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A Reconciling in Christ synod
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Lutheran and Catholic leaders present for the Lutheran-Catholic Common Prayer Service led by Bishop Gonia and Archbishop Aquilla on Sunday at Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, CO
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What is your Dear Church Story?
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Recently, Deacon Erin Power, Assistant to the Bishop for Synodical Life, preached a sermon for our RMS Conference Deans entitled
Dear Church. In her message, she shares of her experiences of grace, hospitality, and love in our church:
Dear Church,
I was 19 when I arrived for my first summer at one of your camps. Knowing not a soul, I drove in wondering what the heck I really got myself into. I was greeted by enthusiastic peers welcoming me, and who, even after we got to know one another, accepted me fully.
It was in these first weeks of camp I experienced radical hospitality for the first time. I was welcomed with no conditions, I was encouraged to try new things and supported through my successes and epic failures. Dear church, you are one of the only places someone is welcome, where someone belongs, simply by walking through the doors...
From Bishop Gonia: This! More of this!
Dear Church,
On Sunday afternoon I participated in the third Lutheran-Roman Catholic Common Prayer services taking place across the Rocky Mountain Synod, one part of our commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. As Lutherans and Catholics gathered together to acknowledge past sins and celebrate our ongoing journey towards unity, I witnessed the Spirit's Re•Forming work in Christ's Church. Dear Church, as I heard Archbishop Aquilla pray "that we may be one", my heart sang "This! More of this!" This is the witness of unity and love our divided world needs to hear. I pray dear Church that as part of the Spirit's Re•Forming work among us, we may find more opportunities to be transformed through prayer and worship together so that we may fully embody God's love for the sake of the world.
What is your Dear Church story?
The Spirit continues to move among and through our Church, inviting us into continued Re•Formation for the sake of proclaiming the Gospel and being church for the sake of the world today. As part of our on-going Re•Formation, we invite you to listen to the stirring of the Holy Spirit and to share with one another our own stories of re•formation, our stories of grace, our stories of church.
If you were to write a letter to our church, what would you say? What story does our church need to hear? What do we need to be reminded of? What gifts and stories do we need to re-claim?
How would you finish the letter Dear Church...
Email your letter to
Erin Power, snail mail it to the Office of the Bishop, or share on social media,
#DearChurch. With permission, stories will be compiled and shared to create our collective story as this part of Christ's Church in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
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Synod Assembly Registration Deadline!
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Registration deadline for the 2017 Synod Assembly has been extended to
Monday, March 27.
It's not too late!
Exhibitors and partners in ministry, it's not to late to participate in the Assembly Ministry Fair and Ministry Magazine.
Register now!
Ministry Magazine pages should be submitted by April 1!
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Roman Catholic & Lutheran Prayer Services to Mark Reformation 500 Years
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Roman Catholics and Lutherans are joining together in prayer 500 years after Martin Luther’s 95 theses triggered the Reformation in 1517.
Services of Common Prayer are taking place in conjunction with seven Roman Catholic Diocese. Bishop Jim Gonia will be present at all seven locations. The liturgy will highlight the agreements that have been reached through fifty years of dialogue between Catholics and Lutherans on topics such as the Church, Ministry, and the Eucharist.
The Common Prayer is structured around themes of thanksgiving, repentance, and commitment to common witness. The aim is to express the gifts of the Reformation and ask forgiveness for the division perpetuated by Christians from the two traditions.
Sunday, January 29, 2017, 3 p.m. - already took place
St. Luke Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
Sunday, March 12, 2017, 3 p.m.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Colorado Springs, CO
Sunday, March 19, 2017, 3 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Denver, CO
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 3 p.m.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Las Cruces, NM
Saturday, April 22, 2017, 1 p.m.
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
Casper, WY
Sunday, May 21, 2017, 3 p.m.
Pueblo, CO
Sunday, October 8, 2017, 3 p.m.
Salt Lake City, UT
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Rev. Dr. Raymond Pickett named as Rector of PLTS
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From President Chris Kimball:
The Rev. Dr. Raymond Pickett has accepted the position as Rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary of California Lutheran University and will begin his work on June 1.
