A Reconciling in Christ synod
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Celebrating our colleagues in ministry!
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With gratitude for those who have gone before and hope for the future, the ELCA gives thanks to God for the ministry of women. In 2019 and 2020 we celebrate
50 years of Lutheran women being ordained in the United States, 40 years of women of color being ordained, and 10 years of LGBTQIA+ individuals being able to serve freely
.
As part of this anniversary year, we lament that women have been barred from serving and have been bullied, dismissed and excluded. We also celebrate the gifts and service that women have brought to our church and our world as pastors.
Congregations are encouraged to hold commemorative events throughout the year!
- a five-session adult forum
- a four-session Bible study
- a liturgy with Scripture and hymn suggestions.
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eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
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God's Work. Our Hands. Together in Loveland
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What a great day to be the church, better together,
as
King of Glory
,
Trinity
, and
Zion
all participated in God's Work, Our Hands together!
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Rocky Mountain Synod Middle and High School Youth Gathering
Saturday, January 18 - Monday, January 20, 2020
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Saturday, January 18, 5:00 p.m. to Monday, January 20, 11:00 a.m.
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO
Registration opens September 1!
Get ready for a fun and faith-filled weekend as we delve into the transforming love of God and what it means to take that love into our everyday lives.
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News from the Global Mission Committee
Tuesday, August 27 through Tuesday, September 17
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The ELCA supports more than 220 missionaries serving in more than 40 countries around the world. These leaders are globally formed through partnerships with our companion churches and return to the U.S. well prepared to serve in critically important callings within and beyond the church.
YAGM Recruiters are in the Synod!
For the next 4 months, there are two Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) alum who will be traveling in our synod, engaging young people for possible service. Jenna Leazott (jenna.leazott@elca.org) served in Mexico and she'll be visiting the border region including Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Rachel Peterson (rachel.peterson@elca.org) served in Madagascar and she'll be traveling through Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.
You may be considering this for yourself, or you may know a young adult who you think would make a great volunteer. Either way, if you are interested in talking with a recruiter, you can reach out to Rachel or Jenna. They would be delighted to present to groups of young people, planting the seeds of walking with our neighbors around the world.
Returning Missionary Ryana Holt
Ryana Holt, Colorado Springs, CO, spent the past two years serving as a missionary in Chile, accompanying the Chilean Lutheran Church as a teacher of English. She had opportunities to accompany brothers and sisters in Christ in several regions of this Latin American nation. Previous to this, she served as a YAGM in Mexico. She would love to share her experience with you this fall. You can reach her at
ryanadh93@gmail.com. You can view a video of Ryana talking about her service
here.
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Faith Formation Network Fall Gathering
September 19, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Come hang out at the bishop's office and celebrate the beginning of a new program year. Meet some of the new faces who have joined us, share ideas, and just support one another. We'll order pizza, so an RSVP to Leslie is appreciated. Bring a snack or dessert to share. We'll set up the ZOOM as well, so non-metro Denver folks, please log in and say hi! We'd love to see you! Adult faith formation leaders and those whose work centers on little children are also especially welcome, and we'll set aside time to network with one another. If anyone wants to bring yard games or a corn hole set, that would be fabulous as well. Hope to see you!
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Youth Ministry Extravaganza! registration is now OPEN
January 31 - February 3, 2020
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Registration is now open for Extravaganza 2020!
The ELCA Youth Ministry Network's main event for connection, learning, and continuing education, this time is valuable for all working in youth ministry and faith formation. If you would like to support a participant's attendance, please contact
Leslie Welton
in the office of the bishop. For more info, go
here
!
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Important information about 2020 benefits from Portico
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Portico’s Board of Trustees has approved health plan and benefit changes for 2020, featuring new ways for ELCA-Primary members to save on out-of-pocket costs and strengthen their emotional well-being.
You can read more
here
.
Later in August, Custom Comparison Reports will be available to congregations, which will make their selections in October. Members will complete benefits enrollment in November.
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RMS Prayer Cycle
SEPTEMBER 2019
METRO SOUTH CONFERENCE
- Week of September 15 -
Faith - Golden, CO
Jane Jebsen
Holy Shepherd - Lakewood, CO
Michael Tekrony
Kari Reiquam, Interim
Holy Trinity - Littleton, CO
David Palma-Ruwe
Sonja Sandquist
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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.
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Sunday, September 15
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
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Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross so that he might draw the whole world to himself. To those who look upon the cross, grant your wisdom, healing, and eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
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Faith Table Talks on Race
Saint Peter, Greenwood Village
Beginning Wednesday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m.
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You and your friends are invited to a NEW community-wide
Faith Table Talk on Race
at
Saint Peter Lutheran Church
in Greenwood Village, Colorado. This is an opportunity to come together and wrestle with some of the difficult issues we need to face in our culture and do so in a judgment-free environment where opinions are heard and respected and we are all able to grow closer in community.
