Meet our 227th General Assembly Commissioners
The General Assembly is the PC(USA)’s highest council—a gathering for discernment, decision-making, and worship. Commissioners from every presbytery—equal numbers of ruling elders and teaching elders—serve alongside advisory delegates representing young adults, theological students, global partners, and interfaith voices.
Meeting every two years, the Assembly gathers for committee work, plenary sessions, education, shared meals, and connection. It is also a vibrant worshiping community, celebrating God’s work in and through the whole church.
The 227th General Assembly (2026) begins with online committee meetings June 22–24. Attendees travel to Milwaukee June 25–26 and take part in a Community Day on June 27, including public witness events and a Town Square of ministry resources. Plenary sessions will follow in Milwaukee from June 28–July 2, 2026.
This year Denver Presbytery was able to elect 2 teaching elders and 2 ruling elders, 2 alternates and a Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD). The Servant Leadership Development Committee reviewed several applications, did interviews and selected Commissioners that were elected at our December 2nd Special Called Assembly on Zoom. Learn more about them below.
Alternates are Rev. Whit Dempsey from Community of Grace PC and Pamela Jones, Ruling Elder from St. Paul PC.
CLEVE DIXON
Cleve Dixon (he/him) is honored to be selected by the Presbytery of Denver to serve as a Ruling Elder commissioner to the General Assembly next summer in Milwaukee.
In addition to serving St. Paul as Chair of Mission and Outreach, participating on the Worship Planning Team, singing in the choir, and serving on the Presbytery’s Ministry Preparation Committee, he enjoys many activities outside of church life. He loves feeding the people he cares about and spends much of his time planning meals and cooking for family and friends. He is an avid reader—especially of history, historical fiction, and science fiction/fantasy. A native Coloradan, he also loves spending time outdoors gardening, hiking, camping, and hunting.
Cleve looks forward to General Assembly—to experiencing the energy of God’s people in work and worship. And since he has never been to Milwaukee, he hopes to find time to explore the city and, of course, enjoy some beer and brats!
KIERSTEN HILL
The Rev. Kiersten Hill (she/her) is the Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults at Wellshire Presbyterian Church. She has never been to the state of Wisconsin, and looks forward to enjoying some cheese curds while there! Kiersten is a founding member of a monthly Karaoke Club, a mom of two toddlers, and a lover of all things pink. She is excited to witness the movement of the Spirit at General Assembly and feels grateful for the opportunity to serve the Church as a commissioner.
RAAFAT GIRGIS
Rev. Raafat (he/him) Girgis is an Incubator Leader, Founder, All People Intercultural Community (APIC). Raafat has served the church in both Egypt and the United States since his 1982 ordination in the Synod of the Nile. He holds degrees in social sciences, history, and theology from institutions in Cairo, Alexandria, and Chicago. He is the founding pastor of All People Intercultural Community (APIC), a ministry of Denver Presbytery in partnership with Grace Presbyterian Church in Highlands Ranch.
Raafat previously served congregations in California, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, and spent 15 years on the national staff of the PC(USA) directing Multicultural/Intercultural Ministries. His passion is creating safe, welcoming spaces where differences can meet, building bridges that help all people encounter the good news in ways they recognize.
He is excited to serve as a commissioner to the 227th General Assembly—his first time as a commissioner after attending more than 15 Assemblies as Presbyterian Mission Agency staff.
And for fun: one of his hobbies is fishing (though not fishing expeditions!).
BETH CARLISLE
Beth Carlisle (she/her) has served as the Communications Manager for the Presbytery of Denver for the past ten years. A lifelong Presbyterian who later married a Presbyterian minister, she has been part of several congregations across Indiana, Wisconsin, New Mexico, and Colorado. Beth is the proud mom of two amazing young women—Grace (who will also be attending GA) and Ava.
Beth also enjoys watching Ava compete or simply ride her horse, Buck. An outdoor enthusiast, she spends as much time as she can hiking in the mountains or walking her adopted dogs, Riv and Roo. Her decade of work as mid-council staff has given her a deep understanding of the denomination’s inner workings, and she is excited to experience General Assembly for the first time as a Commissioner. It will be extra special to have this shared experience with her daughter, Grace.
