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A Reconciling in Christ synod
eConnection Spotlight: RMS in the Neighborhood
Longmont church installs Little Free Pantry to provide community with food, supplies!
Josie and Gus Brockmann built a Little Free Pantry outside of First Evangelical Lutheran Church at 803 Third Ave. The idea originated at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, Ark.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church members wrote on the Little Free Pantry Facebook page that they were inspired by the Little Free Library movement to build stand-alone cabinets in neighborhoods that offered free food items in May 2016. "It works off of the 'take what you need and leave what you can' idea," Josie Brockmann said, pointing to the inscription on the little cabinet stuffed with nonperishable food items and some basic toiletries.

The Brockmanns built what they believe is Longmont's first Little Free Pantry with the help of friends and installed it on Sunday, September 10. Josie Brockmann said that they were inspired to create the Little Free Pantry because they noticed that people were coming into the church needing food. Gus Brockmann is the director of worship at First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
God's Work, Our Hands Sunday
God's Work, Our Hands Sunday at Faith Lutheran Church in Lander, Wyoming as timber gathered in August was cut and split into firewood for those needing heat this winter. Church volunteers also initially assembled 50 "hygiene packs" for the Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter in Riverton with toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, mouthwash, a comb and dental floss. The latter will be an ongoing project this winter.
RMS-ELCA News and Events
Bishop Eaton - a recipe for sharing
Supper’s ready. 
In her September column for  Living Lutheran , Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares memories of family Thanksgivings, where all would come to the table together. That is true for our church, too, as Jesus invites us all to a meal of healing, forgiveness and thanksgiving. Read her column in English at or in Spanish , or download here ( pdf / Word ).
Office of the Bishop Eucharist, Wednesday, October 11
Our monthly Eucharist will be held at the Lutheran Center on Wednesday, October 11 at 11:30 a.m.

All are invited to join in this 30 minute worship.
"Shining Your Light, Telling Your Story"
Region 2 Deacon's Gathering

Gathering Location: Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO
Gathering Hotel: Hampton Inn Denver-Northwest, Westminster, CO
 
Speaker: Carol Jacobson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Practical Theology
Diaconal Ministry Program Director, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
 
All deacons presently serving in a congregation or specialized ministry, waiting to serve, retired, on leave or discerning a call to ministry, are invited to attend. More information about this event and the link to register, can be found on the event webpage.
The Ministry of Money Matters
Wednesday, October 18, 10:30 a.m and 1 p.m.
It's "Stewardship Season" in many congregations, when many in church leadership focus on money and church administration. To help with the work, Educate, Equip, Enact is pleased to provide two free workshops led by Bonnie Johnson from CLU. The morning workshop is on stewardship and mission, and the afternoon workshop is on the "nuts and bolts" of church accounting. Church treasurers, bookkeepers, council members and rostered ministers will all learn something.

You may participate via webex or "live" at The Lutheran Center. Lunch is provided for those at The Lutheran Center participating in both workshops. A flyer is here, for questions contact Janice Kibler, register at https://www.rmselca.org/lilly-money-matters-registration.
Click on this Reformation 2.0 graphic, or here for a copy you can print!
For Your Bulletin
Global Church Prayers
As congregations and ministries of the ELCA, we celebrate our witness and work as a global church, and our relationships with churches around the globe. Along with Global Church Sunday in October, we encourage you to include a globally focused prayer each week in worship. Download a year of prayers here ...   And yes! These are the same prayers included below in each eConnection. We pray for our global companions as  Christ’s Church Bettter Together !
RMS Prayer Cycle

OCTOBER 2017

Week of October 1
CAMPUS MINISTRIES

Colorado State University
Paul Judson

University of Colorado
Zachary Parris

University of New Mexico
 
New Mexico State University
Jared Carson

University of Northern Colorado
Debra Abbott

Utah State University
Scott Thalacker

University of Wyoming
Nathan Keith
Illustration by Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB

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, October 1
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day
God of love, giver of life, you know our frailties and failings. Give us your grace to overcome them, keep us from those things that harm us, and guide us in the way of salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 

Global Church Prayer
God who grants us our faith, in Jesus we learn that to do your will is to follow you. May we continue to trust that you will grant us all we need to follow you. Thanks be to you for the work that ELCA members do to follow you by serving as missionaries in countries throughout the world. May our desire to follow you lead us to action that promotes peace and justice in the world, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Around the Synod
HFASS is turning 10 years old!
Saturday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. - 10 p.m.
(Just north of Colfax in Denver)

We're throwing a big party to celebrate 10 years of House for All Sinners and Saints ! So many people have come to be church together at HFASS, some for a short amount of time, some for years at a time, some for just one Sunday. We want to celebrate and thank you for whatever part you played in this community, large or small, briefly or for the whole 10 years. Please share this with all who love HFASS! More information is here !
New Beginnings Worshipping Community's 3rd Annual Chow Hall Gala
Friday, October 6, 2017 at 5:30 p.m
Location: Bethany Lutheran Church, 5500 Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village, CO

You are cordially invited to the 3rd annual Chow Hall Gala benefitting the women of New Beginnings, Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA congregation, which is inside the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility.

