Candlelight & Family Friendly options in South Metro Denver and Douglas County Colordo 2011

Below you’ll find a link to many of the churches in South Denver and their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day service times and details. There are many that offer candlelight and carols services before midnight. For directions and more information on each of the church services listed below, please click on the underlined link for each.

Highlands Ranch Colorado Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Church Services

• Cherry Hills Community Church
  Christmas Eve Services: 2:00 , 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. (candle light service)
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• St. Andrews Methodist Church
  Pre-Eve Christmas Eve December 23 at 7:00 p.m.
  Christmas Eve Candlelight Services – December 24
  Noon Communion, 3:00 Children’s Service “Front Row Seats”; music by the St. Andrew Children’s choirs
  5:00, 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 p.m. Message and Music
  Childcare available for children ages four and under at noon, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 pm
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. Family service with carols
• Mountain View Christian Church
  Christmas Eve 1,3, 5 and 7 p.m. presenting “Prayers for Scrooge”
  Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 11:30 p.m.
• Christ Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
  3:30 p.m. Family Service with Children’s Choir
  5:00 p.m. Contemporary service featuring Crossroads Band
  7:00 p.m. Traditional 11:00 p.m. Contemporary Service
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Christmas Eve Services
  Dec. 24th 3:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Candlelight
  Christmas Day, Dec. 25th 10:00 p.m.
  
• Horizon Community Church
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• St. Lukes United Methodist Church - Christmas Eve Services
  1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Children’s Service
  5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Traditional Service
  11:00 p.m. Candle Light Service
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• St Marks Catholic Church
  Christmas Eve – 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
  Christmas Eve – Midnight   (with carols at 11:30 p.m.)
  Christmas Day – 9:30 a.m.
• Living Way Fellowship Church
  Christmas Eve – 2:00, 3:30 & 5:00 p.m.
  No Services Christmas Day
• Abiding Word Lutheran Church
  Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• Jubilee Fellowship Church - Highlands Ranch Campus
  11:00 p.m. Candelight Service

Lone Tree Colorado Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Church Services

• Jubilee Fellowship Church – Off Site at the Marriot DTC
   4900 S. Syracuse, Denver, CO  80237 MAP Childcare for pre-K, older kids will sit with their parents during the service
  1:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services  @ Marriott DTC
  3:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service @ Marriott DTC
  5:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service @ Marriott DTC
• Cornerstone Church 
  Candle light service Christmas Eve 5:30 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:15 a.m.
• Pax Christi Catholic Church 
  Christmas Eve Mass 4:00 (Worship space with Childrens Choir) 6:00 & 9:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day Mass December 25 10:30 a.m. no 5 p.m. Mass

Franktown Colorado Christmas Services

• CastleWood Canyon Church
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• Trinity Lutheran
  Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24th - 2:00pm – Children and Family Christmas Eve Worship 4:00, 6:00 and 8:00 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight (8:00 p.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated)
  Sunday, December 25th 8:00 &10:45am – Readings and Carols with Holy Communion
• Community Baptist Church
  Christmas Eve Candlelight service 3:00 & 5:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• Solid Life Christian Center

Castle Pines Colorado Christmas Church Services

• Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m.
• Castle Pine Community Church
  Christmas Eve Services 4:00 & 5:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:30 a.m.
• Heritage Evangelical Free
  Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:30 a.m.
• Abiding Hope Lutheran
  Christmas Eve 5:30 p.m.

Larkspur Colorado Christmas Church Services

• New Covenant Church
  Christmas Eve 5-8:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Church Services in Castle Rock Colorado

• First United Methodist Church of Castle Rock - Christmas Eve
  3:00 Family Candlelight Service (Candy Land Theme)
  5:00 Non-traditional Candlelight Service
  7:00 Traditional Candlelight Service
  11:00 Candlelight Service with Communion
• Covenant Church of Castle Rock
  None Listed
• Christ Episcopal Church
  Christmas Eve 5:30 p.m. The Family Christmas Service, with Carols & Communion
  Christmas Eve 10:00 p.m: Musicmakers Christmas Concert
  Christmas Eve 10:30 p.m: The Christmas Service, Candlelight with Communion
  Christmas Day 9:00 a.m.
• Grace Chapel Castle Rock
  Christmas Eve, 6:00 p.m. Christmas Carols, Special Music and Candle Lighting
• The Rock Christmas Eve December 24, 2:30, 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. childcare for under 3 only
• St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Christmas Eve Masses
  Christmas Eve  4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Spanish Mass at 1:30 p.m.
• Calvary Chapel – Castle Rock 
  Christmas Eve 4:00, 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.Candlelight 11:30 (no childcare)
• Castle Oaks Church
  Christmas Eve 5:00 & 7:00 p.m. Candle Light Service
  Christmas Day 10:45
• Creekside Bible Church
  Christmas Even Candlelight Service at 3:00 p.m and 5:00 p.m.
• Jubilee Fellowship Church – Off Site at the Marriot DTC
   4900 S. Syracuse, Denver, CO  80237 MAP Childcare for pre-K, older kids will sit with their parents during the service
  1:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services  @ Marriott DTC
  3:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service @ Marriott DTC
  5:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service @ Marriott DTC
  No Services Christmas Day

