Scholarships are available. This workshop fills the requirement for an Anti-Racism Training for Denver Prebytery.
Dear Friends,
Mark your calendars for a weekend of renewal, connection, and spiritual refreshment! We’re thrilled to invite you to the 2025 Women’s Retreat — a time to awaken your senses, revive your spirit, and reconnect with God and one another.
🗓️ Retreat Dates: September 26–28, 2025
📍 Location: Franciscan Retreat Center, Colorado Springs
🎙️ Keynote Speaker: Rev. Joy Engelsman
💡 Theme: The Sensible Woman
This year’s retreat theme, “The Sensible Woman,” invites us to explore the full sensory experience of faith and life—seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, and speaking with intention and grace. Through powerful teaching, guided devotionals, and soul-refreshing conversations, we’ll explore what it means to live fully alive in Christ—even in seasons when we may feel unseen, unheard, or disconnected.
Meet Our Speaker:
Rev. Joy Engelsman brings deep wisdom and a global perspective, having spent her early years in Nigeria and decades in ministry leadership. With experience as a pastor, chaplain, coach, and conference speaker, Joy now serves as a missionary with Youth for Christ International and is a new minister member of Denver Presbytery. She’s passionate about nurturing healthy leaders and cultivating authentic faith in community.
✨ Registration Info:
Early Registration (by August 20): $189 per person
Late Registration (August 21–September 10): $219 per person
📬 Questions? Contact:
Annely Noble – annely.noble@comcast.net
Sharon Blackstock – dwightandsharon@msn.com
We can’t wait to spend this sacred weekend with you. Let’s gather, grow, and experience the goodness of God—together.
With joy,
Sistrs in Spirit Women’s Retreat Team
This experiential workshop begins with caring for ourselves—body, mind, and spirit—so that we can more fully offer care to others and to creation.
In our collective journey toward equity and inclusion, it's often the subtle, everyday interactions—the things unsaid or unconsciously implied—that can create the deepest divides. This interactive workshop is designed specifically for communities committed to DEI work and seeking to live out values of compassion, justice, and belonging in real and practical ways.
With a “no shame, no blame” approach, we’ll explore the concept of microaggressions: what they are, how they show up in both interpersonal and institutional contexts, and why they matter—especially in spaces rooted in care, service, and spiritual connection. Through real-life examples, guided reflection, and actionable tools, participants will learn how to recognize these often-invisible inequities and respond in ways that foster deeper understanding and connection.
We’ll provide a practical framework with language and confidence-building strategies to navigate difficult conversations with empathy and humility. This workshop offers a safe space to learn, grow, and take meaningful steps toward more inclusive and equitable faith communities.
*Note, participation at this workshop fulfills the anti-racism training requirement.
Thursday, October 23, 9:30–11:00 am
Covenant Presbyterian Church
5400 South Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO
Jon Hurst (he/him) is a dynamic scholar-practitioner currently serving as Lead Pastor of Cameron United Methodist Church in the Platt Park neighborhood of Denver, CO. With a deep passion for progressive theology and the arts, Jon is dedicated to reimagining and reclaiming Christian faith and the role of the church through creative expressions, radical hospitality, and inclusive ministry practices. As a certified candidate for ordination as an Elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church, Jon actively integrates academic scholarship and innovative pastoral leadership to foster vibrant spiritual communities that challenge traditional boundaries and encourage transformative experiences of faith.
Prior to his call to ministry, Jon has held various leadership positions in the field of Higher Education and Student Affairs with focused work in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as well as experiential learning, intercultural education, and identity development. He holds an M.Div from the Iliff School of Theology, M. Ed in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University at Buffalo, and a BA in Journalism from Central State University.
Jeni Rinner (she/her) is an experienced educator, facilitator, and program designer who brings creativity, empathy, and scholarly depth to her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With a passion for fostering communities of belonging, Jeni partners with faith leaders to create spaces where dialogue, reflection, and transformation can flourish. Currently, Jeni serves at the Iliff School of Theology, where she builds innovative programs at the intersections of theology, ethics, and community engagement. Her work includes developing an End-of-Life Doula Certificate program that equips caregivers with compassionate care using a frame of somatic awareness and social justice, as well as collaborating with organizations to foster the ethical development of artificial intelligence.