Beginning on Wednesday, September 11 and continuing for the next seven Wednesdays (Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9,16, 23, 30) the group will share a meal at 6:00 p.m., move into the discussion and wrap up by 7:30 p.m. Dinner and childcare will be provided at no cost.
Our conversation will be based around the
Dialogues curriculum published by Sparkhouse and will be facilitated by a guest moderator. We are limiting the group to 30 people to ensure easy, comfortable conversation. To reserve your spot, contact Jeanne Maloney at
jmaloney@stplc.org or visit
www.stplc.org/community-conversations.
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Mini Border Immersion Experience
Saturday, September 14, 2019, 2:00 p.m.
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Mini Border Immersion Experience
2:00 to 5:30 p.m.
followed by Dinner (Tamales and more) at 5:30 p.m.
6281 West Yale Ave
Lakewood, CO 80227 (
map
)
Speakers:
Rev. Rose Mary Sánchez-Guzmán,
Retired Social Worker & Community Organizer:
Cecilia Herrera,
and Border Servant Corps Director:
Kari Lenander
Also, Rev. Rose Mary will be preaching at the 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday, Sept 15. Free will offering will be accepted. To RSVP please call: 303-985-1122
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A Stellar Salute to the Brave and Bold: United States Air Force Academy- Stellar Brass
Friday September 20th, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
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Augustana Arts is pleased to bring the United States Air Force Academy's Stellar Brass ensemble for a
FREE
performance at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave. Denver (
map
).
The Stellar Brass combines percussion instruments with a traditional brass quintet offering original and innovative music that represents a broad range of eclectic musical styles. Stellar Brass represents the Air Force as musical ambassadors, and are nationally recognized and respected as clinicians, presenting university and high school master classes. They provide musical support at numerous civic and military ceremonies, professional sporting events, and spotlight the Air Force at major concert halls throughout America. As professional Airmen and musicians, they proudly represent the Air Force and the Air Force Academy and epitomize the Air Force core value of excellence in all we do.
This year the concert will feature guest organist from Augustana Lutheran Church, Cindy Lindeen Martin. Join us for an evening concert that salutes the men and women who serve our country. To reserve your free tickets,
go here. Tickets are also available at the door. For more information -
info@augustanaarts.org.
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5th Annual Octobeerfest!
Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28
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Lutheran Church of Hope
1305 West 10th Avenue, Broomfield CO (
map
)
You are invited to Lutheran Church of Hope's 5th annual Oktobeerfest!
Come enjoy craft beer, brats and burgers, bingo, kid's games, polka, local vendors and more. Fun for the whole family. Entrance is free, drink tickets available at the door.
Friday, Sept. 27, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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Ken Caryl Concerts presents
"A Latin Serenade"
Saturday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m.
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St. Philip Lutheran Church
7531 S. Kendall Blvd.
Join us for an evening that will sizzle with sounds from Spain and Latin America. Guest performers include classical guitarist, Lorian Bartle and piano/cello duo, Carl Algermissen & Ethan Lazarus. Freewill offering will be collected to benefit
Stepping Stone Communities.
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Dr. Mark Allan Powell, presents
Something to Savor: The Bible as our Book of Faith
Saturday October 19, 2019, 9:00 a.m.
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3rd Ave and Terry St, Longmont CO (
map
)
Mark Allan Powell is a professor of New Testament Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and theologian widely recognized for his work in spiritual formation, congregational ministries and author of 20 books. He will present on
"Something to Savor: The Bible as our Book of Faith"
This Saturday event is free, a light lunch will be provided from 11:30-2:00. Please let Maria Sutton know if you are able to attend (for a lunch count) at 303-776-2800 or email at
maria.sutton@firstluth.org.
Mark will follow up by preaching Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, October 20 at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
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Rainbow Trail Men's Fly Fishing Retreat
September 19-22, 2019
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Step out of the stresses of ordinary life and into the refreshing waters of the Arkansas River. This weekend of great fly fishing, hanging out with the guys, and amazing worship and conversation is led by Pastors Dave Risendal and Roger Thompson. Their deep love of fly fishing and the gospel will help you re-center and deepen your faith. Expand your fly fishing skills with instruction from Ark Anglers Fly Shop, fly tying workshops, and advice from seasoned fishermen. Whether you are an experienced angler or just want to try fly fishing, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss!
The $195 program fee includes meals and lodging. Rental equipment and professionally guided fishing are available at a great price! Invite your friends and join us for an amazing weekend.
Go here for more info and to register!
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Rainbow Trail Confirmation Retreat
2019 Theme
"Breathing Boldly"
October 18-20, 2019
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Martin Luther once said: “The fewer the words, the better the prayer.”
Some of the most powerful prayers have been like breathing in and breathing out… breathing in knowledge of God while reading Scripture and breathing out praise.
Breathing in God’s love and breathing out possibility that is in alignment with God’s will. Although breath and breathing seem very simple to all of us, do we really slow down in this fast-paced, high-tech world to listen to God’s Spirit? How do we establish ways to “be still and know that God is God”? Join us for this retreat time, and gathering to live into the breath and stillness of God.
