Our Location ·
Calvary is located at 1420 South Holly Street, in south-east Denver. The closest major east/west street is Florida Avenue, and the church is located one block north of Florida on the east side of Holly. The major north/south streets that Florida intersects are Colorado Boulevard and Monaco Boulevard. We are east of Colorado and west of Monaco. You’ll find plenty of parking in the rear of the church. For a map, click here.
our email: cpc@hypermall.net
Our Worship Times ·
Our regular weekly worship starts at 9:30 am each Sunday of the year. We have a sunny nursery/children’s room, and childcare is provided. Children are always welcome in worship. We serve Communion on the first Sunday of each month, and all are invited to participate.
We offer special worship services during the seasons of Lent, Easter, Pentecost and Advent. We publish the times of those special services in the Getting Involved sections of this site
Our Christian education program for children and adults begins after regular Sunday worship for most of the year. There are no education programs between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Our History ·
How old is Calvary?
Calvary was established in 1954 by a strong group of neighborhood families under the auspices of the Presbytery of Denver - www.denpres.org. In those days South Holly Street was in the middle of wide open spaces, and it was the right place to extend the ministry of Christ to all the young families building homes and moving into the area.
Has your church grown since its founding?
Yes. In 1974 under the strong leadership of Reverend Stewart Congdon, Calvary was one of the fastest growing congregations in the area and added a large modern sanctuary on its south side. We installed a state of the art organ and grand piano to offer our joyful praise to God.
What have been the highlights of your ministry?
Women were first ordained as Ruling Elders in 1963, and this began a long tradition of shared leadership at Calvary. We now have a woman pastor, honoring the call of God to all and celebrating the diversity of God’s people. Calvary had a radio broadcast of its worship service on KLZ in the early 1970’s. Its witness to the community led to its growth and influence.
Calvary supported three refugee families in the 1960’s through the Dutch Refugee Resettlement Program. This was a transforming time in our life, as we helped the family with housing, employment, life in America, education and socialization.
Has your building been used for community activities?
Has it housed other groups?
Yes, our building has a long history of service. We’ve been home to AA and Alanon groups, Widowed Persons’ groups, art classes, the Denver Opera Company, neighborhood organizations, schools and scout troops and many more. Our sanctuary is often used for weddings, funerals, as a polling place and concerts.
We are always eager for our building to be used by groups which help our community or individuals grow.
What has set your church apart from other Presbyterian churches?
Calvary is known for being a warm, open and welcoming congregation. We accept all kinds of people in all kinds of lifestyles. We are well-educated and thoughtful. Our small size gives us the opportunity to know each other well and to value each person for exactly who they are. Our longstanding financial commitment to the work of Christ has made us an example of discipleship.
Our Staff ·
Our Pastor
Rev. Dr. Holly Heuer came to Calvary in February, 2003. She received her Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1980 and received her Doctor of Ministry degree in 2005 from Iliff School of Theology. She served most recently as pastor of the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church in Nederland, Colorado, from 1995 – 2003, home of the frozen dead guy and passionate community activists. Prior to that, she served as pastor of the University Presbyterian Church, from 1980- 1988, a church of lively theologians. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Iliff School of Theology, teaching Preaching, Presbyterian Polity and the Presbyterian Book of Confessions. She is married to Peter Schneider who is a Professor of Achitecture and Associate Dean of the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado. They have two sons: Tom and David. She is double-blessed to have two stepchildren and four grandchildren. hollyheuer@ecentral.com
Our Administrative Assistant: Gail Mendrop
Gail was born in New Jersey but has spent her adult life in Colorado. She graduated from Colorado College where she met Rich, her husband of 37 years. They have a son, Andy, who is currently participating in Teach for America in Church Rock, NM. Gail spent 27 years as a medical technologist at St Anthony Hospital. Now you can find her at Calvary on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9-2 answering the phone, publishing the bulletin and the newsletter, scheduling building use and maintaining church records. During the rest of the week she enjoys being in the pool and in the mountains and spending time with friends. cpc@hypermall.net
Our Music Director: Dean Stalnaker
Dean was raised on a dairy farm in northeast Nebraska. He always enjoyed music, and began taking piano lessons at 8. The church where we attended saw the importance of allowing young people the opportunity to develop their talents in a ministry setting, and so I was able to develop my abilities. In college, I first heard an organ played as an organ should be played. I began taking organ lessons and grew to love the instrument. After college, I taught high school English and was an assistant organist at a church near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania for 10 years. I moved to Colorado in 1996, and was organist/music director at a local church for nearly 10 years. In addition to his responsibilities at Calvary, he is a paralegal at a large law firm in downtown Denver
Our Newsletter ·
June/July 2010 Messenger
Summer Office Hours -
Gail will be in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 2 pm in June, July and August. We have a dedicated group of volunteers who will be checking on the building, bringing in the mail and minding the emails to make sure that we don’t miss any communications while Holly is on sabbatical. If you need any assistance when the office is not staffed, feel free to call Gail at home (303-756-5178) or on her cell phone (303-319-5151).
