April Assembly Highlights
Faithful Friction: Turning Tension Into Faithful Witness
We continue in our 2026 theme: Faithful Friction: Turning Tension into Faithful Witness | Eradicating Systemic Poverty.
Our April Assembly focused on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) – The PC(USA)’s ministry of socially responsible, faith-based investing through corporate engagement. MRTI reflects the church’s commitment to aligning its financial resources with its mission, advocating for practices that honor God’s justice in the world.
Our special guest, Simon Doong, taught us about MRTI during the Sermon and Generative time. Simon Doong serves as the Associate for Corporate, Community and Church Engagement for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of Faith-Based Investing and Shareholder Engagement.
Translation Services
Denver Presbytery has partnered with the Community Language Cooperative of Denver as part of our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and language justice. We are grateful for the opportunity to help ensure that all participants can engage more fully in our shared discernment and decision-making by providing interpretation services at Presbytery Assembly.
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
The Rev. Loye Troxler welcomed the presbytery to First Presbyterian Church in Englewood and introduced Mary Canzona to bring the Land Acknowledgement.
We are grateful for such a powerful Land Acknowledgement from Mary, an Apache woman who has served First Presbyterian Church of Englewood as the Office Manager for 23 years.
New Presbytery Assembly Commissioners
The Assembly also celebrated the presence of several new ruling elder commissioners representing congregations across the Presbytery, including Montview Boulevard, Wellshire, First Presbyterian Church of Brighton, and Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Churches. Their participation reflected the shared leadership and connectional nature of the Presbyterian Church, as elders from diverse congregations gathered to worship, discern, and engage in the work of the Presbytery together.
New Pastoral Leaders
Rev. David Hogue, Moderator of the Ministry Relations Committee, welcomed and introduced four new ministry leaders to the Presbytery of Denver during the Assembly. The Presbytery celebrated the addition of Eric Snyder of First Avenue Presbyterian Church, James DeMent, Interim Pastor at St. Paul Presbyterian Church, Joseph (Joe) Chu, newly serving as Stated Clerk for Denver Presbytery, and Josphat Ombacho, Commissioned Pastor for Neema New Worshipping Community. Members warmly welcomed these leaders and gave thanks for the gifts, experience, and ministries they bring to congregations and communities across the Presbytery.
Thank you Worship Leaders for a wonderful Assembly Worship!
Denise Moore, Jordan Shive, Chris Wineman, Pat Queen, Nancy EdmundsOUR SPEAKERA huge thank you to Simon Doong for delivering a sermon that was both challenging and deeply insightful. Simon bridged the gap between our faith and our finances, educating us on the importance of mission responsibility through our investments. His message on 'faithful friction' reminded us that following Christ isn't always about avoiding conflict, but about leaning into the difficult spaces where our faith meets the world's realities. It was an empowering reminder that even our investments can be a form of ministry.
Lead Presbyter Report | Dee Cooper
We have experienced Holy Week, natural disasters, war in the world, and heard from our astronauts about their experiences in space. From space, it is evident how interconnected we are and how much we need each other. This serves as a reminder of how it felt when we were released from being locked down during COVID and how much we cherished being together again.
As the Presbytery transitions to a mobile office, we will continue to prioritize intentional in-person events. The staff will be even more visible through a variety of well-planned gatherings.
Anne Bond was invited forward and honored for her service as the Stated Clerk pro tem.
Clayton Thomas | Presbyterian Investment and Loan ProgramThank you to Clayton Thomas of the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP) for sharing an encouraging report on the ministry and impact of PILP across the denomination and within the Presbytery of Denver. The presentation highlighted how PILP partners with congregations to support ministry growth, property development, and financial stewardship through lending and investment programs that strengthen the church’s mission and future.
A special moment of celebration came as four congregations within the Denver Presbytery were recognized for achieving “full rebate” status — an acknowledgment of congregations whose participation and investment with PILP have generated the maximum available rebate benefit for their churches. The recognition celebrated faithful stewardship, strong partnership, and the ways congregations are helping support ministry not only in their own communities, but across the wider church as well.
Blessing of General Assembly Commissioners
The Assembly took time to bless and pray for the Presbytery of Denver’s General Assembly commissioners and staff who will travel to Milwaukee this summer for the 227th General Assembly of the PC(USA). Commissioners include Beth Carlisle, Raafat Girgis, Grace Blackstock, Cleve Dixon, and Kiersten Hill. Raafat Girgis was unable to attend due to a New Worshiping Communities gathering, and Grace Blackstock was absent because of finals week at CU Boulder.Staff members Dee Cooper, Joe Chu, and Fernando Rodriguez were also recognized and prayed over as they prepare to support the work of the wider church. The assembly offered prayers for wisdom, discernment, safe travel, and faithful leadership in the days ahead.
