Previously undocketed business may be presented as new business if a recommended action is placed in the hands of the stated clerk thirty (30) minutes prior to the convening of the Assembly.
QUICKLINKS
ONSITE and ONLINE Assembly Voting
A Hybrid Assembly will allow for those who need to remain safer at home, or those whose travel is complicated by weather or road conditions to join us from home or church. It is absolutely your decision whether to attend in person or to join us through the zoom meeting platform (link provided at registration). We are using a new voting platform to be used whether you attend ONSITE or ONLINE. The new voting system is called AHA Slides and can be used with any electronic device that connects to the internet (via Wifi or data). Please be aware of the following:
USING A LAPTOP, TABLET or DESKTOP COMPUTER. If you will be using the same device you are using to connect via Zoom, you will connect to the new voting system via link shared in the chat on Zoom. Once you click on the link, a separate window will open into a screen showing the new voting system and ask for you to enter your name and submit. You will not be permitted to vote until the presenter begins the voting.
USING smart phone with a camera. If you will be using a smart phone (or other device with a camera) you will use a QR code to scan and go to the link to enter your name and submit. You will not be permitted to vote until the presenter begins the voting.
If you are a New Worshiping Community Leader or Member, you will be voting during the ADVISORY VOTE.
If you are a Ruling Elder Commissioner, please register as such under the name of your representative congregation. Not sure if you’re the Ruling Elder Commissioner from your congregation? You become so through a process where your congregation’s session votes, electing you to serve as a commissioner either per month or for the year. Then your clerk or pastor submits the name of your congregation’s commissioner to our Stated Clerk, Rev. gretchen Sausville (PS: A reminder to pastors to please submit their congregation’s commissioner for 2023, email gretchen@denpres.org)
If you are minister member, vote as instructed using the new voting system.
We thank you for your continued flexibility as the Assembly Workgroup discerns how best to facilitate and make available participation in Denver Presbytery Assembly!
From the Assembly Workgroup
PLEASE NOTE: If there are multiple voting commissioners in a household, you will need to use one device per commissioner to vote. This is to allow each vote in the household to be counted.
Email voting is no longer acceptable. You must be on Zoom and use polling to vote or be in person. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Engaging The Raise Hand Feature
Prior to voting on a motion, the Moderator will ask the Assembly if anyone has questions or discussion. For those attending online (via Zoom), please use the raise your hand feature located at the bottom of your screen in the Zoom toolbar.
If the toolbar does not appear on your screen, use your mouse to hover your cursor over your Zoom screen, the toolbar should appear. Please reference the image below to assist with locating the “Raise Hand” feature.
Similar to how those in person will step to the microphone in the meeting space, using this feature will allow the Moderator to call on those on Zoom in the order they raised their hands. Once the Moderator calls on you, you will be able to unmute yourself, state our name, faith community and role at Assembly.
We understand that it is easier to just raise or wave your hand on your Zoom screen; unfortunately the Zoom Hosts (and Moderator) moderating the screen, cannot see or track anyone with their hand waving on screen. This is why it’s so important to raise your “electronic” hand. We don't want to miss you!
EXPLANATION OF VOTING MEMBERS Denver Presbytery Bylaws Section
1.01 Teaching Elder Members. Teaching Elders are continuing members of The Presbytery of Denver as defined in the Form of Government G-2.0503. Membership is a privilege granted by the Presbytery and it carries with it certain responsibilities.
1.02 Ruling Elder Members. (Commissioner elected by their Session)
1.02a All ruling elders duly elected in accordance with the following provisions as set forth in the Form of Government G-3.0301 shall be members in good standing of the Presbytery for the term of said election.
1.02b Each church within the bounds of Presbytery shall be represented by elder commissioners on the basis of Church membership ...
1.02c Ordinarily all such elections shall be for a period of one year. Each session shall elect alternate commissioners in sufficient number who will serve whenever it is impossible for a principle commissioner to serve.
1.03 Other Ruling Elder Members.
1.03a Each ruling elder elected an officer (Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Stated Clerk and Treasurer) shall be enrolled as a member of the Presbytery for the term of office, whether or not commissioned by his or her session.
1.03b Each ruling elder elected as a member of Presbytery Council shall be enrolled as a member of the Presbytery for the term of office, whether or not commissioned by his or her session.
1.03c Each ruling elder elected as moderator of a standing committee of Presbytery shall be enrolled as a member of the Presbytery for the term of office, whether or not commissioned by his or her session.
1.03d Ruling elders elected to exempt staff positions may be enrolled as members of the Presbytery for the duration of service in such staff position whether or not commissioned by his or her session.
1.03e One designated ruling elder representative from Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery shall be enrolled as a member of the Presbytery, whether or not commissioned by his or her session.
If you are a Commissioner or interested in attending our Assembly and did not receive registration information, please contact beth@denpres.org.
