August 15th Assembly Highlights
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Opening Information and New Minister Introduction
Moderator Chris Wineman opened the Assembly with prayer, acknowledged the Stated Clerk Pro-Tem RE Anne Bond, invited Eagle River Presbyterian Church Pastor Brett Gudeman to offer a welcome and Land Acknowledgement, explained the work of the Community Cooperative in the translation services and welcomed corresponding members and new elder commissioners.
Rev. Dr. David Hogue, Moderator of the Ministry Relations Committee introduced two new minister members of the Presbyter of Denver: Rev. Alex Wimberly, Co-Pastor at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church and Rev. Kiran Wimberly, Member at Large. The. Moderator introduced our two special guests for the day: Dr. Jeni Rinner and Professor Jon Hurst, both of Iliff School of Theology, who led our worship and our generative time.
Transition of the Stated Clerk
Visionary Leadership Commission Moderator Russ Kane and Lead Presbyter Dee Cooper gave a report on the issues surrounding the most recent transition in the office of the Stated Clerk. They briefly described the challenges faced by both Rev. Chu in his inexperience as a clerk, and those of the staff trying to meet the expectations of the presbytery for his work. Rev. Chu was provided with three coaches to help his professional growth in specific areas of the clerk role. He submitted his resignation with the awareness that this work was beyond his experience at this time.
A leadership team reached out to contract with RE Anne Bond and Rev. Dr. Greg Goodwiller to fulfill the needed roles of clerk in the coming months as a search for an Interim Stated Clerk began.
The team announced that an Interim Stated Clerk was hired by the VLC at its last meeting: Rev. Dr. Melissa Allison, currently Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Detroit, will begin work on September 14 on a one-year renewable contract, during which time a leadership team will assess the recent issues of the Stated Clerk and make recommendations for future hiring practices.
By-Laws Change Related to the Presbytery Treasurer
The Presbytery approved by a 2/3 vote the following replacement of the Presbytery By-Laws 3.17a with the following new wording: “The Treasurer shall be a person elected by the Presbytery who possesses the experience, competence and integrity required to fulfill the responsibilities of the office.” The approval authorized the Treasurer Search Committee (which has received no applications within former by-Law requirements) to broaden and publicize the search for a new Presbytery Treasurer to begin work in January 2027. Thanks were extended to RE Sarah Savage for her work as the Interim Treasurer in 2026.
Worship and Generative Time
The Presbytery moved into a time of music and worship with a focus on the theme of Overcoming Wealth and Poverty. Dr. Rinner shared an introduction to the work of the day and a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks: The Children of the Poor. Professor Hurst preached a reflection “ Stand Up and I will Speak with You, Reflections on the Journey Ahead” from Ezekiel 2:1-4.
During the Generative Time, participants were invited to reflect on their personal identity in a wide range of questions about past and family roots.
Lunch roundtables
Over lunch, assembly participants were invited to select a table for specific conversations about how we provide outreach and support to those groups and individuals we wish to help and how this benevolence model might not be as inclusive or helpful as we hoped.
Delegate Commissioning
Delegates to the two upcoming Presbytery trips were commissioned to their work on behalf of the Presbytery of Denver. The Guatemala Mission Partnership will travel to install their tenth water system for rural communities and the Partnership of Denver and Zimbabwe Presbyteries will continue our twenty-year collaboration in ministry to strengthen our connectional commitment.
Rev. Sheri Fry will be our next Vice Moderator
Servant Leader Development Committee (Committee on Representation)
The SLDC brought forward a motion to elect the Rev. Sheri Fry as the Vice-Moderator of the Presbytery of Denver for the year 2027. The motion passed.
Rev. Denise Shannon will be the Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Ministry Relations Committee
The Ministry Relations Committee brought forth the following motion:
“The Ministry Relations Committee of the Presbytery of Denver requests that the Presbytery concur with the vote and request of the congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church that the Rev. Denise Shannon was moved from the status of Designated Pastor to that of Pastor effective today, August 15, 2026.”
The motion passed with more than the required 3/4 vote.
Updates on Stated Clerk Transition
Dear Denver Siblings,
We are excited to share an update regarding the Stated Clerk transition. We have recently updated the FAQ document to provide further clarity around this process.