Servant Leadership Development Committee (Committee on Representation)
Thank you, Bill Davis and Nancy Dixon, for their report. The Presbytery is currently seeking nominations for a female ruling elder to serve as the next Vice Moderator (clickhere to learn more and apply), as well as members for the Relations and Connections Team. Pastors are encouraged to nominate gifted leaders from their congregations for these important roles. Learn more about these roleshere.
Generative Time
Thanks as well to Simon Doong for leading the MRTI Generative Time, assisted by volunteers Chris Wineman, Sheri Fry, and Nancy Edmunds, who helped facilitate the live Q&A and interactive exercises. Participants were introduced to the work of the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) and explored how faith-based shareholder advocacy can be used as a tool for justice, accountability, and corporate change.
The session moved beyond lecture into hands-on learning. Through case studies involving companies like Meta, ExxonMobil, and Hershey, participants worked through real-world scenarios using MRTI’s corporate engagement strategies — including letters, dialogue, shareholder resolutions, and long-term relationship building with corporations. The generative format encouraged young adults to think critically, collaborate in small groups, and wrestle with the tensions between faith, finance, environmental responsibility, labor justice, and ethical technology.
Especially meaningful was the opportunity for participants to engage directly with experienced advocates during the live Q&A, asking questions about how faith communities can influence corporate behavior and public policy. The conversation highlighted MRTI’s commitment to using investment as an expression of Christian witness and social responsibility, helping participants imagine practical ways the church can pursue justice in the economic sphere.
Fiduciary Stewardship Committee
Thank you to co-moderators Sharon Blackstock and Mike Norris for their report on Presbytery investments and the ongoing work of faithful stewardship. As part of their report, Mike shared an overview of the Presbytery of Denver’s investment portfolio, which currently totals more than $7 million in managed and reserve funds that support the presbytery’s ministries, grants, congregational support, and future planning.
A key guiding principle highlighted in the report was the Presbytery’s commitment to socially responsible investing and its recognition of the work of the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI). Since adopting its investment policy in 2019, the Finance & Property Committee (thanks to the direction and work of Pat Queen, former moderator of FSC) has maintained a policy of avoiding direct investments in organizations included on the church’s divestment list, while acknowledging the complexities of broader fund holdings such as index funds.
The report also connected financial stewardship with the church’s larger witness and mission, emphasizing that investments are not only financial tools, but also opportunities to reflect Presbyterian values around justice, accountability, and responsible corporate engagement.
Acknowledgements
A special thank you to Rev. Loye Troxler, Mary Canzona (Land Acknowledgement), Denise Moore (organist), Barry Mayhew (tech and A/V), and the entire team at First Presbyterian Church in Englewood. We are so grateful for your warm hospitality and for providing such a welcoming space for our community to gather.
Meet Our new Stated Clerk
Dear Denver Presbytery Community,
We are pleased to announce the election of the Rev. Joseph Chu as our next Stated Clerk. Joe will begin his service on April 15, 2026, and we give thanks for the Spirit’s guidance in this important call.
Joe is a Minister of Word and Sacrament who most recently served as Stated Clerk of the Eastern Korean American Presbytery. Throughout his ministry, he has demonstrated deep experience in governance, pastoral care for councils, and the faithful, often behind-the-scenes work that sustains connectional life.
The Nominating Committee was especially impressed by Joe’s strong grounding in polity and judicial process, as well as his relational leadership across the denomination. His service includes leadership at the synod and General Assembly levels, including work with the General Assembly Design Team and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA).
Joe brings a thoughtful and evolving theological perspective shaped by his upbringing in the Korean church and his broader engagement across the PC(USA). He values humility, connection, and a church that makes room for difference.
He lives in New Jersey with his wife of 21 years, their two children, and their energetic cockapoo.
A Hybrid Role for a Connected Presbytery
As Denver Presbytery transitions to a more mobile office model and continues to embrace flexible, adaptive ways of working, the Stated Clerk role is intentionally hybrid, aligning closely with this evolving approach to ministry and connection.
