The 2018 Synod Assembly, May 3-5, 2018 in Westminster, CO will include an election for Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. In the coming months, Bishop Jim Gonia will continue to discern whether or not he is open to the possibility of serving another term. He will have completed one six-year term in 2018 and there are no term limits in the Rocky Mountain Synod. He will communicate his discernment in early September. 

A Bishop Election Taskforce has been meeting to outline the process. The election process is carried out the same way whether or not a current bishop is open to serving another term. An “Ecclesiastical Ballot” is the nominating ballot at the assembly. Each voting member will write down the name of whomever they would like to nominate (any rostered minister in the ELCA), followed by subsequent ballots requiring certain percentage majorities for an election, as the number of candidates decreases for each ballot. 

A process for identifying potential candidates will be carried out in the months prior to the assembly. That process is for informational purposes only and does not limit the “Ecclesiastical Ballot” to those identified in advance of the assembly.

People who confess a Trinitarian God are people who believe that God is all about the relationship. Our congregations need leaders who can navigate and practice healthy relationships. 

The RMS can host a modified version of the Church Development Institute, which has been used extensively in the Colorado Episcopal Diocese and has equipped many congregations to find renewed meaning and purpose in their life together. 

Because the best learning happens when interacting with peers, we will only move forward with this class if we have a minimum number of people and congregations. Our deadline for registration is August 25, 2017. Please visit our website for information and to register, see our flyer, and let us know as soon as possible so we can confirm the class. 

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, August 6

Join faith communities all across Cheyenne for an Interfaith Gathering. This event will kick off a week of celebrations. This service will include songs, prayers, a performance by a community choir, and a message from The Rev. Warren Murphy about the History of Faith in Cheyenne. You can lend your voice to the community choir by joining in the rehearsal on August 6 at 8:00 a.m. at the Civic Center. More info available at our Facebook Event page! Come and join in as we celebrate 150 years of faith!

Wednesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. 

Bethany Lutheran Church

Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be our guest preacher as she shares her call story. This summer we have heard the call stories of staff and seminary students at Bethany and are delighted to have Bishop Eaton share her call story. All are invited to share in this vesper service with Holy Communion.

October 6-7, 2017

Episcopal Conference Center of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

Early Bird Registration is Open Now Through September 1st

The focus of the dialogue will be "Ethical Issues in Human Germ-line Editing".  We will be presenting on the current science of CRISPR Cas-9 technology, and the ethical issues surrounding its application from a theological perspective.  

Join with clergy, theologians, scientists and bioethicists for presentations and conversations in Salt Lake City next October as we engage in a multi-disciplinary exploration of these and other questions facing us today.  

 More information and registration link are available here. 

In Educate, Equip, Enact, "Equip" is for the grants program, where a small team has the fun of giving money to encourage and support our rostered ministers who have applied for the grants for credit card debt relief,
retirement savings, school loans, emergency debt, etc. Thank you to those who have applied, and are the "early adopters" helping to develop the program.

On August 7, the Grants Team (Pr. Brian Bergum, Pr. Steve Klemz, Pr. Diana Linden-Johnson, Julie Nelson, Marti Weber) will meet to consider the first requests, and checks will be in the mail right after that. If you are willing to let the Grants Team encourage you in that same way, complete the initial inquiry at rmselca.org/lilly. Let Educate, Equip, Enact help keep debt from distracting you from ministry.

Financial best practices for congregations

Creating an environment with financial controls and best practices ensures that the resources entrusted to the church are handled in the best possible ways. It also ensures compliance with accountings rules and regulations. The Financial Best Practices for Congregations presentation highlights key aspects of separating financial duties, safeguarding offerings, handling expenditures, among other items, to ensure proper controls and compliance and assist in reducing the risk of misconduct and audit findings. >More

Independent Contractor or Employee?

Correctly classifying employees and independent contractors is crucial for each congregation and church entity. Here is a checklist that could help you review employment classification. >More

Administration Matters is a bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders. It addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and management in church settings. 

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Preschool/Child Care Center is seeking to hire a caring, energetic, organized, and knowledgeable Director immediately. 

This is a full-time, year-round position. A degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred; and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in Early Childhood Education and minimum of 2 years supervisory experience is required.

The applicant must possess strong leadership and decision-making skills; effective communication skills; and be able to create professional and positive relationships with staff, children, and families, while collaborating with the Preschool Board and church clergy.

All necessary state requirements for Director must be met.

The salary is competitive and includes paid vacation and other benefits, including free child care for employees.

Responsibilities include: overseeing daily operations, staff guidance and trainings, ongoing communication with parents, goal setting and follow through, and student recruitment and enrollment.

Please email your resume to dlwebb0634@gmail.com or call Dianna at 307-577-4006.