We are also thrilled to announce that, starting September 14th, the Rev. Dr. Melissa Allison will serve as our Interim Stated Clerk. Melissa brings a wealth of experience, wisdom, and dedication to this role, and we are confident that she will serve us well during this important season of exploration and discernment.
You can learn more about Melissa below and watch welcome video→
Blessings,
Dee Cooper, Lead Presbyter and Head of Staff
Julia Henderson, Moderator of the Staffing Resources Committee
Russ Kane, Moderator of the Visionary Leadership Commission
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened?
The Rev. Joe Chu has resigned from his elected role as Stated Clerk of Denver Presbytery. His final day of service will be August 14. We are sorry to see him go and wish him well in the future.
Why did Joe resign?
Joe concluded that the position was not the right fit for his current skills and experience and that the Presbytery needs a Stated Clerk with greater experience and expertise in the role. He determined that stepping down was in the best interest of the Presbytery.
What efforts were made to support Joe?
Once Joe began as our Stated Clerk, it gradually became apparent that there were extreme gaps between his current skillsets and what was stated that was needed for this position. Dee convened a support team who met regularly with Joe to identify areas requiring additional learning and development. Specialized Stated Clerk coaches were engaged, committees were notified, training with the national office was encouraged, and a plan for continued growth was being developed. Those efforts were ongoing up to the point of Joe’s resignation.
How could this happen after an extensive search process?
That question deserves a careful review rather than a speculative answer. We have initiated a process that will examine the search, selection, onboarding, supervision, and support processes so that we can better understand what happened and learn from it. Those findings will be presented to the Presbytery before beginning the next Stated Clerk search.
Why did the Presbytery have Joe’s installation and celebration if he was going to resign?
While it was known that Joe had a substantial amount to learn, it was also believed that he was making progress and that the additional coaching and support could help him grow into the role. His decision to resign came afterward and was not known when the installation and celebration took place.
What happens next?
Dee and the VLC are arranging short-term coverage for the immediate and essential work of the Stated Clerk. This includes:
Anne Bond, Ruling Elder and former Stated Clerk has been contracted as Stated Clerk Pro Tem for presbytery organization and assemblies.
Rev. Dr. Greg Goodwiller has been contracted as Standing Stated Clerk for current judicial processes.
Prospective, Interim Stated Clerks are being considered. As per our by-laws(citing) , once a suitable candidate has been identified, the VLC will approve them as Interim Stated Clerk (Presbytery approval is not needed for naming an Interim Stated Clerk).
Sudden departures like this can be very disruptive. Extensive efforts (primarily by Dee and the Staff) are being made to ensure the continuity of current work, file access and security clearances are being managed, committees, work teams and denominational agencies are being notified. Please extend grace to each of them as they are committed to resourcing you and have a great deal added to their plates.
When will we begin our search for a new Stated Clerk?
Before we begin the search for a new Stated Clerk, we want to better understand our current situation. A process has been initiated to discern the factors that contributed to it and a report will be presented to the Presbytery before a search for a new Stated Clerk begins.
Introducing our New Interim Stated Clerk
In the meantime, the VLC has hired the Rev. Dr. Melissa Allison as the Interim Stated Clerk. Melissa brings extensive experience, skills, and knowledge to this role. She will begin on September 14th, working remotely. Additional documents are available to provide more information about her background. Click button below to learn more about Melissa.
Melissa will step into the leadership role at Denver Presbytery, ensuring continuity and progress. We have agreed on a one-year contract and are excited to welcome her to our staff and leadership team.
Reflections from the 227th General Assembly
By Rev. Kiersten Hill
Rev. Kiersten Hill, Commissioner to 227th General Assembly served on Gender and Sexuality Justice Committee
Serving as a Teaching Elder Commissioner at the 227th General Assembly was a true joy and privilege. During my time there, I served on the Gender and Sexuality Justice Committee. While our committee considered nine distinct items of business, I’d like to highlight a few key developments and takeaways that speak to where our denomination stands today.
