A Reconciling in Christ synod
ELCA WEBCAST:  Ecumenical and Interreligious Witness on the Eve of the Reformation Anniversary
October 27, 7:00 p.m., CDT

Join Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton for a live webcast that will explore ecumenical and interreligious witness on the eve of the Reformation anniversary.

  • What was the Reformation, and what does it mean for Lutherans and ecumenical partners?

  • What is “Declaration on the Way,” and why is it significant for Lutheran-Catholic relations?

  • What might ecumenical and interreligious relationships look like in the future, and what does this mean for our faith community? 

Congregations, ministries, and teams are encouraged to gather and watch it together to begin your plans for commemorating the Reformation!

Webcast Link

ELCAvotes is an initiative which calls us to conversation and prayer in our roles as U.S. residents and as people of faith to ensure our election systems promote dignity and respect for all.
We are reminded of our call to act by speaking out as advocates and engaging in local efforts to guarantee the right to vote to all citizens.

RMS-ELCA News and Events
RMS in the News!
Synod Council Treasurer, and former Littleton Mayor, Dennis Reynolds, participated in a re-dedication of "Reynolds Landing", a shelter and park area part of South Platte Park-Mary Carter Greenway complex.  The re-dedication was a celebration of the approved renovations including an ADA-compliant shelter and built-in bike repair station. 

ELCA Webinar: New Overtime Rules
October 18, 12:00pm, CDT 
The U.S. Department of Labor has adopted new overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which go into effect on December 1, 2016. Among other changes, these regulations increase the minimum salary for exempt employees from $23,000 to $47,476. Many congregations, synods, and other ministries of the church have questions about how this impacts their employees and ministries. Does it apply to churches? What about pastors? Youth workers? Sextons? How about schools? Or camps? Join us for a free webinar on how the new regulations will affect religious institutions, and try to answer many of these questions.

Registration deadline:  October 14
Register Today!

Lutheran Advocacy Team Training

Saturday, October 8, 2016
9:00 am - 3:00 pm (breakfast/registration open at 8:30 am)

Lutheran Center - Office of the Bishop
7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO
 

Advocacy and justice-minded individuals from RMS congregations and beyond will gather for a day of equipping for action, learning how to integrate meaningful conversations about politics, policy, and advocacy into the life of a ministry, as well as how to effectively start and maintain an advocacy or social justice team in their congregations. Hosted by the Lutheran Advocacy Ministries (LAM) of Colorado, New Mexico, and the ELCA LAM office in Washington, D.C. Everyone is welcome! Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration fee is $5 per person, payable in cash or check at the door. For more information, contact Peter Severson.

REGISTER TODAY!

Workshop:  Boundaries, Borders, and Better Relationships

LAST  CHANCE to REGISTER— DEADLINE Thursday, OCTOBER 6TH!!

Boundaries Workshop
Office of the Bishop Rocky Mountain Synod
7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221
Tuesday, October 11 from 8:30- 4:00 PM 

As people who work with people, we know the importance of relationships. We also know that healthy relationships depend upon clear and respectful boundaries. Rostered leaders especially need thoughtful and consistent training about boundaries because of the variety of their relationships. Cost is $25 for lunch and materials.  All rostered leaders, congregational staff, and ministry professionals are encouraged to attend. 

Coming in 2017: A New Way to Deliver Health Benefits

Portico is taking its next wellness reformation step — introducing Care Coordinators to help ELCA-Primary health plan members navigate the complicated health care landscape and purchase care with an eye to both quality and cost. This innovation is helping Portico keep the 2017 ELCA-Primary baseline health contribution increase the lowest in four years.

Watch a free webinar to learn more about 2017 changes
For Your Bulletin
Bulletin Blurb

Border Servant Corps invites partner congregations to support BSC, volunteers, and service sites through intentional prayer.
Each month, they will share a prayer petition that may be used, if desired, during worship services. They are grateful for your continued partnership and support of BSC during the 2016-2017 year of service. 

October 2016 Prayer Petition: For Angie O’Brien, Border Servant Corps volunteer serving as a Removal Defense Unit Caseworker at Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc., an immigration law clinic providing free or low cost legal services to eligible immigrants who wish to immigrate to or become citizens of the United States.