With a PhD in Literature and Poetry from the University of Oregon, Jeni understands the power of storytelling to shape identity and community. She integrates this narrative awareness into her facilitation, helping ministers and leaders reflect on their own stories and engage meaningfully with the stories of others. She also holds an MA in Digital Media Studies from the University of Denver, an MEd in Language Arts Education and a BA in Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame. Jeni is committed to designing learning experiences that are accessible, engaging, and transformative.
Learn about the 2026 Minimum Effective Salary recommendation and grants to support our churches.
Join us for a spirited and meaningful evening in support of our neighbors and siblings in the migrant community!
The Journey with Migrants (JwM) Mission Partnership of the Denver Presbytery invites you to a fundraising celebration to support our vital ministry of accompaniment and advocacy. With the joyful collaboration of seven Presbytery congregations — Montview Blvd., Grace, Capitol Heights, Central, Good Shepherd, Divino Salvador, and Mountain View — we are walking alongside migrant families with tangible care and compassion.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will directly support JwM’s accompaniment work, including:
Groceries and meals
Rent and housing assistance
Transportation to appointments and job sites
Citizenship and legal application fees
Access to healthcare and wellness needs
A lively paddle raise
A fun and mysterious Blind Wine Table
Delicious food and wine
Light entertainment
A few heartfelt reflections on this powerful work
📅 Saturday, August 23, 2025
🕓 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church
1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO
🎟️ Tickets: $75 – available online or at the door
💖 Can’t attend? You can still make a difference by donating!
👉 Tickets available at the door!
This is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of solidarity and a chance to make a real impact in the lives of those seeking hope, safety, and belonging.
We can’t wait to see you there!
With gratitude,
The Journey with Migrants Mission Partnership
The Presbytery of Denver
Dear Friends in Christ,
You’re invited to a joyful and spirit-filled August Presbytery Assembly Gathering as we come together under the theme:
Conspiring for Authentic Evangelism
In a time when the word evangelism can feel loaded or misunderstood, we’ll explore what it means to share the Good News today—authentically, relationally, and with deep respect for both culture and context. This gathering will be a celebration of connection, culture, and calling.
🎉 Welcome the Zimbabwe Delegation – Honoring 20 years of partnership between the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and the Presbytery of Denver
🥁 Drumming Circle – Begin the day in rhythm and unity, led by Commissioned Pastor Josphat Ombacho of Neema
🎂 Celebrate 20 Years Together – With cake, fellowship, and a renewed Memorandum of Understanding
🎤 Hear from Special Guests – Including Doug Tilton, Tom Sheffield, and others who’ve helped shape this meaningful global relationship
💙 Wear BLUE – A shared color of our two presbyteries, symbolizing unity across continents
8:00 AM | Check-in, registration, breakfast, and fellowship
8:50 AM | Drumming Circle begins (arrive at 8:45!)
9:00 AM | Assembly Gathering & Worship
The Iliff School of Theology is located at the corner of Iliff Avenue and University Boulevard. From I-25, take the University Blvd exit and head south. Continue on University Blvd. until you reach Iliff Ave., two blocks south of Evans Ave. Turn right (west) on Iliff Ave. Visitor parking is available in the B Lot located off Iliff Avenue. Enter the main drive and turn left into the visitor lot (B Lot).
Parking at Iliff is metered, unless you have a permit. Costs for visitors will be $2.00/hour on the Iliff campus.
For visitors and students (non-permitted), please park at B Lot. Look for the parking kiosk to pay for your parking.
Iliff has arranged for ADA parking in Lot A, you must display a sticker or license plate your you will be ticketed. This lot is owned/managed by the University of Denver.
Pay station will be on the NE corner of the B lot.
Join us for a joyful evening of fellowship and shared celebration as we welcome the Presbytery of Zimbabwe delegates to Denver!
🗓 Date: Wednesday, August 13th
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Wellshire Presbyterian Church
The Presbytery will provide the main dish (chicken and beef) — we kindly ask you to bring a side, salad, dessert, or other dish to share. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share stories, and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of our cherished partnership.
Please Register to Help Us Plan
To help us plan for food and seating, we kindly ask that you register in advance. Let us know how many people will be attending and what type of dish you plan to bring—this will help ensure we have enough for everyone and a good variety to share. Thank you!
PLEASE PASTORAL LEADERS ONLY
In July 2025, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will welcome thousands of its high school age youth and their adult youth workers to Louisville, Kentucky for four days of worship, recreation, bible study, outreach, and faith formation all around the theme of “As If We Were Dreaming”.
