17:21-23). This is a high calling, but if Jesus prayed for this then it is not impossible. I’ve spoken with many of my black brothers and sisters and the overwhelming feeling is that we don’t know how to talk about the experiences of black people. And honestly I have felt that. I would not be telling you about my fears when I was 25 had I not processed through them already. The church should be a safe place for everyone and a lot of black people don’t feel that it is for them. How are we to win the world if we are not a sanctuary? How can we continue to add members to our church if we don’t take care of the members we already have? I know of a dozen people who have left our fellowship partly because we don’t know how to love our members of color.

Race can be a tender and difficult topic. We appreciate the humility and vulnerability Kaitlyn demonstrates by sharing a part of her story. If you would like to learn more about how issues of race might be impacting your friends, church and community, we encourage you to look into the resources listed below.

MLK Day of Service 2022!

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 23:18:05 GMT

Opportunities for 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

NOBA (Not on Bread Alone)
Saturday, January 15, 11:30am
NOBA will provide an opportunity to join together and spend time with neighbors without homes in Downtown Denver, passing out food and other helpful items. Sign-up HERE!
Community Garden
Saturday, January 15, 10am - 12:30pm
A community garden in Aurora provides neighbors with fresh produce through the harvest season. Volunteers will help with special projects within the garden. These projects will prepare the garden for the growing season, and support the goal of creating a beautiful space for this community to enjoy. Sign-up HERE!
There With Care Support
Saturday, January 15, 9:30am-11:30am
This opportunity is seeking 10 fully vaccinated volunteers who are all willing to wear masks. The group will be assembling care bags for parents who are tending to their children in the hospital, etc. Sign-up HERE!
Virtual Blood Drive
January 14-17, Various Times
The Denver Church of Christ and HOPEww Denver will be supporting a virtual blood drive. The need for blood donations is urgent in several communities. This opportunity will provide each member the freedom to schedule a time within these days to donate blood at a blood bank most convenient for them. Sign-up for our Virtual Blood Drive HERE!
HOPE Scouts • Trash Pick-up and Peace March
January 29, 2-4PM • Akron Room, MLK Jr. Library (9898 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010)
This opportunity is specifically designed for ages K-8 (parents are asked to accompany their children). The volunteers will be making signs that promote peace and unity, participating in a peace march around the library and picking up trash along the route. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status. Trash bags and gloves will be provided.
Sign-up HERE!

We look forward to uniting together on this weekend to support and love our communities in memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. If you have specific questions, or would like more information, please email Carmen Hamilton at carmen.hamilton@hopeww.org .

Not Just a Fairy Tale...

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 01:45:42 GMT

The quotes above are taken from, " A Hidden Christmas", by Tim Keller .

ONLINE Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 16:46:20 GMT

Join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight service

***ONLINE ONLY!***

December 24 • 5:30 pm • dcoc.online.church

The service will be about an hour. We will sing songs and carols and hear a message of hope.

To honor the holiday, we're taking up a special collection. Go to https://especiallythefamily.org . 100% of your gift will go to those in need.

MIT (Ministry in Training) Details and Application

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 02:23:49 GMT

Have you ever wondered what you are made of?

We are all made in the image of God and are "fearfully and wonderfully made." Yet, we sometimes need help pulling out the gifts latent within us. Sometimes we need help honing honing our most obvious talents into abilities that are useful and effective. MIT is a program designed to do both through the forging of relationships and the forging of character.

Information

The MIT program will be held May 14 - June 5th, in Denver, CO. This training is a course that endeavors to put college students into an environment equipped to effectively prepare them for spiritual leadership. This is accomplished through fun but rigorous exercises, daily expectations, and through some of the best teaching the Rocky Mountain Region can offer. Furthermore, a camaraderie and fellowship is created that will bind these future leaders for the important years to come.

Practicum 1: The Classroom

The classroom practicum will not only teach sound principles for leadership and effective Biblical communication but will put students into controlled “mock” situations where they can practice what they are learning. Knowledge gathered in a vacuum without practical application is soon lost. The classroom practicum is a “lab” where MIT participants will experiment, test, and apply what they are learning. For the most part this is a “Socratic” environment where lectures do not dominate the classroom. Instead, our teachers will engage participants in consistent dialogue while ideas and principles are discussed and debated.

Practicum 2: The Missionary

The missionary practicum will send anyone that doesn’t have a summer internship and would like to volunteer their time this summer to a location in the Rocky Mountain Region to “work” in the ministry for three weeks after the classroom practicum is concluded. They will be housed and fed by those places where they work– a worker deserves his wages! This will be a voluntary position without pay. It will provide a ministry experience for those who may one day be interested in interning or working full-time for the church. This also provides the opportunity to explore whether or not it is the type of work you would like to pursue following college.

Internship Opportunities

We will also be filling several internship opportunities through this program. Throughout the program there may be Evangelists and Women’s Ministry Leaders stopping by to personally meet potential interns to work within their fellowships the rest of the summer. Please indicate on your application whether you are interested in an internship this summer . Details to follow.

FAQ's

Who is MIT for?

Any college student who wants to be in the ministry, wants to learn more about ministry, or desires to be a more effective leader.

How do I apply?

Fill out the following application form (download below) and attach a one page essay about why you want to be a part of the program. At the top of your essay include your name, the college you attend, age, baptism date, year in school, and area of study. Then attain a written recommendation from your ministry leader and email the recommendation and all other information to Chris Zillman .

What is the cost?

$400 for the entire program whether you participate in one, or both, practicums. This will cover room, the cost of program materials, plus breakfast and lunch during the days of the program. You will be staying with host families who will also help provide for meals while you attend the program. Spending money is recommended as well.

For further information or other questions, please contact Chris Zillman at czillman@denverchurchofchrist.org .

When Plans Get Derailed

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 22:31:53 GMT

I was 5 years old when my sister was born on Christmas Day. She was due December 17th but she didn’t come that day or the day after...or the day after that. My mom was scheduled to be induced on December 26th, but my sister had different plans.

I’m sure my parents were excited to cherish our last Christmas together as a family of four. My brother and I were ready for our annual pilgrimage to the Christmas tree, pretending to be patient and open our gifts one at a time. But those moments didn't come. I don’t remember much about that day, but I do remember being a little miffed that my Christmas plans were derailed. My brother and I spent our Christmas with my grandma, aunt and uncle while my parents were in the hospital adding a new member to our family. That was not the way any of us planned on spending Christmas.

The Power of Presence

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:12:25 GMT

As Christians, we are instructed to gain our strength, faith and resolve from the Lord himself. The word also teaches us that the Holy Spirit itself intercedes for us, even when we have no words, only groans and grunts.

Romans 8:26-27 reads “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” I can’t help but imagine that the angels who attended to Jesus when he was tempted in the desert also attend to us (Matthew 4:11), even if we are unaware of their presence.

Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 18:55:28 GMT

Advent Series

Dec 12 • Christmas Celebration Service

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 17:51:47 GMT

Join us as we celebrate Christmas together!

December 12 • 10 AM

Double tree Tech Center, 7801 E Orchard Rd, Greenwood Village, CO 80111

There will be some time to worship and fellowship, PLUS....

Kids Choir
Photo booth
Cookie Contest
Family costume contest !

Special Missions Update!

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 20:35:16 GMT

Thank you and to God be the glory!!

Authority Vs Leadership (a spiritual perspective)

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 14:15:05 GMT

We want to give a HUGE welcome to Wes and Kim Gibson who recently moved here to service in our East Region as Overseers of our Youth and Family Ministry! We could not be more grateful to have you both here in Denver!

Annual Photo Collection!

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 21:50:16 GMT

Picture Collection for our Congregational Service!

Campus Retreat: Uncharted

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 12:02:09 GMT

November 5-7

Join our Kids Christmas Choir

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 21:53:29 GMT

Does your child love singing? We want to hear it!!!

We will have a Children's Choir at our December 12th church service. If your child would like to participate please contact Trista by clicking the button below.

Marriage Retreat: Grace Filled Marriage

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 19:01:12 GMT

October 23rd & 24th • Vail Marriott Mountain Resort

2nd Annual Trunk or Treat!!!

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 21:56:12 GMT

October 30 • 2:00 -5:00 pm • Arvada Church Building

Teen Retreat: Among Us

Sat, 18 Sep 2021 18:26:32 GMT

Additional Details/Schedule

Friday: Worship Nigh t

Location: Arvada Church Building

6925 Carr St

Arvada, CO 80004

Time: 7:00-9:00pm

Saturday: Activity

Location: Family Sports Fun Center

6901 S Peoria St

Centennial, CO 80112

Time: 1:00-5:00pm

Men and Women’s split class during Activity inside Family Sports Center

Women’s class in Meeting Room 2:30-3:00

Men’s class in Meeting Room 3:00-3:30

**Food will not be included during Activity time. However, teens are welcome to purchase their own.

What’s included in the $15 cost at the Event Center:

Bumper cars
Climbing wall
Iceskating (skate rental included)
1 round of Eurobungy
Laser tag
Miniature golf

Sunday: Youth and Family Church Service

For Teens and their Families

Location: Seventh Day Adventist Church

2675 S Downing Street

Denver, CO 80210

Time: 10:30am-12:00pm

Parking: This church will be using their parking lot for another church. There is a hospital next-door that is allowing us to use their lot for overflow parking. Please park there on Sunday.

In Motion - Fall 2021

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 03:46:40 GMT

Volunteer with our Children's Ministry at Arvada

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 21:37:43 GMT

We are so excited to offer Children's ministry on Sunday Services, and need your help!

We need a few more volunteer to help our children learn about and love God!

This year we started a new way of doing children's ministry, the kids are put into smaller groups with 2 group leaders, that go to 3 activities each week.

Bible Lesson
Crafts
Games.

We need group leaders and people to help with the stations. If you want to talk about volunteering please contact Mark Shelley by clicking the button below.

Women's Day: Hope

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 22:42:21 GMT

September 11, 2021 • 10:00 am

Love your Neighbor

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 18:15:55 GMT

As hundreds of refugees pour into Denver, we are reminded of how the Bible tells us that we must love our neighbors. Most of us are familiar with the story of the good Samaritan. As a broken and beaten man lie dying on the roadside, his own country men ignored him as they passed by his body on the other side of the road. These were men in places of political and religious positions of influence, and yet they refused to use their power to care for the broken.

It took a complete stranger to cross the road, and in doing so, also crossing over cultural and racial boundaries to minister to the needs of this hurting individual.

Here is a story recently shared by one of our volunteers of her experience as she has, "crossed over", extending her heart and service to welcome our newest neighbors.

<<photos have been edited for privacy purposes>>

We are in a unique position, like the Good Samaritan, to cross over cultural and racial boundaries and serve the hundreds of families currently fleeing to our country for refuge. The majority of these families are being forced to flee because they have assisted United States Armed Forces through various services such as translation and education. These are families of professionals, doctors, and teachers, well-respected in their communities. They often arrive in the United States with nothing more than the clothes on their back, in hopes of ensuring their family's survival.

If you would like to contribute to these local efforts to support our newest neighbors, please begin by filling out this form . We are so grateful for your support!

To learn more about the special immigration status of these refugees, visit: https://www.rescue.org/article/evacuations-afghanistan-what-afghan-special-immigrant-visa-siv-program

Singles of all ages & Young Marrieds: Pool Party!

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 21:58:09 GMT

2021 Father/Son Campout!

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:41:10 GMT

The tradition continues!

School Supply Drive 2021!!

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 03:17:01 GMT

We are so excited to announce our 2021 School Supply Drive!

This year’s efforts will support local families who are experiencing hardship, “ There with Care ”, and the AXL Academ y . We understand that this is an extensive list of supplies. We encourage you to work together with your community group, friends, co-workers and/or neighbors to fill the backpacks! This could be a fun opportunity to serve your community together!

We will collect ALL DONATIONS on Sunday, August 1 at our congregational outdoor service (location and details here). Please look for our HOPE Scouts table to drop off your donations. You will also have the special opportunity at that time to create an encouraging note or card for the student who may be receiving your donations!

You can find the School Supply List HERE , or at the button below! For questions, please email Carmen Hamilton at carmen.hamilton@hopeww.org .

Thank you so much for your heart to support our community!

Singles' "Drive-In" Movie Night!

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 02:36:45 GMT

Women's Roles: Supplemental Material

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 02:09:13 GMT

Supplemental Material for Congregational Midweeks

Presentation Lectures

By Glenn Giles, PhD

May 12, 2021

Part 1 https://vimeo.com/555802617 Men and Women in the Assembly: Part 1

Part 2 https://vimeo.com/555815308 Men and Women in the Assembly: Part 2

Part 3 https://vimeo.com/555802373 Men and Women in the Assembly: Part 3

Congregational Midweeks: July 7, 14, & 21

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 19:28:14 GMT

We are looking forward to our congregational midweeks (for men and women) on 7/7, 7/14 and 7/21.

We will spend this time together discussing the women’s role in the DCC, hearing from various speakers, panelists and examining the scriptures as a family.

Each meeting will take place at 7pm at the Arvada building (6925 Carr Street, Arvada, CO 80004). The meetings will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend in person. You can join the live service HERE or the button below.

Mondays with Matt: Happily Ever After

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 12:28:09 GMT

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelations 21:1-5)

Summing up NT Wright’s thoughts about this passage in his book, Surprised by Hope:

"The image is that of marriage. The New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven like a bride adorned for her husband. It is not we who go to heaven, it is heaven that comes to earth; indeed, it is the church itself, the heavenly Jerusalem, that comes down to earth.

It is the final answer to the Lord’s Prayer, that God’s kingdom come and His will be done on earth as in heaven.

Paul talks about, in Ephesians 1:10, that God’s design and promise was to sum up all things in Christ, things both in heaven and on earth .

It is the final fulfillment, in richly symbolic imagery, of the promise of Genesis 1, that the creation of male and female would together reflect God’s image in the world.

It is the final accomplishment of God’s great design, to defeat and abolish death forever – which can only mean the rescue of creation from its present plight of decay."

From Genesis to Revelation, there is a God who is seeking to be with us.

Despite our shortcomings, He wants to be with us.

He lived with us, so he understands us.

He wants to connect with us; he is sincerely interested in our thoughts, feelings….

Are we looking forward to being with Him forever?

As it is, life in this world is hard, but if it is called light and momentary (2 Corinthians 4:17), can we even begin to fathom what is waiting for us?

Here is a song about the new heaven and new earth sung in Russian by Simon Khorolsky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRBhg7Z9YR0

Mondays with Matt: Another Housewarming?

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:05:51 GMT

Let’s do a recall of what we looked over earlier…what happened in Week 3 when they inaugurated the Tabernacle? (Link to Week 3 lesson)

Glory of the Lord fills the temple that Moses cannot enter the Tent (Exodus 40:34-35)

Fire from heaven consumes the sacrifice (Leviticus 9:23-24)

People fell facedown and worshiped God (Leviticus 9:24)

What happened in Week 5 when Solomon dedicates the Temple (Link to Week 5 lesson)

Fire from the heavens (vs 1)

Glory fills the temple that the priests cannot enter the Temple (vs 2)

People fell facedown and worshipped (vs 3)

Do you realize it happened a third time? Yes, a third time...read on, in Acts 2:

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?...we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Wind comes from heaven (similar to the cloud)

Fire comes down, this time resting as tongues

People fall facedown and worship God

Except this time, it is not in any manmade structure…… God came to dwell in you and me!

Now that God dwells in us...do people worship God because they see Him in us ?

The people could not look at us Moses after he left the Tent because God’s glory shone (2 Corinthians 3:7)

Is God’s glory shining in us? (2 Corinthians 3:18)

I remember the first time I put two and two together on how the Tabernacle and the Temple were a foreshadowing of the new Temple (me!). I had a job interview in two hours, but all I could think of us was that God is dwelling in me, right now! If that is true, does the outcome of this interview matter? (I did get the job!)

"Oh, the love that sought me!
Oh, the blood that bought me!
Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold of God
Grace that brought me to the fold of God"

- Nate Garvey (Citizens)

Another housewarming? Yes, but this time it is very special!

Women's Midweek - June 29

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 02:12:17 GMT

We are looking forward to our Women's midweek for the month of June! We will continue to study the valuable role of women in the Scriptures.

The In-person session will be held at the Arvada building ( 6925 Carr St, Arvada, CO 80004 ) and will begin at 7:00pm to allow for fellowship. The online Zoom will start at 7:15pm. You can join the Zoom option HERE .

Park Service for the South Region!

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 00:04:54 GMT

Sunday, July 11th, we are having a South Region Park Service and Picnic, starting at 10 AM at Highlands Heritage Regional Park ( 9651 S Quebec St, Highlands Ranch, 80130 ) . Head to the WEST FIELDS and look for the large, covered picnic shelter which accommodates 192 folks (yellow oval on the park map below).

There is a sand volleyball court, hard surface basketball court, grassy area for lawn chairs and lawn games like corn hole (bring along your favorite!), a large children's playground, and more! Bring along a frisbee, your leashed pets, and other summer fun items!

Mondays with Matt: Can I Live With You?

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:47:05 GMT

One of the lowest moments in the history of Israel – they have been invaded by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians and finally the Romans…centuries of hopelessness and dismay…until there is a birth in Bethlehem.

That child would be called Immanuel or ‘God with us’! (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22-23).

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us . We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The word that is used to describe Jesus wanting to dwell with His people is the same as in Exodus 25:8 (tabernacled).

The Book of John was written a few decades after the Cross. Yet John’s recollection of walking with God (Jesus), all that he said was still so clear. When it came time for him to leave this earth, He promises that he would never leave them as orphans, the Holy Spirit will guide them (John 14:15 – 18). Finally, he assures them that he would be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:18 – 20).

He experienced life, just like us

He may have experienced the taunts and jokes of other kids

He experienced joy, sorrow, laughter, tears, physical pain, separation, betrayal – just like us

What more could we ask from Someone who wants to be with us?

I won’t ask you for reasons
‘Cause a reason can’t wipe away tears
No I don’t need all the answers
Just be here beside me
Father remind me you’re here

-Jason Gray

Father, remind me you are here…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8BEYcnIWBA

The HOPEww Scouts Information Meeting!

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:18:11 GMT

The HOPEww Scouts are back in action in Denver!

We will be having an information meeting (online) on June 26th at 10am to answer questions, give an outline of the program and provide other important information. If you are interested, please fill out this form . The zoom link to join the meeting is provided at the beginning of the form.

HOPEww Scouts is a K-8 program designed to empower and engage our youth in service to their local community. While there is an adult facilitator and parent support within the program, it is the goal that this program is largely youth-led. The goal of the program is to provide youth the opportunity to utilize their own voices, passions, leadership and ideas to make an impact on the community around them.

We are ESPECIALLY grateful to Andrea Laws who has volunteered to facilitate this program!

If you have any questions, please email our Local HOPEww Chapter Director, Carmen Hamilton at carmen.hamilton@hopeww.org .

Mondays with Matt: Life Together

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:00:03 GMT

Fast forward a few hundred years later...two kings of Israel plan and build this incredible sanctuary or temple to God. Not sure if God asked them to build something of that size and magnitude, but it was truly a sight to behold (I Chronicles 28 – 2 Chronicles 6).

As much as it was an incredible structure, Solomon was more in awe of God!

2 Chronicles 6:18 reads:

“But will God really dwell on earth with humans ? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! Yet, Lord my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place."

How did God respond to this prayer? (2 Chronicles 7)

Fire from the heavens (vs 1)

Glory fills the temple that the priests cannot stay in it (vs 2)

People fell facedown and worshipped (vs 3)

Housewarming déjà vu all over again!

Within 400 years, the magnificent temple that Solomon built, is destroyed and the people of Israel have been taken into captivity. The people have chosen to not be with God, despite numerous warnings through his prophets. They learn some hard lessons while in captivity in foreign lands.

And yet, God never forsakes them. Through all the warnings from the prophets, God continues to give them hope. In Hosea 2 starting in v.16, it reads:

“In that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master…. I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.

Boy, I can write a whole chapter on this!

One of the biggest misconceptions I had of God was that He was disappointed with me.

I knew He loved me, but meh…. disappointed at some of my thoughts and actions. Disappointment would indicate that God’s reaction changes with my actions. That would also mean that His love is not unconditional. I wrestled with this misconception until I came to an emotional understanding, (not solely intellectual), that God is NOT disappointed with me. It changed my walk with God!

How often do we wonder if God is with us when we struggle?

Is God giving us a thumbs up or thumbs down about how He feels about us?

Does God change how He feels about us when we sin?

Notice in Hosea 2, God promises to be faithful to us……. He doesn’t ask for our faithfulness…wow!

"Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down,

fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99
And I couldn't earn it
I don't deserve it, still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God"

- Cory Asbury

Summer Congregational Middle School Event

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 02:09:08 GMT

Summer Congregational Middle School Event Saturday, June 19, 10am - Noon

Mondays with Matt: Not Going Anywhere Without You

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:00:03 GMT

This is one of my favorite passages:

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I will send an angel before you...But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people, and I might destroy you on the way.”

As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.

Moses said, “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.” (Excerpts from Exodus 33)

Marital issues...God is not happy with the wayward ways of his treasured possession. He had asked them to make a sanctuary but instead, they had decided to make and worship a golden calf (Chapter 32), most likely a form of the Egyptian bull god, Apis.

How could they do this, when He had repeatedly shown them that He would be there for them? He then offers them safe passage to the Promised Land and have an angel accompany them, but he was not going with them because they were a stubborn people.

Then, Moses speaks to God face-to-face and implores Him to change His mind.

Teach me your ways so I may know you.

If you are not coming with us, I am not going anywhere.

I don’t want to go into the Promised Land without you.

I am more interested in seeing your glory.

And God says,

I will show you my glory.

I grew up in my Christian walk thinking that Heaven was the ultimate destination. I also found myself equating God being with me when good things happened, and abandonment when challenging stuff happened. I have moved away from this thinking to the understanding that being with God is most important, regardless of the good or bad.

Is being with God most important for us?

More important than heaven?

What does being with God mean to you?

How would you speak to a friend?

Would you speak to God the same way?

Come Watch Some Softball!

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 22:28:16 GMT

Come watch our Denver Church of Christ summer softball tournament!

Time: 2pm and 3:15pm

Location: West-Bar-Val-Wood Park 2001 W Cedar Ave, Denver CO 80223

Dates : June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 11; 18

Playoff games: July 25th

Championship Game: Aug. 1st at Ruby Hill Park , outdoor service before the game!

Untold Stories

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 02:24:24 GMT

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” – Maya Angelou

On Saturday, June 5, 2021, we invite you to come and listen, to come and share, and to come and see the power of, " Untold Stories ".

Mondays with Matt: Can We Live Together?

Mon, 31 May 2021 17:07:23 GMT

The hero and the heroine from a few chapters before, are definitely an item!

In Exodus Chapter 25 verse 8, God asks his treasured possession to do something.

“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” (emphasis mine)

Sanctuary refers to a place which offers safety or protection. He goes on to draw the details for this new abode. Once it is completed, they have an incredible housewarming party! He was making it clear that He was here to stay…

Glory of the Lord fills the temple that Moses could not enter the tent (Exodus 40:34-35)

Fire from heaven consumes the sacrifice (Leviticus 9:23-24)

People fell facedown and worshiped God (Leviticus 9:24)

God told them with the cloud when they would set out on their journey (Exodus 40:36)

He was with them day and night (Exodus 40:37-38)

A story is told of a boy who visited his grandmother every summer with his parents. As he grew older, he felt the need to exercise his independence and asked his parents if he could ride the train by himself to see his grandmother. His parents were shocked at his request, but the boy seemed adamant. Finally, they relented and let him take the train himself.

As he was boarding the train, his father gave him a note and told him, when you are afraid, please open and read what’s on it. The boy thanked his father nervously and boarded the train, excited and anxious, at the same time. As the train chugged along, he quietly enjoyed traveling by himself for the very first time. However, as new and unfamiliar faces boarded the train, he began to feel fearful. He said to himself, "Should I read the note my father gave me? No, I can handle this."

But the fears only grew. With fear giving way to alarm, he opened the note his father gave him.

It read, ‘Son I am in the last compartment of this train, if you need me.’

Isn’t this what God says to us, even today?

I am always close to you.

I am right there with you.

Do we go thru life everyday knowing that? Feeling that?

2021 Teen/Middle School Camp!!

Mon, 31 May 2021 16:40:02 GMT

Sunday, June 27th-Friday July 2nd

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

We have been waiting so long to be able to get together! This summer will be a summer to remember as 2021 Camp will be “Keep it 100” in Woodland Park, Colorado! Middle School Camp and Teen Camp will be held simultaneously this year. Campers get to experience the power of an authentic outdoor adventure in one of the most spectacular places in America—the Rockies. Every day is packed with an incredible program of worship, in-depth Bible studies, campfires, fellowship, fun, and impactful lessons.

COVID PRECAUTIONS

We have considered carefully how to create a safe and fun environment for everyone involved with camp considering the pandemic.

· Camp staff will need to quarantine prior to coming (48 hours of no symptoms) and must have proof of vaccination or have completed a negative PCR COVID test within 72 hours of arrival

· Campers must provide a negative COVID test take within 72 hours before check-in, have a doctor’s note, or have proof of vaccination

· Contactless, 4-station check-in process; parents will stay in the car the entire time and will include:

o Screening Station

o Registration Station

o Medical Station

o Unloading

· Less than 6 campers per cabin and cabins will stay together during camp.

· Everyone is required to bring at least 2 masks and masks must be worn in dining areas, during games, and during worship times. Masks will not be required in cabin or with cabin mates.

· Social distancing indoors (in meal line, eat by cabin distanced from other cabins)

· Daily rigorous contact surface cleaning in bathrooms, meeting rooms, and dining room

· Hand sanitizing stations situated throughout the camp

· Daily temperature checks

· Anyone exhibiting any known common sign of COVID while at camp will immediately be quarantined to the Medical Cabin and sent home; contact tracing will commence: their cabin-mates will be given an on-site Rapid Test and monitored, as determined by the medical staff; parents will be contacted immediately

Drop-off and Pick-up Details

When: Sunday, June 27 ^th -Friday July 2 ^nd

On June 27 ^th , please arrive by 3pm for registration

On July 2 ^nd , please pick up at 11am

Where: Quaker Ridge Christian Conference Center

30150 Colorado 67, Woodland Park, CO 80863

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP is for incoming 5 ^th graders to incoming 8 ^th graders

TEEN CAMP is for incoming 9 ^th graders to incoming college freshman

Cost: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

Counselors

Camp couldn’t exist without a team of dedicated Christians who sacrifice a week of time and energy to be with our young campers. Serving as a counselor isn’t easy as it involves a high level of responsibility, a demanding schedule and can be emotionally taxing. However, it is very rewarding knowing you are helping today’s youth grow into tomorrow’s faithful men and women. There is no cost for camp counselors.

