A Reconciling in Christ synod
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Bishop Eaton's Statement to Tree of Life shooting
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Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I write to you with a broken heart – for the lives lost, wounded, and shattered by horrific hatred and violence at Tree of Life Congregation this morning. We join our Jewish neighbors and enter into mourning for all that has been lost. In our grief, God is our comfort. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
From Pittsburgh to Portland, and around the world, Jews are living in fear. Anti-Semitism is on the rise. Public acts of hatred and bigotry against Jews are commonplace. As Christians, and particularly as Lutherans, we deplore and reject this bigotry. “We recognize in anti-Semitism a contradiction and affront to the Gospel, a violation of our hope and calling, and we pledge this church to oppose the deadly working of such bigotry, both within our own circles and in the society around us” (1994 Declaration of the ELCA to the Jewish Community).
We are reminded that hate-filled violence knows no bounds – whether a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, a Christian church in Charleston, or a Jewish synagogue In Pittsburgh. As people of faith, we are bound together not only in our mourning, but also in our response.
Therefore, in this tender moment of grief, let us reach out to those whose hearts are most broken – our Jewish neighbors. I encourage you to contact your local synagogue, or your Jewish colleagues, friends, and family members, to share your words of care, support, love, and protection. There may be specific acts you might offer to demonstrate your care, such as when the members of Faith Lutheran Church surrounded Congregation Beth Israel of Chico, California, serving as
Shomrim
, or guardians, as they observed Yom Kippur following a hate crime in 2009.
Such simple acts can go a long way to demonstrate our love, as an extension of God’s love. As we seek to heal the brokenhearted, we are assured that God is near. There is no greater promise in the face of grief.
In Peace,
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
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eConnection Spotlight:
ELCA in the Neighborhood
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National Council of Churches Christian Unity Gathering
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Peter Severson recently attended the National Council of Churches Christian Unity Gathering as one of seven ELCA representatives:
As the director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado, I was intrigued to learn about the advocacy work that the NCC is doing. Last year, I was appointed by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton to serve as the ELCA representative to the Joint Action & Advocacy table. I found myself spending a lot of time listening during both days and learning about the NCC’s long history and their current reality. There are two main advocacy priorities for the NCC: criminal justice reform and international peace-making. This year’s focus on the realities of systemic racism was significant for both areas, and all the attendees will be taking conversations about it back to our respective denominations and organizations. We heard bold and prophetic preaching from our colleagues in historic black church denominations. None of us will soon forget the power of these calls to action in Christian solidarity.
I have hopes for the NCC to continue to be a bold witness for peace and criminal justice reform in the public square. It will require commitments from all of us to be transformative catalysts within our denominations.
This is not quick work, nor easy: a single two-day meeting will not end systemic racism within the church or society. Nor will one rally in April. But, in the words of Rev. Sharon Watkins, we might “think of it as an ignition” for our efforts in our own communities. May we see this holy work as an offering to God, a sacrifice of thanks and praise, to work to end racism at all levels for the sake of God’s beloved children.
I pray that all the member churches of the NCC, including our own denomination, will continue to take up this call, in all its challenge and complexity.
Peter Severson
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Glocal Church Sunday: Sunday, January 6!
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Join us January 6 (or any Sunday!) as we celebrate our connections and common mission in Christ’s global church.
The texts and prayers included below help bring to expression our understanding that we are united by the Spirit of God through the means of grace with our siblings in Christ throughout the world.
You might also consider other ways to highlight our global connections in:
- Preaching: Invite a speaker from our Global Church Speaker's Bureau
- Art
- Paraments, Vestments, Flowers
- Offering: consider designating an offering to Global Mission, World Hunger, Peace Not Walls, RMS Border Emergency Fund or Seeds of Hope (Companion Synod Fund for Madagascar)
- Bulletin insert: Be sure to include a Global Church Sunday bulletin insert highlighting facts about our church's global engagement in your bulletin. You can download it for free at www.elca.org/resources/globalchurch Find them on the Global Church Sunday Tab!
- Global Church Placemats for Coffee Hour or used as coloring pages for children
- Videos during offering or adult forum from an ELCA Missionary
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The Utah
Conference Better Together Summit location has changed!
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The Utah Conference on
Sunday, November 11 was scheduled for Our Saviors, Salt Lake, but has been changed to a
NEW LOCATION: St. Matthew's, Taylorsville, 3 to 6 p.m.
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Office of the Bishop Eucharist, Wednesday, November 14
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Our monthly Eucharist will be held at the Lutheran Center on Wednesday, November 14 at 11:30 a.m.
All are invited to join in this 30 minute worship.