Stated IN PERSON Assembly
The Presbytery of Denver
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 |6 PM
6:00pm Gathering | Bill Davis, Linda Marshall, David Van Deren
“Sing A New Church Into Being” vs 1-4
Call to Worship and Land Acknowledgement | Alex Sergio
“Sing A New Church Into Being” vs 5
Opening Prayer | Pat Queen
6:10pm Call to Order and Establish Quorum | Pat Queen
6:10pm Welcome to Corresponding Members & New Commissioners | Pat Queen
6:15pm Communications | Beth Carlisle
6:20pm Omnibus Motion | Pat Queen
6:22pm Lead Presbyter Report | Dee Cooper
6:30pm Ministry Relations Committee | Sheri Fry & Sandy Safford
Justin Spurlock | Shared Ministry
Dani Hillyer | Examination for Ordination
MOTION: The Ministry Relations Committee recommends to the Presbytery the ordination of Danielle Hillyer to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament as the Associate Pastor for Cultivation and Innovation at Grace Presbyterian Church.
6:55pm PCUSA | Ministry Engagement & Support | René Myers
7:05pm Treasurer’s Report | Sue Pilcher
7:08pm Prayer for Illumination | Lorraine Leist
Scripture | James 1:19-27
Acts of God’s Love | Samantha Paige Davis
Music in Response | Trust in the room
7:35pm Concurrence for General Assembly Overtures | gretchen Sausville & Ruth McCollum Huff
*Please reference the assembly packet for concurrences, as we will be voting on them.
8:00pm Generative Time | Dee Cooper and Samantha Paige Davis
8:20pm Commissioning of Commissioned Pastors | Sheri Fry
CJ Biewenga, Beth Hewlett, Lyn Hull, Teddie McConnell, Cindy Moorman, Sandy Safford
8:30pm Necrology | Pat Queen & Ruth McCollum Huff
Burton Kugler, Paul T. Bock, Brent Owen Johnston, Dusty Taylor
8:35pm Servant Leadership Development Committee (Committee on Representation) | Nancy Dixon
MOTION: The Servant Leadership Development Committee (SLDC) recommends to the Presbytery the election of Jemimah Ngatia (class of 2026) to the Ministry Preparation Committee.
8:40pm Communion | Rev. Dr. Paul Bretz, Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist, Rev. Bethany Peerbolte
For Everyone Born vs 1
Invitation to Table
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
Communion of the People
For Everyone Born verses 2 and 5 (inclusive)
8:55pm Blessing and Benediction | Samantha Page Davis
9:00pm Adjournment | Pat Queen
OMNIBUS
The Omnibus Motion (Consent Agenda) is a process intended to speed action on routine or noncontroversial matters. Any item may be withdrawn from the omnibus motion upon request of any member of the assembly. Items remaining are adopted without discussion when the motion is approved. Items from committees or other reports will be recorded in the minutes as part of that committee or staff person’s report.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the Presbytery votes to:
Approve the Docket as distributed, with such changes as may be announced at the start of the assembly.
Enroll the Corresponding Members that are introduced,and grant to them permission of the floor. The names and presbytery of membership of such persons must be written on the attendance roster or given to the Stated Clerk.
Approve the minutes of the Stated January 23, 2024 Assembly as posted on the Presbytery website, except for any changes in the attendance roll that may be required.
Approve the minutes of the Special Called March 1-2, 2024 Assembly as posted on the Presbytery website, except for any changes in the attendance roll that may be required.
Receive the reports contained in the Assembly packet.
Receive the Stated Clerk’s Report:
Present and past General Assembly Commissioners met on Tuesday April 2, 2024 and discussed the Overtures they wish to present to the Assembly for Concurrence that align with Denver Presbyteries Mission, Vision, and Values. These concurrences will be presented for a vote within the Assembly meeting.
Session Minute Reviews are underway with a new review form, and new church pairings. Reviews to be completed by June 1, 2024.
Terms of Call for pastors need to be completed as soon as possible.
In accordance with the Book of Order, an allegation has been received and an Investigating Committee has been formed.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. gretchen N. Sausville
Stated Clerk
Ordination Examination of Danielle Hillyer
Click here for Statement of Faith and Bio
Suggested Questions for Ordination Examination
● With the many changes we, as a society, are experiencing, how do you envision assisting
the Presbyterian Church (USA) to thrive in today’s culture and be a relevant and vibrant
community?
● How do you see yourself serving as a colleague in ministry, serving with energy,
imagination, intelligence and love?
● How do you believe yourself to be called by God to the ministry of the Word and
Sacrament?
● Can you provide an example of how some aspect of your life reflects an understanding and
a sincere affirmation of the essential tenets of being a Presbyterian?
● Please describe how you “walk humbly with God?”
● What theological issues demand your ongoing reflection or in your opinion what is the
foremost theological issue facing the church today?
● Give us your views on redemption.
● Give us your understanding of the Trinity. How does it affect your practice and ministry?
● Nurturing relationships within the church and outside are important. Self care is essential in
ministry, describe how you create self care.
