The Denver United Chronicles

A Message by Pastor Gary Copeland

On October 18th, Pastor Gary Copeland, one of Denver United's elders, preached during both morning services.  His message was a poignant reminder that what makes a church great is a passion for evangelism. He challenged the entire congregation to remain vigilant to maintain true to the purpose for which Denver United was planted, to bring the light of Jesus into the heart of the city, and he gave practical steps that every member can take to reach out to non-Christians in their own lives and neighborhoods.

Listen to Pastor Gary Copeland's message, "A Sense of Destiny, Part 2" or other recent messages on the multimedia page of the Denver United website.

Clergy Appreciation Month 2009: We Love Our Pastors!

On October 18th, in honor of Clergy Appreciation Month, the congregation of Denver United was blessed to have the opportunity to show its love for the pastoral staff.  In a presentation emceed by Daron Ball and Julie Jennings, two of Denver United's elders, gifts were presented to each member of the staff and their spouses during the second morning service. 

Sean Hatch, Denver United's Pastoral Assistant and Video Director, was given a collection of DVD's from the very fun Drive Thru History series to encourage him in his studies at Metro State.  His wife Jillian received a gift card to Bath and Body Works.

A gift basket of goodies was presented to Katie Crecion, the United Kids Administrator. Since she loves kids, the centerpiece of the basket was the book Too Small To Ignore: Why Children Are The Next Big Thing by Compassion International's President Wess Stafford, plus other goodies to sweeten her reading experience - coffee, coffee mug, candle and chocolates.  For her husband Adam, we included a gift card to Starbucks.

Student Ministry Leaders Jonathan and Mandy Pratt received a "date night" package with gift cards to Champps for dinner (since they're sports fans) and Fandango for movie tickets of their choice.

Worship Pastor Austin Pyle and his wife Blanca received the gift of music -- His and Hers gift cards to iTunes.

Administrative Pastor Andrew Mondy and his wife Darci received a gift card to Pottery Barn Kids to help them welcome to the world their newest arrival, Titus James, who was born on October 16th. 

Executive Pastor Justin Spicer and his wife were excited to received a family membership to the Denver Zoo, so they could take their four children to see the animals all year round.  Just in time for the ever popular and not so scary Boo at the Zoo!

For Senior Pastor Rob Brendle and his wife Mauri, who is the United Kids Pastor, only one present would do -- tickets to Star Wars: In Concert at the Pepsi Center.  We also provided them with a gift card to help cover babysitting costs so they could go to the concert.

After all the gifts were presented, the congregation further showed their appreciation for the pastoral families with a standing ovation, and Daron Ball led everyone in prayer for the staff.

Enjoy some of the fun photographic memories of that morning.

Young Professionals Navigate The Corn Maze

On Saturday, October 17th, members of United Young Professionals converged upon the Botanic Gardens at Chatfield to take on the much-anticipated annual corn maze, reportedly one of the most attended in the nation.  This year's twists and turns were carved into the 8 acres of corn to create a dinosaur theme.  The young professionals broke into teams to test their navigation skills, each hoping they would be the first to cross the finish line.  Take a look at some of the fun memories from that day.

Love Expert of the Week: Rett Kearbey

Every Sunday we are blessed beyond measure at Denver United to be led in worship by such an amazing team of talented musicians.  For this week's installment of the Love Experts column, we wanted to introduce you to one of the singers you see on stage on a regular basis.  Take a few moments to learn more about Rett Kearbey.

Rett Kearbey

Originally from Forehope, Alabama, Rett now makes his home in the Denver area. 

Position at Denver United: Vocalist, Worship Team

Education: Degree in Business from the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Career: Rett currently works in internet marketing, but his dream is to be a professional singer.

Interests: Business, inventing & innovating, the Colorado outdoors, singing, hiking, camping, live concert performances, live theater, being healthy, helping people have a better life, foreign travel & language, time with family & friends

Favorite Activities: Working, traveling, skiing, fishing, chillin with Rux Monster (his dog)

Favorite Music: Bono, Sting, Keane, Adam Lambert, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Jeff Buckley, 70's classic rock, live worship, oldies, Allman Bros Band, Andrea Bocelli, The Beatles, Jason Mraz, Matt Monro, Michael Buble, smooth old school r&b/soul, 80's hits, Billy Joel, Legends of the Fall soundtrack, Josh Groban, Olive, Regina Spektor, jazz vocalists, Brad Paisley, and many more

Favorite Movies: The Count of Monte Cristo, The Emporer's Club, The Wrestler, Forrest Gump, I Am David, Knowing, spy/theif/secret agent movies, period epics (Legends of the Fall, Gladiator, Braveheart, etc.)

