A Reconciling in Christ synod
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In my life and ministry, I have spent significant time in the very places the American President recently derided. I cannot state strongly enough my rejection of such divisive and racist comments. Our nation is immeasurably enriched by neighbors who come not only from these nations, but from all across the entire globe. Our human diversity is a gift, the Divine Invitation for us grow beyond our limited perspective and vision.
The immigrant story that is part and parcel of our legacy as a church body becomes a gift to the world when we as members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are at the forefront of welcoming new neighbors from around the world to our country. I encourage you to
listen to this important perspective on the history of immigration in the United States.
Bishop Jim
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An invitation from Bishop Gonia:
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Every year at our Synod Assembly, a common refrain is heard among first-time voting members:
βItβs so inspiring to be here. We had no idea how much our church does together!β In anticipation of our 2018 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly, we are inviting those of you serving as congregational voting members to an exciting new opportunity. In addition to preparing for and participating in the Assembly, you will be commissioned as a
Church Together Ambassador for the next year.
What does this mean?
- You will serve as an advocate of our shared life and witness as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America until we meet in Assembly in 2019.
- You will receive monthly materials containing stories or insights about why our life as church together matters; these materials will highlight ministries of our congregations, partners, synod and wider church.
- In coordination with your pastor, you will share these stories and insights with your congregation monthly, ideally in worship.
- You will be encouraged to network with other Church Together Ambassadors and seek additional ways to share the energy and enthusiasm generated when we gather in Assembly.
Look for more details to come β and thank you for your commitment to our life as Church Together!
Bishop Jim
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2018 Assembly Information
In addition to the Bishop election, we will also be holding elections for Synod Council, Synodical boards and committees, and voting members for the 2019 Churchwide Assembly.
View open positions, board descriptions and nomination form
here
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eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
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Our call to be a public churcch
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We celebrate with Bethlehem, Los Alamos, NM as the newest Advocating Congregation in New Mexico! Ruth Hoffman, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM presented their certificate to Leslie Wallstrom during worship on January 7. We are grateful for their witness a church for the life of the world!
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Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
Our Rocky Mountain Synod contingent at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for the latest Executive Skills for Pastors training offered by California Lutheran University. This training is made...
Read more
www.facebook.com
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Register NOW for Lutheran Day at the Legislature 2018
February 15, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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Registration is now open for Colorado Lutheran Day at the Legislature! Join advocates and community leaders for a morning of learning and action. Build relationships with your elected officials, learn from experienced pros, and get the latest updates on our work at the state capitol. You'll get the tools you need to meet and engage your elected officials. A hot breakfast will be served and scholarships are available. Go to the
registration website for more information. Don't delay, register today!
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado is a ministry of the Rocky Mountain Synod.
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Help for New Leaders in your Congregation
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Wondering how to equip leaders in new leadership positions? Please join us for a one day workshop to address leadership topics that include self-awareness, practicing skills and shared leadership between the pastor and Council. Choose from either of these dates and locations:
January 27, 2018, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bethel Lutheran Church, 328 Walnut St., Windsor, CO
February 6, 2018, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
ο»ΏThe Lutheran Center, 7375 Samuel Dr., Denver, CO
If you'd like to attend, email Sarah Moening at
smoening@rmselca.org
to register, or walk-ins are also welcome.
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Complete your Annual Reports by February 15!
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Annual reports and forms are now available:
All links and reports can also be found
HERE!
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Annual Report Resources are now available for download at the
Rocky Mountain Synod website. The RMS Insert and Where does my offering go poster can also be used as
bulletin and newsletter inserts if your annual report is at another time!
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Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice
The ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ invites you to read and evaluate the "Draft of a Social Statement on Women and Justice." To learn more about social statements and how they're created, check out our FAQ. Receiving input...
Read more
www.elca.org
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Installations
Rev. Janet Kettering
Shepherd of the Hills, Boulder, CO
Saturday, January 27, 4:00 p.m.
Color of the day:
Green
Rev. Kathy Armstrong
Cross of Christ, Broomfield, CO
Sunday, January 28, 4:00 p.m.