Dr. Pickett comes from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), where he is a Professor of New Testament. He has recently served as the Chair of the LSTC Faculty Executive Committee, the Chair of the Bible Division, and on the Academic Cabinet. Previously, he taught at the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, where he served as Dean and worked with his colleagues to develop a cross-cultural curriculum that prepared all students for Latino/a ministry in various settings, including learning Spanish. He has taught in the TEEM program and is committed to this model as an effective way to form indigenous leaders.
For the past three years, Ray has chaired the committee that developed LSTC’s Public Church curriculum, which is designed to form leaders for a church that is more engaged in communities and the struggle for justice. With PLTS moving into the heart of Berkeley, his commitment to contextual theological education predicated on a robust connection between the gospel and justice will be an asset.
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Across the Rocky Mountain Synod, congregations and ministries are "
in the neighborhood". Read three stories in the newest
RMS Connection Newsletter and add them to your bulletin and newsletter!
Tell us your story!
How are you and your ministry in the neighborhood? Share your story with
Erin Power. Send an email with pictures, a short iPhone video, or a 1-page description of your ministry. We want to hear from you for our
RMS in the Neighborhood Project.
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Living Lutheran: Called, Gathered and Sent
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In the March issue of Living Lutheran, the cover story, "
Called, gathered and sent,” shares stories and pictures of ELCA missionaries serving around the world. From Bolivia, to Tanzania, to Australia, to the Holy Land, read more about the ways the ELCA is sending missionaries to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.
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Installations
Pastor Kristin Schulz
Saturday, March 25, 2017, 4 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
Color of the Day: Purple
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RMS Prayer Cycle
March 2017
Boulder/Broomfield
Conference
Week of March 26
Rejoice, Erie, CO
Ruby Naruki
Shepherd of the Hills, Boulder, CO
Janet Kettering (interim)
Mount Calvary, Boulder, CO
Sara Wirth
Trinity, Boulder, CO
Mark Twietmeyer
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Prayer of the Day: Sunday, March 26
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Fourth Sunday in Lent
Praise God that there is no sin, illness or difficulty in life that exceeds the ability of Jesus Christ-the one who reveals God's power and works to us-to forgive, heal or resolve.
Global Church Prayer for March 26:
Lamb of God, who blesses all life’s journeys, travel with us through these 40 days. As Christ called his disciples and healed throughout the countryside of Palestine, open our eyes to see our call to witness to your presence in Israel and Palestine today. Guide the work of Young Adults in Global Mission in the Holy Land and strengthen relationships with local Lutheran communities. May the work of all who live in the lands where Jesus walked promote peace and reconciliation, all for your name’s sake. Amen.
Download 2017 Global Church Prayer Minutes
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Interfaith Summit on Homelessness
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Cost: FREE!
We are seeking faith leaders from interfaith congregations across Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties interested in learning sustainable ways for their congregation to address homelessness in their community. Whether you are a pastor, rabbi, imam or are tasked with leading a ministry or missions committee, you play a vital part in leadership toward ending homelessness through access to housing. This summit will feature a panel from community and congregational leaders, interactive breakout sessions from community agencies, time for networking and an action plan to equip you with the tools needed to educate, engage and advocate around homelessness in Metro Denver.
We are pleased to bring this summit to you free of charge, supported by the following partners:
- Metro Denver Homeless Initiative
- Iliff School of Theology
- Interfaith Alliance of Colorado
- Colorado Council of Churches
- Close to Home Campaign
- Family Promise of Greater Denver
REGISTER HERE!
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Friends of Sabeel-Colorado Film & Lecture Series present Bil’in and the Non-Violent Resistance with Iyad Burnat
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Monday, March 27, 7-9 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church
5000 E Alameda at Fairfax St, Denver, CO
Iyad Burnat is a leader of the non-violent resistance against Israel's wall being built on his village's land in Bil'in in the Palestinian West Bank. He leads the Bil'in Popular Committee Against the Annexation Wall and Settlements—to protest Israel's theft of their lands for Israel's settlements and wall. Every Friday in the village, after Friday prayers, people march out to protest this theft of land - local villagers, joined by others from nearby villages as well as Israeli and international visitors supporting their struggle.
Bil'in is known for its creative non-violent demonstrations which were the subject of a film, Five Broken Cameras, made by Iyad's brother Imad.
