April Assembly Highlights: Conspiring for Spiritual Growth and Faithfulness

🌬️ Partnering: Courageously Conspiring Together

At our April 1, 2025, Presbytery Assembly Gathering—graciously hosted by Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church—Moderator Ruth McCollum Huff welcomed folx into a spirit of connection and collaboration. She introduced our guiding theme:
Conspiring… for Spiritual Growth and Faithfulness
Conspiring… to Respond to the Call of Transformation

Rooted in the 2025 vision of Courageously Conspiring Together, we explored how our shared ministry can breathe life into discipleship and transformation across the Presbytery.

🎥 Missed it or want to revisit the conversation?
The full gathering is now available on the Presbytery Vimeo Channel, with chapter headings to help you easily navigate to the moments that matter most to you.

Thank you for continuing to walk this courageous, Spirit-led path with us. We’re better—stronger—when we breathe together.

Partnering: Courageously Conspiring Together

Moderator Ruth McCollum Huff welcomed folx* to our Assembly Gathering at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church and shared our theme for this meeting Conspiring…for Spiritual Growth and Faithfulness and  Conspiring …..to  respond to the Call of Transformation

The Gathering was recorded and can be viewed on the Presbytery Vimeo Channel. There are Chapter Headings for the meeting that are listed on the link to easier locate  portions of the meeting you wish to view. 

Welcome Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly | Rev. Tony Larson

Denver Presbytery welcomed the Rev. Tony Larson, the Co-Moderator of the General Assembly of the PC(USA). Anthony "Tony" Larson was born in Minneapolis and raised in North Carolina, where he attended the University of North Carolina, earning a double major in Public Policy Analysis and Religious Studies. He felt a calling to ministry while serving as a youth ministry director and later earned a Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary. Tony has served in various leadership roles, including co-leading the Synod Youth Council and planning the Montreat Youth Conference, and is currently the pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Surfside, South Carolina. Outside of ministry, he is a self-described "semi-professional nerd," enjoys cooking and jazz, and being a husband, father, and grandfather. 

Worship 

Sheri Fry led our Land Acknowledgement as Transitional Pastor of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. Rev. Tony Larson preached a sermon entitled Scraping Bottom (begins at minute 35.06 on recording)

Thank you Worship Leaders for a wonderful Assembly Worship! 

Mark Boykins (soloist and pianist), Abby McCubbin, Sandy Safford, Kiersten Hill,  Tony Larson, Judy Viccellio (Guitarist), Ann Butcher (liturgical arts).

Lead Presbyter Report | Dee Cooper

Dee discussed the Matthew 25 movement, emphasizing congregational vitality beyond traditional metrics of church success. She encouraged participants to be "fools" who continue to believe in love and connection, even in challenging times. Dee highlighted the importance of anti-racism training, authentic community, and breaking down barriers that prevent meaningful relationships. Dee encouraged the Presbytery to ‘lean in’ by gathering together, sharing perspectives, and affirming that all people are children of God is a radical act of faith and love. (The Lead Presbyter report begins at 1.21:22 on the vimeo recording)

Offering

The Assembly took an offering Centro de los Trabajadores. Centro de los Trabajadores, formerly Centro Humanitario, is Denver’s only day laborer center promoting work, dignity, and community. Since 2002, thousands of workers have accessed El Centro’s programs, including know your rights and job skills training, leadership development, and direct access to jobs. El Centro also provided the meal for the gathering.

Welcome New Minister Members!

Mike Cole is Honorably Retired and the Transitional Pastor at Providence Presbyterian Church. He is a member of Pueblo Presbytery.

Denise Shannon is a Member at Large transferring from Plains and Peaks Presbytery. Denise is a member of the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network, and shared information about POAMN before the meeting. 

Denver Pride

Bethany Peerbolte updated the Presbytery on Denver Pride and the ways folx can be involved as Denver Presbytery. She talked about the importance and impact Denver Presbytery had last year at the Pride Festival, and the importance of our presence this year. Denver Pride is June 28-29, 2025, and details will be forthcoming in the E-News.

Generative Time

Our theme, Conspiring… for Spiritual Growth and Faithfulness and Conspiring… to Respond to the Call of Transformation, is grounded in the seven markers of a vital congregation—reminding us that true vitality is not about size or budget, but about intentional, courageous growth together in faith. The generative time invited the Presbytery to co-create, imagine, and actively participate in the ongoing transformation of our congregations and communities by working together to plant “terrariums”. 

As the terrariums were planted, folx were asked to consider—- what foundational practices will enrich an individual’s community’s spiritual soil, reflect on the types of growth you’d love to see flourish, and notice the emotions that arise through collaboration and trust. Participants explored  how this creative act mirrors the shared work of nurturing spiritual development. Terrariums were then taken home by an individual to care for them, and arrangements were made to return them to the May 20, 2025 Assembly. 

Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP)

We welcomed Rev. Dr. Clayton Thomas, the Vice President of Sales and Relationship Management for PILP for the first time. Clayton gave the presbytery an update from PILP, and handed out rebate checks to our congregations working with PILP. 

General Assembly Amendment Resources

In preparation for the May 20, 2025 Assembly where we will vote on the 12 Amendments to the Book of Order and and the Ecumenical Agreement with the Episcopal Church, Ruth Huff, gretchen Sausville, and Beth Carlisle shared where the presbytery can find information about the General Assembly Overtures that has been shared and curated over the past 9 months. All information about the General Assembly and resources about the Amendments can be found here

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response Team

The Presbytery Commissioned Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response Team Volunteers: Wanda Beauman, Sheri Fry, Karen Hogue Murray, and Mark Williams. Thank you for your service to this meaningful ministry.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Rev. Sheri Fry, the staff and many volunteers at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church for your space, hospitality, and making room for all of us.