A Reconciling in Christ synod
|
|
New Resources for Observing Migrant and Refugee Sunday
|
New resources for observing Migrant and Refugee Sunday are now available at
www.lirs.org/migrant-refugee-sunday
.
Consider how you might use some of these resources in the weeks of June or a future date:
- On Pentecost Sunday, June 9, we hear a story of how diverse peoples, from the far reaches of the earth, are gathered into one people and speak one language through the gift of God’s Spirit.
- On World Refugee Day, June 20, celebrations throughout the United States and the world commemorate the strength, courage and resilience of millions of refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict and persecution.
- June 9 is designated as Children’s Day; June 16 is observed as Father’s Day. Both days are times to consider families who are on the move, and to respond to Christ’s call to care for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The all-new resources for Migrant and Refugee Sunday include commentaries written by former refugees for preaching on the lessons for Pentecost, a Pentecost/World Refugee Day Litany, Prayer Petitions for June,
and other worship and education materials that will be updated each month.
Check out the website
www.lirs.org/migrant-refugee-sunday
to find images, language, and stories to enrich and support your congregation’s call to welcome the stranger and to celebrate our oneness in the body of Christ.
|
|
2020 Synod Assembly: A new way of gathering
|
|
In 2020, we will be exploring a
different format for gathering for Synod Assembly. Instead of one large gathering, voting members, visitors, and exhibitors will gather at one of
five Regional Assembly locations. Office of the Bishop staff, Synod Council Executive Committee, Assembly planning teams, host congregations, and conference deans have been in conversation for the past year to consider opportunities and logistical challenges, and the 2019 Synod Assembly passed a resolution allowing for digital attendance of a synod assembly (business sessions will take place via ZOOM).
This will be a one year experiment and will be gathering as a full assembly at the Embassy Suites in Loveland in 2021!
Voting members of assembly expressed concerns about this regional format and the
Synod Council met last week to hear and discuss those concerns. Members of Synod Council will be asking to join local conference meetings or text studies this summer, either in person or via Zoom, to address concerns and present the working vision.
This
format offers the opportunity for stronger local engagement in planning. We are currently looking for more "Local Team Leaders" in addition to the many leaders who have already volunteered! If you are interested in
joining one of the planning teams please contact
Deacon Erin Power. We are also specifically seeking a rostered minister or lay ministry professional to lead the Better Together Summit team.
Lay leaders interested in other teams should include a brief reference/affirmation from their pastor/deacon and past congregation/synod leadership experience.
From Deacon Erin Power
"We as the Rocky Mountain Synod are committed to being Christ’s Church, Better Together. We deeply value the relationships, conversation, and transformation that happens only when we gather together in person as a synod. And we are excited to explore new models of gathering as the church. Even if- or maybe especially if- you have concerns about the format for the 2020 Synod Assembly, we ask you to join us in this exploration: join us in conversation, offer your leadership and knowledge, participate fully, and share your feedback along the way as Church Better Together!"
|
|
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
|
|
Journeying Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence
|
We invite you on a journey of prayer, scripture, stories and church teachings with this resource,
"A 60-Day Journey Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence."
Together through daily observances, it calls us to work toward the prevention of gun violence as people of God who strive for justice and peace in all the world. It may be used for individual reflection, group Bible study, adult education sessions, and congregational daily devotions. Your journey is intended to start on June 16th, but this resource can be used at any time.
In 1994, the ELCA adopted the social message
Community Violence,
calling for advocacy to end the cycle of violence in the U.S. Twenty-five years later, this message is still relevant and should be considered another resource on your journey. Also available to download are an easy-to-use guide and appendix noting key documents and actions, and a gun violence litany.
|
|
Save the Date: 2019 Theological Conference
|
2019 Theological Conference
October 7-10
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO
Registration will open mid-June. Stay tuned for more details!
|
|
Prepare now for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, September 8
On Sunday, Sept. 8, we will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. We hope you plan to join us! As church, we are guided by our life in Christ to share the love of Jesus and serve our neighbors.
Read more
community.elca.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
Followup for RMS 2019 Memorial to Churchwide Assembly:
No Way to Treat a Child
|
|
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
!
|
|
 |
RMS Prayer Cycle
JUNE 2019
SOUTHEAST COLORADO CONFERENCE
- Week of June 2-
Ascension - Colorado Springs, CO
Dan Holt
Daniel Smith
Mary Stoneback
Christ the King - Colorado Springs, CO
Paula Stecker
First - Colorado Springs, CO
Travis Norton
Carrie Baylis
Joan Kuehn
Bob Kippley (Interim)
|
|
|
|
By Przykuta - Przykuta, Public Domain
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, June 2
Seventh Sunday of Easter
|
Prayer of the Day
O God, form the minds of your faithful people into your one will. Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found, your Son, Jesus Christ our 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
|
|
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.
|
|
Come and see.
Pentecost Jazz Vespers
Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
|
ves·pers
/ˈves•pərz/
noun
a worship service of evening prayer
jazz
/jaz/
noun
a type of music of black American origin characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and usually a regular or forceful rhythm- (but you knew THAT!)
The Barry Sames Ensemble, with Randy Sutin, vibes; Marlon Simon, drums; Barry Sames, piano; St. Paul choir and congregational singing.
Saint Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith
1600 Grant Street, Denver, CO (
map
)
|
|
Urban Servant Corps: Emeritus
|
Eagerly announcing the opportunity to apply to Urban Servant Corps: Emeritus!
This program is intended to "match the joy of freedom with the need for purpose" in the emeritus/golden/encore/retirement years! We are now accepting applications for folks interested in a part-time (16 hours per week) volunteer position who will serve at a Denver non-profit organization that matches the gifts and interests of each individual. Participants will also engage with a community cohort for faithful reflection and conversations around social justice issues during this year-long commitment of service AND will overlap with the current young adult USC program for some inter-generational connection! See more information at
here!
|
|
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
.
|
|
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.
|
|
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 go
here, or visit the LFS website at
www.lfsrm.org and go to the
Employment menu item to view this and other opportunities.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
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 21-June 2
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
- St. Timothy Lutheran, Albuquerque, NM
- NM Conference of Churches
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Vacation through June 3
- Vision 2020 Policy Meeting
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
- 1-1 Meetings
- Covenant, Wheatland, WY
|
|
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Congregation Transition work
- Leadership Planning Team
- St. Stephen, North Glenn, CO
- Theological Conference Planning
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
- Sky Ranch Staff Training
- Theological Conference Planning
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
- Sky Ranch Staff Training
- St. Luke's Buffalo, WY
|
|
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
Submissions
are due noon Monday each week and will run for about two weeks.
Past issues of eConnection may be found
here
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
