The Denver United Chronicles

Honoring Moms on Mother's Day

 
On May 8th, Denver United honored the moms in the congregation with a special song and surprise for Mother's Day.  Ben Wood, a student at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music, sang a beautiful, operatic rendition of "You Lift Me Up."  Near the end of the song, all the moms in the audience were asked to stand for recognition, and members of the United Kids Reach Servant Leadership group presented them each with a rose.

Easter 2011: He Is Risen!

On April 24th, following four outreach-oriented performances of The Thorn at Magness Arena, Easter weekend observances continued with Denver United hosting three services in Sturm Hall. Worship Pastor Austin Pyle and members of the worship team prepared a special program of music, dance, scripture and more to help us turn our eyes towards Jesus and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.  Some of the memorable moments included scripture readings by Feben Berhe and Mark DeEsparza, a beautiful rendition of "Via Della Rosa" with lead vocals by Blanca Pyle and dance by Gabi Kelley, and a high-energy performance of "Agnus Dei" with lead vocals by Nathan Downey.  Reminiscent of Christmas Eve, the much loved hip-hop dancers made a return appearance, as did the members of the strings section. Pastor Rob presented a message reflective of the love of God that is evident in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and several in attendance made the decision to commit or recommit their lives to Christ.  Relive some of these special memories with some pictures from that morning.

Worship With United Kids

 
On Sunday, April 10th, Children's Pastor Mauri Brendle and members of United Kids helped lead worship during both morning services. With their high-energy enthusiasm for the Lord, employing both song and dance, they helped demonstrate the importance of approaching God with a childlike heart of faith. Relive the memory with some photos from that morning.

Pastor Austin Pyle Ordained

 
On February 27th, the Elders of Denver United ordained Austin Pyle, who has served faithfully as Worship Pastor since the church's first meeting in the basement days.  Having recently earned his minister's license, the Elders honored Pastor Austin with ordination, which formally recognizes that an individual has been called by God to ministry.  The congregation, led by members of the Elder Board, prayed for him in the second morning service.

Worship With Dave LeMieux & House of Soul

 

On February 13th, Denver United welcomed Dave LeMieux & House of Soul, who led worship for both morning services.  With their high-energy, powerful blend of gospel, funk and soul, this ensemble of world-class singers and musicians led the congregation in such memorable songs as "Grace Like Rain" and "Kiss of a Friend." Denver United's own Dave LeMieux also shared about the musical opportunities the team has had, as well as their At The Table with Dr. King presentation that they've presented in public schools across the nation.   

To find out more about this group of 13 missionary musicians or to purchase their CDs, visit their website or find them on Facebook.

When Christmas Came To Sturm Hall

On Friday, December 24th, Christmas came to Sturm Hall as Denver United hosted two Christmas Eve services.  Produced by Worship Pastor Austin Pyle, with direction by Andrew Schmidt and Pastor Andrew Mondy, each service presented a blend of the seasonal and the sacred, the traditional and the contemporary, in order to provide a welcoming environment in which folks could receive a clear presentation of the Gospel. The musical selections ranged from the traditional "Angels We Have Heard on High" to the contemporary "Urban Silent Night" to the classical "Laudate Dominum."  Dance teams brought their offerings of worship with a high-energy hip hop routine, as well as a reflective accompaniment to the "The Angel Song."  And the worship band was joined by a full string section, together bringing a joyful noise to the Lord. It was a festive celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which saw full crowds at both services. Take a look at some of the memories from that evening.

The Sweet Sounds of Christmas

On December 20th, at both morning services, Pastor Austin Pyle and a group of six very talented vocalists presented a Christmas song a cappella.  Those adding to the sweet harmony (from left to right in the above photo) were Quinn Cory, Blanca Pyle, Kezia Ayers, Rett Kearbey, Jinjer Spears and Mindy D'Agostino.  It was just a taste of the music that lies in store for those who attend this week's Christmas Eve service.

Join us December 24th at 4 pm for our very first Christmas Eve service.  We will be meeting in Davis Auditorium in Sturm Hall at the University of Denver, the location of our weekly Sunday morning services.  For more information, click here.

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.)

 

A Sweet Musical Treat

The melodious sounds of four-part harmony filled Sturm Hall Sunday morning, September 13th, as Seth Bentz, Pastor Austin Pyle, Blanca Pyle, and Rett Kearbey presented a special song, entitled "Sweet, Sweet Spirit." 

August 16th: A Visit From An Old Friend

On Sunday, August 16th, with Pastor Austin and Blanca Pyle on a much deserved vacation, Denver United welcomed Pastor Brad Parsley, who lead worship for both morning services.  Pastor Brad is Associate Pastor of Creative Minsitries and Worship at New Life Church in Colorado Springs and a long-time friend of the Denver United staff.