Members of the Potters House Church of Denver, talk about their mother’s!
Raise The Roof
The Raise the Roof is the first capital campaign of The Potter’s House of Denver. The focus of Raise the Roof is to repair and replace the 32,771 total square feet of the sanctuary roof. This roof has received only limited maintenance since the original construction of the sanctuary over 20 years ago. In the past two years the roof has been damaged by severe winds; tearing the seams and lifting the rubber membrane away from the parapet and roof deck which caused significant leaking and water damage in the sanctuary balcony, main floor and over the newly renovated stage.
The Raise the Roof campaign is asking the faithful members and friends of The Potter’s House of Denver to join together and make a pledge to donate additional offerings above and beyond their regular tithes and offerings to complete this project. Suggested pledge amounts are $2,000, $1,000 or $500. These payments for this pledge will be received over the next three months until August 1st. Pledges can be received either online or in person at the church using specially designated pledge envelopes.
Exterior view of The Potter’s House of Denver Sanctuary.
Tires were added as weight to hold down the rubber membrane roof that was torn away from deck by severe wind.
Tear in roof membrane at the corner of Cell Tower platform on the roof.
Wood diversion constructed to direct water away from holes in the roof membrane.
Tires and concrete pads tossed around by severe winds on the roof.
Damaged area on the West side of the Sanctuary over the Stage.
Please prayerfully consider stepping out in faith and join in this effort to help us Raise the Roof! Visit http://www.tphd.org/ to give today.
May Day and Mom
When I was in elementary school I remembered cutting out paper flowers on May Day (May 1st) and bringing them home to my mother. I was always so proud to show off my art work and to watch her smile as I described how I made each paper flower. She was always there for me and my two brothers when we came home from school, waiting with a hug and snacks for each of us as well as any one of our friends we would bring home. Her love and hospitality was known throughout the neighborhood. Many would stop by just to sit at her table as she listened to their life stories.
When my brothers and I were young teenagers my mother developed a tumor on her pituitary gland in her brain. This was a rare condition called acromegaly which stimulates the bone and soft tissue growth in our bodies similar to people who appear to be giants. If this news was not disturbing enough, the tumor began to press on her optic nerve causing her to slowly go blind to the point where she could not tell which one of her children was sitting across the table from her. This happened in the early 1970’s and the surgical techniques required for this type of brain surgery was extremely risky. In fact the doctors only gave her two outcomes: removal of the tumor with possible blindness or death on the operating table.
The surgery took place on May 1st which we refer to as May Day and I remember it like it was yesterday. My brothers and I all waited at home for our father to return with the outcome of the surgery. As soon as he got out of the car he shouted “She is ALIVE”! She went on to fully recover with without her sight being impaired.
Every May Day since my brothers would bring our mother flowers to celebrate her life with us. As we celebrate Women this month of May at The Potter’s House of Denver – please remember to give the women in your life some flowers while they can still smell the roses.
Dr. Craig W. McMullen
Senior Associate Pastor
The Potter’s House Church of Denver
Email me your thoughts at: cmcmullen@tphd.org
The Power of Agreement
Most dictionaries written by men say that agreement is the act of agreeing.
In God’s book it says in Matthew 18:19 that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything you ask, it will be done by my father in heaven.
Just think about it, if you and I agree, what could we accomplish? If you stood on God’s word and agreed with your spouse, your children, your co-workers, your best friend, what could be accomplished?
God’s Word has so much to say about our words. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. That means we have what we say. Sometimes, it seems that we keep saying what we don’t have. Don’t say I am sick, say I am healed. Don’t say I am broke; say I am prosperous in everything I touch.
Maybe you are saying, well Pastor Walt, I don’t have anyone positive in my life to agree with me. That’s ok, I know the feeling, but here’s what you do. Just go to the Bible, God’s word, and find a scripture to stand and agree with. Just you and God - wow, what a team!
Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:19 says, My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Let’s stand together and agree!