What to Bring

Each year hundreds of items are lost at camp. Please LABEL EVERYTHING and consider not sending expensive or irreplaceable items with your child.

· Results of your Covid-19 test taken on June 24 or June 25 (or information indicating that the results are pending)

· Sleeping bag and pillow

· Refillable water bottle

· Ten sets of clothes (some nice, most grubby!)

· Strapless tops, racer back tanks that expose undergarments, and spaghetti strap tops are not allowed at camp. Straps must be at least two fingers wide.

· Jeans and a sweatshirt (it gets chilly at night)

· Rain jacket (optional)

· Bathing suit (one-piece or tankini for the girls)

· Two or three towels (for the bath house and pool)

· At least two pairs of shoes

· Flip-flop sandals (optional)

· Toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.)

· Medications (in original bottles). Over-the-counter medications taken for occasional use (pain relievers, etc.) are stocked in the Camp Health Office, so please do not send them with your camper. Over-the-counter medications taken on a regular schedule (daily allergy medications, etc.) SHOULD be sent with your camper in the original packaging.

· Trash bag — clearly labeled with camper’s name — for dirty or wet clothing returning home

· Bug spray

· Sunscreen

· 5-10 disposable face masks

· Bible, notebook, pens

· Flashlight (optional)

· Small sack to carry Bible (optional)

· Inexpensive/disposable camera (optional)

What NOT to Bring to Camp

· Over-the-counter medications taken for occasional use (pain relievers, etc.) The Medical Cabin will have these

· Cellphones and other electronics

· Weapons

· Drug paraphernalia

· Money

Terms and Conditions

1. I understand the Camp Director reserves the right to dismiss any camper whose behavior or attitude is disruptive to the welfare of the camp. No refund will be given in the event of dismissal.

2. I understand the Camp Nurse reserves the right to dismiss any camper for medical conditions s/he deems necessary

3. I understand that all medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) are to be turned over to the Camp Nurse at the beginning of camp. It is ultimately the responsibility of the camper to remember to take their medication. EMERGENCY EPI-PENS will not be turned into the nurse.

4. I am aware that my child is responsible for his/her personal belongings. It is not the responsibility of the Church to find or return any belongings that are left or lost at camp.

5. I give my child permissions= to participate in potentially dangerous activities at camp and I will not hold Quaker Ridge Christian Conference Center, Denver Church of Christ, their employees, agents, or officers liable for injuries sustained at camp.

6. I understand that the Denver Church of Christ or any person(s) leading or directing these activities has no insurance coverage for medical or hospital costs for my child, which are associated with injury or illness occurring during the activities (unless the child is already a covered dependent under the church’s employee health plan). Therefore, any costs incurred for such a medical attention/treatment shall be my sole responsibility.

Registration

Registration begins April 11 ^th 2021. Registration ends June 13 ^th 2021.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

Questions

If you have questions about camp, please email Michael DeAquino .

Women's Midweek Recording, May 25

Mon, 24 May 2021 14:06:39 GMT

Mary and Elizabeth were two women just like us. And yet, God saw something in each of them. Meegan shares about these two amazing women and how they became such valuable players in the ultimate story of hope.

Mondays with Matt: The Great Rescue

Mon, 24 May 2021 13:00:02 GMT

This has gotta be the original hero-rescuing-the-heroine story!

The Book of Exodus finds us reading about the sufferings of the Israelites in Egypt and the emergence of the protagonist Moses, or so we think...until his plans fail and he escapes to Midian and becomes a shepherd. This is when God comes to Moses in the story of the Burning Bush in Exodus 3.

While we have often focused on God appearing to Moses and his response, we sometimes forget what God said:

“I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So, I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:7-8).”

Say what?

You came down to rescue your people?

They are not even worshipping you!

In fact...they are worshipping other gods!

Why would you do that?

Because of a promise you made to their forefathers?

God heard their cries and came down…you will find Him responding to cries on many occasions later…

The villain in this story is unrelenting, but the hero finally gets the rescue operation going. God goes like a pillar of cloud during the day ( Exodus 13:17-22 ) and as a pillar of fire at night ( Exodus 14:19-31 ). They cross the Red Sea and the villain, and his cronies are vanquished in the waters.

The hero then takes the heroine to the top of the mountain and makes a personal confession in Chapter 19 v 5:

“You are my treasured possession.”

Treasured possession was a reference to a special relationship.

I am his treasured possession, today.

Really?

I recall 3 near-death experiences in my life before I became a Christian. Although, they made me pause for the moment, as a Christian, I have chalked them up as rescue attempts, and God’s way of putting a bow on our relationship.

Wow! I tear up thinking I am His treasured possession.

"I hear the whisper underneath your breath
I hear you whisper; you have nothing left

I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It's true, I will rescue you"

Lauren Daigle

Collection for Refugee Families!

Sun, 23 May 2021 03:07:20 GMT

The Denver Church of Christ, The HOPEww - Denver Chapter and the IRC, (International Rescue Committee), are working together to furnish the apartments of refugees arriving in the United States!

Rocky Mountain School of Ministry and Theology • Summer Courses

Thu, 20 May 2021 15:18:27 GMT

Summer 2021 Courses

Mondays with Matt: Chillin’ in the Garden

Mon, 17 May 2021 15:00:02 GMT

Many of us have either studied or heard the Seeking God study at some point in our Christian walk. Over the years, I came to this incredible realization that the Bible is rife with God seeking us. Us? Why are we important to him? As I delved more and more, I saw the theme across the Bible. Over the next few weeks, I want to share some of my thoughts and emotions about God seeking us , on this blog.

The Bible starts out with the Creation story and God deems his creation to be good…except when it comes to man, he calls it “very good”! ( Genesis 1:31 ). Why wouldn’t he? After all, weren’t we created in His image ( Genesis 1:26 )? But check out this verse from Chapter 3:

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day ( Genesis 3:8 ). Consider this:

God came to the garden to spend time with them.

Did they hold hands?

Did they talk about their day?

Did they share a good laugh?

Did they share what they felt?

Is this how we view God?

Does God want to connect, share, laugh with us?

For many years as a Christian, I struggled to connect with God.

Connections were…let’s say, more duty bound. I found out later that I had many misconceptions about God (some of which I will talk about, later), which really kept me from being closer to Him. As I worked through them, I found myself connecting on an emotional level.

A song, ‘ God Walks with Us’ from 2005 has these lines….

Walk with me please
Let me see where your heart's coming from
So let me see
Is this for real
Or let it be?

Yes, it is for real…….

N.O.B.A. is back in action!

Wed, 12 May 2021 20:06:41 GMT

Not On Bread Alone will resume serving meals to our neighbors without homes in downtown Denver!

Honoring the Lewises

Sun, 02 May 2021 00:40:19 GMT

We are excited to celebrate the Lewises and their new baby girl coming in June!! We are going to do a diaper and wipe pounding for them. (May and June is a crazy busy time for youth ministers). They are trying to use fragrance free and chemical free for the baby because they have sensitive skin. Their favorites are Pampers pure and Kirkland pure for diapers and water wipes or Pampers fragrance free wipes.
We’re separating the region by last name so they can get some different sizes.
Newborn: A-C
Size 1: D-F
Size 2: G-J
Size 3: K-M
Size 4: N-R
Size 5: S-Z
Thanks for your help to encourage them!
You can bring them to church on Sundays in Arvada for them or, for North Region teen parents, feel free to bring them to North region teen events.

Sock Collection!

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 00:07:23 GMT

We are collecting socks!

Cosmic Prom June 13 2021

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 18:16:07 GMT

Click here for details and registration! (more details to come!)

Summer 2021 Softball League!

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 17:15:49 GMT

Registration at: https://denverchurchofchrist.breezechms.com/form/congregational-co-ed-softball-league

Registration ends on: May 2nd

Opening Day of the League: Sunday, June 6th at 1 PM

Championship Game: Sunday August 1st.

$10 to play and all proceeds go to HOPE Worldwide

Teams will be announced May16-23rd.

A Day Full of Love, Fellowship and Support

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:58:36 GMT

The day started off a little more cool and cloudy than a normal Spring day in Denver, CO. That was okay, though. This group of walkers brought their own sunshine, warmth and laughter to support their dear friend, Elaine Brimage.

Elaine shares,
"This year will mark my 7th race that I’ve completed the Pat Tillman 5K. In 2016 after completing the race, I felt ill. After several scans and tests I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer. Three months after this diagnosis, I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. I've continued to participate each year since my diagnosis as an honor to our military, to Pat Tillman and to another year of survival.

Today’s race was extra special. This race marks, to the date, my 5th year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. This year, due to COVID, the race was done virtually from my home state. When I found this out, I sent out some requests to my friends to see who would like to join me in the walk. Today, 15 of us came together and walked for both these reasons: as an honor to our fallen soldiers and to support me as a survivor still fighting the fight. Each year, a friend of mine in Arizona makes special ribbons for those walking with me to wear in my name. This year she made them for all of us walkers here and mailed them so I was able to present them at the start of the race.

This was a special day full of love, fellowship and support and I remain grateful to be able to complete the race this year."

Women's Monthly Devotionals

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 13:52:30 GMT

The Denver Church of Christ is excited to announce that we will begin having a women’s congregational midweek on the fourth Tuesday of each month! During each midweek, we will spend some time examining the women of the Bible, exploring their stories from various angles and pulling out the principles that unite us with them—a sisterhood of ancient and modern women trying to walk with God! We will rotate the location throughout our various regions, and will always provide an online option.

Epic Bingo

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:15:07 GMT

April 24 • 6:30 pm • Arvada Church Building

Finding Hope and Contentment

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 17:10:07 GMT

Hello. My name is Jill Egner. Recently I shared a story of affliction, highlighting God as my Shelter in the Storm. Today, I continue my story. I will share about another aspect of my life I never expected to live... and how I am finding contentment and hope along the way.

As I shared in the previous video, I had brain surgery 5 years ago, in 2015. I am so thankful that the surgery was a success, and the tumor was completely removed! And then, I encountered a new kind of pain: chronic post-surgical nerve pain, all along my forehead and down the side of my face. In addition, I still have chronic fatigue –gratefully, it is about 60% better than it was before surgery.

How do I live with this? Honestly, it is so hard to be limited in what I can do and to experience daily pain. Sometimes, I get discouraged or, I lose motivation. When the life you expected to live is torn away, you do not instantly have hope. You choose to begin a journey in search of hope. You start with feeling the loss – it. is. real. Then you look upward.

God is so gracious and has helped me so much. I am learning to give myself grace, which is refreshing to the soul. When I feel frustration starting to rise within me, God helps me to take a deep breath and tell myself, “it is okay that you have run out of energy. You have been working hard and now it is time to rest.”

I am also learning to practice daily gratitude, which is calming to the heart. Just before surgery, I wrote this:

Dear Jesus, thank you for holding my hand through my days of weakness. Thank you for smiling at me when I felt small and insignificant. Thank you for calling me to love deeper and face my fears courageously.

Gratitude does not mean to ignore the truth. Sometimes, you just need to cry. At times, I have been in so much pain, that all I could do is lay down with an ice pack and cry until the pain is numbed.

What is SO hard for you right now? Know that God is kind and patient. He will hear your cries and offer comfort to you. I am choosing to keep hope alive. One way I do this is to stop judging myself. Judgment destroys hope and robs contentment. I have learned that when I think, “you should be able to keep up with the housework,” I am judging myself. Instead, with kindness and patience, I will say, “I no longer have the energy to keep up with the housework. I will do what I can and be content with that.” A couple years ago, I hired a house cleaner. I love cleaning day! I am so grateful God has given us the resources for that.

Focusing on what I cannot do is discouraging. Choosing to focus on what I can do is encouraging. I can call people and comfort or inspire them. I can put a puzzle together. And when I am too tired to do that, I can lay down and rest. Since life has become so hard physically, my husband Dean has become so helpful in the areas I used to take care of. He does the shopping, much of the cooking and cleaning the kitchen. He even helped me put up Christmas decorations. Doing this together made the process so fun. God has brought us closer together as a result of the hardship.

God also healed a brokenness in my heart. I grew up not receiving much nurturing and emotional connection. When I had this surgery, at 50 years old, my mom came to Denver from Michigan, on the train. It took her 23 hours to get here. Once home from the hospital, she took such great care of me. I could barely walk or talk. I could not stand up, much less prepare myself something to eat. She helped me up the stairs, put lotion on my arms and legs, brushed my hair, and told me she loved me. I felt nurtured. You never know when healing will come. Don’t give up. Keep reaching for hope. When you lose hope, look upward, and know that God is our Safe Place and Deliverer.

In closing, I will share from one of my journal entries:

“Dear Father in Heaven, I love you! You fill my heart with joy because You find pleasure in being with me. I am treasured in Your heart. Thankyou for pouring Your grace out on me all the days of my life, for always watching over me with Your heart of love and protection. Thank you for wrapping me in Your tender arms. You are wonderful to me.” (Nov 3, 2016)

(Find Part one of Jill's story at https://www.denverchurchofchrist.org/we-are-the-dcc-jill-egner-overcoming-adversity !)

Honoring Our Graduates!

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 01:57:54 GMT

Help us honor ALL of our graduates this year! If you are graduating, or know someone who is graduating, please fill out this form: Graduate Information.

Who are YOU listening to?

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 19:09:22 GMT

There are so many competing voices out there...not to mention the ENTIRE world of the internet! Who do you listen to? Where do you go when you need guidance? The internet is a great tool, but might not always be the best teacher!

Recording now available! Marriage Workshop: Thriving

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:20:58 GMT

Please join us as we hear a lesson from special guest speakers Ruben and Barbara Marbury. Ruben and Barbara have raised 3 daughters into wonderful young women and we are so blessed to hear their wisdom in marriage.

Testimony Tuesday: God, the Gentle Leader

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 13:34:14 GMT

I didn’t expect to not like my son for the first 3 months. I had the hardest time motivating myself to do the bare minimum for myself and my son. I couldn’t breastfeed, between our NICU experience and my mental health it just wasn’t in the cards. I couldn’t bond with Milo, sometimes I felt like I was more connected to my pet than my son. Because we were in the hospital for longer than expected, Josh, my husband, had to go to work almost immediately when we got home. I was recovering from surgery and taking care of this new, helpless person. I hated it. I felt like Milo would have a better chance at life if I wasn’t his mom. I felt like all I did was cry and change diapers. I didn’t know who I was anymore. My life was completely changed, and I couldn’t handle it.

I was mourning my old life, drowning. Everyone was so nice and so happy for us, but I was in that space where you know you just did something life-changing and permanent, and it was paralyzing. I didn’t want to share my feelings with my doctor, I didn’t even want to share them with Josh, the person on this planet I can depend on the most. Every appointment after Milo was born, they gave me these surveys to see if I had postpartum depression and I would lie on them. I didn’t want anyone to know what I was going through. I was so unbelievably ashamed. I thought being a mom was the most natural thing in the world and it didn’t come naturally to me.

According to womenshealth.gov, 1 in 9 new mothers experience postpartum depression. If anything that I said sounds like something you or someone you know is going through, I encourage you to reach out to someone who can help; someone who can reach out to your doctor if you’re not comfortable with it and someone who can remind you that God sees and loves you and love doesn’t speak through shame.

Recording of Women's Devotional, March 23

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 16:31:44 GMT

Recording from Women's Midweek • March 23, 2021

HOPEww Workshop Recording: Lazarus, My Neighbor

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 01:15:17 GMT

HOPEww now has their March training workshop available online!

Weekly Recap!

czillman@denverchurchofchrist.org (Christopher Zillman) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:35:18 GMT

The Temptation of Indifference

We wanted to repost this video for a #ThrowbackThursday! Our need to have compassion for each other still remains, and Chris reminds us not to allow fear to tempt us toward indifference.

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." 1 Peter 3:8

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other .” Mother Teresa

A series to review the weekly "doings" of the Denver Church of Christ hosted by Chris Zillman. A combination of information, biography, philosophy and theology. Super boring. Necessary. Here are some reviews of the series:

We use complex algorithms and prototype A.I. to determine terrorist threats and coded messages that communicate intent to harm over a wide array of media platforms. Billions have been spent on this kind of research and application. Within minutes of Weekly Recap! going live both algorithm and A.I. identified its content as extremely dangerous. Unfortunately when the A.I. began scrutinizing WEEKLY REECAP! more closely it suffered a catastrophic failure- a kind of illogic cascade. We still don’t know if it can be salvaged. We are keeping a close eye on Mr. Zillman and these videos and after watching them we begin to understand how our A.I. was incapacitated.

- Mrs. XXXX XXXX of the NSA.

I think they are great! I’ve never seen anything like it. Totally original! They are clever and they are deep all at the same time. I’m so glad I am awake to see them!

- Cal Hobbs (who recently awoke from a coma after 35 years)

I honestly believed it was a parody of something I simply didn’t understand. Like a SNL skit about a movie, if you’d never seen the movie. So when I discovered it wasn’t a parody but a serious attempt at commentary on the human condition I fell into a cataplexy brought on by intense despair- so I’m told. You just hope that when you witness something so absurd it was done with the intent to be absurd. That Weekly Recap! has an actual audience, that its creator has a paying job and that the world is not ending can only mean we have opened the doors for chaos and social entropy. When future archeologists find these videos they will trace the dissolution of 21st century Western Culture back to Weekly Recap!

- B. Downer, Leading Anthropologist of the Quixote Project.

Weakness

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:05:23 GMT

Listen to Dr. Tim Sumerlin share about the power of vulnerability, weakness and authenticity. (Little Elsa has a few words to add, also!

Testimony Tuesday: Jessica's Story

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 23:28:48 GMT

Jessica’s life was turned upside down when she was seven years old. And yet, she has used her experience and hardship, not as fuel for bitterness, but rather as an opportunity to draw ever nearer to her God!

Mother's Day 2021

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 05:37:44 GMT

We have a special gift for you.

Bee Rescue Seed Mix

This includes a colorful combination of wildflowers that will provide nectar and pollen for full season support of native and introduced bee species. Our “Bee Rescue Mix” has been designed to include the absolute best species to support the health and vitality for a wide range of native pollinators as well and the honey bee. These are the flowers that attract the most pollinators and will do well over the most growing zones.

Here is a link to preparing the site. https://bbbseed.com/wildflower-grass-tips/preparing-a-site/

The Argument

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 23:49:21 GMT

A healthy argument? Is there such a thing?? Chris has a little discussion with...well...himself on this very topic!

“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions” Proverbs 18:2

New Paragraph

Recording of the Marriage Workshop: From "me" to "we"

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:31:01 GMT

Recorded Saturday, February 6th, 10AM

From "Me" to "We "

Marriage is a partnership. However, it is often practiced as two individuals pursuing their own agendas: two people who happen to live in the same house, while sharing some overlapping goals and principles. A marriage described like this is bound for unmet expectations, misunderstandings and constant friction.

In marriage, we are supposed to leave behind the “me” and fully put on the “we”. Every decision, every spoken word, and every intention has to be understood in the context of a relationship. The foundation of this relationship is to be built on the practice of putting the other person's needs above your own. This way of thinking is not common to people who live in an “individualistic” society. Within our society, the idea of considering even just one person ahead of yourself challenges our spirit of independence and freedom. And yet, this transition from "me to we"is the Biblical key to a long-lasting and fulfilling marriage.

Winston and Xin Batino have been married for over 20 years. They have served In the ministry for two decades in various positions within Chicago the Chicago church of Christ and currently serve as evangelist and women’s ministry leader of the North Region.

Parenting Workshops: Let's Get Real

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 03:14:01 GMT

We are excited to offer our second parenting workshop series for parents of kindergarten through 6th grade! The title for the series is called “Let’s Get Real!”.

The first class will be February 21. We will gather again on February 28 and finish our final class on March 7th.

The class titles are:

February 21 - Let’s Get Real About our Relationship with God

February 28 - Let’s Get Real about Discipline & Building Character

March 7 - Let’s Get Real about Worldliness: Solution is making the church your family

Please register in advance for this meeting:

https://denverchurchofchrist.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvfuGsrTIjGtz-lS-1EPRpjOofYhRjrhKI

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Testimony Tuesday: Putting Together the Pieces

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 14:37:08 GMT

While here, another puzzle piece was put in place. I started getting more involved in the Presbyterian church and began confirmation. This is a practice of confirming your baby baptism at a later age of your life. I was not baptized as a baby. However, to cement this confirmation process I did need to get baptized. So I did. Though I felt that I was right with God at the time, there was still something missing. This was the missing piece that I would eventually go and seek out.

At the end of 2013, God put down probably the most difficult piece of my puzzle. My family moved back to Zimbabwe. At the time, I felt as if this move was not worth it. My mom and dad were being placed to lead two different churches. Because of the shortage of pastors within the Zimbabwe Presbytery, they could not have two pastors at one church. The city we moved to was different from where we lived before. Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe. It is also known as the capital of the Ndebele tribe. I belong to the Shona tribe, growing up I spoke Shona and English. I felt at the time that we were basically moving to a different country, moving backwards, away from opportunity and success.

I was mad at God during this time. I didn’t understand why I needed to go back to Zimbabwe. It didn’t make sense to me that I was being put in a tough, unnecessary situation. My heart got hard, and I decided to just do whatever I wanted. I showed hatred to anyone that tried to come close to me and made very bad decisions that led to me being put in bad situations. It wasn’t until the end of my first year being back that I realized what exactly I was doing. My parents sat me down one night and my mom asked, “Is this who really you want to be?”. It was a sobering question because I was not taking responsibility for anything. In my mind, it was everyone else’s fault. It took a while, but I came to the realization that holding on to the hate, being selfish with my life, and being mad at God was just making everything worse. With this realization, I decided to make some changes.

2021 Winter Teen Rally!

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 01:48:45 GMT

March 5 & 6 • All Teens From the Rocky Mountain Region are Invited to Attend!

Testimony Tuesday: God as Our Perfect Father

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 01:12:16 GMT

This week’s “Testimony Tuesday” could also be called, “Truth Tuesday!”.

Parenting is no joke! It can feel even more difficult if we have lacked the earthly examples of what “good parenting” looks like. Thankfully, we have a Father in heaven who is an example of the perfect parent. He is willing to train us, teach us and forgive us; loving our children AND us through the process!

"Hold the Line" Singles' Event

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 20:07:02 GMT

WEATHER UPDATE! ONLINE ONLY • February 13 • 7pm

Campus Retreat: "Assemble"

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 19:23:08 GMT

March 19 - 21 • Are you looking to get away from the city and connect with God, friendships and nature? If so, this campus retreat is just what the doctor ordered! Join us for a weekend of inspiration, worship, fun, and fellowship! We hope to see you there!

Testimony Tuesday: The God Who Shows Up

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 17:50:14 GMT

Testimony Tuesday: The Power of Pain

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 15:51:36 GMT

Nate Juliano is one of those people who you just might hear his laugh before you see him actually enter the room. However, there is another side to Nate. A personal battle that demands a daily payment of pain, measured resources and desperate prayers. Yet, despite this intense battle, we see in Nate this verse lived out in an inspiring and faith-building way:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4. Listen as he shares his story below.

Congregational Devotional and Leadership Workshop

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 03:28:38 GMT

Join us for a workshop on how to utilize social media in your outreach, and how to be the best neighbor you can be to those around you!

Diversity Committee Event: Identity in Christ

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 18:23:22 GMT

Weren't able to attend the workshop? Want to listen again and/or send to a friend?

Click here to access the recording !

How do you define yourself? American? Democrat? Republican? Black? White? Asian? Latino? Married? Single?

The world tries to define us in many ways (culturally, politically, economically, etc.). We live in a culture of competing voices telling us who we are, who we should be and even who we should NOT be. Join us as Michael Burns (teacher and author from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Church of Christ) deconstructs identity issues within our culture and ourselves. Together, we will examine the biblical worldview of the kingdom and how it calls us to approach our identity and our place in the world.

No matter how others define you or how you define yourself, our true identity is always found in Christ.

Join us the weekend of January 30-31 for a life-changing workshop.

Testimony Tuesday: He is Close to the Brokenhearted

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:24:56 GMT

I started to study out joy in the Bible. I kept reading through passages on joy, but I wasn’t discovering joy in my own life. I quit that study. Later that year, I began to study out affliction, and guess what I discovered? Joy! It was amazing to me to discover how much God speaks to us in our suffering - how he is close to the brokenhearted, how he longs to comfort us. I found such joy in his nearness and tenderness and intimacy. It was almost as though I had to walk through the shadow of darkness to experience his closeness.

4 Things You Didn’t Know about Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” Speech

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:00:02 GMT

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..." Zach 4:10

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday and his dream that the United States of America would become a nation of equality and unity. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is one of the best known and most inspirational speeches of all time. But have you considered…

The speech was originally titled Normalcy, Never Again.
Looking forward requires us to let go of our old view of "normal". How can we challenge our view of "normal" and strive for something more in our faith and in our unity?
While Dr. King began the speech reading from prepared text, he abandoned that mid-way through the speech. The “I have a dream…” portion of the speech was improvised.
Sometimes, speaking from our hearts may be more impactful than the careful execution of our minds. What is on your heart today?
The speech was ranked the top American speech of the 20th century by a 1999 poll of scholars of public address.
What is about this speech that resonates in so many American's hearts? How was Dr. King able to reach such a diverse and polarized audience?
A group of teenagers walked 225 miles from New York City for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom which included Dr. King’s speech. "
Never underestimate the power of youth. Invite a discussion with someone you know who is younger than you. Listen to their thoughts about justice, politics and faith. Share your experiences. So much growth and understanding can develop in intergenerational conversation!

"Every movement, every triumph, every success – big or small – starts with a dream. Every one of us can envision a better world. And every one of us can picture ourselves as a part of the solution, making the world a better place."
What can you do to serve someone TODAY: in your family, in your church, in your community?

Post adapted from this article on Live Intentionally.org.

Disciples In Motion

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 01:38:12 GMT

Beginning Feb. 21 • Disciples In Motion helps anyone with anything that interferes with your walk with God. From weight issues, to sin and addiction problems, marriage and relationship issues to childhood abuse. Anyone...with anything.

Give to God What is God's

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 16:56:15 GMT

Michael Burns – Minneapolis, MN, USA • Jan 13, 2021
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. – 1 Timothy 2:1-4

It feels like there is a mounting pressure these days to pick a side. The dynamic many have seen acted out in countries around the world was highlighted this past week for those of us who live in the United States. Angry citizens flooded the US Capitol building because they believed that the recent presidential election should be overturned. In many of their eyes this was one more obvious sign that the country is falling to dangerous forces. Those on the other side perhaps see it as the desperate throes of those who have only ever known caste superiority, but feel it slipping away and are willing to fight to keep their historic advantages. That battle has been set.

The pressure to pick a side and clearly show whether you are a good person or an evil person in the estimation of those judging can be intense. Even as I was asked to write this article, I felt the burden of the response of picking a side in this battle. Will it be the right side or the left side? Which should we as Christians support? Does it not seem obvious at this point? But if we take a side, what of those among our fellowship that are on the other side? Should it be a matter of “goodbye and good riddance?” If we don’t take a side, is that cowardice which will send a strong signal to many that enough is enough, and they no longer have a place in our midst?

