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Gospel in Action: Dialogue as a Practice of Discipleship
by the Rev. Amy Newell-Large
Jesus’ words in Luke 6:27–38 are challenging: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Most of us don’t think of ourselves as having “enemies” in a dramatic sense. But we all encounter difficult people — those who frustrate us, those we avoid, those whose views clash with ours. In today’s world, the political “other” often feels like an enemy.
While I pray daily for those I struggle with, I have also learned that dialogue is a skill — something we can practice, refine, and use to engage meaningfully rather than retreat into avoidance or polite small talk. In my graduate studies at Naropa University, I focused on interreligious dialogue and discovered that it isn’t about winning debates or forcing agreement — it’s about opening space for connection, even when we disagree.
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Welcome to a New Special Congregation: Holy Companion
Bishop Kym is excited to announce the formation of a new Special Congregation in our diocese: Holy Companion. In the Episcopal Church, a Special Congregation is a canonical designation for a worshiping community that has not yet achieved full parish status, mission status, or another recognized status. These congregations are often newly formed, small in size, or still becoming self-sustaining.
Holy Companion is sponsored by the High Plains Region, under the leadership of the Rev. Brian Winter, Regional Missioner. The Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas will serve as Vicar of Holy Companion.
This new community began gathering in the fall of 2023 and now includes 25 families from the Sterling Ranch area in northwest Douglas County—approximately 20 miles south of downtown Denver, near Highlands Ranch and Littleton. Holy Companion has received generous support through annual grants from the High Plains, Northwest, and Front Range Regions. The congregation extends heartfelt thanks for the generosity of individuals and churches across those regions who have helped make this new faith community possible in the southwest corner of the Denver Metro area. To learn more about Holy Companion, please visit holycompanion.org.
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Northwest Region Seeks Part-Time Regional Missioner
Our Bishop is seeking applications for Regional Missioner for the Northwest Region in the Episcopal Church in Colorado. This is a part-time position in the Office of the Bishop with a compensation package of approximately $8,000 annually. We encourage both lay and ordained individuals to apply for this position. This is a two-year renewable position. Please click here for job description and more information. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Dianne Draper at Dianne@EpiscopalColorado.org by May 15.
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Eco-Pilgrimage to Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, May 10, 9:00-12:00, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Commerce City. The Apache, Ute, and Comanche followed large herds of bison and lived off the land that eventually became a chemical weapons arsenal for the U.S. Army and is now the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Join the Episcopal Church in Colorado creation care team for a time of learning, prayer, and exploration as we seek to understand this place and the life it once and now sustains. As we remember the devastation we’ve brought to places like the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, we will ask ourselves how we can commit to a relationship with all life that centers on health and flourishing for the whole of the community of creation. The pilgrimage includes time exploring the visitor center exhibition; a presentation from local historian and bison rancher Dave Carter from Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Broomfield; a prayer service for healing; and a self-guided audio tour (by car) of the land.
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June Eucharistic Visitor Training (Online)
June 2-28, online. Are you feeling called to this life-giving ministry of bringing communion to parishioners who are unable to attend church due to illness or infirmity? Talk to your priest or lay leader to discuss if becoming a Eucharistic Visitor might be the next step on your faith journey. Eucharistic Visitor training materials are online, interactive, and self-paced, with an orientation and a wrap-up session via Zoom. This training is designed for individuals new to the ministry as well as Eucharistic Visitors needing to renew their license. Questions? Reach out to Missioner Tracy Methe.
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Beloved Community Summit for Leaders and Laborers Across Colorado
June 11-12, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Denver
Bishop Kym Lucas invites leaders engaged in Becoming Beloved Community ministries to gather at St. Andrew’s in Denver, with the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers facilitating.
Becoming Beloved Community in the Episcopal Church is a long-term commitment to racial reconciliation, healing, and justice. It calls Episcopalians to live into their Baptismal Covenant by working toward a society where all people experience dignity and equity as God's beloved children.
This gathering welcomes leaders in race justice initiatives, Indigenous allies, Latino ministry leaders, Asian and Pacific Islander community leaders, and those working in migrant and refugee ministries—as well as others engaged in this transformative work. The Summit is also open to emerging leaders who have a passion for these ministries and a desire to help the Church more fully embody Becoming Beloved Community. Join us for learning, networking, and inspiration.
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Cathedral Ridge Summer Youth & Family Camps
Dive into Cathedral Ridge's youth and family camp offerings this summer! Come get away from the demands at home and grow closer to your family and/or fellow campers while growing closer to God. Cathedral Ridge provides an atmosphere of care and acceptance in all camp programs. Youth and adults alike laugh and play together as they develop a community of trust, where each person is known and nurtured as a valued member of the Body of Christ. There's something in store for everyone at youth and family camps this summer!
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Godly Play Core Training (In-Person)
August 22-24 at St. John’s Cathedral, Denver. We are excited to offer this rich formational opportunity for people wishing to enter more deeply into their practice of Godly Play, whether in ministry with children or adults. Core Training is the most comprehensive training on Godly Play practices and theology. Over the course of three days, participants will experience all aspects of the Godly Play method and increase fluency in the core stories and fundamental praxes. Core training follows an action/reflection model of learning with a mixture of trainer-led presentations and participant storytelling presentations. This training is being underwritten by the diocesan Formation Team and offered at a 50% discount to diocesan participants, bringing the cost to $175, inclusive of all materials and meals. Please use the code IWONDER to receive the diocesan discount. Contact Missioner Tracy Methe with any questions you may have.
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To request promotion for a group/class/concert/event/other, please submit your request online >
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Sangre de Cristo Regional Gathering, Saturday, May 17, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Colorado Springs. Learn More
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Mental Health & Gun Safety Forum, Sunday, May 18, 9:00 to 10:00 am, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Denver. Learn More
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Lessons from COP29 with Delegate Lizzy Harnett, Sunday, June 1, Coffee Hour at St. Aidan's, Boulder (in-person only) + 7:00-8:30 pm In-depth Reflection Session (hybrid), at St. Aidan’s, Boulder, and online on Zoom. Learn More
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Pilgrimage on the Hildegard Way, Germany, September 8–18, 2025, sponsored by St. John’s, Boulder, and open to all. Learn More
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To request promotion for a group/class/concert/event/other, please submit your request online >
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Noon Recital Series: Spring, Tuesday, May 13, 12:00 pm, at Holy Comforter, Broomfield. Learn More
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Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan, Sunday, May 18, at Saint John’s Cathedral. Learn More
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St. John’s Music Society presents: Pedalpalooza!, Sunday, May 25, 4:00 pm, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Boulder. Learn More
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Choral Compline, Sunday, May 25, 2025, 8:00 pm, Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Colorado Springs. Learn More
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Choral Evensong for Ascension Day, Thursday, May 29, 7:00 pm, at Grace and St. Stephen’s, Colorado Springs. Learn More
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