Beth has family in Milwaukee and a special connection to Wisconsin—it’s where she met her husband, the Rev. Steve Blackstock, during his first call.
GRACE BLACKSTOCK
Grace Blackstock (she/her) is a freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder studying Political Science. Last summer, she interned with the Presbyterian Mission Agency and spent several days in Washington, D.C. with the Office of Public Witness, where she saw firsthand how her passion for social justice connects with faith and public ministry.
Grace is eager to experience the polity side of the denomination at General Assembly and hopes that she can help develop more opportunities and spaces in the Presbyterian church for youth voices and communities.
In her free time, Grace is active in her campus reproductive rights club, enthusiastically cheers on Colorado’s sports teams, and never tires of soaking in the beauty of the mountains she loves.
October 28, 2025 Assembly Highlights
Partnering: Courageously Conspiring Together
Moderator Ruth McCollum Huff welcomed folx* to our Assembly Gathering at Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church. Vice-Moderator Chris Wineman shared our theme for this meeting: Conspiring Together…For Others
Welcome De’Amon Harges and Rev. Mike Mather
Denver Presbytery welcomed De’Amon Harges and Rev. Mike Mather.
De’Amon Harges, the original Roving Listener and founder of The Learning Tree, is a social banker and artist who helps communities uncover and connect the gifts, talents, and passions of their neighbors to build shared prosperity and joy. His work as a neighbor, consultant, and storyteller has taken him around the world, reminding people of the power and presence of community—especially in places where others are pushed to the margins.
Mike Mather, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Boulder and faculty member of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute, helps congregations and organizations across the globe discover the abundance within their communities. Author of Having Nothing, Possessing Everything and co-author of the forthcoming 100 Year Work: Social Capital for the Long Haul, he inspires faith communities and civic partners to build on local gifts rather than perceived deficits.
Worship and Generative Time
Clover Reuter Beal led our Land Acknowledgement.
Worship was an interactive generative experience of liturgy, storytelling, reflection and song centered around our baptism and our connection to each other. De’amon Harges and Mike Mather invited us to look at one another with the assumption of giftedness, shifting our attention from what is missing to what is already present and alive among us. Together, they fostered a worship space shaped by abundance, mutual recognition, and the practice of noticing God at work in one another’s stories.
Clover Beal and Jason Hays led the Assembly a re-affirmation of Baptism.
Thank you Worship Leaders for a wonderful Assembly Worship!
In addition to our speakers De’Amon Harges and Mike Mather, our liturgists included representatives from our Denver Presbytery Mission Partnerships, and staff from Montview Blvd.
Clover Reuter Beal- Liturgist, Montview Co-Lead Pastor, Molly Brown - Journey With Migrants Mission Partnership, Whit Dempsey - Empowering Incarcerated Women, Dana Easton- Presbyterians for Second Wind, Dan Gasser- percussion,
Jason D. Hays - Liturgist, Montview Interim Co-Lead Pastor, Barry Mayhew - Guatemala Mission Partnership, Chris Primus - Carpenters Helpers, Jordan Shive- guitar, vocals,
Adam Waiter - piano, vocals, Ann Butcher - liturgical arts.
Worship Planning Team: Jordan Shive, Ann Butcher, Ruth McCollum Huff, Chris Wineman, Dee Cooper, gretchen Sausville, Raafat Girgis.
Lead Presbyter Report | Dee Cooper
Dee addressed the Denver Presbytery on some of the most pressing challenges of our time—gun violence, immigration, and systemic oppression—urging us to respond with compassion and intentional care. She reminded us that dismantling oppressive systems begins with small acts of love and connection, rejecting the divisive “us versus them” mindset. Committed to embodying Christ’s love, the presbytery strives to see one another as whole people, support each other faithfully, and work together to bring healing, hope, and transformation to our communities.
Welcome New Minister Members!
Ron Graves is the Supply Pastor at United Church of Idaho Springs. Idaho Springs is a joint United Methodist and PC(USA) Congregation
Vernon Jones is the Installed Pastor at United Church of Montbello, which is one of our EMI congregations between the United Methodists, United Church of Christ, and the PC(USA)
Alex Sergio is the newly Commissioned Pastor for Congregational Engagement for Presbyterian Church of the Covenant and Grace Presbyterian Church
Triennium Report
Bethany Peerbolte and Kiersten Hill and Triennium attendees reported back to the Assembly about Triennium 2025 As If We Were Dreaming, which was held in Louisville, KY July 28-31, 2025. Abby McCubbin and company led us in an Energizer.
