New Worshiping Communities BIG NEWS!

For more than 10 years, Denver Presbytery has sought to develop new worshiping communities that gather people around God’s word that would not otherwise gather. Our passion around gathering new communities has run parallel to the areas dramatic increase in population.

Our presbytery currently has 10 active New Worshiping Communities (NWCs), 5 of which are immigrant communities and 5 are emergent communities that are exploring with different models of doing church. The immigrant communities include East African, Latinx, Telugu (Indian), Ghanaian, and Vietnamese. Additionally, we will have NWCs that focus on building Christian community through a paddle board shop, a mobile app, and also a new community in a local retirement home.

Thanks to the generosity of Jane Hays, the presbytery received a bequest of more than $1.9 million to be used for new worshiping communities. We have been able to use these funds to support the salaries of the leadership of existing communities, while also developing an initiative to begin 4 new NWCs.

In the Fall of 2021, as part of the new Vision, Mission, Values, the presbytery affirmed the launch of the Denver NWC Incubator. Since then, a national search has been led by the NWC Lead Team to find 4 spiritual entrepreneurs that will begin 4 new communities in our presbytery. Led by the Spirit, two offers were made and accepted for our first 2 NWC Incubator Leaders. We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Bethany Peerbolte and Rev. Evan Amo as NWC Incubator Leaders. They will begin their time as Incubator Leaders in December and January, respectively, and will be nested at Central Presbyterian Church in Denver. You can read more about the two new leaders in their bios below. The search team continues to meet with candidates to discern who God is calling to Denver Presbytery to join Bethany and Evan as NWC Incubator Leaders.

MEET THE INCUBATORS

REV. EVAN AMO

Evan was born and raised in sunny southern California, and after graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary, has served congregations in Charlotte, NC and Locust, NC, and as Associate Campus Pastor of an ecumenical ministry at UNC-Charlotte. Most recently, Evan served as Pastor of Peoples Presbyterian Church.

Evan is married to Lauren Osga, and they love their life of adventure with their new baby girl, Rainey. In his free time Evan is an avid trail-runner and hiker, musician, and songwriter in his project Bruised Reeds (streaming everywhere!).

Evan increasingly finds his spiritual life to be grounded in what he terms goodness: communion with God through enjoying the goodness of creation, as well as nurturing the goodness of creation through seeking justice. In his ministry, he thrives when he gets to be creative, strategic, and compassionate.

Evan is excited to reach younger adults who are disconnected or disenchanted with the Church to form a Christlike community exploring faith through intentional relationships, service and justice, and outdoor recreation.

REV. BETHANY PEERBOLTE

Bethany received her MDiv from Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit where she studied along side colleagues from different denominations and faiths. Those rich conversations with diverse people of faith helped as she lead youth and mission ministries at Everybody’s Church in Birmingham Michigan.

Recently the conversations Bethany facilitates have shifted to digital spaces. The stories that flood her inbox have ignited a call to help people sever shame from their God created identity and reintroduce them to God’s staggering love.

I look forward to exploring digital ministry and discovering ways the Spirit is leading us to reach people in zip codes near and far.

Rev. Bethany
She/her

August Assembly Highlights

Friday Night Gathering
Thank you to Rev. David Heil (Trinity in the Pines) for providing music along with musicians from Church of the Eternal Hills.

The morning began with Rev. Matt Syrdal leading a prayer walk in God's creation.

Rev. Paula Steinbacher welcomed the Assembly and called the meeting to order at Church of the Eternal Hills in Tabernash.

Rev. Dr. John Yu from Racial Ethnic Diversity introduced the video of Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper sharing her story. Watch the video to learn more about Dee.

The Agency Review Task Force moved the Assembly business meeting from the sanctuary into the fellowship hall to lead a workshop on outlining the new structure and timeline.

The Assembly was invited to ask questions, for better understanding, prior to a vote on the new structure and allowing Council to allow the formation of the 1st Committee on the new structure, the Servant Leadership Development Committee. There were both approved! LEARN MORE→

Finance & Property brought 2 motions to the Assembly. The cell tower policy was approved. Click here to read. Policies for Expense Reimbursement & Investment, Mortgage Assistance and Denver Presbytery Equity Share Agreement were all presented. After discussion and a vote, did not pass.