Standing for Accountability and Survivor Support
First, several key overtures regarding sexual abuse, accountability, and survivor support—specifically GEN-03, GEN-04, and GEN-05—were passed on the consent agenda. Seeing these items approved with broad alignment reflected a meaningful denominational commitment to these critical issues.
Supporting Gender-Affirming Care
Our committee also discussed several items pertaining to the inclusion of our LGBTQIA+ siblings. A standout moment occurred with the passage of GEN-02, in which the General Assembly declared that the PC(USA) supports access to all medically necessary, evidence-based gender-affirming healthcare for all individuals.
A particularly moving moment during this process came directly from our Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs). After meeting to draft an amendment, they advocated to remove the explicit phrase "including minors" from the overture's original text. Their rationale was thoughtful and protective: time and again, minors bear the brunt of painful debates surrounding healthcare access. Because "all individuals" already includes minors, removing the specific phrase helped insulate young people from becoming targets of public dispute.
When GEN-02 reached the plenary floor, it passed without a single statement made against the declaration.
"My eyes welled up with tears after GEN-02 passed, because I realized that no one made an argument against minors receiving gender-based care. As a parent of a trans child, I can’t express how meaningful that was to me."
— A fellow committee member's reflection
Nuance in the Search and Call Process
Another significant discussion centered on GEN-06, a recommendation from the Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E). The proposal directed the Unified Agency to create a mechanism in the call process allowing congregations to indicate their readiness to call LGBTQIA+ candidates.
While intended to support candidates, the floor debate brought crucial nuance to light. Commissioners—including queer candidates currently seeking or preparing to seek calls—shared personal stories highlighting how explicit opt-in or opt-out mechanisms might inadvertently create unintended gatekeeping or harm. Though the recommendation ultimately passed, the dialogue provided valuable, raw insight into the complexities faced by LGBTQIA+ leaders across our church.
Looking Forward: Theological Frameworks
Finally, the assembly approved GEN-09 ("Beyond Changing Families: Flourishing Relationships and Belonging"). This initiative directs the development of two comprehensive theological frameworks addressing:
Human sexuality and gender
Relational dimensions, including marriage and family structures
These frameworks will be reported back to the 228th General Assembly, continuing our denomination's ongoing commitment to welcome, include, and celebrate all of God’s children.
A Final Note of Gratitude
Attending General Assembly was an incredible experience that deepened my appreciation for Presbyterian polity, blessed me with wonderful new friendships, and filled me with renewed hope for the future of the PC(USA).
If you ever have the opportunity to serve or attend a future General Assembly, I cannot recommend it highly enough!
How Does General Assembly Work?
A Quick Guide
Ever wonder how decisions and policy changes actually happen in our church? It all starts at the local level and works its way up to the General Assembly (GA), which meets every two years. Here’s a quick look at how the process flows:
From Local to National: Recommendations for action—called overtures—begin in local church sessions. If passed, they move to the Presbytery, which can then vote to send them on to the General Assembly.
Committee & Plenary Review: Once at GA, every overture is first assigned to a dedicated committee for deep discussion and refinement. Key items are then brought to the full gathering (plenary) for debate and a vote.
Bringing It Back Home: Passing at GA is often just the middle step! Overtures that are approved will be compiled into a booklet and sent back to the Presbyteries this fall for final ratification.
Later this year or early next year, our Presbytery will review and vote on each item (requiring a simple majority to pass--known as ratification or concerrence). Stay tuned for details on how you can follow along and participate!
stated Clerk update
Dear Siblings of the Denver Presbytery,
We write to inform you that the Rev. Joseph Chu has resigned from his elected role as Stated Clerk of Denver Presbytery. Joe shared with us that, after careful reflection, he believes it is in the best interest of the Presbytery to have a Stated Clerk with more experience and expertise in the role, and he has concluded that the position was not the right fit for his current skills and experience.
Over recent months, the three of us — as Joe's support team (Julia Henderson, Staffing Resources Committee Moderator; Russ Kane, Visionary Leadership Commission Moderator; and Dee Cooper, Lead Presbyter and Head of Staff) — met regularly with him and worked closely with him to identify the areas of the role that called for additional learning and development. As those needs became clear, we arranged for three specialized Stated Clerk coaches to work with Joe in the identified areas and began developing a curriculum for his ongoing growth. Through that process, it became evident that the gap between the demands of the position and Joe's current experience was more significant than additional coaching alone could close in the time available, and Joe reached his own conclusion that stepping down was the right decision.