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RMS Prayer Cycle
November 2018
ON LEAVE FROM CALL
Week of November 4
Justin Nickel (study leave)
Emily Ewing
Carmen Miranda Rowland
DanaLee Simon (study leave)
Nathan Blom
Megan Aelabouni (study leave)
Andy Boesenecker
Ann Maki
Ryan Roberts
Dirk Stadtlander
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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, November 4
Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
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Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you have taught us in your Son that love fulfills the law. Inspire us to love you with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength, and teach us how to love our neighbor as ourselves, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
04 - 10 November 2018
:
Oceania: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (Maohi Nui), Kanaky, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
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Intercessions and Prayers
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Cross of Christ Fair Trade Fair
November 3 and November 4 in Broomfield
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Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 12099 Lowell Blvd, Broomfield (
map
), is presenting their annual Fair Trade Fair on Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4. The proceeds of the sale are designated for
Growing Home
, our ministry partner at the Rocky Mountain Synod Lutheran Center. Please use this occasion to purchase Christmas gifts with a purpose!
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5th Annual Veterans Dinner, Silent Auction and Concert
Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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Bethany’s Operation One Nation (OON) team will honor Veterans with a catered pasta dinner by
Romano’s Italian restaurant, music by the
Dakota Blonde band and a silent auction intended to raise funds to support Veterans and military families. These funds enable OON to provide material support for many organizations. OON has been a conduit through which lives have been saved from the scourge of suicide. The OON team feels blessed to have been able to connect individuals in need with helping agencies that provide comfort and care.
Food will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 5 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10.
Kids under 10 and veterans eat free. The silent auction will be set up in the Narthex and available for bidding from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Last year, the Dakota Blonde band was very well received and we look forward to enjoying their music again this year! The concert will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
If you have questions, items to donate for the silent auction, or would like to RSVP for the dinner, please contact Janet Mortinsen at
janet@bethany-denver.org. Operation One Nation hopes you will be a part of this fun tradition with a purpose in celebrating and supporting our military!
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Ken Caryl Concerts presents Harvest Hoedown!
Sunday, November 4, 2018 2:30 p.m.
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Saint Philip Lutheran Church
7531 S Kendall Blvd, Littleton, CO (
map
)
Join us for a
“Harvest Hoedown”
with a concert at 2:30 pm featuring our
Bluegrass Band, and various soloists and small groups performing
“Americana” tunes, followed by festive fun for all ages including free games, a petting zoo, face painting and food provided by
Saucy Buns BBQ. Donations will be collected to benefit
Ralston House Child Advocacy Center.
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Radiance and Rest by Anima Chamber Ensemble
Saturday, November 10, 2018 - 7:30 p.m.
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Augustana Arts is proud to present
Anima as it kicks off its 4th season with contrasting works of brilliance and peacefulness. This elite 16-voice ensemble will touch you at your core, as they share their passion for great choral literature. Born out of a love for music, this newly formed ensemble performs music from the Renaissance to the 21st century. As these accomplished musicians share their souls, breathing life into every word they sing, experience the spirit and vitality of choral music deep in your soul. Once again, we are thrilled to be joined by two area high school choral ensembles, Fairview HS Festival Singers and Ralston Valley HS Concert Choir, for this inspiring performance. Join us for a night to remember! Get more information
here, get
tickets here.
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Through the Lens of Music: Focus on Spirit with the Stratus Chamber Orchestra and Great String Classics
Friday November 16, 2018 - 7:30 p.m.
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Let
Stratus stir your spirit through a provocative exploration of the incredible Spirit of Music. String orchestra masterpieces, such as Barber’s
Adagio for Strings, Bach’s
Brandenburg Concerto #3, and more, will be divinely performed. Includes cameo appearances of the English Horn and Trumpet, too! This concert offers a unique immersive seating option at
First Plymouth Church, Colorado Blvd. and Hampden, in Denver (
map
).
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Messiah Community Church Presents a Benefit Recital for Eco-Justice Ministries
Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
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Messiah Community Lutheran Church
1750 Colorado Blvd.
The modern crises of ecological devastation and social injustice are all symptoms of humanity's deeply flawed relationship with the Earth community. Transformational churches provide prophetic witness and genuine hope when they proclaim a vision of the good life grounded in sufficiency, community, justice and joy.
Songs for the Earth
Erin Bell -mezzo soprano, Stephanie Hood -soprano, and Matt Kingham -piano. Join the trio that brought you
Songs for Families,
Songs for Humanity, and
Songs for the Heart,
Love is Love!
Admission is $5 minimum donation per person. All proceeds will be donated to
Eco-Justice Ministries, an organization that works with church congregations to care for all of God's creation, and work towards environmental sustainability. Please join us as we bring you an afternoon of music that celebrates the beauty of nature.
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Boulder Bach Festival - Dance of Life: The B-Minor Mass
Sunday, November 11,
2:00 p.m. (corrected time!)
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Boulder Bach Festival is giving a performance of JS Bach's magnificent Mass in B-minor, on
Sunday, November 11, 2:00 p.m. at Macky Auditorium on the CU-Boulder Campus.
Go here to order tickets.