Come hear Iyad speak about Bil'in's decades-long struggle for justice and freedom through his first-hand experience.
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Seicento Baroque Ensemble Concert
Friday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
The Seicento Baroque Ensemble will perform music of George Frideric Handel, including two major choral works with based on Psalms:
Laudate pueri Dominum,
HWV 237, a setting of
Psalm 113, and
Dixit Dominus,
HWV 232, a setting of
Psalm 110, accompanied by a period instrument orchestra and conducted by Artistic Director Evanne Browne and Music Director Mark Alan Filbert. Visit
www.seicentobaroque.org for more information.
Columbine Chorale Concert
Sunday, March 26, at 4:00 p.m.
The Columbine Chorale, led by Music Director Brian Eichenberger, will present
Sacred Sounds, a program of sacred choral music from the 16th to the 21st centuries. Visit
www.columbinechorale.org for more information.
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Iliff School of Theology to host World Water Day and Water Justice Forum
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Iliff School of Theology
2323 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver
- Wednesday, March 22
11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m
- Thursday, March 23 and Friday, March 24
8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day
Water is life. Protecting water resources in Colorado and worldwide is a must. So is access to clean water and facing the challenges of drought, flooding, pollution, and rising sea levels. Join with others who care March 22-24 to hear outstanding state, national, and international speakers and engage in facilitated group discussion from environmental, food, civic, and religious perspectives. Daily fee: $25, including light lunch and reception; three-day fee, $60. Students: $8 per day.
To register, click
here. For background information and a Forum agenda, see
flyer, go
here or contact Water Forum Coordinator David Carlson at
dcarlson@iliff.edu.
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30th Anniversary Palm Sunday Prayer Walk
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Sunday, April 9, 2017
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
The
Urban Servant Corps community will celebrate the beginning of Holy Week as we walk the neighborhood where Urban Servant Corps volunteers have been present for 30 years! Invite your youth group, co-workers, families and
neighbors to offer prayers for those who are most in need in our community. May this gathering be an act of faithful support for the justice that we seek in our neighborhoods. Thanks to Bishop Gonia for joining us for this event!
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Rich Melheim to speak at The Summit Monday, April 24-26
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Monday, April 24, 11 a.m. through Wednesday, April 26, 10:30 a.m.
The Summit is a retreat for anyone working professionally in ministry with youth, young adults, children, and families. Designed as a time of personal renewal, professional development, continuing education, and networking with other Youth Directors, Pastors, and Christian Educators. It is also free to those in the Rocky Mountain Synod!
Come join us for fellowship, mountain views, and lively conversation as we explore cross-generational ministries and bringing the church into the home. Rich Melheim is sure to be engaging as his speaking style is described as 1/3rd stand-up comedy, 1/6th brain science, 2/9ths systems theory, 1/4 pithy, practical, applicable and directly to the point, 1/12th shouting, 3/16 chaos theory applied to intellectually challenging your audience, and whatever is left over is dedicated to making you laugh, cry and think.More information
here, and
sign up soon, as space is limited!
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St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran, Carlsbad NM, Celebrates Refugee Sunday
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On Sunday, February 26,
St. Peter welcomed guest speaker,
Denis Dhenin JD, LLM. Deputy Assistant Chief Council with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Mr. Dhenin is the head of legal training for U.S. Border Protection at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLET-C) in Artesia NM, and previously worked in immigration defense in Chicago. Mr. Dhenin shared his legal expertise on immigration and refugee issues facing us globally and here in the United States; as well as the obstacles people face in obtaining visas, asylum and citizenship. Other topics also included sanctuary cities and universities, the laws regarding deportation and appeals, and the backlog of cases pending in our court system.
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Simply Giving Opportunity
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SPECIAL OFFER from Vanco Payment Solutions -- the Simply Giving company. Vanco will waive the Start up Fee ($100) and Monthly Fee for twelve months of the Start Plan (total $120) for any and every congregation and mission site to sign up for Vanco services by Friday, March 31, 2017. This applies only to congregations not currently using any Vanco services. This means more than 5,500 ELCA congregations and new starts are eligible for a savings of $220 in the first year. Participating in this offer will enable congregations to take advantage of online and mobile giving by credit or debit card in time for this Easter Week. This will include giving on Apple and Android phones. If interested, contact 800-675-7430. If you have questions, please contact Richard Bauer at 612-759-3904.
