How do we connect theology with creativity? In a field marked by centuries of tradition, where can we create spaces for new ideas and new ways of thinking? How do we step outside existing systems to build something new? This Renewal session will be an opportunity to hear from three associates of the Iliff Ministry Incubator, an initiative that connects those who want to find new ways to do ministry and new spaces to serve. The panelists will share about their ministries, their experience with the Incubator, and what they plan to do next.

Join the Iliff community for our April Renewal session that asks how theology connects to creativity.

Leader of the Iliff Ministry Incubator

Iliff Ministry Incubator

Associate

Iliff Ministry Incubator

Associate

Iliff Ministry Incubator

Associate

Follow the link below to register for this session!

Join us in welcoming Virginia "Ginny" Castleberry, the new Business Development Manager for the Iliff Innovation Lab. Ginny has 20+ years’ experience in for-profit and nonprofit sectors, working for a variety of companies, from Fortune 10 to less than 10 employees. She brings her analytical background into the operational arena, leading teams and projects to help organizations grow.

Tealee’s Tea House is a fun brunch and tea spot. It’s got a cozy vibe, good food, beautiful artwork and a cool bookstore downstairs.

Nola Voodoo Tavern If you love New Orleans style food, this bar is an option. Their food in my opinion tastes delicious. Their homemade New Orleans recipes people rave about come from the owner’s mother Vivian and grandmother Emma.

Le French Denver Founded by Senegalese French sisters Aminata and Rougui Dia they specialize in high end pastries and elevated modern Parisian cuisine with global influences. Food is prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients from local famers. You can find this unique

restaurant at the Belview Station area of Denver Tech. The atmosphere is great the food taste wonderful, and it is artistically presented.

Whitier Café This artsy coffee shop is known as the Justice Coffee Shop. A local African espresso coffee bar, with high vibration, relaxation, and warm energy. A place that surrounds you with a plethora of artwork and intention. The owner is Milete Birhanemaskel who was born in a refugee camp and parents fled civil war in Ethiopia decades ago. They found home here in Denver, Colorado in 1982.

Flick of the Whisk Cakes Bakery in Denver by Bryonna Williams. She creatively makes amazing custom cakes and cupcakes from scratch. You can find her online where you can fill out an order form, for your next event or celebration.

We need your help! As an Iliff alum, you offer valuable lived experience and perspective on many aspects of the institution, including the enrollment process. We want to hear your feedback on the enrollment process, insight into the elements you appreciated and help identify opportunities for improvement.

The strategic enrollment management committee will host an alumni/ae focus group on Friday, May 6 from 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm over Zoom. If you can participate, please RSVP by clicking the following link.

During the focus group, you will be asked a series of questions about how you first experienced Iliff and why you decided to enroll; what your registration and learning experiences were like; and how you experienced Iliff’s support systems (academic advising, writing center, IT, financial aid, business office, etc.). Finally, we are curious if you would recommend Iliff to a future student and the reasons why.

Sincerely,

Iliff Strategic Enrollment Management Committee

Join us for a night of poetry, learning and laughter with Kay Ulanday Barrett, a poet, performer, and cultural strategist. Kay describes themselves as one "navigating life as a disabled Filipinx-amerikan transgender queer in the U.S. with struggle, resistance, and laughter."

Alumni/ae, students, and community members are invited to participate in these unique immersive experiences, led by Iliff faculty.

Professor Miguel De La Torre will lead the immersion trip to Guatemala from November 26 through December 7, 2022. This trip will provide the opportunity to study the intersection of environment & immigration, along with indigenous spirituality.

For more information, please contact Dr. De La Torre at [email protected]

Professors Pam Eisenbaum and Mark George will lead the immersion trip to Israel/Palestine November 19 – December 9, 2022.

This trip offers the chance to see the Old City of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Masada, the Galilee, Bethlehem, Yad Vashem and so much more. Hear from a range of groups in Israel/Palestine, experience a Shabbat meal, and spend a night with a Palestinian family. An optional extension trip to Jordan immediately follows the Israel/Palestine trip.

For more information, please contact Dr. Pam Eisenbaum ([email protected]) or Dr. Mark George ([email protected]).

We invite you to support Iliff students through travel scholarship by clicking this link to make a donation.

Please join us at these events featuring Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, the Senior Minister for Public Theology and Transformation at Middle Church in New York City, NY. Rev. In the words of Rev. Dr. Cathie Kelsey, Lewis is a dynamic, energizing, and inspiring preacher. Let the Spirit and the desire for justice roll over you and carry you forward with joy.

Thursday, April 28th: 6:00pm

For more information, please email [email protected]

Racial Justice: Building Coalitions for Change!

Saturday, April 30th: 6:00 - 8:00 pm and Sunday, May 1st: 12:30 - 2:30pm (Refreshments Provided)

Register for the lecture series here. Learn more about the First Plymouth lecture series here.

Amy Lawton (MASC '15) went on from Iliff to the University of Connecticut where she will be finishing her PhD in sociology of religion this year. She has accepted a postdoctoral position with the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab at Brandeis University.

Dr. Robin Tems (MDiv '20) is being ordained on June 4th by the Episcopal Church in Colorado to the Transitional Diaconate, the next step en route to priesthood.

Rev. Avery Sledge (MDiv '10) has been called to serve as pastor of the First United Church of Christ in Springfield, OH.

If there is something going on in your world that you would like us to share with your colleagues, you are welcome to submit your news.

Rev. Jim Todd passed on April 3rd, 2022. Jim's daughter Dr. Julie Todd is the John Wesley Iliff Senior Adjunct Lecturer in Justice and Peace Studies. Read Rev. Todd's obituary here.

James "Jim" Aldrich (MA in Religion '89) passed away on March 28th, 2022, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After completing his degree at Iliff, Jim served the Front Range as a social work and therapist. He established a community foodbank in Fort Collins and, after retirement, became a prolific writer. He is survived by his three children, Jenny, Jon and Joy. Read the full obituary here.

Professor Thomas H. Troeger, who served as the Ralph E. and Norma E. Peck Professor of Preaching and Communications at Iliff from 1991 to 2005. Tom also served in the role of Dean of Academic Affairs during his time at Iliff. Read the full obituary here.

To visit PIFN, click here.

Connect with us using this online form if you have news you would like us to share in future issues of this alumni/ae newsletter.