Walt Stoel,
Associate Pastor
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom is a good thing! Everyone should seek wisdom – but wisdom TEETH?? Now that is something altogether different! When I was a super broke, no insurance having Bible College student my wisdom teeth decided that they would try and make their grand entrance to my mouth! I thought I knew what pain was until those lovely pearls began to push and cram and try and break thru my gums! The pressure in my head was unbearable! Of course they could not just come thru all fine and dandy – no they had to grow in crooked on the top and sideways on the bottom! I was in pain on a daily basis – headaches, jaw-aches, pressure without relief. Teeth do not just GO AWAY! Teeth do not just heal! I had no insurance and no money to speak of and all I could think is “These teeth were going to be the death of me”!
Now you have to understand I am a church girl to the core! I had prayed for and believed God for many things and for other people but when it came to this my faith did not seem very mountain moving! I remember being in so much pain one night I cried out to the Lord “GOD! If you LOVE ME (yes with all those dramatics) PLEASE do SOMETHING!” I remember praying “LORD you opened the Red Sea for Moses DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE TEETH for ME! You can send me the money to get them out or make them disintegrate in my head but DO SOMETHING!” I was desperate!
Maybe you are desperate today. Desperate for God to do something radical and miraculous in your life and on your behalf! Sometimes when we are at the end of our hope and our rope we realize the Miracle Worker has just been waiting for us to stop trying to figure it all out and TRUST in HIM! I have heard many people try and define Faith – people much more articulate than I – all I know is 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us “We live by faith, not by sight”. So no matter how big the mountain, how great the pain, how high the price, how low the valley, how huge the obstacle, how dark the night, as Christians we must live by Faith in the Son of God and not by what we see, feel, taste or think!
My wisdom teeth did NOT disintegrate in my mouth but God worked a crazy, insane miracle out of nowhere! My boss was at her dentist office and told the dentist about this young college girl who was having difficulty with wisdom teeth (sometimes you have to TELL somebody - but that’s another blog for another day). A few days later the dentist called my boss and said he could not sleep the past few nights knowing there was someone in need that he could help. He said “send her in and I will take care of it.” When my boss told me that I laid my head down on the desk and laughed and cried! I bet she thought I was nuts! My wonderful Miracle working Father had sent the miracle thru an unbeliever – all 4 of my wisdom teeth were surgically removed at no cost to me along with follow up – because when God does it He does it right!
If you have a need right now I encourage you to bring it to God in Faith – even if you are dramatic about it J. He is waiting to move on your behalf!
Pastor Christi Miranda
Associate Pastor,
Incredible Faith
One of the things I enjoy and appreciate of God’s Word is that it’s able to minister to every area and stage of our life. Behind every story, parable and historic occurrence lies an immense amount of truths for our edification. For the Bible was not written simply for our information, but rather our transformation. We must allow the Word of God to influence our daily routines, our dreams and our faith.
We’re all familiar with the story of Job. This book never fails to impact my life. God has awarded me to preach and teach countless of messages from this inspirational passage. You may question anything about Job’s life, but one thing is certain, this man had faith in God. We rejoice in seeing how God blessed him at the end of the book, but let me take you to Chapter 1.
In Job chapter 1 you are granted the opportunity to witness Job’s response to the crisis brought upon him. In spite of the calamities and uncertainty of his dilemma, his faith allows him to see beyond his present situation. Job 1:21 tells us: “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Faith is the fruit of your relationship with God. In order to be strong in the faith, your relationship with God must be strengthened. You cannot bless the name of the Lord if you have no Lord to bless. Knowing God grants you many benefits! Allow me to mention 3 of them. Faith in God allows you to know: #1 - WHO GOD IS. This is important because it allows you to place God before all things. Many times God will test our faith simply for the purpose of teaching us to solely depend on Him. #2 - WHAT GOD CAN DO. It is often difficult to believe that God can do something we’ve never seen done before. God desires for our faith to grow to the place that we believe God can do anything. There ‘s nothing God would permit to rise up that He cannot take down. No matter what may rise up against you, God can make a way! #3 - GOD’S INTENTION. One of the things that I believe Job had was an accurate discernment to understand that God would not allow his test to destroy him (1 Cor. 10:13). Fellow reader, please understand that no matter what you’re going through, God is working it out for your good!
The word ‘incredible’ means “beyond belief”. If you apply this to faith, it will take it beyond the belief derived out of a present state. Faith is being able to live out a current test and lean on God for your upcoming breakthrough. Incredible faith calls us to have an intimate faith with God. Don’t allow your faith to be based simply on God’s blessings. Instead, rest your faith on God Himself. In doing so, your relationship with God will be stronger than ever! This ensures that no matter what you go though, although you may lose some things, your faith will remain true. It’s your faith in God that will unlock the next door of opportunity. It’s time to activate incredible faith!
