Assembly information is available online.
A limited amount of hard copies will be available at the host church.
Online registration is now closed.
Join us at New Hope, check in with Brontë to make sure you get a name tag and sign in!
*Please note, due to size of the file, not all reports are in the packet. Reports can be found in links below. Some hard copies of reports will be available at the Assembly.
Previously undocketed business may be presented as new business if a recommended action is placed in the hands of the stated clerk thirty (30) minutes prior to the convening of the Presbytery Gathering.
QUICKLINKS TO WEB PAGES WITH PDFs—Click on Proposed Docket and Omnibus for quick navigation.
Ministry Relations Committee | Welcome New Minister Members
Visionary Leadership Commission Report
Ministry Relations Committee (Part 2)
ACCESSIBILITY: ADA parking and restrooms are available.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 stated presbytery gathering | IN PERSON
We are thrilled to host Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis as our guest speaker. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), theologian, and long-time anti-poverty organizer, Dr. Theoharis brings decades of dedicated leadership as the Executive Director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.
In preparation for the Assembly, Dr. Theoharis encourages our Presbytery to read her book, We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor (co-edited with Charon Hribar). Grounded in the conviction that "it does not have to be this way," We Pray Freedom provides a foundational context for our time together by offering prayers, liturgies, and spiritual practices born directly out of communities organizing on the front lines against poverty and injustice. Reading this work beforehand will equip us to ground our gathering in reflection, solidarity, and action.
Connecting Our Mission: Matthew 25 and Eradicating Systemic Poverty
Our Presbytery’s commitment to the Matthew 25 initiative—specifically the priority to eradicate systemic poverty—directly reflects the heart of Dr. Theoharis’ life’s work:
From Charity to Systemic Change: In Matthew 25:35–40, Jesus calls the church to see His face in those who are hungry, thirsty, unhoused, and oppressed. Dr. Theoharis’ scholarship and activism challenge us to move beyond temporary relief toward dismantling the root systemic causes that generate poverty in the first place.
Liturgies of Liberation: We Pray Freedom demonstrates that worship, prayer, and ritual are not separate from justice work—they are the spiritual sustenance that empowers communities to demand structural dignity, economic justice, and fair treatment for all God’s children.
A Shared Calling: By bringing Dr. Theoharis into our gathering, we align our presbytery’s Matthew 25 commitments with a broader movement of grassroots faith leaders, unhoused neighbors, workers, and organizers who are building a moral revival across our nation.
We look forward to diving into We Pray Freedom together as we prepare our hearts and minds for a transformative October gathering!
The Assembly Work Group
Melissa, Allison, Beth Carlisle, Dee Cooper, Bill Sanders, Chris Wineman
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
When registering for the Presbytery Gathering, it is important that you state your role when attended, i.e. elected ruling elder commissioner, member of Presbytery Visionary Leadership Commission, etc. Registration not only helps us get your name tag ready, but also helps with a head count for food and set up for other spaces. If you did not register for dinner by October 20th, reservations are no longer available.
SCHEDULE
5 PM | In person Registration and Check-in, fellowship and light breakfast begin
6 PM | Gathering, Worship, Meeting begins
To help make our time together as productive as possible, please come prepared. If you have questions about any of these matters, we encourage you to connect with our Stated Clerk or committee moderators prior to the assembly.
NEW ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONERS (elected by their session)
If you would like to meet with our Stated Clerk prior to the assembly, please reach out and make arrangements to chat during dinner. Click here for helpful information.
Parking
New Hope Presbyterian Church is located at 3737 New Hope Way in Castle Rock. They have a designated parking lot with plenty of space.
Older adults with mobility challenges may park in the handicapped parking spaces near the entrance of the church.
TRANSLATION AVAILABLE IN PERSON ONLY
We will be offering limited interpretation services for this asssembly. Please indicate language needed. Questions, email beth@denpres.org
Estaremos ofreciendo servicios limitados de interpretación para esta asamblea. Por favor, indique el idioma que necesita.
