A Reconciling in Christ synod
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Invitation from Bishop Gonia: supporting our refugee neighbors
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One of our gifts as a church within the larger Body of Christ is our historic commitment to ministry with refugee and immigrants. Our ELCA passion for reaching out to our newest neighbors stems both from our understanding of the Scriptural call to "welcome the stranger" and from our church's own story, rooted as it is in the journey of earlier refugees and immigrants who brought a Lutheran expression of faith to this country.
We now have another opportunity to claim this gift by responding to the invitation of Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper to help seek quality jobs for our newest refugee neighbors. This opportunity is not limited to Colorado and New Mexco, where we directly partner with Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains in their ministry of refugee resettlement. Every part of our Synod has the capacity to be a place where our refugee neighbors might find the kind of work that will allow them to support their families and contribute to our life together.
I encourage you to think and act creatively - as individuals, communities of faith and ministry sites - for the sake of making a difference in the lives of our refugee neighbors who have come among us to seek a new beginning.
For Colorado residents:
If you are willing to share about this opportunity with business leaders in your congregation, all you have to do is connect them with Nick Lesley, Gov. Hickenlooper's point person on this effort. He will let employers know if they have potential employees who are a match with the current needs of their company. Nick’s email is
nicklaus.lesley(at)state.co.us
You may view Gov. Hickenlooper's full letter on this subject
here
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Bishops Eaton-- April Fools
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In her April column for
Living Lutheran,
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that we confess “Christ is risen” in the face of worldly wisdom that is based on death. But we stake our lives on this: “Life wins. Love wins.” Read her column in English
here
and in Spanish
here
. And download here
Word
/
PDF
.
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eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
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Vote for Our Lives Rally and Prayer Vigil
Thursday, April 19, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Clement Park, Littleton
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Never again.
On April 20, 1999 our world forever changed when two gunman entered Columbine High School. Since that day, there have been more and more school shootings. What would have happened if something was done to prevent the shooting on April 19, 1999? We need to stop the clock.
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Join us May 4 for a concert and support Educate, Equip, Enact
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Friday, May 4, 7:30pm
Westin Hotel, Westminster, CO
Front Range folks are invited to join us at the assembly for a concert by
Tangled Blue, Lutheran musicians who have played for both the RMS and ELCA Youth Gatherings.
This concert is in support of
Educate, Equip, Enact, our Lilly Grant addressing financial concerns of our rostered ministers.
Suggested donation: $10/person
Youth and families welcome regardless of ability to pay!
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Better Together Sunday Resources
April 28-29 is Better Together weekend! Pray together with other ministries across the RMS, commission your synod assembly voting members, and learn about the various ministries of our Church!
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Need a ride to assembly from DIA?
Live in Denver and willing to provide transportation?
Christ's Church, Better Together!
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RMS Prayer Cycle
APRIL 2018: WYOMING CONFERENCE
Week of April 15
Good Shepherd - Casper, WY
Jack Damien
Grace - Casper, WY
Brenda Frelsi
Mount of Olives - Rock Springs, WY
Judith Wascher (Interim)
Our Saviour’s - Casper, WY
Jo Ann Neal
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Panel from the Maesta Altarpiece of Siena
Duccio, di Buoninsegna, 1308-1311
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.
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Sunday, April 15
Third Sunday of Easter
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Prayer of the Day
Holy and righteous God, you are the author of life, and you adopt us to be your children. Fill us with your words of life, that we may live as witnesses to the resurrection of 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
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Contemplative Outreach of Colorado Prayer Workshops
April 14 and 28, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Welcoming Prayer Practice
Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Welcoming Prayer is a practice designed to help us respond, instead of react, when we find our emotional programs triggered. In this simple prayer we learn to surrender to God’s presence and action in our lives so we aren’t so torn apart by anxiety, fears, anger or other afflictive emotions. Information and registration
here.
Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop
Saturday April 28th 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Are you looking for a way to deepen your relationship with God? In our introductory workshop to Centering Prayer, you will learn a prayer method in which you sit in silence with God, opening your mind, heart and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery—beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. At this workshop, you will receive instruction on the prayer, as well as opportunities to practice it. Information and registration
here.
