A Reconciling in Christ synod
|
|
Bishop Eaton responds to Executive Order
|
About two weeks ago, I joined more than 20 other faith leaders in raising concerns about the administration’s announced plans that it would begin separating families and criminally prosecuting all people who enter the U.S. without previous authorization. In line with that statement, I acknowledge that President Donald Trump’s new executive order, “Affording Congress an Opportunity to Address Family Separation,” does keep families together, but for how long and in what conditions? I am troubled by what the executive order does and does not guarantee. There is no provision for reuniting children already separated from their families, nor for children whose parents have already been deported. The executive order also allows for the possibility of future family separations.
The forced separation of children from their parents is unnecessarily cruel, further traumatizing families who have already suffered in their countries of origin and on the dangerous journey to the U.S. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its predecessor church bodies have a long history of caring for children, families and refugees. It’s who we are.
This executive order will expand the detention of families. The ELCA opposed the detention of families policy during the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations, and we oppose the policy now. Detention centers are not designed to support families. Community-based alternatives to detention, like ones that Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has piloted, are cost-effective ways to ensure that children and parents can await their court case in a dignified setting.
|
|
Bishop Eaton responds to Supreme Court decision on travel ban
|
I am dismayed by the Supreme Court's recent decision concerning the president's authority to restrict travel into the United States. It applies to travelers from certain countries based on those countries' inability to provide information necessary for immigration vetting. Strong vetting procedures have already been authorized by Congress and reviews of applications for possible links to terrorism are also in place. Therefore, restricting all travelers from certain countries simply because they are citizens of those countries is deeply troubling. In the past, we have seen the sometimes horrific effects of excluding and marginalizing (or worse) whole classes of people based on their ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity or other characteristics.
Our social statement, "For Peace in God's World," provides theological guidance for the church to respond by offering wise words of caution:
Citizens need to give careful attention to how we in the United States perceive our national interest and interpret our national identity, since what states do depends in large measure on their views of their own interests and identity. Sin's power often makes itself felt in arrogant and self-righteous views of national identity, and in narrow, short-term, and absolute views of national interest.
|
|
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
|
|
Lately, we cannot go anywhere without hearing about the immigration and refugee crises. First, a travel ban was set in place and now families are being separated from each other, making it more and more difficult to settle into the United States. This implies that the road to immigrate might have been easier in the 'before;' however, the process was always far from simple.
Tuesday night, around 100 people gathered into Belong Church to hear Farduus Ahmed share her story of immigrating to the U.S. from Somalia as a child. Farduus described how long and discouraging the process is, going through many intense interviews and health screenings.
Read more
about the interfaith vigil with Lutheran Family Services
|
|
Foster Homes Needed for Refugee Children
|
There are Central American children and youth in the Colorado, specifically in Denver and Colorado Springs that are in great need of either short or long term family foster care. These children and youth may have had family members in the US but for a variety of reasons, can't be united with them. Our request to you is to get the word out in the specific area where these children need to be placed to help us to find either long or short term foster care placements for these children. The need is high.
Right now, there are over 20 children in the US, connected to LIRS supported agencies who are need short or long-term foster care placements.
It's no small thing to 'give the gift of family.' It takes an open heart to accept a child or young person into your home from another culture. It takes time to provide an environment in which that young person can thrive. It takes passion for nurturing a young person into independent adulthood.
|
|
The Youth Gathering begins TODAY!
|
|
Registration is now open for 2018 Theological Conference!
|
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, CO
For the Life of the World: Re-framing our Perspectives
At this gathering we will be sharing stories that reframe our perspectives, not only about ourselves but about the world we are called to engage and serve. Through our guests we’ll be invited to let our existing beliefs be challenged – about money and land, culture and society, values and leadership – so that we may discern how the Spirit is re-forming us to be Christ’s Body for such a time as this.