Join Denver Presbytery at PrideFest and help share glitter blessings + God's radical welcome with our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. No prep needed—just your joy and open heart!
You're Invited: Denver Presbytery Staff Remote Day!
When: Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: SUPS & CUPS 14011 W Quincy Ave unit d, in Morrison
On this special Staff Remote Day, the Denver Presbytery staff is stepping out of the office and into the community! From 10 AM to 1 PM, our team will be working remotely at the “home” of one of our New Worshipping Communities, A Stoked Life, led by Mindy and Nathan Heimer. We'd love to spend time connecting with you.
Whether you'd like to grab a cup of coffee, chat about ministry, or just say hello, we invite you to stop by and visit with us. It’s a casual opportunity to connect, share stories, and build relationships face-to-face.
Warmly,
The Denver Presbytery Staff
We’re now taking pre-orders for the 2025–2027 edition of the Book of Order — available in English, Spanish, or Korean.
📚 Price: Just $10 per copy with our group order
🚚 Bonus: No shipping fees!
📍 Pick-up available at the August 16th Presbytery Assembly
This is a great opportunity to stock up for your congregation, committee, or personal study — conveniently and affordably.
👉 Reserve your copies today! (click below)
⏳ Pre-orders due by: July 11th
We look forward to distributing the new edition at the Assembly and appreciate your participation in this collective order.
If you prefer to order on your own, click here. The Books of Order are available in English, Spanish and Korean.
Please note, Ministers serving PCUSA congregations receive one planning calendar from PCUSA. Order extra calendars for your session, staff and committees.
The 2025–2026 Presbyterian Planning Calendar is your indispensable companion for purposeful planning from September 2025 to December 2026.
New Orientation: The calendar grid is now vertical instead of horizontal and will span across two pages for double the writing space for personal dates and notes.
Group Ordering. Ordering in bulk helps save on shipping costs. To help with this saving we ask that you pick up your calendars from the Presbytery office when they arrive (Mid-August) or at our August 16th Assembly Meeting at Iliff Seminary.
To complete your order online, select the number of calendars you want from the drop down menu. Once you have selected the number of calendars, click “add to cart” and complete for information requested on the form. Click “add to cart” and you will be taken to page to enter your credit card information to complete your order. Your order is complete when you get an email confirming your credit card payment was received. If you have any questions, contact Beth via email or 303.777.2454.
DEADLINE to PRE-ORDER to July 11th
Reservations for dinner are no longer available. We apologize for any inconvenience.
This gathering will be a sacred space to reflect, dream, and conspire together as we seek God’s guidance for our shared journey. Let us come with open hearts and courageous spirits as we explore what it means to lean into transformative relationships and faithful curiosity.
2025 Presbytery Assembly Theme: Courageously Conspiring Together
For 2025, Denver Presbytery gathers around the bold and unifying theme: Courageously Conspiring Together. At its heart, “to conspire” means to breathe together—an invitation into partnership, shared purpose, and Spirit-filled trust.
This May, our Assembly will focus on one vital expression of that theme: Caring Relationships. What does it mean to truly care for one another in our congregations, communities, and ministries? How do we build courageous relationships rooted in compassion, trust, accountability, and grace?
To conspire for caring relationships is to move forward not in isolation, but in deep connection—with empathy, presence, and vulnerability. It’s the work of building bridges, bearing witness to each other’s stories, and becoming a people who reflect Christ’s love in tangible, transformational ways.
This theme reflects one of the Seven Marks of Vital Congregations from the PC(USA), and is a core part of how we imagine God’s Kin-dom taking shape among us in Denver Presbytery.
As we prepare to gather on May 20 at St. James Presbyterian Church, we invite you to breathe with us—to listen, to learn, and to conspire for connection and care in all corners of our shared ministry.
🕊️ Together, may we courageously conspire for relationships that heal, restore, and inspire.
SCHEDULE | Tuesday, May 20, 2025
5 pm | In person check in, registration, fellowship and dinner begin
5:50 pm | Dinner ends, online checkin begins
6 pm | Assembly Gathering and Worship Begins
At our last presbytery gathering, we engaged in a creative and meaningful activity—you may remember we planted terrariums! As we worked with soil and plants, we also dug into deeper questions around spiritual formation and transformation—two vital marks of a thriving congregation. (You can revisit those guiding questions here.)
