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The mission of Wellshire Church is to seek, embrace, and nurture disciples within a community of hope that plays together, sings of God's glory, and celebrates Jesus Christ through service.
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This Sunday, December 21: Fourth Sunday of Advent
This Sunday, we light the candle of Peace. At 9:00 am, Living Water worship presents A Swinging Jazz Christmas! The Rev. Kira Stringer preaches at 11:00 am worship; the readings are Psalm 89:1-4, Romans 16:25-27, and Luke 1:26-38. Click here for the 11:00 am Order of Worship.
Also, this Sunday is Garish Tie Sunday. Everybody is encouraged to wear their "most enthusiastic" (read: obnoxious) neck accessories to worship at 9:00 and 11:00 am.
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Next Sunday, December 28: Carol Sing -- One Service at 10:00 am
In lieu of a sermon, staff members will tell tales of their favorite Christmas carols prior to singing them with the congregation! This has become a well-received annual tradition on the Sunday after Christmas. Feel free to come dressed extra-casually! Please note that only one worship service will be offered at 10:00 am next Sunday; worship at 9:00 and 11:00 am resumes on Sunday, January 4. While children will stay in worship and education will be on hiatus next Sunday, childcare will still be available.
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Events This Sunday
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Congregational Life
LAST SUNDAY
Last Sunday, the Wellshire community rejoiced in the baptisms of Addison Grace and Ava Mikel, daughters of John and Kristine Ingraham, during Living Water worship.
PRESBYTERIANS TODAY
Coming soon to a mailbox near you: a free year subscription to Presbyterians Today! Wellshire enrolled all member families not already subscribed to the official monthly publication of the PCUSA at no cost. The first printed edition should be mailed to your home in early January; the periodical is also available digitally using your email address that Wellshire has on file as a login. Learn more about this magazine here.
THE CURRENCY OF YOUR GENEROSITY
2014 Giving
If you are able to bring your 2014 pledge current during December, your church leaders would be most grateful. Your giving is especially needed as we want to give more money away to our local, national, and international missions. If you have been especially fortunate financially this year and can bring an extra gift to Wellshire, it will be greatly appreciated and put to an amazing use for our ministry and mission.
Direct Charitable IRA Distribution Law passed and will be signed
Congress has passed and President Obama is expected to sign last-minute legislation that re-extends through 2014 the exclusion for direct charitable IRA distributions by taxpayers 70 � years old and older. That exclusion had expired as of December 31, 2013. The renewal is retroactive for all of 2014. The legislation does not include any special provisions for relief associated with the fact that the legislation was passed at the very end of the year to which it applies.
The direct charitable IRA distribution exclusion allows qualified distributions from an IRA to be excluded from the taxable income of a donor. Such treatment is favorable to certain donors since distributions from a regular IRA are ordinarily taxable and the donor's ability to deduct a charitable contribution may be limited based on his or her specific circumstances. Additionally, such treatment permits the donor to have a lower adjusted gross income, which may be beneficial for other reasons.
2015 Pledging
Thanks to the many who have generously pledged to the future life and mission of Wellshire. Thank you for your sacrificial giving and participation in response to the claim Jesus Christ has on each of us. Every single pledge is very important. If you have not already pledged, please do so. You can find a pledge card in the Narthex. You can pledge online through our website. You can pledge by sending an email to our Director of Operations, Chuck Sparks.
JOIN WELLSHIRE
Membership at Wellshire is open to ALL who affirm faith in Jesus Christ. To join, please contact Beth Hamstra at 303-758-2233, ext. 224.
KENDALL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
- The next Used Book Sale will be held on Sunday, February 8. Books for the sale may be left in the library with a note designating their destination.
- New Materials just in time for Christmas:
- A Quilt for Christmas by Sandra Dallas (FIC DAL)
- A video for the younger viewers: The Star of Christmas (Video J394 STA)
SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR WELLSHIRE CHURCH YOUTH MISSIONS
SIXTH DAY JANUARY: CHIP SIMMONS, BRONCOS' CHAPLAIN
POINSETTIA DEDICATIONS
Click here for a list of poinsettias dedicated by Wellshire members in honor or in memory of loved ones.