The General Assembly Commissioners of Denver Presbytery gave a summary of their experience at the 225th Hybrid General Assembly. This brief video is a sneak peek at their time, commitment and passion to the greater work of the church.
Brad Drenth (Arvada/Trinity) Mid-Council Committee
Terry Olthoff (Retired) International Engagement Committee
Pat Queen (Green Mountain) Environmental Justice Committee
Paula Steinbacher (Church of the Eternal Hills) Polity Committee
Video Production credit: Brad Drenth

A Matthew 25 video shared during the 225th General Assembly featured Mountain View United Church of Denver Presbytery. It was shared during our August Assembly. Thank you to Rev. Dr. Tracy Hughes, Rev. Wayne Laws, Ruling Elder Jean Demmler, the congregation of Mountain View United Church for your ministry.

Committee on Ministry
Welcome to Rev. Stephany Crosby! Stephany Crosby is a minister member of National Capital Presbytery, which encompasses northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and areas of Maryland near Washington D.C. She and her husband Jack moved from Vienna, Virginia to Highlands Ranch to be near their family.

Stephany attends First Presbyterian Church of Littleton. She has been an associate pastor and an interim solo pastor for churches in Virginia and Maryland. She has served on sub-committees of the National Capital Presbytery Committee on Ministry. The Crosbys have a son, daughter-in-law, and two-year-old granddaughter in Denver, and another son and daughter-in-law in Kunming, in western China. LEARN MORE about Stephany and COM Report→

Rev. Rodger Y. Nishioka, Ph.D. was the keynote speaker to start our afternoon. He gave the Assembly much to think about Servant Leadership. Rev. Nishioka explored the value of warmth and welcome and challenged us to revisit our ordination vows when we became an ruling or teaching elder. What does it mean to lead with energy, intelligence, imagination and love? Watch his keynote message below.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Corey Schlosser-Hall appeared by video for our afternoon workshop on Servant Leadership Development and sharing your passion. After watching this video you feel called to serve on the Servant Leadership Development Committee, we encourage and invite you to complete the Passion Discovery Form. Click here.

Land Acknowledgement was provided by Grace Blackstock. We wish to recognize the first nation peoples who lived and stewarded this beautiful territory —The Ute and Cheyenne Tribes. May we, in all our days, seek to steward our nature resources and give glory and honor to our creator.

The Installation Commission came from near and far. Thank you to the Church of the Eternal Hills choir for providing music.

Rev. Cindy Kohlman brought Justice and Joy to the Installation Service. Dee signed (using SEE sign language) responses to the ordination questions and the Assembly learned "yes" in Korean to give their response.

Revs. Paul and Lydia Neshawgwe appeared by video to invite us to Lord's Table. Rev. Sheri Fry (Denver Presbytery; Good Shepherd) gave Dee her charged and helped serve communion to the Assembly.

Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper, the new Lead Presbyter, delivered a benediction and Rev. Paula Steinbacher adjourned the Assembly with prayer.

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Special thanks for Church of the Eternal Hills. Rev. Paula Steinbacher and all the volunteers that helped create a welcoming space. Thank you for Greg Hoover of Church of the Eternal Hills for many of the photos shared here. James Steinbacher for his video genus, Emily for sound tech and Jill Miles for all the details! We appreciate your time, energy and passion!

Four Steps Your Church Should Consider This Fall

Four Steps Your Church Should Consider This Fall

by: Rev. Gregg Carlson of Convergence

It feels like we are getting back to “normal.” Kids are back, or almost back, in school. Churches have launched their fall programming. And as much as it feels like we should return to live “before Covid,” we need to be realistic. The world has changed. The church has changed with it. Now is the perfect time for church leaders to consider how to build on the church’s mission and accelerate momentum in the congregation. I’d like to offer you four steps to help.

1. Build on investments to keep your digital ministry effective!

One of the great outcomes of the pandemic is how churches increased their connections to the community through digital ministry. You may feel the tendency to back off from your digital offerings while anticipating that people will return to in-person worship. “Yield not to that temptation.” Many churches are finding that the return to in-person worship has been slow at best. People value the opportunities that a hybrid model provides, and some may find that a shift to only online worship is the best option for them. I encourage you to continue to have a robust plan to meet the needs of congregants who will join you digitally.

