Discover TRUU
A Community Rooted in Love, Justice, and ConnectionAt Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU), we are a vibrant, open-minded community committed to exploring and embodying the values of love, justice, and peace. We welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs to join us on our journey of spiritual growth and societal transformation.
Our Mission & Vision
Who We Are
TRUU is a beacon of liberal religion in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Our congregation is diverse in faith, ethnicity, history, and spirituality, yet united in our commitment to making a positive impact in the world. We believe in thinking for ourselves, embracing life’s uncertainties, and building a larger truth through our shared experiences.
Mission Statement
“To provide a vibrant and sustainable spiritual institution that is a caring and open-minded community dedicated to the exploration of ethics, values, life choices, and social justice, and is a springboard for personal and societal transformation.”
What We Believe
Unitarian Universalism is a faith that transforms lives and the world. We believe in living our faith through actions that reflect our values of love, justice, and peace. TRUU and other UU congregations are guided by Seven Principles that emphasize the worth of every person, the pursuit of justice and compassion, and the freedom to explore one’s own beliefs.
The Seven UU Principles
One
The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Two
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
Three
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
Four
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
Five
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
Six
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
Seven
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Our Symbols
The Flaming Chalice is a central symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith, representing hope, the quest for truth, and the warmth of community. At TRUU, our banner and pulpit prominently feature the chalice along with the majestic Mt. Sopris and the two rivers that symbolize our connection to the surrounding landscape and each other.
Meet Our Team
At Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU), we are a deeply lay-led congregation—rooted in shared leadership, mutual support, and the gifts of a committed community. From our elected Board to the dedicated committees guiding our Sunday services, social justice work, caring outreach, stewardship, and membership, TRUU thrives because of the time, heart, and presence our volunteers bring each and every week. This is a congregation carried by its people.
In the midst of this beautiful collaboration, we’re grateful to have a central point of connection and leadership in our Community Steward and Music Director:
Paul Dankers
Community Steward
paul@truu.org | Schedule time with Paul
Hi, I’m Paul Dankers, and I’m honored to serve as the Community Steward for Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists. A Steward is somebody who takes care of something on behalf of somebody else – in this case, I am caring for a community on behalf of a community. My role is all about connection—supporting our members through life’s milestones and challenges, enriching our Sunday services, and building bridges and collaboration between TRUU and the wider community.
If you’re a visitor or already part of TRUU and you are in need of a listening ear, guidance during a time of transition, or someone to officiate a memorial, wedding, or other special ceremony, I’m here for you. I also work closely with the Sunday Service Committee to bring thoughtful, creative, and inclusive services to life each week.
Outside our walls, I collaborate with nonprofits, schools, interfaith groups, artists, activists, and civic leaders to explore shared values and opportunities for justice-making and joyful community-building. If you have an idea, a need, or a dream for how we might work together, I would love to hear from you.
Feel free to reach out to me at paul@truu.org or visit my scheduling page to book time together. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Micha Schoepe
Music Director & Community Outreach Lead
Micha Schoepe is a local performer and seasoned worship leader who brings a deep love of music and community to TRUU. As Music Director, Micha leads congregational singing and collaborates on creative, spirit-filled services. In his outreach role, Micha helps strengthen TRUU’s presence through social media and community partnerships.
Micha is also the husband of Community Steward Paul Dankers, and together they are honored to support and grow this beloved community.
Guest Speakers and Collaborators
TRUU is enriched by a circle of recurring guest speakers—ministers, musicians, scholars, artists, activists, and spiritual leaders—who bring wisdom and diverse perspectives to our pulpit and programs. Below you’ll find brief bios of some of these beloved collaborators.
Rev. Florence Caplow
Guest Speaker
Rev. Zenshin Florence Caplow is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and a Zen priest and teacher. She brings a rich background to TRUU, with decades of experience serving UU congregations and teaching Zen.
Florence served as TRUU’s minister in 2015–2016 and now joins us once a month from her home in Port Angeles, WA, offering live-streamed Sunday reflections. She is also a change coach, former conservation botanist, and author. Her sermons offer a unique blend of wisdom, contemplative insight, and grounded spirituality.
To learn more about her work, visit https://www.cloudway.live.
Aaron Brown
Guest Speaker
Aaron Brown has been a beloved speaker at TRUU for over a decade, previously leading in-person services twice a month. While his visits are now occasional, his impact and presence remain deeply felt in our community.
Aaron holds a Master’s in Theological Studies from The Iliff School of Theology and works in leadership development for a global consulting firm. His messages draw from a wide range of traditions, blending religious wisdom with insights from literature, science, and social progress. As a father of two and a long-time TRUU community member, Aaron brings a warm, thoughtful, and engaging voice to our pulpit.
Charis Caldwell, M.Phil., M.Div., IMBA Certified
Guest Speaker
Charis Caldwell’s life has been guided by curiosity, a love of deep questions, and a commitment to both mind and heart. With degrees in Moral Philosophy and Theology, Charis spent 16 years teaching philosophy, ethics, and world religions at Colorado Mountain College and over 30 years in ministry, including launching Eagle River Presbyterian Church in Avon. Now retired from congregational ministry, she leads contemplative pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago and the Rio Grande Trail. A long-time Roaring Fork Valley resident, Charis enjoys gardening, biking, and coffee at Bonfire—always pursuing a wise, soulful path over a rigid, religious one.
More Speaker Bios Coming Soon
We are continually enriched by a growing circle of guest speakers—ministers, musicians, activists, artists, and spiritual leaders—who bring their gifts to our pulpit and programs. More bios will be added here soon as we deepen these collaborations and welcome new voices into our shared journey.
Stay tuned—there’s more inspiration on the way.