What is clear is that sitting on the fence is just not going to do it. We can’t sit on the fence. Which is it going to be? Whatever the choice, we can no longer afford for anyone to simply withdraw and refuse to pick a side. Were the people who took over the Capitol (or those who sympathized with their concerns if not their methods) wrong, or were they right?

It comes down to matters of identity and reflection. In other words, as followers of Jesus, what is our purpose in the world? Is there any way to know what Jesus might have us do in this and similar situations?

Pick a Side, Jesus

Jesus was faced with a similar challenge to pick a side in Matthew 22:15-22. First century Israel was a hotbed of political dissidence and passion. For those living there, the most pressing political argument of the day was whether Rome was a blessing to be grateful for, or a curse to be thrown off. On one extreme were those who believed that Rome was good at some level, or at least that there was no point in trying to fight their power. They accepted or even celebrated that Rome was a force for peace, stability, and prosperity in the world. Rome had not invaded Israel; they had been invited decades before. And God was using the emperor, albeit an imperfect man, to bring such blessing and to further God’s agenda.

On the other extreme were the Zealots who believed that Rome was another example of the naked power of empire. They were God’s righteous people who were being oppressed and marginalized and they were not going to take it anymore. This evil must be done away with now. Anyone who supported Rome in any way, like the tax collectors, were a traitor to their people and pure evil.

So, imagine the challenge for Jesus to answer the loaded question, “Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” This question was designed to trap Jesus. It would force him out into the open. Pick a side, Jesus.

If he said “yes,” then he had endorsed the power of Rome. He would have turned his back on the oppressed in favor of economic prosperity, military protection, and comfortable stability. The might of empire would have won. Many would have seen that Jesus was no different than many other powerful people of the day and would have walked away disillusioned.

But if he said “no," he would have stood up to the bully and called out their naked power. That would have shown him to be treasonous to Rome and subjected to all the risk that came with that. But he also would have been offering solutions that were no different than so many who were fed up and angry.

Presumably standing with Jesus at that moment were two of his disciples, Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot. Can you imagine their responses to whatever Jesus might answer? Say “yes,” and you risk losing Simon. Say “no,” and you risk losing Matthew. But the time had come. Pick a side, Jesus.

A Shocking Response

It should not be that surprising that Jesus did not just say “yes.” It might be a little more surprising that he did not say “no” either.

Instead, he appealed to the ancient Jewish scriptural theme of God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). The ancient world believed that every divine being had image bearers. Divine beings were represented by these image bearers in the physical realm. That image reflected the nature, presence, and will of the god into the world so that people would know what the god was all about and could give them proper worship and honor. For most gods, this was a statue that would be placed in the temple or shrine of the area which they were believed to rule over. Genesis flips the script, though. The creator God does not need a shrine or temple, the whole cosmos is his temple. And his image bearers are human beings. We are to be the reflection of his nature, presence, will, and sacrificial love into the world.

So, what did Jesus mean when he requested a coin used to pay the tax and asked, “Whose image is this?” and said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s”?

Before we get to that, I don’t believe that Jesus was worried at all that he would lose Simon or Matthew with whichever side he chose. I don’t believe that the gospel writers denote that Simon was a Zealot or Matthew was a tax collector to demonstrate their political leanings as disciples. They use those descriptors to show what these men used to believe before giving their allegiance to Jesus and his kingdom. And he had invested much time in teaching them that the kingdom had not arrived to show which side was right but to offer them a truly alternative way of living. He spent much time in his ministry exposing and critiquing the way of power and empire, even refusing to become emperor of the world when Satan tried to offer it to him (Matthew 4:8-10) and when the people wanted to make him an earthly king (John 6:15). The writers of the New Testament go to great lengths to depict Jesus as a rival to Caesar, and the kingdom as the true answer for the problems of the world (e.g. Luke 2:1-14).

But he also spent a great deal of time warning Israel against their prevailing desire to throw off the oppression of Rome (e.g. Luke 14:31-33). They wanted a Messiah who would lead them in a violent revolution against their oppressors. They had been subjugated and humiliated long enough and they knew that God takes the side of the marginalized, so surely, they would be in the right. But that path would end in national disaster and Jesus knew it. The rage and pain of the oppressed does not always make their responses effective or right.

If Caesar wanted that coin to be his image bearer into the world to reflect his nature; if he wanted to be reduced to power and purse, then let him. Give him the tax. This was not a matter of capitulation or reflecting Caesar as their lord. It was about submitting when possible and not usurping the role that governments play in God’s plan and not thinking that being kingdom people means to overthrow all other nations (Romans 13:1-7). Above all, if they were going to be God’s kingdom people then they would not reflect, represent, or advocate for Caesar’s power or agenda in the world. That was not their role.

Give to God What is God’s

The real question was, “Whose image is imprinted on every human being?” The answer is so obvious that Jesus did not need to state it directly. We are made in God’s image. And God wants us to reflect his nature and purposes for the world in everything we do. Does oppression of others do that? Does violently throwing off that oppression do that? If he chose to side with the solutions of the world, how would anyone see the true kingdom of God?

Jesus refused to pick a side. Instead, he did something so much better. He gave the world what it needed: a true alternative. That is the power of the kingdom of God. It is neither empire nor zealot, neither left nor right. That does not mean that it is just a religion. The kingdom is not just a pious collection of doctrines that cause us to withdraw from the problems of the world and bury our heads in the sand until we get to heaven.

The kingdom is a true and very real alternative to the nations, empires, and solutions of the world. But we have been brainwashed into believing that only nations and only political power can make change and solve problems. I’m glad Jesus did not believe that. He knew that the kingdom of God, populated by image bearers, was what the world truly needed.

When we lose sight of that, we start to feel the pressure to take sides as though they are the only choices we have that will make a difference. Pick a side. But when we give in to that temptation, we lose the power of critique. The kingdom is designed to be an alternative, a prophetic community that speaks truth to all sides.

Jesus critiqued the power of Rome and empires that squashed some for the benefit of others. But he also critiqued the instinct of the oppressed to push power back in the face of the powerful. He showed them both a different way, a true alternative.

He wasn’t risking losing Simon or Matthew. They had given their full allegiance to his kingdom. They would continue to work out what it meant and looked like to embrace a kingdom that sacrifices for others; that stands up for justice for the marginalized but also loves the oppressor; that refuses to grasp for power and then wield it over others. They embraced a kingdom that would change the world through neither the means of empire nor zealot. And in so doing, they would unapologetically critique both sides while calling both to lay down their loyalties and join this radical new way.

I Am Confused

But I must admit, there is something here that confuses me greatly. Why are so many followers of Jesus today more willing to defend the ways of the world than critique them? A critique of the world does not mean we don’t love people, that we just want to be judgmental, or that we don’t care. It means we have a conviction that the kingdom of God is what the world needs. There cannot be a divided loyalty. Either God’s radical kingdom is the way people are supposed to live or it is not. Either we model that in everything we do, or we look like just like any of the options already available to the world.

Why do we not jump at opportunities to point out places where the systems of the world have failed? Why do we often seem more interested in defending our nation, our favored political party, or our preferred cause than we are in lovingly critiquing where they fall short of bearing God’s image, and seek to show them the kingdom? Why do we not leap at opportunities to show the failings or hypocrisies of both sides? What or who really is our Lord?

What we do not see in Matthew 22 is Matthew arguing about the Zealots’ foolishness and hypocrisy. He does not compare them with violent revolutions of the past while excusing Rome from such analysis. Nor do we see Simon denounce the power of empire as obviously opposed to God, but screaming about the Zealots’ righteousness. If they had pointed out critiques of one side or the other, they would have been justified. That can be a very legitimate role of the kingdom. But errors on one side does not automatically mean the other side is right, so we can then turn a blind eye and support that position. That seems to be the mistake so many of our brothers and sisters are making at the moment.

When we take sides and begin to reflect something other than kingdom solutions, we make it virtually impossible to show the reality of Jesus and his kingdom to those on the side we do not pick. Our concern must be to spread the message of the kingdom into as many hearts as possible rather than advance a political agenda. Have we forgotten that the gospel needs to be shared with all? Have we categorized some as an enemy and lost concern for them in the name of political policy?

Were those who stormed the US Capitol last week in the right? Absolutely not (Romans 13:1-5). The movement is built on dangerous and unfounded conspiracies that many have become convinced are truth. I see nothing good, and certainly nothing godly, about it. But that doesn’t mean that by denouncing and critiquing that ideology I stand with the political left either. I remember well in 2011 when many on the political left didn’t like a budget-cutting policy from the Republican governor and stormed the state Capitol in Wisconsin, occupying it for weeks while being praised by leftists around the nation. There is plenty of hypocrisy going around and critique deserved for both political ideologies.

Brothers and sisters, your country is not the kingdom of God. Your political party is not the kingdom of God. If you fall into the mode of defending the rightness of a nation, political party, or ideology while lustily attacking the policies, failings, and hypocrisies of the other side, then you likely have failed to show the world a true alternative. Are those who stormed the Capitol building the great hope for the world? Are those who spent the summer protesting in the streets against racism the great hope for the world? Surely Jesus could have pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of the Zealots and the pro-empire folks. Instead, he believed that the kingdom was the answer and that he wanted both Zealots and tax collectors to be part of it. But throughout his ministry he also made clear where both of those sides fell far short of God’s glory.

This is Just a Start

I know that this does not answer every question. We still need to work out:

how the kingdom might address the danger of the myth of the innocence of our group while only seeing the evil of the other
how we can truly be an alternative to the world in practical ways
when and how to engage in the important issues of the world rather than just withdrawing
when and how to call out evil behavior and stand up for those in need
how to seek biblical justice in a world that is often bent on its own forms of justice
how to use the weapons of the kingdom rather than the weapons of the world
how we can destroy our witness as image bearers by giving our allegiance to other entities or people or believing that power is the only way to change things
how to avoid using power over others while still making a difference; or how to be a prophetic community of critique without becoming judgmental and just criticizing everyone else; and so much more.

I have tried to cast a vision for what all that might look like in my book, Escaping the Beast: Politics, Allegiance, and Kingdom , but that is beyond the scope of this article.

This is just a start. But figuring out the implications of giving to God what is God’s is a good place to start.

---Originally posted at https://www.disciplestoday.org/give-to-god-what-is-god-s ---

Testimony Tuesday: The God Who Hears

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:57:10 GMT

Our situation became more complicated when my dad lost his job due to the market crash, and we became very poor. There were months where we had no running water or electricity. We were living off of government assistance and food stamps. But my role continued, even with my stepdad at home now. I was mentally and emotionally abused to the point that I thought all I was good for was taking care of children and that my only role was to please the men in my life. I became a slave for my stepdad. He convinced me that I was unworthy to have friends, and so I believed him. Eventually, he found another job but it meant moving to Chicago or Denver.

Ultimately we chose to move to Denver in the middle of my 8th-grade year. Unfortunately, the abuse and toxicity did not stay in Texas. It followed me everywhere I went, no matter how many times we moved or how many different schools I attended. I initiated friendships, only to leave them feeling judged and misunderstood. In my loneliness, I began to think that, if God existed, He had to be a sadistic, abusive god just like my earthly fathers. The void in my heart grew. I had no stable father figure and I had no friends. I began to seek out validation and love from men. If the men in my life were unhappy, ultimately I was to blame. This led me into several toxic, abusive, and impure relationships.

Testimony Tuesday: Strength in Weakness

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 17:54:35 GMT

If there are aspects of this story that you relate to, especially if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the following resources:

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ , 1-800-273-8255

https://www.strengthinweakness.org/

https://www.inmotioncounseling.org/

Hope and Grace for 2020

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 03:48:20 GMT

For many 2020 was no laughing matter.
There was a pandemic, hoarding, political divisiveness and racial tensions at an all-time high, riots, looting, unprecedented hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters. Many lost loved ones, missed milestones, lost jobs or relationships.
But we can have hope for 2021 that has nothing to do with the world as we know it. It depends on a God who can supply us with Hope, Joy and Peace in a crazy world.

MLK Day of Service Food Drive

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 22:53:15 GMT

If you or anyone in your group would prefer to donate funds, please give here !

If your group would like to participate, please follow these steps:

Fill out form (DEADLINE TO FILL OUT FORM IS JANUARY 10)
If you were unable to fill out the form before the deadline, don't worry! You can STILL participate! Contact us directly for ideas, or donate here !
Receive paper bags and scripts
After you have filled out the form above, your HOPEww Chapter Director will deliver a set number of grocery bags to the Community Group Leader's home. Along with the bags, a paper script will be provided to be attached to each bag. This script will provide a description of the food drive, a blank line where you can specify a pick-up date and a list of most needed food items.
Arrange day/time to pass out bags
Sometime around MLK Day, your group will go out, either as a group or individually, and place the paper grocery bags on house doorsteps around their neighborhood. Take advantage of this time to meet a new neighbor...or two!
Collect bags on predetermined date
On the date decided by the community group, they will go back and collect the bags of donations.
Deliver bags to determined location/community partner
Each community group will then take the bags/donations to one of the local food pantries (see form in Step 1 for details about which food pantries we are partnering with). This is a great opportunity to begin a relationship with these community partners!
Take and share photos along the way!
Share your victories with rest of the congregation by texting them to 720-432-6510 . It is incredibly encouraging to see how a group of people can help in tremendous ways when they are united in their efforts!

Not Alone

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 22:42:27 GMT

It can be a little scary going into unfamiliar places and situations. Growing up, my family and I moved quite a bit. My parents were in the ministry, and that required answering the call of the Lord to go anywhere, do anything, and give up everything. But to the average kid, that meant leaving friends, family and everything we knew. At the drop of a hat, your life could be different. The idea of going to new schools, making new friends, living in new homes, and going to new churches was normal, but it never got easier. But there was a comfort that I came to know, and it stemmed from the fact that I didn’t have to make those moves alone. I had my family with me every time. My siblings and my parents were going into those places too. You see, we were in it together. We struggled together, we cried together, we lived together, we experienced the challenges of unfamiliarity together.

I was listening to the song, Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone) the other day, and it reminded me of those times. But it also brought me so much comfort thinking about the times to come. The first line of the song says,

“The Lord is my Shepherd

He goes before me

Defender behind me

I won’t fear…”

Whenever we go into unfamiliar places or situations, we never go alone. We may not always go with the same traveling buddies, but we have a Good Shepherd that goes and paves the walk way for us. And then He does everything possible to protect us. The year 2021 will be an unfamiliar place. Some of us are going into the year with excitement, while others of us are nervous and afraid. Some of us have lost traveling partners and loved ones along your journey. Some of us are taking the tears and pains of 2020 into this next chapter of life. And that’s ok. But rest assured that you are not alone. God is with us. Hallelujah. God is with us.

“The Lord is my Shepherd

He goes before me

Defender behind me

I won’t fear…”

Video credit: Boston Church of Christ .

Joy in Despair

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:00:02 GMT

Mark Van Tine shares how his times of despair led to times of growth and eventually even joy!

Restful Holiday?

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 20:49:50 GMT

Do those two words even go together? I didn’t think so at first either. Unless you’re one of the kids on school break, this might not even sound possible. But what do we know about Jesus? With him, all things are possible!

Obviously he’s the whole reason we celebrate this time every year. Yet, it doesn’t take but a minute to stray from him and his purpose for coming here. Jesus, the Messiah, Immanuel God with us. The one who came to love, save and redeem us. We have a whole holiday devoted to him, his birth, and his presence in our lives. What a great opportunity for the world to witness his light, and through us; what an honor!

It’s easy to become mesmerized by the lights, the music and the feel of Christmas. We set our hearts on being giving and looking for those who need extra encouragement; which is so great! But as the 25th gets closer and closer, busyness can take over and stress can set in: shopping for presents, preparing for get-togethers or zoom-gethers, working overtime, anxiety of all kinds, closing out the year with a bang, getting a head start on the new year, and so on. And then we look up, and we’ve missed it. We’ve missed the opportunity to see Jesus, to rest, to celebrate, well... the whole point of Christmas.

And so, this Christmas season, I want to give all of us a challenge. And that challenge is to REST. Study rest in the Bible and see what you find. Take the time to look at Jesus. What can you learn from him in holiday settings and when he had the need for rest, both physical and spiritual?

We are his disciples and we devote ourselves to being committed to him and obeying his words, following him wherever he may go. Why is it so hard for us to follow him into rest? Why is it so hard for us to have the self-control and discipline to seek solitude or to be still in God’s presence when we need it most?

Think about Jesus:

When he was tired he sat down and got a drink, he slept anywhere (even during a storm on a boat), he ditched the crowd, he went alone to be with God constantly, he reclined at the table, he stayed where he was for a few more days.

What’s the rush?

We’re obsessed with the illusion of words like busy and hurry. What if we could get just as excited about the true concept of rest?! And not rest in the way the world defines it.

I look forward to that great eternal rest, whenever that may be. But until then, I will keep going to Jesus for my rest just like he asks me to do. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

If we do this, I have no doubt that we will find true rest and therefore be able to celebrate and enjoy this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

Holding Onto Hope

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 14:45:02 GMT

Because God doesn’t change, our ability to hope in him is also unchanged, regardless of our circumstances, feelings, or doubts. Therefore, I can hold on to hope. And you can, too

Contentment in Chaos

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:42:16 GMT

As the year comes to an end we find ourselves in one of the busiest seasons: Christmas season! Though it usually comes with joy, excitement and lots of memories made, it also brings chaos. The Christmas shopping, preparing to have family in town, and making the best Christmas meal to share with your loved ones can bring a lot of stress into the mix when this is supposed to be a time of celebration.

But what about this year… a year where we haven’t been able to see our families, jobs have been lost and money cut tight; this brings a whole new kind of chaos! This year, though different and difficult for the majority of us, is a year to learn to be content, not only within this holiday season, but also with God AND ourselves.

Personally, I’d say this year has been one of the most chaotic years I’ve experienced! I moved three times during quarantine, my job position changed, and I had my closest family members move over 700 miles away. I’ve been in a constant state of insecurity, as most of the stable things in my life are changing.

But as the year progressed, I found this scripture coming to mind time and time again,

Isaiah 30:21: " Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

God had many changes planned for my life in 2020, and I was not ready for them! As each situation occurred I found myself floundering; reacting impulsively to each situation rather than going to God and allowing him to guide me through it. If only I was listening, “This is the way; walk in it.”

The lack of contentment I had in each of those situations led me into more chaos. I wasn’t allowing God to work in these new situations. Rather I was looking back at the old ones, wishing God would have let me keep them instead. I was discontent with where I was; where I currently still am.

So what is it for you this holiday season?

Are you discontent with the fact that your Christmas day celebration will be smaller; without all your family and friends?

Or are you discontent with your own self? Are you realizing that the goals you set on New Year's Day 2020 aren't going to happen due to COVID or other circumstances?

Whether it has to do with the holiday season or not, God calls us to be content in all situations.

Philippians 4:12-13 " I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Paul is a great example for us in times of chaos. He lived in wealth AND poverty; he was hungry AND well fed. Paul’s secret was God. He didn’t need anything other than God in both his chaotic and peaceful times.

As I close out this year, my goal is to be content with where God has placed me; to find contentment IN the chaos.

Through all the instability, He has placed me where I am for a reason. Choosing to be content with where I am allows me to learn what God wants me to learn and to grow in areas He wants me to grow in. There’s no promise that the chaos will stop; 2021 doesn’t automatically guarantee a fresh start or a new beginning, but I can choose to slow down and listen as God says, “this is the way; walk in it.”

Which List are YOU on This Christmas?

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 18:05:20 GMT

There's a list MUCH more valuable than anything "Santa" might own...and your name is on it!

2021 HOPE Volunteer Corps

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 23:09:37 GMT

After an unexpected year, we are thrilled to announce that registration for the 2021 Volunteer Corps is now open! Our philosophy is one of mutuality and respectful service. Our volunteers go in humility, striving to learn from the communities they serve, and gaining an understanding of other cultures. No matter what stage of life you’re in, we have a Volunteer Corps for you! Taking the time and making the effort to serve is a profound and rich once-in-a-lifetime experience

Capturing Joy!

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 16:30:56 GMT

The holidays can bring a lot of mixed emotions. Sometimes it’s joy, sometimes grief, sometimes anticipation, sometimes anxiety. How can we "capture joy" and make the most of this holiday season?

Stopping the Spiral This Christmas

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 18:37:49 GMT

As we grow older, a new kind of spiral called anxiety enters our lives. These anxieties often create dangerous spirals that you and I wish would stop.

Anxiety is an out-of-control thought pattern. These corkscrews settle over our minds like a severe weather system, spewing thunderclouds and casting lightning bolts. Life can be like an airplane in a tailspin. We fall into feeding on what-ifs and worst-case scenarios.

What if the Coronavirus is unstoppable?

What if the vaccine doesn’t work? Or, worse yet, has terrible side-effects?

The economy is sliding into a bear market.

I’ll lose my health.

I’ll lose my job.

I’ll lose it all.

How will I survive on unemployment?

Down. Down. Down. Spiraling out of control.

If only you were able to just ‘put the game box away’. But you can’t. And the peace of Christmas seems so distant.

Maybe you can relate.

If so, what are we to do?

Don’t give in to this thought pattern. It’s a sinkhole. Don’t catastrophize your way into quicksand. Instead, please take a deep breath and then consider these remedies from Max Lucado in his book, Anxious for Nothing.

Pray about it. At the first hint of an anxious thought, take the thought captive. Don’t tolerate the devil, not even for a second. Lasso the anxious thought with a word of prayer. Lord, there is an intruder at the door! Please take over! (For an excellent article on properly understanding how to take thoughts captive, click HERE .)
Identify the culprit. Generalities are not permitted. None of this: “I’m worried.” Get specific: Lord, I’m worried about the layoffs at work. Now, that’s better. But even more detailed: I’m worried that I will lose my job. Will I be able to find more work? Will we have to move? Specificity disarms anxiety.
Take a reality check. Is this a legitimate concern? Or is this a vague, ill-defined, rumor-fed possibility? They say layoffs are inevitable. Who are they?
Take an action step. Assuming the concern is legitimate, what can you do? Make a list of two or three steps you can take. Resist the urge to try to solve everything immediately.
Ask: “Can God solve this?”
Is this challenge within His skill set? Is He overwhelmed by this setback? Are the angels pounding on the door of heaven trying to persuade Him to come out of hiding? Is He resisting? Is He thinking, “I can’t handle this challenge. It is too great. I don’t know what to do! I’m stumped, stuck, and stalled out.” ?
No…I don’t think so either. God is never baffled or belittled. Take the problem to him.

Remember, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment, You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).

As you grasp and implement these remedies and as you remember God’s promises, I pray your anxious storms will resolve and that God will create generous space in your heart and mind for the peace Jesus intends for you.

Wishing you and yours a peaceFULL Christmas!

And just in case you feel the urge, the Spirograph drawing set is available in many places, including HERE ! ��

Crossbearer Follow-up Studies

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 23:03:42 GMT

Click here for Quiet Time Packet - CrossBearers Follow Up Studies

These follow up studies are for disciples seeking greater insight into spiritual topics like Communion, Contribution, and Prayer. Grow your Faith and your convictions through these studies!

Be Still

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 19:37:05 GMT

Think about it, how often do we just sit in silence, listening for God to speak to us or letting our minds wander to positive places?

My Day of Thanksgiving

carmenham@gmail.com (Carmen Hamilton) — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 16:50:54 GMT

"I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16.

29 years ago today, God began leading me down an unfamiliar road, smoothing my paths and lighting my darkness. And He has never once forsaken me.

In early November of 1991, I started studying the Bible. At that time, I knew I didn’t like Christians (uhg...such judgmental “good” people! haha), but I was immediately captured by the Bible.

I was not proud of my life. I didn’t have any noble reason for wanting to change my life except that I didn’t like the way I felt after I made my choices. My friends would reassure me that I was “okay”, but I knew deep down that I wasn’t. I was selfish and inconsiderate. I frequently hurt those I loved and made choices that I later regretted or honestly, felt super stupid about afterward. I kept trying to change, to stop certain patterns of behavior, but I kept ending up right back to where I began.

When I read the Bible, it was like in the movies where the main character is forced to look at him or herself in a mirror, and see who they are (NeverEnding Story anyone?). It was at once freeing and terrifying. Every time I opened the pages, the Bible would challenge my heart, expose my thoughts and address my behavior. And though I felt judged by what I read, I also felt relief that the truth I had been feeling about myself was finally being put into words.

I began to study about Jesus. I learned who He truly is within the Christian religion. And my entire view of Christianity was shaken. This was no “good” guy. This was a radical, truth-teller. An individual so motivated by love that He was able to resist His personal desires and comfort.

I studied the cross and read the gruesome medical account of what happened there. At that point, I realized I was faced with an absolute choice for my life. If I was going to say that I believed in everything I had read, everything I had studied, then this belief needed to require everything from me. You don’t, can’t, accept what happened to Jesus flippantly. I would not do his sacrifice the injustice of a life half-lived for Him. I was either all in, or all out.

I wrestled deeply with this choice. I feared losing the approval of those I loved. I knew this type of commitment looked different than the religions I had been exposed to growing up. What if others took my commitment as a sort of judgment toward them? What if people stopped liking me when I no longer wanted to go out drinking or do the other “un-Christianlike” things I had been doing? I felt very alone at this time, but I couldn’t shake what I had learned about the cross.

Could I walk away from what Jesus had done there, that ultimate expression of love? Could I glance his way and tell him all of these other things meant more than that? Especially when all of these other things were still leaving my heart so empty?

After a night with many tears, and some super awkward praying, I found myself clinging to the very last verse in Matthew where Jesus promises to never leave us. I was comforted and I knew I had to at least try and respond to the cross. I couldn’t walk away unless I was willing to say God and Jesus were not real at all. There could be no middle for me.

I remember thinking I would never last as a Christian. I knew I wasn’t a good person and I knew I didn’t look anything at all like the Christians I knew. But I had to try. I gave myself a year max before complete failure.

I will never, ever forget the evening I was baptized. I was so un-religious that I didn’t even answer the questions right before my baptism (what’s a “good confession”??). I didn’t tell my parents because I was so fearful they would try and stop me (when they did find out, they were so supportive!).

But that moment when I went under the water, the whole world went still. And then.. the breaking of the water as I came back up, certain of my commitment.

I remember going to the bathroom to change out of my wet clothes and sitting on the floor in tears. The truth of the cross hit me. I did not want Jesus to be executed or to have to suffer the way He did. And yet, He knew that nothing less of an ultimate sacrifice for people would ever convince us, ME, of the absolute determination and completeness of His love.

I’ve learned so much since that day.

I’ve learned that I don’t have to be perfect. When I look back, it has been in the most frustrating moments of failure that I have felt God the nearest. I COMPLETELY underestimated how much God was going to help me along the way.