2. Evaluate and provide a variety of small group experiences.

During the pandemic, many congregations rediscovered the beauty of small groups through online gatherings.

These small, intimate gatherings, be they book studies, craft enthusiasts, Bible Study, prayer groups, are an ideal way to grow current connections and encourage new connections to engage further. Small groups can be arranged in-person, hybrid and completely online – it depends on the topic and the needs of the group. A reminder: small groups do not have to be long term. A 4–6-week small group commitment can build connections that extend to other opportunities down the road. Think about staggering the start of your small groups so that both existing and new connections are inclined to connect when the time is best for them.

3. Let go of programs that no longer make a difference.

Fall is the perfect time to evaluate your programming. During these days when churches are losing volunteers, this season offers you the ability to do fewer things, and to do each of them well. We watched the pandemic cause cancellation to rummage sales, dinners and gatherings that focused your congregations inward. Ask yourself if these programs are still necessary. Now is the perfect time to focus your energy on things that will not only make a difference in the life of your church but also to extend your ministry into the community. Take a critical look at your congregation’s outdated & oversized governance models. Is now the time to downsize/rightsize your ruling councils, sessions, & committees? I encourage you to engage in this important discernment.

4. Define your dance partners.

Who are your collaboration and strategic partnerships? Your church’s outreach, evangelism, and mission programs likely need a makeover. We know we can no longer give small amounts of money to a multitude of projects and consider our work done. We need to consider having primary, long-term partnership with one or two organizations with compatible values and mission. The hard part is normally not identifying who these partnerships are but being willing to let go of the many other small projects that your church has given to in the past.

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Source: Convergence eblast
Speaking of strategy and collaboration, Convergence would love to partner with you. Tell us about your church and we will schedule a free call to chat. Help us understand what the needs of your church and leadership are and how we could work together to achieve these important fall goals.

Shared Funding Ministry Now Accepting Grants Applications!

Your church is eligible to apply for a Shared Funding Ministry grant in September.

The Shared Ministry Funding grant program was started in 2021 to help Presbytery churches move forward and fund projects and initiatives important to the future of their church. The funds for SFM grants are provided using a portion of the proceeds received from the sale of closed churches. The SFM Workgroup can approve and fund grants up to $75,000. Larger grants require Council approval. The program was designed to evaluate and approve grants at specific times during the year. The next grant application time period begins September 1, 2022 and grant applications are due no later than October 7, 2022 for early 2023 funding. Approximately $191,000 total in grant funds remain available at this time. Some other important facts about the program:

• The word “Shared” in the program name means that the church applying for a grant is expected to share in the cost of project using their own funds or funds obtained elsewhere.

• A church obtaining a SFM grant cannot apply for another SFM grant for 3 years.

• Examples of eligible expenses include:

  • Minor facility improvements

  • Technology and A/V equipment for enhancing or streaming worship

  • Temporary or partial funding for new or transformed staff reporting to pastor

  • Expenses related to safety, accessibility, and ADA compliance

  • Energy efficiency expenses

  • Start-up funds for innovative new programs or ministries

  • Funds to supplement or put the finishing touches on a major project

  • Funds for retaining a consultant to help the church plan for the future

  • Be creative and ask if you have a need not described above

• Certain type of expenses are not eligible for grant funding, such as:

  • Emergency expenses

  • Current operating expenses

  • Expenses otherwise funded by the Presbytery (e.g. Mission Partnerships)

  • Facilities/buildings major renovations and construction (PILP available for these)

  • Pastor salaries

Seventeen of your fellow Presbytery churches have already benefitted from this grant program. Get additional information and the grant application by emailing sharedfundingministry@denpres.org or by visiting the Presbytery website, denpres.org/grants

You showed up DenPres Community! Matthew 25 Month of Engagement Summary

The Denver Presbytery invited all churches to participate in a Matthew 25 Month of Engagement in May. Almost two thousand hours were posted across ten churches. THANK YOU! The stories of Hope in Action are inspiring to all.

