A Reconciling in Christ synod

God, Our Safety and Strength, hear our prayers this day for all suffering the destruction from Tropical Storm Harvey. Come to the aid of all experiencing devastating flooding and give skill and courage to emergency responders. Ease the rainfall that continues to threaten and direct those coordinating rescue and relief efforts. Stir up abundant support from those who watch the rising waters from afar. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who walked amid the storm and the Spirit who never leaves or forsakes us. Amen.

Lutheran Disaster Response Alert - Hurricane Harvey Relief Hurricane Harvey, one of the most powerful storms to hit the United States made landfall recently, threatening millions in Texas and Louisiana with heavy rain, wind and rising tides. We have an opportunity to accompany our neighbors during and after this disaster, in Jesus Christ’s name. Your gifts are needed now to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Your support through Lutheran Disaster Response will bring hope and healing to those who have been or will be affected by this hurricane. Lutheran Disaster Response is already collaborating with our affiliates to initiate recovery efforts. While the storm is not over, you can help now.  Gifts  designated for “Hurricane Response – United States” will be used in full until the response is complete to help disaster survivors recover and rebuild. Stay connected to the latest events and our response to this and other disasters through our  Facebook page. Join in prayer and partnership, and use this  bulletin insert in your congregation to help spread the word. You can find additional  resources for worship here. Also, see news from the Texas-Gulf Coast Synod , and connect with their Bishop Rinenhart for updates and information.

An ELCA Social Statement "Freed In Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture" The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America stands against all forms of hatred and discrimination. The church believes that cultural, ethnic and racial differences should be seen and celebrated as what God intends them to be—blessings rather than means of oppression and discrimination. The ELCA’s social statement “Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity and Culture” states: “Racism—a mix of power, privilege, and prejudice—is sin, a violation of God’s intention for humanity. The resulting racial, ethnic, or cultural barriers deny the truth that all people are God’s creatures and, therefore, persons of dignity. Racism fractures and fragments both church and society.” Read  the full social statement, and its study guide .

ELCA on Gender Identity Discrimination In light of recent public events and conversation, it is important to remember the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) rejects all forms of hatred or discrimination. This includes employment discrimination against the transgender community, as stated in “ Gender Identity Discrimination,” a policy resolution that was adopted by the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.   “As church together, it’s now more important than ever for us not only to pray, but also stand beside all who are facing many forms of prejudice,” stated Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. “Transgender individuals should not be denied the opportunity to participate in our armed forces. We should honor the courage and sacrifice of all members of our military regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation and join those who serve in upholding the respect and dignity of each person.”   The ELCA has repeatedly spoken against discrimination in law or policy related to sexual orientation or gender identity. The policy resolution, adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 2013 – the highest legislative body of the church – instructed the presiding bishop to communicate public support for actions that prohibit “employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity” and encouraged all ELCA synods, congregations and members to do the same. Additionally, as a church, we have committed our support to those whose vocation is in the military (“ For Peace in God’s World,” 1995).   The ELCA is a church that belongs to Christ and Christ’s church universal, where there is a place for everyone. The call of Christ’s people today is to celebrate the diversity of God’s creative work and embrace all people in the spirit of love, regardless of race or ethnicity, economic status or gender.

RMS-ELCA News and Events

Office of the Bishop Eucharist, Wednesday, September 13 Our monthly Eucharist will be held at the Lutheran Center on Wednesday, September 13 at 11:30 a.m. All are invited to join in this 30 minute worship.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - Stand Together in Support of Migrants and Refugees The August 14 webinar,  Stand Together in Support of Migrants and Refugees, pushed for pro-refugee and migrant action during the current Congressional recess period and had more than 300 LIRS network members participating. (The presentation is here   and  the full webinar recording is here .) Urgent action is needed during this Congressional recess period to lift up the voices of immigrants, refugees, the faith community, and people of good conscience in support of refugee resettlement and compassionate policies towards immigrants. Join your efforts with others in your community to organize delegation visits with legislators, call elected leaders, and vocalize your support for the United States’ continued leadership in protecting refugees and those in need of protection during the week of  August 28 through September 1 . Time is of the essence and grassroots action works best when joined with others. While you are mobilizing nationally, we have identified 10 states: AZ, FL, GA, MI, SC, NC, TX, TN, OH, MN, where we will be pushing especially hard to make these activities happen. To this end, here are resources including the RCUSA August 2017 Recess Toolkit . Also  here is the google doc template  to help you self-organize on the ground. A resource for locating scheduled town-hall meetings in your area is here . We are here to help. Please let us know about activities being planned in your communities and do not hesitate to contact us at  DC@LIRS.org  for any support needed for your grassroots efforts. Thank you for lending your support for our shared ministry welcoming migrants and refugees and caring for their needs.

