Another Update: Merry Christmas!

UPDATE: As you know your pastor likes to say, “There’s more we can do together than any of us can do on our own.” Yet again, FBCD members and friends have given proof of this adage. To date, $1,835 has been given toward our goal of $2,000. It’s predictable that within the next week we will even surpass this amount. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches, of which FBCD is part, has presented our region with a challenge to raise $60,000 for an elementary school, College Matondo (picture to right), in Cap Haitian, Haiti. Evergreen has been part of the planning and development of this school since its beginning in 2012.

The school is sponsored by the Haitian Baptist Convention and is being supported by two of our American Baptist missionaries, Nzunga Mabudiga and Kihomi Ngwemi. In 2015 Rev. Henderson and Michael Holmes participated in a mission team to Haiti to see the ongoing work happening in Cap Haitian. 

The Evergreen Association is seeking 30 congregations to give $2,000 each toward the $60,000 goal. With these funds, we will be able to see the completion of College Matondo. With funds secured, the school will open for classes in the Fall of 2018.

With the support of the Church Council, Rev. Henderson challenges our congregation to raise $2,000 by the end of December. To support this challenge, please place “College Matondo” on the memo line of your check or on the pew envelope. Please consider what over-and-above gift you can offer to help us meet this $2,000 challenge by year end. $10, $25, $50, $100, $500? Remember, there’s far more we can do together than any of us can do on our own.



First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

$2,000 Haiti Challenge

The Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches, of which FBCD is part, has presented our region with a challenge to raise $60,000 for an elementary school, College Matondo (picture to left), in Cap Haitian, Haiti. Evergreen has been part of the planning and development of this school since its beginning in 2012.

The school is sponsored by the Haitian Baptist Convention and is being supported by two of our American Baptist missionaries, Nzunga Mabudiga and Kihomi Ngwemi. In 2015 Rev. Henderson and Michael Holmes participated in a mission team to Haiti to see the ongoing work happening in Cap Haitian. The Evergreen Association is seeking 30 congregations to give $2,000 each toward the $60,000 goal. With these funds, we will be able to see the completion of College Matondo. With funds secured, the school will open for classes in the Fall of 2018.

With the support of the Church Council, Rev. Henderson challenges our congregation to raise $2,000 by the end of December. To support this challenge, please place “College Matondo” on the memo line of your check or on the pew envelope.

Also, if you’re interested in seeing this work first-hand, there will be a delegation of Evergreen Association members visiting Haiti March 2-10. Rev. Henderson and his daughter Ana will be going. Contact him if you would like more information.

Please consider what over-and-above gift you can offer to help us meet this $2,000 challenge by year end. $10, $25, $50, $100, $500? Remember, there’s far more we can do together than any of us can do on our own.

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 11/16/17

Hello Everyone! I trust your week is coming along. Know you’ve been in my thoughts and prayers. A week from today FBCD will be hosting with Calvary Baptist Church of Denver dinner for Thanksgiving.

Many, many thanks to everyone who has volunteered so far. It’s wonderful to see the overwhelming response we’ve had for this community outreach opportunity. (We can always use more pies!)

Here's the flier we’re using to advertise this event (note: we’ll have two sittings). Please help us pass the word. We anticipate many of our guests coming from the downtown area and folk who probably are not living with a roof over their heads.

We will celebrate together with a partner congregation to do together what none of us could do on our own!

I hope to see you this Sunday. Invite someone to join us for service. They’ll be glad you did!

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 11/10/17

Dear FBCD Family & Friends:

This past Tuesday evening representatives of the Colorado Muslim community visited FBCD to express their support and solidarity in response to the massacre that happened at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, TX, last Sunday. Those present shared with about 25 FBCD members and friends a letter that was signed by more than a dozen different Muslim organizations. In return, on behalf of our community, I shared a letter of appreciation with our Muslim sisters and brothers.

Following this exchange of letters, we spent time as a group in conversation with each other. The Muslim community extended to FBCD a formal invitation to experience a service and meal at one of their local mosques. We will make plans for this to take place soon.