RMS Prayer Cycle

October 2016
Campus Ministries
10/9

Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp     
Brad Abbott

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp  
Dave Jarvis      

Prayer of the Day

God, the refuge of wanderers and exiles,
the mother and father of the homeless,
you weep with those who are uprooted from their homeland,
and you suffer with those who exist without shelter and security.
Grant that your faithful love may reach out,
and that your healing mercy rise like the dawn
on all who are oppressed.
We ask this through Jesus, your Son,
who knew hardship and died outside the city wall. Amen.

Around the Synod

Colorado Voter Guides Now Available

Check out our new voter guides! Each guide contains a summary of the nine measures that Colorado voters will see on their ballots, as well as resources for thinking about these issues faithfully. Download a digital copy today, or contact Peter Severson to order free printed copies for your congregation. Vote faithfully!


 
Israel/Palestine: Beyond the Headlines
Saturday, October 15, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
South Broadway Christian Church
23 Lincoln Street
Denver CO


Digging Deeper for Justice and Peace--
sponsored by RMS Peace Not Walls

Wondering how to implement the two memorials passed at the recent ELCA Churchwide Assembly? 
Come learn about what is happening on the ground in Palestine and Israel today. Hear what Palestinian Christians, including Lutherans, are asking of us. Study their word to Christians around the world, Kairos Palestine. Make connections with issues of race and other global social justice movements. Connect with others and learn how you and your congregation can make a difference!

For more information

 
St Philip Lutheran Church
Ken Caryl Concerts to host "Oktoberfest Concert"
Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m.

St Philip's outreach concert series, Ken Caryl Concerts, invites you to our 3rd concert, "Oktoberfest". The program will feature works by German composers performed by our handbell choir, Kristen Celusniak, Naomi Doerr, Beth DeBoer, Beth Faerber, Anne Husted, Josh Keltner, and friends. Our newly organized youth handbell choir will also perform under the direction of Louanne Isernhagen.
All are welcome to this free concert. Refreshments will be served and one lucky audience member will receive a gift certificate to a local craft brewery.
 
  
“Common Prayer” Liturgy Planned for Oct. 29
at First Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs
Saturday, October 29, at 11 a.m.

Bishop Michael J. Sheridan of the Diocese of Colorado Springs and the Rev. Dr. Lowell G. Almen, co-chair of the U.S. Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue, are scheduled to lead “Common Prayer” at First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO.

The liturgy for the day is adapted from the rite that will be led by Pope Francis and Bishop Munib Younan, president of the Lutheran World Federation, in Lund, Sweden, on October 31.  That service in Lund officially will mark the beginning of a year of remembrance for the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, as well as the Protestant and Catholic reformations of the 16th century. 

The “Common Prayer” liturgy will be part of a morning of focus, “Marking a Milestone,” on church reform. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with an overview of key events in the various reformations. The keynote address of the morning, “The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification—Did It Really Make Any Difference?” will be delivered by Dr. Almen.  
Green Values and Political Choices
Saturday, October 8, 2016, 10 am to Noon

Eco-Justice Ministries will be joining with Messiah Community Church in planning a pre-election forum on environmental issues. 

The forum is NOT directed toward specific candidates or ballot initiatives for the 2016 election. Rather, we will be exploring a few major environmental themes that are of ongoing importance in Colorado and national politics. 

The forum is not a debate or a balanced set of multi-partisan presentations. We have an agenda that supports an eco-justice theological ethic -- one that values healthy ecological relationships, and seeks justice and healing for all of our neighbors within creation (people around the world, those of future generations, and of other species). 

Three topics will be covered:  climate change, water, and renewable energy

For more information:
•Messiah phone (303) 355-4471
•Messiah Facebook page
•Eco Justice Ministries: Eco-Justice
 
Confused about Colorado Care - Amendment 69 Public Forum
Monday, October 17, 2016, 7 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
6322 S. Lakeview St.
Littleton, 80120

Speakers:

Proponent & Drafter of the Legislation & Member of the Colorado Senate –
Dr. Irene Aquilar
Opponent and Outreach Manager for Coloradans for Coloradans –
Freddie Gaudet
Moderator –  Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado, ELCA
Peter Severson
Seeking Spiritual Directors -- Urban Servant Corps

Are you a Spiritual Director who is willing to walk the journey with a young adult who is engaging in a year of full-time service with Urban Servant Corps? We'd love to have you as part of the team! Please contact: Sarah if you are interested and/or for more information.
 
