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A Reconciling in Christ synod
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Bishop Gonia: A reason to get up in the morning
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At our recent Synod Council meeting, we approved a new strategic plan that paints a compelling picture of who we are as the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. After all the listening and discerning, amid a plethora of data and details, a common mission for our life as congregations, ministries and leaders emerged:
Together we proclaim and embody
God’s unconditional love
for the sake of the world
Read that through a few times and tell me whether that’s not an excellent reason to get up each morning and to do so with a renewed commitment to live as Christ’s Church, Better Together! Certainly that’s the impact it has had on me. As your bishop, it’s life-giving to engage each day knowing that whatever I might be doing, it is intended to contribute to our shared mission of proclaiming and embodying God’s unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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Historic Joint Commemoration of the Reformation in Lund Cathedral
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From the
Lutheran World Federation
Pope Francis and the General Secretary of The Lutheran World Federation, Rev. Dr Martin Junge, jointly preached on the gospel of the true vine (John 15:1-5) during the Common Prayer of the Joint Catholic-Lutheran Commemoration of the Reformation in Lund, Sweden on October 31. They spoke about the unity in Christ that Lutherans and Catholics have together and the opportunities for joint witness in a world that needs the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ in words and actions.
“Now in the context of the commemoration of the Reformation of 1517, we have a new opportunity to accept a common path, one that has taken shape over the past fifty years in the ecumenical dialogue between the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church,” Pope Francis stated in his sermon, adding: “We have the opportunity to mend a critical moment of our history by moving beyond the controversies and disagreements that have often prevented us from understanding one another.”
Read Full Article
Watch the recorded Prayer Service
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Running together to eRace world hunger!
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What do you get when you combine an outdoor ministry site, 2 colleges, 11 congregations, and a churchwide ministry?
CHRIST'S CHURCH, BETTER TOGETHER!
On October 1, 165 participants and 20 volunteers gathered at Sloan's Lake in Denver CO to support ELCA World Hunger efforts both locally and around the globe.
The 10th Annual Grace Race, hosted by
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, fully embodies what it means to be Christ's Church, Better Together! Rainbow Trail is grateful for the race sponsors: Bethany, Cherry Hills CO
; Abiding Hope, Littleton CO;
Trinity, Monument CO;
Mt of the Holy Cross, Vail CO; Augustana, Denver CO;
St. Peter, Greenwood Village CO;
Holy Trinity, Littleton CO;
Evergreen Lutheran (CO);
Atonement, Boulder CO;
Bethlehem, Longmont CO; Holy; Love, Aurora CO; Luther College, Decorah IA; and Augustana University, Sioux Falls SD.
Thanks to the partner ministries and participants, a check was sent to ELCA World Hunger for $6,017!
Executive Director Dave Jarvis added, "We need to get another 100 people to join us in 2017 and blow the doors off of this next year!"
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Pastor Bev Piro was present for the joint commemoration service on Monday in Lund, Sweden. Her reflection:
"What a stunning and moving experience. At the,arena we were able to participate in the full liturgy taking place at the cathedral, standing for prayer, singing, speaking the Lord's Prayer in our own tongue. The afternoon event focused on refugees and our work together to alleviate the suffering of all who are forced to flee their homeland. An incredible, historical day. Thanks be to God."
Souvenirs of the trip: Pope Francis and Archbishop Anthem Jackelen of Sweden
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Educate, Equip, Enact (3E) Project Director Needed
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Educate, Equip, Enact
(3E) is the Rocky Mountain Synod’s response to the Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders. The Synod Council anticipates receiving a three-year grant award to implement their proposal.
To support this work, they are accepting applications for a
part-time project director. The project director will work with the Synod Council, Office of the Bishop and three task forces to implement the 3E Program. 3E is a critical part of the Rocky Mountain Synod Strategic Plan that has just been completed.
To apply: submit cover letter and resume, or Rostered Leader Profile, to
Bishop Jim Gonia by November 30, 2017. Please put 3E Project Director in the subject line.
