A Reconciling in Christ synod
Church Together at the Border: Supporting Refugee Families
The last two weeks in July will include a large-scale reunification of parents & children separated under the Zero Tolerance policy. The objective is to reunify 1,500 children in the next 2 weeks. All of the reunified families will be released to 4 NGOs: Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest in Phoenix, Catholic Charities in San Antonio, Sacred Heart in McAllen, and Annunciation House in El Paso.

Annunciation House, the primary hospitality center in the El Paso/Las Cruces area, will receive 400 – 500 reunified families each week, in addition to the 400 – 500 families they welcome weekly. Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces and Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in El Paso partner with Annunciation House to offer hospitality in their congregations.

As a church with a long history of ministry among refugees and immigrants, the time is right for us to act as Church Better Together, assisting our ELCA congregations in their care for refugees and immigrant families at the border.

The ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod is establishing a Border Emergency Fund to support the work of Cristo Rey and Peace as they host refugees and assist in the reunification of immigrant families. It costs $100 to provide hospitality to a family staying at one of our RMS congregations, as they assist them getting to their sponsor.” Our goal is to raise $10,000 for immediate needs. 

Give to the Border Emergency Fund   HERE  (bottom right corner of the RMS Webstie)

For more information on the specific ministries of these congregations, visit:

Share this info using this link to Bishop Gonia's blog.
Crossing the Line: An Inside Look at Family Separation 
A toolkit from LIRS
Last week, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) hosted the webinar  Crossing the Line: An Inside Look at the Family Separation Crisis , during which a group of organizations answered questions about family separation and the emotional and physical impact it has on youth and families.

View the webinar  here .

A summary of the webinar is posted on Bishop Gonia's blog .

Take action with support from this toolkit from LIRS .

The situation of migrant children and families on our southern border is complex and changing rapidly. Please keep in mind that new information is coming out daily. Information posted in these links is current as of the day published.
eConnection Spotlight: RMS in the Neighborhood
Lutheran World Relief School Kits
Imagine having to choose between a meal or purchasing a notebook. School Kits are sent to places where even the few required school supplies may be more than a family can afford. Pencils and paper can help write a positive future.

Back-to-school sales make this the perfect time to stock up on school supplies! Visit LWR's website for information about assembling kits!
RMS-ELCA News and Events
FREE BOOKS!
As Rev. Judith VanOsdol prepares to leave for her new call, she is cleaning out her bookshelves. You are invited to stop by the Office of the Bishop and look to see if any of them are on your reading list.
Theological Conference Updated Schedule
A more detailed schedule is now posted on the Conference website!

Registration deadline is August 17.

Conference Highlights this year:
  • Book exchange
  • Bible Study Breakout tracks
  • Morning prayer with camp staff
  • Art Gallery/interactive learning center
Online Giving Information Webinar
Join us next Tuesday or Thursday to learn more about Tithe.ly, the preferred electronic giving partner of the ELCA. Tithe.ly staff will be leading this informational session to answer questions and demonstrate their platform.
Register here:
July 19th, 5:30pm (MST) Webinar Registration Link: 
For Your Bulletin
Installations

Rev. Richard Gianzero
Nativity, Commerce City, CO
Sunday, July 22, 3:00 p.m.
Color of the Day: Green

Rev. Daniel Tisdel
St. Mark's, Roswell, NM
Saturday, July 28, 11:00 a.m.
Color of the Day: Green

Rev. Matthew A. Powell
Holy Cross, Albuquerque, NM
Saturday, July 28, 5:30 p.m. (correction)
Color of the Day: Green

Rev. Nicole' Ferry
Rev. Scott Thalacker
Bethlehem, Los Alamos, NM
Sunday, July 29, 3:00 p.m. (correction)
Color of the day: Green
RMS Prayer Cycle

JULY 2018:
NORTH NEW MEXICO CONFERENCE

 Week of July 22

St. Paul’s/Peace - Las Vegas, NM
 Madelynn Johnston

St. Timothy - Albuquerque, NM
Rachael Powell

Trinity - Farmington, NM
Larry Davis

Valley - Los Lunas, NM
Ken Vogler
Christ the Good Shepherd
4th century epigraph
Museo Epigrafico, Rome, Italy

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 22
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day

O God, powerful and compassionate, you shepherd your people, faithfully feeding and protecting us. Heal each of us, and make us a whole people, that we may embody the justice and peace of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

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

Around the Synod
African Children's Choir performs in Denver!
Thursday, August 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Augustana Arts is pleased to bring the African Children’s Choir to a Denver stop on their US Tour. They will be performing at Augustana Lutheran Church (map) on Thursday, August 2 at 7:00 pm.
Come and experience a performance that shows the beauty, dignity and potential of each African child! The program features well-loved children’s songs, traditional Spirituals and rhythmic Gospel favorites. Nearly every performance is concluded with a thunderous standing ovation! In spite of the tragedy that has marred their young lives, these children are radiant with hope, musically gifted and always wonderfully entertaining. Admission will be free for all ages; a free-will offering will follow the Choir’s concert. Flyer here, for tickets and more information visit www.AugustanaArts.org.
Hearing for the draft social statement "Women and Justice: One in Christ"
Wednesday, August 15, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
A hearing on the “Women and Justice: One in Christ” Draft Social Statement will be held on Zoom for anyone who cannot attend an in-person hearing, on Wednesday, August 15 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. You will need a computer with a camera, microphone and speakers to fully participate. You can join the hearing from a PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android by going to this link: https://zoom.us/j/203565131 Or by telephone: US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 558 8656. Please use meeting ID: 203 565 131. If you have never used Zoom, please allow time to download the app, or to get your system set up.

