Located on a rise where the prairie looks out
over the metro area and up at the Front Range, we serve the
Risen Christ by rising up to engage in significant ministry.
We are a dynamic and exciting testament to God’s work in our
community.
St. Paul Presbyterian Church opens its doors and programs to
all persons.
We are a member church of the
Presbyterian Church (USA), the Synod of the Rocky Mountains
and the Presbytery of Denver.
We invite you to browse this website and learn about us. If you wish to contact us,
use the Contact information that we have provided at the bottom of this page. We also invite you to
visit our church! You will discover we are a very friendly and
active church.
We will be delighted with your visit!
The Reverend Randy Kittelson,
Pastor
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Mission Statement
Called into community
By
the Spirit,
We
worship our Creator,
Seek
to know and proclaim Christ,
Welcome
and enjoy all.
And
share God’s love.
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What is it like to be a Presbyterian?
To
learn more,
the mini articles in the following link
are for you.
→
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OUR SESSIONS VISION AND GOALS
Vision:
We
will develop and provide programs that meet the needs of
our members. Examples are music, adult education, youth
programs, diverse styles of worship, different times and
content of worship, stewardship emphasis, teacher
training and classes on varied subjects.
Goals:
Assess needs
in each area to determine direction of diversification. Continue
the recruitment of people with a passion to serve the
church in their area of desire. Focus
on the challenges of being a Christian in today’s
world. Continue
to emphasize the spiritual purpose and Christian
foundation of worship. Involve
ministry units in further development of both long and
short-range goals and objectives.
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Our Session:
Elders
Kevin Burnett
Tim Cummins
Nancy Dixon
Yves Ochoumare(2010-2012)
Faye Salvatore
Matthew Gobla(2010-2012)
Thomas Moe
Allison Moe(2010)
Scott Carlson
Gayle Fidler(2010-2012)
Virginia Zick(2010)
Cheryl Wetzel(2010)
Tim Benke(2010-2012)
Marsha McConnell
Session Moderator-Pastor Randy
Kittelson
Our Deacons:
Martin Cobb
Camille Fangue
Lynn Fangue
Sue Hatfield(2010-2012)
Sheila Moskowitz
JoAnn Cunningham
Lynn Fangue
Beth McCarthy
Deanna Gordon(2010-2012)
Julie Meskimen(2010-2012)
Thomas Turpin
Judi Garvey-Lefebvre
Moderator: Kathy
Jenkins
Nominating Commitee:
Cyn Hardy Driver
Dough Driver
Joann Goss
Joan Hodges
Peter Muskowitz
Brad Pollard
Beth McCarthy (Deacon Rep.)
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St Paul
Ministry Units
MINISTRY OF
DISCIPLING
Serving Christ through the tasks of capital campaigns and
improvements, education, and stewardship, in development of
the congregation’s discipleship.
What can you expect from the Ministry of Discipling?
We
provide education opportunities for life-long learning.
We
encourage personal development as a Christian disciple.
We
offer opportunities to give in support of St. Paul’s
ministries.
What can the Ministry of Discipling expect from you?
You
participate regularly in education
opportunities.
You
are a faithful steward of God’s creation and gifts.
You
pledge and give time, talents and treasure to St. Paul.
MINISTRY OF
WITNESS
Serving Christ by sharing the good news with the greater
community and helping our neighbor, in support of the
congregation’s faithful witness to Christ.
What
can you expect from the Ministry of Witness?
We
share Christ with others.
We
extend welcome and hospitality to all.
We
offer effective outreach and help to those in need.
What can the Ministry of Witness expect from you?
You share your faith with others.
You
welcome and accept all people.
You give yourself
away in mission to Christ.
MINISTRY OF
WORSHIP
Serving Christ in the provision of this church’s worship
services and musical offerings, by which we give God glory.
What can you expect from the Ministry of Worship?
We
provide opportunities to glorify God in worship.
We
give you the chance to encounter God’s Word in preaching,
baptism and communion.
We
encourage participation in and enjoyment of music by our
choirs and guest musicians.
What can the Ministry of Worship expect from you?
You
regularly and faithfully participate in worship.
It was 1984 when the Denver
Presbytery “planted” a new church development congregation in
southeast Aurora. On World Communion Sunday, October 7, 1984,
the first service of St. Paul Presbyterian Church was held in
the cafeteria at Smoky Hill High School. The Rev. Ms. Sylvia
Guinn-Amons, on loan from Wellshire Presbyterian Church, was
the congregation’s first pastor.
On March 3, 1985, the
Presbytery called the Reverend Hervey “Mac” Macferran to be
the Organizing Pastor at St. Paul. On January 19, 1986, St.
Paul Presbyterian Church was officially organized. During
this service, 86 persons, representing 48 families, were
received as Charter Members. During its tenure at Smoky Hill
High School, the church operated out of a used van which
carried all the hymnals, supplies and necessary items to
conduct worship services in the school’s cafeteria with church
school in various classrooms. Members would volunteer to
drive the van for a Sunday at a time and were responsible for
placing signs at strategic street corners announcing the
worship service hours.
By 1989, it was clear that the
congregation was outgrowing the space at Smoky Hill. At that
time St. Paul had 130 members representing 77 families. The
first Building Fund Drive began on February 12, 1989, with
assistance provided by the Presbyterian Church Financial
Services. The purchase of 6.4 acres of land was made by
Denver Presbytery in 1990.