PC(USA) Stewardship & Funds Development
We welcomed Rev. Jeanie Shaw for the first time to Denver Presbytery as she gave us an update of Special Offerings and the restructuring under the new Unified Agency.
Servant Leadership Development Committee
Thank you Nancy Dixon, Verniece Vafeades, and Jill VanderWal for your passion, witness, and vulnerability in sharing about serving in the Presbytery and the ways people can serve.
2026 Budget -passed! Thank you Chuck Sparks, Rob Habiger, Julia Henderson for your reports and all those who helped create the 2026 budget.
2026 Minimum Minister Compensation and Pulpit Supply Guidelines -Passed! Thank you to the Ministry Relations Committee for your preparation.
Celebrations
Congratulations to newly elected members who will begin/continue their service in 2026!
Visionary Leadership Commission - Kiersten Hill
Ministry Relations Core Team- Whitney Dempsey & Cindy Cearley
Synod of the Rocky Mountains- Dwight Blackstock (Moderator) & Rob Habiger
Servant Leadership Development Committee- Brett Gudeman, Bill Davis, & Charla Musgrave
Ministry Preparation Committee - Karen Hogue Murray
Sarah Savage, our Interim-Treasurer beginning in January 2026.
Celebration of Mission Partnership!
The Denver Presbytery’s Mission Partnerships and Covenant Communities were represented during the Assembly during dinner time, in worship, and celebrated during the Mission Engagement Report given by Kim Graber.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Rev. Clover Reuter Beal and Rev. Dr. Jason Hays, and the staff and many volunteers at Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church for your space, hospitality, and making room for all of us.
🎬 New Worshiping Community Incubator Initiative – Program Wrap-Up
Over the past 3 years, innovators, dreamers, and faith leaders came together through the New Worshiping Community Incubator Initiative to reimagine what church can look like today. This video celebrates their journey — the bold ideas, sacred experiments, and Spirit-led collaborations that have taken root in communities across our region.
From first conversations to flourishing ministries, these leaders have learned, grown, and launched expressions of church that meet people where they are. Join us as we give thanks for their creativity, courage, and commitment to sharing the love of Christ in new and transformative ways.
A Joyful World Communion Sunday Celebration
On World Communsion Sunday, St. Paul Presbyterian Church and True Light Community Church came together to celebrate World Communion Sunday with a beautiful joint, bilingual worship service and potluck fellowship. Nearly 130 people gathered in joyful unity to worship, sing, and share a meal together.
The service was filled with special moments of collaboration and praise:
A Bell Choir made up of members from both congregations set a joyful tone.
Each church’s choir offered an anthem, lifting voices in both English and Korean.
Bilingual liturgy was led by Joann Goss and Rev. John Yu, reminding all of our shared faith across language and culture.
Ki Park led a vibrant time of praise and song.
Nearly 20 children from both congregations joined in, with a children’s sermon shared by Beth.
The sermon was delivered in two languages, embodying the heart of World Communion Sunday—unity in diversity.
Following worship, everyone enjoyed a potluck meal, celebrating not just the bread and cup we share in faith, but also the rich variety of our community and culture.
It was a day full of joy, music, laughter, and connection—truly a glimpse of God’s kingdom on earth!
💼 2026 Minimum Effective Salary Recommendation
2026 Minimum Effective Salary
The Ministry Relations Committee is bringing forward updated guidelines to set the 2026 Minimum Effective Salary for ministers of Denver Presbytery at $71,000, aligning with the national PCUSA median effective salary. This recommendation reflects both the high cost of living in Denver and our ongoing commitment to ensuring that pastors are fairly compensated for their service and leadership.
The guidelines will be presented for a vote at our Presbytery Assembly on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church. In preparation, we invite all ministers, sessions, and congregational leaders to attend an informational Zoom session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, where the Ministry Relations Committee will provide background, walk through the details, and answer questions.
Curious about the 2026 Effective Salary Recommendation?
