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A Reconciling in Christ synod
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"I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX is providing hospitality to refugees on an as needed basis, opening up their building to house, feed, and clothe families coming from Mexico and Central America. Here, volunteers are thanked during worship.
#RMSintheneighborhood
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Bishop Eaton: Falling and Not Afraid
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Our living and our dying are great mysteries.
Not long ago a young reporter contacted me wanting to talk about death. She had suddenly come to the realization that she would one day die. She wanted to know what happens to us when we die, was there life after death and what did Scripture say about heaven? These are meta-questions.
I know how I felt when I was 28. I didn’t want to die. My whole life was ahead of me. I couldn’t accept that there was a limit to my time on earth. And there was a bit of a fear factor. What would happen to me? What if there was not a resurrection? Would death be painful? Did my life have meaning? I felt a little guilty about these doubts and fears because I was already ordained—I should be steadfast in my faith and have no doubts about my ultimate future. But I did.
Here is what I learned from my experience at that time in my life: Life is precious and beautiful and, even in its painfulness, something to be fiercely protected. Also, doubt is not the opposite of faith but is part of faith. Doubt and questions can lead us to clearer understanding and deeper faith.
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Bishop Gonia to preach at Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre – April 16, 2017
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On Easter Sunday (April 16), the Colorado Council of Churches will host its
70th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at
Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This year's speaker will be
Bishop Jim Gonia in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of The Reformation!
4:30 a.m.–Doors Open at Red Rocks
5:30 a.m.–Pre-worship service music begins
6:00 a.m.–The worship service begins This a truly unique worship experience that draws people from all across Colorado, the Rocky Mountain region and rest of the nation. **Parking fills up fast due to large numbers, carpooling is encouraged.
There will be an online, livestream of the event
(click here), with a replay at 3 p.m. in the afternoon Easter Sunday.
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Synod Assembly Registration Deadlines!
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Synod Assembly Worship Resources for Congregations -
The timing of this particular Assembly over a weekend is designed to assist our lay voting members who might otherwise have to take additional time away from work to participate. Since most of our rostered ministers will be at the Assembly, we are offering this packet of resources to provide support to your congregation for your weekend worship. We invite all congregations of the Rocky Mountain Synod to use these resources for a shared worship as Church Together on May 6-7. The liturgy below and a sermon (available soon) will mirror the Sunday morning worship taking place at Synod Assembly, a worship that will focus on our call to be church for the sake of the world. During that worship we will feature the ministry of ELCA deacons who serve our church in the newly re-formed Word & Service roster.
Best Boots Contest!
Saturday evening of the assembly will be a western-themed ministry fair featuring the ministries of the RMS and ELCA. Pull out your favorite boots and hat and celebrate with us!
Hotel Information -
There are 30 rooms blocked at the Holiday Inn Express: 105 N Spruce St.
Please call 719-424-4300 and use the group code
RMS.
The rate is $120/night and includes breakfast.
Please contact
Erin Power if you have any questions or concerns.
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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.
There are three remaining services:
Saturday, April 22, 2017, 1 p.m.
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
Casper, WY
Sunday, May 21, 2017, 3 p.m.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Pueblo, CO
Sunday, October 8, 2017, 3 p.m.
Salt Lake City, UT
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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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What is YAGM?
Evan Collins, a
Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) volunteer serving in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, was recently asked, “Should we call your YAGM year a year of service?” Though it initially seemed like a simple question to answer, upon further reflection he realized it is difficult to answer with a simple yes or no. Read Evan’s reflections on this question, and learn about the depth and breadth that he understands YAGM to have around the world.
YAGM in the Rocky Mountain Synod!
The Rocky Mountain Synod is lucky enough have a number of YAGM alums who call our territory home and they would love to share their stories with you! Visit the RMS
Global Church Speakers Bureau to connect with a YAGM in your area!
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RMS Prayer Cycle
April 2017
Wyoming
Conference
Week of April 9
St. Paul’s Cheyenne, WY
Alison George
Trinity Laramie, WY
Nathan Keith
Trinity Evanston, WY
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Prayer of the Day: Sunday, April 9
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Palm Sunday
We pray that through Jesus’ suffering and death we glimpse and welcome the boundless depth of God’s sacrifice and love for all people and creation.
