BorderLinks Workshop - Immigration Task Force

On Saturday, July 21st, over 70 people joined members of the Immigration Task Force of the Denver Presbytery for an Experiential Day of Exploration around Immigration issues with the experts from Borderlinks.  We had over 17 churches, 4 presbyteries, and 4 non Presbyterian churches represented and participated.  Xavi, Cathie, Tania, and Josue led us through many explorations around immigration.

We started by creating safe containers and agreements for our conversations knowing we had divergent points of view.  All enjoyed an enlightening exercise reviewing the historical perspectives of immigration since the beginning of our country.  Many were surprised to discover the patterns through the centuries, as well as what was happening during their own ancestral immigration to this country.  We were led through a process of immigration simulation, that highlighted how complicated, broken, and random the existing system is.  For instance, sponsorship into citizenship is now backed up to 1995 requests.  There was an engagement of understanding around the border towns and the extreme costs of living imposed in these cities by companies that serve American outsourcing yet exploit the workers into unending debt and servitude. We participated in many other interactions and ended with creating a prickly pear cactus of life sharing publicly what we can do as we move forward to create something new in our world and around these justice issues. 
 

Central Fund Greenhouses and Vimridge operations

The Presbytery of Zimbabwe's Central Fund continues to expand the agricultural operations at Vimridge Farm in partnership with the Denver Presbytery.  A recent investment by the Denver Presbytery, through the PZDP Committee, enabled expansion by building a second greenhouse.  Current crops include tomatoes, cabbage, and onions.  The vegetable production is one of a number of business projects utilizing the land resources of the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and supporting their congregations' missions.

A Prayer for Children on the Border

Precious Jesus, we hold the image of you interrupting the important adult agendas to bring the children into your lap with loving care. As you embrace them and give them your loving attention, you remind us it is these precious ones to whom the kindom of God belongs.

Loving Parent, our hearts break open hearing the desperate cries of babies, separated from their parents, not knowing when or if they will be reunited. We pray for your comfort for them and for those who are providing care for them. We pray for your wisdom to show us ways to engage in solutions for reunification for those already separated.

Compassionate Creator, we stand before you aware that as mothers and fathers, as aunts and uncles, as grandfathers and grandmothers, our hearts stop in fear, even considering the possibility of losing a young one for only a moment of distraction. We cannot imagine the terror and trauma of being separated in a country where we don't know when we would be reunited. God, use our fears to motivate us to bring change, to be a voice for these parents and children.

Holy and Just God, we turn our lives to you for your divine wisdom. We know the issues around immigration are complicated and complex, and we lift up the lawmakers and leaders of our nation as they discern a way forward. We pray for more than quick fixes that still imprison children and families who are seeking shelter and safety. May the decisions be infused with your spirit of grace and love.

Disruptive Spirit, we ask that in the midst of the inconceivable, we do not become immobilized or close our hearts with indifference. We ask you ignite within us a fire to move us toward actions that make a difference. We ask as you infuse us with your spirit, to move us to action that sees all those in our lives as your children. We call upon your prophetic justice that all these tears and anger will flow down creating mighty waters of change and righteousness will flow like a never-ending stream.

We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus, who also knew the fear of escaping genocide , fleeing to Egypt with his family searching for a safe place to call home. Amen.

Rev. Dee Cooper
Moderator of Immigration Task Force

223rd General Assembly - Highlights

The 223rd General Assembly (2018) will be held in St. Louis, Missouri -  June 16 - 23. Denver Presbytery was represented by Commissioners: Ruling Elder Georgia Comstock (South Park Community Church), Ruling Elder Cleve Dixon (St. Paul Presbyterian), Rev. Ruth McCollum Huff and Rev. Jason Whitehead.  Claire Wineman of Central Presbyterian church was our Young Adult Advocate Delegate. Rev. Carol Fisher served as an alternate.

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) meets biennially in even-numbered years. It consists of commissioners elected by each of its 173 presbyteries. The GA is full of activities: business sessions, committee meetings, an exhibit hall, daily worship services, and mission tours sponsored by the  Committee on Local Arrangements. 

The assembly acts on hundreds of items of business, which it receives through the reports and recommendations of various assembly entities, and through overtures from synods and presbyteries.
 

