Pastor Susan is a second career minister who graduated from Iliff School of Theology. She cares deeply about creating inclusive and authentic community who serve their neighbors. Susan preaches a God who loves you just as you are, a Christ who calls us to co-create the world with him and a Holy Spirit who empowers us to do the hard work Christ calls us to do. Susan's worship services are casual, authentic (meaning we make mistakes) and include messages ment to connect the teaching of Jesus to our lives today.
Heather R. Kohl serves as the Director of Music for the United Methodist Church of Golden in Golden, Colorado. Heather brings her extensive musical leadership weekly to the church by leading worship and singing with the praise band and directing the chancel choir. Heather knew at a young age that directing music was her passion. Through her scholastic years Heather was afforded opportunities to direct the musical groups in which she sang and played. These opportunities set her on the path to become the music director she is today.
A graduate from Wheat Ridge High School, Heather went on to Oklahoma Baptist University where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Church Music/Vocal Emphasis. Then Heather attended the University of Denver where she obtained her Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting studying under Dr. Catherine Sailor, Lamont School of Music Head of Choral Studies. Heather’s skills as a director and her numerous relationships in the Denver music community afforded her to have a standing-room-only music recital for her Masters of Music Degree at the University of Denver. Heather selected all music, taught all other languages, arranged all rehearsals, organized choral and operatic singers, soloists, and a small orchestra.
Heather has served as the Director of Music at Truett Memorial Baptist, First Presbyterian Church of Golden, Arvada Presbyterian Church Chancel and Chara Bell choirs, directed the South Jeffco Youth Orchestra, and as the graduate teaching assistant, was the Assistant Conductor for the Lamont School of Music Women’s Choir. Additionally, Heather was the first intern conductor of the Mark Sheldon Memorial Fund for St. Martin’s Chamber Choir.
Due to her love of music, for over 30 years Heather has volunteered her time with the Colorado Chorale, provided back-up assistance to Director Emeritus Dr. Daniel Grace, served as the section leader, guided individuals in vocal and choral music reading, served on the Board of Directors, critiqued concerts, and served as the music librarian.
Standing out for his versatility, Kevin Lufkin is a pianist based out of Denver, Colorado.
Beginning his journey with a focus on classical music, he was nominated by the faculty
as the outstanding graduate of his class upon earning his music degree in piano
performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Nowadays, his repertoire has
expanded greatly to include jazz, funk, and pop music, among others. In addition to
winning numerous piano competitions while developing his classical abilities, he has
played with some of the area’s top jazz musicians, and is in demand as a piano and
keyboard player for numerous public shows, weddings, and corporate events. A few
highlights have included 1st place in the MTNA Colorado Young Artist piano
competition, 2nd place at the MTNA regional competition against other state winners,
and having the chance to perform throughout the region and in New York City, Buenos
Aires, Mexico, and Hong Kong.
Music is a significant part of the worship experience, and Kevin is grateful to have a
part in that. Kevin has been the pianist at FUMC of Golden since October 2016. When
not playing music, his many hobbies include sports, disc golf, chess, and travel.