LIVING NATIVITY
THIS Sunday at 6:30: Catch the re-creation of the Christmas story, Wellshire-style. Free multigenerational event, Wellshire cast of all ages, live miniature animals, live band, Christmas carols, and hot cocoa!
NEXT
NEXT, a group for those in their 20s or early 30s in transition with school, entering the workforce, and everything in between, goes to Beau Jo's THIS Sunday, December 21 after the Living Nativity - any returning college students are welcome to join! Contact Kira Stringer with questions.
CORE
CORE, fellowship for those in their late 20s through 30s, meets on Saturday, January 10 at approximately 7:00 pm at the Hollywood Theaters SouthGlenn (6901 South Vine St. at the Streets at SouthGlenn) to see Unbroken. They have assigned seats, so Terri Shaffer will buy the tickets ahead of time. Afterward, we will go to Bar Louie to discuss the book and movie. Please RSVP to Terri by January 3.
PIONEERS
Pioneers, a fellowship and service group for those 40 and beyond, begins a new book study on Sunday, January 11 on Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle. Meet at 6:15 pm the second and fourth Sundays in Room 208.
SAFETY AND SECURITY AT WELLSHIRE
Wellshire is committed to a safe and secure environment when you are here for worship or other activity. For any safety concerns on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, please call or text 303-842-4137.
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Please note that the Wellshire Church office will be closed on Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26 in observance of Christmas, as well as on Thursday, January 1 for New Year's Day.
CONNECT WITH YOUR WELLSHIRE CHURCH COMMUNITY
Fellowship groups, Bible and book studies, and manifold other opportunities abound at Wellshire Church. Click here for information on Fellowship Groups and Connection Opportunities, like book and Bible studies.
MEN'S RETREAT
Save the Date: Wellshire Church's Men's Retreat May 1-3, 2015 at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs, featuring guest speaker the Rev. Tim Mooney. The theme for the weekend is based on Rev. Mooney's book Like a Child: Restoring the Awe, Wonder, Joy and Resiliency of the Human Spirit. The second century theologian Irenaeus said, "The Glory of God is the human fully alive." Rev. Mooney will explore how cultivating childlike qualities helps us become more fully alive as God intended.
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Music Ministry + Events
A SWINGING JAZZ CHRISTMAS
THIS Sunday, December 21 at 9:00 am during Living Water worship, come for a jazz-fueled Christmas program that will fill your heart and keep your toes tapping! Wellshire's Celebration Singers and Confluence ensembles offer up jazz renditions of classic Christmas carols, including The Holly and the Ivy and Coventry Carol. The program features special guest Mario Feraud on saxophone.
COLORADO BACH ENSEMBLE PRESENTS HANDEL'S MESSIAH
The Colorado Bach Ensemble presents its annual performance of Handel's
Messiah, performed by the chorus and orchestra of the Colorado Bach Ensemble with James Kim, Artistic Director, conducting. A 7:00 pm concert will take place on Friday, December 19 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village. Ticket prices are $25 for adults and $5 for students (general admission) and can be purchased in advance online or (as available) at the door.
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Adult Education
Click here for the Winter 2014-2015 Adult Education brochure.
ADVENT DEVOTIONALS
Advent Devotionals: Stop by the Adult Ed Suite or the tables outside of the worship venues for a Presbyterian Peacemaking Program devotional and/or Wellshire's traditional Chrismons devotional.
