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A Reconciling in Christ synod
Bishop Eaton: Fear Not
For Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Isaiah 43:1-7 is one of the most hopeful and lovely passages in all of Scripture. Find out why in her September column for Living Lutheran , where she says it is possible for us to fear and fear not. Read her column online in English and Spanish , or download here ( Word / PDF )
RMS Welcomes Pr. Albert Ranaivomanana
Betela Seminary is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year! The seminary educates future pastors from five synods in the Malagasy Lutheran Church in Madagascar. Four of those synods are the companion synods to the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Our Companion Synod Committee is excited to welcome Pr Albert Ranaivomanana, Director, of Betela Seminary in Mahajanga, Madagascar, to the Rocky Mountain Synod. Rev. Albert will be traveling to Albuquerque, NM on September 15 and then join for the Theological Conference in Estes Park.

You are invited to hear Rev. Albert preach at St. Paul ( 1100 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM) on September 16.
Or at St. Philip ( 7531 S. Kendall Blvd, Littleton, CO) on September 23 (8:00 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.) and then join in conversation with him beginning at 1:30p.m.
eConnection Spotlight: RMS in the Neighborhood
This Changes Everything: Our hands in God's worlds?
The theme of this year’s ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston was “This Changes Everything” — an impactful theme in many ways. The discussion ranged from large-scale social justice issues down to learning about how grace and love can drastically impact individual lives.

Like many other parents and ELCA members, I attended the 2018 Youth Gathering virtually via Twitter, Facebook and via an online stream of worship and public speaking engagements. While more than 30,000 gathered it really was ten-fold in attendance thanks to a wider online network. Likewise, the impact these young people will have on their congregations in the months and years to come is immeasurable.

RMS-ELCA News and Events
Register today for your Conference Better Together Summit!
This fall, conference "missional gatherings" throughout the Rocky Mountain synod will take place under a new name: CONFERENCE BETTER TOGETHER SUMMITS. Bishop Gonia will be present at all 11 Conference gatherings. The focus will be: Money & Church: For the Life of the World. A team of the rostered minister/s and leaders from every ministry will meet together.

PLEASE REGISTER at least 5 days prior to your conference event.

There is pre-work for you and your congregation/ministry to engage in individually and as a community.
Youth & Young Adult Ministry Campaign Grants now open!
The second round of grant applications for Youth & Young Adult Ministry Campaign Grants is now open. We will be awarding up to $430,000 in grants in this round. Grant Application Guidelines and Instructions are here. Please share this announcement and the Guidelines/Instructions widely with your associated youth and young adult networks.  Completed application forms submitted via ELCA GrantMaker are due October 31, 2018.
Rocky Mountain Synod Events - Save the Dates!

Youth Gathering
January 19-21, 2019
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, CO

Synod Assembly
May 3-5 2019
Friday-Sunday
Embassy Suites
Albuquerque, NM
Registration: $300
Hotel: $119-129

Theological Conference
October 7-10, 2019
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, CO
Single: $520
Double: $370
Triple: $320
For Your Bulletin
Installations

Rev. Asher O'Callaghan
Highlands, Denver, CO
Sunday, September 16, 3:00 p.m.
Color of the Day : Green

Rev. Travis Norton
First, Colorado Springs, CO
Saturday, September 22, 4:00 p.m.
Color of the Day: Green
RMS Prayer Cycle

SEPTEMBER 2018
METRO SOUTH CONFERENCE
 Week of September 16

Evergreen - Evergreen, CO
Vera Guebert-Steward

Faith - Golden, CO
Jane Jebsen

Holy Shepherd - Lakewood, CO
Kari Reiquam, Interim
Michael Tekrony
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, September 16
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day

O God, through suffering and rejection you bring forth our salvation, and by the glory of the cross you transform our lives. Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may turn from the lure of evil, take up our cross, and follow your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches

16 - 22 September 2018 :   Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay - Intercessions and Prayers
Around the Synod
Lutheran Church of Hope 4th Annual Octobeerfest
Friday, September 21, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and
Saturday, September 22, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Lutheran Church of Hope, 1305 West 10th Ave. ( map ) will host their 4th annual Oktobeerfest!