Join Bishop Eaton in signing this petition to preserve DACA The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program , which protects nearly 800,000 young people from deportation and provides them work authorization, is under immediate and existential attack. Ten attorneys general are threatening to sue President Trump if he doesn’t end DACA by September 5.   Our Lutheran Advocacy Office Washington DC urges all local and national faith leaders, congregations, and faith-based organizations to sign on by filling out this form before August 28.   State-by-state fact sheets about DACA are at this link . Also, last week, 20 state attorneys general sent a  letter  calling on President Trump to maintain DACA and touting its  successful  track record.

Help for Planning a Reformation Hymn Festival Many congregations and conferences throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod are planning Reformation 500 observances in late October. Kent Mueller, assistant to the bishop, has created a draft resource ( here) for planning a "Reformation Hymn Festival: Then, Now, & Always." Missing pieces will be provided later. Bishop Gonia will be preparing three brief homilies for your use.  You are free to use this material as is, or simply as a guideline and be creative from there. Consider including children, youth, and adults as readers, and integrate choirs and other musicians. You may substitute parts or find choir arrangements, such as “Now Thank we All Our God” and “The Church’s One Foundation.” Hymns could be presented in creative ways, with soloists, choirs, and instrumentalists. Verses can be designated for "all" and "higher voices" and "lower voices." Make this your own production!

The Faster Pastors are at it Again! Flaming Foliage Relay Race, September 8-9 For the sixth year, 10 ministry colleagues and friends from across the Rocky Mountain Synod are running 165 miles in the Flaming Foliage Relay Race! Each year, the team runs a long relay race to raise ministry dollars and awareness for an ELCA global mission. This year, the Faster Pastors’ fundraising efforts are for the Lutheran Church in South Sudan.  Check out this link  to learn more about the powerful witness to the gospel happening at the Lutheran Center in Juba, South Sudan.  The race they run is symbolic of how, alone, one person wouldn’t be able to run 165+ miles. Instead, they run the race together, sharing the miles. Likewise, our collective efforts as congregations, synods, and global partners are able to provide ministries to places in need of Christ’s reconciliation and hope around the world.  Join the Faster Pastors to support ministry for the long-term efforts of bringing Christ’s healing and hope to the people recovering from civil war in South Sudan. You can send a donation to any of the congregations that one of the teammates serves ( document attached ). Make your check payable to the congregation, earmarked: South Sudan/Faster Pastors .

For Your Bulletin

September RMS Connection Newsletter The September 2017 Connection Newsletter is now available. This edition highlights ministry focused on equipping young leaders, great stories to tell as fall faith formation programming begins!

Rocky Mountain Synod Prayer Partners The second round of prayer partners was launched at the 2017 Synod Assembly. View the updated Prayer Partners List here to connect with your ministry's prayer partner. We encourage you to pray for them each week in worship and to find ways to connect with them throughout the year: pulpit swap, joint Advent services, service or fellowship events. We pray for one another as Christ's Church, Better Together!

Installations Phoebe and the 2017 Full Eclipse (B.Hass)

RMS Prayer Cycle SEPTEMBER 2017 METRO SOUTH CONFERENCE Week of September 3 Abiding Hope  - Littleton, CO Doug Hill Laura Bostrom  ALMC/Cristo Rey  - Denver, CO Quirino Cornejo (ECUSA) Atonement  - Lakewood, CO Kristi Beebe  Bethany  - Cherry Hills Village, CO Gary Sandberg Brigette Weier Russ Britton

Monthly Prayer Cycle

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 3 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Prayer of the Day O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world. Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Global Church Prayer Incarnate Christ, you remind us, in your own journey to Jerusalem and the cross, of the paths that we are called to take in our lives. As you revealed, through your own suffering on the cross, the dignity of all whom the world causes to suffer, support all who seek to alleviate suffering in this world. Thanks be to you for all ministries of this church that seek to support our neighbors in the world as they work to create sustainable and satisfying lives, through your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen. Download 2017 Global Church Prayer Minutes

Around the Synod

Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends Seminar Begins Thursday, September 14,2017 at 6:30 p.m. This 10-week seminar will run from September 14 through November 16. It will provide education and support for those experiencing divorce or the ending of a love relationship. Classes will meet each week from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at: St. Andrew United Methodist Church 9203 S University Blvd Highlands Ranch, CO Complimentary childcare is available. An informational flyer is here . To register , or for additional information please contact Beth Walker by email , visit her website , or call her at 720-352-9915.

