Fourth NWC Incubator Leader Hired!
Many of you have had the chance to meet our three New Worshiping Community (NWC) Incubator Leaders that began their work in the first quarter of the year. Bethany, Raafat, and Evan have begun their ministries in our presbytery and we are looking forward to seeing how God continues to use them to gather new communities.
We are happy to announce the hiring of our fourth and last NWC Incubator Leader, Rev. Karla Lara Maldonado. Karla began her work this week and will be focusing on starting a new ministry that primarily reaches the Hispanic/Latino community in the northern part of the greater Denver metro area.
The NWC Incubator initiative is made possible thanks to the generosity of Jane Hays. Thanks to the bequest she left of $1.9 million we have been able to support the salaries of the leadership of existing NWCs, while also supporting the new Incubator Leaders.
We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Lara Maldonado as NWC Incubator Leader. You can read more about her in the bio below. May God continue to guide Denver Presbytery as it seeks to support and create space for new expressions of church in our midst.
Meet Karla
Karla has a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She received the Carl Kilborn Award from the president to the graduated senior with leadership and potential for ministry and academic excellence. She also has graduate studies in Science and Administration in Mexico.
Karla served in First Presbyterian Church in Weslaco, Texas [FPCW], launching several missional and evangelistic projects, from Bible Study to creating a community garden to a food pantry. God blessed her with guidance, creativity, and effectiveness during her service there.
Commenting on the ministry of FPCW, a seasonal resident of Weslaco said, "I have visited nine other churches in the area, but I prefer to drive 30 min to FPCW because this church is alive and is truly serving. Other churches say, 'Remember us in your will,' but this church focuses on mission and evangelizing its neighbors. I will move my membership from Minnesota to Weslaco."
Born in Reynosa, Mexico, Karla moved to the U.S. with her family due to her husband's job relocation. Orlando and their two sweet daughters, Sarah and Emma, are Karla's best motivation and inspiration.
Karla loves to sing, laugh, and have fellowship. She enjoys having conversations with people from different ethnicities, religions, and walks of life. In Denver Presbytery, she feels called to reach families through dance, exercise, and art that involve making new friends, sharing meals, and meditation. She can be contacted via email at revkarlalara@gmail.com.