Join us for local beer, brats, polka dancing, kids games, bingo, shopping, and more. Free entrance. All proceeds benefit church ministries and local community organizations. Flyer here or visit www.lchope.org/oktobeerfest  for more information.
Through the Lens of Music: Focus on Body with Stratus Chamber Orchestra and the Life/Art Dance Ensemble
September 28, 7:30 p.m.
1st Plymouth Congregational Church
3501 S. Colorado Blvd. Cherry Hills Village

September 29, 7:30 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church
5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver

In a special interactive collaboration with Life/Art Dance Ensemble, Stratus celebrates the ageless connection between music and movement through Ravel’s Le tombeau de Couperin , Tchaikovsky’s Pezzo capriccioso , a ballet suite by Shostakovich and more. Interested in really connecting with the music? Attend the Friday performance for a full-immersive experience. Enjoy hearing the music from a traditional vantage point? Then Saturday may be the concert for you. Or come to both for a personal musical analysis. ** Director/Musician Talkback will follow each of these performances.
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp's 12th Annual Grace Race 5k
at Sloans Lake Park in Denver, CO
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Help eRace World Hunger at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp’s 12th Annual Grace Race! This annual 5k run/walk was started as part of RTLC’s 50th anniversary in 2007, to raise money for ELCA World Hunger and is held in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Synod Hunger Network. Over the past 11 years, RTLC and the participants of Grace have contributed over $53,000 to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. We are aiming for 300 participants for this year’s race. This can be the year we top $10,000 for the check that we send to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal!

More information and registration here. Walk up registration is available at the event for $35/person.
Guardian Angel Training
Saturday, October 20, 10 a.m. - noon, Bethany, Cherry Hills Village
Guardian Angels accompany children through the immigration court process in Denver. Immigration court for children is on the first Wednesday and Thursday of the month from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Guardian Angels let these children know that they are not alone, that God and the Church is with them as they go through this often scary and totally foreign process. Info and background here. Spanish speakers are greatly needed.
Augustana Arts presents the Colorado Women's Chorale and the Colorado Men's Chorale - "Movie Magic" Season Opening Concert
Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Join the Colorado Women's Chorale and the Colorado Men's Chorale as they kick off a very exciting season with crowd pleasing faves from some of our best-loved films. From Frozen to Star Wars to classic composers featured in movies like Mendelssohn and Beethoven, we will explore the emotional connection music forges between the audience and the action on the screen. Don't miss this fun kick-off to our busy season. One Night Only!

Our Life Together
2018 RTLC Men's Fly Fishing Retreat
September 20-23, 2018
Experience a weekend of faith renewal, fellowship, and fishing! Hearty meals, worship, and camaraderie around the campfire will be woven into the weekend so all can come away renewed spiritually, mentally, and physically.

The Arkansas River is only minutes from Rainbow Trail and offers world class fly fishing. Ark Anglers, a local guiding company, will give a presentation on current river conditions at the beginning of the weekend, and retreat leaders are happy to provide technical guidance!

Fishermen from novice to expert are encouraged to come for this fabulous weekend. Rental equipment and professional guide services are available. More information and registration is here.
2018 RTLC Confirmation Retreat
October 19-21, 2018
Join us for a weekend of songs, learning, and all of your favorite camp activities! Pastor Jay Gamelin and RTLC are ready to partner with you in creating a fun space for learning for you confirmands. In our time together we will focus on communion; why we think it is important, what is happening when we take communion, and what is the act of communion calling us to be in the world. Spaces are limited so register now, go here!
2018 RTLC Women's Retreat
October 26-28, 2018
Treat yourself to a weekend of spiritual renewal! Participants will enjoy hiking, wine-tasting, conversation, and more in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Deacon Missie Bonser, from Trinity Lutheran Church in Monument, will share her knowledge of theology and worship leadership to guide us in joyful worship and optional discussion. Sign up now ( here) to reserve a spot for the weekend.

See you soon!
2018 RTLC Senior High Retreat
November 16-18, 2018
What if we believed that the Church, and we as people of faith, had something radically relevant to offer to the world? What would it look like if we lived our lives believing that? Together we will explore and claim the gifts we as individuals and communities of faith have to offer for the sake of a world in need of love, grace, and healing.

