Reverend Liliana Stahlberg, Pastor

I have been the pastor of Highlands Lutheran Church in NW Denver since late fall 2009. I was blessed to receive my first call at Highlands Lutheran Church, a small but tenacious congregation in NW Denver. Together with the faithful at Highlands I hope to be building the kingdom of God in this place.

My journey to becoming an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Church in America has been long, interesting, and exciting. I grew up in Eastern Europe in the Romanian Orthodox Church. I have always loved the church as a sacred space and as the body of Christ. My call to ministry came early but I denied it; as women in the Orthodox Church are not allowed in any position of authority. By the grace of God I worked for seven years with the World Council of Churches in Geneva as a commissioner. It was there I met ordained women; who opened for me the possibility to even consider becoming a pastor. In Romania, I founded several NGOs and a shelter for street children in Bucharest. (www.macrina.ro)

Jimmy Howe, Music Director

Jimmy Howe is a Colorado native and currently resides in southwest Denver. He received his Bachelor's Degree in music from Concordia University in Irvine, CA and has been involved in church music for most of his life. He has been playing piano for eighteen years and enjoys playing music from all genres, but especially Beethoven and Brahms. He hopes that his broad experience in church music will help to create many new and exciting musical experiences at Highlands. Jimmy believes that singing with a community of people is one of the most powerful things imaginable and hopes to bring his excitement for choral singing to Highlands Lutheran Church.

Tara Smith, Youth Ministry

Tara Smith was hired in September 2011 by Highlands Lutheran Church as the Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry. She comes to us with a background in youth ministry and art education. She has taught high school art for the past several years, has designed the summer youth program for the Luther Academy of the Rockies, and has also worked at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp as a counselor, coordinator, and resource staff. Tara has a degree in art education from Luther College, a Master’s in integrated arts and education from the University of Montana, and she is currently working on her Masters of Fine Art degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Tara’s vision for HLC is to serve the youth of Skinner Middle School and surrounding neighborhoods and to provide a place where youth of all ages can come together in community, individual growth, and become empowered by their journey of faith. When asked to explain something that she is most passionate about, besides working with youth, she would likely claim that laughing is one of her favorite hobbies and that she is fascinated by how art and playful experiences can bring people together and inspire marvelous insight into one’s unique relationship to God.

JoAnne Blackstone, Secretary

JoAnne Blackstone has her MA in Journalism and her BA in Public Relations and Communications. She spent several years moving across the country working for CBS news affiliates as a news anchor and reporter.

Upon returning to her home state of New Mexico, she entered the world of marketing and special event planning for non-profit organizations and architectural/engineering firms. Ready for new adventures, JoAnne recently moved to Denver and is a freelance journalist as well as the owner of Paws-a-bilities, Products for Pet Parents with a Purpose.

Her mother, Kris, is the church secretary for All Saint’s Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, and JoAnne is delighted to be able to follow in her esteemed footsteps as she joins the Highlands family.

Contact JoAnne

Mary Williams, Pastoral Assistant

Mary was born and raised as a pastor’s daughter in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. As an adult, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America became her home. Mary’s role as pastoral assistant is a natural extension of her life in the church.

Mary has been married and has raised two daughters. Her education includes majors in theatre and elementary education. Mary worked for many years in the Jefferson County School District developing curriculum for and teaching children with physical and developmental disabilities.

In January, Mary will be beginning her studies at The Iliff School of Theology, while continuing her position as pastoral assistant. With the help of God and many friends, she hopes to reach the goal of ordination in the ELCA.

Contact Mary