Youth Happenings -
Hannah Karn has been selected to represent the Presbytery of Denver at the gathering of the Presbyterian Youth Triennium at Purdue University, July 20-24, 2010. This is an awesome privilege and responsibility and Hannah is thrilled to be going. Triennium is a gathering of Presbyterian youth from around the world that happens every three years. Presbyterian Youth Triennium, through the presentations, studies, recreational events and mission experiences seeks to connect youth and adults with activities that inspire them to be alert, be active and seek ways to connect their lives with their growing faith. We believe that young people are prime carriers of the hope Christians are called to possess. And we believe that the Triennium is the perfect place to generate substantial energy and action on behalf of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Hannah and the rest of the delegation was commissioned at the Presbytery Assembly on May 25, 2010 at New Hope Presbyterian Church. She received financial support from the Presbytery to attend and Calvary has given her $333 from the memoral gifts of George and Jean Rastle. George and Jean were committed to our youth, teaching throughout their active years. Go with God, Hannah!
New Piano Dedication – Sunday May 30 -
The piano that we are dedicating is a Mason & Hamlin Model BB 7-foot grand piano. Mason & Hamlin was founded in 1854 by Henry Mason (the son of Lowell Mason who is often referred to as the father of American church music) and Emmons Hamlin, who was a brilliant mechanic and inventor. From the beginning, Mason & Hamlin pianos used only the finest materials and expert craftsmanship, and quickly earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest piano companies. Mason & Hamlin pianos are built exceedingly strong—this piano weighs nearly 300 pounds more than other similar sized pianos. The piano search committee (Edie Lovegren, Diane Ritzdorf, David Cooper, and Dean Stalnaker) looked at and played 19 different pianos from 10 different manufacturers over several Sunday afternoons. It was agreed that this piano had the best sound and gave the church the best value. From Dean’s perspective, it is a wonderful piano to play. It is very responsive to touch and allows for great expression in the music. Its clear, round tone will provide good support for congregational singing as well as for accompanying the choir, soloists, and instrumentalists. Dean says, "I am very grateful for the gift that Lois Devine gave, as I believe all of us in the Calvary family are. I am also grateful for the session approving a small portion of her gift to be used to purchase this wonderful instrument on which music will be offered as an act of worship to God for many years to come."
Annual Church Picnic -
On June 27, following the service, we will have our annual church picnic. The church will provide the main course (yet to be decided) and everyone is asked to bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share. We will have bingo and games for adults and children. Please join us for some fellowship and fun. This is a great event for getting to know one another, being outside on our patio, and enjoying the summer day.
Hands on Mission Sunday -
Thanks to all who participated in our last Hands on Mission Sunday. We collected many bags of trash, filled 24 Birthday bags, and taped snacks to water bottles to hand out to those in need! Watch for details on the next Hands on Mission Sunday, July 25, during which we will gather and sort school supplies for the children of Colfax Community Network. Last year we helped to make the start of school a joyous event for many of these needy children through your generous donations and we hope to do so again this year. Your faith in Action team will provide a list of needs as the date draws closer.
Comings and Goings -
Cressie Young
1130 N. Alumbaugh #112
Boise ID 83704
208-327-1112
Andrea tenDanne
Michael and Alanna Joyce
8142 E 8th Place
Denver CO 80230
303-366-9367
Donna Helgren
don.den1@hotmail.com
In Memoriam William R. Houchen -
William Houchen passed away March 21, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona with family and friends at his side. A memorial service was held at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Tucson on March 23rd and a graveside service was held in Montrose, Colorado. Bill and his wife, Dorothy, became members of Calvary Presbyterian Church in 1955. He served as an elder twice, once from 1966 to 1968, and again from 1973 to 1975. He also served as a deacon in 1994.
