A Reconciling in Christ synod
Reformation Reflections from Bishop Gonia
This past Sunday Reformation red, grace-filled proclamations, and joyous hymn sings filled our buildings and social media feeds!

Sunday afternoon Bishop Gonia shared 3 reflections focusing on "Then" "Now" and "Always" at the Re-Formation Hymn Festival at Augustana, Denver.

"If you wanted to be part of an award-winning religion, the last thing you would place front and center is a cross. After all, a cross is what ...? An ancient instrument for the torture and execution of criminals! Hardly says “winner’s circle” unless you’re the one doing the executing of a well-deserving criminal – which we all know is not the case in our Christian story. I find it ironic that we in the church are so hung up on measures for “success”, so afraid of failing or dying, when the central symbol for our faith is one of utter disaster and defeat. Ironic indeed."

Reformation is a catalyst to stand against oppressive...

(LWI) - Stand up against oppressive systems in church and society - the "Goliaths in our midst" - Asian church leaders were urged as they gathered in Hong Kong to consider the question of Lutheran identity in the region. The call came from Rev.

Read more
www.lutheranworld.org
eConnection Spotlight: RMS in the Neighborhood
God and Human Suffering
Conversations on 21st Century Genetics 
This timely and thought provoking conference at the Episcopal Center of Utah on October 6th and 7th in Salt Lake City was co-sponsored by Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, the University of Utah, the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, and the Rocky Mountain Synod. Bishop Jim Gonia and Bishop Scott Hayashi attended. The Deseret News featured the event on the front page of the Sunday, October 8th edition. Click this link to read the article.  
RMS-ELCA News and Events
What should ELCA Advocacy's next sign be?
Have you ever been at a march and wished you had a meaningful Lutheran protest sign? Or have you come up with a fantastic catch phrase that you think should be plastered on all of the windows and bumpers of your advocates’ homes and cars? We want to create a sign that shows our unique Lutheran voice as advocates, and we need your help!

Submit your ideas at this link by November 20. The creative genius who comes up with a winning phrase will have bragging rights and dibs on the first printing of signs, stickers, and t-shirts! Send in your ideas!
Office of the Bishop Eucharist, Wednesday, November 8
Our monthly Eucharist will be held at the Lutheran Center on Wednesday, November 8 at 11:30 a.m.

All are invited to join in this 30 minute worship.
Financial Health - Congregational Certification
Our friends in the churchwide office are sharing in the work we are doing in Educate, Equip, Enact. They have put together an online training for church treasurers, bookkeepers and other financial leaders, focusing on five areas: Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Risk Management and Stewardship. The goal of the training is to create and reinforce healthy financial practices. We are a pilot synod for this resource, and your feedback to the training will help to improve it for others. Download the Congregational Certificate Resource Booklet, and check out their website at resourcefulservants.org.
New Online/Text/Automated Giving Platform
The ELCA is launching a partnership with Tithe.ly --- the online giving platform we use in the RMS. This new partnership means a reduced processing fee, and some additional custom features- as well as LOTS of support, which is great if you haven't engaged online giving yet! Tithe.ly & our Churchwide office are looking for 10-15 ministries from the RMS to help pilot this- contact Deacon Erin Power if you would be interested!
Church Giving: Mobile App, Online & Text Giving for...

Looking to accept online donations for church? Tithe.ly is a free church giving app for all your mobile giving & online giving needs. ✓ Click to try today!

Read more
get.tithe.ly
AMMPARO Guardian Angel Program needs only FIVE more volunteers!

We are looking for FIVE more volunteers  to be part of the  Guardian Angel Program in Denver  . We are looking for volunteers who are willing to support 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 though 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.
For Your Bulletin
Heartfelt Gratitude from the Texas-Louisiana Synod
Wow, wow, wow! You were so very generous. We are deeply thankful for your help. Thank for your prayers too. I believe it has really helped us to keep positive.
 