Si tiene preguntas, envíe un correo electrónico a beth@denpres.org
ARE YOU NEW TO PRESBYTERY ASSEMBLY?
Click here for helpful information explaining your role as Commissioner.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR VOICE AND VOTE?
EXPLANATION OF VOTING MEMBERS Denver Presbytery Bylaws Section
1.01 Teaching Elder Members. Teaching Elders are continuing members of The Presbytery of Denver as defined in the Form of Government G-2.0503. Membership is a privilege granted by the Presbytery and it carries with it certain responsibilities.
1.02 Ruling Elder Members. (Commissioner elected by their Session)
1.02a All ruling elders duly elected in accordance with the following provisions as set forth in the Form of Government G-3.0301 shall be members in good standing of the Presbytery for the term of said election.
1.02b Each church within the bounds of Presbytery shall be represented by elder commissioners on the basis of Church membership ...
1.02c Ordinarily all such elections shall be for a period of one year. Each session shall elect alternate commissioners in sufficient number who will serve whenever it is impossible for a principle commissioner to serve.
1.03 Other Ruling Elder Members.
1.03a Each ruling elder elected an officer (Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Stated Clerk and Treasurer) shall be enrolled as a member of the Presbytery for the term of office, whether or not commissioned by his or her session.
1.03b Each ruling elder elected as a member of Presbytery Council shall be enrolled as a member of the Presbytery for the term of office, whether or not commissioned by his or her session.
1.03c Each ruling elder elected as moderator of a standing committee of Presbytery shall be enrolled as a member of the Presbytery for the term of office, whether or not commissioned by his or her session.
1.03d Ruling elders elected to exempt staff positions may be enrolled as members of the Presbytery for the duration of service in such staff position whether or not commissioned by his or her session.
1.03e One designated ruling elder representative from Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery shall be enrolled as a member of the Presbytery, whether or not commissioned by his or her session.
If you are a Commissioner or interested in attending our Assembly and did not receive registration information, please contact beth@denpres.org.
Stated Presbytery Gathering
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
DOCKET & OMNIBUS
6:00 PM Call to Order | Establish Quorum | Chris Wineman
6:05 PM Welcome and Land Acknowledgement | Caressa Murray
6:10 PM Translation Introduction | Community Language Cooperative
6:15 PM Welcome to Corresponding Members and New Commissioners | Chris Wineman
6:20 PM Welcome New Minister Members | David Hogue
Welcome Rev. Dr. Melissa Allison
6:30 PM Ministry Relations Committee Report (Part I) | David Hogue
Motion: Shall the Presbytery approve dissolving the Associate Pastoral relationship with Rev. Jill VanderWal and installing her as Pastor/Head of Staff at Columbine United Church?
6:45 PM Voting Instructions | Beth Carlisle
6:50 PM Omnibus Motion | Chris Wineman
Approve the Docket as distributed, with such changes as may be announced at the start of the assembly.
Enroll the Corresponding Members that are introduced,and grant to them permission of the floor. The names and presbytery of membership of such persons must be written on the attendance roster or given to the Stated Clerk.
Approve the minutes of the August 15, 2026 Assembly as posted on the Presbytery website, except for any changes in the attendance roll that may be required.
Receive the reports contained in the Assembly packet.
Receive the report that the 2025 Denver Presbytery minutes approved by the Synod Rocky Mountains with no exception.
VLC minutes May-October (online)
MRC minutes April-September (online)
September Financials (online)
Ministry Preparation Committee Report (in packet)
Administrative Commission Background for Elbert (in packet)
Report of Administrative Commission for St. Andrew (in packet)
Pastoral Response Team Report (to be distributed at Assembly)
Censure Report (to be distributed at Assembly)
Approve the dates for 2027 Assemblies (Locations TBD)
IN PERSON: January 26th
ONLINE: April 27th
IN PERSON: August 14th
IN PERSON: October 26th
Affirm the election of Rev. Dr. Melissa Allison to serve as Secretary of the corporation.
