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A Reconciling in Christ synod
Join Bishop Gonia and Bishop Eaton at the Rally to End Racism: April 4
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Presiding Bishop Eaton, will join ecumenical and inter-religious partners for Act Now: Unite to End Racism, April 3-5 in Washington, D.C. The focus of the three-day event will be a rally April 4 on the National Mall.

Bishop Gonia will be attending and invites members of the Rocky Mountain Synod to join him. If you or someone you know is attending, please let the Office of the Bishop know.

The event, organized by the National Council of Churches in Christ in the USA, will bring together many ELCA members from across the country. The ELCA is a founding member of the council.

The rally's call to action emphasizes three key points: awaken to the truth that racism is evil and hurts us all; confront racism through truth-telling and action to right the wrong; and transform the hearts, minds, and behaviors of people and institutions.

Events begin April 3 with an ecumenical worship service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral and will be capped off by a lobby day on Capitol Hill April 5.

All are invited to join Bishop Eaton and Bishop Gonia at the event. Learn more  here .
eConnection Spotlight: RMS in the Neighborhood
Stories of RMS in the Neighborhood
In addition to weekly shout-outs in eConnection, be sure to check out our RMS in the Neighborhood Blog to hear more of the amazing ways we are connecting, serving, and worshiping together for the life of the world!

Have a great story to share? Email Deacon Erin Power
RMS-ELCA News and Events
SAVE THE DATE! Church Together Sunday (or Saturday!) April 28 and 29
Resources will be sent out mid-March!
Mark your calendars for the weekend of April 29th as we celebrate being the church together prior to gathering as the Church Together at Assembly!

Plan to include these things in your weekend's worship:

  • Litany of Commissioning for Voting Members
  • Prayer Petition
  • Church Together 101- both in PowerPoint and paper forms.
Office of the Bishop Eucharist, Wednesday, March 14
Our monthly Eucharist will be held at the Lutheran Center on Wednesday, March 14 at 11:30 a.m.

All are invited to join in this 30 minute worship.
For Your Bulletin
Prayer Petition request for Meredith Severtson, Border Servant Corps
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Peace Lutheran, Las Cruces, asks for your prayers for Meredith Severtson, Border Servant Corps volunteer serving as the community Outreach Coordinator at Dona Ana Communities United, which builds the capacity of communities to develop and implement policies and community-based solutions that improve social, economic, and environmental conditions that shape health and life opportunities.
The March 2018 issue of Connection is a reproducible one-sheet newsletter for congregation members. It is designed to print both sides, letter-size paper, and used flat or folded. Share with your congregations and help tell our stories of God's work in the world! Download it now, PDF color or PDF b/w!
Four times per year, Living Lutheran offers a supplement insert with Rocky Mountain Synod news and stories. The February 2018 insert is now available for your congregation newsletters and bulletins ( print PDF, web PDF)
RMS Prayer Cycle

 MARCH 2018:
BOULDER/BROOMFIELD CONFERENCE

Week of March 4

First - Lutheran Church Longmont, CO
Garrett Struessel
Ann Maki

Bethlehem - Lutheran Church Longmont, CO
Mark Peterson

Christ the Servant - Louisville, CO
Stephanie Lord
Join us in daily prayer:
Download  ELCA Prayer Ventures  for daily guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. 
Sunday, March 4
Third Sunday in Lent
Prayer of the Day
Holy God, through your Son you have called us to live faithfully and act courageously. Keep us steadfast in your covenant of grace, and teach us the wisdom that comes only through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
Around the Synod
Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Hitting the notes no one else will hit is the definition of jazz. CWC and CMC can’t wait to hit those notes, lay down some back beats and flaunt their jazz arrangements. Featuring both jazz standards and modern arrangements including “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” Gershwin's “Clap Yo' Hands,” “Feeling Good” in the style of Ella Fitzgerald, “Mambo Italiano,” “Where is Love?” from Oliver! and the Theme from Spider Man. CWC and CMC depart from their usual style of singing for a smokin’ concert with solo voices and small groups put together by the men and women of the choirs.

Tickets are $10 - $25 and available by calling 303-388-4962, online at www.AugustanaArts.org or at the door. Use code RMS25 to get a 25% discount for all ELCA church members.
Organizing to Thrive: Congregations in Action
Friday, March 16, 2018 thru Saturday, March 17, 2018

March 16: Registration 6:00 p.m.
Training: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
March 17: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lunch Provided
Cost: $10.00

This is a workshop for congregations to learn the value of Community Organizing and Advocacy, and how it can contribute to the renewal of your congregation. This workshop will focus on teams from congregations and empowering them to begin the work of community engagement. No prerequisites to attend. Topics for the Workshop include:

  • Charity vs. Justice
  • Relational Organizing
  • Structural Change
  • Identifying an Issue: Practical Exercises

Registration information here. RSVP to crobles05@hotmail.com by March 9, 2018.
Augustana Arts' Heart for the Arts Gala
Friday, March 16, 2018, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Plans are well-underway for this night to remember – all to benefit Augustana Arts. Your evening includes Dinner, Wine, & Desserts, Silent & Live Auctions, musical Entertainment by Stratus String Quartet, Stratus Chamber Orchestra performing Mozart’s Symphony #12 in G, Colorado Women’s & Men’s Chorale performing “Jazz it Up” selections, And Combined Orchestra/Chorales performing Suite Mvts. I, V, VII, XI from Vivaldi’s Gloria.

