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 ·
March 2010 Messenger
From the Pastor’s Study
During the season of Lent we are engaging in a discipline that is unique to us. We are worshiping in the round without a bulletin. Without the familiar support of bulletin instructions, we are depending upon our leaders in worship to guide us. This change is a little awkward, but we are learning to rest in the unfolding drama of adoration. The cross stands at the center of our worship space – a stark reminder of the power of God’s self-giving. And as we celebrate communion each week, we are engaging in the practice of receiving and giving that love. Information is available on our website: calvarypresdenver.org. You can find current news as well as guidance for the disciplines of almsgiving, fasting and prayer.
We are encouraging almsgiving . . . through One Great Hour of Sharing. As we join in this offering, we are indeed participating in the ministry of the church in places where people suffer. A number of us have worn "Presbyterian Disaster Assistance" t-shirts proudly. We have worn shirts that proclaim the good news: "out of chaos, hope." In three mission trips to New Orleans we were able to embody the hope that Christ offers the world. Through our mission partnership with Presbyterian Church of the Covenant and Church of the Hills (in Evergreen) we have found Presbytery support and resources to continue that work of compassion. That partnership is exploring the possibility of learning more about the needs in Haiti and working there as soon as it is possible. During the season of Lent, we will again receive the offering of One Great Hour of Sharing. Fish Banks are available. You might consider combining fasting and prayer with giving.
May we encourage one another as we follow Christ.
Faithfully,
Holly
Sabbatical
As you know, I will be on sabbatical this summer, from June 7 – August 22, 2010. I have been at Calvary for seven years, so it feels like the right time to rest and lie fallow for a time. I pray that these months will give me renewed energy and passion for our life and work together. In ancient Israel the "Sabbatical Year" was the final year in a cycle of seven years. Originally designated as simply "the 7th year," it also came to be known as the "year of dropping" or "cancellation of debt." It was a way to honor a time of rest – both for the land and for the people. Of course "sabbatical," comes from the word "Sabbath" which is the 7th day, the day of rest. Tisa Roberts will be your guide through the sabbatical. She offers these reflections as we all prepare for this time.
From the Assistant Pastor:
"Let us remain as empty as possible, so God can fill us up." Mother Teresa
"Frances writes to me: ‘I’ve been noticing what has to be simplified is the abundance in my life – all the opportunity. The metaphor for this is my garden. We have an abundance of growing vegetables – we planted turnips, carrots, daikon radishes, lettuce, herbs, tomatillos, eggplant – they started growing riotously – I couldn’t believe how you could plant seeds and then all this stuff would just come up with abandon. I knew I needed to thin those turnips and carrots – but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I thought maybe they’ll grow anyway. So I never did thin or prune those turnips and carrots. They also never did grow. Not one turnip did I get -- although there were tons of greens. So I’ve been reflecting on why I don’t want to thin the things in my life that I need to – I just keep holding on for dear life, but those turnips are telling me what will happen if I don’t create space for growth, space for life, space for spirit.’
"Thinning is, as Frances says, making space for life. We plant so many seeds, and they seem so small, so benign, they take up hardly any space at all. But everything as it grows, needs space. Children, a home, a career, a project, a hobby, a spiritual practice, everything needs space, and everything needs time. And as each grows, each one takes from the other, until nothing grows beneath the surface, it is all foliage and greenery aboveground, and no nutrition beneath. Sooner or later, it all withers from lack of nourishment.
Please check the Website for Announcements: Since we are not printing bulletins for our worship services during Lent, be sure to check Calvary’s website for announcements to keep current: www.calvarypresdenver.org
Session Highlights, February 2010
The Rev. Holly Heuer convened Calvary’s Session for its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.
Session ELECTED Julie Christiansen as treasurer of the corporation.
Session examined and APPROVED Brendan Magee as an elder.
Treasurer Julie Christiansen reported a balance of $24,090.14. She also reported that Calvary’s financial records for 2008 and 2009 have been audited and found correct.
Upon the recommendation of the Faith in Action Team (FIAT) Session APPROVED the use of the church as a base for two groups of college students, one working with Habitat for Humanity and the other with the African Community Center. The groups will be here separately during two different weeks in March.
Upon the recommendation of Facilities, Administration and Budget (FAB), Session APPROVED a new copier contract with Lewan.
Calvary Will Be Hosting College Students:
Two groups of college students will be participating in an "alternative spring break." The students will be spending their nights in the low basement (in the youth room) and working during the day. The first group is from the University of Nebraska, and is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, and they will be working from March 15-19. The second group is sponsored by Metropolitan State College of Denver's 'Center for Urban Connections.' They will be working at the African Community Center at 850 S. Holly Street. The center is dedicated to the assistance of refugees who have had to flee their country because of persecution. We will be stocking our refrigerator with snacks for the students. If you would like to help with the hospitality, please speak to Anne Baldrige or Edie Lovegren.