6:55 PM Lead Presbyter Report | Dee Cooper
7:05 PM Worship | Liz Theoharis
7:50 PM Visionary Leadership Commission Report | Russ Kane
Motion: Should the Presbytery of Denver elect Kerrie Lovens as Treasurer for a 3-year term beginning January 1, 2027, at a stipend of $1,500 per month?
Motion: Should Denver Presbytery increase its per capita amount to $34 for 2027 and $36 for 2028?
Motion: Should the Presbytery of Denver approve the 2027 Budget as presented?
8:20 PM Servant Leadership Development | Nancy Dixon
Motion: Do you approve the SLDC recommendation to elect Evan Amo to Ministry Preparation Committee, & class of 2029 Rob Mathes to the Visionary Leadership Commission as Moderator, class of 2029?
8:30 PM Generative Time | Liz Theoharis
8:55 PM Ministry Relations Committee (PART II) | David Hogue
Motion: Do you approve the recommendation to the Presbytery that the minimum effective salary for the Presbytery of Denver be raised to the PCUSA Board of Pensions median effective salary for 2027 of $74,400?
Motion: Do you approve the recommendation of the MRC (from Sept 23, 2026) to appoint an administrative commission of TE Kim Nofel , RE Cathy Jaynes, RE Pat Queen, TE Don Shrumm, to Elbert Presbyterian Church with the function, powers, and responsibilities listed in the MRC report?
Motion: Do you approve the dismissal of the Administrative Commission for St. Andrew with thanksgiving?
9:20 PM Special Report of the Stated Clerk and Lead Presbyter | Melissa Allison and Dee Cooper
10:00 PM Communion | Dee Cooper and Melissa Allison
10:30 PM Adjournment | Benediction | Closing Prayer
MINISTRY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Stated clerk assessment & learning team
Following his election as Stated Clerk in March 2026, significant gaps emerged between the Rev. Joe Chu’s demonstrated competencies and the position’s requirements. Despite extensive coaching and support, Joe resigned on July 28, effective August 14, acknowledging that the Presbytery needed a Stated Clerk with greater experience and expertise.
On August 10, the Visionary Leadership Commission established the Stated Clerk Assessment and Learning Team* (SCALT) to examine the contributing factors, identify lessons learned, and recommend improvements.
SCALT found that Joe’s demonstrated competencies differed significantly from those represented during the search, reflecting what we believe was his misunderstanding of the position’s demands and overestimation of his readiness. Unintended “blind spots” in the search process limited the committee’s ability to fully assess Joe’s readiness for the position. As difficulties emerged, the Presbytery responded with considerable goodwill and support, but the experience revealed shortcomings in communication, clearly defined expectations, and accountability.
Recommendations include expanding the pool of qualified applicants by establishing renewable five-year terms, simplifying reelection procedures, and continuing to permit qualified remote candidates. There are also recommendations strengthening candidate assessment, consultation, performance review, and accountability. These changes aim to preserve institutional learning, restore confidence, and strengthen the Presbytery’s leadership for the future.
ELECTION OF TREASURER
MOTION: Should the Presbytery of Denver elect Kerrie Lovens as Treasurer for a 3-year term beginning January 1, 2027, at a stipend of $1,500 per month?
APPROVAL OF PER CAPITA
MOTION: Should Denver Presbytery increase its per capita amount to $34 for 2027 and $36 for 2028?
APPROVAL OF BUDGET
MOTION: Should the Presbytery of Denver approve the 2027 Budget as presented?
FINANCIALS
Servant Leadership Development Committee
(Committee on Representation)
SLDC continues to work on finding those who have been called to the work of the Presbytery.