Color of the Day:
Green
Rev. Laura Stephenson
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Grand Junction, CO
Wednesday, January 31, 7:00 p.m.
Color of the Day:
Green
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RMS Prayer Cycle
ο»Ώ
JANUARY 2018:
METRO WEST CONFERENCE
Week of January 21
ο»Ώ
Lord of the Valley - Granby, CO
Brian Bergum
St. Markβs Church of Grace * Episcopal Lutheran Ministry - Craig, CO
Bain White (ECUSA)
Mount of the Holy Cross - Vail, CO
Scott Beebe
Shepherd of the Valley - Grand Junction, CO
Kaila (Hochhalter) Armbruster
St. Andrew - Arvada, CO
Claire Cassell
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In God's Hands: The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
At the very heart of the ecumenical movement is the reality of prayer. Jesus prayed that we may all be one, united in God in the mystery of the Trinity. That is the basis and the goal of our search for unity. The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle enables us to journey in prayer through every region of the world and through every week of the year affirming our solidarity with Christians all over the world, brothers and sisters living in diverse situations, experiencing diverse problems and sharing diverse gifts.
We invite you to include the countries listed in the ecumenical prayer cycle to your prayers during worship (
link here
).
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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.
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Sunday, January 21
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
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Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
January 21-27:
Cyprus, Greece, Turkey
We pray for:
- the healing of memories and wounds inflicted by early 20th century genocides of Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian communities, and for current tensions in these lands
- enhanced respect for all minority groups and their claims,
- those who work for justice and reconciliation
- the people who struggle because of economic and political crises in these countries
- more stable democratic governments that further the good of all.
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Faith & Poverty Day at the Utah State Capitol
First Thursday of the Legislative session, January 25, 2018
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In the past the
Coalition of Religious Communities has organized a series of seven or eight Faith Days during the 45 day session of the Utah Legislature. This year we are bringing people together for one big
Faith & Poverty Day at the Utah Capitol on the first Thursday of the legislative session, January 25, 2018. More information
here, download a flyer
here.
Speakers during this hour will include: Rev. Kimal James of First United Methodist Church in Ogden, Rev. Vinnetta Golphin Wilkerson from Granger Community Christian Church, Representative Steve Eliason, Representative Lynn Hemingway and Representative Tim Quinn.
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Mikah Meyer National Parks Cabaret
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
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Join Upworthy-featured, National Cathedral countertenor singer, Mikah Meyer, as he shares stories and songs from his world record, 3-year road trip to all 417 National Park Service sites.
Mikah has been living in a cargo van while traveling across the U.S. for the past 21 months becoming the youngest person to visit the entirety of the National Park System--using the media and platform to share a message of carpe diem, hope, and acceptance for LGBTQ Christians. For more information contact Holy Trinity:
holytrinitylutheranlittleton@gmail.com.
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Rev. Dr. Nathan C.P. Frambach to visit Saint Peter Lutheran Church
January 21, 2018 at 8:30, 9:40, and 10:45 a.m.
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Professor Nathan Frambach comes from Dubuque, Iowa, where he serves at Wartburg Theological Seminary as Professor of Pastoral Theology. Professor Frambach is in Denver to meet with a group of ELCA pastors (Metro South Conference) for discussions about the changing culture of the United States and the future of the Christian Church.
He will conduct an Adult Forum based on this theme (9:40 a.m.), as well preach at both Sunday morning Worship services (8:30 and 10:45 a.m.). A nursery will be provided for young children. Refreshments will be available during Adult Forum.
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Join Saint Peter for
Holden Evening Prayer Around the World
Wednesday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m.
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Holden Village
, a popular Lutheran retreat center located far back into the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, is promoting
Holden Evening Prayer Around the World (HEPAW)
. Congregations and other faith organizations will be gathering for evening prayer on Wednesday, February 7.
Saint Peter is currently the only congregation in Colorado planning to host this event.
The 7:00 p.m. worship service will be followed by a time of theological conversation (with refreshments provided).
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Sign up for the LAM-NM Advocacy Network!