The Ministry Relations Committee heard an Informational Session on Septemer 16th to walk through the details and answer key questions. This recommendation also includes increases to pulpit supply and session moderating.
If you were unable to attend, Watch the full recording!
Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or simply interested in how this recommendation impacts our shared ministry, this session offers helpful insights and context.
The Assembly will be voting on Ministry Relations Recommendation at our October 28, 2026 Assembly at Montview.
GRANTS & ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITIES
The Presbytery of Denver is committed to supporting pastoral leaders and congregations through various funding opportunities. Here’s what’s currently available:
To address the rising costs of salaries and the Board of Pensions benefits pricing, the Ministry Relations Committee has approved two different mechanisms for financial support:
Pastor Leadership Compensation Assistance Policy. This will award up to three grants, each not exceeding $12,780 to help congregations ensure their pastor is receiving the minimum effective salary.
Board of Pensions Subsidy Grant. This will award eight subsidies of up to $10,000 each to congregations who are finding it difficult to meet the new Board of Pensions (BoP) dues. These funds are ONLY to be used to offset BoP dues.
See and click on images below to learn more and apply.
August Assembly Highlights ✨ A Joyful Assembly of Worship, Mission & Friendship
Dear Denver Presbytery Friends,
What does it mean to conspire—to breathe together—as people of faith?
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the Presbytery gathered at Iliff School of Theology under the theme: Conspiring for Authentic Evangelism
Together, we explored what it means to share the good news of Jesus Christ in ways that are genuine, relational, and Spirit-led.
We were blessed to welcome Doug Tilton, Ecumenical Liaison On The Global Academic Liaison For The Unified Agency, as our guest speaker. Doug invited us to consider how God calls us to bear witness with authenticity, humility, and joy—both locally and globally.
The day was filled with celebration and connection as we:
Welcomed delegates from the Zimbabwe-Denver Partnership (PZDP)
Experienced the rhythms of a drumming circle
Honored the 20th anniversary of the PZDP with those who have walked alongside this ministry over the years
This gathering built on the spirit of our Assembly at Calvary Presbyterian Church earlier in the year, where Moderator Ruth McCollum Huff invited us into a spirit of connection and shared purpose under the guiding theme:
Partnering: Courageously Conspiring Together…to create courageous relationships by moving from certainty to curiosity.
That same spirit was alive at Iliff—encouraging us to listen deeply, serve faithfully, and embody the gospel in ways that are bold and compassionate.
Here are highlights from our meaningful time together:
The August Assembly gathered in a spirit of joy and global connection, celebrating the 20-year partnership between the Presbytery of Denver and the Presbytery of Zimbabwe. The day opened with a vibrant drumming circle led by Commissioned Pastor Josphat Ombacho, setting a lively tone for worship and discernment.
Lead Presbyter Welcome
Dee shared, we celebrate 20 years of partnership between the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and the Presbytery of Denver, a relationship born from a deep calling to listen to God’s voice and build genuine connection. This partnership, built on the visionary leadership of Rev. Dr. Tom Sheffield and Rev. Paul Neshangwe, has touched countless lives through shared ministry, love, and faith. As we reflect on this journey and honor the relationships that have sustained us, let us celebrate all that has been accomplished and commit to continuing this mission together in Christ’s love.
Worship & Preaching
Guest preacher Doug Tilton, Ecumenical Liaison On The Global Academic Liaison For The Unified Agency and long-time partner in Southern Africa, inspired the assembly with a message on “Conspiring for Authentic Evangelism,” exploring how the Gospel can be shared with authenticity, love, and mutual respect.
Doug reminded us of the 1927 “Friendship Dolls,” exchanged between Japan and the U.S. as a fragile but enduring witness to friendship across cultures. He connected that history to Denver Presbytery’s partnership with the Presbytery of Zimbabwe, begun in 2005, which has grown into sahwira—trusted friendships rooted in faith. In his message, Rev. Mutonganavo stressed that this partnership is transformative because it allows us to exchange cultures, learn from one another, and move beyond being “othered.” Together, Doug emphasized, we are called not only to be partners and friends but also co-conspirators in God’s mission—working across boundaries to embody justice, peace, and Christ’s transforming love.