In this model, Joe will work remotely while remaining deeply engaged across the life of the presbytery. He will be in person for Presbytery Assemblies and judicial processes, typically spending a week or more on-site around assembly gatherings.
In addition, Joe will join staff during designated remote staff days as we gather in various locations across the presbytery, creating opportunities for connection and collaboration. He will also participate in educational, informational, and other offsite gatherings whenever possible, welcoming those who are able to join.
This hybrid approach reflects our commitment to staying connected, accessible, and responsive throughout our geographically diverse presbytery.
We look forward to welcoming Joe into this new season of shared ministry and leadership. Please join us in prayer for him and his family as they prepare for this transition.
In Christ,
Stated Clerk Nominating Committee
Bethany Peerbolte
Ann Rosewall
Alex Sergio
Jon Sutterlin
Theresa Varnado
Called to Lead? Serve as Vice-Moderator of Denver Presbytery
Denver Presbytery is seeking faithful, thoughtful, and collaborative leaders to serve as Vice-Moderator for 2027—a vital role in shaping the life, worship, and direction of our shared ministry.
The Vice-Moderator serves as Moderator-elect, stepping into the role of Moderator the following year, and plays a key leadership role across the Presbytery.
What does the Vice-Moderator do?
Help plan and lead Presbytery assemblies with the Stated Clerk and Lead Presbyter
Cultivate a non-anxious, Spirit-led presence while moderating large gatherings
Participate in ordinations and installations
Prepare meaningful worship experiences at Presbytery meetings
Serve on Presbytery Council and leadership bodies (VLC, design teams)
Represent the voice and vision of Denver Presbytery
Receive training (including time in Louisville)
Who are we seeking?
Individuals grounded in the Reformed faith and open to diverse perspectives
Leaders gifted in facilitation, collaboration, and spiritual discernment
Those willing to make a two-year commitment (Vice-Moderator → Moderator)
📌 Eligibility Note:
In alignment with our commitment to equity and representation, the 2027 Vice-Moderator will be a Ruling Elder in good standing within Denver Presbytery who identifies as a woman.
We are committed to lifting up leadership that reflects the richness of the Body of Christ—across gender, race, ethnicity, theology, and life experience.
Why serve?
This is a unique opportunity to:
Shape the tone and direction of our Presbytery
Strengthen connections across congregations and leaders
Grow spiritually and in leadership alongside a vibrant community
📣 Interested or want to nominate someone?
Reach out to the Nominating Committee or Presbytery leadership to learn more.
Step forward in faith. Your voice matters in the life of Denver Presbytery.
Transitional PLAN
Dear Denver Presbytery,
As we celebrate and appreciate gretchen Sausville’s three years of faithful ministry with us, we invite you to join us in honoring her service and the new call she has received. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and commitment during her time as our Stated Clerk.
We also want to assure you that we have been carefully planning for coverage during this period of transition. The Stated Clerk Nominating Committee has been working diligently with candidates to discern who will be brought forward for nomination as our next Stated Clerk in the upcoming months. In the meantime, we have engaged Ruling Elder Anne Bond and Rev. Brian Ellison to support and cover the essential roles and responsibilities until the next Stated Clerk is in place.
Here is what you need to know about the transition plan:
Anne Bond is well known to many of you as a former Stated Clerk of the Denver Presbytery, where she served faithfully for many years. She is a member of Central Presbyterian Church and has served on numerous national committees including leading the GA committee of Episcopal-Presbyterian Bilateral Dialogue. Anne will act as a consultant until March 3rd and has been elected by the Visionary Leadership Commission to serve as the Stated Clerk Pro-Tem for Presbytery Operations after that date.
Rev. Brian Ellison is the Stated Clerk of the Synod of Mid-America, a member of Heartland Presbytery, and the Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. Brian has also served on the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission. Brian's path has previously crossed with Dee’s as they worked together in Heartland Presbytery. Brian will also serve as a consultant until March 3rd and has been elected by the Visionary Leadership Commission to serve as the Interim Stated Clerk, with a specific focus on the work of the Investigative Committee.
To ensure the operations of the presbytery office continue without interruption, we encourage you to reach out to Dee, gretchen, and Anne (statedclerk@denpres.org) with any questions or needs during this time. We are working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a smooth handoff and transition, and we are confident in this plan to carry us forward.