Introduction to Centering Prayer as an 11th Step Practice
Saturday April 28th 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
When applied as a daily supplement to the 12 Steps as an 11th Step prayer practice, Centering Prayer opens us to the contemplative dimension of spirituality. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the basic guidelines of Centering Prayer and experience opportunities to practice it. Information and registration
here.
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2018 Helgen Festival
April 21-22
All are welcome!
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Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
3485 Stanford Court
Boulder, CO 80305
Come Make a Joyful Noise!
Each Spring for the past several years, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church has had the great joy and privilege of a special, high energy weekend of workshops, music, and worship with John Helgen. John currently serves as Director of Music at Roseville Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he plays the piano and organ and conducts several vocal and instrumental ensembles.
Saturday workshops for select instruments and choir, culminate with a wonderful, joyful worship service on Sunday morning, April 22nd. John's arrangements and musical choices are soulful and upbeat, making for a special worship experience. Please join us!
Helgen Weekend Events
Saturday, 4/21, 1:00-3:30 p.m.- Mount Calvary sanctuary, Choir workshop; music provided at no charge & all singers welcome!
Sunday, 4/22, 9:30 a.m.
- Mount Calvary sanctuary, Festival Worship, with reception to follow. All are welcome!
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Wartburg Wind Ensemble Performances
Saturday April 21, Sunday April 22 , Monday April 23, and Tuesday April 24
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The Wartburg College Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Craig A. Hancock, will make three special concert appearances in Colorado and New Mexico as part of their 2018 National Concert Tour. The program will feature music for everyone to enjoy- from classic marches of John Phillip Sousa and Karl King, to lyrical American folk ballads, percussive music by Latin American composer Arturo Marquez,
and more. We hope you will show your support by attending one of these events.
Saturday, April 21, 5:00 p.m. Worship
Trinity Lutheran Church
Sunday, April 22 ,10:30 a.m. Worship,
2:00 p.m. Concert
Trinity Lutheran Church
Freewill offerings gladly accepted!
Monday, April 23, 7:00 p.m.
Featuring the Denver School of the Arts High School Band
Denver School of the Arts
Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
St. Therese Church
Freewill offerings gladly accepted!
For more information about Wartburg, a college of the ELCA, visit
www.wartburg.edu.
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Augustana Arts and Stratus Chamber Orchestra presents "
Awakenings"
Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.
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Featuring the World Premiere by composer
Jessamie Kaitler
David Rutherford, Music Director
Augustana Arts debuts the world premier composition “
Awakenings” by Jessamie Kaitler performed by the Stratus Chamber Orchestra. Jessamie Kaitler’s commissioned composition Awakenings will debut along with Bach’s
Sleeper’s Awake!, Haydn‘s
Morning Symphony (#6) and Bax’
3 Pieces for Small Orchestra.
Stratus Music Director David Rutherford said, “We are very excited to share with you the World Premiere of a new work by Australian composer Jessamie Kaitler, who saw our immersive performance at the Czech Museum of Music in Prague and couldn’t wait to take the concept back home with her. She reached out and expressed a desire to work with Stratus in creating an unforgettable new work for the orchestra.”
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Ken Caryl Concerts of St. Philip Lutheran Presents
Singin' and Swingin'
Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 7:30 pm
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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.
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Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains - Opportunities!
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- Join us for the LFS 70th Anniversary Benefit Gala at the Cable Center on Saturday, April 21! We are delighted to announce that we will be presenting a video immersion event, which will allow guests to embark on a journey that leads them through the lives of LFS clients. The Gala will feature a night of dinner, entertainment, an auction, and companionship, along with celebrating 70 years of serving individuals and families in need in our community. Please register here.
- Two boys in our foster care program, ages 7 and 8, want to attend day camp this summer while their foster parents work. The opportunity to participate in swimming, martial arts, trips to the zoo and museums, dance, and other activities would greatly enhance their summer vacations, and the vacations of many other children in foster care. If you would like to make a donation to help create these meaningful experiences, please contact Alice Wurst at alice.wurst@lfsrm.org or 303-217-5859.