Pastor Ron Roschke will present a pre-concert lecture on the Mass, Saturday, November 3, at 3 p.m. in the large community room at The Academy, 970 Aurora Ave, Boulder CO (
map
). Admission to the lecture is free.
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Christ, Cross, and Crisis in the Holy Land - an evening with Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb
Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
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How does one live under consistently harsh, and difficult situations? Christians in Bethlehem face this situation daily.
In the midst of blockades and military occupation, Christians in the West Bank are choosing to live hopeful, productive lives.
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St. Paul's Lutheran Church Women's Ministry Team
Presents GIFTS OF THE WORLD BAZAAR
Saturday, November 10, 2018 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Cheyenne, WY
19th & House Avenue (
map
)
Come join us for a fair-trade fair. Many and varied products from all over the world. Spread peace and justice provide opportunity, send children to school, and empower women through your purchases. Sample soups and salsas from the Women's Bean Project as well as fairly traded coffee and tea. Be sure to bring your gift list as the products you find will be unique and each gift purchased will 'give twice.' Many and varied products will be available such as jewelry, chocolate, bath and body products, home décor, Christmas, and much more!
For more information, contact Regina 214-9344
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
2018 Advocacy Conference -
Registration is now OPEN!
Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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Save the Date!
Keynote speaker:
The Rev. Amy Reumann, Director of ELCA Advocacy
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
$15 per person
(materials & lunch included)
Registration is now open, go
HERE
!
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2018 RTLC Senior High Retreat
November 16-18, 2018
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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 Deacon Erin Power, your favorite Rainbow Trail staff, and other senior high youth for a weekend in the mountains! This 3rd Annual Senior High Retreat will offer kids an opportunity to experience their favorite camp activities and learn together how they play a role in, not just faith communities, but the greater world.
Registration deadline is November 5,
register now to reserve your spots!
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LFS Denver - Informal Q & A session for Foster Care
November 14 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
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Each year in Colorado, thousands of kids are unable to live with their biological parents because of abuse or neglect. We need families who can provide temporary care until children reunify with their parent as well as families willing to adopt children and teens in foster care if they can't return to their families.
An informal
Q & A session for foster care will be held on
November 14 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the
LFS Denver Metro office, 363 S. Harlan Street, Suite 105, Denver, 80226 (
map). Please register with Anne at
anne.hamilton@lfsrm.org or 303-217-5869. One-on-one meetings can also be arranged to work around your busy schedule.
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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Mission Support Study Guide
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Legal Checklist for Congregations
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Here is a checklist from our ELCA General Counsel of legal items for congregations to address. It includes links to other resources at the ELCA Legal Resources website, which have more information on the specific items.
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Godly Play Curriculum - Free for you!
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Mount Calvary/Boulder (
map) is cleaning house and there's a complete
Godly Play curriculum available to anyone that wants to pick it up. There are also additional pieces available, as well as loads of felt and materials to continue to create.
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Director of Faith Formation
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Arvada, CO
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The Director of Faith Formation will bring the people of KOG together to serve the world and to grow in God by focusing on service and spiritual vitality. The DFF’s service, training, and fellowship events will empower individuals and our congregation to answer our common baptismal call. The DFF will work with a staff, including a Communication Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator, to create and implement ways we can claim and use our gifts to embody God’s loving presence in the world. Job description
here. For more information, call 303-421-9930 or contact
kogpastor@me.com.
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All
Non-Rostered Positions
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Director of Faith Formation
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Arvada, CO
Communications Specialist
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Arvada, CO
Director of Volunteers (part-time)
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Arvada, CO
Administrative Assistant
All Saints Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM
Choir Director (part-time)
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church - Fort Collins, CO
Parish Administrative Assistant (part-time)
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church - Salt Lake City, Utah
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Gonia
- In-office Appointments
- Ordination and Consecration of Episcopal Bishop, Diocese of the Rio Grande, Albuquerque, NM
- Camino de Vida, Albuquerque
- Saron, Strasburg, CO
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Lutheran Center Administration
- Epiphany, Denver, CO
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
- Interim legislative committees
- Ordination and consecration of the new Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande
- Medicaid Advisory Committee
Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
- Lutheran Disaster Response Network Consultation, Chicago
- Proposition 111 work
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Deacon Erin Power
- RMS Communications
- St. Matthew, Aurora, CO
- Assembly Planning
Pastor Sarah Moening
- In-office appointments
- New Mexico Congregation Development Institute
- Excellence in Leadership Planning
Pastor Leslie Welton
- ELCA Youth Leadership Summit, Omaha, NE
- Urban Servant Corps
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
- Anchor Church Summit, Denver,CO
- Lord of the Hills, Centennial, CO
- Denver Office Oct 24-Nov 8 email: mbarnhouse@rmselca.org
Tina Kvitek, Regional Gift Planner
- King of Glory, Loveland, CO
- One-on-one meetings
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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.
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