LCHope Welcomes You to our Annual Oktobeerfest Friday, September 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, September 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 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, 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 !

Mentor a Student Training Workshop Monday, September 11 - 6:00 p.m. St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, Boulder, CO Have you ever thought about becoming a mentor? Or if you’ve been a mentor, would you like to brush up your mentoring skills? Come to the mentor training workshop we will be hosting at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church ( 2425 Colorado Ave, Boulder CO ) All are welcome! You could have the opportunity to mentor a real live college student in our Vocational Discernment program, El Camino! RSVP to Megan Sawyer if you want to attend.

Ecumenical Vespers for the Preservation of Creation Wednesday, September 27 - 7:00 p.m. Regis University Chapel 3333 Regis Blvd., Denver, CO This service, based on the Eastern Christian service of Evening Prayer, will also draw on the liturgical traditions of Western Christians in a common act of praise and adoration as we intercede for the preservation of the creation given to us by God. Come join with a variety of Christians and other people of good will as we ask God for the wisdom and courage to fight for this earth and ecological justice! You may contact Intern Nicole Garcia at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (720-936-9873 or via email) if you have questions or want to join the Vesper Choir.

Project Homeless Connect 2017 Working with Denver's Road Home, Project Homeless Connect is a free resource fair for homeless and at-risk individuals and families. During this one day event clients are able to access an array of services ranging from ID services, housing services, resume workshops, clothing banks, vision check and healthcare to veterans services, childcare, petcare and much more. We expect to see 1,000 clients at this years event and need nearly as many volunteers to make the day a success. Please join us on September 19th as we help our most vulnerable population access the resources they need to become self-sufficient for themselves and their families. Volunteer registration for Project Homeless Connect 2017 is now open! For more information and to register click  here . The volunteer recruitment flyer is here .

Contemplative Outreach Mini-Retreat Day:  Protestant Mysticism Saturday, October 14, 2017, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  Center for Contemplative Living 3650 Yates Street, Denver, CO Join us for this day of prayer, silence and spiritual enrichment. Stephen Hatch, author of The Contemplative John Muir, will share his wisdom on the topic of " Protestant Mysticism", including the mystical side of Martin Luther and the spiritual theology of Lutheran mystic Jacob Boehme. Stephen has trained with Father Thomas Keating in Centering Prayer, has taught at the Center for Contemplative Living, and is an adjunct professor at Naropa University in Boulder.  There will be instruction for those who are not acquainted with Centering Prayer, which is 20 min. of meditative prayer which we will do as a group. A continental breakfast, beverages, and a light lunch will be served. Cost is $60 (includes lunch.) Payment must accompany registration, which may be done online with your credit card here, or through mail with a check sent to Contemplative Outreach of Colorado at the above address. Include: Your name, address, phone, & e-mail with the registration and indicate if you need a gluten free lunch. Register early, space is limited to 150 participants. The program and registration info, and a printable registration form are all available here. For questions or assistance call 303 698-7729.

You're Invited! Come Together and Celebrate 40+ Years of God's Love Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. Holy Cross Lutheran Church 6901 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM Please join us at Holy Cross Lutheran for a service to celebrate 40+ years of serving God and the Albuquerque community. There will be special music provided by the Chancel Choir and Bishop Jim Gonia will preach. After the service you will have the chance to join current and former members in remembering the history and the ministries of Holy Cross as we move forward in our continuing mission. Additionally, we will be hosting "Lunch with Law Enforcement" with police officers from the local district substation. For questions or more information, email to worship@holycrossabq.org.

Understanding the Muslim Faith Saturday, September 16, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Wyoming Medical Center Conference Room 1233 E. 2nd St. Casper WY Understanding the Muslim Faith is a discussion hosted by the Wyoming Association of Churches and Think Wyoming. Presenters are Dr. Mohamed Salih, a Muslim who is active in the Cheyenne Community and Dr. Brad Tyndall, who is president of Central Wyoming College and has worked in several Muslim countries. More information and a registration link are  available here, or call Pastor Goodwin at 307-674-6795.