I can't believe you would invest in me.
 
Thank you for the Harvey help! Thank you so much for supporting us during this weird time! It is so wonderful to know that we have people like you watching our backs. It is a caring community that makes the difference between a difficult time and a disaster.

Thank you so much for this gift. I feel guilty accepting it because I know there is massive need out there. I am grateful for the help-it is indeed healing-and I am grateful that I can share some of it with a family I know that is hurting. 
 
The TX-LA Synod has made the decision that taking care of our leaders is our number one job. To date, we have received about $250,000 from people across the country who want to support our recovery. Read more...
(An article for your digital bulletins)

WATCH THIS
‘ELCA World Hunger: Kanchan's Story’
Nutrition and health care in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Prayer for All Saints Day

Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
RMS Prayer Cycle

NOVEMBER 2017

Week of November 5 -

ON LEAVE FROM CALL

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
Brenda Fleagle
Gail Britt
Kevin Maly
Jan Erickson-Pearson
Paul Joncas
Tom Shelly
Asher O'Callagan
Carmen Miranda
DanaLee Simon
Geri Cunningham
Jonathan Hundt
Kari Bahe
Nathan Blom
Penni Walsh
Megan Aelabouni

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, November 5
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day
O God, generous and supreme, your loving Son lived among us, instructing us in the ways of humility and justice. Continue to ease our burdens, and lead us to serve alongside of him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Global Church Prayer
God of the down-trodden, you teach us that your ways are to be found outside the ways of glory and outside the seats of honor. Send your Spirit to remind us of your call to humility that leads to justice. Lift up all who are abused and oppressed. Strengthen all who serve you as makers of justice in this world, through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Around the Synod
Augustana Arts' presents Dr. Adam Pajan, Organist
Friday, November 3 at 7:30 p.m.

The Organ concert, "The Romantic Muse" features works dating from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Highlights include Percy Whitlock (1903-1946) Fantasie Choral No. 2 in F-sharp Minor; Edward Shippen Barnes (1887-1958) Seven Sketches; Joseph Jongen (1873-1953) Sonata Eroïca, Op. 94; And more….
Dr. Pajan will present a workshop entitled, "Orchestral Transcriptions for the Organ - Accompanying using two movements of the Brahms Requiem" on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m.

Dr. Adam Mark Pajan serves as faculty of the American Organ Institute at the University of Oklahoma and is first prize recipient in the prestigious Schweitzer, Poister, and Mader competitions as well as named one of The Diapason’s “20 Under 30” of 2016. Adam is teacher of Alex Armstrong, the Denver Rocky Mountain Chapter Quimby winner of the Dallas Southwest Regional competition.

Global Gift Fair at Atonement Lutheran
Sat. Nov. 4 & Sun. Nov. 5, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Atonement Lutheran Church, at 6281 W Yale Ave in Lakewood will is holding their annual Global Gift Fair in their Fellowship Hall! Come and buy your holiday gifts from around the world....and Denver. Any questions, you can email them here.
Fair Trade Fair November 4 & 5 benefits “Growing Home” at the RMS Lutheran Center
The 12th Annual Cross of Christ Fair Trade Fair takes place in Broomfield (12099 Lowell Boulevard) on November 4 & 5. Start or complete your Christmas shopping with a large selection of fair trade and humanitarian products. They will also feature items made by local artisans, baked goods, and a coffee bar. Proceeds support Growing Home, the partner ministry at the RMS Lutheran Center. Funds are designated for a new fire alarm system to keep families safe in the transitional housing program (called “Canopy”). The basement is a short term site for homeless families. Please come and support Growing Home!
Thanks Living Festival at Holy Cross
Sunday, November 12th from Noon to 2:00 p.m.