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Wednesday, April 26, 2017
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Abiding Hope is hosting an all day workshop called
Soul Shop for Leaders. This is a one-day training to equip faith and community leaders to minister to those impacted by suicidal desperation. This includes the creation of worship resources, training congregation members in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, and the invitation to those who have been suicidal in the past to share their stories. This is the core training which expresses the fundamental tools and key perspectives that Soul Shop is all about. This event is also open to any and everyone, but will have a registration fee of $25. This small cost includes seminar materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will also be available upon request!
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Seeking
Manager of Spiritual Integrated Therapy at Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home
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The Tennyson Center for Children is seeking a Manager of Spiritual Integrated Therapy who will oversee a Chaplain and direct our program of Spiritual Integrated Therapy. We are searching for someone with a MDiv as well as a clinical degree (MSW, MA in Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy.) Detailed position description, requirements, and salary range information are available
here. Please submit resume and cover letter to
employment@tennsyoncenter.org.
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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Rocky Mountain Synod World Hunger News
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Exciting things are happening in ELCA World Hunger right here in the Rocky Mountain Synod! Download the next issue of
Daily Bread and share with your congregation upcoming opportunities:
500 Years on the Move for Hunger
Join the Rocky Mountain Synod’s Hunger Network and get MOVING in 2017 to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. The roots of the poverty and justice ministries of our church come directly from the soil of Martin Luther’s teachings…especially his concern for the need of our neighbors. From February 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018, we are encouraging congregations to try something NEW this year! Some have already embarked on a new ministry. Others are thinking about what might work for them. What can YOU and your congregation or organization do?
Find out more
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Easter Communication Tools
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This Easter, there is a place for everyone to sing, worship, and celebrate Christ's resurrection, and your congregation can extend this invitation of welcome to neighbors and the surrounding community.
Our churchwide office has developed Easter communication tools, such as posters, postcards, door hangers, and social media graphics that can be customized with your congregation's worship times and information.
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Non-Rostered Positions Available
Manager of Spiritual Integrated Therapy
Tennyson Center for Children - Denver, CO
Accompanist (Pianist)
Intercession Episcopal Church - Thornton, CO
Faith Formation Coordinator (full-time)
Zion Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO
Building Resources Coordinator (part-time)
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO
Preschool Director (part-time)
St. Mark Lutheran Church - Aurora, CO
Director of Service and Outreach
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church - Fort Collins, CO
Financial Administrator
Rocky Mountain Synod - Denver, CO
Office Administrator
Atonement Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO
Organist/Pianist (part-time)
St. Philip Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO
Director of Communications
Trinity Lutheran Church - Fort Collins, CO
ELCA Regional Gift Planner
Rocky Mountain Synod
Parish Nurse
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO
Accompanist/Organist
Trinity Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Gonia
- Generosity Team
- Installation, Pastor Kristen Schultz, All Saints, Albuquerque, NM
- Camino de Vida, Albuquerque, NM
- ELCA Advocacy Convening, Washington, D.C.
Pastor Kent Mueller
- In-office appointments
- Lutheran Center Administration
Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
- NM Conference of Churches Board
- All Saints Lutheran Church-installation
- Advocacy Convening-Washington, DC
Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
- Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain
- St. Andrew, Arvada, CO
- ELCA Advocacy Convening, Washington, D.C.
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Pastor Judith VanOsdol
- St. John’s, Thornton, CO
- Stewardship/ Generosity team retreat, Lutheran Center
- Mt. Calvary, Boulder, CO
- Mustard Seed, Ft. Collins,CO
- Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Denver, CO
- Staff Meeting— Lutheran Center
- Aurora Area Ministry Strategy
Deacon Erin Power
- Synod Assembly Planning
- In-Office Appointments
- St. John Thornton, CO
- In-office appointments
Andy Sprain
- Spirit of Joy, Fort Collins, CO
- Campus Ministry and Faith Formation meetings
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Erin Power
,
Assistant to the Bishop
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 Submission link above.
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