We are saddened by this news. We are grateful for his willingness to step into this role and for the humility and honesty he has shown throughout this process. We wish him well in his continuing ministry.
Joe's last day of service as Stated Clerk will be August 14th.
We will keep you updated as the transition progresses, and we welcome your questions in the meantime.
In Christ's service,
Russ Kane
Moderator of the Visionary Leadership Commission
Julia Henderson
Moderator of the Staffing Resources Committee
Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper
Lead Presbyter
April Assembly Highlights
Faithful Friction: Turning Tension Into Faithful Witness
We continue in our 2026 theme: Faithful Friction: Turning Tension into Faithful Witness | Eradicating Systemic Poverty.
Our April Assembly focused on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) – The PC(USA)’s ministry of socially responsible, faith-based investing through corporate engagement. MRTI reflects the church’s commitment to aligning its financial resources with its mission, advocating for practices that honor God’s justice in the world.
Our special guest, Simon Doong, taught us about MRTI during the Sermon and Generative time. Simon Doong serves as the Associate for Corporate, Community and Church Engagement for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of Faith-Based Investing and Shareholder Engagement.
Translation Services
Denver Presbytery has partnered with the Community Language Cooperative of Denver as part of our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and language justice. We are grateful for the opportunity to help ensure that all participants can engage more fully in our shared discernment and decision-making by providing interpretation services at Presbytery Assembly.
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
The Rev. Loye Troxler welcomed the presbytery to First Presbyterian Church in Englewood and introduced Mary Canzona to bring the Land Acknowledgement.
We are grateful for such a powerful Land Acknowledgement from Mary, an Apache woman who has served First Presbyterian Church of Englewood as the Office Manager for 23 years.
New Presbytery Assembly Commissioners
The Assembly also celebrated the presence of several new ruling elder commissioners representing congregations across the Presbytery, including Montview Boulevard, Wellshire, First Presbyterian Church of Brighton, and Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Churches. Their participation reflected the shared leadership and connectional nature of the Presbyterian Church, as elders from diverse congregations gathered to worship, discern, and engage in the work of the Presbytery together.
New Pastoral Leaders
Rev. David Hogue, Moderator of the Ministry Relations Committee, welcomed and introduced four new ministry leaders to the Presbytery of Denver during the Assembly. The Presbytery celebrated the addition of Eric Snyder of First Avenue Presbyterian Church, James DeMent, Interim Pastor at St. Paul Presbyterian Church, Joseph (Joe) Chu, newly serving as Stated Clerk for Denver Presbytery, and Josphat Ombacho, Commissioned Pastor for Neema New Worshipping Community. Members warmly welcomed these leaders and gave thanks for the gifts, experience, and ministries they bring to congregations and communities across the Presbytery.
Thank you Worship Leaders for a wonderful Assembly Worship!
Denise Moore, Jordan Shive, Chris Wineman, Pat Queen, Nancy EdmundsOUR SPEAKERA huge thank you to Simon Doong for delivering a sermon that was both challenging and deeply insightful. Simon bridged the gap between our faith and our finances, educating us on the importance of mission responsibility through our investments. His message on 'faithful friction' reminded us that following Christ isn't always about avoiding conflict, but about leaning into the difficult spaces where our faith meets the world's realities. It was an empowering reminder that even our investments can be a form of ministry.
Lead Presbyter Report | Dee Cooper
We have experienced Holy Week, natural disasters, war in the world, and heard from our astronauts about their experiences in space. From space, it is evident how interconnected we are and how much we need each other. This serves as a reminder of how it felt when we were released from being locked down during COVID and how much we cherished being together again.
As the Presbytery transitions to a mobile office, we will continue to prioritize intentional in-person events. The staff will be even more visible through a variety of well-planned gatherings.
Anne Bond was invited forward and honored for her service as the Stated Clerk pro tem.
