Ministers & Staff

Ministers

Reverend Bob Von Trebra

Reverend Dr. Bob von Trebra

Interim Pastor

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Originally from Wisconsin, Rev. Von Trebra was called to enter the Chicago Theological Seminary and was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1996. He served as Pastor of a church in the Chicago suburbs for 19 years, then began interim ministry, serving four churches in Utah, Colorado, and Idaho. Bob brings to his ministry warmth and compassion through contemplative prayer. In his spare time Bob enjoys skiing, golf, bicycling, and traveling with his wife Jill.

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Reverend Alix Wright

Minister to Children and Families

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Reverend Wright received her Masters of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology and was ordained in the UCC denomination in 2021. Alix’s mission with the church is to create a safe and fun place to teach children about the love of God and Jesus through the Bible, inclusivity, and service to others. Alix is a Colorado native and enjoys time with her husband and two children. Additionally, she enjoys reading history, biographies, and historical fiction.

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Reverend Dr. Eric C. Smith

Teaching Minister

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Originally from North Carolina, Rev. Smith has Master of Theological Studies degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Religious and Theological Studies from the Joint Ph.D. Program at the University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology. Eric is a full- time faculty member at Iliff and is the author of four books. He leads the First Plymouth Youth Group, offers educational opportunities for adults and youth, and regularly leads worship. He enjoys deep discussions about difficult topics with adults and especially values being a part of a community of theological openness. He lives in Denver with his spouse Jessa and their three
children.

Sophia Hayden

Sophia Hayden

Assistant Minister for Pastoral Care

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Sophia Hayden is a 2020 graduate of Kent State University where she received her Bachelor of
Integrative Studies in Religious Studies and Jewish Studies. It is there at KSU in Hebrew
language class that Sophia met her partner and soon to be wife, Abbey. Sophia is a Member in
Discernment in the Living Water Association of the Heartland Conference of the United Church
of Christ in Northeast, Ohio, where she grew up. Currently, Sophia is working toward her Master
of Divinity degree at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, with concentrations in Spiritual Care and
Chaplaincy. Sophia enjoys going to concerts monthly, walks with Abbey and their two yorkies,
as well as taking care of her Red Eye Green Tree frogs, and spending time with her close
friends at city parks.

Music Staff

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Joel Rinsema

Director of Music and Technology in Worship

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Joel has served churches for over 30 years as a Music Director. He is passionate about improving people’s lives through the power of choral music, whether it be in the worship experience or concert setting. He also is the Managing Artistic Director of Kantorei, a nationally recognized adult choir. Joel lives in Centennial with his spouse Sarah and stepson. He enjoys skiing, golfing, camping, fishing, and hiking.

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Ricki Vorrath-Moyer

Organist, Accompanist

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Ricki received her Master of Music degree in Organ Performance with a minor in choral conducting and piano pedagogy, both at CU Boulder. She has more than four decades of experience contributing to worship services and choral accompaniment.

Administration Staff

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Carol Hainsey

Director of Administration

Melissa Padilla

Melissa Padilla

Director of Learning Center

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Lisa Medina

Office Coordinator

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Amy Turner

Communications Coordinator

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James Trotter

Facilities Manager