Meet Our new Stated Clerk
Dear Denver Presbytery Community,
We are pleased to announce the election of the Rev. Joseph Chu as our next Stated Clerk. Joe will begin his service on April 15, 2026, and we give thanks for the Spirit’s guidance in this important call.
Joe is a Minister of Word and Sacrament who most recently served as Stated Clerk of the Eastern Korean American Presbytery. Throughout his ministry, he has demonstrated deep experience in governance, pastoral care for councils, and the faithful, often behind-the-scenes work that sustains connectional life.
The Nominating Committee was especially impressed by Joe’s strong grounding in polity and judicial process, as well as his relational leadership across the denomination. His service includes leadership at the synod and General Assembly levels, including work with the General Assembly Design Team and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA).
Joe brings a thoughtful and evolving theological perspective shaped by his upbringing in the Korean church and his broader engagement across the PC(USA). He values humility, connection, and a church that makes room for difference.
He lives in New Jersey with his wife of 21 years, their two children, and their energetic cockapoo.
A Hybrid Role for a Connected Presbytery
As Denver Presbytery transitions to a more mobile office model and continues to embrace flexible, adaptive ways of working, the Stated Clerk role is intentionally hybrid, aligning closely with this evolving approach to ministry and connection.
In this model, Joe will work remotely while remaining deeply engaged across the life of the presbytery. He will be in person for Presbytery Assemblies and judicial processes, typically spending a week or more on-site around assembly gatherings.
In addition, Joe will join staff during designated remote staff days as we gather in various locations across the presbytery, creating opportunities for connection and collaboration. He will also participate in educational, informational, and other offsite gatherings whenever possible, welcoming those who are able to join.
This hybrid approach reflects our commitment to staying connected, accessible, and responsive throughout our geographically diverse presbytery.
We look forward to welcoming Joe into this new season of shared ministry and leadership. Please join us in prayer for him and his family as they prepare for this transition.
In Christ,
Stated Clerk Nominating Committee
Bethany Peerbolte
Ann Rosewall
Alex Sergio
Jon Sutterlin
Theresa Varnado
Called to Lead? Serve as Vice-Moderator of Denver Presbytery
Denver Presbytery is seeking faithful, thoughtful, and collaborative leaders to serve as Vice-Moderator for 2027—a vital role in shaping the life, worship, and direction of our shared ministry.
The Vice-Moderator serves as Moderator-elect, stepping into the role of Moderator the following year, and plays a key leadership role across the Presbytery.
What does the Vice-Moderator do?
Help plan and lead Presbytery assemblies with the Stated Clerk and Lead Presbyter
Cultivate a non-anxious, Spirit-led presence while moderating large gatherings
Participate in ordinations and installations
Prepare meaningful worship experiences at Presbytery meetings
Serve on Presbytery Council and leadership bodies (VLC, design teams)
Represent the voice and vision of Denver Presbytery
Receive training (including time in Louisville)
Who are we seeking?
Individuals grounded in the Reformed faith and open to diverse perspectives
Leaders gifted in facilitation, collaboration, and spiritual discernment
Those willing to make a two-year commitment (Vice-Moderator → Moderator)
📌 Eligibility Note:
In alignment with our commitment to equity and representation, the 2027 Vice-Moderator will be a Ruling Elder in good standing within Denver Presbytery who identifies as a woman.
We are committed to lifting up leadership that reflects the richness of the Body of Christ—across gender, race, ethnicity, theology, and life experience.
Why serve?
This is a unique opportunity to:
Shape the tone and direction of our Presbytery
Strengthen connections across congregations and leaders
Grow spiritually and in leadership alongside a vibrant community
📣 Interested or want to nominate someone?
Reach out to the Nominating Committee or Presbytery leadership to learn more.
Step forward in faith. Your voice matters in the life of Denver Presbytery.
