Transitional Pastor Message March 4, 2026

My first day in the office was January 5th, and these first 8 weeks have been full of learning my way around—Denver and Wellshire Presbyterian Church! I have been attending committee meetings, various small group gatherings, and meeting with individuals, too. I have loved working with this staff! We had a Staff Planning Day to get to know each other and to plan collectively through December 2026. We shared our individual 2026 goals to support each other and hold each other accountable. Thank you for welcoming me into WPC!

The photos accompanying this first transitional message are a metaphor for some early observations: The vibrant colors of Wellshire, seen in some of the photos, reflect the vibrancy I see in so much of our life together as a congregation. There are also a couple of photos where the vibrancy has faded a bit with time and wear. If you haven’t noticed our 'Enter' and ‘Exit’ signs, it is likely because you don’t need them. You know this church already! But to a visitor or guest…what do these signs convey? If you're driving along Colorado Blvd., would you even notice them? Did you know that our other parking lots have no signs at all? Those of us who ‘know how to get in’ know how to get in…but how are others being invited to ‘come and see,’ then to come and stay for the journey of faith?

Here are a few observations of our vibrancy, along with some areas that may need a fresh look:

• You are a welcoming and loving congregation! I see you greeting people before and after worship services. I see you coming to knit, sew, organize books, join in Bible and book studies, and take part in fellowship groups. Every Sunday, children come forward eagerly for Time with Children in worship, then go for more growing in faith in the Green Room together. Sunday afternoons/evenings, our youth and adult mentors meet for worship, learning, and fellowship. Youth Sunday 2026 was awesome! A new Confirmation Class is underway this Spring, and on March 1st, we welcomed new members into our congregation! We’ve added two new learning opportunities in addition to the two ongoing classes between the Sunday services. These four “Sunday Conversations” are open to all who want to keep learning and growing in faith and life.

• The transitional time provides an intentional opportunity to review our current committees and task forces, assessing their focus, scope, and effectiveness. As is true of many churches, we need to renew our efforts to invite more people to serve and lead, making sure we are rotating membership and chairs of these committees and task forces, so that we do not get ‘entrenched’ in ideas, perspectives, and representation. All churches have to be reminded to seek (and welcome) generational diversity in leadership, service, engagement, and input. The good news is—you have diversity of ages and perspectives!

• Wellshire By The Numbers: Numbers aren’t always the most important or effective ways of measuring our life together in the church, but numbers do matter. Numbers give us data to analyze along with the ‘softer,’ anecdotal ways churches mostly review and assess themselves. I am working with others to compile worship attendance totals for 2025 and thus far in 2026—including our online worship attendance/engagement (I think you may be surprised!) Scott Campbell and various committee chairs are gathering financial information and property needs assessments so that our budgeting, investments, and stewardship goals are informed, clear, and motivating for all. As soon as we have this data assembled, we will share it.

The good news is that Wellshire Presbyterian Church has a lot going for it and a lot that is going right! There is no bad news, really…just more good news: that what we need to work on together you can accomplish—and it will make us healthier and stronger for the new future God is unfolding for you even now.

Look for another Transitional Pastor Message on March 11th:

THE WORK AHEAD IN MARCH & APRIL: Membership Roll Review and the Church Directory!



With joy and gratitude,