Come for an evening of tapas, wine, beer, fellowship and the fabulous entertainment of Rachel Kurtz, singer/songwriter. There will be door prizes and time to mingle. Come join us!
Thank you for your generous support of this, the only worshipping community inside a prison in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Tickets are $50. For more information about how to get tickets, please see this document or visit our website .
Ken Caryl Concerts Presents "Mostly Mozart"
Saturday, September 30, 2017 - 7:30 pm

Join us for an evening of favorites by one of the world's most influential and prolific composers performed by a variety of talented vocalists and instrumentalists. Free admission and family friendly. Refreshments will be served following the concert. More information here.
A Taste of Campus Ministry with LuMin CU Boulder
Saturday, Sept 30, 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Learn about what's happening on campus, meet real live students, and support student travels with the fourth annual campus ministry beer tasting! Join in for good food, good beer, and lots of fun with supporters and friends of campus ministry.

T ickets - $30, are available at www.lutheranbuffs.org, can be purchased anytime, payment by Pay Pal. Scroll down to the announcement for the beer-tasting, then click buy tickets now. 

Fliers for you to share, here! Questions? Contact Megan Sawyer at lcmprogramassistant@gmail.com
ELCA World Hunger Drive for Refugee Relief
Sept 17, 2017 - Oct 29, 2017
In observance of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, Joy Lutheran Church Hunger Committee is using this opportunity to learn more about Martin Luther and his teachings and how we can put those teachings into action ( more info here ). The committee will be collecting donations through Reformation Sunday which will go to support hungry refugees throughout the world.
New Mexico Council of Churches
One Body–Many Members, One Spirit–Many Gifts
Sunday, October 29, 2017, 2:30 p.m.to 5:00 p.m.

The NMCC invites ALL residents of New Mexico to a Commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, " One Body–Many Members, One Spirit–Many Gifts," an Ecumenical Vesper Service of Song and Prayer followed by a Community Dialogue.

More information here, or www.NMChurches.org, or call 505-243-6234.
Register for the 2017 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Advocacy Conference
Saturday, October 14 - 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Craig Nessan, Wartburg Seminary

$15 per person 
(materials & lunch included)

Breakout session topics will include advocacy basics, hunger in NM, the state budget, theology of advocacy, and more. The conference is open to everyone interested in learning more about advocating on public policies impacting our many neighbors living in poverty and with hunger.

To register: send an email with your name, contact information, and your congregation/organization to ruth@lutheranadvocacynm.org. Deadline is October 9.
Our Life Together
RTLC Senior High Retreat
Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 19
The second annual  RTLC Senior High Retreat is coming! Join dozens of RTLC summer staff in a weekend of reconnecting, intentional faith conversation, awesome camp activities, warm fires, energizing dancing, singing loudly, and relaxing with hundreds of senior high youth. Scott Moore of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge will be leading us in conversations about how our stories intersect with God's.

Register your group today at rainbowtrail.org/senior-high-retreat . Space is limited, so don't wait! This is one of the best weekends of the year at Rainbow Trail, and you won't want to miss out. See you there!
Confirmation Retreat at RTLC
Friday, October 20 through Sunday, October 22
Come join us at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for a weekend of reflection, learning, fun, great food, mountain air, warm fires, and solitude. Pastor Brigette Weier will lead your confirmands in a study of the importance of belonging to God now and forever, and how this reality changes everything. All inclusive cost of $95/youth and $70/adult chaperone covers your participants for the weekend. For more information or to register for RTLC's annual Confirmation Retreat, go to the event's website !
Register Your Group for a Bridging Borders trip with RTLC
Summer 2018
If you're looking for a service opportunity for your youth or adult groups in your congregation, register for a Bridging Borders trip today! Bridging Borders provides domestic and abroad service trips throughout the summer months, as well as other times throughout the year for your congregational groups to serve a community other than your own in a week of service. These weeks are all about sharing God's love, and building relationships with each other and with those whom we serve. In 2018, Bridging Borders will be serving in Ecuador, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and doing hurricane relief in Texas. For more information, go to rainbowtrail.org, or email ben.jarvis@rainbowtrail.org!
AMMPARO Guardian Angel Program

We are looking for at least 12 volunteers to be part of the Guardian Angel Program in Denver . We are looking for volunteers who are willing to accompany unaccompanied migrant children and single parent families through their immigration court process in Denver, providing: 

  • Spiritual Accompaniment - To provide spiritual support and prayer for them at court hearings
  • Physical Accompaniment - To be a visible sign of the church in immigration court to watch and document the court process, especially as the cases are subjected to a possible “rocket docket”
  • Court Watch -To monitor and document the court process, especially if there are violations of the process
  • Resource Sharing -If requested, to provide information about local resources to assist migrants in their transition to life in the United States. 

