A Reconciling in Christ synod
416 Fire near Durango, CO
We offer our prayers this week as firefighters continue to make any headway against the 416 Fire, just ten miles north of Durango. More than 1,800 homes have been evacuated since the fire began last Friday with another 1,200 homes on pre-evacuation notice. The fire is almost 9,000 acres large and only 10% contained, and growing rapidly...especially south-southwest towards Durango.

Regular updates about the 416 Fire can be found here.
Welcome Katie Kreis, Office of the Bishop Summer Intern!
This summer, the RMS Office of the Bishop welcomes intern Katie Kreis. She is a fourth-year student studying journalism and communication at Wartburg College in Iowa, and connected with the RMS through Wartburg West, a program that allows students to live, work and learn in Denver. Katie developed a love for women’s studies and hopes to connect her work on the ELCA Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice to Church outreach. She is excited to weave together some of the things she is passionate about -- women's rights, communication, God, community -- through her role in the office. Specifically, she is working Peter Severson and Deacon Erin Power, in areas of communication and advocacy, helping to update parts of the website, organize legislative data and look at some new communication strategies. Learn more about Katie by checking out her blog post  here , and follow along all summer as she integrates into the RMS and Denver communities.
eConnection Spotlight: RMS in the Neighborhood
Hope is Rising in South Sudan
In 2015, an idea was born. It was an idea that brought together people from across the world’s newest nation, South Sudan, and across the ELCA. It became more than just an idea as prayers were lifted, funds were raised, shovels broke ground and bricks were laid! 

The Reconciliation Lutheran Church Community Center and Primary Health Care Clinic opened its doors in November of 2017 as thousands gathered to worship and celebrate. Global ministry projects like this vital center in Juba, South Sudan, are made possible through ELCA Global Church Sponsorship!

RMS-ELCA News and Events
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

Registration is now open on the RMS Website.

A limited number of scholarships are available. The scholarship request is posted on the website, with a priority deadline of July 18.
Contact Deacon Erin Power with any questions or concerns.
Save the Date - Candidacy Discernment Retreat
August 15, 2018, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Come spend a day in reflection, prayer, discernment, and fellowship as you learn about rostered ministry in the ELCA. Whether you are just beginning to think about public ministry or you are ready to start the candidacy process, we would love to have you join us. For more information, contact Leslie Welton.
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.
For Your Bulletin
Ordination

Richard Gianzero
St. John's, Thornton, CO
Sunday, June 17, 2:00 p.m.
Color of the Day: Red

RMS Prayer Cycle

JUNE 2018:
SOUTHEAST COLORADO CONFERENCE

 Week of June 17

Our Savior - Wild Horse, CO

King of Kings - Pueblo, CO
Dirk Robert Stadtlander

Mount Calvary - Colorado Springs, CO
Kevin Cho

Prince of Peace - Colorado Springs, CO
Dave Cruson
Etching by Jan Luyken illustrating the parable, from the Bowyer Bible .

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 17
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day

O God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear your truth and love to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches

Around the Synod
Retirement of Pastor Frank Philipp!
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Join us on June 24 to celebrate the retirement, following 40 years of ministry, of Pastor Frank Philipp.
 
Reception from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Advent Lutheran Church, 7979 Meade Street, Westminster, CO. Directions here. (No RSVP needed)
Community Summer Camp Help!
Monday - Friday, July 9 - 20
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
111 Del Mar Circle
Aurora, CO 80011

We are in dire need of snack food donations, monetary donations, but even more so, ADULT VOLUNTEERS for our annual Summer Camp! I already have 90 kids registered, and have to cap it at 100 because we need more adults!!!! I need adults who love children, who can shepherd them from one activity to the next. We do crafts, games, water days, field events, mini worship, Zumba, POUND Fitness, etc. You would be in charge with another adult and youth volunteers to shepherd a group of around 20 kids. We provide snacks throughout the day since we live in an area where 75% of the kids are on free or reduced lunch. We are also in need of some camp-like musicians from 9:30-10:30 each day!
Thank you for anything you can help us with! If you can help or have questions, call 303-366-9702, email misskinna.cyf@gmail.com , or MissKinna Kemp on Facebook!
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: $300)

For more information go to kimgonia.com/finding-a-way-coaching or send email to kimgonia11@gmail.com .
Our Life Together
Clergy Pilgrimage to Spain: Walking the Ancient Camino to Santiago De Compostela
November 6 - 16, 2018
For more than a thousand years, millions have made their way through the varied landscape of Spain, traversing what’s known as the Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James. The Episcopal Church in Colorado invites clergy to make this journey November 6-16, 2018. 

Designed especially for clergy, we will experience the spiritual renewal of walking the Camino firsthand, share a unique opportunity to deepen relationships with diverse clergy colleagues, and learn how to lead our own parish group pilgrimages. Participants will join in preparation ahead of the journey and gain valuable pilgrimage resources. Clergy traveling on this Familiarization Pilgrimage to Spain will be awarded a discount on a future Camino pilgrimage of 20 or more participants when arranged through Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries for travel in 2019 or 2020. This clergy pilgrimage is not just a great backpacking trip, but a chance for pilgrims to experience their faith and calling like never before.