I have also learned that by following His words in the Bible, that I can stop destructive behaviors and relearn what it is to love. I have learned that when you don’t fill up your life with activities that numb you, that the real pain sets in. But so does the healing, and all the freedom and joy it brings along with it.

And I’ve learned that faith evolves over a lifetime, and learning who God is, never ends. In some ways, I am less sure of certain aspects of my faith than I have ever been. On the other hand, 29 years ago, I had no idea of the joy, security, comfort and love that I experience today as a result of God’s faithfulness over the years.

Thanksgiving: Noticing the Small Things

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 02:15:04 GMT

Not much in 2020 has been typical. And our upcoming holiday season will be no exception.

Take Thanksgiving.

Traditionally, many of us gather with extended families, in the most significant home, around long tables while we gorge ourselves on turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and other traditional standards. Perhaps we take a moment to invite each family member to share some things they are ‘thankful for,’ before adjourning in our food comas to watch sports, play games, goof off in the backyard or catch a fat nap.

But in this atypical year, most of that will not be happening.

And on that First Thanksgiving, not much was typical either. It’s hard for us to understand today just how precarious the first Thanksgiving at Plymouth Plantation was.

So try this: Take the ‘typical’ picture above and subtract the roof, the climate control, the table, the cranberry salad, even the turkey. Realize there were no couches or lounge chairs or TVs or electronics. On the menu were various herbs, root vegetables, meat (most like venison supplied by the Wampanoag Indians), and a surprising amount of fish, shellfish, and possibly eel.

Yummy, right?

Robert Tracy McKenzie, in the book The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth Plantation, explains:

“Tables and even chairs were scarce…knives were rare…and forks were nonexistent”. When we think of that first Thanksgiving meal, he says, “we should picture an outdoor feast in which almost everyone was sitting on the ground and eating with their hands.”

And he didn’t mention that you would need to also imagine that over the last year, likely half of your family had died.

Given that, what prompted this group to sit down and give thanks? Why didn’t everyone go sulk or throw a pity party or fly off the handle in anger at the difficulties and hardships they had experienced?

A possible answer lies in one verse in a book written by a physician in the time of Jesus. Ironically, the story involves characters who were under mandatory social-distancing directives.

As the story unfolds in Luke 17, Jesus is traveling along the border between Samaria and Galilee on his way to Jerusalem. He enters a certain village and 10 men with leprosy come out to meet him. Respectfully, due to their illnesses, they stood at a distance from Jesus (a form of religiously-mandated social distancing) as they shouted out to Jesus, inviting his pity and mercy on their predicament. Jesus offered a simple, one-sentence response, 'Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were healed.

Nine of the lepers go on their merry way, but one returned. Verse 15 describes him this way:

'When he saw that he was healed, (he) came back, praising God (thanking God) in a loud voice.’

Did you catch it?

What led to his gratitude?

He NOTICED.

That’s pretty much it. ‘When he SAW that he was healed, (he) came back, praising God in a loud voice.’

He returned to say thanks once he noticed. Once he noticed, I believe his expression of gratitude was inevitable, even almost involuntary. I mean, once you notice something spectacular, it’s hard not to say something.

‘I’ve got good news; the cancer is in remission.’

‘He proposed; look at my ring.’

'I just saw the best movie.’

‘I can’t believe you came; thanks!'

I think it was like that for the Samaritan. Once he realized he’d been healed, he couldn’t help but turn back and share his joy and thanksgiving with Jesus.

Thanksgiving is like that. Once you recognize your blessings, you can’t help but share your joy through thanksgiving. It’s genuine, often spontaneous.

So, the Samaritan turns back to offer thanks. He knows he’s been given a gift and can’t help saying something. And in doing so, he’s given a second gift, as he leaves his encounter with Jesus, not only healed but also blessed:

blessed in his own recognition of healing, blessed at being drawn into a deeper relationship with the one he thanked, blessed at hearing himself commended for having great faith.

That’s the way thanksgiving always works; in giving thanks for a gift given, we are blessed again.

So, how did those First Thanksgiving participants find a reason for thanksgiving? And how might we in 2020 find reasons to be grateful, despite perhaps having experienced hardships and life disruptions like never before?

We take time to notice all that is yet good around us.

We take time to notice that all is not lost.

Instead of noticing all the things we don’t have or can’t do, we take time to notice all things we do have and can do.

That’s how you find reasons to be thankful when it seems there is not much to be thankful for.

The pressures of this unprecedented year have fueled exaggerated levels of fear and negativity, dragging us into a ‘scarcity’ mindset. But when we look up and look around and take notice of our blessings, we demolish our scarcity thinking and open ourselves up to a world of abundance, mercy and grace.

It was precarious in Plymouth. But they took time to notice. And we would greatly benefit if we did the same.

So, why not set aside some time over the coming days to sit still and take time to notice? And catalog some of the following:

Notice the things that are going well in your life.

Notice your gifts.

Notice the friends in your life.

Notice the family members who love you.

Notice the things that thrill and excite you.

Notice all the abilities and talents and skills you have.

Notice the unexpected and pleasant surprises this year.

Notice the things that lift your spirits.

Notice all the silver linings.

Notice the big and little things that give you joy.

And then smile and rejoice in the many blessings that have been with you all year long.

Contentment in the Chaos

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:17:33 GMT

Fear and Amazement!

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:00:04 GMT

After reading through a couple of chapters of Mark today, this idea of being in fear and amazement of Jesus came to mind. How my fear and amazement of Jesus should translate to my personal faith. Needless to say it prompted a lot of questions. When you really look at Jesus:

What do you see?
What do you feel?
Do you have a sense of fear?
Do you have a sense of amazement?
Is it a combination of both?

The gospels are full of story after story of people seeing Jesus perform miracle after miracle being left with fear (Mark 5:36), amazement (Mark 5:20) and even confusion (Mark 6:4). I guess if I personally saw or heard of Jesus exercising demons, healing the lame, making the blind see and raising folks from the dead, I would be left with a mixture of amazement and if I'm honest, a little bit of fear as well.

The question I have for us all is whether or not what you learn about Jesus motivates you to seek him?

Does it give you the strength to change and repent of your sin?

Does it serve to increase your faith in Jesus even more? Or do you doubt Jesus like the people in his hometown?

Maybe it doesn't jumpstart your faith like it use to. What stops you from really believing in Jesus, really? What stops you today from being like the bleeding woman who thought to herself that if she could just touch a piece of Jesus clothing, she would be healed (Mark 5:25-29)? Are you willing to strain towards Jesus with an anticipation of healing and peace? What does that "strain" look like for you personally? Will you allow the holy scriptures to build your faith or will you allow your fear of change stop you from experiencing the joys of Jesus?

My prayer of us all is to live a life of reverence towards our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God bless!

John

Six Signs You’ve Grown Cynical in 2020 (And How to Reverse It)

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:00:02 GMT

Find yourself becoming a little more cynical in 2020? Or, perhaps, a lot?

Few of us decide we’re going to be cynical…we just kind of end up there. How does that happen?

How does a heart grow hard…how do you end up trusting no one…how does hope die?

Cynicism grows in the hearts of far too many people, disciples included. Not only does it impact you at work, eventually your growing cynicism will tear at the fabric of your marriage and even at your relationship with your kids and your friends.

Nobody likes a cynic.

If you find yourself gradually growing more cynical, you’re not alone.

The good news is you can beat it if you understand how it forms.

So why do we grow cynical?

Here are several reasons I’ve seen in myself and in others:

1. YOU KNOW TOO MUCH

The more you live, the more you know. And the more you know, the easier it is to grow cynical. This shouldn’t surprise us at all. Solomon said it 3000 years ago. The wisest man in his day had to battle cynicism at a very deep level (Ever read Ecclesiastes?). In Ecclesiastes 1:18, Solomon makes the link between knowledge and sorrow crystal clear:

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. Boom. There it is.

Think of all you’ve seen in life. The heartbreak, the betrayals, the politics, the people you believed in who kept letting you down.

You know too much. You’ve seen too much.

And not knowing how to handle what you’ve seen and what you know creates an incubator for cynicism.

2. YOU HAVEN’T GRIEVED YOUR LOSSES

Life is a series of wins and losses. If you’re like me, you hardly notice the wins, but you feel every loss.

For Pastor Carey Nieuwhof, he shares that years ago, a mentor pointed out to him that most pastors never grieve their losses. Every time someone leaves your church, it’s a loss. Every time you do a funeral, it’s a loss. And every time you can’t do what you hoped you could do as a leader, it’s a loss.

Like him and some other pastors, most of us just stuff the losses; pretending they don’t matter.

When Carey first realized he’d stuffed a lot of losses over his life, he cried. A lot. Like almost for a month kind of crying. That seemed to clear the backlog.

Now, when he senses there’s a loss (even a small one), he grieves it before God.

There’s a reason people in Biblical times would declare 40 days of mourning. I used to read those passages and think, “What’s wrong with those people? Why can’t they just go back to work?”

Actually, there’s something healthy about grieving your losses.

What do you need to grieve that you haven’t grieved?

3. YOU HAVEN’T DEALT WITH YOUR ISSUES

In addition to the losses you experience in life and leadership, we all bring baggage with us from the past.

Many of us have run from dealing with our ‘stuff’ for years. Maybe we recommenced others go to counseling. But we would never go to counseling. We don’t have any baggage. How wrong that attitude is.

I’ve spoken with many who have carried unnecessary baggage who as now incredibly thankful they found trained Christian counselors to help them work through their issues.

4. YOU’VE PROJECTED PAST FAILURES ONTO NEW SITUATIONS

When you don’t deal with your issues or grieve your losses, you end up projecting past failures onto new situations.

Here’s how cynicism operates.

Cynicism:

- Looks at a new team member and says, “I’ll bet it’s just a matter of time until he screws up”. - Looks at a new class of 9th graders and says, “They’re just like the kids who drove me nuts last year.”

- Sees the newlyweds and says, “I wonder how long until they hit the rocks?” - Sees the new church and decides, “It will only be a matter of time until they implode too.”

If you want to fight cynicism, stop projecting past failures onto new situations.

5. YOU’VE DECIDED TO STOP TRUSTING

As soon as cynicism gets a toehold in your life, you stop trusting.

Because the next person is just like the last person, you decide that kind of people can’t be trusted. Or worse, people can’t be trusted.

Really?

Is that how you want to live? What kind of person does that make you?

Or, without inducing a guilt trip, what kind of Christian does that make you (isn’t the heart of our faith forgiveness and hope)?

If you want to kick cynicism in the teeth, trust again. Hope again. Believe again.

6. YOU’VE LOST YOUR CURIOSITY

I think an incredibly effective long-term antidote to cynicism is curiosity. The curious are never cynical.

The curious are always interested, always open to new possibilities, always thinking, always hopeful.

Because cynicism tends to ramp up with age, you’ll notice there are (sadly) a lot of cynical old people. My favorite elderly people are never the cynical, but the curious. The ones who at 80 are still learning, still open, still hopeful, still passionate about the next generation, still optimistic.

When was the last time you were honestly curious about something? Pursue curiosity, and cynicism will die of a thousand pinpricks.

Living in the Now

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 18:00:02 GMT

During these months of the pandemic I have really begun to embrace the now. It doesn’t mean it’s always easy and sunshine. It means that whatever the right now gives me, I simply stay present.

Is Civil Discourse Even Possible Anymore?

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 16:00:05 GMT

When it comes to politics, you likely have a friend or coworker or relative who is on a totally different planet. Typically in your interactions with them you count on high-spirited debates. It used to be that those types of discussions and debates were civil. Sadly today, most discussions and debates, in-person or online, are rarely civil. In fact, we are surprised when they are.

It’s an uncommon thing to have positive role models who show us how to discuss sensitive topics well. One who listens intently to another’s perspective. When a message isn’t sinking in, they say, “Okay, help me understand what you see that I don’t see.”

A thoughtful person takes the role of learner instead of teacher. This involves probing for answers and holding space for their thoughts. The effects are powerful. When we encounter folks like this, we find ourselves more willing to consider what they have to say, too.

This kind of healthy disagreement is mostly absent these days. For the sake of humanity, we need to learn to get along with people who hold different beliefs from us. Agree or disagree, here are four major steps to staying civil on sensitive subjects.

Guideline 1: Begin where you agree.

Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings” 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NLT)

Twenty-two years ago, I attended my first major international gathering - a conference of 1,000 attendees from 20-30 different countries. It would have been easy to focus on our differences, but because we shared a common love and passion for Jesus, we instead focused on our commonalities. When we knew how we were the same, it was easy to overlook and minimize our differences.

As disciples and influencers, we must look for overlapping interests. Even with people with whom we might violently disagree. This is the foundation of a civil conversation.

Guideline 2: Keep an open mind.

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” Proverbs 1:5 (ESV)

The older I get, the more loosely I hold my beliefs and opinions. Instead of thinking about how right I am, I try to ask, “Where am I blind? What am I missing?”

In Kim Scott’s book Radical Candor, she talks about the concept of quiet listening. It’s about seeking to understand, not defend or interrupt. And not forming counterarguments in your head while your opponent speaks. This is really difficult to do, but the results, the increase in learning and understanding you will gain, are worth the effort.

Guideline 3: Get your facts straight.

As he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 2 Peter 3:16 (ESV)

Before sharing your opinion, make sure you have solid evidence and a sound argument. Check what you read on the internet against snopes.com or neutral sites. And watch out for confirmation bias.

Getting your facts straight can be summed up in three tips:

- Always be sure of your data.

- Never mischaracterize the opposing view.

- Never resort to personal attacks.

As a Christian, if you don’t verify your argument, you could easily end up embarrassed.

Guideline 4: Be willing to state your view but with humility.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11 (ESV)

You’re not always right. None of us are. To civilly discuss differences, you’ll need to admit you may be wrong. This is humility.

Here’s a great lesson about humble responses. When challenged or criticized say, “You know what? You might be right.” This simple statement diffuses a lot of tension.

There is value in opposing opinions, but that benefit may not come out unless you create an environment that’s safe for dissent. Some of your best counsel will be from people you disagree with. Don’t miss out on that because of your need to be right.

Accepting God's Design: One Introvert's Reflection.

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 15:17:27 GMT

“For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.” ‭‭ All of who we are, weaknesses and strengths, was created with intention.

Luke 6 - Heart Check

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:00:05 GMT

A few days back, I received a nasty email from an anonymous stranger. It took me a few moments to process that this wasn’t junk mail, but an intentional, expletive-filled, all-capped message raging at me for being, in more polite terms, an idiot. My crime? I had accidentally listed a craigslist post trying to sell a $5 cork board in the wrong category. Oops. While I certainly didn’t feel my mistake merited that level of concentrated animosity, I initially closed out my inbox and shrugged it off. Initially.

But as I continued to think about it, I started to get a little hot under my proverbial collar. Who does that? Who puts that kind of time and energy and effort into harassing a stranger for making a (very) minor mistake? What’s up with such vitriol? What kind of horrible, evil human goes to such lengths to…

Wait. It might still be bothering me a bit.

And so, against my better judgement, and honestly, the Spirit’s whisperings to my heart, I opened my email back up and prepared a number of golden zingers to fire off. I still had to at least give an appearance of Christianity though, so I deleted a number of the more clever ones and settled on a sweetly sarcastic, “Wow. Thank you for so kindly pointing out my mistake.” (Seriously—I composed some that were way better.)

Send.

Uggh, Meegan!! Why didn’t I just let it go?!? Why didn’t I stop myself from engaging in some passive-aggressive skirmish with a mean guy I will never meet? I certainly wasn’t trying to help him. I wanted him to feel bad, to feel ashamed, but that’s not happening to someone who was willing to send such a message in the first place. Why didn’t I just take the high road and ignore it?

To be honest, I don’t fully understand my motives. I know on some base level, I wanted this jerk to pay. I wanted him to feel ashamed, abashed, judged, wrong…hurt, even! I wanted to assert some justice into the situation. His actions were not right, and I wanted him to suffer for it.

Fast forward to this morning, as I sit down in front of my Bible, and happen upon Jesus’s words in Luke 6:27-28:

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

While a part of me hopes the fact that I chose to send the nicer of my sarcastic responses absolves me of wrongdoing, I sit ashamed of what was truly going on in my heart. I wanted to wound. I wanted to respond in kind to this angry person (even now a number of derogatory nouns jump to the front of my mind in place of “person”! Jesus help me!)

Boy oh boy. Let me keep reading. Luke 6:32-33:

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that…”

Okay, Jesus. I see what you’re doing here.

Luke 6:35-36:

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting anything back.”

Yikes. Convicted. But oddly compelled…

“Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, BECAUSE HE IS KIND TO THE UNGRATEFUL AND WICKED. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Have. Mercy.

Literally. What kind of a God do I serve, what kind of a Father am I encouraged to approach and experience and know and imitate? One who treats jerks with kindness. One who gives mercy to those deserving judgement. One who is fully capable of responding to mean emails with acerbic wit that will cut the guilty sender down to size, but chooses to instead simply

move the message to the trash.

Maybe he can do this so easily because he’s not afraid that meanies will get away with it. He is not concerned that injustice reigns because he was THERE, offering himself and his life on the cross, to bring mercy to those who would have it and justice to those who would not. That opens a different can of worms that I can consider another day.

But today, I am sitting here considering my own heart. My own response to my fellow messy, broken humans who lash out at others in a misguided attempt to salve their own wounds. I want to be merciful, just as my Father is to me. So now, here I sit, kind of hoping to get another nasty email. But also knowing my next test is unlikely to come in electronic form, but more likely as I go to the store, or drive down the road, or talk with a friend who is hurt and overwhelmed. This time, I am going to fight to remember to do good to the next careless jacka-ninny who comes at me. (Yep. Still need Jesus.)

Where Two or More are Gathered...

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 19:30:02 GMT

This 3-minute video will inspire your #2K40 prayer efforts!
Matthew 18:20. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”

God Sees the Young and Old Alike: One Family's Story.

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:45:02 GMT

On March 3, 1998 my dad passed away during a routine sinus operation from which he never woke up. My mom, whose marriage suddenly ended after less than two years, decided to stay living with her mother (her father passed away about 13 years earlier) to raise me, who was 11 months old at the time.

Why I am Here.

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 16:09:39 GMT

As a daughter of the Creator (God), I exist to know Him and to love Him and to be known and loved by Him, which is in and of itself amazing! In addition to this purpose, God gives me a mission-to help others to know Him and love Him also. This still fires me up!

But why?

After doing “the same thing” for almost 16 years, how and why am I (specifically) still here? Still a Christian? Still persevering? Still interested in church, in God, in any of it?

Allow me to reintroduce myself.

Bri Perkins: Liar, pride-monger, idolater, self-servant, and people pleaser.

At least, without Jesus that is who I am, and who I would be the moment I would recant my confession of Jesus as Lord.

Now there are actually many reasons why I am here but in this post I will reveal to you one.

In Luke 7:36-50, the sinful woman threw herself at the mercy of Jesus, on her hands and knees acknowledged who she was (a sinner) before Jesus (the Son of God). She took an alabaster jar of perfume and wept, wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

In the sight of religious men who scoffed at and berated her, Jesus told a story of two men in debt and concludes that if both debts were cancelled, the one who would be more grateful and appreciate the creditor’s action more is the one who owed more from the start.

After listing off numerous ways the sinful woman had loved and served Jesus, he tells her that her sins are forgiven and that her faith has saved her.

You know, if I had asked people who know me how they might describe me, they probably would have used different words than the ones I selected above. Some may have said, Bri Perkins: wife, mother, friend, listener, hard worker, connector, Spirit-seeker, etc.

But before all of that, I was something else. Like the sinful woman, I had an encounter with Jesus. I can see it like it was the first time I knew who he was. Like her, on the floor, desperate, longing to be loved and accepted, to have a place to belong.

And he was, the first person, the first place where I had ever felt truly loved and accepted. He showed me what God, the Father, had meant for me to know and feel all along...to be loved and known by him. He saw her and he saw me, beyond our sin and titles like “liar” and “sinful woman.” He longed to love us and to forgive us.

And so with all of that, my debt was cancelled, my name was changed, and I have gone in peace.

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
Luke 7:47

Why am I here? Because I have been forgiven. I have been forgiven much. And so I am still here. Still a Christian. Still persevering. Still interested in church, in God, in all of it.

A City on A Hill

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 21:29:53 GMT

Have you every wondered why God chose the land of Canaan to be the land to which he wanted his people to settle?

Was it only because the land was fertile? Was it because it had strategic warfare advantages? Was it for economical reasons?

The reason God chose the land of Canaan as the location for his people was because of geography. The location of this area happened to be the place where everyone went in or out. Everyone in the ancient world, all the other kingdoms, would pass through the land of Canaan at some point of their lives. God chose this place so that the Israelite people can touch the lives of so many people. God wanted the Land of Canaan to be a blessing to all nations. God was choosing his people to be partners with him to influence the world. Just like the tabernacle was in the center of Israel, Israel became the center of the ancient world.

God did not want to take his people and put them into a corner of the world or far away from other religions or peoples to keep them safe. Instead, he risked it all by putting his people right in the middle, in order for his people to have influence to all the people around them.

God put his people on a hill, a city on a hill, to be the hope for the rest of the world, to distribute peace to the rest of the world.

The same is true today.

God wants to put his people, disciples of Jesus, in the center of their cities, their neighborhoods, their schools so that we can be a blessing to other people. God marked the times and the exact places where we should live so that others may reach out to him too.

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16

Singles' Devotional: A Passionate Prayer Life

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 01:08:36 GMT

Join the Denver Church of Christ and Rocky Mt singles for a discussion on how to have a more passionate prayer life! Hosted by Rob and Dawn Ferry.

Prayer Challenge Week 1: Impossible Prayer!

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:41:22 GMT

Why You Need to Pray Impossible Prayers

Like so many people, I struggled to pray consistently and effectively for years. Even with good intentions, I'd often get distracted or even bored when I prayed. As a young intern, a friend of mine helped convince me it was time for a change. For too long, I had tolerated faithless prayers but knew God wanted more for me, and I wanted to know Him more intimately.

"Do you believe God still does miracles?"

"Of course, " I said.

"Good- because your prayers are so lame."

I tried to laugh with him, but my friend's joke stung - mostly because he was right. Left speechless, I offered no defense as I processed the truth of his observation. I couldn't deny that he voiced a secret I already knew but didn't want to admit: my prayers were pathetic.

Our #2K40 Prayer Challenge is designed to help anyone who feels stuck in a prayer rut, praying repetitive, predictable, and safe prayers.

We serve a God who can do more than we can ask or imagine. So it's time to stop playing it safe. We weren't created for a life of comfort. We are passionate and powerful, charged with changing the world in radical ways! I encourage you in week one of our prayer challenge to break through the boundaries that will inspire you to pray dangerously and to live boldly.

As I studied the Bible more, I marveled at the variety of prayers spoken by God's people. Not only did the pray about things that were incredibly personal- to conceive a child, for instance (1 Sam. 1:27)- but also their prayers were often so practical, for food and provisions (Matt. 6:11) and escape from their enemies (Ps. 59:1-2). Sometimes they seemed to gently whisper to a loving God. Other times they yelled at him in agony and frustration.

Their prayers were honest. Desperate. Fiery. Gutsy, Real. And there I was praying that God would keep me safe and bless my burger and fries.

My friend was right.

My Prayers were lame.

Maybe you can relate. It's not that you don't believe in prayer. You do. But you're stuck in a rut. You pray about the same struggles and the same requests. In the same way. At the same time. If you even try to pray at all.

You probably know you should pray more. And with more passion. More faith. You want to talk to God and to listen to him, to share an intimate conversation like you would with your spouse or best friend. You really want to but aren't sure how. So your prayers remain safe.

Flat. Dull. Predictable. Stale. Boring.

My friend's wake-up call convinced me that it was time for a change in my prayer life. For too long, I had tolerated lackluster, faithless, and mostly empty prayers. I knew God wanted more for me, and I wanted to know Him more intimately, despite my hesitation about what it would require of me.

When we're seeking to communicate with God in real, vulnerable, and intimate prayer, He's not wrapping us in a bubble of spiritual safety. Instead he bursts our what's-in-it-for-me bubble and invites us to trust Him when we don't know what He will do next.

Some days we feel blessed. Other days we face challenges, opposition, and persecution. But every moment of impossible and dangerous prayers will be filled with His presence.

Are you ready for more? Are you sick of playing it safe? Are you ready to pray impossible, daring, faith-filled, God-honoring, life-changing, world-transforming prayers?

If you are, then our #2K40 Prayer Challenge is for you.

But be warned: there will be bumps. When you start to pray things like "search me, break me, send me," you may experience valleys. Attacks. Trials. Pain. Hardship. Discouragement. Even heartbreak.

But there will also be the joy of faith, the marvel of miracles, the relief of surrender, and the pleasure of pleasing God.

It's time to stop praying safe.

It's time to start talking, really talking- and really listening- to God.

It's time for impossible prayers.

Remember to log your prayer miles/minutes by clicking HERE ! And feel free to inspire others by posting photos of your prayer walks on your social media! You can use the following tags to make your posts more visible:

#2K40 @OurDenverChurch #prayerwalk #prayerworks

#prayer #unity #together #loveGodlovePeopleloveDenver

God is Moving at the Colorado School of Mines!

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 20:34:41 GMT

The Colorado School of Mines has been a difficult school to reach over the years for the campus ministry, but God has chosen this time of uncertainty to move mountains and change lives on the Mines campus.

The School of Mines has had a few students, mostly guys, over the years. These disciples have often either transferred from other campus ministries, or came in from varying teen ministries. We've always dreamt of something more for this ministry. Within the past few years, we are starting to see this dream come through as God has been building an amazing and thriving group of students who love God and love each other!

In the Fall semester of 2016, God was moving all the way across the country in the heart of Carlos Macedo, a student from Angola. Carlos was in South Carolina studying abroad. He began studying the Bible there and made Jesus his Lord just before moving to Colorado to attend the School of Mines. Carlos came in with a passion for Christ and quickly helped convert his friend, Lidmilson, who also travelled from Angola to the U.S. for school. These two inspiring young men would become the base of the Mines ministry that we have today.

Little did we know God had been working on Brandon Onofre during this time, also. Brandon grew up attending church but hadn’t decided about his faith before leaving home to attend the School of Mines. Though the campus ministry had little to no connections at Mines, we managed to get a table at their club fair in the beginning of the 2017 Fall semester. Brandon was met at this club fair, and little did he know it was the same church family he had grown up attending! Brandon studied the Bible that Fall semester and was baptized on October 30th, 2017.

Brandon, Carlos and Lid, along with the help of other disciples coming from other schools, built a family at Mines. The groups would meet together for Bible discussions, to invite others to Bible studies and to spend time together. Not too long after, two Christians from another college came to help the small Mines ministry. While inviting students to an event, they met a girl named Kat Bullard. Kat studied the Bible for a while and made Jesus Lord of her life on October 16th, 2018. She was the first female in the School of Mines ministry in years. The family continued to grow, with Ryan Mellen baptized on November 25th, 2018 and Grace Clark baptized on February 20th, 2020.

