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May 8, 2019
A Reconciling in Christ synod
2019 Synod Assembly, Albuquerque NM
This past weekend leaders across the RMS gathered in Albuquerque for our Synod Assembly. We welcomed Father Richard Rohr as our keynote speaker, honored leaders participating in Border Hospitality Ministry, commissioned our new Youth Council, and heard stories of our life together.

Three offerings were collected at assembly:

  • Betela Seminary in Madagascar: $3,861.77
  • RMS Mission Development/Redevelopment: $2,918.67
  • ELCA World Hunger: $3,585

Videos of assembly plenary sessions will be available beginning next week. See more of what happened at our assembly by searching #betransformed and #rms19 on social media! We will be featuring assembly videos from our partners in ministry on social media over the next weeks as well.
Bishop Gonia Sabbatical
The Synod Council and members of the assembly offered a prayer of blessing as Bishop Gonia begins his sabbatical.

Bishop Gonia will be on sabbatical until August 5.
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
Church Together with our Border Ministries!
During Synod Assembly, congregations and ministries of the RMS gathered supplies for our ministries providing hospitality for refugees and asylum seekers at the border.

We are Church, Better Together!
RMS-ELCA News and Events
Service of Holy Closure: Christ, Cheyenne, WY
May 17, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
We invite your prayers for the community of Christ Lutheran in Cheyenne, WY as they journey toward Holy Closure.

Rostered Ministers are invited to vest, the color of the day is white.
 
"For this congregation’s ministries throughout its life, its gatherings for praise and prayer, its faithful use of the means of grace, and its study of the scriptures, we give our thanks and praise. For the work of mission this congregation has supported and for all the lives that have been affected by God’s work through them, we give our thanks and praise."

- ELW Occasional Service for the Assembly
RMS Excellence in Leadership
“It’s not easy to be the church these days”. This is a common sentiment in mainline Christian denominations, and the ELCA is no exception. We know there is a need for hope and grace and the power of the gospel, but the ways of communicating that and the ways of being church in the world are shifting beneath our feet. We know this.
The Rocky Mountain Synod is rising to meet this changing paradigm with a new leadership training program – Excellence in Leadership.

Beginning this fall, we will be offering a program grounded in authentically claiming our identity as individuals and as church. By engaging deeply in the studies of adaptive leadership, vulnerability, emotional intelligence, family systems, and spiritual practices, we will be stepping forward to meet the future boldly. We don't know exactly what the future holds, but we do know that it begins with each personal journey toward emotional and spiritual wholeness.

Excellence in Leadership brings together broad disciplines in a two-year program: Bible study and spiritual practices, family systems, leading from the future, adaptive leadership, and vulnerability and resiliency, under the umbrella of emotional intelligence. Through engaging in this holy and difficult work, we hope to form courageous, resilient and faithful leaders who are better equipped to build courageous, resilient, and faithful communities of faith, for the sake of the world.

For more info, contact katie.emery@firstluth.org
For Your Bulletin
Installations
RMS Prayer Cycle

MAY 2019
METRO EAST CONFERENCE

- Week of May 12 -

Cross of Glory - Denver, CO
Mike Lemke

Peace in Christ - Elizabeth, CO
Alena Lamirato

Epiphany - Denver, CO
Elizabeth Reinking

HKBP - Denver, CO

Holy Love - Aurora, CO
Matthew Weber

- Week of May 5 -

All Saints - Aurora, CO
John Petty

Augustana - Denver, CO
Ann Hultquist
Caitlin Trussell
Shanna VanderWel

Bethel - Aurora, CO
Barbara Lemke

Christ the Savior - Aurora, CO
Paul Ziegler

Swanson, John August. Psalm 23, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN

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, May 12
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Prayer of the Day

O God of peace, you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep. By the blood of your eternal covenant, make us complete in everything good that we may do your will, and work among us all that is well-pleasing in your sight, 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

28 April - 04 May  Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan - Intercessions and Prayers
Around the Synod
Colorado Women’s Chorale: Carnegie Hall Masterworks
Saturday May 11, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the homecoming of Colorado Women's Choir tour from the Carnegie Festival for Treble Voices in New York City this spring.
Selections include masterworks of Brahms, Holst, Elgar, and more. Plus an exhilarating finale joined by the Colorado Men’s Chorale for Martin Palmeri’s Misa Tango, a brilliant orchestral work that celebrates the beauty, joy, and passion of Argentina.
Order your tickets at this link!
Silent Auction Happy Hour to benefit OHANA Youth!
Saturday, May 11, 2019, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 
To celebrate the ethnic diversity of our OHANA Youth Ministry, our youth will dress in clothing from their culture, and the appetizers and music will reflect their cultures as well from Mexico, Bolivia, Indonesia, Nigeria, and America. There will be a bunch of auction items to bid on, as well as a glass of wine or Sangria for our participants 21+, and non-alcoholic beverages such as lemonade and water. 