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry β NM is called to advocate for justice in public policy, with a particular emphasis on alleviating poverty and hunger, by speaking with and for those who have little or no political power and supporting ELCA members, congregations and ecumenical partners in the ministry of advocacy.
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2018 Bishop's Legislative Luncheon and Issues Briefing
Monday, January 22, 2018
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The Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM invites and urges you to attend the 2018 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Bishop's Legislative Luncheon & Issues Briefing.
Registration and refreshments will begin at 9:00 am. at United Church of Santa Fe, 1804 Arroyo Chamiso (
directions), which is near
Christ Lutheran Church),
followed by the morning
Issues Briefing.
The
Bishop's Legislative Luncheon
will be at 12:30 pm at the La Fonda Hotel, 100 East San Francisco (
directions). In order to help meet our growing expenses for this event, the cost of the luncheon has been increased to $35 per person. The cost is reduced to $30 when 4 or more people attend from your congregation or group. If you are only able to attend the morning Issues Briefing, the cost is $10.
Please make reservations by calling the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM office at 505-984-8005 or sending an email to
info@lutheranadvocacynm.org. The deadline for reservations is January 18.
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Help Your Congregation Prepare for International Womenβs Day
Thursday, March 8, 2018
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Every year on
March 8
, people around the world commemorate
International Womenβs Day
, a day dedicated to celebrating womenβs achievements throughout history and across nations. On this day, members of the ELCA celebrate by supporting and lifting up the International Women Leaders initiative. Learn more about how your congregation can plan an event and
support this initiative.
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Schedule a presentation to learn more about Christians in the Holy Land
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Who are the Palestinian Christians? Consider these possible topics:
- The history of Christianity in the Holy Land β the story of Palestinian Christians
- Ministries of the Lutherans in Palestine: Tent of Nations, Bright Stars of Bethlehem
- How does recognition of Jerusalem as Israelβs capitol affect Lutherans in Palestine?
- How do recent developments in Israel/Palestine affect Christians?
- Hundreds of new settlement units have been announced β How does settlement expansion affect Palestinians?
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AMMPARO Guardian Angel Program - 3 more volunteers needed!
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You do not need to speak Spanish, although we do need some Spanish speakers.
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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ELCA Lilly Grant to support financial wellness
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In addition the resources offered through
RMS Educate, Equip, Enact program, our churchwide expression has a number of opportunities for pastors, deacons, and congregations to strengthen their financial picture.
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Administration Matters from the ELCA
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Preventing a hostile work environment
A hostile work environment may be defined as a workplace where an employee is subjected to harassment or unfair treatment, creating an environment where the employee feels threatened or intimidated. Prevention is the best means toward a safe and welcoming workplace.
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Head of School
Rwanda School Project, Rwamagana, Rwanda
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One of our churwide global companions is
The Lutheran Church of Rwanda, and we have a long-standing relationship with the
Rwanda School Project, which serves what we would refer to as middle and high school students. The current Head of School, an ELCA Missionary named Robin Strickler, is retiring, and we are helping to publicize the vacancy and application process for a new Head of School who would begin serving in July of 2018.
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All Non-Rostered Positions
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Head of School
Rwanda School Project - Rwamagana, Rwanda
Faith Formation Director of Youth
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO
Director of Music Ministry (full-time)
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Gonia
- Educate, Equip, Enact Gathering
- Synod Coucil Executive Committee
- Lord of the Mountains, Dillon, CO
- First, Gypsum, CO
- NM Advocacy Day
- New Mexico/Border Conference Retreat
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Lutheran Center Administration
Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
- Legislative session
- United Church (UCC)
- Bishop's Legislative Luncheon & Issues Briefing
Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
- Legislative Session
- Lutheran Disaster Response
- Predatory Lending ballot Group
- World Hunger Leaders Gathering, Washington D.C.
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Pastor Judith VanOsdol
Deacon Erin Power
- Synod Assembly Planning
- Global Mission Committee
- Communications Planning
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Congregational Transition
- In-office appointments
Pastor Leslie Welton
- Faith Formation Conference Coordinators
- In-office appointments
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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.
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