Below are the letters that we exchanged. Also, here is a link to Denver’s Fox News that reported on what took place Tuesday:

KDVR News Segment Video

Please plan to be present for this Sunday’s 10:30 service. As always, invite someone to join you. They’ll be glad you did!

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 11/2/17

Dear FBCD Family & Friends!

Don’t forget! This weekend we get an extra hour of sleep. I hope you plan to be present for service at 10:30 as it will be a special morning. We will be recognizing All Saints’ Sunday and honoring those within or related to our congregation who have died over the past two years; we will celebrate communion using some of the original 1864 communion ware; and we will be graced with special music and musicians that is sure to move our spirits.

Additionally, on Sunday morning we will continue at 9am in the Fireside Room our scripture series, “Acting Out: A Study through the Book of Acts.” Each week we read a chapter, review social-cultural notes, and then engage questions for discussion. If you haven’t checked this out yet, join us! You’ll be glad you did.

Finally, looking ahead to next week, members and friends of FBCD will receive our annual pledge request letter. This request helps our Church Council plan for the next budget year. Be looking for this and please be consider how your time, talent, and treasure can continue to support the vital ministry that happens at 1373 Grant Street.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your pastor. It is an honor to be learning from you and serving alongside of you in many ways.

Sincerely,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

All Saints Sunday Preparations

Dear FBCD Family & Friends:

Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses...

On November 5, we will celebrate All Saints' Sunday by acknowledging family members, friends, and colleagues who have died this past year. If you would like to honor a person and to have them listed in the weekly bulletin, please call or email the church office by Wednesday, November 1, with that individual’s name, birth and death dates.

I am fond of the quote, “No one is ever dead, until they’re forgotten.” On November 5, we will remember the living faith of those that have gone before us. As we look to the past and those that have preceded us in death, may we together find hope and strength for our journeys ahead.

Whether you are able to be in service or not, please plan to participate in this sacred ritual of remembrance.

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 10/12/17

Dear FBCD Family & Friends:

I trust this week has been a good week for you. Following last Sunday’s service and sermon, I took intentional time to admire the stars in the night sky. In fact, I took a mini-retreat and viewed the night sky above the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. My first evening of viewing, I witnessed a shooting star as well as a couple of orbiting satellites. It was good food for my soul. I hope you’ve had a chance to view the beauty nature and God’s handiwork this week too.

Looking to this Sunday, please remember to allow for extra time to arrive at FBCD on account of the marathon taking place near the Capitol Hill district. Please don’t be discouraged by the race and different traffic patterns.

FBCD’s service will be a moving one filled with good music and an inspired sermon.

Invite someone to join you. They’ll be glad you did!

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 9/28/17

"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

This Sunday the Mile High City will be host to yet another race...the Denver Hot Chocolate 15k & 5k.

In light of this and using the imagery from Paul’s ancient letter to the Corinthians...I want to remind our church family and friends of two things:


1. There’s a race near downtown this Sunday so please allow yourself extra time to get to FBCD for our 10:30 service.

2. As a church community and as individuals we are challenged to keep running the race of life...the race of faith that is before us. To run a race takes time, effort, and discipline. I know from my own experience of running, that such exercise requires physical and mental persistence. We must actively choose to stay in shape if our goal is to complete races.

As followers of Jesus, we must keep ourselves in shape too. Being in community with each other, taking time to study and pray, being in worship, and actively serving others are all ways to help us run the race of faith.

Will you join us this coming Sunday for either scripture study at 9am in Fellowship Hall or worship at 10:30 in the sanctuary? Beginning next week...Wednesday night Bible study will be up and running too. And as always...opportunities to serve through the Women’s Homelessness Initiative or any number of other opportunities are possible.

I hope to see you this week. Invite someone to join you. They’ll be glad you did!

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 9/22/17

Happy Autumn Everyone!

I trust this week has been good for you in different ways. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. FBCD is a good place to be and I’m encouraged by the ongoing energy and enthusiasm that is ever evolving. Sometimes, when so much negative news and reality can overtake the news headlines and social media sites, it’s hard to appreciate the good that is happening around us.