New Beginnings Worshipping Community's 2nd Annual Chow Hall Gala
Friday, October 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church
Denver, CO

The women of New Beginnings Worshipping Community cordially invite you to the 2nd Annual Chow Hall Gala. Join us for dinner and jazz entertainment by Second Acts and Fellowship. The event is graciously hosted by Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver, CO. Advanced ticket price is $50 and may be purchased by September 30th. Ticket Price at the door will be $60. 
All proceeds benefit the New Beginnings Worshipping Community 
We thank you for your generous support and additional donations to this important ministry! 

Please visit our website for more information 

Urban Servant Corps Fall Festival at Vine St. Pub and Brewery
Tuesday, October 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Urban Servant Corps thrives because of community support -- and YOU are that community! Please join us for an evening of celebrating 29 years of service offered by dedicated, inspiring Urban Servant Corps volunteers at this Silent Auction event! You will be supporting this mission: Urban Servant Corps is a
faith-based, intentional community of full-time volunteers who seek to live simply while serving and accompanying those most in need at non-profit partner agencies in the heart of Denver. 

Many great items are up for bid: a weekend at a condo in Keystone, restaurant gift cards with Comedy Works tickets, admission to History Colorado, gorgeous art work (paintings and photos), cutsie baskets of goodies, and much more!! Tickets: $20. Contact: Krista to RSVP

Ministry Together, Building Community with American Indians Event
Wednesday October 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pueblo Indian Center
Albuquerque, NM

Cost $25.00 

We will convene a conversation around the potential of advancing the work of outreach to and with American Indian and Alaska Native people.

This gathering will include an orientation to the lives and issues of American Indian, Alaska Native peoples in the United States and in the Rocky Mountain Synod area. Workshops and activities to better understand the work of New Starts within the ELCA, and meaningful dialogue to shape our actions, engaging ministry.

Come, join us in an intentional space to grow in our understanding, acknowledge the power to transform the relationships within our synod, the witness of the church and service to those whom God has called us.  All are invited to this event.

Registration and more information


Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey 15th Anniversary Fundraiser/Dinner/Party
Saturday, October 8th at 5:30pm
St. Timothy Lutheran Church
11050 Montwood Drive
El Paso, TX 79936

Come and join Iglesia Lutherana Cristo Rey celebrate our 15th Anniversary Banquet & Fiesta.

Cristo Rey is relating this “rite of passage” to our church – recognizing and celebrating the growth of the congregation after 15 years as an organized congregation of the ELCA. Cristo Rey is growing in many aspects, especially in our spiritual and social ministries. 

 Join us for our 15th Anniversary Service on Sunday, October 9th at 12 pm at Houston Park (across from Cristo Rey)to hear Bishop Jim Gonia preach, sing along with our Praise band, share communion with us, and stay for the BBQ provided after the service!

For more information or to reserve your space, 
contact us at (915) 544-6545, (915) 422-6545,
Rose Mary, or  IglesiaCristoRey.

 
Border Conference Missional Gathering 2016
Saturday,November 12, 2016
10:00 am 2:00 pm

The Border Conference invites you to a day of Community Worship with Jazz, breakout session learning, and fellowship!
Register early to ensure that there's plenty of materials and refreshments for all! Child Care & Spanish interpretation available too!

Register by email




 
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM:  2016 Advocacy Conference
Saturday, November 5 at 8:30 am until 1:00 pm
St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Albuquerque, NM


Join us for the 2016 Advocacy Conference.  The cost is $15 per person, including lunch. Dr. Nicholas Natividad from NM State University will be our keynote speaker. Dr. Natividad teaches in the Criminal Justice Department and will talk about the historical context of race and criminal justice in New Mexico. Breakout session topics will include advocacy basics, poverty and hunger, criminal justice and other topics. Plan now to attend! Breakout session topics will include advocacy basics, poverty and hunger, criminal justice and other topics. Plan now to attend! To register or for more information, email Ruth Hoffman or 505.984.8005. Registration deadline: November 1.



Meet the new Border Immersion Coordinator at Cristo Rey
Join us in welcoming Michael Dickson to the Rocky Mountain Synod!  Michael is the Border Servant Corps volunteer coordinating the immersion program this year.  Read his letter of introduction.
Wyoming Council of Churches 40th Anniversary Celebration
Oct. 13-15, 2016
Saint Marks Episcopal Church
Casper, WY

For our 40th Anniversary we have two screenings of the documentary on poverty called, Dream On,  7 great workshops, a banquet with the cowboy poet Jack Schmidt and an amazing keynote speaker, Rosa Salamanca, with the U.S. Department of Justice and our annual business meeting where we will consider a resolution on protecting Wyoming’s public lands.  We are having Mexican lunch on Friday and East Indian dinner at the Friday evening banquet. 