MOTION: Servant Leadership Development Committee nominates:
Evan Amo to Ministry Preparation Committee, class of 2029
Robert Mathes to Visionary Leadership Commission as Moderator, class of 2029
Thank you to the committee: Jill VanderWal, Bill Davis, Verniece Vafeades, and Charla Musgrave; and to Presbyter staff – Dee Cooper, Melissa Allison, Beth Carlisle, and Bronte Snedden.
We continue to look for and need people to volunteer to serve on our various Presbytery committees. Please reach out to us if you are feeling a call, or just would like more information.
Submitted by,
Nancy Dixon, Moderator
Ministry Relations Committee (Part 2)
MOTION: Do you approve the recommendation to the Presbytery that the minimum effective salary for the Presbytery of Denver be raised to the PCUSA Board of Pensions median effective salary for 2027 of $74,400?
MOTION: Do you approve the recommendation of the MRC (from Sept 23, 2026) to appoint an administrative commission of TE Kim Nofel , RE Cathy Jaynes, RE Pat Queen, TE Don Shrumm, to Elbert Presbyterian Church with the function, powers, and responsibilities listed in the MRC report?
MOTION: Do you approve the dismissal of the Administrative Commission for St. Andrew with thanksgiving?
VOTING
ONSITE and ONLINE Assembly Voting
We are using a voting platform to be used whether you attend ONSITE or ONLINE. The voting system is called AHA Slides and can be used with any electronic device that connects to the internet (via Wifi or data). Please be aware of the following:
Scan QR Code or click here for voting app.
Please note if Presbytery Gathering/Assembly is IN PERSON ONLY (voting in person only) ONLINE ONLY (voting online only).
USING A LAPTOP, TABLET or DESKTOP COMPUTER. If you will be using the same device you are using to connect via Zoom, you will connect to the voting system via link shared in the chat on Zoom. Once you click on the link, a separate window will open into a screen showing the new voting system and ask for you to enter your name and submit. You will not be permitted to vote until the presenter begins the voting.
USING smart phone with a camera. If you will be using a smart phone (or other device with a camera) you will use a QR code to scan and go to the link to enter your name and submit. You will not be permitted to vote until the presenter begins the voting.
If you are a New Worshiping Community Leader or Member, you will be voting during the ADVISORY VOTE.
If you are a Ruling Elder Commissioner, please register as such under the name of your representative congregation. Not sure if you’re the Ruling Elder Commissioner from your congregation; you become so through a process where your congregation’s session votes, electing you to serve as a commissioner either per month or for the year. Then your clerk or pastor submits the name of your congregation’s commissioner to our Stated Clerk. (Note: A reminder to pastors to please submit their congregation’s commissioner for 2026)
If you are minister member, vote as instructed using the new voting system.
We thank you for your continued flexibility as the Assembly Workgroup discerns how best to facilitate and make available participation in Denver Presbytery Assembly!
From the Assembly Workgroup
PLEASE NOTE: If there are multiple voting commissioners in a household, you will need to use one device per commissioner to vote. This is to allow each vote in the household to be counted. Email voting is not acceptable. You must be on Zoom and or be in person to vote.
ONLINE: Engaging The Raise Hand Feature
Prior to voting on a motion, the Moderator will ask the Assembly if anyone has questions or discussion. For those attending online (via Zoom), please use the raise your hand feature located at the bottom of your screen in the Zoom toolbar.
If the toolbar does not appear on your screen, use your mouse to hover your cursor over your Zoom screen, the toolbar should appear. Please reference the image below to assist with locating the “Raise Hand” feature.
Similar to how those in person will step to the microphone in the meeting space, using this feature will allow the Moderator to call on those on Zoom in the order they raised their hands. Once the Moderator calls on you, you will be able to unmute yourself, state our name, faith community and role at Assembly.
We understand that it is easier to just raise or wave your hand on your Zoom screen; unfortunately the Zoom Hosts (and Moderator) moderating the screen, cannot see or track anyone with their hand waving on screen. This is why it’s so important to raise your “electronic” hand. We don't want to miss you!