Today, Parker UMC is a medium-sized congregation with a large-community mindset. With two Sunday worship services—one traditional and one designed with young families in mind—the church intentionally welcomes both longtime residents and new arrivals in this fast-growing Denver metro suburb. Their commitment to inclusivity and connection makes them stand out in a region where non-denominational churches often dominate.
The Role of A Table for All
In 2023, Parker UMC joined the A Table for All program following a season of denominational tension that led to a significant membership shift. “We were looking for direction in this new chapter,” said Reverend Laura Rainwater. “What A Table for All offered us was not just financial support, but energy, coaching, and new tools to dream again.”
Initially, the church planned to host large-scale community events in its expansive parking lot. But when Colorado’s unpredictable weather made that approach difficult, the church adapted. Instead of big gatherings, it leaned into more personal, consistent touchpoints, what it’s come to call “smaller, deeper” opportunities for connection.
Building Community, Inside and Out
From that pivot came a wave of grassroots gatherings. Parker UMC launched Faith on Tap, a monthly meetup at a local brewery for open conversation around faith and life. A long-standing moms’ group moved from the church into a local coffee shop, where new faces from the community felt more comfortable joining. A grandparents’ group emerged to provide monthly connection and support. Weekly discussions over coffee and a monthly youth family dinner for parents of teens have reinforced the church’s commitment to hospitality and belonging. “These small groups are where we’ve seen momentum,” said Associate Pastor Cody Anderson. “Being outside the building helped us see how many people are looking for connection.”
Parker UMC is also well known for its strong fine arts program, including a beloved annual Messiah performance and a vibrant choir and handbell ministry. Their on-campus preschool, which serves over 200 children, continues to offer daily connections to young families.
These long-standing ministries now intersect with newer, relational ones to create a more holistic, community-minded approach. “We’re learning to honor our traditions while experimenting with fresh expressions of faith and community,” said Rev. Rainwater.
Reclaiming the Heart of Community
At its core, Parker UMC’s journey is one of reinvention, a shift from tradition-bound programming to a ministry rooted in responsiveness and relationship. The church is no longer focused on drawing people into the building but on meeting where they already are: coffee shops, breweries, playgrounds, and community spaces. This posture of listening and presence has helped the church rediscover its purpose in a changing culture.
The shift has meant embracing experimentation, vulnerability, and a willingness to try new approaches. “This has helped us dream again,” said Pastor Anderson. “We realized we don’t have to keep doing things the way we always have. The needs of our neighbors are different now, and so are we.”
That realization is now a guiding principle: ministry today isn’t about programs but people. It’s about creating spaces for questions, connection, and belonging. By prioritizing authenticity over perfection, Parker UMC is reclaiming what it means to be a church: a community in motion fueled by grace and hope.
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Parker UMC hopes to continue building a more intentional volunteer and connection strategy. These efforts will strengthen community ties, deepen discipleship, and support long-term sustainability. With renewed vision and a focus on relational ministry, the church is well-positioned to thrive in today’s evolving landscape of the modern church.
A Table for All
A Table for All, led by Bishop Kristin Stoneking, strengthens congregations across the Mountain Sky Conference to ensure every child of God finds a loving, inclusive community. Inspired by Bishop Karen Oliveto’s legacy, it has helped 12 churches grow and thrive, sparking broader vitality efforts across the Conference. This vital work continues thanks to generous donors who support both their local churches and our shared mission. Join us in building an endowment to sustain this transformative ministry.