In Memoriam:
Kenneth Motz: Kenneth Motz was born in Grand Junction, CO on March 6, 1922 to Harold and Sarah Motz. They lived on a farm in Palisade. He attended school and graduated from Grand Junction High School. He received a BSBA degree from Denver University College of Business Administration in 1947. He served in the Marine Corps for three years during WW II, 1 ½ years during the Korean conflict, and 16 years in the reserves, retiring as Major in 1966. Ken worked for the National Farmers Union for over 45 years, serving as National Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, along with administering the company pension plan which served 80 corporate entities. Ken was married to Margaret Motz and they had two children, Gwen and Stephen. He served for several years as a precinct committee chairperson. He enjoyed gardening and maintained a very nice yard. During their active years at Calvary, Ken served as elder for three terms and as a member of the Skyline Mariners. Ken and Margaret moved from Denver in 1998. Ken died on February 11, 2010 in Huntsville, Alabama. He is survived by a daughter, Gwen Christian of Hayesville, NC and a son, Stephen Motz of Huntsville, and three grandchildren, also of Huntsville: Ben, Lillie, and Sam Motz.
Robert Allen "Chic" Chichester: Robert "Chic" Chichester died on February 17th following heart surgery. He had been active until the last moment, working the day before surgery. He is survived by his wife, Pat; children, Debbie Moyer of Mins, Florida, John Chichester of Leadville and Kathie Chichester of Denver; and grandchildren, Tara, Erik, Caitlin and Sarah. Chic was born on September 27, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA to Harold and Hazel Chichester, the third child and second son, followed by a sister 7 years later. The depression forced the family to move to the south to find work, living in Georgia and Alabama, finally moving the Maryland after World War II. Health made him move West in 1949, where he found the miracle cure he needed for his youth of illness. He thrived in Colorado where he could use many of the lessons learned from his time in Boy Scouts.
Chic was a jack of all trades, he worked with cars, ran a gas station, plowed snow, was a draftsman and teacher, but the passion of his life’s work was being a professional surveyor. Like almost everything he took on, he did his utmost best to be a good surveyor, support his profession and advance his own knowledge as well as the knowledge of others about his craft. The fact that his career let him travel from border to border and coast to coast and beyond was just icing on the cake. He was just as passionate about how he spent his free time. Jeeping in Colorado and Utah was his favorite thing to do, especially if he could combine it with camping and fishing. He bought a bike when he was in his 70’s so he could ride with his grandchildren and he loved to ride down (only down) Vail Pass and into Frisco. Chic was a very active member of Calvary. He originally joined the church in 1962. He was there every Sunday, ready to lend a hand with men’s breakfast, CROP Walk, outreach committee, and service as an elder. He supported and encouraged many people – believing in their work and ministry.
From the Healing and Wholeness Center:
For support and help overcoming stress or anxiety, dealing with grief, loss or depression, parenting issues, or resolving relationship issues contact Deb Marshall, MA, LPC at the Healing and Wholeness Center, (303) 204-7515.
Youth Happenings:
The Youth Group will be meeting twice a month through the May and we have lots of fun activities planned! Our March Youth Group meetings are 5:00 – 7:00 PM on March 14th at PCOC and March 28th at Calvary. All Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers are invited to attend! We will meet at Calvary at 4:30 and car pool to PCOC. For more information, contact Anne Baldrige or Holly Heuer. The Middle School Retreat at Highlands is set for the weekend of March 5th. The Highlands Retreats are always a special time and we hope for a good turnout from our Youth Group. The Middle School Snowblast was held February 5th and 6th in Silverthorne and a good time was had by all who attended, in spite of the snowy weather. We played games, swam at the rec center, played in the snow and enjoy our time together. The Youth Group held a Mardi Gras Party at PCOC on Shrove Tuesday complete with beads, masks and a King Cake. We ate pancakes and sausage and made up games using the leftover pancakes. A good time was had by all!
Presbyterian Youth Triennium – Hannah Karn:
The Presbyterian Youth Triennium is an event sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches (CPC and CPCA) for the purpose of gathering Presbyterian and Reformed young people from all over the United States and the world together for worship, prayer, play and community. The Triennium also hosts Global Partners, youth from the Presbyterian Church in Canada, ecumenical guests and hundreds of volunteers! HANNAH KARN has registered for the event, which is happening at Purdue University, July 20-24, 2010. This event happens every 3 years and is a fantastic opportunity to get connected with young Presbyterians and with Christ. Hannah will be participating in fund raising events this spring. If you want to support her, please speak to Sydney Summers or Brendan Magee.
