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Children & Youth

P4-6

P6-9

Nifty 90’sJackie Summers

From John Kuzma

Children & Youth

P4-7

volume 73 • issue 2 • summeR 2015

question think serve grow

P10

P11

From Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper

montview

MONT VIEW TODAY & TOMORROW

“We are resolved to build something

greater than ourselves: a vital, giving,

community of faith whose work and

spirit will endure beyond any of

us. We are also resolved that every

Montview member, each of you,

will find work and fellowship and

opportunities at Montview that will

transform you from within.”

a pc(usa) church

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MONTVIEW BOULEVARD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1980 Dahlia StreetDenver, Colorado 80220-1239

303-355-1651 - www.montview.org

MONTVIEW STAFFLead Pastor for Congregational Life

during the interim Period

The Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper

Co-PastorThe Rev. Clover Reuter Beal

Co-PastorThe Rev. Ian Gregory Cummins

Executive DirectorAngela Cummins

Minister of MusicJohn Kuzma

Minister of MusicAdam Waite

Associate Pastor The Rev. Sheri Fry

Minister of Children and FamiliesSandy Prouty

Minister of VisitationPeter Hulac

Parish AssociatesThe Rev. Amelie BuchananThe Rev. Ann Christensen

Organist and Music AdministratorBarbara Hulac

Director of FinancesDan Gasser

Director of CommunicationsLarry Strauss

Facilities ManagerBob Cloud

Administrative AssistantsDiane CooperDanean Burke

Membership CoordinatorNancy Thompson

SextonsTony Johnson, Ken Brown

Debra Johnson, Charles Johnson

Mission InterpretersSusan Stewart & Court Walters, SE Asia

Colleagues in MissionLinda Marrs, Montview Preschool

Pat Harper, Montview Manor Susan Shamos, CENTUS CounselorMarilyn Wolfe, CENTUS Counselor

Colleagues in Mission in NepalPenny Strong, Sajani Amatya

MONTVIEW MESSENGER(USPS 361-820)

QUARTERLY; PLUS AN ISSUE IN JANUARY

Periodical Postage Paidat Denver, Colorado

PostmasterSend Address Changes to

Montview Messenger1980 Dahlia Street

Denver, Colorado 80220-1239

Angela Cummins. . ext. 101angelacummins@montview.org

Dee Cooper . . . . ext. 102deecooper@montview.org

Clover Beal . . . . ext 102clover@montview.org

Ian Cummins . . . ext. 103cummins@montview.org

John Kuzma . . . . ext. 104kuzma@montview.org

Adam Waite. . . . . ext 104waite@montview.org

Sheri Fry . . . . . . ext. 111fry@montview.org

Sandy Prouty . . . ext. 110prouty@montview.org

Dan Gasser . . . . ext. 112gasser@montview.org

Larry Strauss. . . . . ext.113strauss@montview.org

Danean Burke. . . ext. 109burke@montview.org

Diane Cooper . . . ext. 106cooper@montview.org

Nancy Thompson . . ext. 107membership@montview.org

Barbara Hulac . . ext. 105hulac@montview.org

Bob Cloud . . . . . ext. 108bobcloud@montview.org

Sextons . . . . . . . ext. 118sexton@montview.org

PUBLICATION DEADLINES

FALL BOOKLETDEADLINE: August 17

FALL MESSENGERDEADLINE: August 24Mails: September 14

WINTER MESSENGERDeadline: October 26Mails: November 16

WORSHIP BULLETIN DEADLINESInformation must be submitted the TUESDAY PRIOR to the Sunday in which the information is to first appear.

Email to strauss@montview.org. Submissions received after the posted deadline may not appear in publications

STAFF EMAIL & PHONE303-355-1651

For the current Calendar information please visit www.montview.org or email strauss@montview.org to request to receive the This Week @ Montview

weekly informational email.

If you would like a weekly calendar mailed to your home please contact Diane Cooper at 303-355-1651 ext. 106 or Larry Strauss 303-355-1651 ext 113.

