A Reconciling in Christ synod
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From Bishop Gonia: Addressing Violence, as Communities of Faith
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But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Many of us will hear these words of the prophet Amos in worship this Sunday, a timely prayer as we mourn yet another senseless act of violence. Last Sunday, 26 innocent lives were lost as unsuspecting parishioners were gunned down during worship at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. As Christ’s Church, we gather to mourn and to pray. As Christ’s Church, we ask why and recognize there are no easy answers...
In the face of violence and rumors of violence that continue to spread,
what are we as Christ’s Church called to do?
Certainly, we gather to pray for all impacted by acts of violence even as we pray for the perpetrators themselves.
But there must be more.
If we are to let justice role down like waters we must grapple with the deeper issues related to our culture of violence. As a first step, I am asking every Rocky Mountain Synod community of faith to read and discuss our
ELCA Social Statement on Peace
and our
Social Message on Community Violence
. As we study, let us confess and acknowledge the ways we are complicit in allowing violence to be perpetrated in our midst. I then encourage you to explore concrete action steps that can be taken – individually and collectively – to serve as Christ’s agents of peace and reconciliation in your local community, in our nation and in our world.
As Christ’s Church, Better Together we can and must address the reality of violence in our midst. Indeed, the Holy Spirit calls and equips us for nothing less.
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eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
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Ft. Collins Churches to Share Facility
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Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Mary of Magdala Ecumenical Catholic Community announce an agreement for St. Paul’s and Mary of Magdala to share Trinity’s facility. The first day of shared space was Sunday, October 29th and was celebrated with a joint worship service at 10:00 a.m. followed by a fellowship event and meal.
The Rev. Lyn Burns, Interim Rector of St. Paul’s, says “All three faith communities were aware of the need to consider new models of “doing church” in the 21st century. So, it is with much joy that we enter this new phase of our journey with our ecumenical brothers and sisters in Christ. We anticipate our engagement to be rich and dynamic and are deeply grateful to the many thoughtful and loving people who have facilitated this truly historic venture.”
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2018 RMS Youth Gathering -- "Wait, What?!"!
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This coming January 13-15, 2018 the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod is hosting a Youth Gathering for 6th-12th graders!
"Wait, What?!" is centered on Galatians 3:26-28 and is an invitation to come, join us and get ready to dive into God's story, your stories and what it means for the world to be Christians in this time and place. "We are One in Christ" (
Galatians 3:26-28) #WAITWHAT?#GETWOKE
For more information, visit the RMS website,
here!
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New Global Service opportunities – apply today!
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Ever thought about serving abroad? ELCA global personnel are invited by companion churches or related organizations in over 40 countries to serve as teachers, health care professionals, pastors and more in assignments that range from a few months to several years. Check out these ELCA Global Service positions open in 2018 and
apply online! If you don't see a good match or a strong possibility now, check back later — and prepare to embark on an exciting, faith-deepening journey.
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What should ELCA Advocacy's next sign be?
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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!
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Office of the Bishop Eucharist, Wednesday, November 8
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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.
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Is Student Loan Debt Weighing You Down?
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Do you have federal student loan debt that is distracting you from ministry? One of the advocates with Educate, Equip, Enact, has expertise in the area of federal student loans, and has been instrumental in guiding colleagues to reduced payments. If you would like help looking at your student loans, contact Janice Kibler at
jkibler@rmselca.org, and you will be directed to the expertise you need.
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New Online/Text/Automated Giving Platform
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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!
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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
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RMS Prayer Cycle - November 2107
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Week of November 5 -
ON LEAVE FROM CALL
(corrected list)
Paul Anderson
Mary Black
Karen Gibson
Tina Yankee
Justin Nickel
Doug Kings
Emily Ewing
Carmen Miranda
DanaLee Simon
Geri Cunningham
Jonathan Hundt
Kari Bahe
Nathan Blom
Megan Aelabouni
Woody Carlson
Richard Mohr-Kelly
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Week of November 12 -
ADVOCACY, GRIEF AND PRISON MINISTRIES
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Colorado
Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico
Ruth Hoffman
New Beginnings Church (Prison Ministry)
Terry Schjang
HeartLight Center / Horan & McConaty Mortuary (Grief Ministry)
Jennifer McBride
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Clever Bridesmaids
He, Qi 2001
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.
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Sunday, November 12
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
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Prayer of the Day
O God of justice and love, you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, and awaken us to the needs of others, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Global Church Prayer
Lord of the foolish and the wise, you ask us to be alert for your coming. Grant us the strength to keep awake until your coming. Lift up all who are tired, especially all who suffer under violence, including those served by Lutheran missionaries, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Thanks Living Festival at Holy Cross
Sunday, November 12th from Noon to 2:00 p.m.
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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.
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Augustana Arts' Stratus Chamber Orchestra Concert
presents
Daydreams & Nightmares
Friday, November
17 at 7:30 p.m.
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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.
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.
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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
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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. 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.
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RTLC Senior High Retreat
Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 19
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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”?
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Sky Ranch Advent Retreat
Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 3
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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.
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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Living Lutheran Bulletin Insert
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This month's
Living Lutheran Magazine features an
insert
with RMS news and stories! Share as a bulletin insert (
print) or newsletter (
web)!
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Join the RMS Facebook Communicator's Group
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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!
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Church Items for Free (or Almost Free)
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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
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All Non-Rostered Positions
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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
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
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Gonia
- In-office appointments
- Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Conference, Breckenridge, CO
- Nativity, Commerce City, CO
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Lutheran Center Administration
- Leadership Support
Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
- Interim Legislative Committee meetings
- St. Paul Lutheran, Albuquerque, NM
Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
- Federal Tax Background Briefing
- LAM-CO Policy Committee
- Together Colorado
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Pastor Judith VanOsdol
- Latino Worshiping Community West Denver
- Churchwide Area Ministry Strategy Learning/ Gathering retreat, Denver
- Faith Based Community Organizing Training, Chicago, IL
- Administrative work for mission sites
Deacon Erin Power
- First Call Theological Education, California Lutheran University
- ELCA Hunger Ambassador Retreat
- St. Phillip, Littleton, CO
- Synod Assembly Planning
Pastor Sarah Moening
- First Call Theological Education, California Lutheran University
- UNM Campus Ministry Board
- CDI, Albuquerque, NM
- Continuing Ed
Pastor Leslie Welton
- Faith Formation Network
- UNM Campus Ministry Board
- CSU Campus Ministry 50th Anniversary
- Rainbow Trail Board Meeting
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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.
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