Classes through December 21
- The Journey: An Advent Study: Please join us for this five-week Advent study based on Adam Hamilton's book and video series The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem. We will use Hamilton's videos to locate us on the road from Nazareth to Bethlehem while also calling on others' voices - and our own - for commentary as a people trying to follow God on our own spiritual journeys. We will focus each week on a key interaction between characters in this story we know as Advent and Christmas: Mary and Gabriel, Joseph and the angel who speaks to him in his dreams, Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph on the road to Bethlehem, and the shepherds in the fields surrounding Bethlehem. Come take a journey through Scripture, seeing the story anew. Leader: Rev. Katie Palmer
- Handel's MESSIAH for Advent: The man - the music - the scripture - the sunglasses! Come for some Advent Sunday fun with part 1 of the oratorio, MESSIAH. Books for the study are available at the reception desk for $12. Leader: Forrest Guittar
Coming soon:
- Galatians | Mondays 6:30-8:00 pm - January 5-February 16
The book of Galatians is often called "the Magna Carta of Christian liberty." The church at Galatia was in crisis, pulled by those who claimed that Gentiles must become Jews before becoming Christians and by those outside Christianity who abused Christian freedoms. In the face of this pressure, Paul writes passionately of justification by grace alone, transforming Christianity from a small Jewish sect to a world religion. Come explore this powerful work of the apostle Paul. Pre-registration is required by email to Holly Inglis or by phone to 303-758-2233, ext. 115. Participant books are available for purchase at the reception desk for $20 each. Leaders: Rev. Dr. John H. Bell Jr, Rev. Kira Stringer, Dr. Holly Inglis, Olivia Hudson Smith - Learning to Do the Faith 5! Chapel Presentation | January 4 | 9:55 amLearn a 15-minute faith practice with psychological, sociological, neurological, and theological benefits that can change your child, change your family, and change the world. All ages are invited to explore and practice a simple, five-step faith practice.
- Advent at the Border Chapel Presentation | January 11 | 9:55 am Jesus was born in Nazareth under an edict to kill boy babies. Because of this, he and his family fled to Egypt. After two years as an undocumented immigrant in Egypt, he returned home to begin his earthly ministry. The story of Advent is the story of our Savior's migration to avoid death and persecution from earthly powers that threatened the life of our Savior. Leader Olivia Hudson Smith shares her insights from a recent Immigration Solidarity trip with other Presbyterians.
More classes starting or resuming on January 11:
- MOMS: Moms Offering Moms Support
- The Red Letters
- Understanding the Confessions
- Wellshire in the 21st Century
- Clif'Notes Bible Study
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Youth
LIVING NATIVITY
Youth are encouraged to go to Wellshire's Living Nativity together THIS Sunday, November 21 at 6:30 pm. Several youth are in the production-come support your friends!
YOUTH GROUP TAKES WINTER BREAK
Youth Group programming will return on Sunday, January 11 - enjoy Winter Break.
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Ministries to Children + Families
Click here for all things Advent at Wellshire for families, including events, classes, and online devotional resources.
PARENTING SAFE CHILDREN
ONLY 8 SPOTS REMAINING! On January 24, 2015 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Wellshire Church hosts Parenting Safe Children, a workshop that empowers adults to keep children safe from sexual abuse. Parents, relatives, teachers, therapists, and virtually anyone who cares about the safety of children benefits from this workshop led by Feather Berkower, leader in child sexual abuse prevention since 1985. Click here to learn more and register.
CLUB 45
Club 45, fellowship for 4th and 5th graders, meets on Sunday, January 18 for a January Blues Luau at Wellshire from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. For details, contact Dr. Holly Inglis.
FAMILY TIES
Families with children up through 5th grade often meet at Wellshire on the 1st & 3rd Sunday evenings from 4:30 to 6:00 pm for fabulous and lively discussions (childcare provided). Special "parent-only" evenings are scattered throughout the year, as well as social and mission opportunities for families. Please contact Jll McLain for details.
Upcoming Events:
- THIS Sunday, December 21: Family Ties, fellowship for families with children through 5th grade, encourages families to come to the Living Nativity and dine at Beau Jo's before or after in support of the Youth Mission Trip fund -- show this flier to have 20% of your meal proceeds support Wellshire Youth!
Back to Top
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Beyond Wellshire Walls: Mission and Service
HUNGER TASK FORCE THANKS!
FAIR SHAKE SHOPPE
This Sunday, December 21 is the last chance to get soups for solstice suppers, dip mixes for tree trimming parties, and chocolate bars for can't-miss stocking stuffers. The Fair Shake Shoppe will be open between services and for about twenty minutes after the late service.
CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING
Through Christmas, the Christmas Joy Offering will be received. This offering supports the PCUSA Board of Pensions for the financial emergency programs for church workers and Presbyterian-affiliated historically minority schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling. It also supports two Wellshire ministries: Haiti Partners (helping Haitians change Haiti through education), and Family HomeStead (helping homeless families in Denver). Joy Offering envelopes are available in the pewbacks through Christmas.