Last week I participated in a fund-raiser for a local non-profit that supports women and men who are seeking to transition from being homeless to being housed. In sharing her testimony, one of the program participants, Brenda, said, “You forget there are so many good [things] in the world when what we see seems so bad."

There is much good happening at 1373 Grant Street.

Beginning this Sunday, from 9-9:50 in Fellowship Hall, we will begin a scripture study series called, “Acting Out: A Study Through the Book of Acts.” This will be a 9-week series and is designed so that if you miss a week or two, or can only come for a few sessions, you’ll fit in just fine. Please consider joining me as we explore together how the faith we profess can be lived out through the lives of every day folk like ourselves! You’ll be glad you did.

Whether for the scripture study series or for worship, I hope to see you this Sunday!

Thank you as always for being the people you are. Together, we are doing far more than any one of us could do on our own.

With love and admiration,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 9/7/17

Dear FBCD Family & Friends:


Thank you to everyone who donated to our “One Great Hour of Sharing” (OGHS) special offering for Hurricane Harvey relief work in Texas and Louisiana. We will continue for the next couple of Sundays to receive over-and-above offerings for these efforts.

As you may know, the southeast region of our country is anticipating Hurricane Irma to make landfall in Florida this weekend. The effects of this storm are yet to be known but we can assume much relief effort and support will be needed there too.

During our services to come, you can give (or given again) to OGHS through FBCD’s weekly offering by noting on the pew envelope and/or your check “OGHS-Hurricane Relief."

UPDATE: Former member and musician of FBCD, Scot Pankey, has been able to return to his home to collect items but his house and neighborhood have sustained major damage. Scot’s spirits are good and he’s grateful for many blessings even in the face of many challenges. Please keep him in your prayers.

Thank you in advance again for your generosity. Let us keep the tens of thousands of people and communities impacted by these storms in our prayers for the days and months to come.

Sincerely,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 8/24/17

Mark your calendars!

Mikah Meyer will visit First Baptist Church as a guest speaker and soloist on Sunday, September 17. Most recently a professional countertenor singer for the Washington National Cathedral Choirs, Mikah is also the founder of the world's largest LGBT Christian Young Adult organization, Queer For Christ, and is currently on a world record-setting journey to all 417 U.S. national parks.

The son of a pastor, he is using his parks project to advocate for increased youth involvement in the outdoors, broadened LGBT Christian visibility and acceptance, and to share America's most beautiful places with the world.

Mikah’s story has been featured by NPR, the Washington Post, and the National Park Foundation.

Learn more about Mikah at www.TBCmikah.com.

Please plan now to invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers! This will be a good day for FBCD.

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 8/10/17

“When the minister is away...members may be tempted to play."

Dear FBCD Family & Friends:

As many of you know, today begins a two week vacation for me. I’m on my way to New Jersey where I’ll be spending time with my kids and family. Next week, I’ll return to Colorado to welcome one of my brothers to Denver. He and I will be traveling to meet friends in South Dakota to witness the solar eclipse before I return again to our Mile High City.

Honestly, I’m really looking forward to this time off. However, know that I will miss you and the many things that happen at 1373 Grant Street on a daily basis.

Typically, when ministers or pastors take time off it can be tempting for members to take time off too...especially from Sunday services. :-) I want to encourage you to be different than many. You can anticipate meaningful services over the next two Sundays. As I like to say, invite someone to join you. They’ll be glad you did!

Also...while you’re at FBCD on Sunday...or maybe even during the week, see if there’s anything you can do to help out. Check in the office with Shirley during the week. On Sundays...be extra mindful of visitors and guests. If something is out of place or should be taken care of...step up and do what you can to offer assistance.

It is a real privilege to serve as your minister. FBCD is in a season of growth and with this growth comes very good energy. I hope you can sense this. Your presence is helping to make this so.

Between August 10th and 23rd, if you know of a situation within our church community that requires pastoral care, please contact the church office. Shirley will notify Rev. Nancy Darnell, Deacon Scott Pegues, or Rev. Eric Reagan. One of these leaders will respond. If there’s a situation requiring care outside of office hours, please contact one of these individuals directly.

