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February 6, 2019
A Reconciling in Christ synod
ELCA Launches Collaboration with Blessed Tomorrow
In its commitment to pursuing wholeness for creation, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is pleased to announce collaboration with ecoAmerica and its Blessed Tomorrow program, which helps faith-based organizations elevate their leadership on the moral, religious and justice issues surrounding climate change. Read More >>
In conjunction with this announcement, the ELCA has released "God's work. Our hands. Caring for Creation Today," a video that explains the Lutheran grounding for and prioritization of creation care and encourages ongoing dialogue and activity. Visit Caring for Creation for more information.
Assembly Registration is now OPEN!
Registration is now open for the 2019 Synod Assembly. Please read all information on the Registration Page before registering yourself or voting members of your congregation.

Also available:
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
Introducing My America - Rana Almishlib, Baltimore MD
LIRS continues to advocate boldly for our vision of a welcoming America, and we’re excited to expand that work with our newest storytelling campaign: My America. This campaign will lift up the voices of refugees, migrants, and supporters like you, to create a mosaic of stories rooted in hope and resilience.

My America...is a Place of Freedom
By Rana Almishlib
I’d like to share how this country is free and blessed. Anybody can be a citizen no matter their race, color, or religion. I want to share about the way that this country gave me a lot of power – that I can be equal, no matter my gender or my religion.

RMS-ELCA News and Events
Christ makes a new season possible: a Season of Hope!
Proclaim to the world that the hope of Christ makes a new season possible: a Season of Hope. Lutheran World Relief has an abundance of resources to show your congregation the impact they can make in the lives of poor and struggling families around the world. Invigorate your congregation for global good with:

  • Weekly devotionals by Lutherans in the U.S. and LWR staff
  • Palm Sunday bulletin insert and children’s activity sheet
  • Season of Hope Homily Series centered on Matthew 25:34-36

Visit lwr.org/lent and journey through this Lenten season with Lutheran World Relief.
Lutheran congregations helped to launch Eco-Palms
Did you know that Lutherans have been pioneers in transforming the business of palms? Since 2005, Eco-Palms has been helping harvesting communities rise out of poverty and sustain the land they depend on for survival. Lutheran World Relief has partnered with the University of Minnesota CINRAM to bring Eco-Palms to congregations across the U.S.

Visit lwr.org/eco-palms to order yours today!
Faith Formation Network Visioning Conversation
February 14, 10:00 a.m. - noon
The Faith Formation Network is having a conversation about the next faithful step for the network, expectations, and vision. We would love your participation!
Please plan to join us in person at the Lutheran Center or digitally via ZOOM as we make some decisions about what Better Together means for the ministry of faith formation in the RMS.

Join ZOOM at this link: https://zoom.us/j/444313383
RMS Youth Council is ready to launch!
The RMS Youth Council task force has finished its visioning work and is ready to add a few more members, with at least one youth representing each conference of the Synod.
If you know a youth interested in being part of this new group of valued youth voices, please have them go to our new website , or request an application or more information from the current council members at rmsyouthcouncil@gmail.com .

Applications will be accepted until the end of March.
Office of the Bishop Eucharist, Wednesday, February 13


Our monthly Eucharist will be held at the Lutheran Center on Wednesday, February 13 at 11:30 a.m.

All are invited to join in this 30 minute worship.
For Your Bulletin
Installations

Rev. Paul Schick
Community of Joy, Rio Rancho, NM
Saturday, February 9, 6:00 p.m.
Color of the Day:  Green
RMS Prayer Cycle

FEBRUARY 2019: BORDER CONFERENCE

 Week of February 10

Our Savior - Alamogordo, NM
Michael Degner

Peace - Las Cruces, NM
Jared Carson
Laura Carson

Peace - El Paso, TX
Diana Linden-Johnson
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, February 10
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany 
Prayer of the Day

Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and before you angels and saints stand in awe. Enlarge our vision to see your power at work in the world, and by your grace make us heralds of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 

