A year ago, the Rev. Paul Howard lay so near death, the doctor who treated him for pneumonia and complications told him he had something in common with Jesus: rising from the grave on Easter.
This year, Howard is celebrating Easter as pastor of an entire congregation seeking new life.
It is a new church gathered from the homeless and the addicted, and those once imprisoned.
This Easter is the inaugural service of Redemption Fellowship. Its home, albeit temporary, is in the Grant Avenue Community Center and Sacred Place.
Redemption is a mission of Denver’s oldest house of worship, Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway.
Trinity has had support, including a $20,000 grant, from the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church. Trinity is raising $100,000 a year for the fellowship for the next three years.
When Trinity, now a downtown landmark, was founded in 1859, Denver had 31 saloons, one church, and no schools or hospitals, said senior pastor Mike Dent.
“We’re here for good is Trinity’s motto,” Dent said.
And planting Redemption Fellowship seemed a fitting way for Trinity to make good on that claim and to celebrate its 150th year.
There was inspiration for this mission. Ministers who hold services at Denver County Jail, Howard said, were asked by inmates where, once they’re released, they and their families could worship without being self-conscious or anxious. They expressed a desire for a church of their own.
“We want them to worship freely and casually,” Howard said.
Trinity already had experience helping parolees. In 1989, Trinity established Turnabout Inc., a program that helps ex-offenders prepare for jobs, then find them and keep them.
Last year, according to Turnabout’s executive director, Lutheran Rev. Tina Yankee, the program served 3,136 clients with training and mentoring.
Last week, Turnabout moved into a new home in Warren United Methodist Church, 1630 E. 14th Ave., where 73 former inmates gave 1,926 hours of free labor to begin restoration of the bottom level of the building.
Redemption Fellowship is slated to eventually move into this location too, perhaps in June, Howard said.
The fellowship will complement Turnabout’s work, meeting spiritual needs through Sunday worship, Bible study, child care and group-sharing sessions.
The fellowship also will advocate for members’ material needs, helping them obtain financial assistance, medical care, housing, education and food.
“We want to be a real presence in their lives,” Howard said.
Derrick Hughes is a 51-year-old felon who just spent four years in prison. He’s been in and out of jail since age 28.
Hughes is also a chef who, in the past six months of freedom, became a newly licensed driver, enrolled student and resident of a new apartment.
“I’m creating milestones. I’ve got them helping me,” Hughes said, beaming and pointing at Howard and Dent. “Who wouldn’t want these two guys at their back?”
Hughes said he has been welcomed by Trinity with open arms, but he appreciates that Redemption Fellowship will be a community of worshipers whose shared experiences, challenges and goals could forge strong ties.
“It’s about comfortability,” Hughes said.
“It’s about building a community of peers and social capital,” Howard said.
Dent said Trinity’s congregation will stay involved with Redemption Fellowship.
“We’re trusting it will be a rich experience for all,” Dent said.
Electa Draper: 303-954-1276 or edraper@denverpost.com