Transitional PLAN
Dear Denver Presbytery,
As we celebrate and appreciate gretchen Sausville’s three years of faithful ministry with us, we invite you to join us in honoring her service and the new call she has received. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and commitment during her time as our Stated Clerk.
We also want to assure you that we have been carefully planning for coverage during this period of transition. The Stated Clerk Nominating Committee has been working diligently with candidates to discern who will be brought forward for nomination as our next Stated Clerk in the upcoming months. In the meantime, we have engaged Ruling Elder Anne Bond and Rev. Brian Ellison to support and cover the essential roles and responsibilities until the next Stated Clerk is in place.
Here is what you need to know about the transition plan:
Anne Bond is well known to many of you as a former Stated Clerk of the Denver Presbytery, where she served faithfully for many years. She is a member of Central Presbyterian Church and has served on numerous national committees including leading the GA committee of Episcopal-Presbyterian Bilateral Dialogue. Anne will act as a consultant until March 3rd and has been elected by the Visionary Leadership Commission to serve as the Stated Clerk Pro-Tem for Presbytery Operations after that date.
Rev. Brian Ellison is the Stated Clerk of the Synod of Mid-America, a member of Heartland Presbytery, and the Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. Brian has also served on the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission. Brian's path has previously crossed with Dee’s as they worked together in Heartland Presbytery. Brian will also serve as a consultant until March 3rd and has been elected by the Visionary Leadership Commission to serve as the Interim Stated Clerk, with a specific focus on the work of the Investigative Committee.
To ensure the operations of the presbytery office continue without interruption, we encourage you to reach out to Dee, gretchen, and Anne (statedclerk@denpres.org) with any questions or needs during this time. We are working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a smooth handoff and transition, and we are confident in this plan to carry us forward.
Thank you for your support and prayers during this time of change. We look forward to celebrating Gretchen’s ministry with you and entering this new chapter together.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper
Lead Presbyter
Faithful Friction: Turning Tension Into Faithful Witness
2026 Denver Presbytery Assembly Theme
Building on last year’s theme of Partnership: Courageously Conspiring Together, we now turn to Faithful Friction: Turning Tension into Faithful Witness, rooted in Matthew 25’s call to eradicate systemic poverty and recognizing that following Jesus often brings us into tension with cultural expectations, political realities, and personal comfort. Rather than fearing this friction, we will embrace it as a holy opportunity for growth, trusting the Spirit to use it to refine our discipleship, strengthen our unity, and deepen our shared witness in the world.
Translation Services
Denver Presbytery has partnered with the Community Language Cooperative of Denver as part of our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and language justice. This was our first time providing interpretation services at Presbytery Assembly, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help ensure that all participants can engage more fully in our shared discernment and decision-making.
Thank you Worship Leaders for a wonderful Assembly Worship!
Dee Cooper, Bill Sanders, Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra, Ruth M. Huff, Charis Smith, gretchen Sausville, Chris Wineman, Sue Shaw, Rob Habiger, M. Roger Holland II, Choirs of Peoples and Central Presbyterian Church
Worship
Our incoming Denver Presbytery Moderator Chris Wineman and Vice-Moderator Bill Sanders were installed.
Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra, Pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, wrote and led our Land Acknowledgement.
Chris Wineman preached a sermon entitled No One Said This Was Going To Be Easy rooted in Leviticus 25: 8-41 (selected) and introduced this year's theme Faithful Friction: Turning Tension Into Faithful Witness.
The sermon reflected on a lifelong pursuit of financial security and how Scripture, especially the Year of Jubilee, challenges those with resources to shift from accumulation toward community care, trust in God, and a commitment to justice. It calls disciples to embrace “Faithful Friction” by saying “I have enough,” aligning their choices with their faith, and taking concrete steps to help address systemic poverty.
Bill Sanders and Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra celebrated communion.
