As a way to expand our awareness of LGBTQIA+ experiences and how they intersect with Christianity, we are offering a series of videos from our own incubator new worshiping community leader Rev. Bethany. These videos will address two of the “clobber passages” which were named that because they are the verses commonly used to condemn homosexuality. The video series will also present scripture that affirms the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as translation history that helps map out how Christianity got wrapped up in cultural heterosexism.
April Assembly Highlights are here!
A Place at The Table
Moderator Pat Queen welcomed folx* to this Assembly, after opening the Assembly in Worship.
Worship Leaders for the Assembly. Paul Bretz, Ann Butcher, Dee Cooper, Samantha Paige Davis, Bill Davis, Sheri Fry, Ruth McCollum Huff, Lorraine Leist, Linda Marshall, Bethany Peerbolte, Pat Queen, gretchen N. Sausville, Alex Sergio, David Van Deren.
Special Guests
René Myers, is Denver Presbytery’s Ministry Engagement Advisor for PC(USA). Her role is to build relationships with mid-councils, congregations, and presbyterians, which sustain and increase financial support for God’s mission throughout the world. Rene spoke our ministry together in the Assembly.
Samantha Paige Davis, serves as the Associate of Gender and Racial Justice with the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Samantha is a Black Feminist, organizer, policy wonk, and storyteller working through an anti-oppressive framework. Samantha preached on Acts of God’s Love from James 1:19-27. Samantha also led a workshop for the Denver Presbytery on April 18, 2024 that can be found here. (Click on link to right)
CONNECTIONAL
Samantha and Dee led our Generative Time which took place in groups around the Sanctuary with bowls of rainbow skittles candy. Folx were invited to choose skittles and then answer a question or share information based on the theme of the color.
Lead Presbyter Report
Dee shared about the ShadeTrees Assembly in March that was filled with inspiration and hope. The journey of Matthew 25 and anti racism work, inclusion, and intersectionality is real, necessary, and can be messy. This journey invites us to get real, go deep, and stand together.
Examination for Ordination
Danielle “Dani” Hillyer was successfully examined for ordination for the assembly. She has been called as the Associate Pastor for Cultivation and Innovation, a shared ministry position between Grace Presbyterian and Covenant DTC.
Justin Sprulock shared about the shared ministry Model between Grace and Covenant.
Congratulations Dani!
Overtures for Concurrence
Eleven Overtures to the 226th General Assembly were presented to the Assembly for concurrence. They were all approved. See the link here for those concurrences. Click here to learn more about the overtures.
Commissioning Commissioned Pastors to the Presbytery
Commissioned Pastors CJ Biewenga, Beth Hewlett, Lyn Hull, Teddie McConnell, Cindy Moorman, Sandy Safford were commissioned for service to the Presbytery of Denver. Congratulations and thank you for your ministry among us.
Necrology
The Assembly gave thanks for the Ministers of Word and Sacrament who joined the church triumphant in 2023. We give thanks for Burton Kugler, Paul T. Bock, Brent Owen Johnston, and Dusty Taylor who fought the good fight, finished their race, and kept the faith, and who are at rest within glory with God.
Election of Folx to Committees and Commissions
Jemimah Ngatia, Ministry of Word and Sacrament, and leader of Neema African Fellowship, was elected to the Ministry Preparation Committee, Class of 2026 Congratulations! We are excited for your leadership and service!
Communion
Communion was officiated by Paul Bretz, Lorraine Leist, Bethany Peerbolte and Samantha Paige Davis. Communion reflected the theme of gender and identity: between, beyond and beside inclusion and A Place at the Table.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Rev. Justin Spurlock and Covenant Presbyterian DTC for your space, hospitality, and making room for all of us. Many thanks to the staff, many volunteers, and the folx at Covenant Presbyterian DTC for hosting the Assembly in their space.
*folx is inclusive language for including everyone and is used throughout
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
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.
A Conversation with our Lead Presbyter, Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper
Our Communications Manager recently sat down with Dee Cooper and heard all about what is happening in Denver Presbytery--why Matthew 25, what happened at the Matthew 25 Summit and the recent Shade Trees Anti Racism workshop. Take a look!