Know I’ll be thinking of you even while I’m traveling. FBCD is a good place and I look forward to returning and hitting the ground running as a new program year gets underway.

Peace and blessings!

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 8/3/17

During last Sunday’s sermon I cited a recent “news” story that was about a mega-church, prosperity gospel preacher who allegedly was going to sign a 6-year contract with another congregation for over 100 million dollars. As it turns out the story was intended to be satire. With the flood of other hard to believe news stories last week mostly related to the current person filling the role of President of the United States, this satirical piece about a preacher seemed to be more real than satire given the seemingly demoralizing political and religious state of affairs affecting communities all throughout our country.

Sadly, this satirical story does highlight how many prosperity-gospel preachers take advantage of people and places for their own personal gain.

As we look ahead to this coming Sunday’s service, we will read together the gospel account of Jesus and the disciples witnessing the multiplication of loaves and fishes. I’ve been struck this week by the verse, "And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full” (Matthew 14:20).

Broken pieces. Broken. Have you ever felt broken?

From some perspectives, much about our country feels broken right now. Every so often, as a human being I feel broken...broken in the sense that I’ve failed or can’t seem to be who I’d like to be or who I want to be. Broken.

This gospel story reminds me that in brokenness there is hope and promise.

Will you join us this Sunday to explore more this thought? Invite someone to join you. They’ll be glad you did!

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 7/13/17

American Baptist Churches, USA

2017 Mission Summit Report

Dear FBCD Family & Friends:

Thank you for the opportunity to represent our congregation at the 2017 Mission Summit, a national, biennial gathering of American Baptists from throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The Mission Summit was convened in Portland, Oregon. Along with myself, Wayne and Ingrid Dvirnak, Adam McGowen, and Scott Pegues served as delegates from FBCD. Our church was joined by several other congregations from the Evergreen Association. The Evergreen Association was the only American Baptist region to have a booth in the exhibit hall. Over the course of the weekend we were able to share with many about how unique Evergreen is and our Executive Minister, Rev. Dr. Marcia Patton, autographed her recently published book, Intentionally Inclusive: Together at the Table for Ministry. This book tells the story of the history and development of our region and what sets it apart from all others.

During the biennial gathering several national awards were announced and presented. FBCD’s own, Ingrid Dvirnak, American Baptist author and editor, received the Judson Press Ministry Award for commitment to excellence in publishing ministry. She has authored two Judson Press books and an ABHMS (America Baptist Home Missions Society) book. She edits The Secret Place devotional quarterly, creates online workshops for ABHMS’ Church Life & Leadership series, and writes leader’s guides for Judson Press books. She has previously edited The Baptist Leader and has both written and edited Judson Bible Journeys adult study curriculum.

Throughout the event, new leaders of American Baptist Churches USA had the opportunity to preach and address delegates and participants gathered in Portland. Rev. Sharon T. Koh, executive director/CEO of International Ministries, gave the message during the Friday evening Worship Experience; Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, executive director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, preached during the Saturday evening Worship Experience; and new ABCUSA General Secretary Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer gave the sermon during the Sunday morning Worship Experience. On Friday evening, Spitzer, whose role began on June 1, 2017, was officially introduced to Biennial Mission Summit attendees as General Secretary by ABCUSA President Judy Fackenthal. Members of the General Secretary Search Committee joined Spitzer on stage as he gave his opening remarks, and prayed around him along with those in attendance.

This was an historic gathering for sure. The national leadership of our denomination has entered a new chapter of history with fresh perspectives and people to lead us well into the future. As a local congregation we can pray for them and trust that together, with all of the diversity of our American Baptist family, we can continue to be the hands and feet of Christ to our world, country, and local communities.

Thank you again for the opportunity to represent FBCD and to serve you in the capacities I can.