Parker Colorado Christmas Eve Candlelight Church Services

• Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church PEPC 
  Christmas Eve  – 5:00, 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. 7 & 8:30 Candlelight services
• Parker United Methodist Church PUMC
  Christmas Eve  4:00 Children’s Service – No candles
  5:30 & 7:00  Lessons and Carols
  8:30 p.m. Candlelight and Carols
• South East Christian Church SECC
  Christmas Eve 1:00 2:30 4:00 & 5:30 p.m.
  Childcare  at the 1, 2:30 and 4:00 Services.
  Christmas Day 11:00 a.m.
• Ave Maria Catholic Church
  Christmas Eve 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 p.m. and Midnight Mass Candlelight Church Service
  Christmas Day 7:30,  9:30, 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. in Spanish (no 5:00 p.m. Mass Christmas Day)
• The Lighthouse Church
  Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m.
• Joy Lutheran
  Christmas Eve 4:00 pm  Family Service
  7:00 & 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service
  Christmas Day 9:30 a.m. (No Sunday School)
• Pinecrest Community Church
  Christmas Eve 4:30, 6:00 p.m.
• Christmas Day 9:30 a.m.
• Providence Presbyterian Church
  Christmas Eve 4:30 Family  7:00 Traditional
  Christmas Day  their website was unclear.
• Redeemer Presbyterian Church – Meets in the Mainstreet Center
  Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. Candlelight and  Carols followed by cookies and punch
  Christmas Day 10:30 a.m. (No Sunday School)
• St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
  Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Children’s Pageant
  7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service
  10:30 p.m. Sung Eucharist
• Parker Bible Church
  Christmas Eve 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Carols and Candlelight
  Christmas Day 10:30 a.m.
• Epic Church 
  Christmas Eve 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Services
• Crossroads Community Church
  Christmas Eve December 24th, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00 and 6:30 pm
  Christmas Day December 25th, 9:30 and 11:00 am (NOTE: There will be no 8:00 am service)
• Parker Christian Center
  Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:15 a.m.
•  Parker Hills Bible Fellowship
  Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.

If your church has been left off or there is incorrect information please add in the comments below and have a very Merry Christmas from Chrissy your Douglas County Colorado Examiner.

September 23, 2011

Operation Mountain Guardian is a terrorism-based, full-scale emergency exercise scheduled to take place in numerous locations in the Denver metro area on Friday, September 23, 2011. The exercise will involve first responders from 81 different agencies**, will be conducted at ten separate locations and will include loud noises, simulated weapons, smoke, emergency vehicles and other equipment that will be audible and visible throughout the day.

The purpose of this advisory is to provide information that can be disseminated to the public ahead of time to avoid confusion or concern on exercise day, as well as to invite media coverage of the event.

Two locations in Douglas County will be part of the training. Park Meadows Mall and Skyridge Hospital.

Operation Mountain Guardian will be held at the following locations throughout the Denver Metropolitan area:

Primary Locations

•  Park Meadows Mall
• Smedley Elementary School
• Denver Union Station
• Community College of Aurora (Lowry Campus)

Secondary Locations

• Denver International Airport
• Sky Ridge Medical Center
• Denver Health Medical Center
• University of Colorado Hospital
• Catholic Charities (NW Denver)
• Sports Authority Field at Mile High

A Public Information Officer will be available at each primary location to coordinate safe access for media representatives and provide information. A Denver Joint Information Center PIO will also be available at 720-865-7695.

MEDIA: Please contact the Joint Information Center or on site PIO for inquiries related to this exercise (not individual agencies). Media inquiries not associated with this event should continue to be directed to the appropriate agency.

