A Place at The Table
Moderator John Yu welcomed folx* to a celebratory Assembly, complete with sound makers, confetti, and snacks as we celebrated folx in our midst who have completed their leadership and those beginning their leadership. Wherever we are on this journey, there is a place at the table for everyone.
Special Guests
Clare Lewis, the newly named President and Executive Chief Officer of Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program (PILP) was on hand to bring greetings and hand out PILP refunds to 9 congregations. St. Paul Presbyterian Church was approved for a loan in the Omnibus.
Rev. Izett Samá Hernandez, a Minister of Word and Sacrament from the Presbytery of Havana brought greetings to us. She is part of the Cuba Partners Network between PC(USA) and the Reformed Church in Cuba, of which Central Presbyterian Church is a part.
New Minister Members Introduced and Blessed by the Assembly
Rev. Caressa Murray, Pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church
Rev. Jonathan Murray, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Littleton
Rev. Becca Jordan-Irwin, Pastor of Elizabeth Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Older Adult at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church
The Installation of Pat Queen as Moderator and Rev. Ruth McCollum Huff as Vice-Moderator of the Presbytery Assembly.
Pat Preached on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and introduced the theme for the year ‘A Place At The Table’. Communion was celebrated and the Assembly lifted their voices in song.
The Matthew 25 Summit and Shade Trees
Dee Cooper in her Lead Presbyter Report reflected on the The Matthew 25 Summit in Atlanta.
18 Folx from Denver Presbytery attended this Summit including staff and presbytery leaders.
In South Africa, there is a word of greeting, Sawubona which means I see you. The response is Yebo Sawubona which means I see you too. This is at the heart of Matthew 25 and the focus for Denver Presbytery of dismantling structural racism.
The Visionary leadership Commission has called a Presbytery Assembly on March 1-2, 2024 for the purposes of anti-racism training with Shade Trees. This training is for the Presbytery to strengthen our relationships and deepen our conversations on race and racism. LEARN MORE→
Celebration of Service Denver Presbytery Leadership
Thank you Rev. John Yu for being the Moderator of Denver Presbytery and leading us with compassion, thoughtfulness, and humor.
Thank you Rob Habiger, for being the Moderator of the Visionary Leadership Commission and leading us with vision, vigor, and openness to the new things before us.
Thank you to all the leaders who have served on committees and commissions as they rotate off and committees come to completion.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW!
CONNECTIONAL
Our Generative Time took place around tables in the Sanctuary that were covered in snack foods - from fruits and vegetables to candy, cakes, and chips that can be found in the US and internationally.
Folx talked about their favorite snacks and what they mean, whether online or in person.
We have a diversity of tastes and there is always a place for us at the table.
The Pastoral Leader Compensation Assistance Policy was approved by the Assembly. Click below to view the policy. It was created by the Ministry Relations Committee and the Finance and Property Committee. Details about applying for the grant will be coming soon! READ POLICY HERE→
Congratulations! We are excited for your leadership and service!
Servant Leadership Development Committee
Verniece Vafeades, RE, Peoples Presbyterian Church, Class of 2026
Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC)
Peggy Marshall, MWS, First Presbyterian Leadville, Class of 2027
Steven Blackstock, MWS, Validated Ministry, Class of 2029
Deby Brown, RE, Wellshire Presbyterian Church, Class of 2029
Ministry Preparation Committee (MPC)
Diane Ritzdorf, RE, Calvary Presbyterian Church, Class of 2026
Cindy Moorman, RE, Byers Community Church, Class of 2025
Synod of the Rocky Mountains, Commissioners
Dwight Blackstock, MWS, Retired, Class of 2025
Rob Habiger, RE, Central Presbyterian Church, Class of 2025
RE= Ruling Elder
MWC = Minister of Word & Sacrament
Commissioned Ready
Josphat Ombacho was introduced to the Assembly as Commission Ready as a Commission Pastor.
Special Needs Offering
During our gathering we received the Special Needs Offering. This offering is normally received at the January Assemblies, Ordination and Installation services to support the Presbytery’s Special Needs Fund. Through your generosity, we can provide pastoral care for our ministers, candidates, and their families when facing medical or financial concerns. Thank you for your gifts, enabling us to minister to our ministers. Please make checks payable to the Presbytery of Denver or go to https://denpres.org/give to donate electronically. Thank you!
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Green Mountain Presbyterian Church for your space and hospitality, and making room for all of us, whether on zoom or in person.
Hybrid meetings require multiple technological components in order for folks on-site and online to actively participate as one body. Many thanks to the staff, many volunteers, and the folx at Green Mountain Presbyterian Church for hosting the Assembly in their space.
*folx is inclusive language for including everyone and is used throughout