We hope you and your families and friends will join us for this big event! If you are interested in donating items for the auction, please contact our Director of Youth and Family Ministry - Kinna Kemp at misskinna.cyf@gmail.com

***Please note our fundraiser was originally hosted at Bethany Lutheran Church but has been changed to the church that hosts our ministry, St. Mark's Lutheran Church ( map ), address is in the flier.

For more information: www.stmarksaurora.org/youth-ministry
Meet Dr. Mark and Linda Jacobson
ELCA Missionaries from Arusha, Tanzania
May 14, 2019 at Saint Peter Lutheran Church
Saint Peter Lutheran Church is hosting a morning with Mark and Linda Jacobson, including a 7:00 a.m. breakfast at Benedict’s Restaurant in Greenwood Village, and a 9:30-11:00 a.m. open house at Saint Peter. The public is invited to attend.

Dr. Mark and Linda Jacobson served as ELCA Medical Missionaries in Arusha, Tanzania from 1985 until their retirement in December of 2018. Now part-time retired, they continue to work in support of ministries they developed through Selian Lutheran Hospital and the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC).

Responding to a significant shortage of nurses in northern Tanzania, and the impact this has on developing medical initiatives, the Jacobsons and ALMC created a nursing school which recruits local students into nursing vocations, and into serving in Tanzania’s hospitals.

This school opened on March 7, 2014, in temporary facilities near Arusha. The goal now is to build a permanent home for the school; a prerequisite for receiving approval to offer a 3-year nursing diploma curriculum. The Jacobsons will bring a report on progress made in the development of this facility. Current projections are that phase one (including occupancy) could be complete by the end of this year.

For more information, contact Saint Peter at 303-770-9300, visit their web site at  www.StPLC.org, or find them on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/StPLC .
Saint Peter Lutheran Church
9300 E. Belleview Ave.
Greenwood Village,
303-770-9300 
Benedict’s Restaurant
8181 E. Arapahoe Rd.
CO Greenwood Village, CO
720-529-9797
"After Suicide: On the Journey with Pain, Loss, Resilience and Faith"
Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
The Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (INMI, inmi.us) is offering a program during Mental Health Month (May) about "After Suicide: On the Journey with Pain, Loss, Resilience, and Faith." There will be a panel of persons who experienced suicide loss and there will many resources and persons to share about suicide prevention and intervention.

For more information, please contact Pastor Alan Johnson at revalan2004@comcast.net .
Submerged: Music for Flute, Harp, & Viola
Friday May 31, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Ivy Street Ensemble presents…
Submerged: Music for Flute, Harp and Viola

Award-winning Ivy Street Ensemble and harpist, Rachel Ellins come together for an evening of musical selections from the Classical to the Contemporary set to fill appetites of all concert patrons. Selections include Petite Suite by Jolivet, Summer Morning, Summer Afternoon by Gary Schocker, Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp by Claude Debussy, and the spectacular and stealthy classical, Latin contemporary masterpiece Submerged by Miguel del Aguila. Join us for exquisite summer evening of stellar music by musicians from the Colorado Symphony and friends.
Get more info and tickets here!
“Under The Stars” Summertime Concert goes perfectly with Summer Solstice!
Friday June 21, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Augustana Arts Proudly Presents... Neil Bridge's Group "Quintessence!" featuring Vocalist Karen Lee! and Guitarist Wayne Wilkinson! Ron Bland on Bass, and Todd Reid on Drums.

So come on down to Augustana's first level hall and be transformed by a cabaret setup and vibrant summertime music from five of Colorado's Greatest Jazz Musicians. Let the spirit move you as Neil, one of Colorado's own Legendary Jazz Pianists, arranger, composer and beloved former DPS Music Educators, his wife Karen Lee, and their group, perform music from The Great American Songbook plus more! (let’s call it a concert with a little dancing on the side).

Enjoy refreshments, while you feed your soul with great music. The Bridge's bring their passion to a repertoire of Swing, Latin, Ballroom and Classic Jazz.

"NEIL has upheld the highest standards in musicianship and music education... as well as swinging without remorse! Truly a long time giant of Denver's Jazz Scene, Neil and his muse, Karen Lee, will remind you with his classic arrangements and impeccable taste, of why we love this most American of music styles." Ricky Rodriguez Denver City Park Jazz Festival 2013

All proceeds raised from the purchase of the tasty refreshments will go towards bringing music opportunity to young people in the metro Denver area.
For more information: info@augustanaarts.org
Our Life Together
Luther Academy of the Rockies 50th Anniversary
June 18 - June 28, 2019
Wartburg Theological Seminary invites YOU to join with us for 10 days of learning, recreation, and renewal for ministry at our annual LUTHER ACADEMY OF THE ROCKIES.

In keeping with Wartburg Theological Seminary's emphasis on daily worship, each day begins with opening devotions. In addition to educational programs for the adults, age-appropriate daily programs are provided for children and teens (age 4 - 18), as well as childcare for children 3 and under.

Come join us for 10 days in the beautiful Rockies with renowned speakers sharing their wisdom at an incredibly reasonable price! This opportunity is too great to miss!!!