Our Life Together

RMSWO Views From the Rockies, August 2017 The latest issue of the Views from the Rockies is here. It includes registration, hotel, and program information about the Fall Gathering , which will be October 5-8 at Bethel Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO . Early bird registration ends September 5. Register as soon as possible! Come meet Women of Faith: Past and Present.

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 Trip.  If 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

Is a Building Project on your horizon? Is your congregation considering a building project? Consider working with the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) , the ELCA’s lending ministry.  MIF loans finance a variety of capital projects—from new construction to additions and renovations, as well as land and building purchases and refinancing existing debt. And the Mission Investment Fund offers expertise in church building and capital campaign consulting.  For information on MIF ministry loans and investment opportunities visit their website , contact MIF Customer Service at 877-886-3522, or contact your MIF Regional Manager Dan Carlson, at 773-682-2943 and by email.

Subscribe to ELCA Newsletters You can subscribe to many ELCA newsletters in one place. Keep up-to-date with the ministries that mean the most to you, or share with a friend and encourage them to subscribe. Sign up for news about the global church, Lutheran Disaster Response, stewardship and ELCA World Hunger. Subscribe now!

Is your Church Website effective? You've probably visited congregation websites to check their worship schedule or to get an email address. It may surprise you how often such essential information is hidden or missing. Please do this simple  website review : Is your worship schedule on the home page and easy to see? Is the staff list easy to find with photos and emails? Is your address on the home page with a map or map link to your location? Are photos included that show the outside and inside of your church, with lively people present? Is the design of the website cluttered and outdated? Does the website clearly proclaim your mission? Are you clearly identified as a congregation of the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America? Do you include links on the home page to rmselca.org and elca.org? Is your "branding" consistent with the ELCA, so that you clearly are linked to the larger church? Information is here, including files for you to make your own official "brandmark" with the globe and ELCA wording. Click on "Templates" and you'll find formats for business cards, letterhead, and more! Is everything up to date? Or do you still feature the Christmas schedule for 2016? All to say,  websites matter!  For many, your website is the first impression of your congregation. Make it a positive one!

The Ministry of Money Matters - Wednesday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m. Educate, Equip, Enact is pleased to announce a workshop for rostered ministers and church councils on " The Ministry of Money Matters" in the congregation. Bonnie Johnson from California Lutheran University will lead two workshops at the Lutheran Center , and also available via webex-- Stewardship: Why Numbers Matter (10:30-noon) and Church Financials - Accounting 101, Understanding the Technical Side of the Process (1-2:30). Registration is required ( go here) so that a chair is ready for you. Lunch is provided for those at the Lutheran Center. Treasurers, financial secretaries, bookkeepers, presidents, rostered ministers - there will be something for all. Come and learn!

Congregations in Transition

Employment Opportunities

New Listings

Faith Formation Administrative Assistant/Evangelism Coordinator Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO Bethany Lutheran Church is looking for a full-time Administrative Assistant to support our Faith Formation Program. This position will also include responsibilities as the Evangelism/Outreach Coordinator. Position Description can be found at Bethany's website, and here. If you need more information, please send email to Pastor Brigette Weier.

All Non-Rostered Positions

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 Accompanist/Music Director (part-time) Highlands Lutheran Church - Denver, CO Preschool Director Our Saviour's Lutheran Church - Casper, WY Director (or Associate Pastor) of Children's & Family Ministries Kaw Prairie Community Church (ELCA-PCUSA), Lenexa, KS  Preschool Director/Teacher Grace Lutheran Church - Casper, WY Director of Youth and Household Ministry Trinity Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO Director of Worship and Music Mount Calvary Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO  Contextual Education Coordinator Iliff School of Theology - Denver, CO Office Administrator (part-time) Holy Love Lutheran Church - Aurora, CO

Employment Details

Office of the Bishop This Week

Bishop Gonia Vacation Pastor Kent Mueller Lutheran Center Administration Candidacy Conversations Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Church Women United Organizational planning Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO In-office appointments

Pastor Judith VanOsdol Churchwide Congregational Development Training Conference Meetings with RMS Developers and Redevelopers Christ the King, Denver, CO Better Together Relationship Team meeting Generous Congregations Stewardship conversation Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Denver, CO Deacon Erin Power Theological Conference Planning RMS Communications Lord of the Mountains, Dillon, CO Pastor Sarah Moening In-office appointments Congregation Transition

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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.