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 6/29/17

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses...let us run with perseverance looking to Jesus...” -Hebrews 12:1ff

Last week the summer season officially began. This changing of seasons has prompted me to think about several things. One, life keeps moving on. Two, we are not alone. Every time I walk up to our church property and enter into our historic facility, I’m reminded of the thousands of people over the past nearly two centuries who contributed to what FBCD is today. Using the language of the writer of Hebrews above, we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.

Our nation will celebrate its 241st birthday next Tuesday. As we celebrate throughout the country with backyard barbecues and downtown fireworks, it is good for us to remember the cloud of witnesses who have contributed to making the United States what we are today. This week, I’m appreciating the words of one of our Presidential forebears, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who said, “Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.”

Within our Christian tradition, President Roosevelt’s words remind me too of the revolutionist whose words and actions we seek to emulate today. Jesus showed us the way of love. The way of love seems like it ought be an easy way to go. Sadly, the human story reminds us that the love’s way isn’t often the way chosen by many.

As we celebrate this coming week, may we not forget that the love of God is for all people...immigrants, refugees, the poor, and EVERYone. I trust that 1373 Grant Street will continue to be a place that embodies our mission statement: First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Enjoy this holiday weekend. Be safe. Plan to attend our 10:30 service on Sunday. Invite someone to join you. They’ll be glad you did.

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 6/1/17

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.” -Acts 2:1

This coming weekend we will celebrate Pentecost Sunday. Traditionally, this is considered the birthday of the Christian Church. In celebrative fashion our choir and musicians will offer their gifts of music. The Spirit will move among us as Scott Pegues offers his first public sermon. And...Jeanette Vizguerra and members of First Unitarian Society’s Social Justice Committee and the Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition will be in worship with us expressing their appreciation for FBCD’s support of the sanctuary movement.

As the scriptures of old say, it will be good for members and friends of FBCD “...to be all together in one place.”

We can anticipate a Sunday service filled with energy and inspiration. Will you plan now to invite folk to join you in your pew at 10:30? They’ll be glad you did.

Hope to see you Sunday!

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 5/26/17

“They said, '[Folk] of Galilee, why do you stand up looking up toward heaven?’” Acts 1:11

Dear FBCD Family & Friends:

As you know, this is Memorial Day weekend. With this holiday, for many, the summer season begins. Over the past week I’ve begun some of my annual pre-summer routines which include cleaning out files and organizing and reorganizing my office. The change of a season often inspires me to reflect upon work and projects previously accomplished as I look ahead to future opportunities for service and ministry.

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week many members and friends of FBCD helped to clean out pipes and parts of a sister congregation’s old pipe organ. These pipes and parts now are stored at FBCD in the recesses of the stage in Miller Hall. I found it ironic that as I was cleaning out my own office space, we were filling up space with an instrument of significant size.

Isn’t this the story of life? When we make space, we usually fill it. Over the next couple of months the day-to-day pace of ministry will slow down at FBCD...but not too much. In this season, my prayer is that we will appreciate the many things our church family has accomplished and that we will look ahead and be open to the opportunities we will have to build up and upon the ministry of our historic congregation.

This coming weekend we will celebrate Ascension Sunday. The story of Jesus ascending is rich with imagery. If we’re not careful, like the people in this story, we can get caught gazing ahead or looking up for too long and miss the opportunities right before us in the present moment to serve and minister in significant ways.

It’s good to look up or ahead...but it’s also important to stay aware always of the mission that quite literally surrounds us.

I hope to see you this Sunday for service. Please consider who you can invite to join you in your pew. They’ll be glad you did!

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 5/3/17

Dear FBCD Family & Friends:

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed...” 2 Corinthians 4:8

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”
― Helen Keller

The above words resonate within my soul this week. Sometimes life seems overwhelming. I wonder what life is like for you today?

If you’re overwhelmed. Be encouraged. Remember the ancient words of scripture above. There is always a way forward. And...remember the words spoken by Hellen Keller, “When one door of happiness closes, another opens..."

I’m believing these words to be true for me this week. I invite you to claim them as yours too.

Know you’re in my thoughts and prayers. If you haven’t planned yet, plan to be at FBCD for service this Sunday. It will be good for you and for everyone else present too. Your life makes a difference.