The exercise has been designed as a learning event for regional first responders to test their capabilities in a scenario that will involve a terrorist-driven catastrophic situation. Exercise play will occur at the four primary sites and DIA. Catholic Charities and Sports Authority Field at Mile High will participate in an administrative fashion to test student/teacher processing activities. Sky Ridge Medical Center, Denver Health Medical Center, and University of Colorado Hospital will participate for the purpose of testing medical surge capabilities and communicating within Incident Command.

The exercise is scheduled to begin at 0500 hours and end by 1630 hours.

• The overall Operation Mountain Guardian exercise objectives are:

1. Communications: Assess the ability to establish and maintain multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional communications in response to a terrorism incident.

2. Hazmat Response and Decontamination: Evaluate the capability to coordinate multiple hazmat response teams and assess their ability to perform initial response actions.

3. Public Safety & Security Response: Evaluate the ability to establish scene security and crime scene preservation, coordinate a multi-jurisdictional response, and manage intelligence information in order to mitigate the effects of the event.

4. Explosive Device Response Operations: Evaluate the capability to manage and coordinate explosive device response operations using regional bomb squad teams.

5. Onsite Incident Management: Evaluate the ability to implement the Incident Command System (ICS) and establish multi-jurisdictional command and control

6. Triage and Pre-Hospital Treatment: Examine the ability of EMS to provide effective pre-hospital emergency medical care in response to a terrorism incident.

7. Medical Surge: Evaluate medical surge capability at area hospitals.

• While Operation Mountain Guardian is primarily a Homeland Security Grant funded exercise, the event will also rely heavily on local government emergency response agencies, military organizations, volunteer organizations as well as local charitable organizations.

**The following agencies are expected to participate:

For more information contact:

Contact: Lynn Kimbrough at lmk@denverda.org (720-913-9025)

Source: Press Release Douglas County Sheriffs Office

photo credit: Marriott

During the two weeks While You Were Sleeping runs – from Feb. 1-14, 2011 – each Sage property will choose four guests at random, and each guest’s room rate will be donated to a charity. Following a comfortable night’s sleep, the fortunate guest will learn that they were staying overnight for a good cause and be offered the opportunity to select a beneficiary from a list of renowned charities compiled by Sage Hospitality.  These charities include FoodforthePoor.org, Volunteers of America,Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, World Vision andUNICEF.

Colorado hotels participating in the promotion include:

• The Curtis, a Doubletree Hotel, Denver
• Courtyard by Marriott Denver Downtown, Denver
• Hilton Garden Inn Denver South/Meridian, Englewood
• The JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek, Denver
• The Oxford Hotel, Denver
• Pueblo Marriott, Pueblo
• Marriott Denver Airport at Gateway Park, Denver
• Residence Inn by Marriott Denver City Center, Denver
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Boulder Broomfield, Broomfield
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver Downtown, Denver
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver Southeast, Denver
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Littleton Southwest, Littleton
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver Tech Center, Englewood
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver West Federal Center, Golden
• The Westin Westminster, Westminster

“From the betterment of local communities to aiding victims of the earthquake in Haiti, Sage has long held that charity begins in the boardroom as well as at home,” said Walter Isenberg, President and CEO of Sage Hospitality. “‘While You Were Sleeping’ is a creative way to open the eyes of guests and staff alike to the significance of philanthropy that spreads hope and inspiration at home and around the globe.”

The While You Were Sleeping promotion is just the latest charitable outreach effort from Sage Hospitality. Other recent funding drives have included Best in Class, a nationwide school partnership program offering volunteer and financial support to at-risk schools, and the Sage Relief Rate in January 2010, with a $10 donation from each room booked going to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

For more information on While You Were Sleeping, please visitwww.sagewhileyouweresleeping.com or www.sagehospitality.com

About Sage Hospitality

Founded in 1984, Sage Hospitality has strategically grown into one of the largest privately held hotel management and development companies in the nation operating a variety of large, full-service hotels and extended stay and select-service properties. Sage Hospitality’s comprehensive management portfolio includes major international brands for Marriott, Starwood, Hilton and IHG as well as the independent boutique hotels. Sage Hospitality has further differentiated with the creation of the Sage Restaurant Group, which has created and is managing 10 unique restaurant concepts including the acclaimed Mercat a la Planxa in Chicago. The company developed the innovative CoCo Key water resort brand with 10 destination hotel and water resort properties. For more information, please visit www.sagehospitality.com.