Celebrate the blessings you have received throughout this year and shop at the Thanks Living Festival. As you prepare for Christmas giving, consider purchasing gifts that keep giving throughout the year by supporting ministries that give to those in need AND give a gift to someone on your Christmas list. Ministries participating are Project Angel Heart which provides meals for terminally ill individuals in the Denver area, Fair Trade Coffee supporting Lutheran World Relief, Gathering Place - providing a safe place for homeless women and children, Family Promise that supports homeless families, and ELCA Good Gifts supporting World Hunger and Disaster Response. Donations of food and toys will be accepted for Jeffco Action Center Santa Shop and Lutheran Family Services refugee program. Music and food will be provided. Come join us!
Annual Veteran's Appreciation Dinner and Concert
Saturday, November 4 - 5:30 p.m. Dinner ; 7:30 p.m. Concert
The Veteran's Ministry of Bethany Lutheran Church will host an Italian dinner catered by Romano’s from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The suggested cost of the dinner is $10, with Veterans and children 12 and under free. To RSVP for the dinner, please contact Janet Mortinsen at janet@bethany-denver.org or call 303-300-3317. Dakota Blonde will entertain us with a concert at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. There will be a freewill offering during the concert.
Augustana Arts' Stratus Chamber Orchestra Concert
presents Daydreams & Nightmares 
Friday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m.

On the night of the New Moon, Stratus will spirit you away with dreamy works. Artist, Johanna Bloom, also joins the Orchestra to create fantastical art on the spot and during the concert. Concert highlights include Gounod's, Funeral March of a Marionette and Saint-Saens', Danse Macabre.

Celebrating 20 years, the highly esteemed Stratus Chamber Orchestra brings an exceptional live concert experience to audiences, young and old. Join us! 

Tickets are $25 adults/$10 children. Use Code RMS25 for a discount on tickets at www.AugustanaArts.org, Tickets also available by phone 303-388-4962, or at the door.
Journey Into Faith: Welcoming New Members and Renewing Your Faith Community
Friday, January 19, 6:00 p.m. to Sunday, January 21, 12:00 noon
How do you welcome seekers to your congregation and encourage long-time members in their journey of faithful discipleship?   In the early Church, disciples of Jesus were formed in the Christian Way through an intensive apprenticeship in faith. Through scripture study, common worship and acts of charity and mercy, inquirers where introduced into a way of living that demonstrated the marks of a Christian.

Today, many of the people who come to our churches have little or no idea of what it means to live as a Christian. This weekend will introduce you to a process of incorporating new people into your parish while also renewing those who help to guide them, a process that helps people to give meaning to their own lives and form authentic community with others.

Who should attend? Clergy and 3 or more members of the congregation.

This event is sponsored by the Front Range Region of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Synod and Journey to Baptismal Living . More details and registration are available at Journey Into Faith.
St. Paul's Women's Ministry Team presents GIFTS OF THE WORLD BAZAAR
Saturday, November 4 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Come join us for a fair-trade fair. Many and varied products from all over the world. Spread peace and justice provide opportunity, send children to school, and empower women through your purchases. Sample soups and salsas from the Women's Bean Project as well as fairly traded coffee and tea. Be sure to bring your gift list as the products you find will be unique and each gift purchased will 'give twice.'  Many and varied products will be available such as jewelry, chocolate, bath and body products, home décor, Christmas, and much more!

Flyer here, for more information, contact Regina 214-9344
Our Life Together
Soul Shop for Youth Leaders
Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Abiding Hope Church will be hosting a workshop, Soul Shop for Youth Leaders ( flyer), a one-day training to equip pastors, youth pastors, teachers, educators, youth leaders, servants who walk alongside youth (like confirmation guides) and quite frankly any adult who cares deeply about young people, to minister to youth impacted by suicidal desperation. Special attention will focus on youth specific issues of impulsivity and contagion. The training includes the creation of resources, training congregation and community members in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, and the invitation to those who have been suicidal in the past to share their stories.