What is that? -
Have you ever wondered what that curious looking wall at Calvary is all about? It is called a Trombe wall and it speaks to the fact that Calvary has a heritage of valuing environmental stewardship. Some details about the Trombe Wall: A Trombe wall is a sun-facing wall patented in 1881 by its inventor, Edward Morse, and popularized in 1964 by French engineer Félix Trombe and architect Jacques Michel. It is a wall separated from the outdoors by glazing and an air space, which absorbs solar energy and releases it selectively towards the interior at night.
From the Garden -
Gardeners often pride themselves on careful planning and design. Special attention is given to selecting just the right plant for just the right spot. We consider water and light requirements, blooming times, and the overall desired impact of the garden. Anne Lamott says, "If you want to make God smile, tell Her your plans!" I imagine God smiling brightly when she hears our garden plans. For in all my years of gardening, things rarely turn out just like what I had imagined. Some plants die, others thrive. Some seem to limp along for years and others can’t seem to contain themselves. And…you can always count on plenty of surprises. At my house, we knew the front yard needed a total redo. We got rid of everything; even hauling away the top layer of weed infested clay. We envisioned a shady woodland motif in subtle shades of white, yellow and lavender. And yet every spring, much to my surprise (and eventual delight), an ever increasing population of dazzling scarlet tulips pops up among my muted woodland motif! At first, I was convinced someone had snuck up and planted red tulips bulbs during the night. Don’t get me wrong, the tulips are lovely but they really didn’t fit into my plan. Nonetheless, those scarlet blossoms have increasingly brought me unexpected delight and a smile. Unable to rip those blooms out of the ground, I have begun to incorporate these garden volunteers into my plan. I can’t help but imagine that God is smiling.
Volunteers in the garden are unexpected blessings that invite us to imagine the garden anew; not as a sterile vacuum with "a place for everything and everything in its place" but instead as an organic, dynamic place of growth and surprises. The Calvary Garden Project and its ever increasing number of volunteers popping up in unexpected places is a lot like the very garden we tend. Gardening volunteers, unexpected bright blooms, show up ready to share their energy, time and gifts. On May 15th, over a dozen Calvary Garden volunteers popped up to help with our Spring Clean-Up. Some came early, some came late…but all came to share and help make the garden a sacred place.
The Calvary Garden Project has a place for everyone to bloom. The Garden Hour: Wednesday Mornings from 10-11 AM Calvary Gardeners gather for a time of reflection, prayer and "putsing" in the garden.
The Weekend Gardener: Once a month, gardeners and friends will gather for a time of "Exploring Sabbath in the Garden." We will work, play & pray in the garden. After our time together in the garden we will share a simple harvest meal from the garden. June 26, July 24, August 14: 9-11:30 AM Harvest Meal will begin at 11:30. Bring the kids and grandkids!
Our weekly e-mail lists opportunities, needs and news. If you are interested in being included on the e-mail list, contact Tisa at lroberts@stu.iliff.edu . We invite you to consider how you might "pop up in the garden."
Celebration of Graduates, 2010 -
We celebrate our 2010 graduates and ask for God’s blessing on their continued journeys.
David Schneider will officially graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder on August 6, 2010, though he "walked" earlier this month. He will receive two degrees, a BA in Philosophy and a Bachelors’ of Environmental Design (with honors). He spent his college days with friends, performing and recording with his band, Baji. He was in the Philosophy Club, and played intramural soccer, broomball and dodge ball. When we asked "what role did your spiritual life play in your education, David responded this way: "Education provides a constant questioning of faith, in this way it has generated a rigorous framework upon which my faith can rest." David enjoyed most having his father (Peter) as a teacher! What he enjoyed least was the competition. His memories of Calvary are many and varied. He remembers playing the piano in the sanctuary after hours (waiting for his mom!), Sunday School and youth group, (thanks to Julie, especially the treasure hunt downtown). David is planning to apply for and hopefully attend graduate school in architecture --- unfortunately, more competition. Congratulations, David!
