Participating with a ZCD team or group is a wonderful way to practice the dharma, support our programs, and maintain the facility and grounds of our beautiful home all while creating and deepening friendships. New members especially are encouraged to join a team as part of your commitment to support the ZCD. If you are interested in participating on a team, please contact the team leader, or Head of Zendo, Merilee Schultheiss (merileeschultheiss@gmail.com).
OPERATIONAL TEAMS
ALTARS
Maintains altars with fresh flowers weekly, replenishes supplies.
Leader: Yvonne Russell (yrussell@q.com). Members: Dan Cook, Tracy Current, Gabrielle Gerlitz, Kelly McFadden, Nick Podsialik, Madeline Ray, Amy Strickland. Needs members.
AUDIO
Facilitates zoom hybrid format, optimizing sound and video quality.
Leader: Needs leader. Members: Sidhartha Chhatani, Geoff Keeton. Needs members.
COMMUNICATIONS/MEDIA
Works with the office manager to generate monthly newsletter and other publications, develops website content.
Leader: Judy Johansen (office@zencenterofdenver.org). Members: Lois Becker, Lisa Diamond, Bill Minyard, Nick Podsiadlik. Needs members.
FINANCE
Serves as an advisory to the Zen Center of Denver Board of Directors.
Leader: Yosi Luwak (yosilutwak@gmail.com). Members: David Jordan, Jennifer Knight, Tripp Wallin.
FUNDRAISING
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.
Leader: Kim Waldron (kimwaldron3@comcast.net). Members: Francine Campone, Liz DeLap, Bob Troyer.
LANDSCAPING
Maintains temple garden and surrounding landscape, organizes workdays, coordinates with Professional Japanese Garden and Landscape Consultant, Desi Wood.
Flower Mountain Zen Garden Leader: Fred Becker voigtzen@outlook.com
Interim Temple Landscape Leader: Merilee Schultheiss, merileeschultheiss@gmail.com
Members: Michele Basche, Lois Becker, Cory Bennett, Hamza Costelle, Andrew Goldin, David Jordan, Jef McKenzie, David Scarbeary. Needs members and Temple Landscape Leader.
LIBRARY
Purchases and catalogs books for reference and lending libraries.
Leader: Chad Johnson (Chad.johnson2@zoho.com). Members: James Lee Baker.
MAINTENANCE
Maintains heating, plumbing, ventilation, electrical, electronic systems, coordinates short-term construction projects, contracting with outside agencies as needed.
Co-Leaders: David Lee (yongxing1301@gmail.com), Clark Dollard (clarkdollard@gmail.com). Members: Stephen French.
MEMBERSHIP
Works to assess and improve the member experience, including focusing on new member support.
Leader: Merilee Schultheiss (merileeschultheiss@gmail.com). Members: Greg Fellman, Bill Hamaker, Britnie Hurd, Greg Mason.
SEMINARS
Assists the teachers in conducting Intro to Zen Seminars.
Leader: Greg Fellman (gregfellman@yahoo.com). Members: Fred Becker, Marcus Bianchi, Brett James, Paige Noon, Mark Smothers, Amy Strickland, Bill Wright.
SOCIAL
Organizes all-sangha social events including summer picnic and winter party.
Needs leader and members.
TECH TEAM
Updates ZCD website.
Leader: Judy Johansen (office@zencenterofdenver.org). Members: Steve Cole, Jef McKenzie, Mark Rabideau, Randall Sims.
TENZO GROUP
Prepares and serves Sunday refreshments and meals at Samu, Zazenkai and Sesshin. Requirements include good cooking skills–knowledge and ability to select and prepare ingredients, work with recipes, use seasonings appropriately.
Head Tenzo: Francine Campone (francine@francinecampone.com). Members: Christine Baier, Gabrielle Gerlitz, Kent Gruetzmacher, David Lee, Joyce McLaren, Martha Meyers, Wes Peters, David Van Buskirk, Annae Marie Williams. Needs members.
SERVICE GROUPS
CARDS
Sends cards to support those experiencing life-changing events including illness and loss, as well as celebratory events.
Leader: Brett James (brettjames836@gmail.com). Members: Lois Becker.
PRISON DHARMA
Visits the Englewood Federal Correctional Institute weekly to facilitate discussions and practice sittings, and conduct ceremonies with Buddhist inmates. Members commit to providing service once per month. Some training requirements are involved, please contact Amy Strickland for details.
Leader: Amy Strickland (astrick135@gmail.com). Members: Bill Hamaker, Bob Knott, Jim Long.
ZEN PEACEMAKERS INTERNATIONAL
The Zen Center of Denver is an affiliate of ZPI and maintains a presence on their website. Local outreach programs at Samaritan House and Metro Caring Foodbank are announced through zcd@groups.io. Some training required.
Contact Person: Bill Hamaker (WAHamaker@gmail.com).
DHARMA AFFINITY GROUPS
FAMILY ZEN
Plans Family Sit and Seva events for parents and children including meditation and service practices.
Members: Joyce McLaren, Jessica Guenther, Nina Nadeau.
LGBTQ+
This committee is still working on its goals and is likely to begin with sittings for LGBTQ+ folx and allies.
Leader: Ythene Wakeford (ythene.voidful@gmail.com). Members: Brett James, Annae Marie Williams. Anyone identifying as LGBTQ+ is invited to join the committee or submit ideas.
MEETING IN THE MOMENT THROUGH MUSIC AND DANCE
In this group we interact with each other through movement and sound, allowing ourselves to be guided by our intuition and our sensitivity to the shared experience of the group. All are welcome.
Facilitator: Clark Dollard (clarkdollard@gmail.com).
RECOVERY GROUP
Meets Wednesday evenings for one round of sitting followed by discussion. All are welcome.
Facilitator: Bill Wright (gone2sit@gmail.com).
ZCD WOMEN’S GROUP
Our Buddhist women’s group provides a safe, emotionally supportive space for deepening connections among women in the sangha. We empower compassionate practice as we hear our feelings and experiences, explore relevant spiritual materials, and study the lives of Buddhist women who serve as our guides on the path of compassion and wisdom. Meets virtually on the second Sunday of the month from 11-12:30.
If interested in participating, please contact Christine Baier (christinewbaier@gmail.com).