Meet Your Commissioners to the 226th General Assembly

The General Assembly consists of commissioners elected by presbyteries. Half of the commissioners will be ruling elders, half will be teaching elders. Few will ever have been commissioners to the General Assembly before, but most will have served in one of the other governing bodies of our church: the session, which provides care and oversight of a local congregation; the presbytery, which provides care and oversight of a group of congregations; or the synod which provides care and oversight of several presbyteries.

It reviews the work of synods, resolves controversies in the church, is responsible for matters of common concern for the whole church, and serves as a symbol of unity for the church.

The General Assembly has several specific responsibilities outlined in Chapter 3 of the Book of Order. The assembly seeks to protect our church from errors in faith and practice, is responsible for assuring that the expression of our theology remains true to the biblical standards in our historic confessions. The General Assembly presents a witness for truth and justice in our community and in the world community. It sets priorities for the church and establishes relationships with other churches or ecumenical bodies. LEARN MORE→

Representing Denver Presbytery at the 226th GA

Jeff Snedden

I am in my third year as an Elder at Church of the Eternal Hills in Tabernash, Colorado. It has been my pleasure to serve the church and I have found it personally rewarding. I have not previously done any specific service for the Denver Presbytery, Synod, or General Assembly but I look forward to representing Denver Presbytery as a General Assembly Commissioner year.
 
My wife Lynda and I are originally from Indiana. We moved to Colorado in 1983 when I began my career as a Contracting Officer with the Federal Government. We lived in Wyoming for many years until I retired from Yellowstone National Park and Lynda retired as a teacher. Upon retirement we moved to Granby, Colorado.
 
I find many of  the General Assembly Overtures interesting, particularly DOE-03 “An Overture Calling for Action so that Children May Live Free from Gun Violence” and POL-01 “On Amending the Book of Order to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Among the Categories Against Which This Church Does Not Discriminate”. I feel strongly that we must take action on gun safety and remain devoted to the principles which allow us to be open to all people, to serve all people, and to care for all people, regardless of race, gender, wealth, or sexual preference.

Bill Sanders (he/him/his)

I grew up a cradle Presbyterian in Denver Presbytery and ordained at the Arvada Presbyterian Church in 1987. After serving churches and community ministries in Kentucky, I was privileged to return to Denver Presbytery to serve as Interim Pastor in two congregations and am now honorably retired and enjoying serving congregations and engaging folx all over the Presbytery. I am also serving on the Ministry Relations Committee.

I am honored to be elected as Den Pres’ Commissioner this year and am looking forward to working attentively to represent you as I serve on the Domestic Engagement Committee at GA. One of the delights of my life is being able to spend time with my 4 grandchildren – ages 4 through 11 and am currently being trained by my new dog, Alix – a sweet but rather neurotic Border Collie.

ALTERNATIVE COMMISSIONERS

Diane Ritzdorf

Alternate commissioner Diane Ritzdorf is a long-time member and elder of Calvary Presbyterian Church and has served Denver Presbytery on several committees, including the Committee on Ministry and as vice moderator and moderator of the Presbytery. As a newly elected member of the Ministry Preparation Committee, she is most interested in Overture ORD-06 On Appointing a Committee to Review the Preparation for Ministry Process. You are always welcome to ask to see a picture of her granddaughter Bethany!


Bethany Peerbolte

As a leader of a new worshiping community it it important to me to participate in the decisions our denomination is making. I’m also hopelessly outgoing so any gathering to see friends and make new ones is my happy place.  Bethany is serving as an alternate commissioner.

Bethany will also be reporting for Outlook Magazine during GA to keep everyone updated with all the news and fun happening in Salt Lake City. 

June 25-27, 2024

All assembly committees will meet online.  Commissioners, advisory delegates, resource persons, etc. will participate using PC-Biz and Zoom. Committee sessions will be live-streamed for others who are interested.

June 29 – July 4, 2024

GA226 plenary meetings will convene at the Salt Palace Convention Center (SPCC) in Salt Lake City, Utah for action on recommendations from the assembly committees. Commissioners and advisory delegates will be present in-person in Salt Lake City; most other official participants (corresponding members, resource persons, etc.) may participate remotely or in-person. Observers are welcome, though there will be limited seating in the plenary hall. These sessions will be livestreamed.  

What does God have to do with Inclusion?

Samantha Paige Davis, Associate for Race and Gender Justice with the Presbyterian Mission Agency presentsed our Pre-Assembly Workshop: What does God have to do with Inclusion?

Matthew 25 charges us to dismantle structural racism, build congregational vitality and eradicate systemic poverty. This work cannot truly be done without embracing inclusion. Deepen your knowledge on how and why we must build the loving and inclusive kin-dom of God. Deepen understanding around issues impacting LGBTQIA+ people. Leave with a (re)commitment to welcome, safety and love.

