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A Reconciling in Christ synod
Bishop Eaton - a recipe for sharing
Supper’s ready. 
In her September column for  Living Lutheran , Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares memories of family Thanksgivings, where all would come to the table together. That is true for our church, too, as Jesus invites us all to a meal of healing, forgiveness and thanksgiving. Read her column in English at or in Spanish , or download here ( pdf / Word ).
eConnection Spotlight: RMS in the Neighborhood
RMS in the Neighborhood Blog
We have found so many great stories of our leaders, ministries, and congregations embodying God's love in the world, we needed a place to share them! Check out our new blog: RMS in the Neighborhood.

Have a story to share? Email Erin Power so we can add it to our blog!
RMS-ELCA News and Events
Theological Conference is September 18-21
All of the Office of the Bishop Staff will be attending the Theological Conference in Colorado Springs Monday-Thursday, September 18-21. Staff will be slower to respond to email and voicemail during this time.

For urgent or emergency matters, please email Janice Ladd-Horkey, who will be monitoring her email closely throughout the week.
"Shining Your Light, Telling Your Story"
Region 2 Deacon's Gathering

Gathering Location: Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO
Gathering Hotel: Hampton Inn Denver-Northwest, Westminster, CO
 
Speaker: Carol Jacobson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Practical Theology
Diaconal Ministry Program Director, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
 
All deacons presently serving in a congregation or specialized ministry, waiting to serve, retired, on leave or discerning a call to ministry, are invited to attend. More information about this event and the link to register, can be found on the event webpage.
Click on this Reformation 2.0 graphic, or here for a copy you can print!
For Your Bulletin
Global Church Prayers
As congregations and ministries of the ELCA, we celebrate our witness and work as a global church, and our relationships with churches around the globe. Along with Global Church Sunday in October, we encourage you to include a globally focused prayer each week in worship. Download a year of prayers here ...   And yes! These are the same prayers included below in each eConnection. We pray for our global companions as  Christ’s Church Bettter Together !
RMS Prayer Cycle

SEPTEMBER 2017
METRO SOUTH CONFERENCE

Week of September 24

Prince of Peace - Denver, CO
Todd Hawkins

Risen Lord - Conifer, CO
Terri Hermsmeyer (interim)

Saint Peter - Greenwood Village, CO
David Risendal

St. Philip - Littleton, CO
Nathan Doerr
Brad Doty
Parable of the workers in the vineyard
Christian Dietrich (1712-1774)

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, September 24
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day
Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual lovingkindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Global Church Prayer
God of justice, who grants us a vision of a world where equity and peace reign, grant us, through your Spirit, the strength to enact that vision in our world now. Praise to you for all the work that ELCA members do to enact equity and peace in countries throughout the world, especially in the Holy Land.May the faith you provide us through your Son, Jesus Christ, compel us to work toward the reign of justice that will someday break into our history. Amen.

Around the Synod
Ken Caryl Concerts Presents "Mostly Mozart"
Saturday, September 30, 2017 - 7:30 pm

Join us for an evening of favorites by one of the world's most influential and prolific composers performed by a variety of talented vocalists and instrumentalists. Free admission and family friendly. Refreshments will be served following the concert. More information here.
Longmont church installs Little Free Pantry to provide community with food, supplies!
Josie and Gus Brockmann built a Little Free Pantry outside of First Evangelical Lutheran Church at 803 Third Ave. The idea originated at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, Ark.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church members wrote on the Little Free Pantry Facebook page that they were inspired by the Little Free Library movement to build stand-alone cabinets in neighborhoods that offered free food items in May 2016. "It works off of the 'take what you need and leave what you can' idea," Josie Brockmann said, pointing to the inscription on the little cabinet stuffed with nonperishable food items and some basic toiletries.

The Brockmanns built what they believe is Longmont's first Little Free Pantry with the help of friends and installed it on Sunday, September 10. Josie Brockmann said that they were inspired to create the Little Free Pantry because they noticed that people were coming into the church needing food. Gus Brockmann is the director of worship at First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
A Taste of Campus Ministry with LuMin CU Boulder
Saturday, Sept 30, 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Learn about what's happening on campus, meet real live students, and support student travels with the fourth annual campus ministry beer tasting! Join in for good food, good beer, and lots of fun with supporters and friends of campus ministry.

T ickets - $30, are available at www.lutheranbuffs.org, can be purchased anytime, payment by Pay Pal. Scroll down to the announcement for the beer-tasting, then click buy tickets now. 

Fliers for you to share, here! Questions? Contact Megan Sawyer at lcmprogramassistant@gmail.com
Ecumenical Church Potluck Dinner on Friday, Sept. 29, 6:00 p.m.
Join us for a time of Christian praise, food and fellowship as we come together to explore how our diverse churches can build relationship. This event builds on our previous "Soulful Sunday" potluck lunch and pie social.