Cost for the evening is $65 in advance (by March 14) or $450 for a reserved table for eight. After March 14 or at the door is $80 per person. All proceeds benefit City Strings, Stratus Chamber Orchestra, and the Colorado Women’s and Men’s Chorales. Visit www.AugustanaArts.org or call 303-388-4962 for reservations.

We are currently accepting donations for the Silent and Live Auctions including condo rentals, event tickets, gift cards, or artwork. Please email lynn@augustanaarts.org if you would like to make a contribution to the auction.
Guardian Angels - ELCA AMMPARO Training
Friday March 23, 4-6:30 p.m.
Would you like to be a Guardian Angel? We need people who are interested in providing spiritual and physical accompaniment for unaccompanied migrant children and their families as they go through the immigration court process in Denver. Guardian Angels provide spiritual support and prayer at court hearings, are a visible sign of the church in immigration court as they watch and document the court process, and if requested, they provide information about local resources to assist migrants in their transition to life in the United States. If this sounds like you, please contact Alena Lamirato at pastoralena@yahoo.com or 720-256-3007 to register for the training to become a Guardian Angel.

Urban Servant Corps Palm Sunday Prayer Walk
Sunday, March 25 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at 1660 Ogden St.

The Urban Servant Corps community will celebrate the beginning of Holy Week and you are invited to walk the neighborhood where our volunteers serve those who are most in need. Bring your youth group, co-workers, families, and neighbors to offer prayers for those who seeking basic needs and to learn about poverty, urban life, and social justice. Your $generosity$ to support this ministry of the RMS is also greatly appreciated! Thanks to Bishop Gonia for joining us and leading the closing litany! May this gathering be an act of faithful support for the justice that we seek in our neighborhoods.
School of Celtic Consciousness retreat with theologian John Philip Newell
Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15
Join us for the School of Celtic Consciousness retreat, an experiential time of learning, prayer, and chant rooted in the Celtic Christian vision with acclaimed Scottish teacher, Rev Dr John Philip Newell at the beautiful Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado.
Save the date! Rostered Ministry Discernment Retreat Day
March 10, 2018 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Are you feeling a nudge from the Spirit to consider rostered ministry in the ELCA? Come join local leaders, synod staff, and other conversation partners for a day of discernment. Our day of retreat will include worship, information on the candidacy process, prayer and reflection time with others in various stages of discernment. 

This retreat will take place in the Las Cruces, NM area. Exact location to be announced. Cost is $15 to cover cost of lunch. Please RSVP by March 3 to Rev. Leslie Welton at lwelton@rmselca.org.

If you are unable to join us at this time, future discernment retreat days will be scheduled in Denver Metro, and other areas of the synod. 
Our Life Together
"Love the Earth Youth Challenge" in Region 2
WE ARE God's beautiful creation, and its called caretakers too. 

What ideas do the youth of your congregation have to act on this vocation this Earth Day ? Let's work together to support their passion. We encourage youth to sprout a project of their choice any day until 30 April to celebrate creation-- whether to serve together in a community garden, start a compost project, feed the hungry, host a yard sale to promote reusing items... the options are endless. Creativity thrives in our youth! Send a 30-second to 2-minute video clip of your youth in action, and we'll stitch them together to present at the 2018 National Youth Gathering. Let's support our youth inspiring God's love of creation. Get the poster here.
 
We are excited to hear from you! Submissions and questions, please contact: Yolanda Mosley ( ymosley@callutheran.edu ) or Petra Rickertsen ( prickertsen@callutheran.edu ).
Essential Skills for Youth Workers
August 2-4, 2018
California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA

Volunteer? Full time? Part Time? Paid? We've got a personal and professional development program for you or your youth workers! 
  • Connect more deeply to your own context or ministry setting
  • Go home with resources and plans
  • Find space for renewal and rest. Build relationships and a network

The format of the event will include three rounds of:
  • TED-style talks on various aspects of work with children, youth and families
  • Round table discussions with the speakers
  • Small groups of participants to "translate" content from speakers to your context
  • Workshop time/space to draft and/or collect resources to use back your context

Information and registration here , flyer here . Cost: $250 (includes program, meals and housing)
Commuter fee: $200 (includes program and meals)
There is a $50 non-refundable deposit included in your registration fee. If you need to cancel before July 15, $200 will be returned to you. After July 15, your $250 registration fee is non-refundable.
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Here's Your Stewardship "Toolkit" for March 2018!
Here's a " Stewardship Toolkit" from the Lower Susquehanna Synod for March 2018. It's a Word file that has brief RCL-based "bulletin blurbs" relating to stewardship for every Sunday, plus a newsletter article folks can cut-and-paste into their congregational publications. There are also links to online resources to teach, do, lead, preach about and think about stewardship. 

