The Denver United Chronicles

Small Group Speed Dating: Spring 2012

On February 12th, Denver United kicked off the Spring semester of United Groups by hosting what was affectionately know as small group speed dating.  After both morning services, leaders lined the hallway outside Davis Auditorium to share information about their groups and answer questions from interested members of the congregation.  From prison ministry to cooking, and young adults to slightly older adults, there was something for everyone. Take a look at some of the photos from that morning here, and check out the full list of open small groups here.

United Groups Spotlight: Fun-filled Fridays With FNL

In September and October, the Young Professionals of Denver United continued to find fun and fellowship awaiting them at Friday Night Life. Led by Gordon and Esther Flammer, meeting on the Fridays opposite of Focus, the group provides wholesome and creative opportunities for 20- and 30-something young adults to enjoy some time with friends while taking advantage of the best Denver has to offer. In September, they went to the Taste of Colorado and Boondocks Family Fun Center, while October 1st found them enjoying the Tennyson Street Art Walk. On October 15th, they ventured to Anderson Farms for a fall festival and corn maze.  Enjoy some photos of their adventures.

For their next big event, Friday Night Life will be hosting a pumpkin carving costume party on October 29th.  S'mores, a fire-pit, karaoke, air hockey and even a "Thriller" dance are in store.  If you're a young professional looking to get plugged in with others, they would love for you to join them.  Check out their United Groups or Facebook page for more information.

Special thanks to Esther Flammer for providing the photos of these events.

One Amazingly Delicious Chili Party

On October 9th, nearly two dozen college students attended a chili party hosted by the Denver United College Group.  Besides digging into the hot and delicious cuisine, they also enjoyed a bonfire and the screening of a movie out on the lawn.  It was a perfect opportunity to get to know one another better and savor a little downtime from studying.  Take a look at some of the photos from that evening.

If you're a undergraduate or graduate student in the Denver area looking to plug in with others, click here to find out more about Denver United's college ministry.

Special thanks to Daniel Maxwell and Jake Swain for providing the photos of this event.

United Groups Spotlight: Friday Night Life

One of the foundational principles of Denver United is that faith-deepening discipleship happens best in the context of life-giving relationships.  As such, small groups have been an integral part of community life since the church's earliest days in Denver.  During the summer of 2010, leaders Gordon and Esther Flammer launched Friday Night Life.  With nearly 150 followers on Facebook, this small group, which focuses on providing fun, wholesome activities for folks to enjoy, has quickly become a driving force for fellowship and friendship within the young professionals community.  From local events to treks in the mountains, their activities are a source of weekend entertainment for many. Check out photos from some of their recent outings. 

To find out how you can join in their upcoming events, go to their page on the United Groups website or visit them out on Facebook. 

United Groups Spotlight: Finding Financial Peace

On Wednesday, April 7th, nearly a dozen members of the Denver United community completed Dave Ramsey's 13-week Financial Peace University course.  Led by Wes Sjaardema, the small group met weekly to learn about such topics as saving, cash flow planning, getting rid of debt and understanding credit.  Over the length of the program, the group adopted a new perspective on money, which will empower them to be able to achieve their financial goals by increasing savings, eliminating debt and giving generously.  Congratulations from Denver United to all those who completed the course!

To find out more about the Financial Peace University small group, check out their page on the United Groups website.

ReGifters: Blessings Families Through Practical Giving

On Thursday, April 8th, the ReGifters small group had the opportunity to once again bless a family through the art of practical giving.  Having heard about a single mother struggling to support three children and her own mother, the ReGifters jumped into action.  When they arrived at the woman's apartment, they found that she had very few belongings -- a dining room table, four chairs, one bed and a TV.  It immediately became apparent why the Lord had recently filled the ReGifters' storage space to overflowing.  Over the course of Thursday evening, they were able to transform the family's apartment by providing gently used furniture, as well as much needed household and kitchen items.  It was an opportunity to show the love of Jesus to this family by meeting some of their most basic needs.

The family is still in need of beds for the girls.  If you have beds to donate or see any listed on Craig's List or similar sites, contact Jared Carlson.

To find out how you can become involved in outreach opportunities like this one, visit the ReGifters page on the United Groups website.

United Groups Spotlight: reGifters: Haiti Outreach

On Saturday, February 6th, the reGifters small group participated in Mile High for Haiti,  a community-wide event focused on providing ongoing relief to the people of the earthquake-ravaged nation of Haiti.  Thirteen volunteers from reGifters manned stations at local Walmarts in the Denver area, asking people to donate medical supplies.  The outreach was a complete success!  They closed the donation center 3 hours early because Walmart was completely wiped clean of first-aid items.  Good job, team!

This was the third successful outreach that reGifters has accomplished. In December and January, they were able to bless local families with much-needed furnishings for their homes.  Take a look at some photos from the December delivery.

Want to get involved in making a difference in the community?  Find out more about the incredible outreach opportunities available through the reGifters group by visiting their webpage on the United Groups website.

All Things New in 2010

With the United Young Professionals bursting at the seams in their old location in the DTC, January was the perfect time to unfold some changes for the group.  The first to see an overhaul was the name, as the group officially became known as Focus.  Then on January 15th, they held their first meeting in their brand new location, the TNL Warehouse in Englewood.  With 85 people in attendance, it was a perfect night for connecting with others and building community.  Worship was led by the new Focus worship team, and Chris Balster brought an encouraging message from the Word.  Check out some of the photos from this historic night.

If you're new to Denver United or just haven't connected yet, Focus is the perfect place to meet other young adults in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.  For more information, check out their webpage on the United Groups website.

Making a Joyful Noise

On Sunday, December 27th, following their powerful, high-energy dance routine at the Christmas Eve service, the members of the Joyful Noise Step Team made a return to the Davis Auditorium stage for an encore performance at both morning services.  Joyful Noise demonstrated once again that dance can be used as a means of worship, bringing praise and honor to the Lord.

The members of Joyful Noise are Rachel Baker, Chris Levi, Matthew Hernandez, Christopher Frierson, Vanessa Ramirez, Esther Flammer and Lauren Brown.

Relive some memorable moments from their Christmas Eve performance.

With the second semester of small groups launching, Christopher Frierson is calling all dancers to join the new dance group.  Together members will seek to enhance the praise within our church body and the surrounding  community.  For more information, visit their webpage on the United Groups website.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Christmas Cookie Decorating

On Friday, December 18th, members of the Young Professionals group gathered at the Village Plaza Lofts in the DTC for some festive Christmas cookie decorating fun.  Young and old alike enjoyed adding color and pizzazz to the sugar cookies, and the best part was eating them afterwards.  It was also an excellent opprtunity to hang out with each other and meet new friends.  Take a look at some pictures of this fun event.

Want to learn more about the Young Professionals group?  Visit their page at the United Groups website.