Visiting for the first time?
What to Expect
We can't wait until we are able to meet in-person again. But we believe in science, so we are being cautious. We will not have in-person worship until it is safe. Even when we return to in-person worship, we will continue to provide all our services and groups online.
In the meantime, in anticipation of your first visit to our sanctuary in Denver, here is some information to help!
When You Arrive
We have on-street parking. The West-facing front entrance is in the middle of Leyden Street. Look for the lamp post and flags.
Worship Time
Our Weekly Services are Sunday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. Mountain Time
Children
For the time being, Sunday School is on Zoom or an occasional special in-person gathering outside with masks and social distancing. When we return to regular in-person services, children are welcome to either stay in worship or leave for Sunday School after a Children’s Message near the beginning of the worship service. Children return to worship to participate on Communion Sundays—our church practice is that Communion is open to any and all. There are Worship Buddy Bags to pick up as you enter the church; they are available for children who may be restless. There is also a staffed nursery for the youngest children if you choose.
Youth
Youth meetings are currently on Zoom or socially distanced in person. Our youth group usually meets weekly on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Zoom (normally 5:30 when in-person) but may meet at other times. Contact Jeremy for current information at youth@parkhillchurch.org.
Accessibility
The Sanctuary, restrooms, and most of the building are wheelchair accessible. The second-floor choir loft upstairs and Fellowship Hall downstairs have chair lifts for those who can transfer from their wheelchair.
Hearing Impaired
We have a "Hearing Loop" built into the floor that connects directly to the T-coil in hearing aids. Headphones are also available upon request; just ask an usher.
Communion
We typically celebrate the Sacrament of Communion on the first Sunday of each month.We believe that Jesus sets the Table, not us; therefore all people, including children, are welcome whether or not they are members of our church or any church. We use grape juice and bread. Gluten-free wafers are also provided. One row at a time, we stand and walk the center aisle to the front of the church, or there are members who serve Communion bread and wine to anyone with mobility challenges.
Music
We offer a wide variety of music and styles. Some Sundays, worship could be described as traditional mainline with big organ pieces and hymns. Other Sundays we sing with piano accompaniment, using songs from a wide variety of sources, including the UCC hymnal. The third Sunday of the month is “Gospel” Sunday. Our choir sings most Sundays, supplemented by soloists or small ensembles. We encourage children to play their instruments and sing as they feel comfortable. The Choir practices on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. before the 10 a.m. weekly service. All members and guests are welcome to join the choir!
Inclusive Language
We strive to use many images and names for God. For example, The Lord’s Prayer begins: "Our Creator, holy is your name." And all our music uses inclusive and expansive language.
Compassion in Action Offering
We highlight the mission of a different community organization every month during worship in addition to our weekly church offering. We give away all loose cash in the offering plate, in addition to designated gifts. In 2019, this amounted to over $25,000. See our Mission Partners page for more information. On any fifth Sundays we collect for the Pastor's Discretionary Fund. In total, in 2019, we gave $62,000 beyond our church walls as Compassion in Action.
Holidays
Due to COVID-19, our 2020 Christmas Eve service will be virtual - both on-demand as well as by live online watch party. Join our watch party on Zoom or Facebook Live at 4 pm Mountain Time on December 24. If that time is not convenient, the service will be available any time the day on Christmas Eve and beyond on our Facebook and Youtube playlists.
GET TO KNOW US
READ SERMONS
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SERvices
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
We seek to be transformed as we gather to worship God, seek inspiration from the teachings of Jesus Christ, and move into the world to make a difference by the power of God's Spirit of Light and Love.
OUR
VISION
A Church where everyone finds their place for ministry.
A Church full of people who live and proclaim the social justice witness of Jesus Christ.
A Church community fully engaged in faith formation.
A Church committed to developing and using our resources wisely.
OUR
COMMITMENTS
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Spiritual depth and intellectual integrity
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Worship, education, and outreach that transforms people and society
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Social justice, diversity, and love of neighbor
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Being open and affirming to everyone—without exception
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Belief that these values are embodied in the life of Jesus
OUR
COMMUNITY
We come from all kinds of faith traditions (or none). Our fellowship is based upon how our common humanity calls us into relationship—across lines that often divide Christians, Jews, Muslims and adherents of the world's great religions. We are here for each other to address the joy of our existence, process the grief and in our world, and offer healing.
Help Us Make a Difference
Join us to build an open, inclusive, just and compassionate world through a one-time or recurring financial gift.