20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 16, 20151 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Psalm 111 Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-5821ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 23, 20151 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43, Psalm 84, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-6922ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 30, 2015Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-2323TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

September 6, 2015Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, Psalm 125James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17, Mark 7:24-3724TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

September 13, 2015Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-3825TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

September 20, 2015Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1, James 3:13 - 4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-3726TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

September 27, 2015Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124,James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-5027TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

October 4, 2015Job 1:1, 2:1-10, Psalm 26, Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-1628TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

October 11, 2015Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15,Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

October 18, 2015Job 38:1-7, (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35cHebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-4530TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

October 25, 2015Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22),Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52ALL SAINTS DAY

November 1, 2015Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Psalm 24 Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-4432ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

November 8, 2015Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17, Psalm 127, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-4433RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

November 15, 20151 Samuel 1:4-20, Daniel 12:1-3, Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25, Mark 13:1-8CHRIST THE KING

November 22, 20152 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18),Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37THANKSGIVING DAY

November 26, 2015Joel 2:21-27, Psalm 126 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

November 29, 2015Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 6, 2015Baruch 5:1-9, Luke 1:68-79, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 13, 2015Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 20, 2015Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:46b-55Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY

December 24 & 25, 2015Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14, (15-20),Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12), John 1:1-14FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

December 27, 20151 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148,Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52NEW YEAR’S DAY

January 1, 2016Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Psalm 8,Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

January 3, 2016Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20,Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9), 10-18EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

January 6, 2016Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12BAPTISM OF THE LORD

January 10, 2016Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

SECOND SUNDAY OF THE EPIPHANY

January 17, 2016Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-101 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11THIRD SUNDAY OF THE EPIPHANY

January 24, 2016Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE EPIPHANY

January 31, 2016Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6,1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

February 2, 2016Malachi 3:1-4, Psalm 84, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY

February 7, 2016Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99,2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)ASH WEDNESDAY

February 10, 2016Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-17,2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

February 14, 2016Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

February 21, 2016Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT

February 28, 2016Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8,1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9

lectionary passages

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Dear Montview:

When I applied to be your Executive Director at the end of 2014, I was working at another church here in Denver and was uncertain about making a change both person-ally and professionally. For a variety of reasons, I decided to “throw my hat in the ring.” As with any committee based process (and especially at a church) the interview and hiring

process took a significant amount of time. As the interview process unfolded my personal situation changed, learning of my husband’s cancer diagnosis. This made the decision to make a change an even more difficult one. At one point the only reason that I continued in the process was because my husband specifically asked that I not allow this employment opportunity to fade in light of his situation. Part of the interview process was to meet not only with the committee but with each member of the existing staff. In a two hour period of time I went from not knowing that I wanted to make a change to knowing that I wanted to be a part of Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Every member of the staff here is amazing, and I remember leaving that afternoon thinking, “I would love being on that team.” Thankfully I was offered the position and I learned of the significant amount of transition that Montview is going through with the transition in Co Pastors, Music Director and Executive Director. Even with all of this transition, there is so much hope, camaraderie, compassion, competence and a sense of calm amongst the staff and congregation that I look so forward to the future at this amazing place. I have been in touch with Adam and Clover, and feel as connected to each of them as I do with the folks that I see every day. I know that I am where I am supposed to be professionally, and I feel called to do the business work of the church for this amazing community. The founda-tion has been laid for an interesting and impactful immediate future and I so look forward to being a part of it all. I am still learning the specifics about Montview and welcome hearing from you with suggestions, concerns or opportunities. I hope to work with each of you in the months and years to come to continue Montview’s tradition of being such a special place. Cheers,

Dear Friends,

In a recent sermon I suggest-ed that God invites us to live into the fullness of life - both its joy and its sadness - and to do so deeply. When I look through these pages I see that fullness everywhere. There are our high school seniors, heading off to be part of new communities, hopefully taking with them the values and commitment to serve others they learned at Montview. There are the bittersweet farewells of John Kuzma and Dee Cooper, even as we welcome Angela Cummins, our new Exec-utive Director, and anticipate the arrival of Adam Waite, our new Minis-ter of Music, and Rev. Clover Beal, our new Co-Pastor. There are the beautiful and hopeful smiles of new members, who look to Montview for spiritual food and who together will help us shape our future. Montview is full. Full of movement and energy, full of grace and hope, and yes, full of heartache and challenge too. This is the fullness of life, the fullness of God, and it’s right where we ought to be. I believe we are changing as a congregation. Maybe that seems obvi-ous with all the staff transitions. But I mean something else. I believe we are going deeper. I believe we are at a significant juncture, not just in our history, but in our spiritual maturity as a community and our ability to hold the fullness of God. Can we see each other in all our beautiful paradox? Can we soften the harsher edges of our judgment and assume people are more complex than the categories we have ready for them? Can we find the faith to step into this next chapter of our church with open minds, big hearts, and ready to be salt and light in a confusing and fragmented world? With God’s leading, I think so. Please be sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, August 23rd, when we celebrate and thank Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper for her interim ministry. Dee has been such a gift to our church and to me personally. I’m sure it will be a day of joy, laughter, tears and sadness…in all God’s fullness.In grace,