Our Celebrating Diversity will be ecumenical, educational, worshipful and fun!  

Schedule of events and Registration

Our Life Together
North Colorado Middle School Youth Gathering
January 13-15, 2017
Embassy Suites, Loveland, CO

ReFormed! is the theme of the North Colorado Middle School Gathering. All RMS congregations are invited to join in this weekend with keynote speaker Dan Scharnhorst, service projects and all the usual fun! Registration includes all meals and programming. 
Information and Registration

RTLC Confirmation Retreat Registration Open!  
November 4-6, 2016

Don't forget to register your group to The annual Rainbow Trail Confirmation online at confirmation-retreat. The weekend will be full of a great study led by Kristen Baltrum, fun camp activities, great food, warm fires, and fresh mountain air! Registration closes on October 21st! If you have any questions, please email Ben, or call 719-276-5233.

RTLC Senior High Gathering 
November 18-20, 2016 

Registration is now open for the RTLC Senior High Gathering! Be sure you've registered your group online at Rainbow Trail. After you've registered, and once RTLC can confirm your housing on their site, the staff will email you to finish your registration and payment. The deadline for registration is the end of October. If you have any questions, please email Ben, or call the Rainbow Trail business office at 719-276-5233.

Faster Pastors Run4Refugees

Two teams of 10 pastors and church workers ran the Flaming Foliage Relay on September 9 to 10. Each relay team ran 165 miles from Idaho Springs to Buena Vista. We committed to not only running but raising funds for Lutheran Family Services immigration and refugee services, a Run4Refugees. While we chose to run, refugees often are running for their lives with only the clothes on their backs. Our goal was to raise $20,000 and we have already raised $15,000. If you would like to donate to the Run4Refugees follow this link and choose any one of the pastor teams to donate to Faster Pastors. You can also send contributions directly to Lutheran Family Services at:

LFSRM
Attn: Jaime Koehler Blanchard
1600 Downing St #600
Denver, CO 80218

Please write “Faster Pastors” or “Run4Refugees” on the note line of the check so that it gets counted towards the total, otherwise it will just go into the general fund and might not be applied to the refugee program.  
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Recorded Webinar:

Gutenburg to Google:  Effective Use of Technology for Congregations
View this webinar with Beth Lewis at your convenience! Beth will explore how the use of media to proclaim the Gospel is the same and has changed from the time of Martin Luther to the beginning of the 21st century. You'll learn something about history and how our reforming traditions are alive and well today. You will come away with fresh ideas for using your congregation's website, social media and other new technologies to proclaim the Gospel!

Employment Opportunities
 
Non-rostered positions available

Children’s Choir Director 
Holy Shepherd, Lakewood

Part-time Evening Custodian
Augustana Lutheran Church

Music Director
St. Philip Lutheran Church

Preschool Director 
St Mark's Lutheran, Aurora

Youth and Outreach Program Director
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

High School Program Director
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

Choir Accompanist 
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO

Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • LFS Board Meeting
  • New Beginnings Gala
  • Cristo Rey Anniversary El Paso, TX
  • Deans WebEx
Pastor Kent Mueller
  • Candidacy Meetings

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

  • Special Legislative Session
  • NM Conference of Churches Board
  • Advocacy Team Training, Denver, CO

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO

  • CSU Campus Ministry, Fort Collins, CO
  • CCLP Pathways from Poverty breakfast
  • Advocacy Team Training @ Lutheran Center
  • All Saints, Aurora, CO 
 
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • New Beginnings Gala
  • Boundary Training Workshop
  • Generosity Project
  • Aurora Area Ministry Strategy at Bethel 
  • New Starts Administrative work

Erin Power, Diaconal Minister

  • RMS Communications
  • SE Colorado Conference Meeting
  • ELW Worship Event, Bethany, Denver, CO

     Pastor Sarah Moening

    • Transitions Meetings
    • Preach at St Paul, Denver, CO

    Andy Sprain

    • Campus Ministry Theological Exploration of Vocation, Indianapolis, IN
    • First Third of Life Team

    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.