A Reconciling in Christ synod
|
|
ELCA Statement on Gender Identity Discrimination
|
With Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, the ELCA issued the following statement on gender identity discrimination:
In light of recent public events and conversation, it is important to remember the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) rejects all forms of hatred or discrimination. This includes employment discrimination against the transgender community, as stated in “
Gender Identity Discrimination,
“ a policy resolution that was adopted by the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
“As church together, it’s now more important than ever for us not only to pray, but also stand beside all who are facing many forms of prejudice,” stated Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. “Transgender individuals should not be denied the opportunity to participate in our armed forces. We should honor the courage and sacrifice of all members of our military regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation and join those who serve in upholding the respect and dignity of each person.”
The ELCA has repeatedly spoken against discrimination in law or policy related to sexual orientation or gender identity. The
policy resolution
, adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 2013 – the highest legislative body of the church – instructed the presiding bishop to communicate public support for actions that prohibit “employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity” and encouraged all ELCA synods, congregations and members to do the same. Additionally, as a church, we have committed our support to those whose vocation is in the military (
“For Peace in God’s World,” 1995
).
The ELCA is a church that belongs to Christ and Christ’s church universal, where there is a place for everyone. The call of Christ’s people today is to celebrate the diversity of God’s creative work and embrace all people in the spirit of love, regardless of race or ethnicity, economic status or gender.
|
|
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
|
|
Introducing My America - Pastor Pedro Portillo, Irving, TX
|
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 Capable of Incredible Change
By Pastor Portillo
I came to the United States in 1980 after Archbishop Romero was assassinated in El Salvador. I was persecuted by a paramilitary group that was called Death Squad in the ’80s because… I had traveled with Romero to many towns and assisted him as an altar boy.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
ELCA World Hunger Big Game Synod Challenge 2019
|
It's game time! While you are cheering on your team and celebrating with family and friends - let's help tackle hunger together.
From kickoff to the final whistle on Super Bowl Sunday,
Team New England and
Team Los Angeles will seek to outdo one another for the sake of the gospel. The fans that donate the most through their team page to ELCA World Hunger by midnight central time on February 3 will help their synod(s) take home the title of ELCA World Hunger Champion - regardless of the outcome of the football game.
Donate to this main team page if you'd like to support the overall effort, or be sure and donate to your team's specific page by visiting these links:
|
|
|
|
Global Church Sunday Feedback Needed!
|
The Global Mission Committee put together resources for a Global Church Sunday in January and are seeking feedback on the resources.
The Global Church Sunday Resources are still available for your use on a Sunday that works for your congregation.
View Resources here.
|
|
Save the date: ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving
|
This Lent, you are once again invited to join fellow members and supporters of ELCA World Hunger to study, reflect and give during
ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving
. Journey into Lent as we explore the connections between our faith and our shared ministry to end hunger and poverty. Discover new ways to engage your congregation in the long-standing traditions and practices of Lent with:
- A devotional calendar offering ideas for how to engage in the Lenten disciplines of self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love.
- A weekly study explaining how your gifts to ELCA World Hunger are at work in the world.
- Additional resources, including a weekly series of inspirational emails and coin-jar wrappers inviting children and families to donate to programs addressing hunger and poverty.
A resource packet with more information is on its way to you, so watch your mailbox! In the meantime, please visit
elca.org/40days
for more information.
|
|
|
|
 |
Installations
Rev. Paul Schick
Community of Joy, Rio Rancho, NM
Saturday, February 9, 6:00 p.m.
Color of the Day:
Green
Ordinations
Christy Leigh Klemz
King of Kings, Pueblo, CO
Saturday, February 2, 2:00 p.m.
Color of the Day:
Red
|
|
|
|
RMS Prayer Cycle
FEBRUARY 2019: BORDER CONFERENCE
Week of February 3
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey
El Paso, TX
Rose Mary Sánchez-Guzmán
Mount Hope
El Paso, TX
New Hope
El Paso, TX
Jeff St. Clair
|
|
|
|
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 3
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
|
Prayer of the Day
Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and love; and that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
03 February - 09 February 2019
: Andorra, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Vatican City
-
Intercessions and Prayers
|
|
Finding resilience in a world of anxiety and trauma with Rich Williams
Sunday, February 10, from 10:50 a.m.- noon
|
Atonement Lutheran Church (chapel)
685 Inca Parkway, Boulder, CO (
map
)
Many people experience PTSD, panic disorders and the various kinds of trauma our world can inflict. Rich Williams, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and ordained chaplain, will offer skills and encouragement as people find ways to manage their symptoms and find their resilience. As a survivor himself, he will share some of the current knowledge about trauma and panic, what skills have been found effective in managing them, and what helps us develop our natural resilience. You are invited and we encourage you to invite others. Sponsored by our Mental Health Ministry Team.