Over the span of almost four years the Mines ministry grew from zero to six. Through this time the disciples were able to form a close family and have a presence on the campus, even though they were a small group. Leading up to COVID, Mines had really grown, but God had even bigger plans despite the pandemic, which we had no clue was coming!

Even though schools have been at limited capacity and the majority of classes online, the School of Mines stayed open and has had minimal cases on campus. Because other campuses are mostly online, many of the Denver campus ministry students dispersed to help share the gospel at both Regis University and the School of Mines during this time. Due to the overwhelming impact of the disciples at Mines, alongside the amazing help of many students coming to share their faith and invite others, the first Bible discussion held at Mines this semester had over 15 visitors attend! Mines has never had so many people come out, and many of them have been studying the Bible ever since.

Two of those students are Mimi and Bobby. Both freshmen at Mines, Mimi discovered the ministry through instagram and was invited to come to a Bible discussion before classes even started. Bobby was met within the first week of school, while we were out telling students about our faith and the ministry. Both of them sincerely studied what it meant to be a disciple of Christ and decided to get baptized at our campus retreat on October 3rd, 2020. This dynamic duo, along with two freshman guys who came in from local teen ministries, are now the part of the largest ministry God has blessed us with at the school of Mines.

God chose the most unusual, chaotic time to build up the Mines ministry, but we are so grateful to see the ways he has been working and how he will continue to work on the Mines campus!

We are the DCC - Jill Egner

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 17:21:50 GMT

Overcoming Adversity

We all know that special person. The one who serves tirelessly behind the scenes. The one who carries burdens silently, finding strength with God while wrestling through adversity and pain.

We are excited to highlight the story of one such individual in this episode of, "We are the DCC". Hear how Jill Egner found strength, peace and comfort during years of chronic pain. Listen how she described her journey through a serious diagnosis and how her God has guided her every step of the way! We pray everyone who hears her story will find inspiration, joy and comfort for their own journey.

Parenting Workshop

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:21:13 GMT

If you have already registered for the workshop, click here to join meeting!

Parenting in 2020 has brought about unique challenges. With kids needing so much help in remote learning, we may be pushed to become the parents we never anticipated being. As we are striving to build a legacy within our families and homes, now more than ever is a good time to refresh our hearts and minds and grow in our Godly parenting.

The Denver Church Elders and Staff are eager to support parents in this mission. Starting October 11th, 18th and 25th, in place of a typical Sunday service, we are asking every parent who has a teenager (7th-12th grade) to register and attend our parenting workshops. Join us as we discuss topics like parenting during pandemic as well as building and engaging relationships with your teens.

What: Parenting Workshop

Who: Parents of 7th - 12th graders

When: Oct 11th, 18th, 25th @ 10:30am (in place of a typical Sunday service)

Where: In the comfort of your own homes (on Zoom)

How: Register here!

Learning from 1 Peter - Lanie

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 01:21:11 GMT

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent official policy or position of The Denver Church of Christ.

Reflections on 1 Peter, continued.

Learning from 1 Peter - Djeffery

carmenham@gmail.com (Carmen Hamilton) — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 00:16:01 GMT

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent official policy or position of The Denver Church of Christ.

The South region has been studying the book of 1 Peter together. We will be sharing some of our "family reflections" from the study over the next few weeks. If you have a reflection you'd like to share, contact Rob Ferry at rcferry@gmail.com . Enjoy!

COPE2020 - Resources, Documents and Recording

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 23:48:09 GMT

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the authors and/or participants and do not necessarily represent the official policy, doctrine or position of The Denver Church of Christ.

Be sure to check back as we will continue to add resources over the next couple of weeks!

Lesson Recordings

COPE2020, Part 1: The Power of Thought. (click here to watch video)
Practical ways to address anxiety and stress, delivered by Susan Vergeire, LPC
COPE2020, Part 2: Racial Trauma and Healing for Black Women (click here to watch video)
Practical tools for healing and support within a diverse sisterhood. Provided by Anastacia Sams, M.A., LPC, LMFT-C
COPE2020, Part 3: Practicing Mindfulness (click here to watch video)
Moving from loneliness to solitude within times of isolation. Practical tools to help find peace and growth through seasons of life. Provided by Rebecca Walush, MA, CST, LPCC, MFTC, LAC, NCC.

Presenter Notes/Slides

Resources

Documents to view and/or download
Healthy Activities
15 Styles of Distorted Thinking
Taking a “Noticing” Walk
Exercising at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Coping with Sleep Problems During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Websites
44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country
This article begins with people to follow on Instagram who regularly drop mental health gems, then goes into groups and organizations that do the same, followed by directories and networks for finding a Black mental health practitioner. There are also a few tips to keep included by the author when seeking out mental health support.
Resources to Consider When Joining the Conversation around Race
This is a resource for those interested in joining the conversation around race. Before engaging in conversation, it is important to spend time learning more about racial identity, race relations in America, the role of race in the church, or anything else you may not be aware of. There are plenty of authors and people of color who have openly written about these topics. This resource is to help anyone interested in learning more and being part of the solution.
Other helpful resources/events
InMotion workshop (click here for details and registration)
Making Marriage Simple workshop (click here for details and registration)

We are the DCC - The Hansons

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 17:35:03 GMT

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent official policy or position of The Denver Church of Christ.

Welcome to the second episode of our " We are the DCC: Finding Peace in a Divided World " series.

In this series, we will hear from our very own members how they have discovered peace in an increasingly divided world. They will share experiences and/or exposure to unfair or unjust behavior. They will reflect on how getting to know Christ has shaped how their responses and attitudes to these situations. And finally, they express how they are finding peace with themselves and others in the middle of divisive and often unjust world.

We hope you enjoy getting to know each of these amazing individuals and can take away something from their story that helps inspire, encourage and strengthen you along your own journey!

2020 Campus Retreat!

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 17:20:23 GMT

The Fall 2020 campus retreat is going to be filled with a ton of fun and spiritual enrichment!

The students will join together to hear lessons from the Denver/Boulder staff, have plenty of free time to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery, and participate in our annual flag football tournament. This time is always refreshing to the campus students, as they’re able to get away from the city and their school work for some special time with God. Early morning prayer walks and quiet times with your roommates, to late night worship sessions, we’re going to have it all at the Fall 2020 campus retreat.

Join us for this wonderful weekend that’ll not only be jam-packed with fellowship, but will also be an amazing opportunity to deepen your relationship with God.

Location: YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park

Start Date & Time: 7pm on Friday, October 2, 2020

Registration Opens: 4pm

Closing Date & Time: Noon on Sunday, October 4, 2020

Click HERE for further details and registration. Please see special guidelines and requirements regarding COVID prevention.

We are the DCC - Elaine Brimage II

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 14:22:25 GMT

Welcome to the first video of our "We are the DCC" series!

In this series, we will hear from our very own members how they have discovered peace in an increasingly divided world. They will share moments when they may have been treated unfairly and/or treated others unfairly. They will reflect on how getting to know Christ has shaped how their reactions to these situations. And finally, they express how they are finding peace with themselves and others in the middle of divisive and often unjust world.

We hope you enjoy getting to know each of these amazing individuals and can take away something from their story that helps inspire, encourage and strengthen you along your own journey!

“Making Marriage Simple” Workshop

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 23:09:04 GMT

It’s always a good time to refresh your marriage and add some tools to your toolbox!

Jeremy and Amy Vandervoet will be facilitating a “Making Marriage Simple” workshop. the class will begin Sept 21st at 8:15PM and run through the end of November on Monday evenings.

This is for marriages in any season of life!

Get some great insights into why we have conflicts and how to look at them spiritually as opportunities for curiosity.
Also, get some biblical help appreciating your spouse’s unique approach to feelings and communication.
Lastly, acquire techniques on how to bring up those topics you always avoid as you fill your relationship with lots of love and appreciation!!

You will need two copies of the book, " Making Marriage Simple: Ten Relationship-Saving Truths", for this class. You can order the book here .

Due to the format of this class, number of participating couples is limited.

The Art of Neighboring

hans45@mac.com (Hans Rasmussen) — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 19:39:01 GMT

Below you can click the links to download the videos for all 4 sessions

You can view the study guide HERE . You will need to adapt it to your group and probably don't want to try and do all the questions.

Jeff needs friends....and so do you.

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:51:24 GMT

COPE2020: Women’s Mental Health Workshop

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 17:44:30 GMT

2020 has posed challenges to our mental health in many areas, not the least being anxiety, isolation, race. Join us for an insightful discussion on how to cope in each of these areas.

Girl Talk!

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 14:47:01 GMT

We all need special times with our girl friends, especially in the midst of our crazy world. God gives us the gift of friendship to refresh our hearts and minds! Let's prioritize getting some good time with our best friends.

See the Pain - Save the People: Jacob Blake Response

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 14:53:48 GMT

"When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless..." Matthew 9:36 NIV

The shooting incident of Jacob Blake is a painful reminder of the broken world we live in. K-Sam Perkins sheds light on Jesus' response to seeing the sin and pain within the people he lived with, and how we should respond to it when we see it in our world today.

Upcoming Events for the NW Region week of August 24th

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 17:51:50 GMT

We have some great events coming up! Don't miss out on some time to connect.

NW Midweek Service, Thursday Aug 27th, 7 PM NW midweek. We will talk about "being refreshed", plans for the fall and an update about the Rasmussen's. Click HERE to join the zoom meeting.
NW leadership workshop. Saturday Aug 29th, 9 AM. Join us for a lesson from the Zillman's and a time grow together. Click HERE to register.
Marriage Workshop: "Let's Talk", Sep 12, 2020 10:00 AM Click HERE for more info.
COPE2020: Women’s Mental Health Workshop, September 19, 10-11:30 AM Click HERE for more info.

Jesus: Politics and Culture

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 01:28:43 GMT

August 26, 7pm • In a world full of division, join us to see how Jesus navigated the politics and culture in HIS day to begin a revolution of unity and love.

What's in it for Me?

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 22:07:25 GMT

The value of a life is always measured in terms of how much of it was given away, never in terms of how much of it was hoarded, saved, or protected.
Watch this brief video to combat our 'what's in it for me' mindset and grow in honoring God and others.

Costly Quest IV: Wisdom and Humility

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 22:51:22 GMT

There is an undeniable, unsubtle connection in the Word between wisdom and humility. My level of humility is a clear signpost to me (and let's be honest, to those around me!) indicating where I am on my costly quest for wisdom.

Gimme a Break

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 15:34:37 GMT

In Proverbs 27:4 Solomon writes, ’The rage and anger of others can be overwhelming.”

Wow, did he ever get that right! Our current environment has left me feeling overwhelmed; I need a break from it all.

If you do, too, watch this brief video for a much-needed respite and breath of fresh air!

The Goal of Discipleship

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 03:21:36 GMT

Last week the campus staff did a training program on one another relationships. Follow along with Bill Molden as he provides an overview of the goal of discipleship in the bible.

U.S. and Canadian Response to Race Relations

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 14:23:22 GMT

Dear Brothers and Sisters -

Warm greetings to each of you across our U.S. and Canadian families of churches. We hope today finds you faithful, at peace, and fixed on Jesus. We, the regional family chairpersons, send you our heartfelt love as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the racial tensions in our countries at this hour.

The purpose of this letter is to communicate some of the thoughts we, as U.S. and Canadian church leaders, have in regard to racial topics as they apply to our U.S. and Canadian fellowship.

While our churches across the world form a wonderful, unified global collaboration of more than 800 congregations, we no longer have the kind of centralized leadership dynamic that allows us to collectively speak for each individual congregation. However, as regional family chairs we have been given the directive to initiate collaborative measures that will benefit the wholeness of our churches, the unity of our churches, and the pursuit of the mission to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. Therefore, we felt we would be remiss if we did not speak up regarding the racial injustices suffered by many of our brothers and sisters.

As a group, we have been talking, praying and processing all that has been happening in our countries and in our fellowship over the past several weeks. At the request of the ICOC’s committee on Social, Cultural, Unity And Diversity issues--SCUAD, for short--we would like to share several thoughts and observations from our perspective:

We wholeheartedly condemn the sins of hatred, racism and all forms of favoritism.
Racism is a grievous sin that must be addressed in the likeness of all sins. At times, in our desire to stay out of "civilian affairs” (2 Timothy 2:4), we have not always adequately taught what the Bible teaches regarding racism, racial injustice and oppression. Our fellowship of churches has a beautiful diversity that reflects the missional work of God Almighty (Matthew 28:18-20), often in direct contrast to the communities around us. However, we do not want to take this diversity for granted. Continual teaching on sin--especially those that are as prevalent in society as racial favoritism and prejudice--is imperative if we are to stay on the narrow path of Jesus. As regional chairs, we are committed to biblical teaching that condemns hatred, racism and favoritism in all forms and espouses compassion and love.

We encourage healthy, healing dialogue.
We are determined to make it our priority to listen to one another (James 1:19) and to love one another in ways that meet each other’s specific needs (Philippians 2:1-11). It is our desire to devote ourselves to the cause of honest assessment and ongoing conversations about race and diversity within our churches. It is clear to us that there is a real need for more healthy dialogue on topics of diversity, cultural humility and conflict resolution in the context of our lives as Christians. We will continue to seek input from local church leadership for ways we can help support them in meeting the needs of the disciples God has placed in their care. We want to help in any way we can, to ensure that we as a fellowship are better prepared to engage with one another and glorify God (John 13:34-35, Ephesians 4:29-32).

We are deeply sorry and grieve with all affected by racial injustice.
We grieve with every brother and sister who has been affected by racism and are deeply sorry for those times when the church has not felt like a safe refuge. We have heard painful stories from brothers and sisters who have experienced much suffering caused by racial injustice and prejudice. While we sadly recognize there are more stories yet unheard, we are committed to continuing conversations to better understand these experiences and perspectives, and to glean ideas for growth. We have been moved and encouraged by the faith and devotion to Jesus of so many heroic brothers and sisters, who have not allowed these hurts to cause them to become embittered. Their perseverance and commitment to righteousness, even when wronged, is an example to us all.

We desire for God’s church to be a beacon of hope to the world.
As we move forward we have an incredible opportunity to be a beacon of hope to so many in the world. In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays for the unity of all those who would believe in Him. Just think about it...2,000 years ago, Jesus prayed for us to have a unity like He and the Father share! This is a supernatural unity that is only possible through God. We must not settle for a superficial unity by avoiding difficult topics like race. We as the regional family chairs--all from different racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds--have grown closer to one another as we have engaged in these talks. We believe that difficult talks, had in a godly manner, bring us one step closer to being an answer to Jesus’ prayer. Jesus prayed for us; let’s commit to being part of the answer.

We are committed to greater love and spiritual health.
There is still much work to do in order to truly understand the depth and complexity of the sin of racism and how it has impacted our fellowship. To that end, we are completely committed to progressing toward greater love and spiritual health. Paul tells the Ephesians, You too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). There is a work that God has done, is doing, and will continue to do to make us individually and collectively more in the likeness of His Son.

Day of Prayer and Fasting -- August 12

As we grieve the effects of racism and commit to growing even more in our love and compassion for one another, we are asking that you join us for a Day of Prayer and Fasting on Wednesday, August 12. Let us take some time to detach from worldly influences and simply connect with God and seek His direction as a church. Let us pray for humility with one another and for God to root out anything that would prevent us from loving Him and loving each other. Finally, despite the obvious sin and division in the world, let us remember that we are a people of hope and not despair--as the Hebrew writer reminds us, We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved (Hebrews 10:39). Let us continue to forge ahead together, filled with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and counsel to proclaim Jesus to a hurting world.

With Love and Respect in Christ –

Jimmy and Anita Allen (New England)

Ed and Deb Anton (ACR)
AT and Marci Arneson (Midwest)

Todd and Patty Asaad (Texas)

Danny and Gillianne Brisebois (Canada-East)

Ron and Lauri-Anne Conkling (Florida)
Vince and Robin Hawkins (Heartland)
Scott and Thereasa Kirkpatrick (Southeast)

Rafael and Griselda Lua (Pacific Southwest)

Daren and Karla Overstreet (Northwest)
Johnny and Glory Rivera (New York, New Jersey)

Chester and Sirikit Umaguing (Rocky Mountain)

This letter is written with the support and advisement of the Catalyst Team, the Elders Service Team and the SCUAD team. These groups fully support the sentiments being expressed here.

HOPEww Update on Beirut, Lebanon

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 20:24:54 GMT

HOPEww Update on Beirut, Lebanon

David and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good Very Bad Day

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 15:12:53 GMT

Exciting Resource for Women!

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 20:19:25 GMT

The ICOC’s Women’s Service Team has created a website filled with content from all around the world. Click here , or on the image provided, to explore the site and access encouraging updates, devotionals, videos, and testimonials from our sisters across the globe.

How to Not Lose Your Mind in Mindless Times: PART TWO

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 23:57:24 GMT

Life disruptions, cabin fever, distressing examples of a lack of humanity in the way people are treating one another these days.

Any of this got you down? It's enough to make you lose your mind!

In this second of two videos, let’s learn how to keep our minds in these mindless times in which we find ourselves.

Where are We Going?

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 16:29:29 GMT

Where is God leading us, what should our attitude be and what does it look like to trust Him on the journey? Join Ann as she considers these questions.

How to Not Lose Your Mind in Mindless Times: PART ONE

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 16:50:03 GMT

Life disruptions, cabin fever, distressing examples of a lack of humanity in the way people are treating one another these days.

Any of this got you down? It's enough to make you lose your mind!

In this first of two videos, let’s learn how to keep our minds in these mindless times in which we find ourselves.

The Perez Family is Headed to Argentina!

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 13:57:19 GMT

Weekly Recap! (Don't be Easily Offended)

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 01:32:57 GMT

It has been a couple weeks but Weekly Recap! is back and as mediocre as ever. This week Chris Zillman, as usual, takes on a topic way outside his capacity and insight to address fairly. This is a video about why society has become so emotionally fragile and why it's important for disciples to be stronger than that. Essentially, it is another way to compare wisdom and folly. Why this responsibility falls to this guy to discuss is beyond any rational explanation we can discern. Watch with reservation and caution.

Dealing with Disappointment

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 03:27:37 GMT

When Life Rains On, Or Rains Out, Your Parade

Backpack Drive!

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 21:11:57 GMT

It's back to school time - at least in some form or fashion!

As in previous years we are going to do Backpack Drive for those children in need of school supplies as the school year begins. But due to the pandemic, we are scaling back our program, based on feedback from schools and organizations we support.

This year's drive will support the needs of those within the Denver Church of Christ congregation AND supply "There with Care" with backpacks to support the families they serve. Our goal is that each Community Group can contribute at least ONE backpack filled with these items (printable list also available above).

Also, we would like to meet the needs of our church family. If you, or someone you know, could use help with school supplies, please use the information provided below to contact someone in your region for help.

Deliveries of these backpacks can be made ON OR BEFORE August 9th . See below for your region's details for when and where to deliver these items.

South
If children in your family are in need of a backpack, please communicate that need directly to Aaron Boneau, 817-676-3679, asboneau@gmail.com , as well as the child's gender and age.

Deliver backpacks to:
Aaron and Karen Boneau: 10053 Granite Hill Drive, Parker, CO 80134
To arrange for drop-off, please contact Aaron at 817-676-3679 or email him at asboneau@gmail.com .

North

If someone knows a neighbor or family member that may need a backpack, please contact Susan Busack at 303-229-8590 or email susanbusackdcc@comcast.net .

Deliver backpacks to any of the following addresses:

Steven & Liz Chipp: 9112 Oberon Road, Arvada, CO 80004

Curt & Susan Busack: 4132 East 129th Circle, Thornton, CO 80241

Mark & Shelly Linenberger, 8637 W 79th Pl, Arvada, CO 80005

East

If children in your family are in need of a backpack, please communicate that need directly to Aaron Boneau, 817-676-3679, asboneau@gmail.com , as well as the child's gender and age.

Deliver backpacks to:
Susan and Randall Hill: 5482 South Genoa Street, Centennial, CO 80015

To arrange for drop-off, please contact Randall at 714-322-9206 or email him at hillybob10@yahoo.com .

Rocky Mountain School of Ministry and Theology - Fall Courses

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:34:42 GMT

The Rocky Mountain School of Missions and Theology would like to announce its course offerings for Fall 2020!

Introduction to Whole Bible
Apologetics: Defending the Faith
Introduction to the Old Testament
The Gospel of Mark
Christian Sexuality Counseling

These courses are open for audit or for credit.

If you would like to take one of these, please contact Dr. Glenn Giles at glenngiles41@gmail.com or 303-437-3807

Meditation

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 16:33:15 GMT

In days of isolation, we can be left with only our thoughts. Our thoughts can take us to difficult thoughts and emotions, and how we think can greatly affect how we live our days. Meditation, is how we think, what we choose to ponder and imagine each day. In the book of Psalms, we get deep insight into how we can meditate, to bring strong trust and a close relationship with God. Check out how the Psalmist works through his thoughts.

A Costly Quest III: Wisdom and Words

meegan@denverchurchofchrist.org (Meegan Zillman) — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 00:11:42 GMT

One of the clearest indicators of where we are on our quest for wisdom is our speech. The words we allow to come out of our mouths (or refuse to let come out…) are signposts alerting everyone around us of our proximity to Wisdom’s house or Folly’s. Today the Proverbs will be our guide along the path, helping us learn when to speak up and when to shut up.

Wisdom for XY Chromosomes- Wisdom in Discourse and Persuasion

czillman@denverchurchofchrist.org (Christopher Zillman) — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 12:58:23 GMT

In this video for the men in the church, we offer a discussion about wisdom. Specifically, the need for good men to engage in discourse and conversation in everything ranging from race to gender to family. Yet, the bible offers A LOT of input about the framework of these discussions and the way we ought to speak to one another.

A Costly Quest - Part 2

meegan@denverchurchofchrist.org (Meegan Zillman) — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 16:08:59 GMT

The quest for wisdom is not one that can be done alone—we need wise counselors on this journey. Allowing others access to our true self takes humility and courage, but also enables growth. A discussion with Ruth Kang and Meegan Zillman.

Episode 3 - The Biggest Mistake We Make When Reading The Bible

sonnyrhyne3@gmail.com (Sonny Rhyne) — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 01:48:17 GMT

..and how to correct them.

Join me, Sonny Rhyne, as we discuss how to become better students of our Bibles.

From Fishermen to Fishers of Men

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 12:12:58 GMT

As Jesus calls his first disciples, he chooses some ordinary fisherman and calls them to become something greater. He calls them to be fishers of men. Watch this video for a quick look at Luke 5:1-11 to see how being fishers of men involves us to Cast Our Nets and Reel in the catch!

Father-Son Campout Update

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 18:09:26 GMT

We are sad to announce that this year’s Father-Son Campout has been cancelled. We surveyed past-year attendees and over 1/2 expressed concerns about holding the event and indicated that they would not feel comfortable attending with their sons. We feel that such a significant reduction in attendees would negatively impact several of the intended goals of our campout. Additionally, compliance with CO camping advisements (which currently require that we 'Camp only with members of your household in your local region. Do not invite visitors to your campsite') would be nearly impossible to abide by and are at odds with the bonding and fellowship dimensions of our weekend getaways. (Protection by our church insurance company in the event someone contracted COVID would require us to demonstrate adherence to the state rules.) While we recognize the fluid nature of COVID-19 restrictions and understand that they could be eased by the time of our event, we are not able to wait until the last minute to conduct our planning and registration.

We do encourage all our fathers and sons to plan alternative memory-making experiences this summer. We look forward to hosting a fantastic event for our fathers and sons in 2021!

A Costly Quest

carmenham@gmail.com (Carmen Hamilton) — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 01:14:32 GMT

Fantasy nerds understand that the best quests are always costly. The path to gaining wisdom is no exception. Indeed, the Bible tells us it will “cost all you have...”.

Meegan invites the sisters along with her on a journey to gain wisdom in this first part of her latest lesson series.

Episode 2 - The Best Free Online Bible Study Tools (and how to use them)

sonnyrhyne3@gmail.com (Sonny Rhyne) — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 22:15:20 GMT

Join me, Sonny Rhyne, as I share my favorite free, online Bible Study tools!

Small Group Leaders' Training: How to Have Meaningful Discussions about Race

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 22:40:41 GMT

Darren and Sharon Gauthier taught this workshop and training for small group leaders on how to have meaningful discussions about race in our small groups.

Episode 1 - The Best Study Bibles and How to Use Them.

sonnyrhyne3@gmail.com (Sonny Rhyne) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 01:00:11 GMT

..for beginners, intermediate and advanced Bible students.

Join me, Sonny Rhyne, as I share my favorite study Bibles and helpful tools for deeper Bible study.

Weekly Recap - Holding more than one world view

czillman@denverchurchofchrist.org (Christopher Zillman) — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 17:34:15 GMT

A series to review the weekly "doings" of the Denver Church of Christ hosted by Chris Zillman. A combination of information, biography, philosophy, and theology. Super boring. Necessary. Here are some reviews of the series:

“Sometimes if you eat ice cream too fast you get a brain freeze. They are really painful. But the ice cream is so good that everyone once and a while before the pain of the brain freeze subsides you take another bite and you start all over again. That’s the power of how good ice cream is. I get a brain freeze watching “Weekly Recap!”. But, you know, without the enjoyment that ice cream provides.”

-Jody Guster, Cult Leader of the Ben and Jerry’s Forum

“For some reason a few months back my smart TV would only allow for two programs to show. One was an elementary school xylophone concert from 1984 that had aired on public access TV from Coon Rapids, Minnesota. The other was “Weekly Recap!”. I was humming those xylophone songs for weeks afterward.”

-Tom Thomas, CEO of Preppers for Life

“One of the results of the global pandemic is the psychological fallout due to the quarantine. The greatest causes of mental illness during this time have been isolation and accidental exposure to “Weekly Recap!” As people have burned their favorite shows all the way down to shows they would never ordinarily watch they’ve grown desperate for entertainment. So they started engaging in “risky viewing behavior.” Unfortunately, they stopped heeding the numerous warnings that have been made regarding this dangerous show. Isolation sickness we can treat. We have been less successful with those who have been exposed to “Weekly Recap!”.

-Dr. Shekikka Dragnet, Harvard’s School of Abnormal Psychology

Were You There? A deeper look into an African American Spiritual

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 21:44:11 GMT

We are honored to share this powerful post written by our sister, Jeanie Shaw . You can read other insightful, encouraging and spiritual articles on her website found at https://jeaniesjourneys.com/ .

"Were you there?

A moving African American spiritual. A daunting question.

The questions this song asks give me pause. Each verse asks if I was there when they crucified my Lord; when they nailed Him to the cross; when they pierced Him in the side; and when the sun refused to shine. These questions are followed by the phrase, “sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.”

