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May 15, 2019
A Reconciling in Christ synod
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
#HolyChaosWelcome Here
At Synod Assembly, voting members were invited to pick up a piece of chalk and blessing card to decorate their entrance with a word of welcome for those who are coming for summer ministries. Christ in Santa Fe shared their welcome blessing.

Share your entrance on social media: #HolyChaosWelcome Here
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.
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

Rev. Valerie Carlson
American, Grand Junction, CO
4:00 p.m., Sunday May 19
Color of the day: White
RMS Prayer Cycle

MAY 2019
METRO EAST CONFERENCE

- Week of May 19 -

House for all Sinners and Saints - Denver,CO
Reagan Humber

Joy - Parker, CO
Rodney Hank

Lord of the Hills - Centennial, CO
Margot Wright

Messiah - Denver, CO
Inga Oyan-Longbrake

Nativity - Commerce City, CO
Richard Gianzero 

Our Savior’s - Denver, CO
Marty Lettow 
Bartolomeo, fra, 1472-1517. Risen Christ with Mary Magdalene and Catherine of Siena, 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 19
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Prayer of the Day

O Lord God, you teach us that without love, our actions gain nothing. Pour into our hearts your most excellent gift of love, that, made alive by your Spirit, we may know goodness and peace, through 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

19 - 25 May Indian Ocean Islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles - Intercessions and Prayers
Around the Synod
"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 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 - 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/
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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 Chursh, 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 
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
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
All Non-Rostered Listings 
Pianist
Peace in Christ Episcopal Lutheran Ministry - Elizabeth, CO

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

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
  • Holy Closure, Christ, Cheyenne, WY
  • Installation of Rev. Brigette Weier, Our Saviour's, Salt Lake City, UT
  • El Paso Office May 21-June 2

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
  • NM Conference of Churches Board
  • Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
  • Central United Methodist Church, Albuquerque, NM

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Legislative Wrap-up
  • In-office appointments

ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
  • 1-1 Meetings
  • Holy Closure, Christ, Cheyenne, WY
  • Shepherd of the Valley, La Salle, CO
  • Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center, Brush, CO
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Vacation until May 22

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

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

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Bethlehem, Longmont, CO
  • Christ, Cheyenne, WY
  • Installation of Rev. Valerie Carlson, American, Grand Junction, CO
Quick Links
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Erin Power ,   Assistant to the Bishop
Feel free to contact Andrew Nakatan i , Communications Assistant, with your questions, comments, or concerns 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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