This and lots of other stuff are posted on the Lower Susquehanna Stewardship page -- feel free, also, to steal borrow or link to anything there. 
2017-18 Global Church Directory - available for download now!
The ELCA has deep, longstanding relationships with Lutheran churches and other partners around the world. We respond to our companions and support their work by sending missionaries and volunteers, training leaders, planting new congregations and growing existing ones. In the 2017-18 Global Church Directory, read stories of this engagement and see pictures of many of our more than 200 ELCA missionaries currently in service, including the 93 Young Adults in Global Mission participants.
Classified Ads
Joy Lutheran Church is offering a Lowry Venus Organ
A well-loved Lowrey Venus Organ with Genie feature. In great working order. Includes matching bench. This organ needa a new home or church home. Great for a small setting. Send email or call John at 720-975-4474 for more information. Thanks, and God Bless.
Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Office Administrator (part-time)
Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church - Centennial, CO
Lord of the Hills is seeking a part-time Office Administrator who can work morning hours. A friendly face and voice with good computer skills and people skills. We will provide a wonderful work environment and opportunities to love, serve and grow. Job description here. For more information, or to submit resume, send email to pastor@lordofthehills.org.
Early Learning Center Director
St. John's Lutheran Church - Thornton, CO
The Director would be responsible for the operation of St. John's Early Learning Center (link is external), a small preschool and daycare in Thornton, including supervision of preschool teachers. The ideal candidate would have excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Candidates must be Director Qualified by the State of Colorado. Benefits include paid vacation and holidays. Salary, retirement, and insurance are negotiable. Position is full-time. Resume may be faxed to 303-920-2147 or emailed to stjohnsearlylearningcenter@hotmail.com (link sends e-mail).
Early Learning Center Assistant Director
St. John's Lutheran Church - Thornton, CO
The Assistant Director would assist the Preschool Director as needed in daily operation of St. John's Early Learning Center, a small preschool in Thornton, and would also serve as a classroom teacher. Candidates must be Director Qualified by the State of Colorado. Paid vacations and holidays. Salary and insurance are negotiable. Position is full-time.
Resume may be faxed to 303-920-2147 or emailed to stjohnsearlylearningcenter@hotmail.com
Early Childhood Teacher
St. John's Lutheran Church - Thornton, CO
Preschool teacher for St. John's Early Learning Center, a small preschool in Thornton. Candidates must be ECT qualified. Paid holidays. Position may be full-time or part-time. Salary is based on qualifications and experience. Resume may be faxed to 303- 920-2147 or emailed to stjohnsearlylearningcenter@hotmail.com.
Director of Early Learning Center
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver, CO
The Augustana Early Learning Center (AELC) is seeking an experienced director for its NAEYC accredited year-round preschool which serves children 12 months through kindergarten with an afterschool and summer program.

Augustana Early Learning Center has served children and their families in the community for nearly 50 years, providing quality day care and education from age 12 months through Kindergarten. It is a year-round program, which partners in the summer with church youth programs. The director will provide oversight to the program, including compliance with CDE licensing and NAEYC standards; budget development and adherence; billing and collection; teacher and staff hiring, supervision and development; parent orientation and resolving parent concerns; monitoring facility for safety and maintenance; and, providing regular reports to the board on all factors affecting the mission of the program.

All Non-Rostered Positions 
Office Administrator (part-time)
Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church - Centennial, CO

Early Learning Center Director
St. John's Lutheran Church - Thornton, CO

Early Learning Center Assistant Director
St. John's Lutheran Church - Thornton, CO

Early Childhood Teacher
St. John's Lutheran Church - Thornton, CO

Director of Early Learning Center
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver, CO

Office Manager (part-time)
St. Andrew Lutheran Church - Arvada, CO

Head of School
Rwanda School Project - Rwamagana, Rwanda

Faith Formation Director of Youth
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO
Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • Conference of Bishops, Chicago, IL

Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Lutheran Center Administration

Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
  • Minimum wage coalition
  • NM Conference of Churches Board
  • St. Luke Lutheran Church

Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
  • St. Paul, Denver
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee
  • Legislative Session Hearings
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • Developer/ Redeveloper evaluations
  • Our Savior's, Denver
  • Better Together Relationship team subgroup
  • Behavioral Interview Prescreen
  • Mission Sites' Administrative work

Deacon Erin Power
  • Synod Assembly Planning
  • Event Contract work
  • Region 2 Deacon Gathering Planning
  • Deacon Network Planning

Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Congregational Development Institute (CDI), Albuquerque, NM
  • Holy Cross, Albuquerque, NM
  • Congregational Transition

Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Catecheumenate Training, Sacramento, CA
  • Region 1& 2 Campus Ministry Gathering, Sacramento, CA
Quick Links
Share the News
Erin Power   Assistant to the Bishop
Andrew Nakatan i , Communications Assistant
Rocky Mountain Synod 
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-339-4744
Articles for eConnection are due noon Monday for the issue the following Wednesday.
Event announcements are included for about two weeks then copied to the Events & News Web Page, and may be submitted via the eConnection Submission link above.