This popular spiritual has its roots in the communal slave experience, appearing in 1899 in William E. Barton’s Old Plantation Songs. The lyrics stem from the deep love and appreciation for the cross, common to the African-American slave community.

As I read or sing these lyrics I realize that of course, I wasn’t there, but this is not the point of the questions. The questions are asked so that I can go there in my heart and mind, remembering the sacrifice Jesus gave for me and consider my response to that sacrifice by the way I live today.

These questions function as an anomnesis, which from the Greek means “to remember.” Author David Bjorlin writes, “It calls the community to re-member the past to the present, to bring these historic events to bear on the now and make them part of our story…to bring the past events of Christ’s suffering and death into the present and transform us in its light.”[1]

Author James Cone, in his book The Cross and the Lynching Tree, tells of the centrality of the cross to the African-American community. This song, penned in days of slavery, takes on an even deeper meaning for the African-American community as it remembers the slave experience at the root. Cone writes, “In the mystery of God’s revelation, black Christians believed that just knowing that Jesus went through an experience of suffering in a manner similar to theirs gave them faith that God was with them, even in suffering on lynching trees, just as God was present with Jesus in suffering on the cross.” This allowed them to have hope in Jesus’ promise that he would be with them because of his resurrection power.[2]

As I write these words, I pause to let them sink in a bit. They are hard to write.

Were you there?

If I put myself there with Jesus, it changes my world view and the way I live each day. This is how I strive to live, though I too often fall short. Also, If I try to put myself there, in the roots of this hymn, it can change my perspective toward others.

In the memoir of African-American pastor and civil rights leader Howard Thurman entitled, With Head and Heart, Thurman recounts his meeting in India with Mahatma Gandhi. Before he and his wife left, Gandhi asked them to sing this hymn to him. Gandhi noted, “I feel this song gets to the root of the experience of the entire human race under the spread of the healing wings of suffering.”[3]

In the horrific video of the murder of George Floyd, the image of the three officers standing by while Floyd cries “I can’t breathe” haunts my soul. They were there. And they did nothing to stop it.

I pause to ask. What if I was there? Would I have done everything in my power to stop it? I’d like to think so, but since I have not done everything I can to stop racism….it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. And repent.

I think all the way back to times when I was a young girl and saw bathrooms labeled “colored” and “white” and walked quietly into my privileged restroom without a word. Why, when in high school during desegregation and I was caught in an ensuing riot did I worry much more about my own safety than ever seeking to understand the pain that my new fellow students felt by having their neighborhood school, teachers, and all they had known close their doors, to never reopen again?

Immaturity perhaps. But immaturity indoctrinated in a root system of inequality, injustice, and white privilege. I think I must tremble some more.

Before leaving Ghandhi’s tent, Thurman asked him what he thought was the greatest barrier in India to the spread of Christianity. Gandhi answered, “Christianity as it is practiced, as it has been identified with Western Culture, with Western civilization and colonialism.”[4]

Let that one sink in.

Thankfully, a final verse has since been added to the song. It asks, “Were you there when He rose up from the grave?”

How thankful I am for this verse, as Jesus provides the only true source and direction for love and unity. In The Cross and the Lynching Tree, Cones emphasize the victory in the cross as he declares, “while the lynching tree symbolized white power and ‘black death,’ the cross symbolized divine power and ‘black life’—God overcoming the power of sin and death.[5]

Though I haven’t experienced African American history, I, for one, plan to “go there” to better understand the history of systemic racism and ways this shameful past still affects my present. It will likely involve some more trembling and some speaking up.

Thanks be to God there is a way out of the power of sin through Jesus’ willingness to “go there” for me. He went there. All the way to the cross. He was there, giving His life.

I wasn’t there when He rose up from the grave, but because He did, He can now be here with us. Because of this, I can be transformed more into His image each day, holding to the hope He brings. He provides the hope for change. Desperately needed hope.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor 3:17-18)

I invite you to listen to the Three Mo’ Tenors’ rendition of “Were You There?” Perhaps it will touch your heart just a little deeper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhGYD1svTM4 "

[1] David Bjorlin, “History of Hymns: Were You There?” Discipleship Ministries: United Methodist Church, Vol 17, March 2016.

[2] James H. Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2011), 21-22.

[3] Howard Thurman, With Head and Heart:: The Autobiography of Howard Thurman (NY: Harvest; Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1979), 134.

[4] Thurman, 135.

[5] Cone, 18.

Motivation to Pray From Luke - Part 2 of 2

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 21:45:46 GMT

As Luke wrote about Jesus, he seemed to highlight aspects of prayer that the other gospel writers didn’t place as much of an emphasis on. Therefore, this particular gospel is soaked with reasoning and explanation from Jesus as to why we should be so motivated to pray! There is nothing better than waking up in the morning with a genuine desire to seek God in prayer. Now, I will admit that this is not always my state of mind. However, when I struggle to find the will to pray, Luke’s dialogue always seems to motivate me to fight for a heart that genuinely wants to spend time in prayer! I believe that his words will motivate you as well. So, if you feel the need to renew your motivation to pray, crack open your Bible and dive into these passages!

We will look at two motivations for us to pray daily ( Read the first motivation here ). Feel free to read the passages then read the responses below. I would encourage you to read these scriptures with commentaries. I have provided some quotes and footnotes from my own study on Luke from different sources. A great free academic resource for deep bible study is https://www.blueletterbible.org/ .

Luke 18:1-8

Motivation 2: Power in Persistence

Our next motivation to pray comes out of Luke 18. We often times refer to it as the parable of the persistent woman. In this story, a woman is granted justice against her adversary simply because she kept begging an unjust judge to help her. Even though the judge didn’t care about her, he helped her because he was annoyed at her persistence! Jesus then relates this story to his disciples’ prayer lives by exclaiming, “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly! However, when the Son of Man comes will he find faith on the earth?”

Jesus was trying so hard to help his disciples see that if an unjust judge will give this woman what she needs because of her persistence, how much more will our God who loves us in our own persistence!? Walvoord and Zuck put it this way, “Jesus interpreted the parable, pointing out that if the unjust judge would give justice, then imagine how God (the just judge) will see that they get justice, and quickly?”1 It matters to God that we have the faith required to pray persistent prayers whether our prays are answered in a few days or a few decades! All in all, the fact remains, it strikes a core with God when we ask continually about the things that we need and yearn for in our lives. He will give us what we seek in our persistence in accordance with his will!

Question: What prayers have you stopped praying that you could be still be requesting from God? Do you believe that your persistence accesses God’s power?

(John Walvoord and Roy Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary (England, Kingsway Communications Eastbourne, 1985), 249.)

Celebration of Life for Mindi McNeil

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 00:59:22 GMT

Join us Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 1 PM CDT to celebrate Mindi and the way she impacted so many others.

Weekly Recap! (Interview with Vince Hawkins)

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 00:38:51 GMT

“Vince Hawkins is a national treasure and it is an outrage that a hack like Chris Zillman should assume to think he can interview such a man for Weekly Recap! It is like televising a conversation between a two-year-old infant and Nobel Peace Prize winner- absurd. I only hope that Mr. Hawkins reputation is not somehow tarnished by his association to Weekly Recap!”

-Don Johnson (the Denver TV Public Access reviewer, not the actor)

“No, we don’t let our kids watch Weekly Recap! The language and violence are not suitable for children…

(interruption in the comment as someone explains there is not violence or bad language)

“… Oh, my mistake. I naturally assumed after viewing Weekly Recap! For a few seconds that someone with Mr. Zillman’s lack of culture and insight that these videos were some lame attempt at Shock Jock radio but on video instead.”

- Jaime Juggernaught (carpool mom for Whispering Meadows subdivision)

“Listen, we understand that most people only click on the videos to read the negative reviews. And we are running out of funny negative reviews. So, the interest in the show will likely soon become less than it already is. We only hope that the web crawlers we purchased to ramp up our views can make up the difference. The Weekly Recap! staff is starting to worry they won’t get next Friday. So if you would like to leave a negative review it would be really helpful. We have families to feed around here.”

- Mrs. XXXX (Weekly Recap! staffer)

1 Million Allies

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 01:36:13 GMT

Saturday, June 13th at 7pm MT, live at https://www.facebook.com/thekochicafe/

The 1 Million Allies is a call to action to engage in beneficial discussions with people of color. Join us as we listen to stories from our brothers and sisters, such as the one shared here, and discuss racial injustice from a spiritual perspective.

Motivation to Pray from Luke - Part 1 of 2

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:03:16 GMT

As Luke wrote about Jesus, he seemed to highlight aspects of prayer that the other gospel writers didn’t emphasize as strongly. This particular gospel is soaked with reasoning and explanation from Jesus as to why we should be so motivated to pray! There is nothing better than waking up in the morning with a genuine desire to seek God in prayer. Now, I will admit that this is not always my state of mind. However, when I struggle to find the will to pray, Luke’s dialogue always seems to motivate me to fight for a heart that genuinely wants to spend time in prayer! I believe that his words will motivate you as well. So, if you feel the need to renew your motivation to pray, crack open your Bible and dive into these passages!

We will look at two motivations for us to pray daily. I will post one this week and add another one to the blog next week. Feel free to read this passage, then read the response below. I would encourage you to read these scriptures alongside commentaries. I have provided some quotes and footnotes from my own study on Luke from different sources. A great free academic resource for deep bible study is https://www.blueletterbible.org/

Luke 11:1-13

Motivation 1: A Friend and a Father

In this excerpt, Luke sheds some light on how our view of God affects our motivation to pray. In verses 5-8, he presents an illustration to his followers to help them develop a greater understanding of prayer. Jesus offers a story of a man who went to his neighbor late at night to plead for bread. He tells his disciples that the friend will not get up to give bread simply because of their friendship, but because of the shameless audacity of knocking on the door late at night.

His friend WILL provide everything that is needed! This man was very bold to go to his neighbor and friend in the middle of the night but this shouldn’t be a surprise to us. We too can be surprisingly bold with the friends with whom we have the deepest relationship! Just the other day I was quite bold in my dialogue as I tried to persuade my roommate to go on a run with me. Jesus here was using this story to lead his disciples to be bold in their own friendship with God through prayer. Then, Jesus goes from emphasizing how we get to view God as a friend when we pray to focusing on how we should pray like we are talking to our Dad.

In verses 9-10 Jesus encourages his disciples to ask, seek, and knock. God will certainly follow through for his children! In 11-13, Jesus helps us to put more trust in God by showing us that he is way better than our earthly Dads! We all have varying experiences with our own fathers and father figures. Luckily, the kind of father we get in God is one who, from these passages, wants us to take good care of us. And not only that, he even takes pleasure in giving us what we ask for! We should be confident that God wants us to tell him what we specifically want.

I like how Schweizer puts it, “Both parables appear to state the obvious - but only on the assumption that God is “Friend” and Father” to humankind.” Therefore, it is vital to our prayer lives that we are motivated by the fact that, as we pray, we are talking to a very close friend as well as our father! This mindset opens the door for us to pray very bold and very specific prayers.

Question: How do you view God? How do you think your view of God shapes your desire pray?

Eduard Schweizer, The Good News According to Luke, (Atlanta, John Knox Press, 1984), 193.

What is Going on With 2020?

rcferry@gmail.com (Robert Ferry) — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:29:43 GMT

Seeking Answers to Injustice and Racism, Part 1

It's been a very difficult week in our country. Problems mounting, perplexities of our inhumanity and capability for evil confounding us, and pressure building on us as human beings to try and make sense of it all.

In this brief video, I share how I am beginning to process.

Drawings from the Kids! April 19th - May 31st

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 13:13:06 GMT

We asked our kids to draw for us and they got right to work. Excited to share these masterpieces!

"Mama" - A Women's Devotional

kim.rhyne@gmail.com (Kim Rhyne) — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 03:14:28 GMT

Mama is a universal word all moms can understand. Hear Kim share her own fears as a mama to a brown boy in a world full of danger and judgment. Listen to her call for each of us to love, listen and learn from each other, to do good, to do better.

Untold Stories: June 5th • 7pm

sonnyrhyne3@gmail.com (Sonny Rhyne) — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 13:02:56 GMT

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” – Maya Angelou

Prophets In Pandemics

bcampb29@gmail.com (Brian Campbell) — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 15:37:28 GMT

The Prophets were masters of pandemics. Watch this video to be inspired to be a prophet during our current pandemic.

Paul's Mindset

bcampb29@gmail.com (Brian Campbell) — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 04:12:28 GMT

With all that is going on in the world today, what type of mindset should we have? Check out this short video for some biblical perspective.

Time of Prayer: Saturday • May 30th • 5-6PM

sonnyrhyne3@gmail.com (Sonny Rhyne) — Sat, 30 May 2020 01:23:43 GMT

As our nation is confronted with horrendous recent injustices, please join us for a time of prayer where we want to engage together in the spiritual battle with prayers for change, petitions for justice, and cries of mourning.

“Rise, O Lord” will be a time of prayer that will begin with a brief devotional, include a few scripture readings, and be followed by a time where people will be available to listen to anyone who would like to talk about the recent events that have shaken our nation.

Please join us by clicking the link below.

https://denverchurchofchrist.zoom.us/j/94476030587

Sponsored by the Denver Church of Christ Diversity Team

The Bottom Line: My inefficient efficiencies vs. God’s efficient inefficiencies

meegan@denverchurchofchrist.org (Meegan Zillman) — Thu, 28 May 2020 17:04:57 GMT

When you get down to it, God’s ways often seem kind of inefficient to me. It’s not very American of Him, nor is it very modern. What do I do with this? What happens if I wish He would streamline His processes a bit? One of us needs to re-examine our drive towards efficiency, and I’m guessing it’s not Him…

Weekly Recap! (Fatalism vs. Letting Go)

czillman@denverchurchofchrist.org (Christopher Zillman) — Mon, 25 May 2020 15:16:59 GMT

“We honestly never thought it would get up to 10 episodes. At this point we are forced to take the threat of a continuing Weekly Recap! more seriously.”

-The lowest man on the totem pole within the FCC

“Weekly Recap! is an important part of our regular liturgy. We play it at the climax of most of our masses. It stands as a reminder of things to come and the eminent end of our greatest foe: technology and media.”

-Luddite Temple of the End of the World (as we know it).

“No, I DO mean “Occult Following” not Cult Following. Weekly Recap! is not nearly interesting enough to have a cool underground group of young people that genuinely like it. It is, however, considered evil in enough cultures that there are genuine occultists that follow the show looking for hidden references to whatever dark dimensions they are trying to reach. Personally, the host isn’t smart enough for that kind of leadership.”

-Neil Gruesome (author of “You’re Momma’s from Another Dimension”)

A Kind Word

Fri, 22 May 2020 03:26:45 GMT

A Teen Devotional about using our words to help bring healing and love into the world.

Lessons from Fishing

Thu, 21 May 2020 13:19:42 GMT

Check out this Video to learn some import lessons God has for you from fishing.

In this video learn how God wants to teach you to be;

creative and flexible
to appreciate family and his creation
trust he wants to work miracles
to persevere

Killjoys, Spoilsports and Fuddy Duddies

rcferry@gmail.com (Robert Ferry) — Wed, 20 May 2020 01:37:54 GMT

Too many mistakenly assume this is who will be in heaven.

Actually, a whole lot of fun, adventure and laughing will be taking place.

COVID 19 Update: Safer at Home

Mon, 18 May 2020 18:27:39 GMT

Currently, Colorado is in Level 2: Safer at Home. We are no longer ordered to stay home but are strongly advised to stay at home. Critical businesses are open and non-critical businesses are operating with restrictions. During this current level the church will continue to promote virtual interactions for church related events such as Sunday services, mid-weeks, family groups, etc.

Deeper Connection

Mon, 18 May 2020 14:27:10 GMT

As our social distancing continues to separate us physically, how can we continue to get closer and closer as each day goes on? Paul gives us a deep example in how we can take our connection to an even deeper level.

Weekly Recap - Loss of Confidence

czillman@denverchurchofchrist.org (Christopher Zillman) — Sun, 17 May 2020 16:14:49 GMT

“Fa-Fa-Fa-FanTASTIC!! The degradation of American Culture is like a child’s science project studying the spread of mold on $1 loaf of bread. I never would have thought that technology could be so accessible to the casual user so that we would see on display the full spectrum of the “Lowest Common Denominator” within the population. Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you “Weekly Recap!”. Herald to the end of hu-human intelligence.”

-Max Headroom (after being restored from an old server where he’d been trapped since 1990)

“We actually did remove the Weekly Recap! videos once. The next day they simply reappeared. So I had them removed again. That night while I slept at about 2 AM my TV automatically turned on and searched YouTube and began playing the first Weekly Recap! (universally regarded as the worst) after the quarantine. I tried turning off the TV and it wouldn’t shut down. When I finally unplugged the TV then my Amazon Echo began playing the audio from the same episode. I called my Techs that night and told them to put Weekly Recap! back where it was. So no, I won’t touch those videos ever again.”

-Dan Danielson (Facebook Quality Control Manager)

“My greatest hope is to rid the world of Weekly Recap! And then feed the starving children.”

-Angel Falsetto (when asked in the 2020 Miss USA pageant what she would change in the world if she could do anything).

Gender Roles in the Bible

Fri, 15 May 2020 22:23:16 GMT

The Bible and Gender Paper: Background and Pointers for Readers

Click here , or on the button below to download the document, "The Bible and Gender".

The Bible and Gender Paper: Background and Pointers for Readers

This is a collection of papers on what the Bible says about gender with respect to marriage and ministry. We have put together this one page clarification on the background of the paper as well as pointers to help the reader as he/she studies this document.

Background

This collection of papers resulted from the following process:

Fall, 2018 a Teachers Taskforce diverse in gender, ethnicity, and nationality was selected from the ICOC Teachers Service Team to investigate what the Bible teaches about the Bible and gender. The process took over two years to complete.
Nine Bible Passages were selected that seemed most pertinent to this topic.
Research and writing began in January, 2019 with a lead author/researcher selected for each passage.
After each passage was researched, the lead author presented his/her paper before the Taskforce for review and editing. This process was completed by late summer, 2019 and resulted in the first draft of the paper.
This initial draft was reviewed again by the Taskforce in October 2019.
In December, 2019 and early January, 2020 a subset of the Taskforce who were proficient in Biblical Greek and Hebrew, and who had been formally trained in Bible and theology were asked to review the paper and make deeper edits. This resulted in the first fully edited collection of the papers on “The Bible and Theology.”
In late January, 2020 this collection was reviewed by the entire Teachers Service Team resulting in more edits and the second draft.
In February, 2020 this second draft was reviewed by the Catalyst Team and the Elders Service Team. Edits were made and this resulted in the third draft.
In early March, 2020 this third draft was reviewed and edits suggested by the Regional Chairs which resulted in the fourth draft.
In late March, 2020 one last edit was done by the Teachers Service Team which resulted in this fifth and final draft.

The Paper: What It Is and Is Not

The paper is an exegetical paper, a study of what the Bible passages meant in the context of their day. It was written from a scholarly perspective for a target audience who are versed in scholarly biblical study.
The paper attempts to elicit normative and non-normative principles of practice in Bible times. The paper is not intended to be directive for application to our present culture today. That is not the purpose of this paper.
The paper represents over two years of community effort and community theology and is not the result of the study of one person. It represents a collaborative scholarly effort.

We hope you enjoy the paper and are enriched by it. We are developing a process for discussion of the paper for those who may be interested. Application and practices are being developed by the Rocky Mountain Region Leadership.

Denver Church of Christ Elders, Elders Wives, Evangelists, Women’s Ministry Leaders and Rocky Mountain Region Leadership

Yard Work is Hard Work.

Fri, 15 May 2020 14:03:10 GMT

We have a role to play as the Holy Spirit desires to produce fruit in our lives.

Our Daily Bread

Thu, 14 May 2020 16:50:53 GMT

Learning to Live on God’s Daily Provision

A devotional on lessons learned so far during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Campus Devotional - Greater Love

Wed, 13 May 2020 22:03:14 GMT

During a devotional with students from all of our campus ministries in the Rocky Mountain Region, Rick Ramunno preached a powerful, 20 minute lesson on Jesus' expectation for us to embody a "Greater Love" for each other in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Feel free to stay on after the lesson to watch campus ministry music videos!

Family Devotional

Tue, 12 May 2020 21:28:42 GMT

Here is a fun twist on the story of Zacchaeus. This video can also be used as a great discussion prompt with your family on how to sincerely apologize and forgive others! Enjoy!

Processing During Pandemic

kristinacampbell519@gmail.com (Kristina Campbell) — Sat, 09 May 2020 21:00:49 GMT

Tips for processing your thoughts and feelings during this time of pandemic.

Don't Forget

deaquino.michael315@gmail.com (Michael DeAquino) — Fri, 08 May 2020 00:25:07 GMT

It can be easy to forget all that God has done for you. The Israelites did. And they turned to other gods because they forgot. Let's remember so that we can be filled with contentment and joy!

Why Are We So Desperate to Get Outside?

Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:36 GMT

It may not be for the reasons you are thinking....

2020 Zoom Marriage Workshop

Tue, 05 May 2020 21:27:01 GMT

Missed our marriage workshop? Don't fret...because we recorded it!
You can still join us for this inspirational, honest and helpful time together.

The Prayer Walk Challenge

Tue, 05 May 2020 21:18:30 GMT

The prayer walk challenge is coming to a park near you!

Stones of Remembrance

Mon, 04 May 2020 22:25:00 GMT

This last Friday, our Campus Ministry was able to Celebrate the ways that God had moved during this Spring Semester. We saw 8 people make Jesus Lord of their lives in Denver and Boulder, made many great memories in person, and our campus ministry has fought to stay connected despite the COVID-19 Pandemic. We celebrated and gave each student a stone with a word representing their semester. The idea for Stones of Remembrance comes from a story in Joshua 4. Check out this video we made to commemorate the semester.

SINGHOPE | COVID-19 Relief Virtual Concert!

Fri, 01 May 2020 02:24:31 GMT

Check out this amazing concert streamed live on HOPE worldwide’s YouTube channel.
Help us raise money for our COVID-19 relief efforts.

Inspired by our talented youth and members of HOPE worldwide NYAC, SINGHOPE was born!

SINGHOPE is a virtual benefit concert for COVID-19 relief, helping families through this crisis around the globe. Your donations throughout this event will help provide immediate food, medicine, personal protective equipment, and other resources for those in dire need during this pandemic.

Cookbook Fundraiser

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:43:24 GMT

Need some new ideas for dinner?

All of us are spending a lot more time cooking at home these days and by now you're probably running out of recipes to search for on Pinterest. Luckily, the Denver Church of Christ has solved your problem! We are holding a fundraiser and selling cookbooks with a variety of recipes from the mayor of Denver, the superintendent of JEFFCO schools, John Elway, Brett Farve (for the traitors out there) and our very own members! Each book is $15 and would make a great gift for Mother's Day and those singles who used to raid your pantry every week. To order your cookbook, please click HERE !

Freedom to Choose

deaquino.michael315@gmail.com (Michael DeAquino) — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:09:37 GMT

Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response.

Are you there, God? It's me, Meegan.

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:15:52 GMT

I have noticed a pattern that God does not always seem to give me the information that I feel like I need when I need it...ever felt the same? Let's take a short jump into the Word and consider God's silence and what it might mean about him (and about us!).

"How to Talk to Your Kids About the Pandemic"

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 20:03:51 GMT

... and why you should do it sooner than you think.

My first discussion with my daughter about theodicy started on the bathroom floor.

As my queasy seven-year-old sat poised at the foot of the toilet, I stroked her hair and prayed that her stomach bug would pass quickly and God would comfort her. Then she began to pray. She cried out her laments to the heavens like the prophet Jeremiah: “WHY, GOD, WHY? When you created the world, why did you make throwing up part of it? With all your infinite wisdom and power, why can’t you just take it away?” (Okay, she may not have used the phrase “infinite wisdom,” but the sentiment was there.)

This went on for quite a while. What she needed in that moment was for me to agree that it stinks to be sick and tell her it would all be okay. It was not the time for theological discussions about the problem of pain, but it was an indication that the questions were surfacing.

For all of us living right now in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, it is an unsettling time. Schools are closed. Families are isolated. Life as our children knew it has been turned upside down. Though the comments we hear may be centered around boredom and a desire to see friends, many of our kids are surely wondering, “Why is this all happening?” More specifically, “Why is God allowing this all to happen?”

Theodicy is a defense of God's goodness and justice in the face of the existence of evil. It is the resolution (or at least a possible answer) to the question of why an all-knowing, loving, holy and good God allows evil and suffering on this earth.

Obviously, none of us have the ultimate answers. The book of Job contains the clearest dialogue on the subject as God is being accused of wrongly inflicting suffering on Job, but no clear, concise answer is given by God, only more questions. Biblical scholars and philosophers have spent lifetimes pondering this and still fall short of an impenetrable explanation. But our children are looking for more than a promise that it will all be okay or an admonition to just dismiss these nagging questions and trust God. We need to carve out time to have these conversations and offer them tools for making sense of this dilemma.

Let’s be proactive. At some point in your child’s life, he or she will wrestle with this issue. Isn’t it better to prepare them now with an arsenal of theological wisdom when suffering is largely theoretical than later in life when it is painfully personal? One day instead of asking, “Why does God allow bad things to happen to people,” it will be, “Why did God allow this terrible thing to happen to ME?” Today we can use a minor hardship, unanswered prayer, perplexing Bible story or practically any news headline as a springboard to a philosophical discussion.

Down the road a devastating tragedy may bring up the same questions but make the conversation too real for our kids to handle. Just as I was not about to engage in a philosophical discussion on the bathroom floor in the middle of the night with my daughter, it is never wise to address theodicy in the midst of suffering. The best thing Job’s friends did was to sit silently for three days. Their debates proceeding from this would have been far more beneficial in a different setting.

So here are 10 practical tips for starting these discussions now:

1. Ask lots and lots of questions.

Jesus taught through questions. God answered Job with questions. The more our kids talk, the more we understand their current perspective on the topic. It is tempting to want to offer a quick answer and move on, rather than posing even more questions back at our kids and prolonging the talks. Let’s start with asking ourselves: Why don’t we ask more questions?

• Maybe we are afraid of what their answers will be. When they observe that God did not take away their cold when they prayed for him to, we can ask: How do you feel about that? (But not: “Does that make you feel like God doesn’t care?” No need to create an issue where there isn’t one.) Or: Why do you think he allows us to not feel well sometimes?

There’s a possibility your child’s answer will be, “Because he doesn’t care/wasn’t listening/is mad at me” or some other false notion. Well, at least you know what’s on their hearts! Now you can try to talk them into believing true statements about God, or you can (you guessed it)... ask more questions! I would rather take that time to draw out their heart and plan a quiet time or family devotional for a later time that corrects their perspective.

