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May 22, 2019
A Reconciling in Christ synod
Message From Bishop Eaton: For Such a Time as This
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares what it means to be called, "For such a time," in her 2019 message to ELCA Synod Assemblies.

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Here's What Happened at Synod Assembly!
Assembly Highlights:

  • Approved 2019-2020 RMS Budget including an increase in mission support to the Churchwide Organization from 47% to 47.5%!
  • Approved Campus Ministry students to be voting members of the assembly
  • Approved a memorial to Churchwide Assembly around protections for Palestinian Children
  • Approved a resolution to allow electronic attendance from one of five locations for the 2020 Assembly (more info coming soon!)
  • Affirmed the RMS Strategic Plan 2.0
  • Heard reports from Bishop Gonia, Synod Vice President Earline Bohling, and ELCA Representative Mary Campbell (videos available soon)
  • Commissioned our new RMS Youth Council
  • Recognized our Border Ministries and Immigration accompaniment ministry partners in their work with refugee resettlement and border hospitality
  • Learned from local ministries through off-site excursions
Synod Assembly Resources Now Available!
Videos, Reports, and Resources from the Synod Assembly are available on the website (with more added as they are ready!)

Richard Rohr Videos

Videos of our keynote speaker, Father Richard Rohr, will be available on our vimeo channel as they are ready. We will be posting the three full keynotes, and a series of shorter clips intended for an adult forum series. Stay tuned!
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
Church Together: Feeding El Paso
New Hope, El Paso, TX was honored by the City of El Paso for their ministry, Katie's Food Pantry, a food pantry in partnership with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.

Christ's Church, Better Together for the sake of the world!
RMS-ELCA News and Events
Introducing Excellence in Leadership
Our capacity to lead depends on our ability to maintain strong, healthy, and authentic relationships. 
Excellent leadership begins with spiritually connecting our true identity with our surrounding community and then learning how to use ourselves as primary agents in practicing God's kingdom on earth, proclaiming God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.

Excellence in Leadership is one way to engage in this important work. It is a two-year program hosted at 5 sites throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod beginning in September 2019 – which means it is coming to a location near you!

If you are wondering whether this program is for you, ask yourself:
  • Do you want to grow in your emotional intelligence?
  • Do you want to deepen your relationships?
  • Do you want to be a more effective leader in church and in your community?
  • Do you wish to move beyond old models and be better equipped to meet today’s challenges?
  • Are you either a rostered leader or a lay leader?
If your answer to these questions is, “yes”, then visit our website and register today !

Contact Dana Anderson ( danderson@rmselca.org) for more information.
Followup for RMS 2019 Memorial to Churchwide Assembly: No Way to Treat a Child
At our Synod Assembly we voted to support the rights of Palestinian children detained by the Israeli military in the West Bank and Gaza. Read the memorial, "No Way to Treat a Child: Protecting the Human Rights of Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation," and take a look at some resources for further study and action on the RMS Peace Not Walls webpage at http://rmselca.org/peace-not-walls.
H.R. 2407 has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Betty McCollum (MN). Learn more about the bill and ask your Member of Congress to co-sponsor: https://nwttac.dci-palestine.org/tell_your_lawmaker_to_support_hr2407.
Lutherans and Episcopalians Together at Denver PrideFest
June 15-16, 2019
Come join the Rocky Mountain Synod and The Episcopal Church in CO at Denver Pride the weekend of Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 to help share the good news about our many welcoming Lutheran and Episcopal congregations throughout our Synod and Diocese.

You are invited to sign up for a 2-hour shift on either Saturday or Sunday. If you would like to claim a shift for your congregation. Contact Deacon David O'Rourke at 303-241-2701 or davidcorourke@gmail.com for more information and Sign up here !
For Your Bulletin
Installations

Rev. Brigette Weier
Our Saviour's, Salt Lake City, UT
3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18
Color of the day: White

RMS Prayer Cycle

MAY 2019
METRO EAST CONFERENCE

- Week of May 26-

Saron - Strasburg, CO
Julie Brooks

St Mark - Aurora, CO
Bev Piro (Interim)

St Paul - Denver, CO
Barbara Berry Bailey
Mark Alan Filbert 

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 26
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Prayer of the Day

Bountiful God, you gather your people into your realm, and you promise us food from your tree of life. Nourish us with your word, that empowered by your Spirit we may love one another and the world you have made, 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

26 May - 01 June  Angola, Mozambique - Intercessions and Prayers
Around the Synod
A Conversation with Frank DeAngelis
Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
A Conversation with Frank DeAngelis former principal of Columbine High School. The Holy Shepherd Book Group invites you to an afternoon with Frank, De Angelis, as he shares his journey of recovery since the Columbine shootings. His recently released book, "They Call Me Mr. De", which offers a personal narrative of tragedy, hope and resilience, will be available for purchase.