Pastor Carlos I. Alvarez
Associate Pastor
The Car Started
My friends and I circled the car in frustration. Four teenagers with one car stuck on the side of the road. We had done all we knew to do. Checked the gas, the oil tank, the starter, etc. My friend, Jamal, the owner of the car, took a mechanics class in high school and even he had no idea what to do. Now this car was nothing special, but it was still qualified to get us from point A to B, and should have at least done that. Where I’m from, a teenager’s dream is not to have a fancy car as much as it is to have a car period. That is what we had; A Car. Nothing more nothing less. Consequently that car stopped on us and refused to start back up, leaving us stranded on the side of the road.
But all of a sudden, out of the blue, Jamal went up to the car, put is hands on the hood and began to pray: “in Jesus Name, start!” We all look around at first in amazement, then we quickly joined him. We all begin to lay hands on that car like we were at a Pentecostal revival. “Do it Lord,” we shouted. “Start in Jesus Name,” “Devil you can’t have my car,” (Well, I don’t think we said that last one, but it seemed to fit, LOL). But we prayed, and prayed hard. By God’s grace my friend put the key in the ignition, turned it, and The Car Started. For four kids who did not have the sense to take care of a car, but had the faith to pray to God together while in a tight situation, the car started. Oh how we rejoiced that night!
Now I have been in a few more car situations to know that most of the time prayer is not necessary as much as proper maintenance. Yet if something is wrong with the vehicle you would probably need the help of a real mechanic to get it fixed… (There’s a message somewhere in that thought… Who’s the mechanic of your life?…but any way…) I believe God was showing us something deeper, not just about working together, but about believing and praying together. If unity works in the natural, how much more does it work when we combine forces in the Spirit?
He says in Matthew 18:19
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”
As we celebrate our third year as a church, declaring that We Are Better Together, may we be sure to remember that we are not only better naturally, but stronger in the Spirit as well. In the natural we can do something, but in the Spirit we can do all things. In the natural Shadrach, Meshac, and Abednego could not escape the judgment of King Nebuchadnezzar, but in the Spirit they could walk through the very same fire that was used to destroy their lives as if they were merely taking a walk in the park (Daniel 3:22-25). In the natural four teenagers could not move a dead car on the side of the road, but in the Spirit we could believe God to start it miraculously and watch Him prove Himself to some kids. If we are better together, then that potential must multiply when we come together in the Spirit.
Let’s strive to serve together, pray together, believe together, and put a demand on God’s Spirit together. For if we move together in the Spirit then we will always have the Possibilities of the Spirit at our disposal. When we walk in those possibilities then we walk in what it truly means to be Better Together!
Happy Birthday PHD!
Pastor Steven Cartwright
Celebrating Our 3rd Birthday: “We’re Better Together”
It seem like only yesterday The Potter’s House of Denver was born. “Happy Birthday Potter House of Denver”, we are 3 years old now! Birthdays always make you reflect and look back on that year’s accomplishments.
I believe, PHD’s birthday (wishes) blessings are unwrapped because our aim is to witness, encourage, and win souls for Christ. Oh yea…we’re better together, reminding people that they are special (sons and daughters of the most high God) and showing them our unconditional love by demonstrating God is love. After all we are better together. PHD, birthday (wishes) blessings are God inspired. Requiring prayer, supplications, dedication and being in tune with the Holy Spirit, we got that (wish) blessing through the leadership of Dr. Hill. After all… we’re better together!
PHD has received many blessing since its inception leading up to its 3rd birthday. All blessings have been given by God in countless ways such as: sponsoring Breast Cancer awareness and research, digging water wells in Africa, mentoring of 34 homeless families and seniors back into homes and feeding over 3,000 people weekly through our Food Bank. We are blessed to have the number one Prison Ministry in Colorado that reaches prisons from East, West, North and South of our state. We are blessed with the Fire House Youth Ministry and a Children’s Church larger then some churches. And we can’t forget the dynamic Congregational Care Ministries such as; Bereavement, Counseling Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Prayer Ministry & Intercessors, and loving on our seniors the Prime Timers, which are always on the go! We are excited about our new Women’s Ministry “Cherished” under the direction of First Lady Joy Hill.