Welcomes & Celebrations
Greetings from Presbytery of Zimbabwe leaders Elder Samkeliso “Samu” Siwela, Clerk of the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and Rev. Talkmore Chilang, Moderator of the Presbytery of Zimbabwe .
The Assembly welcomed New Minister Member: Rev. Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra, Central Presbyterian Church, and Commissioned Ready Candidate, Alex Sergio.
Commissioning of the Guatemala Partnership team.
Action Items Approved
Omnibus Motion – Including approval of the docket, minutes, reports, enrollment of corresponding members, and Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church’s request to relocate its columbarium to Crown Hill Cemetery.
Election of 2026 Vice Moderator – Rev. Bill Sanders (Honorably Retired) elected.
Anti-Racism Policy – Adopted as presented, committing Denver Presbytery to annual anti-racism training for leaders and encouraging broad participation across congregations.
Administrative Commission for St. Andrew – Received updates on the congregation’s discernment process following leadership transitions and property decisions.
Financial Report
Chuck Sparks presented the July 2025 report showing income and expenses at approximately 50% of budget year-to-date, with healthy reserves and investment gains contributing to positive net income.
Partnership of Zimbabwe & Denver Presbyteries – 20th Anniversary
Paul Neshangwe reflected on the Zimbabwe & Denver Presbyteries' partnership with humor, recalling the early confusion between himself and Rev. Max Chiquita and the visionary leadership of Tom Sheffield. He shared stories of cultural misunderstandings and the vast differences between Denver and Harare, emphasizing that despite challenges, the partnership was clearly God’s choice and was nurtured by faithful relationships—especially through the early efforts of Roberta and Ralph Pipit. What began with one congregation soon grew to involve many, with leaders like Tom and Maxi Guida helping connect the presbyteries at the highest levels. Through home stays, shared worship, and even humorous moments—like mistaking a water shortage for generosity—the partnership deepened, creating lasting bonds and new dreams. Paul celebrated how these exchanges have touched lives on both sides, reminding us that this shared journey is built on prayer, creativity, and commitment, and continues to point us toward unity as children of God.
A highlight of the day was the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between the two presbyteries. The celebration included music, the singing of Siyahamba, cake cutting, and shared stories of ministry. Participants were invited to wear blue in honor of the partnership’s shared color.
What’s Next
Dee invited participants to celebrate familiar friends, new connections, and even those with whom they sometimes disagree, recognizing how the partnership has expanded hearts and touched countless lives over 20 years. Through photos, song, and storytelling, Dee lifted up the joy of shared relationships while urging the presbyteries to keep dreaming, listening, and growing together as they discern God’s call for the future. Singing “Deep and Wide” as a symbol of God’s abundant love, Dee called for relationships that continue to deepen and widen across boundaries. The partnership, Dee reminded us, embodies God’s dream for the world—challenging oppression and centering love by welcoming the lonely, feeding the hungry, protecting the vulnerable, and bearing witness to God’s justice and transformation.
Over the past 20 years, the partnership between the Presbytery of Denver and the Presbytery of Zimbabwe has flourished into a beautiful tapestry of relationships, love, and shared purpose. Together, we have celebrated joy, learned from missteps, supported one another through grief, and expanded our hearts across oceans and mountains in God’s love. This partnership, cultivated through prayer, creativity, and commitment, reflects the values of connection and shared vision, involving countless individuals from both communities. As we honor this legacy, we also look to the future, asking what God is calling us to do next. We commit to deepening and widening our relationships, listening with open hearts, growing together as equals, and discerning God’s whispers for the path ahead. Through this partnership, we embody God’s transformational love—centering the marginalized, welcoming the lonely, and building a world where all are recognized as beloved. Together, we become activators of God’s kin-dom, creating a global community of faith that reflects God’s dream for the world. Thanks be to God.
Generative Time
In Denver Presbytery we are committed to generative time in all our assemblies. At this meeting, we felt we could experience the generative movement. Paul, Sam,Talkmore and Fiona led the Presbytery in dance!
Closing & Benediction
Moderator Ruth McCollum Huff adjourned the meeting and Rev. Fiona Benzon (Presbytery of Zimbabwe) offered the benediction, followed by fellowship over cake.