 

5-Star Service at the 7 Star Motel

On Saturday, October 3rd, members of Denver United's own Grad Student Group, led by Tony Lin, partnered with Restoration Outreach Programs (ROP) for their Motel Barbeque Outreach.  With ROP's focus on restoring lives through Christ on East Colfax, this day was designed to reach out to the residents of the 7 Star and Sand & Sage Motels.  The grad students pitched in to serve up a delicious BBQ meal, allowing ROP the opportunity to focus on sharing the bountiful love of Christ with the often overlooked and marginalized members of this community.  It also helped build awareness of Restoration Outreach and the services they provide along the East Colfax corridor of Denver and Aurora, helping to assure even greater potential ministry impact in the months to come. 

Take a look at some of the photos of that day. 

For more information on the Grad Student Group, visit their page on the brand new United Groups website.

Finding Your Spot: The First Season of Small Groups

With part one of the new sermon series, "The Small Group that Changed the World," Denver United's small groups ministry was officially launched on October 4th. More than thirty groups kicked off the inaugural season, offering Bible studies, breakfast, basketball and everything in between.  Pastor Rob and the congregation commissioned this new set of leaders with prayer and a great deal of excitement for what the future holds.  Small groups will be a vibrant part of the fabric of Denver United for years to come.

Each of us needs a place where we belong.  A place where we can be surrounded by friends who believe in our dreams, see us for who we really are, and inspire us to become all that God has called us to be.  For those of us influenced by 80's culture, that means we need to find a place "like Cheers, but without the beer" as Pastor Rob would say.  A place "where everybody knows your name." 

At Denver United, that place is a small group.  So, kick back, listen to the song for some inspiration, and check out some of this semester's offerings. We have a spot for you.

Young Professionals Life Group: Focus on Loving Others

What do hip, young professionals do on Friday nights in Denver?  On October 2nd, the place to be was the Village Plaza Lofts in the DTC for the Young Professionals Life Group.  Hosted by Chris Balster and Amanda Michalek, this was an opportunity to explore God's word with other like-minded individuals while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.  This week's discussion was on how to respond to God's call by loving one's neighbor as oneself.  Take a look at some of the fun and frolic from the evening's gathering.

For more information on the Young Professionals Group, check out their page on the United Groups website or connect with them on Facebook.

Fall is in the air, so what better way to ring in the new season than by getting lost in a field of corn with your friends?  The Young Professionals group is heading to the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield corn maze on Saturday, October 17th at 2pm.  Get the 411 on this event by contacting Amanda Michalek or Chris Balster.

A Visit from the Hancock Family

On September 27th, the congregation was honored to welcome the Hancock family during their first visit to Denver United. Britt and Audrey along with their four children are Denver United-supported long-term missionaries, who have a ministry among the rural indigenous tribes in the Puebla de Zaragoza area of south central Mexico. Britt was able to share an update on their ministry, and Pastor Rob also introduced Britt as one of the church's overseers.

See photos of their memorable visit here.

To find out more about the missionaries supported by the church's monthly giving, visit the Ministries page of the Denver United website and look for United Missions in the slider.

Join in the Fun!

Looking to get plugged in at Denver United?  Come join the Chronicles Crew.  We're a group of photographers and writers who serve to preserve the memories of Denver United Church and maintain the Denver United Chronicles webite.  For more information, check out our page on the United Groups website.

Love Expert of the Week: Amanda Foltz

Over the past year, Pastor Rob has spoken out on several occasions about the worldwide tragedy of child sex slavery; this week's Love Expert of the Week also has a passion for seeing this social injustice put to an end.  Read on as we introduce you to Amanda Foltz, who is launching one of Denver United's newest groups, Speak Up.

Speak Up is a group focused on raising awareness of the issue of Human Trafficking, with a primary focus on ending child sex slavery.  In addition to raising awareness, they will be teaming up with other organizations to rescue the children and persecute the perpetrators. For more information, check out their group page on the newly launched United Groups site.

Amanda Foltz

Amanda and her husband Josh have been married for 10 years and have three boys.  They make their home in Highlands Ranch. 

Position at Denver United: Leader, Speak Up; Volunteer, Usher Team and Altar/Prayer Ministry Team

Career: Owner, Studio 33 Salon

Interests: "I am raising my voice against Child Sex Slavery. We must do all we can to stop this horrible crime.  I was radically saved about 11 yrs ago and dealt with so much that is close to this issue.  I know that God has a plan for these children and that he can rescue and heal their hearts, minds and souls.  There is no way that I could sit back after all that God has rescued me from and not do anything for these precious little ones. Those who have been forgiven much, love much; and I cannot explain the love I have for these victims and how very much every part of me wants to rescue them and show them the redemption and love that Christ can have in their lives."

Favorite Activities: Being creative, being outdoors, mountain biking with her boys, hiking, suntanning, going to the beach.

Favorite TV Shows: LOST, Heroes

Favorite Movies: "Anything that encourages me to step out and do more: I'm really into movies on Human Trafficking. They encourage me to get in shape and be ready for any adventure God throws my way. Matrix was another one that just got me excited for life."