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

10 - 16 February 2019 Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland - Intercessions and Prayers
Around the Synod
Holden Evening Prayer Around the World (HEPAW)
Wednesday, February 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Saint Peter Lutheran Church
9300 E Belleview Ave
Greenwood Village, CO ( map )

What is Holden Evening Prayer Around the World?
Once a year Holden invites Villagers across the globe to come together through participation in the Holden Evening Prayer . Join us TODAY , as we seek to support and draw strength from one another, reaffirming our values as people who have been called, equipped, and sent, and supporting each other’s work in environmental stewardship and justice for all people.
Register NOW for Colorado Lutheran Day at the Legislature
Thursday, February 21, 7:30 a.m.- noon
Join us for Lutheran Day at the Legislature at the Colorado State Capitol! Learn about current issues, gather with other faithful advocates, and meet & lobby your elected officials.

For more information and to register, go here: https://www.rmselca.org/colorado-lutheran-day-legislature-2019
Sky Ranch Annual Meeting
Sunday, February 24, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sky Ranch will host its Annual meeting
Sunday, February 24, at Dicken’s Tavern in Longmont.  Join us for an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of 2018 and look forward to the adventure of 2019!

Dicken’s Tavern & Opera House
300 Main St
Longmont, CO ( map )

For questions about the annual meeting please contact that office at 970-493-5258 or through e-mail at ally@skyranchcolorado.org .
Synod Assembly Opportunities!
Synod Assembly is coming to Albuquerque which brings some unique opportunities for local folks this year!

  • Local Visitor Option: Area folks are invited to join the assembly on Saturday afternoon/evening which includes: Afternoon excursion/immersion, dinner, and evening worship. Cost: $50.
  • Saturday evening worship: Area congregations are invited to join our evening worship on Saturday, May 4.
  • Election Volunteer: We are looking for one person to serve on the election team for the next two years. Contact Deacon Erin Power for more information.
Bishop's Legislative Luncheon & Issues Briefing
Wednesday, February 6, begins 8:45 a.m.
You are invited and urged to save the date and attend! 

The morning Issues Briefing will be at 8:45 a.m. at the United Church, 1804 Arroyo Chamiso in Santa Fe ( map )

Registration and refreshments will begin at 8:45 am. The Bishop's Legislative Luncheon will be at 12:30 p.m. La Fonda Hotel, 100 East San Francisco ( map ).
The cost for the luncheon is $35 per person. That cost is reduced to $30 when four or more people attend from your congregation or group. If you are only able to attend the morning Issues Briefing, the cost is $10. 

REGISTER for these events here!
Click on the poster to see more info at: http://yakamamission.org/winter-talk-2019
Our Life Together
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO
Final Disposition of Properties
After 69 years of ministry in Aurora, Colorado, the people of St. Matthew Lutheran Church voted for Holy Closure, with thanksgiving to God and in gratitude to the saints who have gone before. Their ministry was celebrated with the Liturgy of Holy Closure on Saturday, December 1.
While three communities continue to worship at their building site, they still hold a sizable inventory of items-- church furnishings, hymnals, Bibles, music, study guides, and altar ware, available to share with other congregations. Download a list here ( Word / PDF ).

Donations for any of the items are welcome. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Erwin Gebers at 720-277-2816 or  e-mgebers@comcast.net.
Faithful Tuesdays at the Colorado State Capitol
Faithful Tuesdays is a diverse coalition of leaders, organizations and community members who are committed to adding a deeper, moral dimension to the public policymaking process in Colorado.

We will hold multi-faith events, every Tuesday, at the Colorado State Capitol throughout the 2019 legislative session of the Colorado General Assembly. Some of these events may feature specific legislation, while other events may focus on forwarding a shared narrative of justice, love, healing, reconciliation, and care for the other.

