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A Reconciling in Christ synod
MLK50 Bell Toll
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 5:05 p.m. MDT
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
April 4 of this year will mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. While many will be in Memphis, Tennessee, for the commemoration, organizers also want the nation to recognize this seminal anniversary and connect the past to the present.

You are invited to join the commemoration by tolling your church or campus bell 39 times at the hour of his assassination to honor the number of years Dr. King dwelled on this earth and to pay homage to his legacy. This is a simple yet meaningful way for our nation to acknowledge the loss but more importantly to remember the great contributions Dr. King made to our country and the world.

Since the news rippled across the country, the bells will first ring at the National Civil Rights Museum at 6:01 p.m. CDT. Bells will chime in the City of Memphis at 6:03 p.m. CDT, and 6:05 p.m. CST nationally (5:05 p.m. Mountain Time). Please consider joining in this solemn reflection. More information and registration here.
Vote for Our Lives Rally and Prayer Vigil
Thursday, April 19, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Clement Park, Littleton
Never again.

On April 20, 1999 our world forever changed when two gunman entered Columbine High School. Since that day, there have been more and more school shootings. What would have happened if something was done to prevent the shooting on April 19, 1999? We need to stop the clock. 

Join educators and faith leaders at Clement Park, the park next to Columbine , on April 19, 2018 as we empower people to exercise their right and privilege to vote. 

eConnection Spotlight: RMS in the Neighborhood
Good Friday Vigil for Immigrant Neighbors
Last Friday, Bishop Gonia and several ELCA pastors joined members of the Wyoming Interfaith Network in a Good Friday Prayer Vigil to offer support to immigrant neighbors and to oppose the construction of a for-profit detention facility for immigrant families in Evanston WY.

Christ's Church, Better Together for sake of the world!
RMS-ELCA News and Events
Better Together Sunday Resources

April 28-29 is Better Together weekend! Pray together with other ministries across the RMS, commission your synod assembly voting members, and learn about the various ministries of our Church!

Assembly Transportation
Need a ride to assembly from DIA?

Live in Denver and willing to provide transportation?


Christ's Church, Better Together!
A Declaration of Our Inter-Religious Commitment: 
A Draft Policy Statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
You are invited to participate in responding to the Draft ELCA policy statement, “ A Declaration of Our Inter-Religious Commitment.” The six-month comment period on the Draft is open from Friday, January 12, 2018 through Saturday, June 30, 2018.

To participate, you can download the draft document here, then respond to the online survey here. You are welcome to participate as individuals or groups.
For Your Bulletin
April Prayer Petitions
Border Servant Corps (Peace Lutheran, Las Cruces, NM)
  • Meredith Severtson, BSCer serving as an Outreach Coordinator at Doña Ana Communities United.
  • Doña Ana Communities United in Las Cruces, NM builds the capacity of communities to develop and implement policies and community-based solutions that improve social, economic, and environmental conditions that shape health and life opportunities.

* Each month, BSC invites partners to support BSC, volunteers, and service sites through intentional prayer. Please feel free to share; we are grateful for your continued partnership and support. 

To learn more, visit the BSC website or send an email to info@borderservantcorps.org.
Installations

 Rev. Jo Ann Neal
Our Saviors, Casper, WY
Saturday, April 7, 11:00 a.m.
Color of the Day:   White
RMS Prayer Cycle

 APRIL 2018: WYOMING CONFERENCE

Week of April 8

St. Paul’s - Cheyenne, WY
 Alison George

Trinity - Laramie, WY
Nathan Keith

Trinity - Evanston, WY
The Risen Lord
He Qi, 2001

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, April 8
Second Sunday of Easter
Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, with joy we celebrate the day of our Lord’s resurrection. By the grace of Christ among us, enable us to show the power of the resurrection in all that we say and do, 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
Around the Synod
Welcoming Prayer Practice
Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Welcoming Prayer is a practice designed to help us respond, instead of react, when we find our emotional programs triggered. In this simple prayer we learn to surrender to God’s presence and action in our lives so we aren’t so torn apart by anxiety, fears, anger or other afflictive emotions. Information and registration here.
Augustana Arts and Stratus Chamber Orchestra presents " Awakenings"
Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Featuring the World Premiere by composer Jessamie Kaitler
David Rutherford, Music Director

Augustana Arts debuts the world premier composition “ Awakenings” by Jessamie Kaitler performed by the Stratus Chamber Orchestra. Jessamie Kaitler’s commissioned composition Awakenings will debut along with Bach’s Sleeper’s Awake!, Haydn‘s Morning Symphony (#6) and Bax’ 3 Pieces for Small Orchestra

Performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 27 at the First Plymouth Congregational Church , 3501 S. Colorado Blvd, Englewood, CO 80113 and again on Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church , 5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver, CO 80246. Tickets are $10 - $25 and available by calling 303-388-4962, online at www.AugustanaArts.org or at the door.

