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A Reconciling in Christ synod
Churchwide Assembly Highlights, part 2!
Joint Declaration between Lutherans and Catholics

The Assembly accepted the "Declaration on the Way," a unique ecumenical document that marks a path toward greater unity between Catholics and Lutherans. At the heart of the document are 32 "Statements of Agreement" that state where Lutherans and Catholics do not have church-dividing differences on topics about church, ministry and the Eucharist. The document also presents the differences that remain.

Download the full document 

AAMPARO:  The ELCA's Strategy to Accompany Migrant Minors

AMMPARO is the ELCA's strategy to Accompany Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. It is based on commitments to uphold and guarantee the basic human rights and safety of migrant children and their families; to address the root causes of migration from countries in Central America's Northern Triangle and Mexico, and the treatment of migrants in transit; to work toward just and humane policies affecting migrants in and outside the U.S.; to engage as a church with all of our companions, affiliates and partners to respond to the migration situation and its causes; and to advocate for migrant children and their families.

Information, Resources, and videos to share with your congregation

Additional Resolutions and Memorials
In addition to memorials considered "en bloc," the assembly separately approved the following: deepening relationships with historic Black churches; toward a responsible energy future; repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery; peace with justice in the Holy Land; justice for the Holy Land through responsible investment; African Descent Lutherans; call to discernment on U.S. foreign and military policy; welcoming refugees; and supporting military personnel, veterans and their families.
RMS-ELCA News and Events
Theological Conference Registration Deadline TODAY!
The deadline for the 2016 Theological Conference is TODAY- Wednesday, August 24. Late registrations cannot be guaranteed lodging at Little America. 

Scholarships are available. Send email to  Erin Power to request a scholarship.

FREE Online Class: Lutheran Vocation: Discernment & Calling in the Real World
A free online course will be offered by Wartburg Seminary. The course, taught by Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann, will build upon the central themes from the Grace Gathering with special attention to the observance of "500 years of Reformation" in 2017 and living out the freedom of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in service to the neighbor – God’s Work, Our Hands. The five-week course will begin August 22 but registration will remain open until August 29.


Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary announces relocation
For decades, and particularly over the past 10 years, there have been formal and informal conversations about whether or not the current PLTS location best serves the preparation of leaders in this time of changes within the church and the world.  Out of this mission imperative, and with the support of the PLTS Advisory Board, the University has been seeking alternative locations.  The Board of Regents has now made a decision to relocate PLTS to downtown Berkeley starting in the Fall of 2017.  

Read full announcement  

Portico announces 2017 rates, cost-saving way to deliver health benefits

Portico Benefit Services' board of trustees voted to approve Portico's recommended 2017 contribution rates, as well as innovative changes designed to limit the growth of health care cost increases. 

As the next step in the ELCA wellness reformation, Portico is introducing a new way to deliver health benefits. Starting in 2017, ELCA-Primary plan members will have access to care coordinators who can help them use their health benefits with an eye to both quality and cost.  Continue reading...


For Your Bulletin
Bulletin Blurb
Lutheran Disaster Relief/Gulf Coast Flooding Bulletin Insert
At least 11 people have been killed and tens of thousands have been rescued and evacuated due to the rising floodwaters across southern Louisiana.

Lutheran Disaster Response coordinators are on the ground working with local leaders in areas of long-term recovery.

Gifts designated for “Gulf Coast Flooding” will be used to assist those affected by the floodwaters until the response is complete. Because of your generous offerings of prayer and financial support, the ELCA walks alongside disaster survivors. Thank you for your prayers and your partnership.  
Connect your students with campus ministry
Do you have a student heading off to college this year? Connect them with an ELCA Campus Ministry using the student referral form found at 
lumin-networkreferral.org/

 


RMS Prayer Cycle

August 2016
North Colorado Conference

8/28
Shepherd of the Mountains, Estes Park, CO
Ron Bockhaus

Shepherd of the Valley, LaSalle, CO
Teri Hermsmeyer

Spirit of Joy, Fort Collins, CO
Woody Carlson (Interim)

Trinity, Fort Collins, CO
Meghan Aelabouni

Trinity, Loveland, CO
Chris Davis

Zion, Loveland, CO
Sonja & Joel Pancoast

Prayer of the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, you gave to your apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and courageously to preach your word. Grant that your church May proclaim the good news to the ends of the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 
Around the Synod
Faith and Grief Brunch in Coal Creek Canyon -
Saturday, August 27
10:00 to 11:00a.m.

Spirit of the Mountain LC will host a Faith and Grief Brunch at the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association (CCCIA) Hall, which is located at 31528 CO-72, Golden, CO 80403.

This brunch comforts the bereaved through fellowship and breaking bread together. The speaker will share where in her experience her Faith has intersected with Grief. 

No charge to attend, but reservations are required. RSVP to Jim or Cathy Monkman at (303)731-5803. 

More information regarding this ministry is available at Faith and Grief.


CU-Boulder Student Mentor Orientation

In two short weeks 30,000 students will descend on Boulder. With their return we'll begin our third year of El Camino Colorado; our mentor-based program to help students discern the studies, careers, and lives to which God has called them. Students are paired with a non-student mentor (you) who meets with them once a month on their own and also with the larger group. 