For more information
send email or call 303-499-4567.
|
|
Register NOW for Colorado Lutheran Day at the Legislature
Thursday, February 21, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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
For questions about the annual meeting please contact that office at 970-493-5258 or through e-mail at
ally@skyranchcolorado.org
.
|
|
Ken Caryl Concerts of St. Philip Lutheran presents
"An Afternoon in Paris"
Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
|
Ken Caryl Concerts of St. Philip Lutheran Church
is gearing up for its first concert of the season,
"An Afternoon in Paris,"
which will be presented in the sanctuary of St. Philip and will feature Steinway artist, Katie Mahan performing Claude Debussy’s
Suite Bergamasque
and her own arrangement of George Gershwin’s
An American in Paris.
This concert is free of charge and open to all ages, with refreshments following the performance. Donations will be accepted to support the concert series as well as the
Katie Mahan Foundation Music for a Bright Tomorrow
, whose objective is to promote classical music and to inspire giving through music.
Ken Caryl Concerts was created by a group of St. Philip musicians as an outreach mission of the church in the hopes to entertain, educate, inspire and extend a warm welcome to
the community.
|
|
The Colorado School of Celtic Consciousness Retreat with Theologian John Philip Newell at Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes, CO
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 through Thursday, May 16, 2019
|
In 2016, John Philip Newell founded the School of Celtic Consciousness. He did so in the belief that Celtic wisdom is needed at this moment in time, urgently. It is a spiritual tradition in the Christian household that can nurture vision of mind, strength of soul, and compassion of action.
|
|
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.
|
|
Benefit Concerts for Luther House
Friday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 3 at 2:00 p.m.
|
TOMMY & SAUNDRA O’SULLIVAN, from Dingle, Ireland. Irish music and Tales to Benefit Lutheran Campus Ministry & ELCA World Hunger.
Friday, February 1
Concert 7:00 p.m. with reception following.
Christ Lutheran Church, 1701 Arroyo Chamiso Road, Santa Fe, NM (
map
)
Sunday, February 3
Community Tailgate Meal 12:30 p.m. followed by Concert at 2:00 p.m.
St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9100 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM (
map
)
Enjoy beautiful Irish music and support two worthy organizations! Tickets are $20, $10 for students and seniors, and kids under 12 are free. Buy online at
LutherHouseNM.org, or by calling 505-633-5564, or at the door. For more information about Tommy and Saundra and to listen to their music, visit
tommyandsaundra.com.
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Faith & Poverty Day at the Capitol
Thursday, January 31, 2019 10:00 a.m. to noon
|
CORC (Collation of Religious Communities) Faith Leaders will be talking with our state representatives about issues that impact the most vulnerable in our communities: housing, taxation on food, health care, childhood homelessness and more.
We will meet first in the Auditorium in the State Office Building immediately behind the Capitol. Bishop Gonia is one of the featured guest speakers along with Rev. Joan Bell-Haynes, Executive Regional Minister, Central Rocky Mountain Region, Christian Church (Disciples Of Christ), USA and Canada and Rabbi Samuel L. Spector of Congregation Kol Ami. For more information contact
Pastor Christine Higueria-Street.
As Christians we understand God’s word, “As I have loved you, love one another.”
John 13:34 As Lutherans we understand speaking for the marginalized is our civic duty. “As a public church, we have a responsibility to address issues that affect our neighbors in communities throughout the world.” (
ELCA’s Being Public Church)
|
|
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.
|
|
Walking together - Living Lutheran
In the ELCA there is no mission "to," only mission "with" and "among" as its missionaries walk together with those they serve. In this episode of the Three Sides podcast, we hear from ELCA missionaries and ELCA Global Mission staff who talk about ...
Read more
www.livinglutheran.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
- Utah Faith & Poverty Day
- Synod Council
- Boulder-Broomfield Conference Retreat
ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
- Synod Council
- Congregational Vitality Conference, Las Vegas, NV
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
- Synod Council meeting
- Legislative Session
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
- Synod Council
- Atonement, Boulder, CO
- 1-1 Meetings
|
|
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Synod Council
- Congregational Transition
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Lutheran Center Administration
- Synod Council
ASSISTANT TO THE BIsHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
- Word & Service Summit, PLTS Berkeley, CA
- Synod Council
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Synod Council
- Colorado Social Legislation Committee
- Faithful Tuesdays Event
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
- Word & Service Summit, PLTS Berkeley, CA
- Synod Council
- CSU Campus Ministry
|
|
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
Submissions
are due noon Monday each week and will run for about two weeks.
Past issues of eConnection may be found
here
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
