During Advent, the Church enters a countercultural season of waiting. It is a time marked not by celebration and twinkling lights, but by darkness and longing for Christ’s arrival and redemption.
That longing and waiting is often evident in our work. We show up faithfully, even as we wait for relief or renewal.
Christ enters this darkness as the Light of the World. Jesus moved into the neighborhood (and the workplace). Through its four historical themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, Advent reminds us that Christ has come, is present with us now, and will come again to make all things new.
These aren’t abstract virtues, but realities that can shape why and how we labor in the time being.
Join us for The Light Has Come: Advent in Our Work, an evening of spiritual reflection and vocational renewal. Together, we’ll explore how these themes illuminate and inform our daily work.
What to Expect:
Each movement of the evening will center on one Advent theme and follow a simple rhythm:
- A brief reflection on its biblical meaning
- A story or meditation from a practitioner sharing how that theme shows up in their daily work
- A moment of guided reflection, prayer, or response and discussion
FEATURED THEMES & SPEAKERS
HOPE
- How does Christ-centered hope shape how I think about my work and lead others?
- How can I become a bearer of hope in my workplace?
- Where do I feel a sense of hopelessness in my work—and how might God be present there?
PEACE
- In a fragmented world, how do we become people of peace in our professional lives?
- What does biblical peace (“shalom”) look like in the culture and rhythms of my workplace?
- What might it look like for me to help mend relationships, systems, or communities through my work?
JOY
- How does Christ-centered joy shape how I think about my work and lead others?
- How can I cultivate joy as a spiritual discipline, even in tasks that feel mundane or hard?
- What’s the difference between joy and success? And which am I really chasing at work?
LOVE
- What does that love look like in my work/workplace?
- Who is my work ultimately for?
- In what ways does my work reflect the self-giving love of Christ displayed in the Christmas story? Where is it still mostly self-protective?
SPEAKERS
Executive Director, SacredPlace
Jared is a concierge for the Kingdom. His deep joy is connecting individuals, organizations, and ideas. He has served as clergy in Denver for over 30 years working in, for, and with local congregations and nonprofit organizations. Jared currently serves as the Executive Director of Sacred Place, working to help people cultivate love for their neighbors and neighborhoods.
Executive Director, Mile High Ministries
Adrienne Tafilowski is the Executive Director of Mile High Workshop, a second-chance work program in Denver, Colorado. Her approach at the Workshop is enriched by the experiences she’s had in social work, community navigating, and adolescent mental health support roles over the past decade, both locally and abroad. In addition to deep nonprofit and ministry experience, Adrienne worked in a manufacturing facility as a senior leader at L&R Pallet, focused on developing a robust culture of employee care among those facing barriers to employment.
President, Treatment Technology
Bob Larkin brings his strategic expertise and leadership to Treatment Technology as President, where he oversees the full spectrum of operations for a dynamic chemical distribution business. Serving the water and wastewater treatment, pool, industrial, and oil & gas industries — Bob is dedicated to driving growth and innovation across all aspects of the business. He’s passionate about providing generational opportunities for his workforce and helping his customers provide clean water to Colorado’s communities. Prior to Treatment Technology, Bob had a career in Commercial Banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and J.P. Morgan Chase. He and his team provided comprehensive banking solutions to middle-market companies throughout Colorado.
Executive Director, CityUnite
Dave Runyon helps faith, business, and government leaders unite around common causes in the Denver metro area. He serves as the Executive Director of CityUnite and as a consultant for businesses who have a desire to make a positive impact in their communities.
Dave helped to start a neighboring movement that has now spread to over 2,500 churches around the country. This experience prompted him to co-author “The Art of Neighboring,” which was published by Baker Books and has sold over 150,000 copies. He speaks locally and nationally encouraging leaders to collaborate for the good of their cities. Before founding CityUnite, Dave served as a pastor for ten years at Foothills Community Church and The Next Level Church. He graduated from Colorado State University where he studied history, economics, and education. Dave and his wife, Lauren, have four kids and do not plan to have any more.
CEO, Denver Institute
Ross Chapman is CEO of Denver Institute for Faith & Work. Before working at Denver Institute he served as the President and Executive Director at For Evansville, a movement of people who are actively working toward the good of the Greater Evansville region. Ross has earned his doctorate of ministry in faith, work, economics and vocation at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the co-author of Faithful Work: In the Daily Grind with God and for Others (IVP, Winter, 2024).
Individual Ticket
Light refreshments and drinks will be provided.
$10USD
What
Colorado Conversations are relational gatherings that focus on practical themes that integrate our faith and work.
When
Tuesday, December 9
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where
Denver Institute office
8100 E Arapahoe Rd, Suite 303
Centennial, CO 80112
Details
Tickets include light refreshments and drinks. If you are a Monthly Partner, you can attend for free!
Colorado gives day
The day of this event, Tuesday, December 9, is also Colorado Gives Day. Colorado Gives Day is an annual, statewide movement that raises money for Colorado nonprofits by encouraging donors to "give where they live"
We love the spirit of Colorado Gives Day and want to try something different this year by hosting a gathering that highlights various local nonprofits and businesses. These organizations provide needed employment, important services, and critical support to the Colorado community. They give to where WE live.
In the registration form, you will have the chance to contribute a donation for Colorado Gives Day. Please do not feel obligated to donate. We are most interested in having you join us to observe the holy season of Advent with a community of believers.
Please note: All donations from the event will be evenly divided among the nonprofits hosting this event. If you do decide to donate, you will receive one end of year donation receipt from Denver Institute.
HOSTS
This event is a collaborative effort by six different organizations. Registrants for this event may be added to the email newsletters for these organizations, and your registration indicates your agreement. You are free to unsubscribe at any time. Learn more about the hosting organizations below.
WHY SO MANY COHOSTS?
At Denver Institute, we believe that collaboration with other people and other organizations is more than a strategic approach or best practice. God intends for us to work not in isolation but in relationship—with him and with others. Learn more about our commitment to collaboration.
TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE, BECAUSE THEY HAVE A GOOD RETURN FOR THEIR LABOR.
Denver Institute prepares people to serve God and others in their daily work so that workplaces and cities are transformed.
Treatment Tech is a Colorado leader in chemical distribution for water treatment, providing chemicals to towns, municipalities, pools, spas, the oil and gas industry, and industrial users.
CityUnite exists to help faith, government, and business leaders unite around common causes in the Denver Metro area.
Chick-fil-a is one of the largest chicken-focused fast-food chains in the U.S.
The vision of Sacred Place is to see followers of the Way of Jesus taking spiritual and social responsibility for every neighbor and every neighborhood in our city.
Mile High Workshop is a second-chance work program in Denver where people rediscover their potential through radical hospitality, a supportive community, and meaningful employment.