For more info and to register, visit our website at: https://www.wartburgseminary.edu/lar/
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Here is your Stewardship Toolkit for Congregations - May 2019
This month's emphasis is Stewardship of community, brought to you by Rev. Rob Blezard, Assistant to the Bishop
Lower Susquehanna Synod.
Check out his blog: www.thestewardshipguy.com!

Good, thoughtful, consistent communication, education and action can help your congregation develop a healthy culture of stewardship and generosity. This kit can help get you there! Use the resources of this kit by themselves to educate and encourage stewardship, but they would be more effective as a monthly emphasis about a different aspect of stewardship. You could plan bible studies, temple talks, a preaching series and other activities. 

Click here to download the May toolkit. And save this link to always be able to get the most current toolkit.
Items for sale
Monday, April 22 through Friday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day

Bethany Lutheran
4500 E Hampden Ave.
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113

We have several items available for sale; glass tea plates (approx. 80), small glass vases (approx. 10), communion wine glass trays (approx. 15), and many other communion pieces. Please contact Sarah for photos and information.
Employment Opportunities
New Listings 
Preschool Teachers & Aides
Let Me Shine Christian Preschool
1070 South Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
We are now hiring part-time for Fall 2019 School Year. Seeking enthusiastic Christian teachers and aides with early childhood experience to share God's love with His children. Applicants must be energetic, self-motivated, and team players. Teachers must have an Early Childhood Associates or equivalent and experience in teaching, curriculum, and lesson planning. 

Visit Let Me Shine's website, see job ad flyer here, for more information call 801-583-6400 or email director@letmeshine.org.
Choir Director (part-time)
Zion Lutheran Church - Salt Lake City, UT
Zion Lutheran Church is hiring a choir director, a part-time paid position. Worship is primary to our congregational life, and music is central to our worship.

Job description is here. Start date is flexible. 4-8 hours a week Please send resume and cover letter to office@zelc.org
Church Office Assistant
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO
Joy Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time office assistant who will be responsible for preparing weekly and seasonal worship material and announcements, and supporting the pastor, staff, congregational members, church council, and visitors. Duties include providing first point of contact for callers and visitors; providing administrative support for staff; preparing weekly bulletins, announcements, and presentation software for worship; preparing and distributing weekly email news and other church publications. This position calls for a 12 hour per week work schedule. Please submit a resume and cover letter to resumes@joylc.org. Deadline for application is May 8. Info and downloadable job description at www.joylc.org/content/job-opening-church-office-assistant. 
Faith Formation Coordinator for Children & Families
Atonement Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO
Atonement Lutheran Church of Boulder, Colorado is seeking an Interim Faith Formation Coordinator to work in our children and family ministry areas. The 15 hour per week position reports to the Pastor for Children, Youth, and Household Ministry, works with the Pastors, other church staff and members of Atonement Lutheran Church to support the congregation’s ministry. The interim position will last 9 to 12 months.

Job Description and application form may be found at www.atonementboulder.org/employment.
Pianist/Organist (3/8 time)
Saint Peter Lutheran Church - Greenwood Village, CO
Saint Peter Lutheran Church, a vibrant congregation of around 450 members is seeking a keyboardist to help lead worship. Responsibilities for this 12-16 hr/wk position include playing for two Sunday services (one traditional, one contemporary), accompanying an adult choir and various other groups as needed. The right person for this position will be part of an energetic, positive team that includes the minister of music, pastor and other program staff, and volunteers including a worship band and various classical worship ensembles. A full job description is available online at https://www.stplc.org/jobs or contact Steve Howie, minister of music at showie@stplc.org if you are interested in this opportunity.

For additional information go to https://www.stplc.org/jobs. 
All Non-Rostered Listings 
Preschool Teachers & Aides
Let Me Shine Christian Preschool - Salt Lake City

Choir Director (part-time)
Zion Lutheran Church - Salt Lake City, UT

Church Office Assistant
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO

Faith Formation Coordinator for Children & Families
Atonement Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO

Pianist/Organist (3/8 time)
Saint Peter Lutheran Church - Greenwood Village, CO

Assistant Preschool Director (part-time)
Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO

Music Director
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church - 1280 Vine St, Denver CO

Community Life Coordinator
Urban Servant Corps - 1660 Ogden Street, Denver, CO

Organist/Accompanist (part-time)
St. Andrew - Arvada, CO
Office of the Bishop This Week
  Bishop Jim Gonia
  • Sabbatical until August 5

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
  • El Paso Office May 8-16

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
  • St. Luke Lutheran, Albuquerque
  • Time off

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Legislative Wrap-up
  • All Families Deserve a Chance Coalition
  • Vision 2020

ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
  • 1-1 Meetings
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Interim Pastors
  • Leadership Planning Team
  • New Mexico CDI
  • Congregational Ministry Board

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Lutheran Center Administration
  • Part Time Ministry Team

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
  • RMS Communications
  • Assembly Follow-up

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Faith Formation Conference Coordinators
  • Rainbow Trail Board Retreat
  • In-office catch up
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
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-339-4744

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