Saturday, August 28, 2010
12 Noon till 10:00 p.m.
Free Outdoor Festival in the heart of downtown Denver.
Skyline Park @ 16th St. Mall and Arapahoe. MAP

Another free music in the park event in Colorado

Sarah Samantha Rose is part of the “Unknown Fest” but she’s known quite well in her hometown of Parker. Sarah has been singing in church since she was quite young is a graduate of the Douglas County Childrens Chorale and has performed at  Lannie’s Clocktower as a regular along with  the Pinnacle Theater, Denver Downtown Aquarium, City Park Festival of the Arts and Herman’s Hideaway.

With a heart to give back, she also participates in many musical fundraising events giving over 100 hours a year to causes like  The Red Cross, Relay For Life, Foster Grandparents and the Adoption Alliance.

Sarah also won eleven awards in 2010 from the Colorado Country Music Association.

Sarah is excited to be participating in The Unknownfest this year.

Unknownfest Voted Best New Outdoor Festival by Westword

UnknownfestRated an August Best Bet by 5280 Magazine.
And it’s FREE!! Spread the word and we’ll see you there!!

Schedule for the Unknownfest 2010

12:00 – Sarah Samantha Rose

12:45 – Chella Negro

1:30 – Cutter Nuxon

2:45 – Kevin Mileski

4:15 – Ground Up

5:45 – The Hippogriffs

7:15 – Dave Tamkin

8:45 – Foma

The Unknownfest is proud to have MTV Networks, Westword, Coda Inc. and the Downtown Denver Partnership as sponsors this year.

For more information go to Gruckee.com

Related Articles:

Free live music at Takoda Tavern

Free music in the park Victorian Peaks Parker CO

Free music in the park, O’Brien Park, Parker Colorado

Wine & Wishes raises funds for one of the Make-a-Wish’s most popular travel wish destinations: Hawaii. So pull out those hawaiian shirts and hula skirts and dance the night away.

You are promised a fun evening which will include a silent auction, entertainment, dancing, food and wine!

Friday August 6, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.

Denver Marriott City Center
1700 California St.
Denver, CO

Ticket price $40 ($20 is tax deductible)

Attire: Island or Business Casual

All you can eat food and drink.

To purchase tickets, click here.

For sponsorship information, click here or contact Patti Forsythe at 303-750-9474.

Become a Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado fan on Facebook

Follow @WishColorado on Twitter

Double your donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado through the Hower Foundation Challenge. For more information about having your contribution matched 100 percent, call Eileen at 303-750-9474.

On Friday, July 30 from 7-10 pm, come and show off your plumage with other single Denverites and escape the usual bar crowd and see if your wild side will come out to play. The evening is designed to single mingle while sipping on exotic cocktails, munch on decadent appetizers while the zoo staffers set the mood for some mating games and wild tours throughout the zoo.

Map to the Zoo

July 30, 7-10 p.m.

Admission: $30 per person includes beer, wine and appetizers

Space is limited and this event sold out quickly last year so avoid disappointment and get your ticket today.

Tickets available until 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 28. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Tickets include

• after-hours Zoo admission,
• appetizers,
• beer and wine,
• interactive animal encounters and
• a chance to meet some of Denver’s finest with hopes of finding some animal attraction.

Appetizers included with admission include:

• Slider Station- Mini angus burgers and shredded BBQ beef brisket.
• Mac and Cheese Cupcake- Creamy macaroni and cheese layered in a cupcake form with panko gratin crust.
• Box Wedge Fries- Parmesan-truffle oil fries.
• Corn Bread Skillet- Home baked corn bread layered with goat cheese and fresh chilies.
• Iced Watermelon Skewers

For more information on this event visit their website at www.denverzoo.org

Ed McCaffrey was a favorite Denver Bronco while he was playing the game both on and off the football field,  in all of his commercials and Eddie is still looked up to by anyone who has had the opportunity to hear him speak or see him work with kids. His huge heart is immediately apparent and you feel blessed by having met him. McCaffrey is once again sponsoring a football camp for kids in Highlands Ranch Colorado this summer.