RESOURCES

LGBTQIA+ Deepening Our Understanding: A Resource In Transgender Identity

LGBTQIA+ Frequently Asked Questions

Well Chosen Words

Questions for Discussion

How have we seen gender used to suggest superiority or inferiority?

How has the church/theology perpetuated homophobia/sexism?

How do we acknowledge the harm AND object to the harmful teachings?

New Hope Presbyterian Church: Grammy Nominee to Lead Local Church Music and Arts Program

Grammy Nominee to Lead Local Church Music and Arts Program

 

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. – April 1, 2024 – An exciting new director will be leading the faithful in musical praise in suburban Douglas County. New Hope Presbyterian Church in Castle Rock introduced Johnny Nichols, Jr. as its new Director of Music and Arts, effective April 1.

Nichols, originally from Louisiana, brings a wealth of talent, experience and enthusiasm to New Hope, and the greater Castle Rock community. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Performance and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from American University, University of Louisiana Monroe, and Texas Southern University. He recently relocated from Boston to Colorado, where he also serves as the Artistic and Managing Director for the Denver Gay Men's Chorus.

Prior to moving to Colorado, Nichols led the choir and praise band at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in North Reading, Massachusetts. His career has included directing numerous adult and youth choirs, handbell ensembles, church theater productions, and orchestras in worship services. Nichols also led the Ipswich River Community Chorus, Me2/Boston Chorus and Boston Children's Chorus and served as Assistant Conductor and Director of Education for the Boston Gay Men's Chorus.

An active clinician and adjudicator, Nichols has led honor choirs in Louisiana, Texas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Colorado. He was a GRAMMY nominee for his role in "X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X" and has performed for presidents including George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton. In addition to conducting ensembles and stage directing plays and musicals, Nichols teaches voice lessons and arranges choral music.

“New Hope is excited to welcome the energy, talents, and expertise of Johnny Nichols, Jr., to our impressive choir and vibrant music ministry,” said Rev. Caressa Murray, senior pastor. “Johnny's breadth and depth in various musical genres, ensembles, choirs, theater, and instruments will invigorate and enrich people's worship experience.”

The first choir performance under Nichols’ direction will be Sunday, April 14th. New Hope welcomes everyone to its services as well as music and drama performances. Sunday service is at 9:30 a.m. onsite and online. More information is available at newhopepres.org.

March 1st and 2nd Special Called Assembly Highlights with Shade Trees

The March 1-2 Presbytery Meeting was  strongly attended, with 95 in attendance, representing 49 of Ministers of Words and Sacrament, 7 of NWC leaders, 4 of CP, as well as 31 of elders, 21 of different churches and 8 of different New Worshiping Communities.  Given the statistics, this was a great cross diversity of our leadership. 

Since this was an experiential, relational bonding and sharing of personal narratives and learnings, we are sharing highlights from a place of process.

Ecosystem

A community of organisms whose livelihood is intricately linked to the wellness of their connected neighbors.

UNCOVER |  Excavation of what is unseen or unspoken

  • We were greeted and in turn, greeted one another with the words “it is good to see you.”  A vital part of community building ,inclusion, and belonging is that people are seen and heard.

  • We reviewed fears that keep us from seeing others or being seen by others, and distract us from engaging in authentic connections in difficult conversations.

  • We explored the deep uncovering by reflecting on the dirt of our world, in our historical lives, in our perceptions and origins.

  • We shared with each other what people see of us, our public roles and what we know about ourselves that very few see.  We celebrated what God sees in us. Through sharing these particularly vulnerable places, we opened our hearts to seeing one another and how we cultivate empathy and connection with one another.

  • We experienced a deepening capacity to trust one another in our sharing of ourselves.

  • We explored how words have power and together we created definitions for racism at each of our 17 tables.  


RECOVER | space to revisit and revive

  • A small task force worked through lunch to create a shared definition that was celebrated as an affirmation of the whole…….Racism is a set of perpetuated behaviors that systemically devalues, excludes, traumatizes, and dehumanizes people of one group to maintain the power, privilege and wealth of another group.

  • We explored the vibrancy and qualities of water and its impact within ourselves and in our world and how our baptismal vows impact our anti racism work. 

DISCOVERY | the trees of life

  • We explored what seeds we can plant to impact our work not just for us but for generations upon generations in order to bring lasting change.

  • We drew and shared our tree of life stories, and realized that to tell a counter story (against racism) we have to know our own story first.

  • We explored, listened, discussed, and shared what specific things God is calling  each of us to realize that we need to break free from the sin of racism and embrace the call of becoming.

  • We witnessed and experienced the profound impact of watching someone be invisible and the harm that can be caused, and the shift to being seen.

  • We celebrated that we can bring change in 3 feet of our personhood, and to not get overwhelmed in the journey ahead we go together.

January Assembly Highlights | A Place at the Table

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

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