We would love to have as many of you be a part of this as possible. You can follow the link below to find a little more information and to register for this life saving event! We invite you to share this information with and invite every one you know who has a heart for youth! Join us for this life saving event!
RTLC Senior High Retreat
Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 19
Join us at Rainbow Trail for Adventure Crossing – Where God’s Story Intersects Our Story, a weekend in the wilderness filled with fun camp activities, a thought provoking study, enthusiastic RTLC staff, delicious home-made meals, and serenity that only the mountains can offer. Along with the Rainbow Trail staff, this weekend will be led by the Director of Mission, Youth, and Family Ministries at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Scott Moore. We all have a piece of God that is unique to only us. Our individual stories are unlike anyone else’s, however they are interwoven in the stories of everyone we meet. The question we must ask ourselves is, “How does my story intersect God’s story”?
Sky Ranch Advent Retreat
Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 3
Sky Ranch new logo
Join us at camp for a wintry weekend for the whole family! Enjoy fellowship, devotions, worship, and activities for people of all ages as you take some time to prepare for Advent. All are welcome for this fun and intentional retreat at Sky Ranch!

Cost: $80 per adults, $50 per child, maximum of $250 per family. More info here, or contact Ally@SkyRanchColorado.org with questions or to register.
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Living Lutheran Bulletin Insert
This month's Living Lutheran Magazine features an insert with RMS news and stories!

Share as a bulletin insert or newsletter!
Join the RMS Facebook Communicator's Group
We invite all of our congregations' administrators, website managers, newsletter editors, etc.to join the Rocky Mountain Synod Communicators Group on Facebook. Go here to join!
Classifieds
Church Items for Free or Almost Free
For more info or pictures call 303-355-4471 or send email to

  • 24 Gaspard choir robes (royal blue) in very good condition – various sizes, FREE to a good home
  • Three tables for bell choir – 3 x 6 feet. They are sturdy but could use new foam and felt covers, FREE
  • Two 12 foot artificial Christmas trees for your sanctuary. For sale at $350 each 
  • Altar railings, beautiful oak, golden color. FREE to a church home or $100 per section (4 total) for repurposing
Employment Opportunities
All Non-Rostered Positions 
Facilities Manager (part-time)
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Wheat Ridge, CO

Contemporary Worship Coordinator
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO

Minister of Music
Epiphany Lutheran Church - Denver, CO

Administrative Assistant (full-time)
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO

Church Administrator (part-time)
Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church - Dillon, CO

Music and Worship Director
Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church - Fort Collins, CO

Youth Ministry Coordinator (part-time)
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church - Denver, CO

Administrative Assistant
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church - Denver, CO

Nursery Ministry Coordinator (part-time)
Lutheran Church of Hope - Broomfield, CO

Director of Youth and Family Ministries (part-time)
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Wheat Ridge, CO

Wartburg West Academic and Program Director
Titled Faculty Position based in Denver Colorado
Employed by Wartburg College, Waverly, IA
Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • Synod Council Meeting and Border Immersion, El Paso, TX
  • Mount Hope, El Paso, TX
  • In-office appointments

Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Synod Council Meeting
  • First, Longmont, CO
  • Lutheran Center Administration

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
  • Fairness Coalition
  • Synod Council
  • Invest in Kids Now

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
  • Synod Council Meeting and Border Immersion, El Paso, TX
  • In-office appointments
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • Christ the King, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Synod Council Immersion, El Paso, TX
  • Mt. Hope, El Paso, TX
  • New Hope, El Paso, TX
  • Rejoice, Erie CO, Visioning Team
  • Administrative Work RMS Mission Sites

Deacon Erin Power
  • Synod Council Meeting and Border Immersion, El Paso, TX
  • Peace, El Paso, TX
  • First Call Theological Education, California Lutheran University

Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Synod Council Meeting and Border Immersion, El Paso, TX
  • Peace, El Paso, TX
  • First Call Theological Education, California Lutheran University

Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Synod Council Meeting and Border Immersion, El Paso, TX
  • St. Timothy, El Paso, TX
Quick Links
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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.