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Leadership Development Resource
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Wondering how to revitalize your ministry?
Have you found that you and the leadership in your congregation are just going through the motions? Are you excited about
ministry, but not sure how to inspire others your vision for the congregation? Think about leadership development for yourself and other key leaders in your congregation. The only way to make a difference in your community is to learn the theory, skills and self-awareness needed to become the change you seek.
The Congregational Development Institute (CDI) has a proven track record in the Colorado Episcopal Diocese in moving congregations from decline to new life. The next session begins Oct 21, 2016 and meets at Cathedral Ridge, the Episcopal camp west of Colorado Springs. There is still available space for this program. If this year just doesn’t work for you, begin to plan for next year by getting this transformational learning experience in your 2017 budget.
To sign up for this year, email Rev Lou Blanchard.
If you want more information about options outside of Colorado or for 2017, please call 970-290-5990 or email Sarah Moening.
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2017 Health Benefit selection deadline: Oct. 28!
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Select 2017 Health Benefit Option
Congregations should be selecting their ELCA-Primary health benefit option for 2017. Every sponsoring employer should select their 2017 health benefit option by October 28, even if all their plan members currently waive ELCA health benefits. This deadline is important because it enables
Portico to prepare their systems for plan members to enter their 2017 benefit selections online from October 31 - November 16.
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California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) invite applications and nominations for the position of Rector of PLTS
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The Rector will report to Cal Lutheran’s Vice President of Mission and Identity and work alongside with the Dean of PLTS, who reports to Cal Lutheran’s Provost. The Rector, who will be an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will oversee the life and administration of the Seminary on the Berkeley campus.
More information
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Pr. David Pederson
Saturday, November 5, 10:30 a.m.
Bethel Lutheran Church
Windsor CO
Color of the day: Green
Deacon Shanna VanderWel
Sunday, November 6, 10:30 a.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church
Denver
CO
Color of the day: Green
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RMS Prayer Cycle
Paul Anderson
Mary Black (DM)
Karen Gibson
Tina Yankee
Justin Nickel
Rodney Hansen
Rick Green
Armando Rangel
Cindy Josephson
Doug Kings
Chad Adamik
Jorge Espinoza
Emily Ewing
Kevin Meyer
Peter Morin
Paul Olsen
Todd Hawkins
* last week Lutheran Social Services of the South "Upbring"
Jeronimo Saenz
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Prayer for state, provincial, and local governments Lutheran Book of Worship, p. 77
Almighty God, we lift before you all who govern this
state/province/city/town ______. May those who hold power understand that it is a trust from you to be used, not for personal glory or profit, but for the service of the people. Drive from us cynicism, selfishness, and corruption; grant in your mercy just and honest government; and give us grace to live together in unity and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Glory of God Lutheran Church
12200 W. 38 Ave.
Wheat Ridge CO
Sunday, December 4, 10 a.m.- noon
Make a morning of it! YOU are invited to buy your holiday gifts at the annual Alternative Gift Market. The gifts you purchase will be unique and meaningful, and will help make a difference in the lives of others in Denver and around the world. Worship begins at 9 a.m. followed by special refreshments, and then you can shop, shop, shop!
For more information email
Sharon.
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Atonement Lutheran
6281 W. Yale Ave
Lakewood CO
Sat. Nov. 5 and Sun. Nov. 6
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Atonement's annual Global Gift Fair. Various vendors will be at Atonement selling gifts from around the country. Vendors will include Equal Exchange Coffee, Women's Bean Project, Serrv International, Global Mamas, Peace Corps Calendars, Atonement Crafts benefiting Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in El Paso, a bake sale benefiting Lutheran World Hunger, and an ELCA Good Gifts Tree. This is a great opportunity to support people around the world, and to do some early Christmas shopping! The Global Gift Fair is a community event and is open to anyone who is interested. Below is a flyer with information about the fair that can be sent to family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or anyone who would be interested in attending the gift fair!