Please dine with someone you don't know, get to know them, and starting thinking about ways that your congregations can build relationship. We'll have some suggestions for you, but we'll leave it up to the congregations to decide what will work best. We will end with reflections on how we further unify the Body of Christ.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO BRING
  • At least one clergy member, one elder (we're nervously saying this is someone over 65 years old) and one person (under 25 years old).
  • Enough food or drink to feed 4 people.
  • Volunteers to help with set-up and clean-up

WHEN : Friday, September 29, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. We'll wrap up around 8 p.m.
QUESTIONS : Contact Adrian Miller at  adrian@cochurches.org  or 303-825-4910.

RSVP  here !
Reformation Fest at Trinity Lutheran, Fort Collins
Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation! An all ages event including: workshops, food, German beers from Zwei Brewing, a hymn sing, musical groups, children's events and games.

Special guest speaker Mary Jackson, author of Daughter of the Reformation: A Historical Perspective of the Life and Times of the Wife of Martin Luther. Sponsored by FOCOLU.
Oktobeerfest Celebration this month!
  • Friday, September 22, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 23, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join Lutheran Church of Hope ( 1305 West 10th Avenue, Broomfield CO) for our annual Oktobeerfest celebration! 
This year we are also celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Local craft brews, brats and burgers, and BINGO are the highlights of the evening! Join us for this family-friendly event. We'll also have face painting, kid's games, local vendors, live music and even polka dancing! Entrance is free; game and meal tickets are available at the door. More info is available here , here , and here !
Martin Luther - The Idea That Changed the World
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.

Metro East Conference invites one-and-all to a showing of the new Martin Luther movie to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Bring friends, neighbors, and confirmands. Short discussion time will follow the movie. 

Go here to purchase your ticket ($12) by September 26 (100 tickets sold is minimum for movie to run).
Register for the 2017 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Advocacy Conference
Saturday, October 14 - 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Craig Nessan, Wartburg Seminary

$15 per person 
(materials & lunch included)

Breakout session topics will include advocacy basics, hunger in NM, the state budget, theology of advocacy, and more. The conference is open to everyone interested in learning more about advocating on public policies impacting our many neighbors living in poverty and with hunger.

To register: send an email with your name, contact information, and your congregation/organization to ruth@lutheranadvocacynm.org. Deadline is October 9.
God's Work, Our Hands Sunday
God's Work, Our Hands Sunday at Faith Lutheran Church in Lander, Wyoming as timber gathered in August was cut and split into firewood for those needing heat this winter. Church volunteers also initially assembled 50 "hygiene packs" for the Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter in Riverton with toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, mouthwash, a comb and dental floss. The latter will be an ongoing project this winter.
Our Life Together
AMMPARO Guardian Angel Program

We are looking for at least 12 volunteers to be part of the Guardian Angel Program in Denver . We are looking for volunteers who are willing to accompany unaccompanied migrant children and single parent families through their immigration court process in Denver, providing: 

  • Spiritual Accompaniment - To provide spiritual support and prayer for them at court hearings
  • Physical Accompaniment - To be a visible sign of the church in immigration court to watch and document the court process, especially as the cases are subjected to a possible “rocket docket”
  • Court Watch -To monitor and document the court process, especially if there are violations of the process
  • Resource Sharing -If requested, to provide information about local resources to assist migrants in their transition to life in the United States. 

You do not need to speak Spanish, although we do need some Spanish speakers.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact Alena Lamirato at pastoralena@yahoo.com or 720-256-3007.
Rainbow Trail's 11th Annual Grace Race - Registration Is Now Open
Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 4 p.m.
RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP is hosting its 11th Annual Grace Race to benefit the ELCA World Hunger appeal on Saturday, October 7, 2017 with a 4:00 pm start. 

This is a 5K run/walk around beautiful Sloan's Lake in south Denver. There will be food and refreshments for all participants following the race. The entry fee is $30 before September 29th and $35 after that date. 

You can register for the race after that date and even on the day of the race; however we can't guarantee you'll get one of the cool long sleeve tech shirts from the race after September 29th. You don't have to be a runner to make a difference. Parents with baby strollers, grandparents with grand kids, and runners and walkers of all types participate. 

Encourage the members of your congregation to participate. Come join us for a great day in the park for a great cause. You can register on-line! To learn more and to register, go to our website. Bring your friends and family or your whole youth group. They are hoping for 300 participants. 

Over the past 10 years, we have raised almost $48,000. Help RTLC raise another $10,000 for ELCA World Hunger this year and push them over $50,000 given to the ELCA Hunger Appeal! If your congregation would be interested in being a sponsor of the race, please contact Dave Jarvis at 719-276-5233. They'll get your church logo on our race shirt! See you October 7th!
Urban Servant Corps 30th Anniversary Fall Festival Celebration
Thursday, October 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Please join the Urban Servant Corps community in celebrating their 30th Anniversary of ministry and service at their Fall Festival, Silent Auction, and Reunion offered by dedicated full-time volunteers living in intentional community!