View the  Pilgrimage Itinerary  for a more detailed overview of our time together.
Trip leader: The Rev. Canon Greg Foraker, Missioner for Faith Formation, The Episcopal Church in Colorado.
Trip cost: $2,839-$2,999 depending on the number of travelers.

To register, please download and complete the  Spain Pilgrimage Reservation Form , and mail it to Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries along with:
  • A copy of your passport. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date.
  • A nonrefundable deposit check for $800 made out to Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries.
Mailing address for registration materials: Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries, 1131 N. Laura St., Jacksonville, FL 32206-3296.

Space for this inspiring journey is limited. To reserve your place, send your materials and deposit by June 15, 2018.

Questions? Contact the Rev. Canon Greg Foraker, at Greg@EpiscopalColorado.org.
LFS June Bulletin Announcements
  • Are you interested in reducing isolation and enriching the life of an older adult with limited to no social support? Join our NEW Friendly Visitor Program and LFS will carefully match you with a participant in our Guardianship or Care Management programs. Visits may include conversation, card playing, crafting, or helping with practical tasks. Volunteer orientations are on June 9 and July 14 from 10-11:30 a.m. and will include an introduction with the person you will be visiting. For more information or to apply please contact Shilo Christiansen at 303-217-5835 or visit our website at www.lfsrm.org/get-involved/volunteer.
 
  • Each year in Colorado, thousands of kids are unable to live with their biological parents because of abuse or neglect. We need families who can provide temporary care until children reunify with their parent as well as families willing to adopt children and teens in foster care if they can't return to their families. An informal Q & A session for foster care will be held on June 13 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the LFS Denver Metro office (363 S. Harlan Street, Suite 105, Denver, 80226). Please register with Anne at anne.hamilton@lfsrm.org or 303-217-5869. One-on-one meetings can also be arranged to work around your busy schedule.
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Summer 2018: "Prayer" - Gather Magazine

In Summer 2018, Anna Madsen will present a three-part study on prayer. Anna Madsen a freelance theologian and proud mama to daughter, Else, and son, Karl. She works with OMG: Center for Theological Conversation (omgcenter.com) and enjoys seeing...

Read more
www.gathermagazine.org
Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Organist/Pianist
Trinity Lutheran Church - Laramie, WY
Trinity Lutheran in Laramie is looking for an Organist and/or Pianist to lead worship on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. This is a paid position!! If you would like to give the gift of worship to our faith community please email pastornate3421@gmail.com. More information is at http://www.telclaramie.com/organist-pianist-job-position/.
National Coordinator
Lutheran Peace Fellowship (LPF)
1710 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122-2420
Lutheran Peace Fellowship (LPF) is hiring a National Coordinator, a key leadership position.

The ideal Coordinator has a passion to eliminate violence, inequality, and militarism, and a commitment to nonviolence. He or she will work with members to build awareness of peace issues, encourage member involvement, plan and lead peace education, advocacy, and outreach activities, develop resources, and nurture leadership. . . . 

Applicants should send a letter, resume, and contact info for 3 or 4 references. We’ll begin Interviews in late spring, and hope to welcome and orient the new coordinator by fall or early 2019. We’ll help the new hire move to Seattle which has an office, experienced volunteers and supportive congregations; or move the office to where he or she lives, if appropriate. While the position’s salary is modest, it may be expanded with grants & additional fundraising.

LPF has earned considerable acclaim for its workshops; resources; and leadership roles in major programs – e.g. on the arms trade (with the Federation of American Scientists), nuclear proliferation (United Nations), chemical weapons (US Senate), “Decade for Peace” (UN, ELCA). 

For a full Job Description, see https://www.lutheranpeace.org/articles/position-announcement/ . It also has links to useful windows and resources on LPF’s vision, priorities, activities, 
and accomplishments…. and/or you may contact us directly at: 206.349.2501 or lpf@ecunet.org
All Non-Rostered Positions 
Organist/Pianist
Trinity Lutheran Church - Laramie, WY

National Coordinator
Lutheran Peace Fellowship (LPF)
Seattle, WA

Bookkeeper (part-time)
Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO

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
  • New Mexico UMC Annual Conference
  • Christ, Santa Fe, NM
  • Grand Canyon Synod Assembly
  • Ordination, Richard Gianzero, St. John's Thornton
  • Region 2 Meeting and Mobility Conference, Santa Ana, CA

Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Lutheran Center Administration
  • Better Together Summit Planning
  • Bethlehem, Longmont

Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
  • Medicaid Coalition
  • Invest in Kids Now
  • Criminal justice reform presentation

Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
  • LAM-CO Policy Committee
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee
  • Together Colorado Anti-Slavery Coalition
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • Latino Worshiping Com./ Cristo Rey, Denver, CO
  • ACTS-Aurora Church Together Strategy 
  • Better Together Summit planning meeting
  • In-office appointments
  • Mission Sites communications
  • Region Two Mobility Conference- Pacifica Synod 

Deacon Erin Power
  • RMS Communications
  • PrideFest with Reconciling Works
  • Richard Gianzero Ordination
  • Region 2 Meeting and Mobility Conference, Santa Ana, CA

Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Sabbatical until August 14

Pastor Leslie Welton
  • In-office appointments
  • PrideFest with Reconciling Works
  • Messiah, Denver, CO
  • Sky Ranch Confirmation Camp
Quick Links
Share the News
Erin Power ,   Assistant to the Bishop
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

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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.