A PRAYER FOR BANGLADESH
15 December 2014
Almighty God, we give you thanks for the broad smile and beaming face of Lassel, a nine-year-old boy crawling on a sidewalk in the heart of the crowded financial district of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Born with severely clubbed feet and poorly developed legs, he cannot sit or stand. He pushes a begging bowl in front of him then pulls his body forward with his arms, his legs dragging behind. He is covered with gray street-dust. Yet, Lassel radiates your joy, O Lord. Teach us, too, to give thanks in all circumstances, and fill us with the joy of your coming kingdom. Grant that we may feast with Lassel there. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Lord of life. Amen.
Written by Drs. Leslie and Cynthia Morgan
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Mission Co-Workers / Bangladesh
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Notes from Denver Presbytery
Denver Presbytery Prayer Guide Requests for Sunday, December 21, 2014
- We pray this coming week in the Presbytery of Denver for Elizabeth Presbyterian Church; Lakker Water Preaching Station, Zimbabwe; and that the celebration of Christ's birth may bring renewal to all our churches and the whole world.
- Elizabeth Presbyterian Church is blessed to have an active congregation with lay leadership in preaching and teaching with their Commissioned Ruling Elder as well as gifted people serving as Praise Team Leader, Organist, Choir Director, Office Manager, Youth Ministry, Children's Ministry and other key positions in the church. In addition to these ministries, members are personally active in reaching the homeless on East Colfax (Network Coffee House), orphans in Linjiang, China (Threshold Ministries), spiritual formation for Chinese women in Shanghai (Women in Ministry), educating pastors in developing countries (Lausanne Movement) and fundraising efforts for the Zimbabwe Mission Partnership. Please pray that God's Spirit will continue to sustain our volunteers and inspire others to join them in God's work here and around the world.
- The Lakker Water Preaching Station is dedicated to providing education to the underprivileged society as well as reaching out to the surrounding community with the Word of Christ. This preaching station is celebrating receiving a large piece of land given to them by the government. They hope to soon become a self sustaining congregation. Lakker Water would like us to pray for their poultry and piggery production; the congregation's spiritual and numeric growth, and the evangelist who serves there, as well as his family.
- Please remember in your prayers this week all the congregations of Denver Presbytery, its fellowships and new worshipping communities. May each have the vision to see Christ born anew in their midst, bringing a renewal of their ministries to the end that the Gospel may - in new ways - be seen, heard and experienced in their own life and throughout the whole world.
Malawi Mission Partnership by the Numbers:
We love numbers and this brief report from Denver Presbytery's Malawi Mission Partnership tells about some very important ones:
The Malawi Mission Partnership seeks to empower pastors near the capital city of Lilongwe with ongoing education for ministry and with food security for their families. Did you know that 85% of pastors worldwide have no more than a 6th grade education? Our Mission Partnership is working with Veritas College in Malawi to provide 35 pastors in one village with 2 years of training on how to accurately interpret and teach the Bible. Each of these pastors must also raise maize to feed their families. So we recently funded a 2-day training how to plant maize in a manner that resists drought while also enriching the soil. We have great hopes for how this whole village will benefit from our support of their pastors.
With giving from Presbytery congregations we connect with these numbers and, more importantly, their hope-filled work for the global church.
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Save the Date
DEC 21 | Living Water's "A Swinging Jazz Christmas" @ 9:00 am/Living Nativity @ 6:30 pm | DEC 24 |
Christmas Eve Worship: 4, 5:30, 7, 10:30 pm
| DEC 28 | Carol Sing: One service at 10:30 am | JAN 4 | Learning to Do the Faith 5! Chapel Presentation | JAN 9 | 6th Day: Chip Simmons, Denver Broncos Chaplain | JAN 11 | Epiphany; communion at both services; Advent at the Border Chapel Presentation | JAN 24 | Parenting Safe Children workshop | JAN 25 | Installation of Officers | FEB 1 | Youth Sunday | FEB 9 | Used Book Sale | FEB 13 | 6th Day: Champions Among Us - The Stories of Olympic Athletes | MAY 1-3 | Men's Retreat |
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