Thank you for your support and prayers during this time of change. We look forward to celebrating Gretchen’s ministry with you and entering this new chapter together.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper
Lead Presbyter
Faithful Friction: Turning Tension Into Faithful Witness
2026 Denver Presbytery Assembly Theme
Building on last year’s theme of Partnership: Courageously Conspiring Together, we now turn to Faithful Friction: Turning Tension into Faithful Witness, rooted in Matthew 25’s call to eradicate systemic poverty and recognizing that following Jesus often brings us into tension with cultural expectations, political realities, and personal comfort. Rather than fearing this friction, we will embrace it as a holy opportunity for growth, trusting the Spirit to use it to refine our discipleship, strengthen our unity, and deepen our shared witness in the world.
Translation Services
Denver Presbytery has partnered with the Community Language Cooperative of Denver as part of our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and language justice. This was our first time providing interpretation services at Presbytery Assembly, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help ensure that all participants can engage more fully in our shared discernment and decision-making.
Thank you Worship Leaders for a wonderful Assembly Worship!
Dee Cooper, Bill Sanders, Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra, Ruth M. Huff, Charis Smith, gretchen Sausville, Chris Wineman, Sue Shaw, Rob Habiger, M. Roger Holland II, Choirs of Peoples and Central Presbyterian Church
Worship
Our incoming Denver Presbytery Moderator Chris Wineman and Vice-Moderator Bill Sanders were installed.
Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra, Pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, wrote and led our Land Acknowledgement.
Chris Wineman preached a sermon entitled No One Said This Was Going To Be Easy rooted in Leviticus 25: 8-41 (selected) and introduced this year's theme Faithful Friction: Turning Tension Into Faithful Witness.
The sermon reflected on a lifelong pursuit of financial security and how Scripture, especially the Year of Jubilee, challenges those with resources to shift from accumulation toward community care, trust in God, and a commitment to justice. It calls disciples to embrace “Faithful Friction” by saying “I have enough,” aligning their choices with their faith, and taking concrete steps to help address systemic poverty.
Bill Sanders and Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra celebrated communion.
Lead Presbyter Report | Dee Cooper
Dee Cooper shared appreciation for the prayers, encouragement, and time away that supported her recovery from surgery and gradual return to work. She reflected on using this season to reset, re-engage ministry with renewed perspective, and consider how the Presbytery can respond faithfully amid ongoing challenges locally, nationally, and globally. She also spoke about the importance of addressing injustice and systemic poverty through both self-reflection and action, encouraging continued learning, honest conversation, and shared commitment as a Matthew 25 community.
Thank You Ruth McCollum Huff
Moderator Chris Wineman and the Presbytery Assembly thanked outgoing Moderator Ruth McCollum Huff, for her steadfastness and service. Ruth, we thank you again for your leadership and service among us and with us over the last two years.
Thank you Sue Pilcher
Mike Norris and Sharon Blackstock, Co-Moderators of the Fiduciary Stewardship Committee and the Presbytery Assembly thanked outgoing Treasurer Sue Pilcher for her faithful 2 terms of service, and wished her well in her retirement.
Thank you gretchen N. Sausville
Dee Cooper, Lead Presbyter, Julia Henderson and Ruth Curtin from the Staffing Resources Committee thanked gretchen N. Sausville, Stated Clerk for her term of service to Denver Presbytery and 8 years of ministry as a minister member of the Presbytery. gretchen will be concluding her time as Stated Clerk on March 3, and will be moving back east to pastor a congregation closer to family.
Offering
The Assembly took an offering for the Special Needs Fund of the Presbytery which provides pastoral care for our ministers, candidates, and their families when facing medical or financial concerns.
Welcome New Minister Members!
Kim Clayton is the Transitional Pastor at Wellshire Presbyterian Church transferring from Mid-Kentucky Presbytery.
Steve Nofel is the Interim Pastor at First Presbyterian-Brighton and transferring from Baltimore Presbytery.
Kim Nofel is the Pastor at Elizabeth Presbyterian Church and transferring from Baltimore Presbytery.
Generative Time
During Generative Time, participants spent fifteen minutes exploring interactive stations around the sanctuary focused on moving from learning to action in addressing systemic poverty. They had opportunities to connect with leaders from the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, learn about advocacy resources from the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness, and engage in a simple sensory reflection connected to the theme of faithful friction. This time encouraged conversation, relationship-building, and imagining practical partnerships so congregations could do more than talk about eradicating systemic poverty.
*Please contact the Presbytery Office if you wish to know more about resources shared.
Celebrations
Congratulations and thank you for your leadership:
Jill VanderWal and Nancy Dixon as Co-Moderators for 2026 of Servant Leadership Development Committee
Bethany Peerbolte as Moderator of the Ministry Preparation Committee.