A light dessert reception will follow the presentation as Mr. DeAngelis signs books. 

Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church ( map)
920 Kipling Street, Lakewood, CO 80215

For more information contact the church office at 303-233-2740 or holyshepherd.com.
“Under The Stars” Summertime Concert - perfect 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/
LMM Disaster Recovery Effort in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) is partnering with Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) to help hurricane victims recover in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. The St. Croix Long-Term Disaster Recovery...

Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
From Administration Matters, May 2019
ELCA Churchwide Assembly observers and volunteers

The 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take place Aug. 5-10 in Milwaukee, Wis. Each congregation of the ELCA may register one congregation observer. Congregation observers will be seated in the observers’ section of the plenary hall and have access to the ELCA Guidebook app as well as materials distributed on the plenary floor to voting members.

Are you interested in serving as a volunteer at the assembly? In the upcoming months, the Greater Milwaukee Synod will be recruiting about 600 volunteers to greet guests at the airport, help with worship services and work as microphone pages. Learn more .
Here is your Stewardship Toolkit for Congregations - June 2019
Here's the June 2019 "Stewardship Toolkit" brought to you by Rev. Rob Blezard, Assistant to the Bishop Lower Susquehanna Synod. It comprises an original newsletter article, RCL-based "stewardship snippets" that can be cut-and-pasted into your publications, and other web resources that explore this month's theme, "Develop a Heart of Generosity."

Christ Lutheran Church, Cheyenne, WY -
Pews, Altar, Pulpit and Baptismal Font all need a home by May 31
Due to the closure of Christ Lutheran Church, we need to rehome all our church items. We have pews, altar, pulpit, baptismal font and multiple crosses, banners, and paraments that all need a place to go. Unfortunately, we have limited time to find them a home, can possibly store for a short amount of time. There is no charge for these items as we simply want to see them used well. Contact Sandi Arnold at arnoldsandi@charter.net for more information.
Employment Opportunities
New Listings 
Community Relations and Special Events Coordinator
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains - Denver, CO
This position coordinates all aspects of special events, including working with volunteers and other Lutheran Family Services staff members. Also manages relationships with local churches, community and corporate resources to ensure awareness of Lutheran Family Services activities and programs, and to encourage giving. For more information and to apply for the position please visit the website at  www.lfsrm.org
Administrative Assistant (part-time)
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church - Broomfield, CO
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant (26-29 hours per week) who will be responsible for providing day-to-day support for the pastors, staff, and the congregation. This position involves communications, organization, and management of the church office.

Job description available here. Resumes are due by May 25 to "Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Attn: Pastor Kathleen Armstrong, 12099 Lowell Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020" or karmstrong@cross-of-christ.org.
Pianist
Peace in Christ Episcopal Lutheran Ministry - Elizabeth, CO
Peace in Christ is looking for a pianist to play the liturgy and hymns for our 9:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday mornings, starting September. 1. Practice for this service begins at 8:30 a.m.. Good sight reading is very important. A guitarist, flutist, and percussionist complete our music ensemble.
For more information contact Pastor Alena Lamirato at pastoralena@yahoo.com
All Non-Rostered Listings 
Community Relations and Special Events Coordinator
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains - Denver, CO

Administrative Assistant (part-time)
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church - Broomfield, CO

Pianist
Peace in Christ Episcopal Lutheran Ministry - Elizabeth, CO

Preschool Teachers & Aides
Let Me Shine Christian Preschool - Salt Lake City, UT

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
Office of the Bishop This Week
  Bishop Jim Gonia
  • Sabbatical until August 5

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
  • Trinity, Hobbs, NM
  • Staff Meeting
  • El Paso Office May 21-June 2

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
  • Staff meeting
  • Organizational tasks & planning

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Staff Meeting
  • Together Colorado
  • Vacation through June 3

ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
  • 1-1 Meetings
  • Staff Meeting
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Staff Meeting
  • Congregation Transition
  • In-office appointments

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

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
  • Staff Meeting
  • RMS Communications
  • Theological Conference Planning
  • Conference Deans

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Staff Meeting
  • Atonement, Boulder, CO
  • Conference Deans
Quick Links
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Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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