Both boys and girls age 8-15, of all levels of skill are invited to participate in this camp as long as they have a passion for the game of football, and a desire to learn more. Campers will be organized by age and ability at the start of camp and will all progress through our drill stations and compete in 7 on 7 with the same group throughout the week. If your child has several years of football playing under their belt the Elite Camp is recommended. It happens the same days but runs during the afternoon hours from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Ed McCaffrey Football Camp Information

More information on the football camp here.
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Please come out for a big M.I.A. show, this Friday (5/7) at Herman’s Hideaway!  This Musicians In Action show benefits Urban Peak and M.I.A. will be conducting a sock drive – bring in a package of (new) adult socks and you will receive a pass to a future M.I.A. show.  Doors open early (6:30PM), featuring: Talk Radio (7PM), 7even Days Till Sunrise (8PM), Melanie Susuras (9:15PM) & headliner Wendy Woo (10:30PM).  Cover is $10.

This will also be M.I.A.’s “documentary show,” being filmed by a professional cameraman.  Please come out and get on film!  In addition, we’ll have some great raffle prizes and other cool stuff.

Herman’s Hideaway
1578 S Broadway
Denver, CO  80210

View Larger Map

About Urban Peak:

Urban Peak helps homeless youth and youth at risk of becoming homeless overcome real life challenges by providing essential services and a supportive community, empowering them to become self-sufficient adults.  These youth are given case managers to help them plan life goals and Urban Peak is a critical agency for preventing chronic homelessness patterns.  Please visit www.urbanpeak.org to learn more.

Thank you to Mars Amp Repair (www.MarsAmpRepair.com), Evergreen Apothecary (www.evergreenapothecary.com), and Del Toro Guitars (www.deltoroguitars.com) for helping sponsor this show.  Please come out, and forward this article to anyone that enjoys live music and a worthy cause.

Thanks!

Marc Olson, Executive Director

www.MusiciansInAction.org

303.632.3272

Castle Rock offers tree recycling from December 26 – January 31, in the parking lots of:
Centennial Park (22 N. Gilbert St.)
Founders Park (4671 Enderud Blvd.)
Metzler Ranch Park (4175 Trail Boss Drive) MAP
Paintbrush Park (3492 Meadows Blvd.)
Questions? Call 720-733-2260.

Mulch from the trees will be given away at the above parks Jan. 15 – March 15.

Englewood’s Parks Division is recycling Christmas trees Jan. 1-31 at the following locations: Bates/Logan Park, 2938 S. Logan St.;
Centennial Park, 4630 S. Decatur St., in the south parking lot;
Belleview Park, 5001 S. Inca St., in the south parking lot;
Miller Field, 3600 S. Elati St.

The trees will be turned into mulch, which will be available at no cost for residents to pick up. Info: 303-762-2520.

Highlands Ranch is recycling Christmas trees Dec. 25 – Jan. 18 at the following locations:
Redstone Park, 3280 Redstone Park Circle;
Toepfer Park, 9480 Venneford Ranch Road;
Dad Clark Park, 3385 Asterbrook Circle
Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec.

Free mulch is available on a self-serve basis at each of the tree recycling sites. Info: 303-791-0430

Littleton is recycling Christmas trees Dec. 26 through Jan. 31
Highlands Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec, Littleton. Info: 720-733-6990.

Town of Parker is recycling Christmas trees Dec. 26 through Jan. 31 at
Challenger Regional Park, 17299 E. Lincoln Ave. Info: 720-733-6990.
( just west of the Parker Recreation Center) or

For other recycling locations throughout Metro Denver see this Denver Post article.

The broncos looked a little off this week.

They played hard, but the Ravens seemed to want it more! I am not sure why the Broncos offense could not move the ball..was it because the Raven defense was so good or was the Bronco offense just not in sync? The Baltimore Ravens had a must win situation because 3-4 would be tough to come back from.

They had a good first half, but that kickoff return for a touchdown by the Ravens at the start of the second half,took the air out of the Broncos. As soon as the Ravens got that 9 point lead, the defense came alive and shut Denver down.

The Broncos defense played a good game, but were on the field too long in the second half to keep Baltimore from scoring. The Broncos couldn’t run the ball and had a hard time passing..The second half adjustments that Coach McDaniels had done so well, seemed to work on the first drive of the second half when the Broncos moved down the field and scored a touchdown (with a little help from a couple of penalties.) But the Raven offense also came to life and scored some points of their own. The difference seemed to be that the Raven offense had longer, sustained drives, that kept the Broncos defense on the field and wore them down.

I still believe the Broncos are a great team and they had an off week, but also ran into a team that was hungry for a win. I think Denver will beat the Steelers on Monday night and be back on track.. I know it is a bold statement, but winning at home is crucial this year and think the Broncos can do that! I think Coach McDaniels will have the Broncos ready because he was not happy with the performance today!