• Maybe we don’t want to take the time when it’s inconvenient. For many kids, these troubling questions surface in the quiet moments of solitude at night. A wise Instagram mom once noted, “At bedtime all my children turn into dehydrated philosophers who need a hug.” Perhaps stall tactics are involved, but we should note also that our kids are quite capable of contemplating the deeper questions of life. Sometimes my kids might get to sleep a little later than planned, but the conversations we have had about their deepest fears, concerns, and regrets are invaluable.

• Maybe we are afraid the conversation will lead to a point where we run out of answers. Which leads to our second tip...

2. Don’t attempt to have all the answers.

God never asks us to have his wisdom, only to imitate his love (Ephesians 5:1-2). We can do this through our tone of gentleness and patience. We must get comfortable with the questions and the wrestling. I often find myself asking, “What do you think?” and prefacing many of my responses with “I can’t say for sure, but maybe...”

Encourage them to also recognize their limited wisdom and perspective. Use younger siblings as an example: “You’re only five years older than your brother and you can understand why I can’t give them everything they ask for. I’m thirty years older than you and my experience helps me understand many things better. God is infinitely older than both of us. There are some things we just aren’t capable of understanding.” Or: “Remember when you wanted ice powers like Elsa? Why do you think God didn’t give that to you?”

3.) Make a habit of addressing theodicy within Bible stories.

Lots of “why” questions come up as we read through the Old Testament. We try to keep things age-appropriate but even the most basic gist of some of the stories can be troubling: Why did God have to flood the whole earth? Why did he ask Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? Did Pharaoh really kill all the baby boys? Why didn’t God stop him? Why did David have to kill Goliath and not just scare him away? Why did Jesus have to die? Allow time for these conversations.

Look at the tough questions as opportunities. Your kids are listening and pondering deep things in their hearts and it’s good! It is also easier to explain God’s justification for suffering in situations that occurred thousands of years ago with the benefit of hindsight than to propose possible reasons for current situations.

4. Focus on good that comes from pain .

There cannot be good without evil. How would we ever be able to help someone else if no one needed help? What do we admire about Jesus? His compassion, sacrifice, forgiveness, gentleness, courage. None of these characteristics are necessary if everyone is living in perfect bliss already. We can appreciate how suffering teaches us how to love others and become stronger and more Christ-like.

5. Talk about free will.

Discuss what the world would be like if God had not created humans with free will. Put this in terms of the relationships they know:

• Would you rather have parents who take care of you when you are hurt because God has programmed Mom and Dad like robots, or because they love you as their child?

• Do you want us to be required to buy you a certain number of gifts at Christmas, or do you want us to be excited to buy you things because we love to see your joy?

Along with the ability to freely love unfortunately comes the ability to hate and hurt. Giving us the choice to obey also opens up the possibility of disobedience, which has led to much of the pain we see around us.

God has mercifully introduced pain as a warning in the form of his discipline and natural consequences. I explained to my six-year-old one day why pain can be good. For instance, it hurts to touch fire because it teaches us to pull our hand away and not get seriously burnt. The next day his friend came over for a playdate and hurt himself. My son informed him it was good to feel the pain because it taught him not to keep bumping his head. I don’t think his friend appreciated this perspective, but I was encouraged to see the philosophy applied to real life!

6.) Have an eternal perspective.

The book of Job is believed to be the first written portion of the Bible. Questions raised in that book echo throughout the rest of the scriptures and a promise of freedom from suffering is never given until the end of Revelation: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (21:4).

If we have difficulty viewing the problem of pain on earth in light of eternity, how much more must our short-sighted, impatient offspring who can barely make it to the end of a long car trip?

You can ask things like, “Do you remember last year when you had a cold for a couple days? Did that ruin your whole year? Why not? Because two days out of 365 seems very short. Plus, after feeling badly you probably appreciated feeling well for the other days. How is that like trials on earth versus an eternity in Heaven?”

7. Focus on the cross.

While it may be difficult to understand the necessity of suffering at times, it can be a consolation to know that whatever this life throws at us, Jesus has probably experienced worse. Long, long ago, God and Jesus sat in Heaven and planned out the life Jesus would live on earth and chose to include every type of pain known to humanity: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. They chose Jesus to die at the point in history when execution was at the peak of torture. God does not allow us to suffer while staying exempt, and he sent Jesus to live and die on earth so he could not only save us but also empathize with us (Hebrews 4:15).

8. Encourage prayer.

When tough questions arise, pray together about them. Encourage kids to be open and real with God about their emotions and doubts. The difference between Job and his friends is that the friends spent much time talking about God but Job talked directly to God. And look at who God answered.

9. Help them appreciate the beauty of this uncertain, dangerous life.

We live in a fallen world. Romans 8:22 says the whole earth is groaning, waiting for the return of Jesus, like a woman in labor anticipating her child. Many children ask why God even created this world if Heaven is so much better. Couldn’t we just skip this difficult part and get right to the best part?

I would turn the question back to your children and ask, do you want to go straight to Heaven? What are the gifts of earth you want to experience? God put such care into the amazing details of this world, it seems he wants us to appreciate it while we are here, even if we are simultaneously looking forward to eternity with him.

Plan a fun obstacle course or scavenger hunt that leads to a big prize. Afterwards ask them, did you enjoy the process/journey or would you rather I just handed you the prize?

10. Above all else, we must teach our children to trust in the three core tenets of God’s character: his perfect power, love and wisdo m.

The first two and a half chapters of Lamentations are brutal. Jeremiah’s gut-level honesty in his complaints to God rival Job’s. He is upset not only about his own affliction but also about those around him. But then his mood shifts. He writes, “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed” (3:21). He continues with reminders to himself (and us) about God’s goodness and sovereignty.

Children easily accept these truths at a young age, but those convictions will be tested. As we teach our children, it can be easy to focus on teaching them to obey and character development. Let’s not forget to consistently come back to these aspects of God we want to be instilling in our children that will serve as their foundation.

• Help your children understand his strength and might and majesty. Consider what wows your kids and put God in that context: he is better than all superheroes, the creator of nature, space, and animals, the healer of all ailments.

• Help your kids trust in their Heavenly Father as their ultimate source of emotional security, the epitome of love. Our tangible love to them will help them grasp God’s intangible comfort and stories of how Jesus demonstrated his love to others offer another physical example.

• Help your kids see God’s wisdom. As we educate our children in any subject, we can remind them of the source of all knowledge. Just this morning as my preschooler was learning about trees, we discussed God’s brilliance in making humans exhale carbon dioxide which trees need to survive and trees give off oxygen which we need to breathe in. My math-obsessed kindergartener respects the fact that we may not know the biggest number possible, but God does!

I will continue to reassure my kids through this uncertain time that everything will be okay. I will also take this opportunity to teach them why I have this confidence: because of my faith in these truths about God.

If our kids are wrestling with “the problem of pain,” it means two things: they believe God is omnipotent, omnibenevolent and omniscient and they are troubled by the idea of people suffering. I want my children to have such compassionate hearts that their hearts are grieved. I also want them to have such deep faith in God’s sovereignty and goodness that their hearts are healed.

Let’s not shy away from these tough talks; let’s embrace them. Let’s give our children tools to guide them on this journey, not clichés that will fall short in combating true devastation. Let’s teach our children to wrestle with God and come out the other side with a trust in God’s goodness that will last.

Love in the Time of COVID - Part Two of Two

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:27:35 GMT

During the present times of quarantine the practice of giving grace to your spouse may be more important than ever. We often have a choice between giving grace and planting bitter roots. It just so happens that one undoes the other.

Getting Back to Normal?

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 04:00:03 GMT

God's got a plan for a 'new' normal.

Campus YouTube Channel!

bcampb29@gmail.com (Brian Campbell) — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 15:38:21 GMT

Check out the Campus YouTube channel!

We’ve recently posted some videos made by students from all over the Rocky Mountain Region. The video challenge was to rewrite a popular song with spiritual lyrics! Check out the results on our channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYN8wpJyxnFtDREdmuDx6yw

Join us for Church Online

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 13:34:07 GMT

Join us Sundays at 10:30 AM

We are having church online Sundays at 10:30 AM.

We have a special kids service at 10:00. http://dcoc.churchonline.org

WEEKLY RECAP!

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 12:26:15 GMT

Systems, Ascents and Book Report

We have received numerous complaints about these WEEKLY RECAP! videos. Unfortunately until the Supreme Court reconsiders free speech in this country I’m afraid there is little else we can do to shut those videos down. We do however have some suggestions to avoid some of the repercussions from the existence of these videos and the existence of Mr. Zillman in particular. 1. Stop watching WEEKLY RECAP! 2. Set your computer on fire. 3. Take up a luddite existence and move off-grid to Patagonia. We believe that doing all three should safely isolate you from the effect of WEEKLY RECAP!

-Legal Department at Vimeo

I found my husband sobbing in our closet with the lights off. He was inconsolable. I was terrified and worried. He was clutching his phone and just kept repeating over and over again “Why did I watch that? Why did I watch that?” When I found out he had watched WEEKLY RECAP! again after promising me that he wouldn’t I slammed the door and left him there. I slid a plate of dinner under the door later.

-REDSOXgirl75

It isn’t like the show is that bad. It’s the mediocrity that is having an affect on people. Everyone feels comfortable with something good or bad, awesome or terrible- but something completely average? It's unsettling. One time I was in another country and I was served cereal with milk. But the milk was room temperature. It was disgusting. I think that’s why everyone hates WEEKLY RECAP! It’s room temperature milk in your fruit loops.

-Fred Niche (Runner-up in Ft. Wayne’s 1994 Debate Camp)

Online Marriage Workshop

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 06:00:00 GMT

Learn a few "secrets" to what has made for some happy marriages!

On Saturday, April 25th the Denver Church of Christ will host a morning Marriage Workshop at 10 AM . During this Zoom Workshop three of our Elders along with their wives will each be discussing what they believe the secret to their marriage has been over the decades they've been together. We will also have some time for question and answer after they have all shared. Greg and Theresa Jackson, Glenn and Linda Giles along with Greg and Lynda Bickel will be our speakers during this event and we look forward to hearing the secrets to each of their marriages! Click HERE to register for this ONLINE event.

Love in the Time of COVID...PART ONE of PART TWO

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 01:39:28 GMT

Endless Exile

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 01:19:54 GMT

"In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to." ~ Dave Hollis

The Israelites desired to get back to normal as quickly as possible, but is there a lesson that they could have learned if they were searching for it?

Pure in Pandemic: Free Virtual Seminar

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 17:05:10 GMT

Saturday, April 25 at 3 pm EDT

To address the magnified challenge of keeping our hearts pure during the present pandemic, Dave and Robin Weidner will conduct a free webinar Saturday, April 25 at 3 pm EDT. During this 90-minute virtual seminar, you will be able to connect with others seeking answers, while participating in a live chat where you can ask questions, share resources or ask for help. Click here , or the image above, to register.

Reflecting on God's Unconditional Love

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 18:11:09 GMT

Taking time to remember God's love for us.

"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." Matthew 7:11

Family Devotional: God Looks at the Heart

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 17:44:42 GMT

"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" 1 Samuel 16:7

Why Is Working From Home So Exhausting?

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 16:03:50 GMT

Three ways to combat your working-from-home fatigue

Ultimate Lip Sync Battle!

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 17:07:51 GMT

Friday, April 24 @ 7pm

Throughout the week, the campus students are finding new ways to fellowship and encourage one another Daily. Whether it be from Bible talks or midweeks on zoom, or connecting over the phone. This week, for our Friday night event, many of the students will be making videos like this one, and presenting them to each other in order to build one another up with spiritual songs and laughter. The students are being asked to take a popular song they like, and change the words to make it spiritual. In a time where we can be disconnected the students are finding fun and innovative ways to stay connected and encouraged from one another!

WEEKLY RECAP! (Howling is Biblical)

czillman@denverchurchofchrist.org (Christopher Zillman) — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 05:11:22 GMT

April 12th- 18th

“Do I watch them? I say that I do. I don’t want to hurt his feelings, I’m not a monster. But no, of course I don’t actually watch them. This is just like the short stories he used to send to us when he was in college and thought he’d become a famous novelist some day. It's painful to watch people you love attempt over and over again to do something they have no aptitude for even though they think that they do. I just hope this whole virus thing sends soon and he moves on to other things. I’m running out of different ways to make up compliments for the videos I never watch.”

-From an immediate relative.

“No, no, no. PLEASE stop making these videos. I don’t know what stage of grief that rage is, but that’s where I am right now. When I think of all the artists throughout history that lived in poverty and destitution while creating their art and dying largely unknown it grieves me. They never understood that one day be remembered as GREAT. Chris Zillman is not one of those guys. Though he also seems destined to die impoverished and unknown. I guess I feel consoled by that.”

- Curator of the Museum of Modern Art in Toledo

“I just wonder sometimes if guys like this have any friends. I mean true friends. Ones that will tell him his breath stinks, that the shirt he’s wearing is ugly or that he doesn’t have the modicum of talent it takes to publish a video on YouTube. And it doesn’t doesn’t take much talent to be honest. These videos are like watching an awkward QVC host try and sell undergarments to the elderly. Its a slow motion train wreck you can’t not watch. I would pity his unawareness if watching these videos didn’t hurt so much.”

- Producer of American Idol (second season, episode four)

Love in the Time of Covid

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 13:42:39 GMT

Strong and Courageous

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 14:53:55 GMT

A teen devotional about being strong and courageous during scary times!

The Fire Inside

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 02:47:05 GMT

Check out the opening lesson from our Rocky Mountain Virtual Campus Retreat "The Fire Inside".

Click the video or visit https://vimeo.com/405934883.

Grab a Snickers!

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:13:50 GMT

“My soul finds rest in God alone..."

Today I was reading in Psalm 62:1-2

David writes:

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my

salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

During this time, David is towards the end of his life. The days of fighting Goliath were far

behind him. Killing the bear and the lion seem like a distant memory. Even in one of the lowest

moments in David’s life when he committed adultery with Bathsheba, that too was now in the

distant past.

In this moment, David was facing a new trial. In David’s old age, his sons began to turn against

him, his own flesh and blood wanted to kill him in order to take his throne. It was during this time

that David decided to flee to the desert. It was in his despair that he wrote this psalm.

Look at what this psalm reveals about David’s heart. I can only imagine the sadness he must

have felt, the fear that could have overtaken him. But, as we read we see that HIS SOUL IS AT

REST. He sees God as his ROCK, FORTRESS, and SALVATION.

We know that David’s life came with many trials, and moments when he even felt abandoned by

God. But, in his old age it is obvious that his view of God only matured. He is secure in who God

is and how He will work in his life. He knows that he can be at peace through this severe trial.

When I go through trials my first reaction isn’t always to turn to God and be secure in who He is

in my life. Honestly, sometimes I desire to turn to things like ice-cream, Netflix, my phone even.

Have you ever seen a Snicker’s commercial? You see someone “hangry” and the only way to

satisfy their craving is to “grab a snickers”. Instantly with one bite they become calm, and at

peace. They once again are satisfied. It’s so easy to turn to things that we think will satisfy us,

but end up only really satisfying us superficially and temporarily. Once the distraction (or

snickers bar) is over, we once again feel fear, distress, worry.

Right now, for many of us, this situation is a trial. Some of us have family members affected by

COVID-19. Maybe someone in our family has lost a job. Maybe you are just grieving the loss of

physical connection with friends, sporting events, concerts.

I admire David’s maturity and heart in this scripture. He knows that God did not abandoned him.

He knows that God is near and that his soul can be at peace. He even feels so strongly in who

God is and he says, “I will never be shaken!”

Let’s learn from David, let us turn to God and believe in who God is. Let’s throw aside the things

that are only giving us temporary satisfaction and turn to God who will satisfy our souls.

Weekly Recap!

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 02:36:20 GMT

What to do when you lose your mind a little bit.

I used to love Saturdays. Now I dread them. I have talked to Facebook and Youtube but somehow this video still gets added to my feed each week. I’m reminded of what depths our culture has plummeted by seeing that this weekly series exists.

-MommyOF3 (from the comments section)

I one time saw a bird crash into our front window. He didn’t die or anything. He was able to fly away. Later though, he flew into the window again. He still didn’t die. I felt sorry that a creature could be so clueless as to not realize they were basing their head against a solid object. It’s exactly the same thing I feel about the host of this show.

- Jean Kramer (anthropologist for the Chicago Field Museum)

I’m pretty sure I could hear a toilet flush in the background sound during this episode. That was the most exciting part of the entire show.

- A teen from the South Region.

Easter Week Reflection: Jesus is on the Throne

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 12:51:07 GMT

Because of Jesus, we can face anything.

Click the picture above or https://vimeo.com/406050024

What's in Your Pantry?

meegan@denverchurchofchrist.org (Meegan Zillman) — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 00:41:37 GMT

Time to take stock of what's inside...

Click the picture above or https://vimeo.com/404706621/337fdf6ca2

Family Devotional "Overflowing with Thankfulness"

sonnyrhyne3@gmail.com (Sonny Rhyne) — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 13:55:46 GMT

Overflowing with Thankfulness

Click the picture above or https://youtu.be/Lx3kp1BWLgw

Weekly Recap! (When a trip to the grocery store is your week's highlight)

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 20:22:51 GMT

A Recap of March 30th- April 5th

“I’ve been trying to figure out what to say about these videos for a long time but I cannot find the words. This is because these videos have literally made me less intelligent. I lost 40% of my vocabulary and I can no longer write in cursive or read analog clocks.”

-Sterling Roberts of the Huntertown Think Tank

“Wonderful. Absolutely engrossing. It's a thinking person’s program. The sublime humor and wit serve to carry the audience to the end of salient and relevant arguments that are made about modern society. I wish he made more than one per week.”

-A review of the West Wing from 1999 we copied and pasted here

“I used to do quality control for a paint company. They had a fast-drying paint and it was my job to test their claims. I literally had to watch paint dry every day. It was so much more fulfilling and entertaining than these videos.”

- Clyde Hofferstein (a fan of the show)

Adjusting to our New World Order

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 17:28:00 GMT

Has your life been upended by all the recent unknowns? Check out this episode to learn how to get your wheels back on the ground.

A Dinner Table Discussion

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 01:47:09 GMT

A Dinner Table Discussion

Here are some questions that pertain to the sermon this past Sunday. We hope these questions will help your family to have a great discussion during dinner! We understand that each family is different so please tailor these questions according to your family.

Ice Breaker Question: If you could change one family rule, which would it be, and why?

Q: What makes us unique as a family in the way we worship God from others?

Q: What are the things that you are tempted to worship other than God?

Q: Deuteronomy 12:7 & 12 reminds us how worship was about celebrating and rejoicing who God is and what He has done. Who is God to you and how has He blessed your life?

Carry Your Torch

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:36:06 GMT

As Christians, we are called to be a city on a hill and a bright light in this world. In this lesson, we will learn what it takes to carry our torch and follow Jesus, how to leave our fears in the darkness, and how to set the night on fire for God. This lesson was the close out lesson for the Rocky Mountain Campus Retreat entitled "Torches".

Deeply Rooted Trust

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:10:38 GMT

Lessons from a deeply rooted tree atop Bryce Canyon.

Family Devotional "Watch Your Words"

sonnyrhyne3@gmail.com (Sonny Rhyne) — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 20:27:04 GMT

Click the picture above or https://youtu.be/0pPj7NS4tvs

Women's Morning Devotional

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 16:10:26 GMT

Ann Rasmussen sharing her morning devotional on MT 14:22-33

Family Devotional: Overflowing with Thankfulness

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 06:00:00 GMT

Overflowing with Thankfulness

Scriptures

Colossians 2:7b “…and overflowing with thankfulness.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-1 8 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Goal

The goal of this devotional is to help us to be more thankful in our daily lives.

Instructions

Begin with a prayer.

Read Colossians 2:7b .

Discuss what it means for something to overflow.

Illustration: Have one of the kids to hold a glass or cup. Get a pitcher that is full of water, and start pouring it into the glass. Pour ¼ of the glass and ask everyone if this is overflowing. Pour ½, then ¾ and after each pour ask the same question. Then talk about how the Bible tells us to overflow with thankfulness and as you are talking keep pouring the water until it flows over the top of the glass. Then ask: Is this how thankful we are?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18

• How can be thankful in all circumstances?

• Why does God want us to be thankful in all circumstances?

Game time

• For smaller kids: Have a game of “overflowing thankfulness”. Have one person keep score with a piece of paper and pen. Tell the kids that we are going to take turns yelling out something we are grateful for and our goal is to get as many things, people, blessings, etc. as possible in 2 minutes so our whole family is “overflowing with thankfulness”.

• For older kids: Have a game of “overflowing with thankfulness”. Have each person take out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Have a competition who can come up with the most things they are grateful for in 2 minutes. Give the winner a prize.

Memory Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “…give thanks in all circumstances…”

Zoom Training for Small Group Leaders

hans@denverchurchofchrist.org (Hans Rasmussen) — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 04:47:38 GMT

See below for the video and resources that were shared during the training.

Here are a few links that might be helpful to you.

Learn How to Use Zoom in 5 Mins for Online Small Groups https://youtu.be/arIDQBALrEw

How to Join a ZOOM meeting as a Participant. https://youtu.be/fGbpwZNW3oI

Family Activity

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 01:18:19 GMT

Charades!

Every week we will send out an activity that you can do with the entire family!

This weeks activity is CHARADES- A classic family game!

Theme Ideas: Famous Figures, Famous Places, Bible Characters, Things You Want To Do After Quarantine.

Weekly Recap! (March 22-29)

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 00:13:01 GMT

"Secrets" for overcoming cabin fever.

"What? Again? Why are they still making these?"

- Church Lady Quarterly

"Really Average. I mean its basically white noise considering all the content out there. So many things way better to watch, but also there is a lot more garbage too. So, pretty average."

- Advanced YouTube analytics

" I started watching this and fell asleep. When I woke up it was still on. The best I can say about it is that it is longer than a power nap."

- Editorial from Wired Magazine

Kids Church!

czillman@denverchurchofchrist.org (Christopher Zillman) — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 23:59:06 GMT

Kids Church Begins at 10 AM

On Sunday before our normal streaming service begins we will be broadcasting Kids Church! There will be songs, activities and a brief lesson for elementary aged children. We know that the spiritual education of our children is so important and we are offering this service as a way to maintain its continuation during this difficult time. So login in with your kiddos at 10 AM to offer them a little Sunday School before church begins. Oh, and have fun!!!

Teen Devotional: Are We There Yet?

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 21:44:28 GMT

This past summer, our family (the Perkins) took a long trip to Phoenix, AZ to spend some time with our best friends. With Bri being six months pregnant, me suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon, and two zealous little boys in the back seat in the heat of summer, you can imagine the desire to expeditiously get to our destination! The questions of “Are we there yet?” and “When will this be over?” or “How come I can’t sit in the front seat?” had me asking the question, “What were we thinking when we decided to go on this trip?” But once we got to Phoenix, it all made sense. The laughs we shared and the joy of sweet fellowship are now memories forever imprinted in our minds.

When will this be over? Are we there yet? These are questions I’m sure many of us have asked during this crisis. You’re washing your hands, staying in the house, praying for people, getting connected online, only to turn on the news and see that the death rates are rising and quarantine deadlines are being extended. And we may be sitting isolated in our homes thinking to ourselves, “ This is wearying me down…is what I’m doing even making a difference?”

The bible says in Galatians 6:9-10, “ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Sometimes, when we’re experiencing painful or challenging times, throwing in the towel can seem like the easiest thing to do. But God is saying, “Don’t let yourself get down. I control the outcome; but I need you to control you.”

It’s easy to look at our external circumstances with eyes of cynicism. We don’t understand why all this is happening. But we don’t need to understand in order to do good. Our willingness and desire to do good to the body of believers, and to those around us, come from one simple fact…a time of harvest will eventually come! It’s a promise that we can all hold onto.

Consider what good you can do this week in your home and your community, and then do it! You’re in control of that! And pray that we, as the body of Christ, will not lose heart, but that we will experience God’s harvest of righteousness.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 21:09:06 GMT

Check out our campus midweek lesson about learning to make the most of this time during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn how to use this opportunity to grow personally, be responsible, make an impact on others and help out during this crazy time.

Teen Devotional: God is Working!

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:04:39 GMT

Joseph was sold into slavery, accused of assaulting Potipher’s wife, and thrown into prison- talk about being quarantined! All in all, he experienced turmoil for 13 years! After interpreting Pharaoh's dream he was appointed 2nd in command. With the wisdom that was revealed to him by God he was able to save thousands of people from famine. When he reunited with his brothers they thought Joseph was going to mistreat them for what they did to him years earlier. Here’s Joseph’s response to them:

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20.

From a worldly perspective, Joseph had every reason to be angry at his brothers, and at God. But he saw that God was working the whole time! If he hadn't gone through what he did, many peoples lives would have been at stake.

We don’t know what God is doing right now, but we do know that He is working! He worked to bring good out of Joseph’s situation, and He will bring good out of this situation! If we're honest, we can look back in our own lives when we too were delivered some unfortunate event or news and we now see the blessings that came from that situation. Lets remember God can do the same thing here. Let's persevere and be patient like Joseph and we will eventually see God’s work!

During this time let's look at this situation in a positive way. It is on one hand very devastating for many families who are losing family members, jobs, etc. On the other hand this time can be quite transformative for many of us if we allow it. Let us trust that whatever is happening in the world right now, God is in control. Lets trust in God and allow Him to use every circumstance to sharpen and refine us. Let us draw nearer to God in such a time as this. God is working!

Virtual Prayer Group for the Worldwide Day of Fasting and Prayer

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 01:57:52 GMT

Virtual Prayer Group 12 PM-1PM Thursday, March 25th

We will be hosting a virtual prayer group during the Day of Fasting and Prayer from 12 PM -1 PM on March 26th. If you are free please call in to join others in prayer. To login simply follow the links below:

Topic: Hour of Prayer

Time: Mar 26, 2020 12:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/613972814

Meeting ID: 613 972 814

One tap mobile

+13462487799,,613972814# US (Houston)

Dial by your location

+1 253 215 8782 US

+1 301 715 8592 US

Meeting ID: 613 972 814

Below is a video by Keydogo explaining the reason for this special day.

I put on an apron for this one...

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 23:28:42 GMT

Hey Men! I've got a challenge and a recipe for you. Watch the video below.

Here is the recipe I used. Send me a picture of how it turns out.

Communion Bread Recipe

3/4 cup Flour

1/4 cup crisco

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tbsp. Sugar

about ~2 oz water. (in the video I used 3oz and it was too much.

Mix all together, flour a surface well and Roll it out to about 1/4 thick, cut it with a glass or biscuit cutter, and bake it at 350 for ~18 minutes.

From Vicki:

For a batch that makes about 40 wafers I use:

1 1/2 c gluten free baking mix (I get it at King Soopers),

1/2 cup crisco

1 tsp. Salt,

1 tbsp. Sugar

about 3/4 c water.