“I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians 3:18-19

Angela Cumminsexecutive director

from the leadership teamAngela Cummins • Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper • Rev. Ian Gregory Cummins

Rev. Ian Gregory Cumminsco-pastor

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A Call to Prayer As you may know a Pixar movie entitled Inside Out is a favorite of many this summer. SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t yet seen this movie and plan to, you may want to wait to read this article. This is an animated interpretation of our emotions and how they affect our lives. The plot includes a little girl and her difficult adjustment to a move from Minnesota to San Francisco. Her emotions of anger, disgust, fear, sadness and joy represented by five colorful characters are wildly active behind the scenes in a fanciful, psychological landscape with both positive and negative results in her lived experience. At one point the situation is so desperate that the little girl begins losing her core memories and

her imagination to anger, fear, sadness and disgust while joy courageously and persistently works to return this child to her former content and thriving self. This is another of those movies for children with a message for all of us. The struggle to find our way through a crisis and back to ourselves seems a universal human theme. This quest repeated throughout our lifetimes also seems a call to prayer.

The character that seems missing in this remarkable movie is a representation of faith. This character might be dressed in yellow and partnered with joy. It would be a character obviously strong enough to hold the center through an emotional storm. As we move through our Sacred Art sessions this summer focusing on Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity, we discuss themes through a wide array of beliefs and practices. One theme is the practice of quiet. In times of prayer and meditation, of ritual and contemplation in many traditions, we humans can find a place beyond emotion where faith brings peace and guidance to our lives. Quiet can create a space in our thoughts and memories where emotions can be felt and honored and our reactions can be tempered and transformed. Quiet gives us time to consider what we know, what we believe, what we will do now and next. I hope that we can share the reality of faith, the practice of prayer, the gift of quiet with our children in discussions of disappointments and changes and maybe even movies. I wonder how the children would picture a character named “Faith”? Blessings,Sandy

children at montviewSandy Prouty, Minister of Children and Famlilies

Buddha from the Summer Sacred Art Program

Grand mosque, Córdoba, Spain from the Summer Sacred Art Program

Saraswali Hindi Goddess of Wisdom from the Summer Sacred Art Program

Ramadan Lantern from the Summer Sacred Art Program

youth at montviewRev. Sheri Fry, Associate Pastor

How To Be An Explorer Of The World...Wonder, Awe, CuriosityLook with open eyes. Remember how amazing the world is. See the neat things. The messy things. The funny things. Less Crankiness. More Marveling. One of the best things about your life right now is that it is full of new beginnings. That’s why we call it commencement, graduation. You are going forward. Doors are opening. Beginnings can fill us with anxiety and excitement. I suggest taking Jesus’ advice when he sent out his followers, he told them to travel light. He commanded them not to take purse, bag or extra sandals. He

didn’t want them burdened by a lot of stuff. So do take your values, your relationships, your sense of expectation, hope and excitement. But life requires an ability to let go of some old things so we might grasp new things. Journey in faith, confident that this Montview community is with you and that wherever you go, into whatever unknown places you journey, know this: God is with you. Amen. – The Rev. Sheri Fry

Phoebe Bawmann Phoebe Bawmann graduated from East High School and has decided to take a gap year before pursuing a career in musical theater or medicine. After assisting Sandy Prouty with the Sacred Arts program, her hope is to work in Ghana at an orphanage in the Sang Village community of Yendi. She is forever grateful for Sheri’s guidance, love, and the enormous support as a member of the youth groups. While traveling with MOB to Mexico, it was there that she committed herself to working more extensively with poor and disadvantaged children. Three months after her experience with Borderlinks, she joined Montview’s medical mission on a weeklong trip to Haiti galvanizing her decision to put academic pursuits on “pause” before continuing her education. To Jean, Dennis, Sandy, Martha, John, Heidi, Taylor and Sheri, know that her life has been shaped by the opportunities and nurturance you’ve continuously provided. She’s committed to paying it forward as she takes that giant step into adulthood.