Peg Logan as Vice-Moderator of the Ministry Relations Committee
Congratulations and thank you to newly elected and re-elected folx willing to step into leadership on Presbytery Committees.
Joanna Douglass - Ministry Relations Core Team for Transitions
Paula Steinbacher - Ministry Relations Core Team for Pastoral Care
Robert Mathes - Visionary Leadership Commission
Ethan Raath- Permanent Judicial Commission
Thank you to all who have served so faithfully and are rotating off Presbytery Leadership.
Denver Presbytery Moderator - Ruth McCollum Huff
Denver Presbytery Treasurer - Sue Pilcher
Denver Presbytery Stated Clerk - gretchen N. Sausville
Visionary Leadership Commission:
Doug Friesema
Charla Musgrave
Chris Spotts
Ministry Relations Committee:
Sheri Fry - Moderator
Beth Hewlett
Bill Sanders
Marlene Trout
Jordan Warntjes
Racquel Yslas
Mission Engagement Committee:
Celeste Habiger
Staffing Resources Committee:
Karen Yarberry
Ministry Preparation Committee:
CJ Biewenga
Cindy Moorman
Katie Robb - Moderator
Bruce Taylor
Permanent Judicial Commission:
Gretchen Wilson
And All those who have served without recognition on investigating committees and judicial matters.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Rev. Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra and the staff and many volunteers at Central Presbyterian Church for your space, hospitality, and making room for all of us.
Courageous Community Characteristics
Let’s review our theme from 2025 Assemblies
Partnering: Courageously Conspiring Together
In 2025, Denver Presbytery gathered around the theme Partnering: Courageously Conspiring Together, a vision that named both the challenges before us and the faithful response required of us. To conspire—from its Latin roots—means to breathe together. This understanding shaped the year as an invitation into deeper partnership with one another, with our congregations, and with God’s Spirit moving among us.
Courageously conspiring together reframed “conspiracy” not as something secretive or harmful, but as a positive, faithful act of shared moral commitment. As Sheri Fry so powerfully articulated, this kind of conspiring has always been present in movements for justice and freedom—when people, facing real risk and uncertainty, chose unity, trust, and courage over isolation or fear. The courage required was not only about confronting external challenges, but also about placing faith in one another: listening well, acting in good faith, following through, and building trust where the stakes were high.
Rooted in Matthew 25 and the PC(USA)’s seven marks of a vital congregation, the presbytery explored how courageous partnership strengthens the whole body of Christ:
Lifelong Discipleship
Intentional, Authentic Evangelism
Outward Incarnational Focus
Empowered Servant Leadership
Spirit-Inspired Worship
Caring Relationships
Ecclesial Health
To reflect the unique context and calling of Denver Presbytery, these marks were expressed through engaging, invitational language that emphasized shared action and mutual responsibility:
Conspiring for Spiritual Growth and Faithfulness (Discipleship Formation)
Conspiring for Authentic Evangelism
Conspiring to Respond to the Call of Transformation (Servant Leadership)
Conspiring for Courageous Worship
Conspiring to Build Courageous Relationships
Conspiring to Build a Healthy Whole Body (Ecclesial Health)
Throughout all presbytery assemblies and major gatherings, three core practices were intentionally integrated and highlighted: courageous worship, courageous relationships, and ecclesial health. These formed the relational and spiritual backbone of our shared life together.
The year unfolded through a series of gatherings, summits, and celebrations that embodied the theme in practice—from the installation of Moderator Ruth Huff in January, to leadership development focused on relational capacity, discipleship and servant leadership with General Assembly Co-Moderator Tony Larson, and deep dives into courageous relationships, curiosity, trauma-informed community, and anti-racism work. Global partnership and evangelism were celebrated through the 20-year Zimbabwe Partnership anniversary, lifting up mutuality, reciprocity, and shared mission with global partners.
Together, these gatherings demonstrated that courageous conspiring is not about power held by a few, but about empowerment shared among many. Individuals and congregations discovered renewed strength by breathing together—choosing trust over fear, curiosity over certainty, partnership over competition, and hope over isolation.
In a time marked by cultural fragmentation and ongoing recovery from collective trauma, the 2025 theme called Denver Presbytery into a way of life: one rooted in courage, unity, and faithful partnership, as we sought to live more fully into Christ’s vision of beloved community—for the sake of the church, the world, and one another.