You will need a copy of the social statement in front of you as we will be addressing the language, intent and interpretation of specific sections and lines of the draft social statement. You can find the draft here: http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Current-Social-Writing-Projects/Women-and-Justice/Draft. Please RSVP to Pastor Brigette Weier at brigette@bethany-denver.org by August 14. 
Ken Caryl Concerts presents "Rags to Rock"
Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
This free and family friendly event will include an eclectic mix of tunes from Scott Joplin to Chris Martin (Coldplay) performed by a variety of artists including Joseph Harkins and Chappel Kingsland from the University of Denver Lamont School of Music.

Donations collected at this performance will benefit Mosaic. Refreshments will be served following the performance. More information here.
Interfaith Procession in Solidarity with Migrants
Friday, July 20, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
The Hope Border Institute and the Diocese of El Paso invite all to an interfaith procession in solidarity with migrants. The marchers will gather in Cleveland Square in El Paso at 7:00 p.m. and proceed to St. Patrick's Cathedral. An interfaith service will be held featuring prayers from different traditions and testimonies from migrants.

There will be a teach-in the next day from 8:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. called "A Place at the Table: Faith, Migration & the Future of Our Border Communities." See the Facebook event for more details.
Our Life Together
Germany 2020: Study Tour and Oberammergau Passion Play
Pastor Jared from Peace Lutheran Church, Las Cruces is organizing a study tour to Germany in June 2020. This trip will include the Oberammergau Passion Play, which occurs every 10 years, because of its popularity we are asking people to reserve their spot for the study tour now. The bulk of the tour will highlight Lutheran Reformation sites. Don’t miss this chance to dive into reformation history first hand! If you are interested in the trip, brochures and more information is available online: http://peacelutheranlc.com/germany-2020-study-tour/ . Or contact Pr. Jared at carsonj@peacelutheranlc.com, 575-522-7119, ext 12.
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Study guide: For such a time as this - Living Lutheran

Our society has made strides in gender equality over the last 50 years, but the #MeToo movement and the emerging struggle over LGBTQ rights have helped reveal just how much more work needs to be done. As Lutheran Christians, we have a clear...

Read more
www.livinglutheran.org
Here's Your Stewardship Toolkit for August!
Here is a great all-in-one resource from the Lower Susquehanna Synod, with the theme " Stewardship of our Church," for your congregation’s monthly stewardship communication and education needs. You’ll find short “Stewardship Snippets” for every Sunday’s bulletin and articles for your monthly newsletter or website – ready to cut and paste! There’ are links to resources and more!
Classified Ads
Piano needs good home!
Beautiful Everett upright piano with walnut finish is free to a good home and/or congregation. Dimensions are: height: 44 inches, width: 56 ½ inches; depth: 24 ½ inches. You will need to move it. Owner is moving. Inquire at RMS Bishop's office 303-777-6700.
Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Early Childhood Teacher (part-time)
Early Childhood Enrichment Teacher (part-time)
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher (part-time)
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO
Joyful Mission Preschool has been in Parker since 1979. We are looking for teachers, qualified through the state of Colorado to join our team. These are part-time positions with compensation determined by education and experience. For more information see these job descriptions:

Or write to preschool@joylc.org for more information . Please send resume and cover letter to resumes@joylc.org . We will be scheduling interviews for the week of July 30, with teachers coming back to school on August 13. We look forward to meeting you! 
Organist/Pianist
St. Philip Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO
Part-time organist/pianist sought by an active congregation to play for worship services and accompany the choir. Instruments available: Rodgers T968 organ, brand new Boston baby grand piano model GP193PE (made by Steinway), and HP507 Roland Digital Piano. Experience on organ and leading of worship desired. Some flexibility in scheduling possible. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Detailed job description here. Please send cover letter, resume, and references to Janet Shibly, Director of Music Ministries, at jshibly@stphilip-co.org. Deadline for applications is August 6, 2018.
All Non-Rostered Positions 
Early Childhood Teacher (part-time)
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO

Early Childhood Enrichment Teacher (part-time)
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher (part-time)
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO

Organist/Pianist
St. Philip Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO

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
Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • Ecumenical Catholic Communion Gathering
  • Mount of Olives, Rock Springs, WY
  • Trinity, Laramie, WY
  • Spirit of the Mountain, Golden, CO
  • Installation of Rev. Richard Gianzero, Nativity, Commerce City, CO
  • Conference Deans
  • Staff Meeting

Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Vacation
  • Congregational Transition
  • Conference Deans
  • Staff Meeting

Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
  • NM Conference of Churches
  • Interim legislative committee meetings
  • Staff meeting 

Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
  • CO SNAP Coalition
  • Well of Hope, Castle Pines, CO
  • PayDay Lending Initiative
  • Staff Meeting
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • Cristo Rey/ Latino Worshiping Community, Denver, CO
  • New Beginnings Prison Ministry Board
  • Nativity, Installation 
  • Dean's Zoom meeting
  • Staff meeting 
  • In office meetings

Deacon Erin Power
  • Theological Conference Planning
  • Tithely Webinar
  • Global Mission Committee
  • Conference Deans
  • Staff Meeting

Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Sabbatical until August 14

Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Out of Office Appointments (New Mexico and El Paso, TX)
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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