Emma Dean I have been a member at Montview for around my entire life. I was in the children’s choir, but was too rambunctious to stand in little white capes that always clipped to tightly around my neck! I graduated from Denver East High School where I was involved in cross country, National Art Honors Society, ultimate frisbee and graphic design club. I have enjoyed my time very much at East, but it is time for me to move on to bigger and better things. Next year is leading me to Australia, Hawaii, the Gobi Dessert of Mongolia, and the Himalayas in Nepal. But due to the recent disasters in Nepal, my original project of wild life conservation will most likely change. In these four beautiful places I will be moving on my own and be challenging myself with others as a way for me to create my own gap year program. I will be leaving this September for Australia and then in January for Hawaii. The rest is undetermined. Hopefully these will be peaceful journeys that will bring me to a better self. Thank you Montview for the support!

Li Downs

Anna Stenson

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graduating high school seniors

Anna Stevens Anna Stevens has treasured her time with Montview’s youth groups, especially her participation in work trips over four summers. She graduated with honors from George Washington High School and is excited to be heading to the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington this fall. Anna will major in International Political Economy and International Business, with a minor in Rain Tolerance.

Olivia Thomas Olivia Thomas is thrilled to be heading to Trinity University after graduating from East High School. She is looking forward to sunny San Antonio to Trinity’s collaborative culture as she explores her interests in biology and psychology and discovers new passions in TU’s interdisciplinary liberal arts programs. Olivia loves to travel and has especially enjoyed school trips to Belize and Costa Rica, so Trinity’s emphasis on real world experiences and global citizenship excites her.

Darcy Neureiter Darcy graduated from Kent Denver High School. She was a starter on both the Kent Varsity soccer and field hockey teams. She served as Editor-in-Chief of Kent’s student newspaper. Darcy was elected to Kent’s academic honor society, Cum Laude, her senior year. She was also an active participant on Kent’s Speech team and won First Place in Duo at Colorado’s state speech tournament in 2015. Darcy also was in Kent’s High school musical four year’s running, playing the role of the Circus Ringmaster in this year’s production of Carnival. Darcy will be attending Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut in the Fall.

Jade ThorntonJade graduated from East High School. She participated in church choirs over the years and remembers wearing the little white robes. She enjoyed Sunday school so much and when asked about why, she replied, “unlimited popcorn”. She loved JAM and MOB and has attended four work trips. The friendships and memories from the work trips and van rides are some of her favorites. She joined Mile High Rowing Club in her sophomore year of high school. In the fall she will be on the crew team and attend Stanford University.

Christopher MusselmanChris graduated from Denver East High School. He was interested in a wide variety of activities, from playing rugby to traveling nationally with East’s award-winning vocal jazz ensemble, Angel Aires. He also enjoys being outdoors, especially skiing during the winter. He will be majoring in business at the University of Colorado Boulder in the fall of 2015.

Jessie McCollum Jessie graduated from Cherry Creek High School. Next year she will be attending Whittier College in California to study English and Musical Theatre. To her, Montview has always felt like a second home and safe haven, and Jessie intends to take with her the compassion and love Montview has taught her as she continues her journey through life.

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Service is a necessary word in our spiritual vocabulary. The worship is over; the service begins. I have been blessed to spend time with many of you in various works of service in our Denver com-munity and in other parts of the world. Teenagers and the more “mature” members of our faith community have been involved in many Montview partnerships sending us out in the world to work on relationships, increase connections, lessen igno-rance, fear and prejudice and experience practical ways of helping in addition to experiencing our common humanity. I have seen so many of you minister to the world and to each other through actions and words, music, love, and imagination. We always pray for God’s help and we remain open to being an instrument of God’s action. None of us can solve all the world’s social, moral, and economic problems in one thought or action. It is a

journey, an ongoing process of learning and acting. We may not see the journey’s end, but following the teachings of Jesus and joining our sisters and brothers reminds us of the nature of our lives as people of Christ. Oscar Romero, the martyred archbishop of El Salvador wrote the following: “It helps, now and then to step back and take the long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime, only a tiny fraction of the magnifi-cent enterprise of God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplished the church’s mission No set of goals and objectives includes everything. This is what we are about. We

plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted. Knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foun-dations that will need further development We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities. We can-not do everything. And

there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something. And to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way. An opportunity for God’s grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results. But that is the difference between the mas-ter builder and the worker. We are the workers, not master builders. Ministers not messiahs. We are the prophets of a future not our own.” Amen. — Rev. Sheri Fry

instruments in god’s worldService at Montview

Emma HethAs she prepares for what lies beyond high school, Emma appreciates more and more all that Montview has done for her over the years. Whether picking up pieces of wisdom from John Kuzma or Sheri Fry, learning about Montview during her year on Session, or pulling all-nighters with MOB and JAM, Emma will carry Montview’s lessons with her no matter where she goes. Next year, Emma will be taking a gap year to travel. After her year of exploration, she will be heading to college to pursue her many interests (math, music, languages, science, theater...). Emma will miss Montview dearly, but can’t wait to return with stories of new people, places, and experiences!

Rachel GollaWe are so proud of you for your many accomplishments. We also admire you for your courage and strength as you faced many adversities from early childhood through high-school. You strived valiantly and were devoted to high achievement. It took persistence and determination to get you this far and successfully, and we know you will continue on the same path through-out college. Greatness is to follow you for the rest of your life. How blessed we are to have you as our daughter, Rachel.With all our love,Mom and Dad

Collin MetscherCollin graduated from East High School, where he played jazz trombone, filmed and produced the school’s first video announcements, and played on the Ultimate team. Collin earned his Eagle Scout rank after completing his service project at Montview. In 2014 he served as the Denver Area Lodge Chief for the Order of the Arrow (Scouting’s National Honor Society) and was elected Section Chief for the State of Colorado. He will be attending Colorado State University in the fall working on a degree in business. He has enjoyed being involved in Montview and would like to thank John Kuzma, Martha Fiser and Sheri Fry for their wisdom and guidance over the years.

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KATHARINE & MATT BRENTONKatharine and Matt enjoy being the parents of their one year old daughter Ivy. Katherine’s background is journalism and she currently works in non-profit management with a focus on grant writing and communication. Matt is a research microbiologist. They enjoy Montview’s friendly atmosphere and the music program.

JENNIFER & STEVE FLOERSCHSteve and Jenny moved to Denver from Chicago. They have two children, Henry and Lily. Henry will be attending Montview Community Preschool in the fall. Jenny is manager of counseling services for an on-line high school. Steve manages health care facilities. They enjoy running, skiing, and traveling.

KRISTIN WEBERKristin grew up in Denver and remembers coming to Montview as a little girl. She and her husband Joe have two children, Gavin and Gretta. Kristin works at Graland Country Day School in their development office. She loves the mountains, skiing and reading.

CATHERINE SPARKMANCathy is a singer who enjoys the choirs, saying “he who sings prays twice.” Once a lawyer, she is now a lobbyist for the medical community. She has two grown children who live in the Denver area. Cathy has crossed paths often over the years with Cathy Greer, interestingly meeting again in the Inquirers’ Class.

JASON & JILL ELESONThe Elesons moved to Denver from Houston.They are the parents of three children: Violet, Colin, and Wade. Jill is a holistic health coach; Jason is a geologist in the oil and gas industry and teaches at a community college. Both enjoy the mountains and like to hike and bike.

JEREMY CREAMEAN & AHILA LIVINGSTON

Jeremy and Ahila just moved here from Chicago. Jeremy is an accountant who loves paleontology and is learning to play guitar. Ahila is a former CPA but currently a stay at home mom who enjoys experiencing the world through her children’s eyes. The couple has two sons: Conrad and Andrew.

new members

ALICIA SITZMANNAlicia and her husband Andrew Shear have a four and a half year old son Alex and are expecting a second baby in July. Alicia has an extensive career in consultative selling and recently worked as a Veterinary Practice Consultant for a large global medical company. She enjoys Colorado’s outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking, playing with her son, concerts, dinners, and happy hour with friends. Alicia is interested in Montview’s community and volunteer events and children’s programs.

