Denver Community Church

February 23, 2025: Praying and Sleeping - Michael Hidalgo

Luke gives us a startling picture of how agonizing Jesus’ decision was to obey. He was in the place of the “olive press” – a place where olives were pressed and crushed. Jesus is compared to an olive being pressed and crushed with the oil being squeezed out of it. 

Often, we abandon the humanity of Jesus and his agony in submitting to his God’s will. This was not an easy prayer to pray, but it was one that Jesus prayed in faith. Luke shows us that no matter how difficult the decision we, through God, have the power to do it, even if, like the disciples, we at times fall asleep.

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants.

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

February 16, 2025: Two Swords and a Few Other Things - Cassie Adams

Many agree that Jesus espouses a nonviolent ethic; instructing us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Which is why his instruction here has the power to be confusing. However, Jesus does not stop there. He quotes the prophet Isaiah saying, “And he was numbered with the transgressors …” Which is to say that there is a connection in his mind between using the sword and transgressions. The disciples have two swords, which for Jesus is enough to fulfill the prophecy and justify the Jewish authorities accusing him of being a rebel leader. 

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

February 9, 2025: Serving Rules - Michael Hidalgo

Just after Jesus serves the disciples, they embroil themselves in a debate about who is the greatest among them – obviously missing the point. Jesus’ response is to instruct them that the Kingdom way is about serving not being served. And it is in the serving that greatness is found. While it may be easy to roll our eyes at the disciples, who are eternally dull, we may do well to consider how we often pursue being served first and foremost. 

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

February 2, 2025: Bread & Wine - Hannah Thom

The meal that is recorded here is a meal that the Church has celebrated for 2,000 years. Some have called it “The Lord’s Supper,” others “Holy Communion,” and most traditionally “Eucharist.” But what does it all mean? Many recognize that it is represents the Body and the Blood of Jesus which was broken and poured out for us, but what should the people of God know?

The meal that Jesus celebrated with his disciples was the traditional Seder meal in which he brought new meaning to the elements of the dinner. Like the Seder the people of God are commanded to “do this in remembrance” of Jesus. We will ask, “What are we remembering?” “Why is the meal so central to all streams in the historic, orthodox church?” We will dive deep into the historic underpinnings of this meal and explore why some traditions forbid all those who are not “one of them” from participating in this meal.

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

January 26, 2025: You Agreed to do What? - Michael Hidalgo

Judas is known for one thing: betrayal. He’s an awful character in the Gospels; one who was Satan incarnate. While we assume we know his motives for betraying Jesus, perhaps we can take a step back from our assumptions. Did Judas really want Jesus dead? Or did he just miss Jesus’ message, which led him to do the unthinkable?=

Some recognize that Judas may well have been connected to the Zealots; those who wanted a violent revolution. If this is the case, is it possible Judas was trying to foment rebellion by getting Jesus arrested? Maybe if this happened, he and others would take up arms against their oppressor. Of course, we know the end of the story. That’s not what happened. Worse yet, he missed another message of Jesus: forgiveness and restoration. He missed it all. How often do we, like Judas, miss the message and heart of Jesus?

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

January 19, 2025: It’s Not the Show You Think It Is - Michael Hidalgo

There is something about religion that tempts us to appear good, right, attractive, and “holy” in our own way. This is often the result of submitting ourselves to outward performance and putting on a show for others. This is what Jesus points out about the “religious” in his day. As soon as the words leave his lips, an illustration happens right in front of them. Two offerings: one big but small and one small but big.

Many immediately want to contrast this woman’s faithfulness in giving all she had. And we should, for Jesus points to her faith. But some suggest a dark side to this story given Jesus’ declaration about the religious “devouring widows’ houses.” There is a sense that there is something wrong with the system of religion that leads her to act this way. 

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

January 12, 2025: Our Eternal Hope - Hannah Thom

Spiritual Formation Pastor Hannah Thom leads us through an exploration of Luke 21:5-38.

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

January 5, 2025: Who is Who and Why Am I Asking? - Paula Williams

Imagine telling and retelling a story that you knew nothing about. This is more than talking about the good ‘ol days. This is telling a story about a legendary king named David. Yet as you talked about him you felt the breath of the Romans over your shoulder.  At the same time, you had to tell these stories, because you knew that one day a son of David would come, and things would be like they used to be.

 

Jesus asks a question as to whether or not the Messiah would in fact be the Son of David.  He seems to say no.  Not in the sense of one who is descended from David, but more so in the sense that the Messiah would not be like David – a warrior king who was known for being a “man of blood.”  Jesus quotes this Psalm pointing out that he in fact is David’s Lord.  He is not just different, he is greater.

December 24, 2024: Christmas Eve // There is No Waiting - Michael Hidalgo

Advent promises Immanuel. God with us. Which means we never really wait at all. We only need to pay attention. How will our perspective change if we recognize the promise of Advent is a reminder that God has been with us all along?

 

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

December 22, 2024: Advent: How Long O Lord? // When God Remembers

Months before Jesus was born, John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. It was then that Zechariah broke into a song, extolling the God who remembers. They had not only been waiting for the birth of a child, but like all those in their day, had been waiting for God to deliver them from their oppressors. And there may be a little play on words here as Zechariah means, “God remembers.” Indeed, God did. The wait, it seemed, was over.  In this teaching, we explore the idea that God remembers us … and this is the promise of Advent.

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp