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A Reconciling in Christ synod
Bishop Gonia re-elected for 2nd term at the 2018 Synod Assembly
Voting members, visitors, and exhibitors gathered this past weekend for the 2018 Synod Assembly in Westminster, the first major decision put forth to the assembly was electing a Bishop to serve the Rocky Mountain Synod for the next 6 years.

Bishop Jim Gonia was re-elected to a second term on the first ballot at the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly. 391 votes were cast. Bishop Gonia received 321 votes. 294 votes were needed for an election on the first ballot to reach the 75% threshold.


View more pictures of the assembly and share your own:  #RMS18

Resources, Assembly Documents, and Videos will be available HERE next week.
Additional Synod Assembly Updates
This past weekend voting members adopted a budget and constitution changes, and elected new leaders to boards, committees, and 2019 Churchwide Assembly.

In addition, three resolutions and one memorial were adopted:

Resolutions Adopted:

"The Synod Assembly encourages all congregations within the Rocky Mountain Synod to engage in a discussion of gun violence and establish policies for their property accordingly, which might include declaring certain properties gun-free zones."

be it resolved that the youth council explore models for a youth leadership council, including financial support, to be presented to the Synod Council or the 2019 Assembly, and develop documents of structure and operation to be approved by the synod council, and be made available at the next synod assembly. 

 the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly urge the U.S. Congress to call on the State of Israel to guarantee basic due process rights in the Israeli military court system; ensure the absolute prohibition against torture and ill-treatment in accordance with international law; ensure that operations are carried out in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and call on the United States to fully enforce its own established law, including the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act.

Memorial:

That the Rocky Mountain Synod meeting in assembly memorializes the 2019 Church-wide Assembly to establish a church-wide study and social statement that: • Applies Luther's teachings regarding the dignity, importance and role of work/vocation, • Considers public policy as applied to work/vocation in a time of transformative • Examines how income inequality affects urban, suburban, and rural communities using a modern lens, • Articulates theology-based legislative and public policy recommendations designed for the digital age.
eConnection Spotlight: RMS in the Neighborhood
How is your ministry serving "for the life of the world"?
During the closing session of the synod assembly, congregations and ministries were invited to share how they were engaging in ministry "for the life of the world".

We want to hear your stories! Email your stories, 1-2 sentence shout-outs, and/or a pictures to Deacon Erin. Or tag Rocky Mountain Synod in your social media post! Your story and ministry might be the next feature in RMS in the Neighborhood Blog
RMS-ELCA News and Events
Office of the Bishop Eucharist, Wednesday, May 9
Our monthly Eucharist will be held at the Lutheran Center on Wednesday, May 9 at 11:30 a.m.

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

   Rev. Kristi Koppel
St. Paul, Albuquerque, NM
Saturday, May 19, 10:00 a.m.
Color of the Day:     White
RMS Prayer Cycle

 Week of May 13

MAY 2018: METRO EAST CONFERENCE

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 Bolz-Weber
Word of Life mural 1964
Sheets, Willard 1907-89
University of Notre Dame

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 13
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Prayer of the Day

Gracious and glorious God, you have chosen us as your own, and by the powerful name of Christ you protect us from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved world, that we may find our joy in your Son, 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
Augustana Arts presents Colorado Women's and Colorado Men's Chorales Creatures and Critters
Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
From fleas to cows to man's best friend, Creatures and Critters is a fiesta of musical sounds. It’s all about animals in this funny lighthearted concert about the creatures that crawl, swim, walk, and fly. Eric Whitacre’s hilarious “Animal Crackers” alongside “The Sparrows Everywhere” by Libby Larsen, Rossini's "Comic Duet of Two Cats," "Blackbird" by the Beatles, Rollo Dilworth's "Jonah," and Paul Carey’s “Charge of the Snail Brigade”. A side-splitting end to an iridescent season.

Creatures and Critters takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 East Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO. Tickets are $25 adult; $10 student/children age 4-17 years (kids 3 and under are free) and are available online at www.AugustanaArts.org or by calling 303-388-4962. 
Ken Caryl Concerts of St. Philip Lutheran Presents Singin' and Swingin'
Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 7:30 pm
We hope you will join us for our first concert of 2018 - Singin' and Swingin' - featuring the Denver Jazz Club Youth All Stars. Ken Caryl Concerts info, directions, and schedule here.

Refreshments will be served following the performance and the band will keep playing for those who wish to dance. As always, the concert is FREE and FAMILY FRIENDLY. A free-will offering will be collected to benefit the MC-1 Foundation.
Hearing for the Draft Social Statement "Women and Justice: One in Christ"
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 7:00 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 E. Hampden Ave.
Cherry Hills Village, CO

A hearing on the draft social statement "Women and Justice: One In Christ," will be held on Wednesday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Please come ready to go line by line through the social statement and offer feedback on verbiage and concepts. This will not be a study of the statement, only a hearing for feedback to the ELCA task force.
A copy of the draft can be found here. For more information, please contact Pr. Brigette Weier at brigette@bethany-denver.org. Please look for other locations and times for hearings throughout the summer.
Addiction & Faith Conference, September 28, 29 & 30, 2018
Addiction and Faith Conference
For Congregations, Clergy & Care Givers
at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Opioid addiction is taking 115 lives a day, and when you add alcohol deaths the number more than doubles. Opioid overdose is the number one killer for those under 50.

This as an opportunity to help teach, inspire, and equip other clergy and congregational care givers to address the serious and growing problem of addiction. This is help we need.

Open to anyone interested in exploring the devastation of addiction and the remarkable healing process of faith. Together, we'll enhance our knowledge about addiction recovery, share stories of learning and hope, and celebrate our faith in God’s abiding grace. Featuring: Internationally-known keynote speakers and interactive workshops and breakout sessions. CEU's Available for nurses and health care professionals.

Please register and attend the conference here .
An Early Bird special rate is good through the end of June.
 
Hotel not included. To book a room, go to:  DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, Minnesota .
Educational Tour of the Holy Land
Saturday, December 29, 2018 - Thursday, January 10, 2019
Tour the Holy Land with former Vice President of the RMS, Dr. Rod Schofield, Sharie Schofield and Palestinian Christian, Elias Nawawieh.
Beginning in Galilee, visit ancient OT and NT sites throughout Israel and Palestine and experience a deeper connection to the roots of Christianity and gain greater understanding of the current situation in the Holy Land. Rod has represented the ELCA with the schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) for the past 13 years and has co led groups of clergy and lay people to the land we call holy.
Cost is $3,490 for the entire trip, including RT airfare from Chicago. Contact Rod at rodschofield93@gmail.com for more information and an itinerary brochure.
Our Life Together
LFS Rocky Mountains - May Announcements
  • The refugee program is a charity partner with the Colfax Marathon this year! The race will happen Saturday and Sunday, May 19 & 20. Interested in running or donating in support of other runners to raise awareness of refugees in our city? Simply choose Lutheran Family Services as your charity partner when you complete your race registration, and join the LFS staff as we #Run4Refugees in the 5k, Urban 10 Miler, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and 5-Person Marathon Relay! For more information, to donate, or to register visit http://www.runcolfax.org/charity-partners/lutheran-family-services/ or contact Refugee Programs Volunteer & Community Relations Coordinator Kate Strebe at kate.strebe@lfsrm.org or 303-225-0199.
  
  • Are you passionate about helping those in need in our community? Do you love to play golf? LFS would love your help! The 24th Annual Golf Classic for Lutheran Family Services is happening on August 17 at the Hiwan Golf Club. If you would like to join the golf committee and help us plan this amazing tournament please contact Lauren Knudsen at Lauren.Knudsen@lfsrm.org.
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
New Listing
Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministries
Chaplains’ Office
Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Avenue, St. Peter, MN
Gustavus Adolphus College invites applications for a full-time chaplain and director of campus ministries. This is an 11-month position reporting to the chaplain of the college. Review of applications will begin on May 14, 2018.

The chaplain and director of campus ministries will work in collaboration with students to create and lead Christian ministries that foster a mature understanding and embodiment of the Christian faith through the development and support of student-focused ministries, including worship, small groups, leadership development, retreats, spiritual care, service, and social justice advocacy.

Position opening description here
LINK to the position posting: https://gustavus.edu/employment/job/1523
Employment Opportunities
All Non-Rostered Positions 
Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministries
Chaplains’ Office, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Avenue, St. Peter, MN

Executive Director
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM), Ashland, Nebraska

Director of Faith Formation (part-time)
Broadmoor Community UCC, 315 Lake Ave. Colorado Springs, CO

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
Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • Part-time Ministry Gathering Planning
  • Staff Meeting
  • American, Grand Junction, CO

Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Staff Meeting
  • Part-time Ministry Gathering Planning
  • Lutheran Center Administration

Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
  • Medicaid Coalition
  • Interim legislative work

Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
  • Synod Assembly
  • Synod Council
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • Latino Worshiping Community (Cristo Rey), Denver
  • Staff meeting-Assembly Review
  • Well of Hope, Castle Rock, CO
  • Developer meetings

Deacon Erin Power
  • Staff Meeting
  • Assembly Follow up
  • Communication Planning
  • Vacation

Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Staff Meeting
  • Congregational Development Institute, Albuquerque, NM
  • Sabbatical begins May 14

Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Faith Formation Network
  • Staff Meeting
  • Rainbow Trail Board Retreat
  • Messiah, Denver, CO
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.