Peyton Tyrie is graduating from the University of Denver on June 4, 2010. His degree is in International Studies, with a minor in Business administration. Peyton was keeper for the varsity men’s lacrosse team, the Pioneers, whose record this year was exceptional. They went to the NCAA semi-finals! Their head coach, Bill Tierney, wrote this: "I am so happy for the way this team came together this season and for the sacrifices they made to get to this point. Our group of seniors provided great leadership to this team this year and their example will provide guidance for our program for years to come." Peyton found time in his busy practice and game schedule to volunteer at the Denver Rescue Mission and at Ellis Elementary School. He appreciates the church’s support during this exciting time in his life. Godspeed, Peyton!
Sarah Johnson is receiving her master’s degree in Music from the University of Denver on June 4, 2010. She played in the Lamont Symphony Orchestra and The Playground Ensemble. She won the esteemed concerto competition in January and was under pressure to perform with VERY high standards. She writes: "But more than that, I was immediately conscious of God’s presence and the gift he had bestowed upon me: the opportunity to bring something meaningful to an audience and touch them. It was a huge responsibility that meant more than just playing well, and I was appreciative and humbled by that. Part of my education was also being on my own, away from family and friends, and for the first time truly supporting myself. I had to learn how to praise and honor God in activities that seem, at first, purely secular. I had to trust that He was there, and that I was glorifying Him when I faced all the challenges I encountered that come with being on your own."
Sarah won first place in the Lamont School of Music Solo Honors Competition, and as a result was featured as a soloist with the Lamont Symphony Orchestra in March. She was asked to perform in the private concert for Lamont Society Donors, performing Tzigane by Maurice Ravel. Her quartet, for the second year, won honorable mention in the school wide chamber competition playing Benjamin Britten’s String Quartet No. 1. She will graduate as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, with a GPA of 4.0!!! In her years at DU, she enjoyed the opportunity to soak up knowledge and wisdom from her private instructor. She enjoyed defining herself as a professional musician, and maturing into that role.
Sarah's memories of Calvary are many! Among them is her recital at Calvary with so many people attending --- and the refreshments for the reception! She is grateful for the support and generosity of our congregation. She remembers with thanks the monetary gifts that we have given her for playing at the services and remembers the DELICIOUS potlucks, with homemade food! When we asked what Sarah would miss most, she writes: "The guidance I receive and the environment that pushes me forward and holds me accountable to the future I want for myself. The community, connections, and the professors." She will miss the least: spending all day at school! This is how Sarah describes her next steps: "It wasn’t long ago that God inspired me to become a Music Neuroscientist and/or neuropsychologist. This became clear to me for multiple reasons: It is a way to combine my passion for music, and my fascination with the brain. I also believe that music fosters community, and spiritual and physical healing, and thus I believe music neuropsychology research is a way to advocate for keeping music in communities and schools. I will be taking a year off from school, planning the next step to get me closer to music neuropsychology. I will be getting another degree in psychology before applying to McGill University in Montreal, Canada for my doctorate."
Tisa Roberts will receive her Master’s in Divinity on June 4, 2010 from the Iliff School of Theology. When we asked her about activities or organizations she participated in, she wrote: raising three teenagers! The role of her spiritual life was the central force in her work, listening and responding to God’s call. Tisa will graduate with distinction (given to those with a GPA over 3.75). Tisa’s GPA was 3.95 (one measly B!). She will also receive a graduate certificate in Pastoral and Spiritual Care. She enjoyed the people at Iliff….so many women and men all engaged in learning, growing and grappling with the complexity and challenges of life….and planning to do something with it. Her memories of Calvary begin when she did her Advanced Field Education with us, exploring parish ministry for the first time and being "loved" into ministry by this congregation. What she will miss is, again, the people. She already misses spending daily time with some of her seminary friends. She will miss least the deadlines and due dates.
Looking to the future direction of her life, she writes: "Someone once told me that we need not worry too much about making all the right decisions/choices for the future. Instead focus on the next "right" step. My next step is to begin serve as interim pastor with Calvary. In the fall, I will rest and then prepare for my Ecclesiastical Council and ordination within the United Church of Christ.
Calvary Website www.calvarypresdenver.org