Each group also selected a “terrarium caretaker” to tend their creation until the next assembly. If that was you—thank you!
As we prepare for our May gathering, we’d love for you to share a picture of your terrarium in its current state, whether it’s flourishing or not. Growth of all kinds—thriving, struggling, or even failing—can offer spiritual insight.
We also invite you to reflect on this experience:
What did you notice during this month of care?
What have these living things taught you about spiritual growth and nurturing in your own faith community?
How might tending to life in small, intentional ways shape our understanding of transformation?
Your reflections will help nourish the wider presbytery community. And please, keep the terrarium as a thank-you for your care and presence on this journey.
With gratitude,
Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper
Lead Presbyter
Rev. Laurie J. Ferguson, Ph.D., PCC
Dr. Laurie Ferguson brings a unique blend of pastoral experience and psychological expertise to her work as an Executive and Leadership Coach. Having served as a parish pastor for over twenty years before pursuing her doctorate in psychology, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities of church leadership.
Dr. Ferguson specializes in helping individuals and organizations develop resilience skills and achieve their goals through faithful courage. Her coaching approach is informed by her training in clinical psychology, Jungian and transpersonal psychology, life cycles, human development, and organizational development.
With degrees from Smith College, Princeton Seminary, and Adelphi University, Dr. Ferguson holds both a Ph.D. in psychology and a Master of Divinity. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC).
She resides in the Hudson River Valley in New York. For more information about her, visit her website: lauriejferguson.com
Join us for a Zoom workshop exploring how we build courageous relationships by moving from assumptions to curiosity—grounded in the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–6).
We now invite you to a Lunch & Learn session introducing the Proposed Anti-Racism Policy that will be brought forward for a vote at our May 20th Assembly Gathering at St. James Presbyterian Church.
This event has been cancelled.
Monday, April 28th | 12:00–1:00 PM | Zoom
Curious about the overtures coming before the PC(USA) General Assembly this summer? Wondering what Denver Presbytery will be voting on at our upcoming Assembly Gathering?
Join us for a Lunch & Learn to explore the overtures Denver Presbytery will consider on May 20 at our Assembly Gathering at St. James Presbyterian Church.
We'll look at these overtures through a PC(USA) lens, considering:
What these overtures mean for the future of our denomination
How they reflect our values of justice, equity, and shared mission
What conversations are emerging across the church
This is a great opportunity for commissioners, clergy, and curious congregants alike to engage in faithful discernment together. Bring your lunch, your questions, and your commitment to being an informed and connected part of our Presbyterian family.
📝 Join Here
📧 Questions? Contact email our Stated Clerk, gretchen Sausville.
Let’s conspire courageously—together—toward a church that listens, learns, and leads with love.
If you didn’t reserve dinner by March 24th, it is no longer available. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience.
You’re Invited: A Weekend of Engagement with Rev. Tony Larson
Join us for a meaningful time of worship, learning, and conversation with Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly of PC(USA). Across three special gatherings, we’ll explore discipleship, servant leadership, and what it means to follow Christ in today’s world.
THIS IS THE 3RD OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE WITH REV. LARSON.
📍 April 1 | Presbyterian Assembly Gathering: "Discipleship Formation and Servant Leadership"
Gather with us as we reflect, worship, and conspire together for spiritual growth and faithfulness, responding to Christ’s call for transformation.
Theme: Conspiring… for Spiritual Growth and Faithfulness and Conspiring… to Respond to the Call of Transformation
Time: 5 pm Dinner and Fellowship | 6 pm Meeting and Worship
Location: Good Shepherd PC
Accessibility: Dinner will be held on the lower level which is accessible via the ramp located on the outside of the building. Worship and assembly will be held on the main level. A restroom is available on both levels. Generative time will be held upstairs for those unable to navigate the stairs. There is plenty of parking!
This is a rare opportunity to engage with a thoughtful leader, explore what it means to be the church today, and grow in faith together. We hope you’ll join us!
NOTE ABOUT DINNER: RSVP for dinner was due March 24th so we could plan and order food. If you did not register and pay for dinner, please come join us for dessert and fellowship!