If you're interested in learning more about this year's program (or know someone who might be a great mentor) get Sunday, September 11th, 4:30 p.m. at St. Aidan's on your calendar for this year's mentor orientation. We'll talk about what we've learned and what the program will look like this year.

Luther House Hosts Welcome Party for International Students -
August 28 at 6:00 p.m.

Most International students have few opportunities to visit with US citizens outside of class. Help Luther House welcome them to New Mexico. We will provi de hamburgers, veggie burgers, buns, condiments and beverages. We hope you will bring side dishes and dessert.

Come at 4:00 pm to help set up tables and chairs and decorations OR stay to help clean up. Come at 6:00 pm to get to know local and international students.

BRING FOOD -- Many international students are Vegan or Vegetarian or have other food restrictions. Please label ingredients if you can. We will need side dishes and dessert.

PLEASE REPLY BY THURSDAY AUGUST 25th to lcm@unm.edu. Let us know what you are bringing and how many people. Questions call 505-385-0842.

Border Conference Youth participated in a week-long Mission Trip in Cortez, CO.

During their experience, youth and leaders helped lead a daily Kids Club, visited a nursing home, and did various work projects for community members in need.
One Year to Live Women's Retreat

Women of all ages yearn for real friendships and a closer relationship with Christ. Join us for our first Women’s OYTL Retreat set for October 14-16, 2016 at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado near Estes Park, and discover that and more! We will follow a series of protocols helping us to deepen our love for ourselves, our sisters and God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. For more information contact Judi Brandow and more at OYTL.

Our Life Together

Western States Youth Gathering 2017 
June 28 – July 2, 2017

For all high school youth in ELCA Regions 1 – 4. 

WSYG occurs every three years. There will be large group gatherings with great speakers and musicians, learning and small group experiences, a beach day, immersion experience in Los Angeles, worship that will take you in new directions, and much more!

It will be held on the campus of California Lutheran University in Southern California. 

Registration opens on October 3 and is $425/person. The price will go up to $460 on January 3, 2017. 

Questions? Contact Linda LeBlanc, Assistant Director for Church Relations.
For more information or call (805-493-3936)  
  
Special Investment Rate offer from Mission Investment Fund

For a limited time the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) is offering special rates on two popular Term Investments:

3.00% (APY*) for the 6-year MIF Fixed-Rate Term Investment
2.10% (APY*) for the 4-year MIF Fixed-Rate Term Investment

 
MIF’s rates are available for all new 6-year and 4-year MIF Fixed-Rate Term Investments (with a minimum investment of $1,000) as well as the balances on maturing 6-year and 4-year MIF Fixed-Rate Term Investments. 
Visit the MIF website or email Regional Manager  Dan Carlson for more information.    
Re*Connection Picnic and Worship for Church Leaders
Saturday, August 27, 11:00 a.m.
Rocky Mountain Lake Park, Denver

Re*Connection: Worship for Clergy and Other Servant Leaders is a ministry of Sacred Stones Ministries, Inc., hosting monthly gatherings for pastors, church staff, and others whose leadership roles make it difficult for them to participate as worshipers or as church members on a weekly basis. 

Join us at Rocky Mountain Lake Park, at the picnic site closest to W. 46th Ave and Grove St. in Denver (near I-70 and Federal), on Saturday, August 27, starting at 11 a.m.

We'll provide hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, buns, cold water and lemonade. You're invited to bring food or drinks to share if you are able. We'll have lawn games, kid-friendly activities, and a hymn-sing, in addition to plenty of unstructured time to enjoy being in community together. 

To learn more, contact Kerry Greenhill.

Re*Connection Worship services will resume on Friday, September 16. 
Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. the third Friday of each month from September to December at the Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness and Healing, 2122 S. Lafayette St., Denver.

Congregational Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Stewardship Video:  Where does my offering go?
From the 2016 Churchwide Assembly, this video shows how our mission support dollars support God's work in the world through congregations, synods, churchwide organization, and our global partners.
Employment Opportunities
 
Non-rostered positions available

Early Learning Center Director
Christ the King Lutheran Church, Durango, CO

Bookkeeper (part-time )
St. Luke Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, NM

Organist/Accompanist 
Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Dillon, CO

Organist/Accompanist
Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO
 
Children, Youth and Family Ministry Director 
All Saints Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, NM


Office of the Bishop this week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • Ecumenical Gathering-Wyoming
  • Vacation
Pastor Kent Mueller
  • RMS Administration
  • Candidacy meetings

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

  • Interfaith Hunger Coalition
  • Predatory Lending

 
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • Mission Developer Training, Part One, Newark, NJ
  • Mission Redeveloper Training, Part Two, Newark, NJ
  • St. Matthew's Taylorsville, UT redevelopment team, NJ
  • Meeting with Churchwide staff
  • New beginnings Prison Ministry

Erin Power, Diaconal Minister

  • RMS website and communication
  • Theological Conference Planning
  • Mission Interpretation event- Joy Ranch, SD


Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO

  • CSLC Planning Retreat
  • Lord of the Mountains,Dillon, CO


 Pastor Sarah Moening

  • Preach at Peace, Sterling, CO
  • Transitions meetings

Quick Links
 
Erin Power    Assistant to the Bishop
Maria Sutton  , Communication Assistant 
Rocky Mountain Synod
 
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-339-4744

Announcements for eConnection are due before noon on Monday for the issue the following Wednesday. Event announcements are included for about two weeks and should be submitted via the eConnection Submision link above.