Roll it out, cut it with a biscuit cutter, and bake it at 350 for 18 minutes.

Write your Bible?

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 22:26:02 GMT

For the sisters, from my office. But today I didn't want to wash my hair, so it is written.

A few years back, one of my dearest friends told me about a conversation she had with a bookseller at a Christian conference. He told her that over the course of many years, he had handwritten out his own copy of the Bible. He showed her the binders that were filled with hundreds of pages he had written. From Genesis to Revelation, the entire Bible was there; cursive, inked letters that told the entire story recorded in the Word.

She was impressed, but also curious, and asked him why he had done it. I honestly can’t remember the answer to that question, but his response to what he had gained from such an undertaking has stuck with me. He used the analogy of going to the store. You can drive or you can walk; either way, you will find yourself at the store. However, the journey is very different if you use your own legs rather than automated wheels.

Of course, it takes much longer. Walking to the store is a relatively slow process. But slowing down allows you to notice details that would be impossible from the driver’s seat. See that little patch of dandelions growing out of the sidewalk crack? The little scrap of paper that must have fallen out of someone’s pocket? The cigarette butts heaped up along the curb? Can you hear the wind blowing through the trees, rustling up tiny pieces of grass and dust and carrying the smell to your nose? Slowing down and walking to the store opens up an entire world of minutiae to consider—some pleasant and others not so much.

Walking to the store also frees up a space in my mind. At this point in life I am (mostly) pretty adept at putting one foot in front of the other without giving it much thought. And instead of having to pay attention to traffic lights and laws, and other people’s driving choices, when I walk I can just think, and explore my own thoughts and feelings.

This was the point the man was making. After years spent reading and studying the Bible, a new layer of engagement with the Scriptures was possible when he decided to copy it out on his own. The exercise caused him to slow down and consider old stories in new ways. He noticed small details that had previously gone unnoticed, and the transference of words from his Bible to his journal allowed his brain time to consider how these words applied to his life.

Scientific studies consistently show that there is great benefit to our cognitive development when we pick up pen or pencil and write on paper. An article in Forbes magazine I recently read says that “sequential hand movements, like those used in handwriting, activate large regions of the brain responsible for thinking, language, healing, and working memory.”

Maybe it was this part of his design God had in mind when he commanded all kings of Israel to handwrite out his own copy of the Torah:

“When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and the decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left.Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.” Deuteronomy 17:18-20

This was actually a common practice of the time with a vassal king under treaty to his Suzerain. He had to hand write out a copy of the treaty between the two parties. Thousands of years ago people might not have had the benefit of cognitive science, but they understood anecdotally that when you copy something out, it sticks with you in a different way. I love imagining what it must have looked like for each of Israel’s, and then Judah’s, kings to sit at his desk and write out those first five books of the Bible. Imagine how many hours of important kingdom business had to wait because the king was copying out his scrolls! And if you’re familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures, it’s also not hard to imagine which of the kings took this command seriously and which ignored it.

A few months back, Cindy Fetherman and I were having lunch AT A CAFE (remember those days?) and we were talking about this edict from Deuteronomy. She said, “Let’s do this—let’s write out the Torah together.” The following Sunday she handed me a six pack of Moleskin journals and we began our journey. We both started in Genesis and have been diligently plodding along at our own pace, occasionally touching base and discussing what we are seeing and understanding anew.

Most days I have tried to get an entire chapter copied out; sometimes more and sometimes less. As I said, the pace isn’t what is driving me but the desire to slow down and glean from the wisdom my Father has set before me. Working my way through Genesis absolutely highlighted this concept of Legacy we’ve been talking about; some days I’ve realized how much work I have before me and somedays I’ve realized that my family seems to be ahead of the game when compared to Abraham’s! But each day, I’ve opened up my Bible and my red Moleskin and, before I got to work, I’ve echoed the Psalmist’s prayer, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law!” (Psalm 119:18) And he is opening my eyes.

Of course, some chapters and verses are a little less fun to copy out. Paragraphs of genealogies are especially tedious to me; each unfamiliar name gets jumbled in my head a few times in the space between reading it and writing it down. But in taking the time to write out these lists, it becomes so clear to me that there is an innate understanding of community and family that those who initially heard these stories possessed that I do not. And so, as I copy out lists of names that no longer sound pleasing to the ear (I’m looking at you, Nepheg), I have time to think about how intentionally God designed me to be deeply connected and entangled with others.

I’ve spent the past few days copying out the interactions between Moses and Pharoah. Between the mental intervals of reading and writing, I’ve had time to feel the intense emotions and the tension building between these two men whose world views were colliding. As one utters words of shockingly deep-seated pride and the other desperately tries to convince him to wake up, I have time to imagine the fear and frustration, the angst and resignation Moses must have been wrestling with. And as I hear my pencil scratching out verses, I’ve had plenty of time to ask God questions, to express the places in the narrative that don’t sit well with my 21st century perspective and make me uneasy. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law!” Again, he is.

So, dear sisters trapped at home due to events completely outside of your control, I invite you to join Cindy and I on this path. What if you set aside an hour or so a day, grabbed your Bible, and started writing? What if you decided to do it with a buddy?

Start out small. Write out a couple Psalms. Then perhaps move on to the Proverbs. Some of the smaller letters in the New Testament or the minor prophets of the Old are manageable—James, Philippians, Habbakkuk. Or since we are working our way through Deuteronomy in the Denver Church this month and next, what about that one? Whichever book you choose, God will open your eyes so that you too may see wonderful things.

I would love to hear what you decide on and what you are learning—let’s share the fruit of this exercise with one another!

Much love,

Meegan

Tips for doing Family Devotionals

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 19:11:22 GMT

Family Devotional Tips

Here are some helpful tips related to having successful family devotionals:

1. More important than how you do family devotionals is that you do family devotionals. If you want to reap a harvest of faith and love for God, you must plant the seeds of faith and love for God.

2. Keep family devotionals simple, especially when starting out. Five engaging minutes are far better than twenty rambling ones.

3. Family devotionals are not only about gaining knowledge but also about establishing patterns and displaying priorities in your life and the life of your family.

4. The foundation of family devotionals is simple: read and pray. Better said: read, teach, and pray.

5. One of the best benefits of family devotions is not only gaining knowledge but also relating to God together as a family. Make it interactive if possible. Make it as fun as possible, but not all devotionals need to be fun.

6. Remember you are planting good seeds of faith. Just like seeds don’t grow instantly, do not grow discouraged or frustrated if your children don’t love the devotional or immediately respond.

7. Ask for tips on family devotions from others. Glean from their successes and false starts. Also, ask input from your spouse or your children (if they are old enough).

A Family Devotional: "Do Everything Without Complaining"

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 19:03:15 GMT

DO EVERYTHING WITHOUT COMPLAINING

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-30; Philippians 2:14-16

Goal:

The goal of this devotional is to teach that complaining comes from forgetting God and all the

ways God has been faithful and blessed us in our lives.

Instructions:

Begin with a prayer.

Read the story with the family. ( Exodus 16:1-30 ; for younger kids verses 1-3, 6-8 )

Discuss how ungrateful the Israelites had become and how they had forgotten God and all that

he had done for them.

Had God forgotten about them?

Engage:

Ask the children what the Israelites were complaining about?

What are some of the things we can complain about?

Ask them how their complaining makes God feel?

How does God feel when we complain?

What should we do instead of complaining?

Remember God and His faithfulness and blessings.

What are some of the ways God has been faithful or blessed our family?

Game time: Complaining / Thanksgiving Game

Give each member of the family a rubber band, string or ribbon to put/tie around their wrist.

Tell everyone that if they get caught complaining, they will lose their rubber band, string or ribbon and will have to give it to the one who caught them complaining. Give a specific period of time (until bedtime, the end of the week, etc.),

Also, let everyone know that if you catch someone being grateful that both the one who caught the words of gratitude and the one who spoke the words of gratitude will get an extra rubber band, string or ribbon.

The goal is to see who has the most rubber bands, strings, or ribbons around

their wrist at the end of the designated time.

Create a prize for the winner and smaller prizes for everyone who still has at

least one rubber band, string or ribbon around their wrist.

Memory Scripture:

Philippians 2:14 – “Do everything without complaining or arguing…”

A Dinner Table Discussion

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 02:08:47 GMT

A Dinner Table Discussion

Ice Breaker Question: If you could only eat three foods for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Q: What are the golden calfs in your life?

Q: What is something we can do as a family to fight against those idols this week?

Q: How can we find strength in God as a family?

March 22nd Sunday Service Resources

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 01:51:22 GMT

Below are all the resources mentioned today and links for upcoming events!
Kids Text the picture you drew to 720-571-8979

Weekly Recap! (March 15-21)

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 21:15:40 GMT

The first week of church after the Denver COVID-19 outbreak

Denver Church of Christ's weekly recap for March 15th-21st. What happened, what's going to happen and what are we thinking about it all! Here is some feedback we have already received about this new series on our website!

“Honestly, any video like this that has such sub par technical quality needs to make up for it with by having incredible content. That gap was not bridged in this case. D+”

-The New York Times

“Just another beard that thinks he deserves an audience.”

-Hal Goodrow of the What Cheer Gazette

“What’s up with the boards in the background”

-Meegan Zillman

“If people really watch this stuff we MUST be in the last days”

-Overheard during a test screening.

A Message to the Sisters (Part 2)

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 04:20:38 GMT

Meegan continues her series of messages to the sisters during the COVID-19 outbreak. Step into her office!

DCC Singles Virtual Dinner Party and Devo Saturday, April 4th, 6 PM

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:43:18 GMT

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/936048899

Show off your skills by preparing your favorite dinner or order delivery from your favorite restaurant (they need your support now more than ever). With dinner in hand at 6 PM, we will all join online together to eat with glad and sincere hearts. Expect good news sharing, updates from DCC singles who are heroically serving on the front line, scriptural inspiration, and plenty of uplifting fellowship!

We need Psalm 23 today more than ever!

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 20:12:09 GMT

Many people are familiar with Psalm 23. But because we all know it, we often breeze through the psalm without slowing down long enough to rest in the assurance it offers. In this 6-part series on Psalm 23, pastor Matt Chandler introduces us to the great shepherd, the Lord, who promises to provide for every need of his flock. Though only six verses long, this psalm teaches us profound truths about our loving and protective God. By studying Psalm 23, we’ll encounter a life-transforming question: Do you trust the Lord to care for your needs?

There is a great video series on Psalm 23. Check out the into below and then you can sign up for RightNow media to watch the other episodes

CLICK HERE to get your account to RightNow Media.

A Special Message to the Sisters

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 04:10:12 GMT

Is God really working for our good?

It is a time to HEAR!

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 18:23:00 GMT

Thoughts from the Shema for this week.

As I look out my window I can’t believe how different the world outside of it is from last week. My kids can’t go to school. We can’t go to restaurants. My beloved Liverpool soccer games are postponed indefinitely (as is almost all professional sports). And we may be facing the real possibility of a state-wide lockdown. It is surreal.

I can feel the tension rising in my children as the inexorable effect of cabin fever begins to set in and their uncaged energy spills out into bickering, fighting, yelling and general discontent. Additionally, I’ve been nursing a sore throat and ear ache and I can’t help but listen to the small voice inside my head ask “What if your illness is…?” I won’t even finish the sentence because paranoia doesn’t deserve a foothold in these times.

Strange days indeed!

And yet, I feel at peace. The facts of what is happening are plain and they really aren’t that scary in and of themselves. We, as a nation, are taking unparalleled precautions to protect the elderly, the sick and the immune compromised people we love. This is good and noble. It almost convinces me that the world still has the capacity to make decisions for the good of people rather than for the good of merely the powerful.

And yet, this is still a time where a few could easily ruin all the efforts of the many. It only takes one unknowingly COVID-19 infected person to ignore all the direction and advice of the medical professionals to wreak havoc on all the precautions that have been taken by the many.

It is this, the possibility of the actions of the few to affect the greater masses, that has me thinking of the Israelite situation in Deuteronomy. The first generation of Israelites out of Egyptian slavery were condemned to wander the desert for 40 years because of the faithlessness of a few spies. Those spies when faced with the terror of the enemies before them sowed seeds of doubt into the masses, infecting many with a faithlessness that led to rebellion.

For that, an entire generation of Israelites were doomed to die in the desert and never enter the promised land. And when we get to the book of Deuteronomy it is the children of that doomed generation that are faced with the same enemies waiting for them as they attempt to enter the promised land.

And still, a few could have ruined it for everyone.

And this is where Moses give to His people the Shema- a prayer for each man, woman and child to say over and over again upon their lips, in their heads and in their hearts. A prayer to remind them of God’s faithfulness to them, and their need to be faithful to him. For every situation. For every generation. For every person.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

-Deuteronomy 6:4-9

It is a good time for such a prayer. The Jews called this prayer the “Shema” which is Hebrew word that begins the prayer- HEAR! I would encourage us all to recite this prayer throughout the week. As we are helpless to control the spread of the virus outside of our own actions we know we can do these few things: Love our God with all our heart, soul and strength. We can put our trust in Him as the Israelites did when facing the unknown future before them.

I miss seeing you all already. It was a peculiar feeling to be speaking to you on Sunday, but to a nearly empty room! When Sunday service was over I was told by Hans Rasmussen that between Facebook, You Tube and our own Website we reached into over 4000 different devices. Obviously many of you had friends and family watching as well!

Perhaps we have before us a unique opportunity to use this new and temporary reality as way for people to better see this world’s need for redemption. In times such as these where there is a fear of the unknown and there will be many whose ears have been closed to God that are now beginning to open. Let’s help them to HEAR!

March 15th Sunday Service

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 16:59:41 GMT

Below are all the resources mentioned today!

Click on a picture below to get the resources shared in today's service.

Update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) 3/13/2020

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:59:44 GMT

To our friends and family within the Denver Church of Christ,

It has been a week of unprecedented events as the Coronavirus COVID-19 has affected cities and communities the world over. In unbelievable acts of solidarity businesses, governments and community entities everywhere are attempting to halt the spread of this virus. The way they are doing this is to ask employees, fans and members of their organizations to stay home for a predetermined period of time in order to limit the amount of contact with people who are infected and may not yet even know it.

After much advice, discussion and prayer the leadership of the Denver Church of Christ has decided to move in step with what so many of these organizations are doing. Therefore, we will plan to NOT meet together for Sunday services until Palm Sunday, April 5th. We hope that by doing this our fellowship can do its part to protect our community. In addition we will be cancelling all events on our Church Calendar for the same duration of time.

While this is a time that many people in the world will live in fear and despair we have an opportunity as a church to be a bright light. Our fellowship has been taught and trained for times such as these to see the needs and meet them for our neighbors, for our greater communities and of course, for one another. When the world seems to be at its darkest moments our church can shine bright!

We will commune together during our online services each week at 10:30 AM. We will continue our series entitled “Promises” as we study the book of Deuteronomy. More than ever, perhaps, people will be looking for direction and comfort. Please direct your friends and family to our services that will be streamed online each Sunday. In addition, it will be during this time that we will be making renewed and creative efforts to keep the fellowship connected.

Over the next few weeks you will receive regular email with new content that we will be creating just for our fellowship. Some of them will be videos while others will contain Bible studies. We will also send out family devotionals you can do during this time to help talk with your kids about what is going on. I encourage you to take the time to open every message you receive from the church knowing that your brothers and sisters will also be receiving the same words of encouragement. We will be sharing good news from what is happening all over the church and all the wonderful things we believe God will do in his ever mysterious ways.

While we will miss seeing everyone together each week there is nothing barring us from checking in with one another consistently. It is imperative we do! We will do as family always does and look out for each other.

I look forward to the celebration and joy of coming back together again for Sunday Service on April 5th, one week before Easter! I am sure there will be so many amazing things that God will do through such times as these to build our faith in Him.

It is difficult to determine what the next few weeks will bring for our nation and our world. If we need to change our plans we will let you know very quickly. As we receive new information about how to respond to COVID-19 and its affect on our fellowship we will make it a priority to communicate with all of you both through email and our social media platforms.

We love you all and we have faith that by taking the steps we’ve outlined our church is doing its part to protect from COVID-19 the many vulnerable and susceptible individuals in our city. Please pray with us for their protection and that God does a great work through us during this time.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

With Love and in Christ,

Chris Zillman and the Leadership of the Denver Church of Christ

P.S. If you want to get updates from the Denver Church of Christ, click HERE to sign up for our email and texting service.

We will continue to give updates on the website. For the latest updates to go to https://www.denverchurchofchrist.org/blog

Anxiety, Waiting and the Coronavirus

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 21:21:05 GMT

Anxiety, Waiting and the Coronavirus. Originally published on CCEF.org

Anxiety, Waiting and the Coronavirus

March 11, 2020

Writing about events while they are happening is always a bit dangerous. It’s easy to encourage over-reactions and reinforce unhelpful panic in our hearts. That said, the COVID 19 coronavirus provides us with an opportunity to think about how we respond to anxiety. Specifically, I want to think about how we can handle the particular strain of anxiety that comes when we are waiting for a threat that is gliding toward us, its fin visible above the surface. Thankfully, Scripture knows the fear of impending danger intimately and speaks to it repeatedly.

So let’s seize this occasion to refresh our collective memory on how Scripture navigates this particular eddy within the larger current of anxiety. What is our comfort when a significant threat looms but has not yet begun to erode the shore in earnest? Let’s look at an unfamiliar portion of a familiar Old Testament passage to get our minds moving in the right direction.

Waiting to plunge into the flood

After they left Egypt, the people of Israel wandered in the wilderness for decades. When they finally arrived on the doorstep of the promised land, they faced one last obstacle to entry: the Jordan River. You know how the story goes. The priests carry the ark into the river and, once their feet get wet, the waters part and the people walk through on dry ground. God repeats the miraculous provision of deliverance their parents had experienced a generation earlier at the Red Sea.

What we can easily miss is a little detail in the first two verses of Joshua chapter 3, and it’s this: the people had to camp and wait at the river’s edge for three days (3:2). Without knowing what was coming next or how they would cross. What’s it like to sit in your tent watching a river at flood stage churning by (3:15)? What’s it like to watch your children playing outside, knowing that they are going to have to somehow cross this engorged river, dark with flood-stirred sediment? What’s it like to look at your sheep, donkeys, and the precious heirlooms you carried all the way from Egypt that represent your life savings, and wonder if you might lose it all? How does it feel to know that God is calling you to keep moving forward, that he is promising to be with you, but that all you can actually see is a river whose depth you do not know, but of whose fatal power you can be sure?

It’s an easy parallel for us to make today, isn’t it? A virus is seeping across the world and has reached our shores, and we don’t know how treacherous it’s going to be. God is calling us to continue forward in love of neighbor and service to his kingdom, but all we can see are public surfaces potentially covered in germs and neighbors who may be walking vectors of disease.

Because of these parallels between then and now, it’s striking to reflect on what God didn’t do at the Jordan. He could have—but didn’t—pick his people up in a mighty whirlwind and deposit them on the far side of the river the moment they got there. He could have—but didn’t—part the Jordan so that it was waiting when they arrived, perhaps with the ground dried and a scattering of grass and lilies down the center of the people’s path. He could have—but didn’t—simply ask them to swim and float across, seeing to it that everyone made it safely and every sheep and gold earring was accounted for. These would have been equally miraculous and equally effective ways of carrying his children to their new home.

Instead, God chose for his people to wait and watch the flood, inviting them to trust him with all that crossing that flood might mean.

Waiting well

God often calls us to wait in the presence of our enemies, doesn’t he? He often comes to our aid later, and in different ways, than we would like. We most like to hear the stories about dramatic rescues and incredible miracles of rescue from dire situations. But we most like to experience stories where God provides in boring, safe, and predictable ways, like full bank accounts, good health, low risk ministry success with high buy-in from the congregation, and so on.

God knows we need to be reminded of our dependence on him over and over again for as long as we live. Few reminders are more vivid or visceral than waiting by flooding rivers. Or spending nights in a lion’s den. Or watching for heart stopping moments to see if Xerxes would extend his scepter. Or waiting in the Garden of Gethsemane while your rabbi pours out his soul and sweat in anguished prayer, knowing there are dangerous men who want to arrest him and you. God knows that these reminders of our dependence are frightening and place profound strain on us (even when things turn out well in the end). That’s why he shows us that we can trust him and wait on him. He has been his people’s helper over and over and over again across the millennia—and he will help us now no matter what may come.

How then do we wait on him well, specifically in the face of a global pandemic? Certainly not by pretending that everything will be ok. We don’t know if COVID 19 will end up as a minor inconvenience to our stock portfolio, or if we will end up in a quarantine zone, or fall ill, or lose a loved one. Waiting well in the face of our anxiety about a coming danger means taking seriously the reality of the danger. Our God takes our lives and our sufferings very seriously indeed, and “he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone” because he cares for us and for the things we care for (Lam 3:33). And when through the deep waters he calls us to go, he makes sure that the rivers of sorrow do not overflow, for “though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love” (Lam 3:32–33).

I’ll close with one last thought about how you and I can wait on the banks of this river, even as its flood is swelling:

Pour out your anxieties to your Father in Heaven. Do not churn fruitlessly inside your own heart with worries about school closings, travel plans, economic downturns, or the potentially infected surfaces you’ve touched! When you are afraid, turn to him. Cast your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. In fact, let handwashing or rubbing on hand sanitizer become a moment in which you consciously entrust yourself and the future of everyone you care about into his hands.

To spend our time frantically strategizing about how we’ll cross the flooded river is so instinctive, even though it is also foolish and needless. So do wash your hands, and do what is wise about working from home, or calling your doctor. But don’t let yourself for a moment forget where your true safety lies. After all, you don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but you do know the one who parts raging rivers…and who has already parted the last river for you, blocking its flow with his blood-soaked cross! That final crossing you will indeed find already open and waiting for you. And on the far side of that river you’ll fear and wait no more.

Alasdair Groves

Joy of Parenting Class 3 Modern Family Challenges

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 17:25:13 GMT

Parenting can be tough. As parents, we have many questions and insecurities, but often, we find ourselves confused by all the conflicting advice on the web. Fortunately, the Bible gives us answers—answers that will guide us for a lifetime. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we can have real answers that go beyond behaviors but straight to the heart of our children. Learn how you can leave a lasting legacy of faith, love and hope.

Help! My group has problems!

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:37:51 GMT

A Small Group Will Have Problems if it Has Any People in it.

A Small Group Will Have Problems if it Has Any People in it

Jesus’ own Small Group has problems—it was filled with stubborn and faithless people, yet God worked powerfully through this group and individuals in it

Don’t expect people to be perfect

Let God put a sense of expectancy in you

Soak your Community Group members in prayer

Joy of Parenting Class 2 Training for life

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 17:25:28 GMT

The Joy of Parenting: Class 1 Heart to Heart Parenting

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 17:17:30 GMT

>>> CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE HANDOUT

Simple Reproducible Community Groups Training

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 16:25:08 GMT

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Here is the audio and notes from our training time 2-16-2020.

>>> CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

>>> CLICK HERE FOR NOTES

If you do better preparing beforehand here is a worksheet you can use to get ready for your community group discussion.

>>> CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Three-Column Community Group Study Preparation Printout

Denver CoC Blog

Scholarships for 2024 HOPE Volunteer Corps!

Teen Prom - Red Carpet

2024 Rocky Mountain Youth Camps

June 9 - 14, 2024

Autoimmune & Physically Challenged (APC) Ministry

Mondays in February, 1st session February 12th @ 7pm

South Region Married Night Out

February 24 • 7pm • Lone Tree Library (10055 Library Way, Lone Tree 80124)

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service & Potluck

Mother Son Event

Mother, Son Event Dec 2nd!

Get registered ASAP, registration closes at noon on Dec 1st.

Christmas Toy Drive!

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa

Bring your little ones and get ready to capture a truly magical moment! Santa is here and he can't wait to strike a pose with your kids for an absolutely unforgettable photo. Space is limited so don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! ﻿

Upcoming events for our Arvada (NW) Location & Small Group Discussion guides

Churches that Heal resources can be found HERE .

Christmas Cookie Contest!

2023 Campus Fall Retreat

October 6-8 • YMCA Estes Park

Congregational Women's Midweek 10/7/23

The Grief Journey - Finding Peace in All of Life's Losses

Mondays, starting October 16th to November 20th

Elitches Teen Rally!

Spiritual Discovery Group

Beginning in October 2023!

Summer 2023 Co-ed Softball League!

Marriage Retreat Breckenridge

NOTE: WE WILL HAVE A DELAYED START DUE TO SNOW.

We will have a few cars shuttling people from the doubletree to the Village meeting rooms. If you are unable to walk, please cue up in the roundabout at the double tree starting at 10:15AM

Saturday Schedule (UPDATED DUE TO SNOW)

Sunday Schedule

2023 Rocky Mountain Youth Camps

June 4 - 9, 2023 ﻿

Rocky Mountain Kids Camp

June 16 - June 18, 2023

Forming - 12 Week Zoom Course

12 week course • Apr. 17 - July. 24, 2023 (no class, May 29th, Jun 12th, Jul 3rd)

Denver HOPE Volunteer Corps

Teen Prom - A Night in Paris

Scholarships for 2023 HOPE Volunteer Corps!

Meditating on God's Word

Does the Bible command us to read it every day?

Garden Love: March Volunteer Opportunity

March 11, 2023 • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Upcoming events for our East Location

Upcoming events for our South (Lone Tree Hub) Location

Additional information

Autoimmune & Physically Challenged (APC) Ministry

Young Professional Scavenger Hunt

Christians Seeking Justice Monthly Vision & Strategy Gathering

Join us on Saturday, February 18th

at 11am for the Do Justice Webinar

MIT (Ministry in Training) Details and Application

Garden Love: Volunteer Opportunity

February 11, 2023 • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Jan 11th Congregational Midweek

Please log on and join us Wednesday , January 11th

at 7 PM for this S pecial C ongregational Midweek.

Spiritual Renewal Workshop

FREE Spiritual Renewal workshop • January 14 •10am to 2pm PST - Register HERE !

A Family Story of God's Faithfulness

Peace

Joy

Reflecting on Love This Christmas

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

A Thrill of Hope, a Weary World Rejoices!

MLK Day 2023 - Celebrando La Diversidad!

Christmas Dress-up Contest!

Teen Friendsgiving!

Children's Christmas Choir!

Bible Jubilee

October Community Gardening Day!

Monthly Community Gardening Day • Oct 29 • 10 am

Spiritual Discovery Group

Beginning in November...

The Grief Journey • Online Course • Fall/Winter Session

6 week course • Nov. 1 - Dec. 13, 2022 (no class, Nov 22)

Social Equity in Deuteronomy

Bring your little ones and get ready to capture a truly magical moment! Santa is here and he can't wait to strike a pose with your kids for an absolutely unforgettable photo. Space is limited so don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

June 4 - 9, 2023

Part 1: Confronting Fears and Anxieties