Global Church Prayer for April 9
Lamb of God, whose triumphant entry into Jerusalem witnesses to God’s glory, help us see the ways God triumphantly enters our lives today. Thanks be to you for the work of Lutheran missionaries as they
proclaim your gospel of peace and reconciliation, all in the name of Jesus. Amen
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"Open Bethlehem" - Film Screening with filmmaker Leila Sansour
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Sunday, April 9, 3-5 p.m.
Open Bethlehem is a story of a homecoming to the world’s most famous little town. The film spans five momentous years in the life of Bethlehem, revealing a city of astonishing beauty and political strife under occupation. The film draws from 700 hours of original footage and some rare archive material.
Meet the filmmaker, Leila Sansour—hear her speak about her return to her hometown as it is becoming encircled by Israel’s wall. Open Bethlehem is a film, but it is also a movement—to save her city. The face of Bethlehem is changing rapidly with potentially detrimental consequences. Reports predict that if trends continue the Christian community of Bethlehem, a city that provides a model for a multi faith Middle East, may be unsustainable within one generation. Leila’s plan to stay a year stretches to five, and is only resolved when she realizes that, sometimes, the biggest dreams take flight from the smallest places. More information at
OpenBethlehem.org, flyer for local events
here.
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30th Anniversary Palm Sunday Prayer Walk
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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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New Mexico Conference of Churches Welcomes new Executive Director
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The Reverend Susan Joan Quass has been named Executive Director of the New Mexico Conference of Churches (NMCC) by the conference's Governing Board. Rev. Quass will officially assume this new role on April 1, 2017.
Rev. Quass' background uniquely positions her to assume the post as NMCC's fifth Executive Director. With significant experience in social justice ministries, advocacy, congregational life and nonprofit management Quass will advance the Conference's work of promoting Christian unity, and striving for justice, peace and the integrity of creation across the state.
Quass shared, "I am honored and humbled to serve NMCC member churches statewide in a time of challenge to policies of support for the common good and care for those who are poor. As the church we must continue and strengthen our respond to those in need, to speak up for those excluded from the political process and to advocate on issues of statewide importance. I am committed to guide NMCC's future and to collaborate with all those of good will to bring healing and hope to New Mexico."
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Lenten Vespers features "Six Lives - Six Stories"
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This year the congregation at
Shepherd of the Hills in Canon City, CO
is featuring Six Lives - Six Stories, dramatic dialogues by Michael W. Masse for their Lenten Vespers. Characters from the Easter Story share their different perspectives. Members of the congregation read these powerful stories from the Bible.
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Discount Deadline Approaching for
Mediation Skills Seminar
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Monday, May 8 - Friday, May 12
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day
Conflict is a matter of when, not if. If you would like to learn skills for transforming the conflict that you experience in your church or workplace, then consider registering for
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders. This 5-day seminar has been called the "Golden Globe of conflict resolution programs" and "the best continuing education I ever took!" For more information call Pamela at 630-627-0507, or visit our website at
www.LMPeaceCenter.org.
Register on or before April 7 for a $200 discount in tuition!
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Lutheran Family Services 34th Annual Benefit Gala: An Unexpected Path - Featuring Matt Iseman
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Join us for the
LFS 34th Annual Benefit Gala featuring Matt Iseman. From Colorado, Matt Iseman is host of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” and winner of the 2017 “The New Celebrity Apprentice.” After dropping out of medical school to pursue stand-up comedy, Matt’s witty humor lead him down an unexpected path through life. Come to the Gala to laugh with Matt and support LFS! The Gala features a night of dinner, entertainment, an auction, and companionship. The evening marks the spirit of community that comes together and offers support for those in need.
For information, and to purchase tickets, click
here.
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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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Mt. Cross Ministries, Ben Lomond, CA seeking Executive Director
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Mt. Cross is a place of restoration and renewal where two denominations are working together in ministry for the people of Northern California and beyond. In this place, many are being called to the waters of baptism; Mt. Cross is known as a place that produces disciples and powerful leaders. We seek a leader for our community who is called to relationship building, leadership development, innovative programming, and the radical hospitality as taught to us by Jesus Christ.
A full site profile, job description, and application can be found
here.