We Are Looking for a Few Good Cooks:
We need cooks to help with meals for the Youth Group meetings held at Calvary. If you are interested in helping to provide a meal for up to 10-12 youth and leaders for the April meeting date contact Sydney Summers. We hope to have 2-3 individuals help with the meal. You can drop off the meals just before 5 PM on that date or stay and enjoy the meal with us and get to know some of our wonderful young people.
Hands on Mission Sunday, March 21:
Mark Sunday March 21st as the date for our next Hands on Mission Sunday. We have lots of activities planned for that date including filling of 24 Birthday Bags for the Covenant Cupboard; filling approximately 250 plastic eggs with small toys and candy to hand out to Covenant Cupboard families with children; and making 50-100 hygiene bags for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to use in Haiti or where they are needed. Plan to stay after Worship and join in the fun, fellowship and service to our greater community!
If you want to help in addition to attending the Hands on Mission Sunday work session, we are accepting donations of items needed to complete the work. The following are items which will be used. Lists of these items are also available on the Faith in Action table in the narthex.
Birthday Bags – disposable cake pans, cake mixes, frosting, candles
Filling of plastic eggs – Candy, very small toys
Hygiene bags - Hand towels (approximately 16x28 - not finger tip or bath towels), washcloths, combs, nail clippers, soap, toothbrushes and Band-aids. Note that because tooth paste can expire, it is not needed here and is added by PDA when the bags are sent to a disaster site.
Please bring all items to the church by March 14th so that we know what we have and can buy any additional items needed.
One Great Hour of Sharing:
One Great Hour of Sharing will be celebrated at Calvary on Palm Sunday. The traditional fish banks are available in the narthex and will be collected on Palm Sunday. The money collected from One Great Hour of Sharing goes to the Presbyterian Hunger Program (36%), Self-Development of People to assist economically poor, oppressed and disadvantaged people (32%) and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (32%). These programs provide aid throughout the U.S. and the world and are actively involved in providing relief to the people of Haiti.
Carpenter’s Helpers Habitat Build Date:
Thursday, March 18
Contact Beth Hewlett if you would like to volunteer
Chime Choir Rehearsals
with Tom Keilmeyer
Wednesdays, March 17 and 24@ 6:00
Sunday, March 28 @ 10:45 (after worship)
Per Capita for 2010
Per capita is the amount that Calvary pays to Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly for each active member in our church. It is our way of expressing our connectional relationship as Presbyterians. If there is anyone who wishes to pay his or her own share of per capita, please mark your check/envelope "per capita." For 2010 the per capita apportionment is $24.53, no change from last year (General Assembly 6.15, Synod 6.38, Presbytery 12.00). To make it easier for our counters, we ask that you round up to $25.00. Thank you.
Cooking Club
6:30 pm, March 27th
Italian theme
Contact Julie Christiansen for more information
Tisa’s Winter Schedule
Tisa can always be reached for conversation or to arrange a convenient time by email at lroberts@stu.iliff.edu
Tisa’s Parish Hours: Wednesdays 10 am – 12 noon
Sunday Worship: March 7, 21 and April 4, 25
Comings and Goings
New address for Fritzi Pease
4050 W. Babcock #36
Bozeman, MT 59718
Notes from the Garden…
Our recurrent snowy Sundays these last few weeks make the thoughts of spring and summer seen frivolous and hopelessly optimistic and yet…we know…spring is coming. As we expectantly wait and pray this Lenten season. Let us not forget that we are Easter People ~ Christians who have staked our lives on the Resurrection and have encountered the living spirit of Jesus Christ. As Easter People we are living proof that God can take something old, something dormant and turn it into something new and thriving. Being Easter People means that yu and I have hope: Hope that the good work that has begun in our lives will be brought to completion; hope that God’s grace will sustain us until it is completed. And so. We prepare for spring in anticipation of an abundant harvest.
March: Rototill and Compost
We will be breaking ground on two traditional gardens, one for children, the other for a youth pumpkin patch. We will be turning and amending the soil (weather permitting). Contact Tisa or Bruce Derenthal (303-337-3659) if you are interested in helping.
April: Garden Hours Begin
The Calvary Garden Hour will begin on April 7th. We will meet every Wednesday morning from 10 to 11 for fellowship and prayer in the garden. This group is not just for those who like to get their hands dirty, but also those who seek to simply rest in God’s garden. In other words, even if your back hurts and your knees talk to you…there is a place for in the Calvary Garden Group.
Wish List:
Soaker hoses (4-6) Used or new. We will be using these to irrigate the two traditional beds and 2 raised beds along the peach tree fence.
Pumpkin and squash seed packets. In the spring the children and youth will be planting pumpkin and squash.
Scale (produce or retail) We will be weighing our harvest before offering it to Covenant Cupboard and the congregation.
Calvary Website www.calvarypresdenver.org