History of the Montview Boulevard Communion Table

Montview's Communion Table with one minister's chair.  The gentleman shown who is sitting in a chair next to the historic communion table is Dr. William Easley.  Bill Easley is a retired Denver dentist who remains very active at Montview Church at the age of 92.  He joined the church as a member of the communicants' class in the spring of 1937.  Over the years Bill Easley has served as a deacon and as an elder, a number of terms in each office.  Today he is the Montview Church member with the longest tenure as a member, 81 years.  After returning from WWII, Bill Easley joined the Westminster Choir in 1947 and he continues to sing in the choir every Sunday, a tenure of 71 years.  Bill Easley remembers very well when the historic communion table sat in the very same spot as shown in the photo and when that area served as the chancel of the sanctuary (The Auditorium) which was dedicated in 1918.  When Bill Easley's parents joined the church in the late 1920s (at that time Bill was just a child), the sanctuary and the communion table shown here were just about 10 years old.  What a long history and what an amazing experience Bill Easley has had as a member of Montview Church.

Montview communion table arrives at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, returning to church after 60 year absence, Tony Johnson (left) Montview Church sexton, and John Howell, Montview Church elder, wheel the communion table into the building, March 13, 2018

Montview Communion Table is back in its original location of 100 years earlier.  "The Auditorium" at Montview Church served as the sanctuary for 40 years (1918-1958).  Seen also in the photo are two large minister's chairs (originals) and one pulpit (original).  "The Auditorium" at Montview has since been converted into an area for theatrical presentations (since 1970), therefore the sets on the stage behind the communion table and in front of the huge blue stained glass window.  The blue window was installed in 1952.

Montview's Communion Table as it is today.  The table is located in the Montview Heritage Center (The oldest part of the Montview building, constructed in 1908-1910).  The original minister's chairs are situated on either side of the communion table.  The table and other parts of the Heritage Center displays reminds us all about serving others and they serve as connections to our earlier history, 100+ years ago.

Photo of Montview's Antiphonal Choir (photo taken in late 1940s) with Montview's Communion Table, including candles and cross.  The location of the Communion Table is the same as shown in earlier photo taken March 13, 2018.  The Antiphonal Choir was made up of 7th through 9th grade girls.  This is a typical photo showing how the Communion Table looked over the 40 years (1918-1958) during the time The Auditorium was used as Montview's sanctuary.

The communion table was used at the Presbytery of Denver Center for many years.  It has now been returned to Montview. 

Thank you to Bob Matchett for making sure it got back to it's home.

Church Law & Tax: Same Sex Marriage and Gender Identity

What Does the Recent Supreme Court Decision Mean for Churches?

A week has passed since the Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. The Court chose to focus on the Colorado Civil Rights Commission’s handling of a baker’s decision not to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. Even still, the various angles involved with the case invoke issues ranging from public accommodations laws to religious liberty.

Emily Lund, assistant editor for ChurchLawAndTax.com, reached out to four attorneys—Richard Hammar, Frank Sommerville, Erika Cole, and Stuart Lark—to find out what they think about the decision and its potential impact on churches and pastors. Read their reactions to get a better sense of what the ruling means, what it doesn’t mean, and what the future possibly holds.

For more guidance on what churches and pastors should know about public accommodations laws, particularly during this contentious cultural moment regarding sexuality and gender identity, check out our premium downloadable resource Church Issues: Same-Sex Marriage and Gender Identity.

Church Issues: Same-Sex Marriage and Gender Identity

What Churches Need to Understand about Public Accommodations Laws

Introducing Church Issues—an in-depth resource created to help church leaders gain clarity and direction on a specific topic that challenges religious freedoms or exposes a congregation to legal risk. 

In less than 30 years’ time, several developments have redefined the country’s cultural and moral, giving rise to questions and confusion by clergy and church leaders alike. Will a church or pastor be legally compelled to host same-sex marriage ceremonies? How might public accommodations laws affect bathroom access for individuals who visit your church?

Attorney Richard Hammar, senior editor of the Church Law & Tax Report, believes churches still can be equipped with the right information to use as they navigate these important issues and reach conclusions about how to act.

While it is difficult to prescribe a certain course of action that will be relevant, let alone applicable, to all churches, since virtually every church faces unique laws based on its geographic location.

In Church Issues: Same-Sex Marriage and Gender Identity, Hammar combines research and analysis to take you through a step-by-step process regarding public accommodations laws, whether pertaining to same-sex marriage ceremonies or restroom access. He offers several critical questions that church leaders must address, including:

• Whether the church is a place of “public accommodation” under applicable local, state, or federal laws;
• If so, whether an exemption is available for churches;
• If a church exemption exists, whether all the conditions for the exemption have been satisfied, and
• The constitutional protections available to churches based on applicable judicial precedent.

WHO SHOULD READ THIS?

• Senior and Executive Pastor
• Board members
• Denominational Leaders
• Churches with public access businesses such as a coffee shop or preschool.