This story was originally published on RMCUMC.org on September 4, 2015. View the full story and photos. Sacred Stones Ministries, Inc., provided a week of mission from Aug. 10 to 14 for four Denver youth who had not been on a mission trip before primarily due to funding. Adrien Robinson, Jade Beals, and Cameron Steelman … Continue reading Sacred Stones Ministries offers Denver youth their first mission trip, by Rev. Denise Bender
The Day the Holy Spirit Came to Church, by Rev. Debra Juarez
It wasn’t Pentecost the day the Holy Spirit came to my church. There was no sound like the rush of a violent wind. Divided tongues of fire did not appear among us or rest on our heads. That day the Holy Spirit was ushered in with peals of laughter; the kind of laughter so strong … Continue reading The Day the Holy Spirit Came to Church, by Rev. Debra Juarez
When There Is No Music, by Rev. Denise Bender
During the recent Harvest Festival at one of my churches, we had the usual chili for lunch, skeleton hands made with disposable gloves (100 for $1.00 at the Dollar Store), bobbing for chocolate donuts, TP mummy wraps, and musical chairs with the top two winners going home with a cake! The only problem was that … Continue reading When There Is No Music, by Rev. Denise Bender
Building the Perfect Man, by Rev. Denise Bender
Rev. Denise Bender It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon, like many I experience. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the family dog lies at my feet under my desk... pretty typical. I reflect on what makes Sunday afternoons so quiet for me – and for many who experience the customary Sunday morning flurry … Continue reading Building the Perfect Man, by Rev. Denise Bender
New Life in Community as We Celebrate the Easter Season
Yesterday was the Easter Eggstravaganza at Bethany UMC, an annual Easter egg hunt that has been a tradition at many churches. The Eggstravaganza also saw the continuation of another annual tradition (or so it seems) - a snowstorm! Not surprising for spring in Denver. The children were very excited all morning and barely made it … Continue reading New Life in Community as We Celebrate the Easter Season
Thoughts from a Pastor – Rev. Bich Thy (Betty) Nguyen
As a solo pastor serving half time, at what is considered a small congregation, I quickly learned that although we are small and cannot have multiple staff members, we still deserved quality Christian Education for our children and their families. Many Sundays with more than half of our congregation consisting of children and youth, we … Continue reading Thoughts from a Pastor – Rev. Bich Thy (Betty) Nguyen
Human Arrows
In July, 2007, I led a Senior High mission trip to the first ever National Special Olympic Games in Ames, Iowa. Upon arrival we received our assignments for the week: announcers and referees for the volleyball competition; assistants in swimming, bowling, and weight lifting; and even party helpers in Olympic Town. But it was our … Continue reading Human Arrows
Of ducklings and swans: A story of transformation
We live in a world that craves instant gratification, and expects change to be instantaneous and easy - just look at all of the "makeover" reality shows on TV. But we know that true transformation is rarely fast - just look to the story of the Ugly Duckling. One of my favorite posters is that … Continue reading Of ducklings and swans: A story of transformation