You’re Invited: A Weekend of Engagement with Rev. Tony Larson
Join us for a meaningful couple of days of worship, learning, and conversation with Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly of PC(USA). Across three special gatherings, we’ll explore Courageously Conspiring Together for Spiritual Growth, Faithfulness, and the Call to Transformation—
March 31 | Lunchtime Workshop: "Models for Discipleship in an Age of Division: Why Church?"
Through the lens of Lukan parables, Rev. Larson will guide us in exploring who we follow, how we embody Christ, and where we are called to build courageous relationships.
9:15 – 10:30: Who are we following…?
10:45 – 11:30: How do we embody Christ as disciples?
11:45 – 12:30: Where does Christ need us to build courageous relationships?
12:30: Lunch to follow.
Optional: Pastors and leaders are invited to stay (or just come) after lunch for conversation about ministry in the current moment and a time of prayer.
Location: Denver Presbytery Offices
RSVP to bronte@denpres.org so we know how many people to expect. Pizza and salad for lunch!
Check out the other opportunities to connect with Rev. Larson while he is in Colorado!
Join us for a meaningful couple of days of worship, learning, and conversation with Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly of PC(USA). Across three special gatherings, we’ll explore discipleship, servant leadership, and what it means to follow Christ in today’s world.
March 30 | Worship at First Aurora
Come hear Rev. Larson preach at First Presbyterian Church of Aurora as we gather in worship and reflect on God’s call to bold faith and courageous discipleship. Members of Divino Salvador and Neema Church will also be joining in worship.
Time: 10 AM
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Aurora
Bring a friend and check out the other opportunities to hear and connect with Rev. Tony Larson!
Check out the other opportunities to connect with Rev. Larson while he is in Colorado!
You are invited to our first Leadership Summit | Conspiring to build courageous relationships!
Join us for this three-week collaborative preaching series during the Pentecost season, where we will explore and amplify a shared theme of courage, justice, and the Spirit’s transformative work.
You’re Invited to the Ordination Service of Jordan Shive
Dear Friends in Christ,
With joy and gratitude, the Presbytery of Denver invite you to the Ordination Service of Jordan Shive as he is set apart for ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
📅 Date: Saturday, February 15th
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM
📍 Location: First Presbyterian Church531 South College AvenueFort Collins, CO, 8052
Jordan, a member of Eagle River Presbyterian Church, is certified ready to receive a call and has faithfully prepared for this moment through his studies at Fuller Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity). He currently serves as a Chaplain Supervisor in the University of Colorado Health Systems, answering God’s call to a ministry of presence as a validated minister.
Join us in celebrating this sacred occasion as we witness God’s calling, offer our blessings, and uphold Jordan in prayer as he steps into ordained ministry.
All are welcome! We hope you will share in this special day of worship and commissioning.
Conspire = breathe together
Combination of partnership (with presbytery, each other)
Join us at IKEA in Centennial in the Food Court for Remote Staff Day!
All 8th-12th grade students, their adult family members, and their youth ministry workers are invited to this informational meeting!
An Invitation for Pastoral Leaders!
In our contemporary world as pastoral leaders we are often pulled between the roles of being “prophetic” or being “pastoral”. These two perceived divergent roles create a challenge in how to lead. Do you provide comfort and compassion or inspire and challenge? Come join with us for an interactive and engaging workshop from leaders in the Denver Presbytery who specialize in prophetic leadership.
Prophetic Ministry: An Invitation to Deepening your Relationships
Prophetic Leadership
Integrating the Binaries
Courageous Conversations
Prophetic Preaching
Prophetic Pastoral Care
This workshop has been affirmed by Ministry Relations Committee (MRC) to meet the annual anti-racism requirement.
Green Mountain Presbyterian Church
12900 West Alameda Parkway
Lakewood, CO
9AM - 3 PM, lunch included
October 26th at 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Dr. Jemar Tisby
Jemar Tisby is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the Church's Complicity in Racism, How to Fight Racism, and How to Fight Racism: Young Reader's Edition. He is also a Professor of History at Simmons College of Kentucky in Louisville. Jemar is the co-host of the "Pass the Mic" podcast. He speaks nationwide on the topics of racial justice, U.S. history and Christianity. Jemar earned his PhD in history and he studies race, religion, and social movements in the 20th century.
Location for all Forums will be at Montview Blvd Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St, Denver & Streaming Online at montview.org.
“White "Christian" Nationalism is the greatest threat to democracy and the witness of the church in the United States today.”
~ Dr. Jemar Tisby, February 28, 2024