For more information call our office: 303-985-1122
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HFASS hosts Operation Turkey Sandwich Thanksgiving Day
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House for All Sinners and Saints (HFASS)
Denver Community Church
1595 Pearl Street
Denver CO 80203
November 24th
Volunteers - 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
HFASS host its 8th annual Operation: Turkey Sandwich this Thanksgiving. This event brings together members of the HFASS family with members of the Denver community to prepare, assemble, and distribute lunches to those who have to work on Thanksgiving Day.
Operation: Turkey Sandwich 2016 will prepare and deliver over 1000 lunches around the city. It takes an army of volunteers to cook turkeys, pumpkin cookies, and stuffing muffins, assemble the lunches day-of, and deliver them around town. Oh, and we also slap a sticker on every lunch that says, “It sucks you have to work on Thanksgiving.”
Anyone interested in volunteering is invited.We especially need volunteers to deliver. Kids are welcome. We will have a station with kid-friendly jobs.
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Colorado ballot issue video series
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What's up with Proposition 106, Colorado?
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO has teamed up with Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Colorado-Boulder for a series of videos about the propositions and amendments on the Colorado ballot.
View all videos here
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Join Us for the Heart Hands & Feet Gathering at Abiding Hope Church
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Do you yearn to return to the simple, uncluttered view of life held by our children?
Friday, November 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 5 at 8:30 a.m.
Come and learn how to read and understand scripture in its purest form – that of how a child hears the word of God. Dr. Parker will guide us through scripture with the lens of a child, exploring what the kingdom of God really is like.
Presented by: Dr. Julie Faith Parker
Professor Parker brings a wealth of experience as a pastor and teacher to her audiences. She holds degrees from Hamilton College (B.A.), Union Theological Seminary – New York (M.Div.), Yale Divinity School (S.T.M.) and Yale University (Ph.D.). She has served as Associate Pastor, Chaplain, and faculty member at numerous colleges and seminaries, most recently joining the faculty of Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Registration and Information
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Bethany Lutheran, Cherry Hills Village, to host veteran's dinner and concert
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Operation One Nation
Saturday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m.
Veteran’s Ministry, will be hosting the annual Veteran's appreciation dinner and concert at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village. Dinner will be catered by Romano’s from 5:30-6:45 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10; Free of charge for veterans, active military and children under 12. Colorado’s own Sons and Brothers will be the entertainment at 7 p.m. Please RSVP by 11/17 to Janet Mortinsen at 303-300-3317 or email Janet.
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Alternative Giving and Fair Trade Market
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Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Fort Collins CO
Saturday November 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday November 6, 9 a.m. to noon.
Shepherd of the Hills is proud to host an Alternative Giving and Fair Trade Market. The fair supports local and international non-profit organizations such as Larimer County Food Back, Heifer International, Women's Bean Project, Threads and more. Admission is free!
1200 S. Taft Hill Road (on Taft Hill Rd between Prospect and Elizabeth)
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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Sarah Rejman, founder of The Plaster House in Arusha Tanzania, to visit Saint Peter Lutheran Church on Sunday, November 6
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Sarah Rejman founded The Plaster House in 2008. It is a ministry of the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre which houses children for pre- and post-operative care and rehabilitation. From an idea first scribbled on a piece of paper, it grew rapidly – from its initial 9 beds into something much bigger than its creators ever imagined. Now The Plaster House is an ongoing ministry with up to 100 children cared for at any one time.
Children with disabilities that can be corrected with orthopedic, plastic or general pediatric surgery are taken to Arusha Lutheran Medical Center for corrective surgery for fluorosis, club foot, burn contractures, cleft lip etc, and then stay at The Plaster House until they are fully rehabilitated. This can be a 10-day to a six-month stay.
Sarah will share the history of this ministry, as well as her vision for its future. All are welcome to join us.
Saint Peter is located at 9300 E Belleview Ave., Greenwood Village CO.