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 4/20/17

“From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until about three in the afternoon....Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.” -Matthew 27:45, 50-52

Dear FBCD Family and Friends,

Today, Thursday, April 20, 2017, felt more like Good Friday than last Friday, the real Good Friday, did. It may seem anti-climatic to be reflecting upon scriptures about Jesus’ crucifixion as we are now in the Easter season and having just celebrated in such grand fashion Jesus’ resurrection this past Sunday. Well...I couldn’t help but think about such a thing today. I stood with a family in a cemetery at the foot of an opened grave while a steady rain poured from the sky, complete with lighting and thunder flashing and crashing over our heads.

My 10 minutes of a cemetery experience this afternoon, took my mind to the words in Matthew’s gospel above. A friend of mine reminded me this week that when we read about the temple curtain being split in two, from top to bottom, we’re to acknowledge that not only did the crucifixion event make way for all people, no matter who they are to enter the temple freely, it also signified that the Divine was freed to leave the temple. It was a moment, we can imagine, of cataclysmic significance.

It was a point in time to remind everyone for all of eternity that we are partners together with each other and the Divine making it possible for the human race to experience peace, justice, and equality.

Now I’m not sure about you, but for me, the verse that stands out the most above states, “The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised."

It’s hard to imagine that this was intended to be a literal accounting of what happened in the crucifixion story. I wonder if the gospel writer wanted to heighten and challenge and stretch our human imaginations to wake us up even today to the possibilities that exist when we seek to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly?

Today, April 20, 2017, is the eighteenth anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre. It’s hard to believe how the years have passed. It’s harder to believe, and sadly so, how school shootings around the United States have become a social norm in our society.

In truth, there are many injustices that are taking place in our society that are becoming the norm. It is so easy for us has humans to become complacent and even complicit. I wonder how we might be awakened in this time and season of our congregation? of our city? of our country?

How can we be the hands and feet of Christ to the Metro-Denver community?

To be Christ’s hands and feet will take us from our zones of comfort for sure. To be Christ’s hands and feet always has.

We need only remember the story of Jesus to be reminded that to love costs always. What may it cost us today?

On this Thursday, Good Friday-like day, these are my thoughts.

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 4/13/17

Hello First Baptist Church of Denver Family & Friends:

I trust this Holy Week is unfolding in good ways for you. While our building’s weekly schedule has been a bit less busy, there has remained significant activity nonetheless. On Wednesday this week, we were honored to host The Colorado Council of Churches, The Interfaith Alliance, Denver Seminary, Iliff School of Theology, and Regis University as leaders from these institutions met to plan for ongoing interfaith dialogue opportunities for folk throughout Metro-Denver.

Also, on Wednesday evening a group of FBCD representatives met with First Unitarian Society of Denver, American Friends Services Committee, and the Metro-Denver Sanctuary Coalition to determine next steps making FBCD a sanctuary congregation for an individual who is currently at risk of being deported. More information about this opportunity will be available soon.

As we turn from the events of this week to remember the central events of our Christian tradition...I trust that your Holy-day weekend will be good. If you’re traveling, know that a candle will be lit for you. If you’re in town, know that it will be wonderful to see you Easter morning, 10:30. Consider who you can encourage to attend service at FBCD this week. They’ll be glad you did!

With hope for today and tomorrow,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 3/2/17

Dear First Baptist Church of Denver Family & Friends:

With the start of March we recognize both Women’s History Month as well as the Lenten season. Literary giant, Virginia Woolf said, “As a woman I have no country. As a woman I want no country. As a woman, my country is the whole world.” During the month of March FBCD is fortunate to host a regionally recognized art exhibit, “Women Behaving Badly.”

Please plan to visit the main level of our facility where you can experience the work of local artist, Adrienne Norris. On March 15, 6:30pm, and March 19, 12noon, you will have an opportunity to engage personally with Adrienne to explore more deeply her art and the vital role of women throughout history.