Our conference guests will include:
- Prairie Rose Seminole, ELCA American Indian-Alaska Native Ministries
- Rev. Dr. Ray Pickett, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
- Rev. Ranaivomanana Albert, Betela Seminary, Madagascar
A limited number of scholarships are available. The scholarship request is posted on the website, with a priority deadline of
July 18.
|
|
Save the Date: 2019 Word & Service Summit
|
More information will be available in late August, but mark your calendars for this important conversation! send email to
Deacon Erin Power with any questions.
|
|
RMS Prayer Cycle
JULY 2018:
NORTH NEW MEXICO CONFERENCE
Week of July 1
All Saints - Albuquerque, NM
Kristen Schultz
Bethlehem - Los Alamos, NM
Nicolé Ferry
Scott Thalacker (begins July 15)
Camino de Vida - Albuquerque, NM
Guillermo Yela
Christ - Santa Fe, NM
Joene Herr
|
|
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, July 1
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
|
Prayer of the Day
Almighty and merciful God, we implore you to hear the prayers of your people. Be our strong defense against all harm and danger, that we may live and grow in faith and hope, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
|
|
Join the Episcopal Church in prayer before the
Families Belong Together Rally
|
An Invitation from the Episcopal Church of Colorado:
We will gather at 9:30 a.m. at the
Dominick Park labyrinth
(
map
: directly across 14th Ave. from St. John's Cathedral) to pray and reflect as a group about the world we want to see: a world where families are together, our communities are whole, and none of God's children are illegal. After this time of prayer, we will walk over to the Colorado State Capitol for the start of the
Families Belong Together
rally at 10:00 a.m. Please feel free to bring thought-provoking signs that show our identity as people of faith!
|
|
Fine Arts Academy:
"This Changes Everything"
Monday, July 9 through Thursday, July 12, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. each day
|
St. Philip is holding a Fine Arts Academy for youth entering 5th grade and older, with the theme
"This Changes Everything". Students will take choir and Bible study classes and may choose two electives. More information and registration forms can be found at
http://www.stphilip-co.org/arts-academy/.
|
|
Worship, Art, and Music Camp:
"Fired Up" by Allan Pote
Monday, July 9 – Sunday, July 15, 2018
|
All community children who have completed grades 1–7 are invited to a week of Worship, Art, and Music Camp at
Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver). Participants will learn how to create scenery, backdrops and props, explore their dramatic side, and sing and discover great music!
Every day includes breakout sessions in art, dance, drama and music; participants are expected to participate each day. On Sunday, July 15 at 10:30 a.m. worship, we will present the musical,
"Fired Up," by Allen Pote, a lighthearted re-telling of the story of Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego.
WAM! camp hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon, and Sunday morning worship, 10:30 a.m. Cost is $75 per child or a maximum of $125 for families. Information and registration is
here.
Teenagers and adults are needed to help with art, drama, serving snacks, and moving kids from one class to another. To help, or for additional information on WAM!, contact Cindy Lindeen-Martin (303-388-4678 ext. 117 or
lindeen-martin@augustanadenver.org).
|
|
A Group Coaching Opportunity -
Growing as Leaders: From Complaint to Authentic Leadership
|
A Group Coaching Opportunity from Finding a Way Coaching, presented by Kim Gonia.
Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. MDT
July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16, and August 30
This is a group coaching experience for women in their 2nd or 3rd call who want to strengthen leadership skills.
It includes five group conversations
on topics such as: the gift of coaching in ministry; outerwear and inner beauty; intergenerational trust; showing emotion: power and risk; leading while under construction.
Plus, five individual one-on-one coaching sessions
focusing on issues specific to your context. Individual coaching (by phone) on Thursdays or Fridays.