Join your favorite Rainbow Trail staff and Deacon Erin Power for a weekend of worship, classic camp activities, and exploring faith in the mountains of Colorado. Spots are limited, so go here and register your group now!
10 Life Changing Days in the Holy Land
June 23 - July 03, 2019
Join Pastor Joel and Sonja Pancoast, of Zion Lutheran Church, Loveland, for a 10-day pilgrimage through the Holy Land. For more information, see brochure or contact Pastor Joel at PastorJoel@zionloveland.com or 970-667-1836.  
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Here's Your Stewardship Toolkit for October!
This month's newsletter article and resource links are based on the theme, " Stewardship of Our Money." Use these monthly themes for congregational education and awareness! The Toolkit also has RCL-based " Stewardship Snippets" for every Sunday bulletin.

These "Stewardship Toolkits" are created monthly by Pr Robert C. Blezard, Assistant to the Bishop, Lower Susquehanna Synod.
Classified Ads
Mount Calvary/Boulder has hymn books to give away!
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord." Ephesians 5:19.

Mount Calvary has 106 Gather hymnals and 103 Lutheran Book of Worship hymnals available to whoever wants them - free of charge. If would be great if they could be picked up! If they need to be mailed/shipped, please contact Beth at office@mountcalvary-boulder.org to negotiate arrangements.
Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Parish Administrative Assistant (part-time)
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church - Salt Lake City, Utah
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, located in Holladay, UT, is committed to its mission to be a spirit-filled community, reaching out and caring for all. The parish administrative assistant plays a vital role in helping OSLC fulfill our vision to be a vibrant, caring congregation that brings God's love to the community. The qualified candidate is a faith-centered, Christian individual who desires to serve the community at OSLC. This position provides the necessary secretarial skills to support the congregation. The job is M-F from 9 am to 2 pm. Because this position opens and closes the church office, the selected candidate must work on site at the church. Pay is $15.50 to $17.00 per hour, depending upon experience.

Job description here. For further information on the position, contact Pastor Barbara Berry-Bailey at pastorbarbara@oslcslc.org. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to Pastor Barbara. This posting will close on September 15, 2018.
All Non-Rostered Positions 
Parish Administrative Assistant (part-time)
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church - Salt Lake City, Utah

Admission and Residence Life Coordinator
California Lutheran University, Berkeley, CA

Executive Director for Domestic Mission
ELCA

Director of Gift Planning
ELCA

Accompanist/Choir Director
Highlands Lutheran Church - Denver, CO

Director of Family Ministries (part-time)
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church - Denver, CO

Lead Preschool Teacher & Assistant Preschool Teacher
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO

MIF Regional Manager, Colorado
ELCA

Part-time Intern Choir Director
Christ the King Lutheran Church - Colorado Springs, CO

Worship and Music Minister (part-time)
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO

Organist/Pianist
St. Philip Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO

Praise Singers Director (part-time)
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO
Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • In-office appointments
  • Holy Shepherd, Lakewood, CO
  • Executive Commitee
  • Better Together Summit, Boulder Broomfield Conference
  • Shepherd of the Valley, La Salle, CO
  • Installation of Rev. Asher O'Callaghan, Highlands, Denver, CO
  • Theological Conference, Estes Park, CO

Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Lutheran Center Administration
  • Theological Conference, Estes Park, CO

Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
  • Invest in Kids Now
  • Theological Conference

Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
  • Proposition 111 Steering Committee
  • 100th Anniversary, All Saints, Brush, CO
  • Theological Conference, Estes Park, CO
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • Vacation

Deacon Erin Power
  • Rostered Ministers Gathering Planning, Chicago, IL
  • RMS Communications
  • Theological Conference, Estes Park, CO

Pastor Sarah Moening
  • In-office appointments
  • Albuquerque CDI
  • Messiah, Albuquerque, NM
  • Theological Conference, Estes Park, CO

Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Faith Formation Network
  • Boulder-Broomfield Better Together Summit
  • St. Mark's Aurora, CO
  • Estes Park, CO
Quick Links
Share the News
Erin Power ,   Assistant to the Bishop
You are welcome to directly contact Andrew Nakatan i , Communications Assistant, with questions, comments, or concerns you may have about eConnection or our website!

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.