Matthew 25 Presbytery-wide Initiative | A Bold Vision and Invitation

Build Congregational Vitality | Dismantle Structural Racism | Eradicate Systemic Poverty

EDUCATION
Education continues to be a major theme in our collective journey to understand – and prepare ourselves to take meaningful action against -- structural racism and systemic poverty. 

Faith Formation Leadership from the Presbytery gathered to share resources for the Matthew 25 Initiative in congregations for all ages. A rich resource list was created and shared.

Books cited across the Presbytery included “How to be an Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi and “God and Race” by Siebeling and Francis.  “God and Race” cites Revelation as God's plan for race: 'After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.'"

Other helpful resources were “Facing Racism” from PCUSA, “Enduring Legacy of Racism,” and "The Flag and the Cross." The PBS documentary “Slavery by Another Name,” lays out how a corrupt criminal justice system continues to drive catastrophic results.

Published diversity-related definitions in weekly enews and/or bulletins to keep anti-racism in mind and to build related vocabulary,. For Pride Month (June) the definition included the Presbyterian history with LGTBQ+ people. Prepared a flyer for Juneteenth for distribution during worship.

COLLABORATIVE WORSHIP
A joint worship service between a historic Black congregation and a majority-white congregation included significant conversation and a sermon about love shown through acts of service -- presented in dialog form. Encouraged participation in Central Presbyterian’s Civil Rights Pilgrimage in June.

ADVOCACY
Emails and petitions for human rights and environmental rights especially for those most exposed to pollution, typically communities of color.  Contacted Senator Bennet asking for a "yes" vote to end Title 42, the public health order that keeps thousands of migrants from entering the US and seek asylum.

Attended vigils at GEO Detention Center in Aurora in support of immigrants held in detention.

IMMIGRANTS and REFUGEES
Emails and petitions for human rights and environmental rights especially for those most exposed to pollution, typically communities of color.  Contacted Senator Bennet asking for a "yes" vote to end Title 42, the public health order that keeps thousands of migrants from entering the US and seek asylum.

Attended vigils at GEO Detention Center in Aurora in support of immigrants held in detention.

FOOD BANKS | HELPING THE MARGINALIZED
Donated time and resources to Good Shepherd’s Food Bank, Food Bank of the Rockies, Metrocaring, the St. Francis Center, and other food banks in the area.  Also provided fresh water and clean-up for the unhoused.

Good Shepherd has been operating a busy food bank for almost 30 years. In May served over 380 individuals of which 86 are seniors and 192 are children. Some of the Food Bank clients attend worship with us.

Metrocaring works with our community to meet people’s immediate need for nutritious food while building a movement to address the root causes of hunger.  Also offers innovative programming in Healthy Foods Access, Nutrition Education, Cooking Classes, and more.

Hosted a thank you Dinner for nine of the volunteers who served at CARES Shares Food Bank in Strasburg, which closed on May 13th.  Shared food, fellowship, sadness and thanksgiving as we expressed our gratitude for the many hours of service!

PARTNERSHIPS
Partners that we work with to advance Matthew 25 tenets include:

Central Visitation Center, a supervised visitation program. Supervised parenting time is designed to be a safe but temporary solution for maintaining a relationship with a parent until he or she parent resolves court or lifestyle issue.

Gathering Place offers services to combat poverty and address the impacts of marginalization and oppression that are often contributing factors to poverty or homelessness focusing on women, transgender folks, and children living in poverty.

Benefits in Action in Lakewood, increases understanding, access, and utilization of healthcare resources, especially for low-income older adults.

​New Genesis, a sober living program for homeless men, women and their families striving to become self-sufficient.

The Third Story, a ministry to neighborhood kids in west Denver, that offers Bible clubs, tutoring, mentoring, music camp and other opportunities. 

MWANZO, which means HOPE in Swahili, is working on establishing a self-sustaining community center in Rabhor, Kenya.

Matthew 25 is an ongoing initiative across PCUSA.  Structural and systemic change is hard work!  We together celebrate all efforts by churches, individuals, and Presbyteries.  You are truly helping make “God’s kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven.”  THANK YOU!

Click here for printable version.