A new and growing part of our community that has not been reached by a progressive church is the Candelas community in West Arvada and Jefferson County. Candelas is a 1500-acre master planned community with over 17,000 residents (expected to grow to 45,000 by 2050). The largest age groups in this area are 35-54 years with their children and those 65 and older. The median age of the area is 39.5 yrs old. There is strong agreement in the area about the significance of strong families and that God invites the world into a loving relationship (2021 Census data and American Beliefs Study). The area includes retail and gathering areas, two recreation centers, a new elementary school, and a planned Jefferson County Public Library.

Initially, AUMC REACH with our Candelas Neighbors is not starting as a “new church” but a way that AUMC can learn our neighbors’ needs for connection and care and share the ministries of AUMC of which they can be a part. Essential to our REACH efforts will be listening, praying, gathering, and growing in faith with our new neighbors.