Tickets are $30, which includes food, drink, as well as parking if RSVP is received before October 2. More information about their 30th Anniversary activities are here . Registration, parking info are here . If you are unable to attend the event, we invite your generous contribution in celebration of the USC mission!
This Changes Everything - 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering
June 27 through July 1, 2018
The Youth Gathering's  Getting Ready Resources have been created for your use by a group of dedicated youth ministers who, like you, are committed to making the experience of the Gathering fulfilling and Christ-centered. The resource is a youth ministry curriculum ramping up for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering. 

Are you looking for more information about the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering? Here you can find the Synod Hospitality Package as well as the Sky Ranch Bus TripIf you have questions, or need even more information, please contact Beth Rogers, Gathering Synod Coordinator or call her at 303- 842-6549.
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
The Ministry of Money Matters
Wednesday, October 18, 10:30 a.m and 1 p.m.
It's "Stewardship Season" in many congregations, when many in church leadership focus on money and church administration. To help with the work, Educate, Equip, Enact is pleased to provide two free workshops led by Bonnie Johnson from CLU. The morning workshop is on stewardship and mission, and the afternoon workshop is on the "nuts and bolts" of church accounting. Church treasurers, bookkeepers, council members and rostered ministers will all learn something.

You may participate via webex or "live" at The Lutheran Center. Lunch is provided for those at The Lutheran Center participating in both workshops. A flyer is here, for questions contact Janice Kibler, register at https://www.rmselca.org/lilly-money-matters-registration.
Resource for Worship Teams and Musicians
The ELCA Worship Blog and Facebook page are your places to connect with what's going on in worship across our church.
The Facebook page shares prayers, events, updates, blog posts and "liturgy grams," a short, weekly infographic on the definitions and practices of things we see in worship every week.

The Worship Blog is regularly updated with more in-depth information and stories. Follow it for updates from the worship office and pictures, resources, reflections and happenings from pastors, musicians and worshipers across the church.

We'd love to include your voice too! If you have a story of how worship is meaningful and engaging in your context or want to share something your congregation has particularly loved, send it to worship@elca.org with the subject "For the blog," and don't forget to include a related picture and where you are writing from.
October Stewardship Resources
Stewardship resources from the Lower Susquehanna Synod: Bulletin snippets, newsletter article, weekly lectionary reflections, and website recommendations, here.
Administration Matters - from the September 2017 issue
500th Anniversary of the Reformation
The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is just over 60 days away! Hopefully, you’ve been able to host an anniversary activity. If not, it’s not too late. Consider hosting a “ With New Voices” Small Catechism study, a showing of the latest  Martin Luther documentary or host a livestream of the  ELCA’s Oct. 31 anniversary commemoration. You can access all the resources needed at  ELCA500.org and stay up-to-date on what’s happening in congregations and synods around the country (and world!) on  Facebook and  Twitter. So, connect today to share photos of what your congregation and synod is up to for #ELCA500.
Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Director of Youth and Family Ministries (part-time)
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Wheat Ridge, CO
Holy Cross Lutheran Church (Wheat Ridge, CO) is seeking a Director of Youth and Family Ministries. This is a part-time position ministering primarily to 6th – 12th grade youth and their families. We are seeking someone who is relational in their approach to ministry, and has a passion and calling to accompany our youth in their journey. A job description is here, for more information, or to send a cover letter and resume, contact Scott Moore, Director of Ministry and Mission, at Scott_E_Moore@msn.com
Office Administrator (part-time)
Holy Love Lutheran Church - Aurora, CO
Holy Love Lutheran Church is looking for a part-time Office Administrator to work M - F, 9:00am - 1:00pm. General duties include managing all office communication, creating, publishing and printing weekly bulletins, monthly newsletters, annual reports, etc. This person will also order supplies, assist in updating the website and other social media accounts. For more information, and instructions on applying, please see job description here.
All Non-Rostered Positions 
Director of Youth and Family Ministries (part-time)
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Wheat Ridge, CO

Office Administrator (part-time)
Holy Love Lutheran Church - Aurora, CO

Wartburg West Academic and Program Director
Titled Faculty Position based in Denver Colorado
Employed by Wartburg College, Waverly, IA

Faith Formation Administrative Assistant/Evangelism Coordinator
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO

Faith Formation Director of Youth
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO

Faith Formation Intern (part-time)
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO

Preschool Director
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church - Casper, WY
Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • Theological Conference
  • Zion, Montrose, CO
  • Synod Council Executive Committee
  • Dean’s Webex

Pastor Kent Mueller
  • Theological Conference
  • Vacation

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
  • Theological Conference
  • St. Andrew Presbyterian, Albuquerque, NM
  • Hunger Summit

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
  • Theological Conference
  • In Office Appointments
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • Theological Conference
  • Mustard Seed House Churches, North Colorado
  • Our Savior’s Denver

Deacon Erin Power
  • Theological Conference
  • Dean’s Webex
  • RMS Communications

Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Theological Conference
  • Dean’s Webex

Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Theological Conference
  • Youth Discipleship Team
  • CSU Campus Ministry
  • Dean’s Webex
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.