In many ways, the words of Virginia Woolf above remind me too of the significance of this Lenten season which will guide us to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. The power of Jesus’ story is such that we’re invited once more to embrace the good news of God’s kin-dom. The good news that, as Paul stated, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

In this season of tension and tumult at the national and political levels of our lives, as people of faith this week, as a congregation at FBCD, let’s stand true to our commitment of welcoming and affirming all individuals for being the beautiful humans we are. The words of a favorite childhood Sunday School song come to mind, “No one of us has got it all together, but all of us together has got it all...so may we walk hand in hand with one another, every brother, every sister in the Lord."

Hope to see you this Sunday! FBCD will not be the same without your presence.

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 2/23/17

Dear FBCD Family & Friends:

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

These words from Maya Angelou’s larger poem, And Still I Rise, inspire me every time I read them. In a significant way, they remind me of our story here at First Baptist Church of Denver. Over the next couple of weeks, our attention, liturgically speaking, will turn from the season of Epiphany, to that of Lent and then to Easter. The divine, liturgical drama we will remember and reenact tells us once more about the power of resurrection hope.

We will read soon again how the early disciples struggled with the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Folk wondered and wandered for a period. The New Testament testimony though continues to tell us how within the course of time, the movement of peace and justice that Jesus initiated took off and before long momentum and energy spread and the early church evolved into thriving communities of people.

It seems to me that First Baptist Church of Denver is entering a season where in due course, our sense of mission and expansion of ministry will evolve significantly more than we’ve experienced to-date. Still we’ll rise. Over the course of the next several weeks many things will be taking place at FBCD. How might you connect on Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights? In what ways can you volunteer for service and ministry? If you’re looking for a way to serve, please don’t hesitate to ask me to help you identify an opportunity that can fit your schedule.

The FBCD Choir will be back again for another season of music ministry. As a Christian community we will be challenged to stand in solidarity with those for whom justice is being denied. It will be important and helpful for us to be together in community as much as possible. As you plan to attend services and events, will you consider family and folk you can invite to join us on a weekly basis? Together, we will continue to rise.

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to the times ahead as we grow in faith, passion, and numbers.

With resurrection hope, I hope to see you Sunday!

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 2/16/17

Dear FBCD Family & Friends:

As I continue to remember and honor Black History Month, the words of those that have gone before us provide for me daily inspiration. Today, I remember the contributions of Rosa Parks who said, "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear.” I know for myself as an individual, as a parent, a pastor, as a friend, I have entered into 2017 with my mind made up on the fact that this will be a good year.


My prayer for our congregation is that we may follow the courage, fortitude, persistence, bravery, and humility of Rosa Parks and keep our congregational mind focused on all things that will create a positive and life-affirming energy for all who interact with us over the seasons ahead.

There is plenty happening in our country and world that can cause us to cower in fear and frustration; or...we can, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "...[b]e the change [we] wish to see in the world."

With gratefulness for the good place our congregation is finding itself and for the hope and potential ahead...let’s stay upbeat and encouraged. Let’s keep our mind made up!

Hope to see you on Sunday at 10:30.

Peace,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.

Weekly Words - 2/9/17

Dear First Baptist Church of Denver Family & Friends:

The following quotes have been on my mind this week...

"If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live...” ― Deuteronomy 30:16

“The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” ― Frederick Douglass

The month of February is Black History month which invites us to remember the contributions of African Americans throughout the history of our country. In an embarrassing moment last week, the person in the office of the President of the United States did not know who Frederick Douglass was.

Frederick Douglass lived during the nineteenth century and was "an African-American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, gaining note for his dazzling oratory and incisive antislavery writings."

Thinking about Frederick Douglass took me to his words above as well as to the words of the writer of Deuteronomy which will provide the basis of this Sunday’s sermon.

In these times, and in this social, political, and religious season, we’re reminded that at the core of our faith is the challenge to love God and love neighbor. Frederick Douglass reminds us too that “alternative-facts” have no place in a country such as ours...or any other country for that matter.

While these days are challenging for many of us, my prayer is that we will strive to be people of faith, love, humility, grace, hope, and peace.

I hope to see you in service at 10:30 on Sunday!

Sincerely,

First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.