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Organist/Pianist and Accompanist (part-time)
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King of Glory Lutheran Church in Arvada, CO, announces a position opportunity for a part-time Organist/Pianist - Accompanist. The successful candidate will have excellent performance and leadership skills on both organ and piano, and experience as a church musician. A degree in organ performance or church music is preferred, but not required. Applicable knowledge of Lutheran hymnody and liturgies is a plus. Duties include playing for each Sunday morning worship service, special services (Christmas Eve, Holy Week, etc.) and accompanying the Adult Choir at Wednesday evening rehearsals (Sept-May). A detailed position description is available. Compensation is competitive.
Application deadline is May 5, 2017. Electronic submissions preferred.
For further information or to apply for the position, please contact:
Mike Krueger, Minister of Music
michaeltoddkrueger@comcast.net
303-828-6683
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Nursery Care Lead (part-time)
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Christ Lutheran Church, Highlands Ranch, CO is looking for a part-time Nursery Care Lead. This person is responsible for providing a safe, clean, loving and consistent care environment for infants and toddlers during worship services and special congregational events throughout the year. Full job description can be found
here.
For further information or to apply for the position, please contact:
Pastor Eric Allert, Lead Pastor
303-791-0803
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Volunteer and Care Coordinator (part-time)
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Christ Lutheran Church, Highlands Ranch, CO is looking for a Volunteer and Care Coordinator. The Volunteer Coordinator is the person responsible for getting our volunteers in place to support the many ministries of CLC. This person will consult with staff and determine the personnel needed to accomplish each task and then work towards filling the need. This person will coordinate schedules maintaining the various regular ministries of the church. This person will also keep track of prayer request, send appropriate cards, coordinate meals if needed, and coordinate Hospitality ministry.
This is a part-time position, which will average 20 hours per week. Full job description can be found
here.
For further information or to apply for the position, please contact:
Pastor Eric Allert, Lead Pastor
pastorallert@clchr.org
303-791-0803
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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Declaration on the Way Study Guide
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The
Declaration on the Way Study Guide is now available as a
free digital download ! Reading and discussing
Declaration on the Way as a group provides an opportunity to explore the Statements of Agreement on church, ministry, and eucharist that resulted from fifty years of international and regional Lutheran–Catholic dialogues. The study guide, developed by ELCA Ecumenical and Inter–Religious Relations, provides four sessions that can be explored in various formats. Each session offers an opening prayer and ritual highlighting Lutheran–Catholic commitments toward greater unity, reflections and discussion starters, and resources for further learning.
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Prepare Enrich Training for Clergy, Counselors or Mentor Couples
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Friday, April 28, 2017
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prepare Enrich Training will prepare clergy, professional counselors and mentor couples to administer the Prepare Enrich inventory and provide feedback to premarital as well as married couples. The inventory, feedback and exercises assist couples in exploring and strengthening their relationship. For more information or to register please contact Beth Walker at 720-352-9915 or go to
prepare-enrich.com.
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Choir Robes Available from Trinity Lutheran, Fort Collins
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We have 44 washable robes, beige with mauve trim, in a variety of adult sizes, available from
Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Collins. Most have the traditional wide sleeve; seven have cuffed sleeves. Your church is welcome to these robes for only the cost of shipping. If interested, contact Nadine Hunt: 970-825-3730 or
nadineamyhunt@gmail.com.
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Non-Rostered Positions Available
Volunteer and Care Coordinator (part-time)
Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO
Nursery Care Lead (part-time)
Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO
Organist/Pianist and Accompanist (part-time)
King of Glory - Arvada, CO
Executive Director
Mt. Cross Ministries - Ben Lomond, CA
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
Office Administrator
Atonement Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Gonia
- Vacation
- Urban Servant Corps Prayer Walk
- Staff retreat
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Interim Pastors Meeting
- Synod Assembly Preparation
- Staff retreat
Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
- LAM-NM Policy Committee
- Central Methodist Church, Albuquerque, NM
- Staff retreat
Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
- Legislative Session
- Staff Retreat
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Pastor Judith VanOsdol
- Faith, Eaton,CO
- First, Ault, CO
- Metro South Conference Meeting
- Messiah, Denver, CO
- Staff retreat
Deacon Erin Power
- Synod Assembly Planning
- Colorado Council of Churches
- Global Mission Committee
- Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center, Brush, CO
- Staff retreat
- In-office appointments
- Interim Pastors Meeting
- Immanuel, Bethune, CO
- Staff Retreat
Andy Sprain
- First Third of Life Team
- Ascension, Colorado Springs, CO
- Staff retreat
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Erin Power
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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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