Stratus Music Director David Rutherford said, “We are very excited to share with you the World Premiere of a new work by Australian composer Jessamie Kaitler, who saw our immersive performance at the Czech Museum of Music in Prague and couldn’t wait to take the concept back home with her. She reached out and expressed a desire to work with Stratus in creating an unforgettable new work for the orchestra.”
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains - Opportunities!
  • 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 Wednesday, April 11 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). 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.

  • Join us for the LFS 70th Anniversary Benefit Gala at the Cable Center on Saturday, April 21! We are delighted to announce that we will be presenting a video immersion event, which will allow guests to embark on a journey that leads them through the lives of LFS clients. The Gala will feature a night of dinner, entertainment, an auction, and companionship, along with celebrating 70 years of serving individuals and families in need in our community. Please register here.

  • Two boys in our foster care program, ages 7 and 8, want to attend day camp this summer while their foster parents work. The opportunity to participate in swimming, martial arts, trips to the zoo and museums, dance, and other activities would greatly enhance their summer vacations, and the vacations of many other children in foster care. If you would like to make a donation to help create these meaningful experiences, please contact Alice Wurst at alice.wurst@lfsrm.org or 303-217-5859.
Our Life Together
Cal Lutheran - Job Opening for Campus Minister
The Campus Minister will provide pastoral care for the whole of the University under the direction of the University Pastor, alongside the current Campus Ministry staff to develop faith formation programs for students; participate in Interfaith engagement, assist the University in identifying student needs especially in underrepresented students and in bringing the resources of the institution to address those needs.

Rooted in a Lutheran understanding of word and sacrament or word and service ministry and a commitment to ministry in diverse, multi-cultural and multi-racial communities of faith. The Campus Minister will be expected to communicate Cal Lutheran’s mission, identity, and commitments while graciously reaching across multiple faith communities.

Job posting online here. Detailed position description, requirements, and application process here.
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
From the March 2018 Issue of Administration Matters
ELCA-endorsed property and liability insurance program

Did you know that over 3,200 congregations and 48 synods are currently insured by the ELCA Endorsed Property and Liability Insurance Program underwritten by Church Mutual Insurance Co.? The program offers competitive rates, excellent claims services and other valuable features such as its sensor program to help further protect your property. For more information, please refer to this link concerning the ELCA endorsement and to this brochure further explaining the program. Obtaining a quote is easy. Just call 800-554-2642 and select option 1.
> More
Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Director of Worship & Music Ministry (full-time)
Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO
Seeking a dynamic full-time Worship & Music Director, with a heart for the Christian Gospel, to lead our large congregation in a wide variety of music and worship styles from Contemporary to Traditional. The Director of Worship & Music will be responsible for expanding our already successful music ministries which currently includes a Traditional Choir, hand bell choir, our Crossroads Band, Praise Team Band, and special music. We have four regular weekend services, each with a unique worship style that we look to continue to develop.

The Director of Worship & Music will also work with the Children's Ministry, Preschool, Confirmation and Youth programs. Experience in Creative Arts and/or a demonstration of creativity and innovation is a plus as we seek to grow God's ministry in Highlands Ranch.

This salaried position requires regular weekend and holiday work. 
Resumes should be sent to Executive Pastor Gail Mundt, Christ Lutheran Church, 8997 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 or e-mailed to pastorgail@clchr.org.
All Non-Rostered Positions 
Director of Worship & Music Ministry (full-time)
Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO

Director of Elementary School Ministries
Cross of Hope Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM

ACPE Chaplain Residency 2018-2019
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

Office Administrator (part-time)
Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church - Centennial, CO

Early Learning Center Director
St. John's Lutheran Church - Thornton, CO

Early Learning Center Assistant Director
St. John's Lutheran Church - Thornton, CO

Early Childhood Teacher
St. John's Lutheran Church - Thornton, CO

Director of Early Learning Center
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver, CO
Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • National Council of Churches Rally to End Racism, Washington, D.C.
  • National Day of Advocacy and Action, Washington, D.C.
  • Installation of Rev. Jo Ann Neal, Our Savior's, Casper, WY
  • St. Luke, Buffalo, WY
  • WY Conference Retreat

Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • RMS Finance Committee
  • Lutheran Center Administration
  • Interim Pastors

Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
  • NM Conference of Churches
  • LAM-NM Policy Committee

Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
  • Legislative Hearings
  • Interfaith Alliance
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • Latino Worshiping Community, (Cristo Rey), Denver
  • Christ the King, Denver, CO
  • Ascension, Ogden, UT
  • St. Matthew's, Taylorsville, UT
  • Utah conference meeting, Salt Lake City, UT
  • Better Together Relationship Team small group work

Deacon Erin Power
  • Synod Assembly Planning
  • RMS Communications
  • Region 2 Deacon Gathering Task Force
  • Global Church Network Meeting

Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Lutheran Church of the Servant, Santa Fe, NM
  • Congregation Transition Work
  • First Call Theological Education Planning

Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Out of Office until April 27
Quick Links
Share the News
Erin Power   Assistant to the Bishop
Andrew Nakatan i , Communications Assistant
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.