Teams and Groups

Members of our community work together in various ways to support our overall operations, reach into the broader community, and meet together in interest groups to explore the teachings of Zen. The list below is a summary of active groups. 

Operational Committees and Teams

Altar Team: Maintains altars with fresh arrangements on a weekly basis, replenishing supplies as needed.

Audio-Visual Team:  Manages operation of sound, video, and Zoom technologies to facilitate streaming of sittings.

Communications and Media Team:  Works with the office manager to generate monthly newsletter and other publications, develops website content.

Cultivating Sangha Team:  Fosters a welcoming, supportive culture for visitors, beginners, friends and members.

Finance Committee:  Provides budgetary and financial oversight and advises the Board of Directors.

Fundraising Committee:  Develops fundraising campaigns and events to appeal for special donations as well as on-going program and facility needs as identified by the Finance Committee. Organizes Winter Art Show and party. 

Landscaping Team:  Maintains temple garden and surrounding landscape, organizes workdays.

Library Committee:  Purchases and catalogs books for our reference and lending libraries.

Maintenance Team:  Maintains heating, plumbing, ventilation, electrical, electronic systems, coordinates short-term construction projects, contracting with outside agencies as needed.

Seminar Team:  Assists the teachers in conducting Intro to Zen Seminars. 

Technology Team:  Participates in managing and maintaining computer systems and the ZCD website.

Tenzo Team: Serves in the kitchen coordinating tea and cookies as well as preparing meals for sesshinZendo Attendants:  Work in pairs weekly to maintain a clean and tidy practice environment.

Service Groups

Cards:  Sends cards to support those experiencing illness, loss, as well as celebratory events.

Prison Dharma:  Visits the Englewood Federal Correctional Institute to facilitate discussions,  practice sittings, and ceremonies with Buddhist inmates. Members commit to providing service once per month. Some training requirements are involved; please contact Bill Hamaker for details.

Metro Caring Foodbank: Volunteers work a monthly shift, stocking shelves and helping customers.

Zen Peacemakers International:  The Zen Center of Denver is an affiliate of ZPI and maintains a presence on their website. Some training is required for local outreach programs at Metro Caring Food Bank and Samaritan House Shelter. Please contact the coordinators listed below for details about volunteering and watch the calendar for service opportunities.     

Dharma Affinity Groups

Book Club:  Meets in the library on selected Saturday mornings 8:30-9:30 for discussion of zen–related books. See calendar for exact dates. All are welcome.

Queer Dharma Meditation and Discussion: Hosts sittings and discussions bi-monthly on Sunday afternoons from 12:00-1:30. Serves as a resource for anyone identifying as queer is invited to participate. 

Meeting in the Moment through Music and Dance:  Interaction through movement and sound allows us to be guided by our intuition and sensitivity to the shared experience of the group. Monthly on Sundays, 4-6 pm, see calendar. All are welcome  .

Recovery Group:  Meets Wednesday evenings for one round of sitting followed by discussion in the library. All are welcome.

Women’s Group:  Provides a safe, emotionally supportive space for deepening connections among women in the sangha through exploration of relevant spiritual material and studying the lives of Buddhist women.  Meets virtually on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 11-12:30.