You do not need to speak Spanish, although we do need some Spanish speakers.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact Alena Lamirato at pastoralena@yahoo.com or 720-256-3007.
Rainbow Trail's 11th Annual Grace Race - Registration NOW!
Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP is hosting its 11th Annual Grace Race to benefit the ELCA World Hunger appeal on Saturday, October 7, 2017 with a 4:00 pm start


This is a 5K run/walk around beautiful Sloan's Lake in south Denver. There will be food and refreshments for all participants following the race. The entry fee is $30 before September 29th and $35 after that date. 

You can register for the race after that date and even on the day of the race; however we can't guarantee you'll get one of the cool long sleeve tech shirts from the race after September 29th. You don't have to be a runner to make a difference. Parents with baby strollers, grandparents with grand kids, and runners and walkers of all types participate. 

Encourage the members of your congregation to participate. Come join us for a great day in the park for a great cause. You can register on-line! To learn more and to register, go to our website . Bring your friends and family or your whole youth group. We are hoping for 300 participants. 

Over the past 10 years, we have raised almost $48,000. Help RTLC raise another $10,000 for ELCA World Hunger this year and push them over $50,000 given to the ELCA Hunger Appeal! If your congregation would be interested in being a sponsor of the race, please contact Dave Jarvis at 719-276-5233. They'll get your church logo on our race shirt! See you October 7th!
Urban Servant Corps 30th Anniversary Fall Festival Celebration
Thursday, October 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Please join the Urban Servant Corps community in celebrating their 30th Anniversary of ministry and service at their Fall Festival, Silent Auction, and Reunion offered by dedicated full-time volunteers living in intentional community!

Tickets are $30, which includes food, drink, as well as parking if RSVP is received before October 2. More information about their 30th Anniversary activities are here . Registration, parking info are here . If you are unable to attend the event, we invite your generous contribution in celebration of the USC mission!
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 TripIf 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
Resource for Worship Teams and Musicians
The ELCA Worship Blog and Facebook page are your places to connect with what's going on in worship across our church.
The Facebook page shares prayers, events, updates, blog posts and "liturgy grams," a short, weekly infographic on the definitions and practices of things we see in worship every week.

The Worship Blog is regularly updated with more in-depth information and stories. Follow it for updates from the worship office and pictures, resources, reflections and happenings from pastors, musicians and worshipers across the church.

We'd love to include your voice too! If you have a story of how worship is meaningful and engaging in your context or want to share something your congregation has particularly loved, send it to worship@elca.org with the subject "For the blog," and don't forget to include a related picture and where you are writing from.
October Stewardship Resources
Some great Stewardship resources from the Lower Susquehanna Synod: Bulletin snippets, newsletter article, weekly lectionary reflections, and website recommendations, are available here.
Administration Matters - from the September 2017 issue
September is Disaster Preparedness month. And what a devastating month it’s been, with many disasters wreaking havoc and destruction, not only in the U.S., but around the world. Several years ago, Lutheran Disaster Response produced a  Congregational Disaster Preparedness Guide to help congregations prepare for and respond to a disaster. The free guide can be downloaded as a whole or in three parts. The first section addresses congregational preparedness, the second congregational response and the third section has worksheets congregations can use as they address this work. To save on printing costs, it is only available by download at  ELCA.org/Resources/Lutheran-Disaster-Response#General.To help with the response go to:  http://www.elca.org/ldr.
Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Office Administrator (part-time)
Highlands Lutheran Church - Denver, CO
Highlands Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time Office Administrator for 12-14 hours a week at $15/hour. The Office Administrator will be responsible for managing our church office 2-3 partial days a week, working with the Pastor, and helping with communications for the church (in person, print, and electronic), creating weekly and quarterly publications, while welcoming visitors, volunteers, and members of our congregation. Our ideal candidate would be organized, detail oriented, and comfortable working independently. The environment is often quiet, though Pastor and volunteers will frequently be present.