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Our keynote speaker Pastor Nicolé Raddu Ferry
really believes in breathing! 😊 She is co-pastor at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She has been blessed to work primarily with youth in the public and non-public sectors as well as with many churches in Maryland and New Mexico.
For more info and to register,
go here
.
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Rainbow Trail Senior High Retreat
2019 Theme
"Fully Known"
November 22-24, 2019
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Understanding ourselves helps us understand one another. Join in a weekend of exploring who you are in the safety of a community that trusts we are all created and beloved as God’s children- no exceptions.
We will explore the personality tools of the Enneagram and Meyer’s Brigg’s Type Indicator (MBTI). These will be used to deepen our self-awareness and how we can grow deeper in our relationships with God and one another. In small groups we will get a chance to allow ourselves to both know/and be known by one another. All of this takes place in the context of the beauty of God’s creation at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Trusting God fully knows us and loves us, we get to be courageous and vulnerable as we learn, play, sing, dance and celebrate
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Our keynote speaker Pastor Margot Wright
serves the fantastic folks of Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church and Preschool in Centennial, Colorado. Pastor Margot is fueled for the journey of following Jesus by a variety of spiritual practices including time with her dogs, quieting her busy mind with yoga, and writing out gratitude lists in the midst of joys, sorrows and all the in-betweens.
For more info and to register,
go here
.
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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Disability Ministry Grants now available
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ELCA Disability Ministries introduces a new grant opportunity for ELCA congregations in diverse and divested communities for an Accessibility Reinvestment Grant. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 15, 2019, at
https://elca.fluxx.io
for up to $25,000 for small-scale property and large-impact programmatic plans. Questions can be directed to
Disability.Ministry@elca.org
.
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Director for Leadership and Candidacy - Domestic Mission Unit
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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The Director for Leadership and Candidacy has primary responsibility for recruiting, training, credentialing and assigning leaders for the ELCA. The director has the primary responsibility for overseeing the candidacy process and interpreting policies for the church, especially for synod candidacy committees.
The director supervises and supports a team of program directors, (including the Consultant for Sexual Misconduct and administrative staff) that have various responsibilities including:
- Candidacy and of the churchwide assignment process;
- TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries);
- Horizon programs;
- Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities;
- Disability ministry; and
- Chaplaincy endorsement process.
A full position profile is available
here
.
Inquiries about the position may be directed, in confidence, to Gaye Lindfors of Significant Solutions, Inc., the consultant assisting with this search (
Gaye@SignificantSolutionsInc.com
; 651-490-9550).
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Sound Production Minister
Lutheran Church of Hope - Broomfield, CO
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Lutheran Church of Hope, an ELCA congregation in Broomfield, Colorado, is seeking a Sound Production Minister to lead, coordinate, and run the many audio-sound needs for LCHope’s weekly worship life. Each worship gathering is a production with various sound needs and cues for music ensembles and soloists, public speaking, and webcast. LCHope has invested in its audio-sound ministry since a major facility renovation 6 years ago. We are now ready to invest in a part-time position to facilitate and lead our audio-sound ministry. This may be a solo position or shared among two qualified candidates who are able to work together as a team. Successful candidate(s) must have experience and training in setting up and mixing live audio-sound in production as well as being able to work in a team setting with worship and music staff and volunteers.
A complete job description and compensation information may be found on the congregation’s website (
here
) or by contacting the church office at 303-466-4823.
A cover letter and resume may be submitted no later than Sunday, September 15 to Kathy Henson via email at
wam@lchope.org
.
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All
Non-Rostered Listings
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Director for Leadership and Candidacy - Domestic Mission Unit
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Sound Production Minister
Lutheran Church of Hope - Broomfield, CO
Musicians for Ministry!
Zion Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO
Director of Lutheran Advocacy - New Mexico
Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA - Santa Fe, NM
Director of Youth Ministries
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church - Broomfield, CO
Choir Director (part-time)
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church - Cañon City, CO
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- In-office appointments
- Utah Conference Visit
- Ascension St. Matthew's, Price, UT
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
- Medicaid Coalition
- Out of town
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- All Families Deserve a Chance Coalition
- Vision 2020 Policy Committee
- Lutheran Disaster Response Western Region
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
- 1-1 Meetings
- Shepherd of the Hills, Estes Park, CO
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ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Congregational Transition
- Interim Pastors
- Rejoice, Erie, CO
- Grace, Casper, WY
- Excellence in Leadership
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
- Theological Conference Planning
- RMS Communications
- St. Andrew, Arvada, CO
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
- Growing Young Continuing Education, New Jersey
- Lutheran Campus Ministry Greeley, CO
- Rainbow Trail Board Retreat
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Feel free to contact
Andrew Nakatan
i
, Communications Assistant, with your questions and comments about eConnection and our website!
Rocky Mountain Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-339-4744
Submissions
are due noon Monday each week's issue.
Past issues of eConnection may be found
here.
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