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TRISHA & MARK HUSSIANMark and Trisha live in Stapleton and are the parents of 3rd grader Liam and 1st grader Owen. Mark is an industrial engineer and works for a telecom company. He enjoys fishing, skiing, hiking, biking, camping, and golf. Trisha is an elementary school ESL teacher who likes outdoor activities and travel. They hope to join a Supper Club and have their children participate in Montview’s youth programs.

MARY & LARRY DEFFENBAUGH The Deffenbaughs live in Strasburg and recently celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. Larry is a retired teacher, coach, and school administrator but continues as a part time athletic director. Mary teaches kindergarten. They have three grown children and three grandchildren. Larry plays golf. Mary enjoys music, gardening, hiking, and reading. They belong to a Supper Club and continue to be amazed at the number of activities Montview offers.

CURTIS CRAWFORD & CHRISTOPHER MCGINNESS

Christopher works for a nonprofit, the American Water Works Association, managing a team of chapter relations professionals. Curtis is the finance manager for Level3 Communications. They enjoy traveling and skateboarding.

BEV & JOHN SKINNERBev volunteers for ESGR, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of the Defense. She trains veterans for job placement upon return from duty. She also enjoys traveling, walking, reading, the theatre and the symphony. John is recently retired from an engineering firm. He skis and golfs.

JENNY-BETH HOPE DILLSJenny-Beth moved here from Georgia. She has a 2 year old son, Parker, Her passion is music, both singing and performing, and is interested in joining the choir. Jenny feels refreshed and uplifted as she leaves Montview’s service to start out her week as an ophthalmic assistant.

JEN MORRISJen and her son Ryan, a 4th grader, have attended Montview for five years and love the children’s program and the church’s sense of community. Her dream job is three faceted: bacon tester in the morning, playing with puppies in the afternoon, and sommelier in the evening. Until she realizes her dream, Jen works as an IT consultant for Accenture.

CATHY GREERCathy has lived in Boulder since 1990. Raised Presbyterian, she has attended various services at Montview over the years and decided it is a good place to put down roots. She has two adult children who both live in Denver. Cathy is an attorney.

STEPHEN & LISA STOREY Lisa and her husband Steve like Montview’s blend of tradition and modern. Lisa is an attorney who is passionate about her work and its intellectual challenges. She enjoys skiing. Lisa and Steve have a son, Keen.

new members

KATHY AND ROB PRICEKathy is involved with the MomSpirit group. They find the children’s programs a good fit for their daughters, Lindsay and Audrey. Rob is program manager for a global high tech company. Formerly in sales and corporate event planning, Kathy is currently a stay-at-home mom. They both like to hike and camp.

ANNA JONESAnna moved to Park Hill in 1992 from the Boston area. She loves Montview because “smart people say deep things that touch me.” She is a homemaker who enjoys gardening and tennis. Anna has three children.

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new members

DAVID THORPEDave connected to Montview’s adult education programs and Onion Club. He is impressed with the wide array of people and perspectives. Dave wears a variety of hats in an operational role for a general contractor. His son Gus is in the 6th grade. Dave and Gus enjoy fly fishing, skiing, road biking, reading, and hiking.

LAUREN & RYAN CLUNELauren and Ryan recently moved to Denver from Arizona with their 8 month old son Cash Richard. Ryan is Director of Sales for iHeart Radio with a passion for SEC football. Lauren is a former teacher and currently a stay-at-home mom who works out daily. They both enjoy skiing and the day to day excitement of observing Cash’s “firsts” as he grows.

MINA SOLTZMina is a former member at Montview. She is recently widowed and has three daughters and three grandsons. She is a retired RN and worked in geriatrics most of her career. Mina enjoys music, hiking, gardening, reading, and travel. One interest may be creating an Alzheimer support group.

HEATHER & JOHN ROESINKHeather and John live in Stapleton and are expecting a daughter in July. John also has two daughters, Margaret and Grace. John is a geologist and works in oil and gas exploration. He loves to fly fish and play golf. Heather manages a team of people who make maps at an oil and gas company. She enjoys spending time with her stepdaughters, doing crafts, cooking, and gardening. They are interested in Montview’s volunteer opportunities and youth programs.

JENNIFER & CHET SEWARDJennifer and Chet live in Stapleton and have two children: Jack, 14, and Ella, 10. Chet is the policy director for the Colorado Medical Society. Jennifer is a freelance writer and communications consultant. The family enjoys hiking, biking, and skiing.