A description of HIghlands Lutheran Church and the job requirements are here

To apply:
Please send an email to nvjobin@comcast.net. Include your resume as well as a cover letter addressing the following:
• Why you would like to work at Highlands Lutheran Church?
• What makes you a good candidate for this job?
• Aside from your office skills, what will you bring to HLC?

Applications will be accepted until October 10, 2017.
Spirit of Joy is a Lutheran church located on the corner of Harmony and Lemay in Fort Collins. We have three worship services with three different styles of music each weekend and are looking for a Music and Worship Director who will primarily be charged with leading music at the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday mornings. In addition to leading that weekly service, this person would also lead our 8:30 a.m. service once a month, and serve as the point person for our music ministries, including some of the coordination and administrative efforts related to all of our services. We estimate this position will involve 8-10 hours of work per week.

Qualifications and Job Duties are attached here.
To apply, please email Rev. David Ryder at dave@sojoyfc.org.
Youth Ministry Coordinator (part-time)
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, a vibrant, urban congregation of 1,500 in Denver with traditional worship & progressive theology seeks temporary (4-9 months), part-time (20-25 hours/week) Youth Ministry Coordinator to lead a well-established youth ministry program for junior and senior high students while the church searches for its next Minister for Youth and their Families. 

The successful candidate will possess exceptional relational and organizational skills, and enjoy helping young people question, think, serve, and grow deeper in their love of God. This position is open to begin immediately.

  • $25-$30 per hour, commensurate with experience. 
  • Not eligible for benefits.

Position description is here. Please email cover letter and resume by September 27, 2017 to: cummins@montview.org.
Objective or Purpose of Position: 
  • To provide clerical and general office operations support to the pastors, Membership and Events Coordinator, Lead Administrative Assistant, and staff within a fast paced and friendly office environment. 
  • To greet and ensure that members' and visitors' needs are met as they arise.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 
  • Greeting members' and visitors 
  • Triaging direction as needs arise
  • Answering and directing calls in a friendly and professional manner
  • Sorting mail
  • Making copies
  • Maintaining baptismal records 
  • Preparing Mailings 

Job description, including qualifications and salary information is here.
To apply, send cover letter and resume to Angela Cummins ( angela@montview.org) by Friday, September 29, 2017 
Nursery Ministry Coordinator (part-time)
Lutheran Church of Hope - Broomfield, CO
Lutheran Church of Hope is seeking a Nursery Ministry Coordinator. The successful candidate must have a love and passion for Jesus and for the youngest ones of our community. It is necessary that the candidate have some past experience in nursery and/or child care. The Nursery Minister Coordinator will provide and/or arrange for care in the LCHope Nursery during Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and at other times as needed by the community. The Coordinator will work with and schedule both a limited number of nursery assistants as well as nursery volunteers and parents. Care for the Nursery space itself will be part of the duties of the Coordinator. 

This is a part-time hourly position. A Job Announcement and Description is here. To apply, please send both a cover letter and a resume to Judy Schroeder, Minister of President-Elect at prelect@lchope.org.
All Non-Rostered Positions 
Office Administrator (part-time)
Highlands Lutheran Church - Denver, CO

Music and Worship Director
Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church - Fort Collins, CO

Youth Ministry Coordinator (part-time)
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church - Denver, CO

Administrative Assistant
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church - Denver, 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

Office Administrator (part-time)
Holy Love Lutheran Church - Aurora, CO

Wartburg West Academic and Program Director
Titled Faculty Position based in Denver Colorado
Employed by Wartburg College, Waverly, IA

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

Preschool Director
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church - Casper, WY
Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • Lily Grant Meeting
  • Conference of Bishops, Chicago, IL

Pastor Kent Mueller
  • Vacation
  • Congregational Ministries Board
  • Lutheran Center Administration
  • Growing Home

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
  • Dental Therapy information session
  • Peace Lutheran, Las Cruces, NM

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
  • Hunger Free Colorado Summit
  • Affordable Housing Forum
  • UNC Campus Ministry
  • Colorado Legislature Special Session
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • Mustard Seed Worship, Fort Collins, CO
  • Camino de Vida, Albuquerque, NM
  • Cross of Hope, Albuquerque, NM
  • Albuquerque RMS area congregations Breakfast
  • St. Paul’s, Albuquerque, NM
  • Redevelopment/ Renewal ministries funding proposals

Deacon Erin Power
  • RMS Communications
  • Congregational Ministries Board
  • Reformation Beer and Hymns Event

Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Congregational Ministries Board
  • Congregation Transitions

Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Candidacy Conversations
  • Lily Grant Consultation, CU-Boulder Campus Ministry
Quick Links
Share the News
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.