Please join us on any Tuesday through April 30th from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at the Colorado State Capitol, 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO. Visit our website for dates, topics, and locations: https://faithfultuesdays.org/ and on Facebook Events.
RMSWO Annual Gathering Save the Date flyer
Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22, 2019
Please save the date for the RMSWO Annual Gathering! ( see attached flyer ).
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Webinar: Legal Checklist for Congregations
Congregations can be vulnerable to legal issues and liabilities related to corporate status, taxes, property, insurance and abuse prevention. Many of these problems can be avoided by using an ELCA-prepared checklist of key issues for congregations to address. In a free webinar at 12 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, Feb. 21, the ELCA legal staff will discuss this checklist and best legal practices for congregations. The webinar should be of particular interest to rostered ministers and lay congregational leaders and staff, including congregation council members and officers, church administrators, and pastors and deacons. Register by Feb. 15
Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Communications Specialist
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Arvada, CO
We are seeking a part time (10-12 hours per week) Communications Specialist/Director of Communications (DC). The DC seeks to maximize interaction with KOG people beyond Sunday morning to maintain energy and awareness about opportunities and events. This includes updating the church website, sending e-communications, and other communication type duties. Experience: 2+ years in digital communications/media, people-skills job, life experience valued. Job overview, responsibilities and duties, qualifications, and hours summary are here or go here. Please send resumes and inquiries to pastor.toddkog@gmail.com or visit our website at kog-arvada.org.
Parish Administrator
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit - Centennial, CO
Lutheran Church of The Holy Spirit is seeking a part time Parish Administrator. Ideally looking for a highly organized and adaptable individual who demonstrates a compassion for community and has the ability to engage with congregational members in ministry. This position is crucial for building weekly worship publications and handling financials. Additional duties include coordinating office contracts and managing: 
  • church calendar
  • church membership
  • critical building repairs
Please contact Rich Bell at 720-530-0183, rljt82427@yahoo.com
Director
St. Philip Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO
St. Philip Early Learning Center
Starts between March 1, 2019 and July 8, 2019 (to be negotiated)

St. Philip Early Learning Center serves approximately 160 children and has been a top program for the past 30 years. It is often recommended by kindergarten teachers, as evidenced by our wait lists. We have a great teacher to student ratio with two teachers per five children in the younger classrooms. The Director we are searching for must possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills, have a background in Early Childhood Education, and relate well to children. More information here

Qualified applicants should send a letter of intent, a resume, and a statement of educational philosophy to the St. Philip Early Learning Center Search Committee at aseep@stphilip-co.org. Application deadline February 15, 2019. Review of applications will begin immediately. References may be requested. Equal Opportunity Employer.
All Non-Rostered Positions 
Communications Specialist
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Arvada, CO

Parish Administrator
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit - Centennial, CO

Director
St. Philip Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO
St. Philip Early Learning Center

Faith Formation Director of Youth
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO

Preschool Director
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO

Vacation Bible School Coordinator
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church - Broomfield, CO

Music Leader (part-time)
Ascension Lutheran Church - Cheyenne, WY
Office of the Bishop This Week
  Bishop Jim Gonia
  • NM Bishop's Legislative Luncheon
  • NM Conference Retreat
  • Installation for Rev. Paul Schick, Community of Joy, Rio Rancho, NM
  • Bethlehem, Los Alamos, NM
  • Staff Meeting
  • CU-Boulder Campus Ministry

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
  • Congregational Vitality Conference, Las Vegas, NV
  • El Paso Office Feb. 10-20

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
  • Bishop's Legislative Luncheon & Issues Briefing
  • 1st Presbyterian Church, Las Vegas, NM

ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
  • Christ, Cheyenne, WY
  • Zion, Salt Lake City, UT
  • Staff Meeting
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Assistant to the Bishop Gathering, Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Staff Meeting

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Lutheran Center Administration
  • Finance Committee
  • Staff Meeting

ASSISTANT TO THE BIsHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
  • Assistant to the Bishop Gathering, Myrtle Beach, SC
  • 2020 Rostered Ministers Gathering Planning, Phoenix, AZ

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Common Cause Meeting
  • All Families Deserve a Chance Coalition
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee
  • Faithful Tuesdays
  • Staff Meeting

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Assistant to the Bishop Gathering, Myrtle Beach
  • Staff Meeting
  • RMS Youth Council
Quick Links
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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
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