Lead Presbyter Report | Dee Cooper
Dee Cooper shared appreciation for the prayers, encouragement, and time away that supported her recovery from surgery and gradual return to work. She reflected on using this season to reset, re-engage ministry with renewed perspective, and consider how the Presbytery can respond faithfully amid ongoing challenges locally, nationally, and globally. She also spoke about the importance of addressing injustice and systemic poverty through both self-reflection and action, encouraging continued learning, honest conversation, and shared commitment as a Matthew 25 community.
Thank You Ruth McCollum Huff
Moderator Chris Wineman and the Presbytery Assembly thanked outgoing Moderator Ruth McCollum Huff, for her steadfastness and service. Ruth, we thank you again for your leadership and service among us and with us over the last two years.
Thank you Sue Pilcher
Mike Norris and Sharon Blackstock, Co-Moderators of the Fiduciary Stewardship Committee and the Presbytery Assembly thanked outgoing Treasurer Sue Pilcher for her faithful 2 terms of service, and wished her well in her retirement.
Thank you gretchen N. Sausville
Dee Cooper, Lead Presbyter, Julia Henderson and Ruth Curtin from the Staffing Resources Committee thanked gretchen N. Sausville, Stated Clerk for her term of service to Denver Presbytery and 8 years of ministry as a minister member of the Presbytery. gretchen will be concluding her time as Stated Clerk on March 3, and will be moving back east to pastor a congregation closer to family.
Offering
The Assembly took an offering for the Special Needs Fund of the Presbytery which provides pastoral care for our ministers, candidates, and their families when facing medical or financial concerns.
Welcome New Minister Members!
Kim Clayton is the Transitional Pastor at Wellshire Presbyterian Church transferring from Mid-Kentucky Presbytery.
Steve Nofel is the Interim Pastor at First Presbyterian-Brighton and transferring from Baltimore Presbytery.
Kim Nofel is the Pastor at Elizabeth Presbyterian Church and transferring from Baltimore Presbytery.
Generative Time
During Generative Time, participants spent fifteen minutes exploring interactive stations around the sanctuary focused on moving from learning to action in addressing systemic poverty. They had opportunities to connect with leaders from the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, learn about advocacy resources from the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness, and engage in a simple sensory reflection connected to the theme of faithful friction. This time encouraged conversation, relationship-building, and imagining practical partnerships so congregations could do more than talk about eradicating systemic poverty.
*Please contact the Presbytery Office if you wish to know more about resources shared.
Celebrations
Congratulations and thank you for your leadership:
Jill VanderWal and Nancy Dixon as Co-Moderators for 2026 of Servant Leadership Development Committee
Bethany Peerbolte as Moderator of the Ministry Preparation Committee.
Peg Logan as Vice-Moderator of the Ministry Relations Committee
Congratulations and thank you to newly elected and re-elected folx willing to step into leadership on Presbytery Committees.
Joanna Douglass - Ministry Relations Core Team for Transitions
Paula Steinbacher - Ministry Relations Core Team for Pastoral Care
Robert Mathes - Visionary Leadership Commission
Ethan Raath- Permanent Judicial Commission
Thank you to all who have served so faithfully and are rotating off Presbytery Leadership.
Denver Presbytery Moderator - Ruth McCollum Huff
Denver Presbytery Treasurer - Sue Pilcher
Denver Presbytery Stated Clerk - gretchen N. Sausville
Visionary Leadership Commission:
Doug Friesema
Charla Musgrave
Chris Spotts
Ministry Relations Committee:
Sheri Fry - Moderator
Beth Hewlett
Bill Sanders
Marlene Trout
Jordan Warntjes
Racquel Yslas
Mission Engagement Committee:
Celeste Habiger
Staffing Resources Committee:
Karen Yarberry
Ministry Preparation Committee:
CJ Biewenga
Cindy Moorman
Katie Robb - Moderator
Bruce Taylor
Permanent Judicial Commission:
Gretchen Wilson
And All those who have served without recognition on investigating committees and judicial matters.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Rev. Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra and the staff and many volunteers at Central Presbyterian Church for your space, hospitality, and making room for all of us.