Visit our website for more information.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR REFUGEES ARRIVING IN EL PASO
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From Annunciation House in El Paso:
We’re in the midst of another refugee surge arriving at the El Paso border!
At the present moment, the average of arriving refugees has increased to about 400 per week with some weeks spiking to 600. All of the refugees coming to Annunciation House are families and individuals that Immigration has decided not to detain in one of their detention facilities.
In order to receive the hundreds of refugees being released, Annunciation House coordinates the operation of houses and centers of hospitality. As the flow of released refugees fluctuates, hospitality centers are activated and deactivated accordingly. Some hospitality centers accommodate short term refugee families – those families that only stay 24 to 96 hours before moving on to be reunited with family or friends. Other hospitality houses are used to accommodate refugee families that need longer term hospitality that could be for weeks and even months.
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM:
2016 Advocacy Conference
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM:
2016 Advocacy Conference
Saturday, November 5 at 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
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 is November 1.
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Executive Skills for Pastors Workshop at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
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California Lutheran Executive Skills Workshop for Clergy/Church Workers
January
9-13, 2017
Gain valuable and needed skills for pastors, leaders, administrators in congregational settings.
Led by California Lutheran School of Management Faculty.
For the 3rd year, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center & California Lutheran University are teaming up for what has become a very powerful and popular workshop — a week of continuing education with faculty from the School of Management.
This workshop is geared to all clergy/staff administration of any denomination.
In the complex environment of congregational management, we can always use new tools for ministry. This continuing education event for pastors which also includes parish administrators and those in charge of leading multi-staffed congregations, will explore how concepts from a MBA program can be applied to the arena of congregational life. Each day, we will explore a different theme.
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Trinity Lutheran Church in Loveland CO has five 8' long extra pews available to take for a small donation. For more information call Jennifer at 970-667-5700.
3333 Duffield Ave.
Loveland CO 80537
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE SOON!!
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RTLC Confirmation Retreat Registration Open!
November 4-6, 2016
Don't forget to register your group to The annual Rainbow Trail Confirmation online at
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.
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE SOON!!
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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.
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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#VoteFaithfully Sunday Resources
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ELCA Advocacy Alert
Join us in observing Vote Faithfully Sunday on November 6, 2016!
These are difficult and challenging times for our local communities, our country, and the world. Divisive and heated rhetoric dominate the public dialogue. More and more people are withdrawing from engagement in the political process out of a growing sense of cynicism and mistrust.
Now, more than ever, your voice and your efforts are needed.
As people of faith, we can play a unique role in this election cycle by empowering every voice in our congregations and offering a hope-filled vision of the future for all people.
We invite you to join with our ecumenical partners in observing the Sunday before election day as "Vote Faithfully Sunday." This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our commitment to the common good, provide our members with the information they need to cast their ballot and prepare to vote as a community.
Vote Faithfully Sunday Toolkit
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Non-rostered positions available
Music Director
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Fort Collins CO
3E Project Director
Office of the Bishop, Denver CO
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Gonia
- Seminary visit to Gettysburg
- Installation Bethel Windsor-David Pederson
- First Call Theological Education Event- Bethany, Denver CO
Pastor Kent Mueller
- South Metro Conference Gathering
- Lutheran Center Administration
Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
- Kids Count
- LAM-NM Advocacy Conference
Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
- Pre-election retreat
- LAM-NM Advocacy Conference
- First Call Theological Education
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Pastor Judith VanOsdol
- ELCA churchwide Mission
Support meetings, Chicago IL
- DEM gathering, Chicago IL
- Latino Mission Start, West Denver CO
- Nueva Vida Prison Ministry, Denver CO
- South Metro Conference presentation, Bethany, Denver CO
Erin Power, Diaconal Minister
- RMS Communications and Website
- Global Mission Committee WebEx
- First Call Theological Education Event
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Vacation
- First Call Theological education
Andy Sprain
- First Third of Life Team
- Installation- Shanna VanderWel - Augustana, Denver CO
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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.
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