CHRISTINE DILLONChris has come “south” to retire -- moving here from Juneau, Alaska. She is a retired nurse who has worked in the areas of school health, labor/delivery, and home care. She is a widow with two grown children and four grandchildren. Chris enjoys traveling, reading, and knitting.

EMELINE & ZACH WALKEREmeline and Zach are expecting their first child this summer. Emeline is an attorney for a gas and oil company. She enjoys hiking, reading, shopping, and experimenting in the kitchen. Zach is a securities attorney. He enjoys walking, playing volleyball, and is a fan of video games. They have found Montview to be friendly and accepting of a variety of views.

MICHELLE HANSONMichelle lives in Broomfield and has been visiting Montview for over four years. She is a hydrogeologist and works on the Rocky Flats project. She has three teenage children. Her hobbies include running and reading.

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from rev. dr. dee cooper

A little less than twenty three months ago, I stood before you in worship asking you to do a crazy thing, to jump in with me and explore the waters. And even crazier thing happened, you did! You jumped off those quarry cliffs with me in New England, jumping together into the unknown. We have explored some of the deepest caves, and soared over vast mountain ranges. We have surfed the playful waves and have rested in each other’s company when the world brought us through some rough times. I have felt in these two years, you showed up fully and fully in. There have been so many changes and transitions from saying goodbye to new staff, to saying goodbye to that’s “the way we do things”. Together we have appreciated Cindy and all her ministries here, and together we prepared and feel such joy and excitement about Clover joining the leadership at Montview with all her gifts. I have felt touched in your care, your appreciation, your expressions of love for me and I will miss you. I truly feel Montview is such a wonderfully unique congregation that is led with appreciation, willing for an interim to dip her toes in the waters, and looking to the future with

such expanded possibilities.If I left you with words to wonder about... Love your staff. You have the most amazing, let me say again, amazing staff here. They are profoundly gifted, so wonderfully devoted, and give of themselves to Montview and her ministries more than you would ever imagine. It is so easy to find the one thing that didn’t work as we would like. I invite you to choose to offer your appreciations to them. Love your pastors. The profound depth and sensitive maturity of this pastoral staff is beyond compare at Montview. They are often working outside of any bounds where people can see, on sermons, meetings with pastoral care, receiving late night calls of concern, and giving of themselves to follow their call and serve this amazing congregation. It has been an honor and pleasure to work together

in this wonderful collaborative model. For those two group I would offer there are many ways to appreciate them, tell them, take them to lunch, write a card, pat them on the back, buy them a cup of coffee, send them to the movies. These are all ways to say thanks. The staff as a whole has gone through enormous changes and challenges, including playing with the interim, (who invited them out of their comfort zone to throw balloons off the roof). They truly are one of the best I have ever worked with and hope you realize and appreciate what a gift you have. My last word, Love yourselves. Be

gentle with yourselves in these changes. Know that God is here with you (always has been) never changing. Divine love is consistent from beginning to end and enfolds you in your unfolding

and becoming. If you find yourself frustrated or irritated by all the new things happening, all the changes, take a moment to stop, feel God’s love for you and then love yourself. See if that opens a possibility for you to feel some space and flexibility in your feelings about yourselves and others. Montview, is the grandest of ladies, I have had the honor, joy, delight, privilege to serve her through the call of Jesus Christ our Lord. You have brought such smiles to my face, laughter to my belly, tears to my eyes, zoo animals to worship, and love in hearing the bagpipes and choir burst into the Highland Cathedral. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you. Much love and appreciation, Dee

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dr. peter hulacMontview Minister of Visitation

Dr. Peter Hulac, MD has been our Minister of Visitation (Calling Pastor) for the past two years. His career to this point has been as a Neonatologist, which is a medical doctor who practices neo-natal (a new and usually small, early-term baby) medicine. He was led to practice medicine more as call to the fragility of life than for any other reason. This call came when President John F. Kennedy’s infant son Patrick died. While medicine was the call that Peter accepted, he had thought about seminary and a career as a minister, earlier in his life. When his parents divorced while Peter was at Muhlenberg College majoring in math, he decided that he would go to medical school instead, attending Temple. Peter grew up the son of a Presbyterian minister and was born in 1945 only a few weeks after his father graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary, so he feels that he has always been around progressive Presbyterians. As Peter grew up, they would have many discussions over the dinner table about religion and events of the day from a reformed and progressive viewpoint. Questions about the discussion were always encouraged.