I’m so proud of Pastor Hill, Lady Joy and the entire PHD church body and how we represent being a part of this great movement for Christ! PHD is one of the Jesus Teams in the world! Yes, through the grace of God we have accomplished a lot leading up to this 3rd birthday. That’s why…. We’re better together!
When we are involved in kingdom work, in working to see a new church raised up it’s important to remember who is building the church. Jesus gives a wonderful promise in Matthew 16:18 when He’s speaking to Peter and the disciples, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Isn’t that a wonderful promise? Even the gates of hell, our fiercest foe and enemy shall not defeat Christ’s church. As we continue to grow let’s stay together….why because we’re better together. So much has been done at three years of age. We still have a long way to go because we’re headed to a higher level. If you’re outside of the arc of our Savior I extend and invitation to you, come join this great movement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Because “We’re Better Together!”
Another year has gone by, and another is yet to unfold. God has purposed our every step and what the future holds. So celebrate with joy and gladness, in all that God would do, knowing that through the future years, God’s hand shall be upon you. Happy Birthday Potter House of Denver!
PM Wynn Grove
Associate Pastor
Intercessory Prayer Ministry
Comeback
Sometimes, do you feel like you are living in a tug of war? I remember as a child playing the game, in gym. There was one time I sat back and observed; each team in the beginning began screaming, then both teams got louder and louder, then one team began to concentrate on how to win. The winner’s comeback strategy was to focus on getting the prize. Is that often the way life is for us? Does the loudest voice win or does the focused, quiet voice win?
Are you living in the valley or in the High places? Are you looking for a comeback?
God doesn’t promise a life of mountaintop experiences. We are told there will be valleys to go through. The valleys will be times for growth. We are to remember through God’s power we can do what we never thought we could.
“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work,” 2 Cor. 9:8
COMEBACK!!! This is developing a deeper love & faith for God. To understand how God lights your path—
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Happy 3rd Birthday Potter’s House of Denver!
Dr. Vivian Stoel
Associate Pastor
Do not miss this incredible week of Worship, Word and Breakthrough!
Palm Sunday is March 24th, make sure to wear white! Then TGIW with Pastor Chris Hill followed by an incredible 4 days as we welcome Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, Bishop Noel Jones and release our brand new CD/DVD from the Potters House Church of Denver Mass Choir! Make Plans Now!!!
Happy 3rd Birthday Potters House Church of Denver! We’re Better Together!
Register now for Potters Wheel & Foundations Classes Starting March 5th 2013. Visit: http://www.tphd.org/wheel.php for more information
All Things in Love
One of the most wonderful yet difficult things to do is love. In the Bible Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12. The love of Jesus is a powerful and beautiful love that is full of forgiveness and grace. Jesus died upon the cross that we may have salvation. He gave his life so that we, a sinner, can have eternal life. And we are to love one another as He has loved us? Is this even possible? Yes, I believe it is.
I have made many bad decisions during my lifetime. There is only one thing that has kept me going and that’s the love of God. By reading and learning from the Bible I have seen a way to live a life that brings peace in times of trouble, and a love that I never thought was possible. Over the years I have lived a very private and secluded life. I had my family and a few friends. I let people into my life as I needed them and when the need was over I let them go. I had no real grasp of how to love or how to receive love. I had walls of denial so high they reached to the clouds. One day I looked around me and felt so alone. There was no one to love me. No one cared. My house was empty and so was my heart. I could see no way out of the life that I was living. I was falling apart.
There was one hope and that was God. I found a church and began to attend. I did not want any of my family to come with me because this was personal. This was between me and God. I would sit in the back of the church and cry. I could not believe that Jesus loved me anymore because of the way I lived my life. I started reading the Bible and attending classes that taught the word of Christ. Little by little, I could see hope. I felt the love of God again. I saw God working in my life and through God’s people who were drawn to me. I broke down so many walls and started letting people into my life. I was learning what love is. It is forgiving when you did no wrong. It is about loving and not expecting it back in return. It is reaching out to those in need with no recognition needed. True love only comes through God.