A special ground-breaking
ceremony was held on the clear morning of April 8, 1990 to the
lively tones of bagpipes and the merry voices of children and
congregational members carrying shovels and other construction
tools. The first phase of St. Paul Presbyterian Church was
completed in January 1991. The first worship service was held
on January 13th and the dedication was held January
20th .A special fund drive was held in 1991 to
complete the unfinished basement.
On February 1, 1991, Rev. Mac
Macferran, the Organizing Pastor, left the pulpit to step out
of active ministry and “semi-retire.” Reverend Donovan “Don”
G. Houdeshell was called by the congregation to begin serving
St. Paul in the capacity as Designated Pastor, a position he
held for four years.
During Don’s pastorate, a
number of special memorials and gifts were presented to the
church from members and friends alike. The stained glass
window in the Celebration Center was dedicated on April 12,
1992, in memory of Beverly J. Coombs. An Advent Organ was in
September, 1994 and an illuminated sign was donated and
installed in 1994.
Don Houdeshell completed his
designated pastorate on March 31, 1995, leaving the ministry
to pursue another career. Rev. Peter Adgie was called and
served as Interim Pastor from April 1, 1995 through August 31,
1996. During his leadership a Pastor Nominating Committee
(PNC) was formed and on September 1, 1996 Dr. Barbara Griggs
Boyd began her service as Pastor of St. Paul.
In 1998, the church received a
gift of a magnificent set of hand bells, which were given in
the memory of Rebecca Sue Sampson by her parents, Roger and
Jean Wiedenbeck. Also in 1998, St. Paul was given funds in
memory of Pam Slack, a charter member for the purchase of a
grand piano which was dedicated at a service in September
1999. The church hired
Carolyn Germaine (Peters) as the first Director of Christian
Education in August, 1999.
In June 2001, Dr. Boyd
announced her intent to leave St. Paul. Following the loss of
her parents, Barbara decided to take a break from the ministry
in order to focus on future plans. Pastor Larry Grimm became
the Interim Pastor in August, the same month in which a Pastor
Nominating Committee was formed. Upon completion of the
search, Reverend Randall Kittelson was installed as Pastor in
August 2002.
In 2004, Session established
five ministry units (Belonging; Discipling, Service, Witness
and Worship) to oversee the needs and administer the functions
of the church. These biblically based focus areas allow for
the integration of programs and activities in to the varied
events of the Church’s calendar.
Also in 2004 the congregation
and Session decided to establish a capital campaign for the
purpose of exploring the construction of a formal sanctuary.
Using the theme of “Expanding Our Horizons” a Building
Expansion Team was formed, money was pledged and a loan
secured from the Presbytery Investment and Loan Program in
2005 to begin construction. Eidos, the firm that designed the
original building worked with the Team to design a 5,000
addition. On Palm Sunday, April 9, 2006 a service of
celebration was held to break ground for the new building.
The first worship service was held in the new sanctuary one
year later on April 21, 2007.
St. Paul offers a number of
activities to engage members and friends alike. A Garden Club,
Movie Night, an annual Talent Show, a Gourmet Dining Group,
Women’s Agape Circle, a Books ‘n Brunch group, and mid-week
gathering educational studies provide members many ways to
participate. Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts meet at the
church and beginning in August 2009 the congregation of Old
Landmark Ministries began to share our worship and education
areas. This Baptist congregation brings joy and celebration to
our community as well as wonderful music. St. Paul membership
at the end of the year numbered approximately 185. We are a
"Church on the Rise” both spiritually and figuratively. All
are welcome to join us.
Description of St. Paul
Church
St Paul,
The Apostle,
"The Just shall live by faith"
St. Paul Presbyterian Church is a
congregation of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., the Synod of
the Rocky Mountains, and the Presbytery of Denver.
Located one
block east of the intersection of Hampden Avenue and Tower
Road in southeast Aurora, the congregation of 360 members was
chartered in 1985.
The current building, on a beautiful six
acre lot atop a hill with a view of the Front Range from Long’s Peak to Pike’s Peak, was built in 1989. We are
currently engaged in the early phases of a building expansion
project, which will include a new sanctuary.
St. Paul Church is an inviting open
community to all. Collectively containing and celebrating
diverse people and viewpoints, we consider ourselves to be a
progressive church. We take great delight in our worship of
God, and we seek to show warm welcome and kindness to one
another.
St Paul Ministry
Units continued
MINISTRY OF
SERVICE
Serving Christ with the management of the congregation’s
financial, property, and personnel resources, which serve our
congregation and its mission.
What can you expect from the Ministry of Service?
We
provide church organization, administration, and financial
management.
We
maintain St. Paul’s property.
We
manage the leadership and skills of professional staff.
What can the Ministry of Service expect from you?
You
abide within the church’s organization and polity.
You
contribute to the church’s resources and their upkeep.
You volunteer in tandem with and support of church staff.
MINISTRY OF
BELONGING
Serving Christ through the means of congregational
communication, care of the Deacons, fellowship groups and
events, and tending of the membership rolls, to provide the
congregation a sense of belonging.
What can you expect from Ministry of Belonging?
We
provide fellowship opportunities.
We
communicate St. Paul’s news.
We
provide pastoral care and acceptance.
What can the Ministry of Belonging expect from you?
You
participate in the church’s activities.
You
share personal news with St. Paul.
You
share gifts, talents, and expertise.
All
are welcome to ministry unit meetings.
If
you have questions about meetings, please call the church
office, 303.693.3434