Peter sees medicine and ministry as similar callings. He said his favorite saying of a beloved mentor is, “When all else fails, talk to the patient and when that fails, listen to the patient.” He says this is true with ministry, but would use the word parishioners or congregation member instead of patient! Peter says that at their best, both professions are about storytelling and listening. The transition from medicine to ministry has been a relatively simple one for Peter, as the ministry was also seen as an early career choice. Peter takes something, even as simple as the weekly church bulletin or flowers from his home garden, into the visits with church members. He sees these gifts as sacramental and an important connection to the person’s church family, Montview Church. He knows that he brings the presence of Jesus and God to many when they are so in need of the care, compassion, and love that Jesus and God represent. Peter has grown into the role of Minister of Visitation, embracing the many different aspects. When he began this ministry, he questioned himself, wondering, “Who do I think I am to come visit these people?” After the first few visits he grew into the amazing

calling elder that he is now, never forgetting that he carries a piece of Montview with him. While Peter visits with a member he finds prayer rooted in a Psalms, the lectionary, or the conversation they have shared to be an important part of the visit. He has no set agenda when he visits our members who are no longer to get out, but allows the conversation to grow organically, from issues or questions that might come up from the member. Peter finds this ministry to be a “calling” and is grateful that it found him and that he responded in the positive. Peter has been married to Barbara Hulac, Montview’s organist for almost 44 years. They live in Park Hill in the Rev. Arthur Miller’s old home. They have three children and five grandchildren. – Nancy Tuma

Dear Montview Friends, A friend just gave me a copy of Celtic Lore and Legends. I will continue to treasure the web of myth and legend that surrounds the rich mix of talent, skills, and spirit which was my task to unravel in my challenging work with you. Remember that we must always clear our minds of the trolls (anxiety, moods, depression, etc.) which would undo the good so as to keep our high mission in God’s service ever semper jam vigilans. Bess joins me in expressing our deep gratitude for your prayers during my recent illness. My recovery continues to the great satisfaction of my excellent physician and many helpers. Know that I remain your loyal archangel.Vale, et corragio,John

from john kuzma

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~ S TAT E M E N T O F M I S S I O N ~We believe that the love of God surrounds us. Our call is to

nurture this love in ourselves and each other. Through prayer, worship, education, outreach, and mission, we seek to foster

spiritual fulfillment, community, tolerance, peace, non-violence, and social justice. We dedicate ourselves and our church to

follow the Spirit of Christ by word and deed. (Adopted by Session, July 1998)

denver zoo comes to montview

In 1967 Dr Doolittle introduced us to a song about the values of talking to the animals.

If we could talk to the animals, just imagine itChatting to a chimp in chimpanzee

Imagine talking to a tiger, chatting to a cheetahWhat a neat achievement that would be

For generations there has been a separation of two worlds, the animal world and the church world..until Montview in May of 2015. We partnered with the Denver Zoo, in a glorious worship experience inviting

the wild animals into our Sanctuary to be appreciated, learned from, and blessed. On May 31st, there was a worship service at Montview like none other. From beautiful bird kites inviting us into the worship space, as we sang, All Creatures of our God and King, to a macaw talking with our children, to lessons shared on many levels about the love of God for all of Creation, it was a memorable service. As we reflect on the wonder and majesty of creation around us, and the ways in which God’s creation informs us in our lives and

our worship of God, we have created this wonderful partnership. It is an amazing opportunity to bless and celebrate God’s creation in all its wonder and wildness. And then came the Procession of the Wild animals, the alligator, snakes, skank, possum, turtle, anteater, and falcon, even a wonder dog joined in the procession of these animals from the Denver Zoo. Needless to say, we had many guests this day beyond our zoo friends. And even made the CBS News that night! Children brought their own favorite stuffed wild animals to share in the worship experience. The special offering was taken receiving almost $1500 that will go to a fund to support children in North Park Hill connecting with the animals at the zoo. It was a wonderful beginning to a new partnership with the zoo and a service we plan to continue to expand grow into each year.– Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper

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