Do I succeed in loving every day? No, but tomorrow is another opportunity! I look at how the love of Jesus has changed me. How could I not share that same love with others? Everywhere I go, I go in love. My prayer is that a trail of love is left in my wake. All things in love!
Joel Blessitt
Associate Pastor
First Touch Ministries: Ushers, Greeters, Parking and Facilities Logistics
Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt
In Genesis 41, 42 we pick up on the story of Joseph (convicted 20 years for a crime he didn’t commit – set up by his own brothers, and they thought he was dead). Now he has the power in his hands, and now he has a choice – he can either repay them, or he can love like he had never been hurt.
He chose to love like he was never hurt, and he was able to say that, “you meant it for evil, but God meant it for my good.” By doing so, not only did he receive healing, but he healed his whole family.
A lot of times, the people that you love the most are the ones that will hurt you the most, stab you in the back, offend you, etc. We will all be hurt at some point – it’s going to happen. Some people wake up in the morning, brush their teeth and sharpen their tongues at the same time – just to talk about you. When it does happen, you are going to have to love like you’ve never been hurt.
So many times we kick people out of our lives. We say, “I’m done with you,” “it’s finished,” “don’t let the door hit cha…,” but I’m so glad that God has never responded that way towards me.
As men and women of God, we are called to walk in forgiveness and love like you’ve never been hurt. Forgiveness is like money – we want to get it, we don’t want to give it. We don’t want to forgive, because we want people to know what they have done to us. To understand what they have done to us. But when it’s all said and done, you still have to love like…
James Garfield was the 20th President of the United States. On 7/2/1881, he was shot in the back. He lived for 3 months, and because doctors didn’t have x-rays in those days, they began using their fingers to probe his wound trying to find the bullet, but they couldn’t find it. He didn’t die from the bullet wound – if they would have left it alone, he would’ve been alright. He died from the infection of the doctors who kept probing the wounds of the past.
Sometimes we just need to let go and let God begin a new thing in our lives! Some people think they only have to forgive someone unless they show remorse. They think, “once you breakdown and cry at my feet, now I think you’ve got it, and I’ll forgive you.” But what if they don’t ever show remorse?
You still have to forgive. That doesn’t mean you have to keep letting them hurt you. But you have to forgive and you have to love like…
Jesus wouldn’t challenge us to do anything that He didn’t do Himself. He was beaten beyond recognition, torn, spat upon, mocked, ridiculed, and so much more. He bled all he could bleed, and in the process, he took the time to say, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” – loving like He’d never been hurt.
What would happen in our families, our marriages, etc. if everyone who’s carrying stuff would say God empty me to such a degree today that I would love like I’ve never been hurt? That I wouldn’t withhold and say I’m going to make you pay, but that I would decide that I’m going to love just as God loves us. LORD help me to love like I’ve never been hurt.
Pastor Kyle Speller
Associate Pastor, Men’s Ministry
What’s Love Got To Do With It
February is considered the “Love” month and there are many different ways people perceive love and depending on how they see love will determine how they give love. Some may receive love through: affection, another through acts of kindness and while another may see love by receiving gifts.
Nicholas Sparks stated, “Love is more than three words mumbled before bedtime. Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in the things we do for each other every day.”
Jesus commands that you love one another just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34
Love is a demonstration of acts of kindness. Love is a heartfelt attitude that loves through difficult times, disagreements, disappointments and fears. Love is setting your emotions aside when they’ve been hurt. Love is charity for someone when they don’t love you back.
This reminds me of a time when a person was lying and being deceitful to me. I felt as though my hands were tied. I made a conscience decision to demonstrate love in spite of what was being done to me. Now this season wasn’t easy, but I kept my eyes on God and trusted that He would reveal the truth. And because of my decision to love, God acted on my behalf and this person’s life was changed for the better.
Love suffers long, does not insist on his own ways, it puts up with anything and endures all things without demanding to be loved first. Jesus was despised, rejected, wounded, stricken, afflicted and spit on and yet, He still demonstrated love when He laid down His life for us so that we could have eternal life.
Whats love got to do with it? Everything! Love says, Father forgive them even though they hurt me. Help me to be patient, show kindness and keep no record of wrongs as I demonstrate love daily on my job, in my community and in my home.
Pastor Heidi Howard
Associate Pastor,
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