Mount Calvary Lutheran Church

In 1938, a beacon of faith emerged in Denver at the corner of 36th Avenue and York Street. This was Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Mount Calvary Lutheran Church quickly became a cornerstone of the community. Its Christian day school, operating from 1943 to 1973, educated generations of students, with enrollment peaking at 150. A daycare, running from 1946 to 1991, nurtured young lives, reaching a maximum of 60 children. Even a well-baby clinic operated within the church’s community center, further solidifying its role in the neighborhood’s well-being. However, like many urban churches, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church faced challenges as demographics shifted. The school and daycare eventually closed. Attendance dwindled. By 2009-2010, average worship attendance was just 15 people. The church wrestled with the daunting question of survival. In 2010, Pastor Roger Schlechte arrived as Intentional Interim Pastor. He presented the congregation with four options: immediate closure, continuing until inevitable decline, partnering with another congregation, or rebirth. The congregation chose rebirth. They embarked on a journey of self-discovery, studying scripture and examining their relationship with God and each other. In 2012, the Denver Northeast Circuit adopted Mount Calvary as its Gospel Gap Mission. This provided a spark of hope. The church sought community input, holding meetings with neighbors and local organizations. Pastor Schlechte, deviating from the typical interim role, presented a vision for the future based on this feedback: a renaming and revitalization of the church, symbolized by the butterfly emerging from its cocoon. In 2013, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church was reborn as Resurrection in the City Lutheran Church. This new beginning was marked by a celebratory Easter service with baptisms and renewed commitment to serving the community. The church focused its efforts on connecting with neighbors, discipleship, and engaging with the Inner City School, which rented their building. They hosted community events, cleaned up the neighborhood, and explored the possibility of a childcare center. Responding to community needs, Resurrection in the City launched SOAR (Student Opportunities at Resurrection) in 2015. This tutoring and mentoring program, inspired by Rebecca’s Garden of Hope in Orlando, provides academic and spiritual support to children from Harrington Elementary and Inner City School. Resurrection in the City continues to evolve. It updated its vision statement in 2015, emphasizing ongoing growth and service to the community. They undertook property renovations, symbolizing their renewed spirit. Resurrection in the City’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to serving its community.