● Are there any aspects of our church’s Constitution to which you wish to declare objections
of conscience?
● What issue within the PCUSA do you think is the most challenging?
● Explain how and when “God” became more than a word and theory for you?
● What does being “Reformed” mean to you?
● In your ordination vows you will affirm the Bible as “God’s word to you?” What does this
mean to you?
● How do you experience Baptism and/or The Lord’s Supper?
● A question on the polity and governance of the Presbyterian Church, which may be tied to
a particular pastoral situation.
● How does the Book of Order and the Book of Confession invite us into the fullness of
ministry?
The business of the 226th Assembly has been officially scheduled. Information about each of the Overtures to be addressed can be found at www.pc-biz.org. Every presbytery has an opportunity to voluntarily express its non-binding affirmation of individual overtures by Presbytery Assembly vote .
As in prior years, former and current General Assembly Commissioners from Denver Presbytery had the opportunity to review and discuss the 226th Assembly Overtures, and made concurrence recommendations for Denver Presbytery’s consideration at the April 23,2024 Presbytery Assembly. The Concurrence recommendations, based on alignment with Denver Presbytery’s Mission, Vision and Values are available on the following pages.
You can review the text and rationale of the concurrence-recommended documents at www.pc-biz.org. To obtain a Log-In, please go to www.pc-biz.org, and click on “Log-in” in the upper right corner of the log-in page, and follow the instructions to register a new account.
If you have any questions, please contact our Stated Clerk, Rev. gretchen N. Sausville or Assembly Vice Moderator, Rev. Ruth McCollum Huff, prior to Assembly.
LISTING OF OVERTURES
Actions Affirming Values
1 DOE-03 An Overture Calling for Action so that Children May Live Free from Gun Violence
2 ENV-01 Adoption of the Sustainable Peace Pledge
3 ENV-03 On Becoming Free from Plastic Pollution
4 FIN-01 On Engagement with General Electric and Palantir Technologies, Inc. for Possible Divestment Recommendations
5 INT-02 That the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Utilize the Gospel of Love as a guiding principle in its advocacy and humanitarian efforts
6 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
Action to Correct the Record
7 MC-06 On Clarifying the Boundaries within the Synod of the Rocky Mountains
Action to Review Ministry Preparation Process
8 ORD-06 On Appointing a Committee to Review the Preparation for Ministry Process
Actions in Support of Congregational Vitality and Pastoral Relationships
9 ORD-07 On Amending Book of Order G-2.1002 on Use of Commissioned Pastors
10 POL-03 On Amending the Book of Order to Include Other Forms of Corporate Witness (Small Worshipping Communities, etc.)
11 POL-08 On Dissolution of Pastoral Relationships (Prohibits Unse of Non Disclosure Agreements)
Actions taken by and Status of Ministry Preparation Committee
Received as Explorer for New Worshiping Communities
Matt Mattson | Columbine United | April 9, 2024
Received as Inquirer
Ryan Wolfer | Inquirer | Montview Blvd | February 13, 2024
Received Candidate Transfer from Korean Presbytery
Jin-sol Tark | True Light Community Church | January 9, 2024
Candidates
Jordan Shive | Candidate | Eagle River | Annual Consultation July 11, 2023
William Thomas | Candidate | First Englewood | Annual Consultation May 9, 2023
Final Assessed, Ready to Receive A Call
Sophie Beal | Candidate | Montview Blvd | July 11, 2023
Danielle Hillyer | Candidate | Columbine United | November 14, 2023
Candidates for Commissioned Pastor
Steve Galbraith | Community of Grace
Kathleen McCubbin | Community of Grace
Alex Sergio | Covenant DTC
Linda Valo | Wellshire
Edwin Sunder | Westminster
Commissioned Ready
Josphat Ombacho | Neema African Fellowship
Please pray for all these explorers, and especially those undertaking ordination exams at the end of April.
Respectfully submitted,
Katie Robb Davis
Moderator of Ministry Preparation Committee
The Servant Leadership Development Committee has spent the first quarter of 2024 reviewing and planning. We spent time identifying what worked and what we learned in 2023, and what we need to do differently in 2024 to enable us to fulfill our purpose.
One of the items we have accomplished this year is a simplified and streamlined new Passion Discover Form. We hope to roll this out as soon as we can and would be happy to email you a copy as soon as it’s available.
Active minister members of Presbytery will be hearing from us soon, as mentioned in the letter you all received from the Presbytery leaders. There are still many vacancies to be filled and upcoming openings on all of our committees. We encourage the presbytery to look at the agency descriptions and Pastors, Clerks of Session, and those serving on presbytery committees and commissions, to share with their sessions and congregations the opportunities to serve.
The SLDC brings forth the following name to be brought forth for election.
Ministry Preparation Committee (MPC)
Rev. Dr. Jemimah Ngatia, Neema African Fellowship, Class of 2026
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Dixon
Moderator of Servant Leadership Development Committee