Cost: $500 (REDUCED RATE FOR THE FIRST FIVE REGISTRATIONS is $300)
|
|
BorderLinks Experiential Exploration Of Immigration Issues Workshop
Saturday, July 21 - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p m.
|
Shepherd of the Hills
Presbyterian Church
(map)
11500 W. 20th Avenue
Lakewood, CO
Why Don't People just come into the country legally from Mexico? This is a day exploration that will invite a broader understanding of the complicated issues. The Presbytery of Denver (PC-USA) Immigration Task Force invites you to this
BorderLinks workshop. Flyer in
English/
Spanish. Registration info is
here.
|
|
Mary Sue Hale - ELEA's 2018 Early Childhood Director of the Year!
|
Join us in celebrating Mary Sue Hale, Director of
Cross of Hope Lutheran PreSchool in Albuquerque, New Mexico
, being selected as the
Evangelical Lutheran Education Association’s
2018 Early Childhood Director of the Year. ELEA is the national membership association of private secondary, elementary and early childhood schools throughout the ELCA. “Director Hale was nominated by a colleague, and selected by her fellow administrators through a national search process conducted by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association”, said Gayle Denny, Executive Director of ELEA. Read the press release
here.
|
|
WELCA at the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering-Women of the...
Support Women of the ELCA (WELCA) at the ELCA Youth Gathering We will be helping young Lutherans advocate against human trafficking in our exhibit space at the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, June 27-July 1, 2018.
Read more
www.firstgiving.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
|
|
Here's Your Stewardship "Toolkit" for July!
|
Here's the "
Stewardship Toolkit" from the Lower Susquehanna Synod for July 2018. It's a Word file that has weekly "Stewardship Snippet" reflections tied to the Sunday RCL readings that can be cut and pasted into bulletins. There's also a "cut and paste" newsletter article and links to resources. This month's theme for the article and resources is "Stewardship of Your Leisure Time."
|
|
Praise Singers Director (part-time)
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO
|
Faith Lutheran Church is seeking a part time (up to 10/hrs per week) Praise Singers Director who will bring gifts and abilities to foster and further the ensemble as a musical and spiritual community. Overarching responsibilities will include weekly rehearsals, at least monthly leadership of the ensemble during the 8:30 a.m. service and individual preparation. The Director will also hold the responsibility of providing spiritual and relational leadership for the ensemble in the form of devotionals, one on one conversations and fellowship opportunities. Position description
here includes details and how to apply.
|
|
Music Director (part-time)
St. Paul Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM
|
St. Paul Lutheran Church (SPLC), an ELCA and Reconciling in Christ congregation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is seeking a part time Director of Music for approximately 15 hours per week. The role of this position is to lead, seek out, encourage, and coordinate the music ministry to enrich the worship and spiritual life of the congregation and the community.
|
|
Organist/Pianist
Trinity Lutheran Church - Laramie, WY
|
|
All Non-Rostered Positions
|
|
Praise Singers Director (part-time)
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO
Music Director (part-time)
St. Paul Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM
Organist/Pianist
Trinity Lutheran Church - Laramie, WY
National Coordinator
Lutheran Peace Fellowship (LPF)
Seattle, WA
Administrative Assistant
Epiphany Lutheran Church - Denver, CO
Program Director, Advocacy Engagement
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Washington, D.C.
Faith Formation Director
Trinity Lutheran Church - Laramie, WY
|
|
Office of the Bishop This Week
|
|
Bishop Gonia
- ELCA Youth Gathering, Houston, TX
- Vacation
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- St. Andrew, Arvada CO
- Vacation
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
- Food Bank Advocacy Committee
- Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
|
|
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
- Cristo Rey, Denver
- Developer/ Redeveloper meetings
- In-office appointments
Deacon Erin Power
- ELCA Youth Gathering, Houston, TX
- RMS Communications
- Theological Conference Planning
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Sabbatical until August 14
Pastor Leslie Welton
- ELCA Youth Gathering, Houston, TX
|
|
You are welcome to directly contact
Andrew Nakatan
i
, Communications Assistant, with questions, comments, or concerns you may have about eConnection or our website!
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