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The Summit - Youth Ministry Retreat
Monday, April 16 through Wednesday, April 18
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Join
Rainbow Trail, and speaker, Tammy Devine, Deacon and Wellness Manager for the ELCA, for some time in the mountains with fellow youth ministry workers! The schedule includes time for learning, Holy Yoga, fellowship, and exploring. This retreat is for any ministry professional working with children, youth, and/or families. Better yet, the event is FREE for anyone working in the Rocky Mountain Synod!
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Lutheran Men in Mission
One Year to Live Men Retreat, April 27-29
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YMCA Camp Santa Maria
Grant, Colorado
April 27-29, 2018
Faith Lutheran Golden, First Lutheran Longmont, Bethany of Denver, and Abiding Hope of Littleton are hosting this retreat together. The retreat will be held at
Camp Santa Maria about 15 miles south of Bailey, Colorado on Hwy 85.
You can contact one of these men if you have questions:
Herb Hergott 303-588-2856, Peter Ewers 303-902-9009, Bill Ernstrom 303-746-6312,
Registration: Registration flyer is
here, link to LMM Retreats
here.
Retreat Schedule: Arrive promptly at 5:30-6:00 pm on Friday. Plan to stay for entire retreat, depart by 2:30 pm on Sunday!
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Cal Lutheran - Job Opportunity for Campus Minister
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The Campus Minister will provide pastoral care for the whole of the University under the direction of the University Pastor, alongside the current Campus Ministry staff to develop faith formation programs for students; participate in Interfaith engagement, assist the University in identifying student needs especially in underrepresented students and in bringing the resources of the institution to address those needs.
Rooted in a Lutheran understanding of word and sacrament or word and service ministry and a commitment to ministry in diverse, multi-cultural and multi-racial communities of faith. The Campus Minister will be expected to communicate Cal Lutheran’s mission, identity, and commitments while graciously reaching across multiple faith communities.
Job posting online
here. Detailed position description, requirements, and application process
here.
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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Here's a Stewardship 'Toolkit' for May 2018!
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This
stewardship resource comes to us from Rev. Rob Blezard, Assistant to the Bishop, Lower Susquehanna Synod -- it's a "Toolkit" with RCL-based bulletin blurbs, a monthly newsletter, and links to resources.
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Director of Faith Formation (part-time)
Broadmoor Community UCC, Colorado Springs, CO
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Broadmoor Community UCC is seeking a faithful and energetic person to lead our Faith Formation programs (babies to elders). Faith Formation plays a key role in the mission of BCC. The Director will report to the pastor but work in coordination with the Board of Christian Education (BCE), the Minister of Music, and volunteers. We are looking for someone to bring new energy and ideas to our programs.
This is a part-time salaried position (20-30 hours/week August - May with reduced hours June & July). It includes Sunday mornings and some evening meetings. Compensation commensurate with background and experience. Salary range $27,400-$40,560. Job description and qualifications will be emailed upon request. Please email (
acubbage@broadmoorchurch.org) for information, or snail-mail your resume to 315 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
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All Non-Rostered Positions
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Director of Faith Formation (part-time)
Broadmoor Community UCC, 315 Lake Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80906
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
ACPE Chaplain Residency 2018-2019
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Gonia
- WY Conference Retreat
- All-day staff meeting
- Companion Synod Committee
- Trinity, Farmington, NM
- Christ the King, Durango, CO
- Synod Council
- In-office appointments
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- All-day staff meeting
- Interim Pastors
- St. Luke's, Buffalo, WY
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
- Medicaid Coalition
- NM Conference of Churches Circo
- Domestic Mission All Staff meeting
Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
- All-day staff meeting
- YAGM Discernment Event, Chicago, IL
- ELCA All-Staff Gathering, Chicago, IL
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Pastor Judith VanOsdol
- Visits in Utah
- Staff meeting
- Domestic Mission, Churchwide All Staff meeting, Chicago, IL
Deacon Erin Power
- Synod Assembly Planning
- Companion Synod Committee Retreat
- All-day staff meeting
- First Call Theological Education, Burlingame, CA
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Congregational Ministries Board
- Interim Pastors
- All-day Staff meeting
- Albuquerque CDI
- First Call Theological Education, Burlingame, CA
Pastor Leslie Welton
- Out of Office until April 27
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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.
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