Clayton Thomas | Presbyterian Investment and Loan ProgramThank you to Clayton Thomas of the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP) for sharing an encouraging report on the ministry and impact of PILP across the denomination and within the Presbytery of Denver. The presentation highlighted how PILP partners with congregations to support ministry growth, property development, and financial stewardship through lending and investment programs that strengthen the church’s mission and future.
A special moment of celebration came as four congregations within the Denver Presbytery were recognized for achieving “full rebate” status — an acknowledgment of congregations whose participation and investment with PILP have generated the maximum available rebate benefit for their churches. The recognition celebrated faithful stewardship, strong partnership, and the ways congregations are helping support ministry not only in their own communities, but across the wider church as well.
Blessing of General Assembly Commissioners
The Assembly took time to bless and pray for the Presbytery of Denver’s General Assembly commissioners and staff who will travel to Milwaukee this summer for the 227th General Assembly of the PC(USA). Commissioners include Beth Carlisle, Raafat Girgis, Grace Blackstock, Cleve Dixon, and Kiersten Hill. Raafat Girgis was unable to attend due to a New Worshiping Communities gathering, and Grace Blackstock was absent because of finals week at CU Boulder.Staff members Dee Cooper, Joe Chu, and Fernando Rodriguez were also recognized and prayed over as they prepare to support the work of the wider church. The assembly offered prayers for wisdom, discernment, safe travel, and faithful leadership in the days ahead.
Servant Leadership Development Committee (Committee on Representation)
Thank you, Bill Davis and Nancy Dixon, for their report. The Presbytery is currently seeking nominations for a female ruling elder to serve as the next Vice Moderator (clickhere to learn more and apply), as well as members for the Relations and Connections Team. Pastors are encouraged to nominate gifted leaders from their congregations for these important roles. Learn more about these roleshere.
Generative Time
Thanks as well to Simon Doong for leading the MRTI Generative Time, assisted by volunteers Chris Wineman, Sheri Fry, and Nancy Edmunds, who helped facilitate the live Q&A and interactive exercises. Participants were introduced to the work of the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) and explored how faith-based shareholder advocacy can be used as a tool for justice, accountability, and corporate change.
The session moved beyond lecture into hands-on learning. Through case studies involving companies like Meta, ExxonMobil, and Hershey, participants worked through real-world scenarios using MRTI’s corporate engagement strategies — including letters, dialogue, shareholder resolutions, and long-term relationship building with corporations. The generative format encouraged young adults to think critically, collaborate in small groups, and wrestle with the tensions between faith, finance, environmental responsibility, labor justice, and ethical technology.
Especially meaningful was the opportunity for participants to engage directly with experienced advocates during the live Q&A, asking questions about how faith communities can influence corporate behavior and public policy. The conversation highlighted MRTI’s commitment to using investment as an expression of Christian witness and social responsibility, helping participants imagine practical ways the church can pursue justice in the economic sphere.
Fiduciary Stewardship Committee
Thank you to co-moderators Sharon Blackstock and Mike Norris for their report on Presbytery investments and the ongoing work of faithful stewardship. As part of their report, Mike shared an overview of the Presbytery of Denver’s investment portfolio, which currently totals more than $7 million in managed and reserve funds that support the presbytery’s ministries, grants, congregational support, and future planning.
A key guiding principle highlighted in the report was the Presbytery’s commitment to socially responsible investing and its recognition of the work of the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI). Since adopting its investment policy in 2019, the Finance & Property Committee (thanks to the direction and work of Pat Queen, former moderator of FSC) has maintained a policy of avoiding direct investments in organizations included on the church’s divestment list, while acknowledging the complexities of broader fund holdings such as index funds.
The report also connected financial stewardship with the church’s larger witness and mission, emphasizing that investments are not only financial tools, but also opportunities to reflect Presbyterian values around justice, accountability, and responsible corporate engagement.
Acknowledgements
A special thank you to Rev. Loye Troxler, Mary Canzona (Land Acknowledgement), Denise Moore (organist), Barry Mayhew (tech and A/V), and the entire team at First Presbyterian Church in Englewood. We are so grateful for your warm hospitality and for providing such a welcoming space for our community to gather.
