July 10, 2019
A Reconciling in Christ synod
Caring for Creation
New Resources Available from ELCA Advocacy
Couldn't join us for the 2019 ELCA Advocacy Convening in Washington, D.C.? No problem! We now have available a host of new resources from the convening. Our theme this year was "Prepared to Care: Our Advocacy in Light of Disasters Intensified by Climate Change." The rubric of our convening was shaped deeply by our Social Statement, Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice . Check out the list below and find one or more that you can use in your congregation or ministry setting.

  • View the introductory video that shows how Lutherans are making a difference, "God's Work. Our Hands. Caring for Creation Today."
  • Check out Blessed Tomorrow, a resource developed by the ELCA and ecoAmerica for congregations to engage in climate change advocacy.
  • Learn more from Lutherans Restoring Creation, a grassroots movement promoting creation care in the ELCA. Their website contains resources for preaching on care for creation, public witness, deeper reading, and specific tools for all kinds of ministry settings.
  • Watch Rev. Amy Reumann's sermon from the convening, "Seismic Storm: In the boat together with Jesus beside us." Rev. Reumann is the Director of Advocacy in the ELCA Washington (DC) Office.
  • Discover the process called Talanoa Dialogue, which leaders at the convening engaged in abbreviated form. Talanoa is a Fijian word meaning inclusive, transparent, participatory dialogue, and it can help build solidarity in a community to listen to each other with empathy. The process was introduced on a global stage by Fijian leaders at a 2017 climate conference in Bonn, Germany.
  • Finally, you can see all the resources available for environmental advocacy in the ELCA on our Advocacy Resources page.

As Lutherans, we understand that we are one with God's good and holy creation, and we are deeply concerned about the many threats posed to our environment and climate. There are many ways to engage in this work together. Have you found a good way to engage this work as a congregation? Have good ideas or feedback to share? Let us know!

Peter Severson at pseverson@rmselca.org
Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado
www.lam-co.org * 303-777-6700 
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
A History of Two Faiths coming together to help one another
From Pamela Nelson
Zion's Lutheran Church- Trinidad, CO --

It’s a beautiful thing, when we can come together to help one another. After all, isn’t that what Jesus was teaching? Love one another. Welcome the stranger, help each other.
I was honored and blessed to represent our church at the 130th anniversary of Temple Aaron because of the connection between our churches.
Before Zion’s began, there was a large German community in Trinidad that wanted to hold services and, before they could get a permanent pastor, the local Rabbi as well as a Presbyterian minister that would travel down from Denver (probably by horseback), conducted services in German, helped find the land and met with the architect (Temple Aaron used the same Mr. Rapp). When it was time to lay the cornerstone, the Lutheran Pastor had showed up and made objections about the Rabbi and his congregation being there. However, the Fraulein (Women's) group stood their ground and the Lutheran Pastor was forced to resign without having stepped foot inside the church! The Rabbi and Presbyterian minister officiated and continued to provide worship services until a new Lutheran Pastor could be found.

The people from Temple Aaron loved the story and the connection and wanted to see OUR church. 18 people from the Temple Aaron celebration from New York, Albuquerque, Monument, Denver and Weston came to see our church, to visit and to connect!

It truly is a beautiful thing, when different faiths and cultures come together weaving bonds of friendship and peace. I tell you truly, I saw God in the woman that performed Shabbat services, I heard God as the musicians performed the songs, I felt God as I watched the women dance the traditional dances, and I saw God in the elder couple sitting in the next row, I saw God everywhere and in everyone! 

We, at Zion’s, are committed to being in an ecumenical relationship with our brothers and sisters at Temple Aaron from the past, present and future!
RMS-ELCA News and Events
Candidacy Discernment Retreat Day
August 21, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Are you or someone you know discerning a call to rostered ministry as a deacon or pastor in the ELCA? The Office of the Bishop will be hosting a discernment day for conversation, information, and worship to help answer questions and explain the candidacy journey. 

Cost is $20 and includes lunch. Please RSVP to 303-777-6700 by Aug 5 if you plan to attend. For more information contact Leslie Welton at lwelton@rmselca.org.
Theological Conference Registration Open
What does it mean to be a healthy, transformed leader in a rapidly-changing, stressed world? How do we have more productive conversations that will create the communal accountability and life-giving commitments we affirm as public leaders in the church?

Guided by the framework of Theory U: Leading from the Future as it Emerges, we will explore together our assumptions, our understanding of relationships, and possibilities for new ways of being community. Using Vision & Expectations and the recent draft of Trustworthy Servants as a starting point, our time together will seek to create a deeper understanding of healthy leadership and name life-giving commitments for leaders of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Together we will ask: What is the community we want to create? What is it we want to be accountable for?

Grounded throughout will be reflections on restoration, resilience and community building by Rev. Tracy Howe to center ourselves in the creative, redeeming, active love of God.
 
Visit the Theological Conference website for more information, registration, and financial assistance information.
Excellence in Leadership - Early Registration Deadline Approaching
Excellence in Leadership is focusing on five schools of thought/thinkers to engage our imaginations for effective and meaningful leadership in the church and in our lives. In past weeks we have introduced Emotional Intelligence, Family Systems Theory and Adaptive Leadership. Here is a short synopsis of another...

Vulnerability

From a very young age we are trained and taught not to show weakness. In this training we are told that vulnerability is weakness. If we were to show a side of ourselves that projected anything but complete strength, then we could be destroyed. Dr. Brené Brown proposes another way forward.

We all have stories to tell. Powerful stories. Vulnerable stories. It is in the owning and sharing of our stories that we form authentic relationships, intimate conversations, and truly strong leaders. 

Throughout the Excellence in Leadership program we will be exploring, sharing, and learning to own our internal narratives and our life stories. We will also be training leaders to help others find and know their stories. This vulnerability is one of the most tools to help us move into the future as bold and compassionate leaders.

Visit our website here and sign up today for the Excellence in Leadership program to begin this journey of healthy leadership. The Early Registration deadline is July 15.
Office of the Bishop Summer Hours
The Office of the Bishop will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Friday the hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon.
For Your Bulletin
- Ordinations -

Rev. Brenda L. Greenwald
Bethany, Cherry Hills Village, CO
3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 14
Color of the day: Red
RMS Prayer Cycle

JULY 2019
NORTH NEW MEXICO CONFERENCE

- Week of July 14 -

Cross of Hope - Albuquerque, NM
Adam Berndt

Holy Cross - Albuquerque, NM
Matt Powell

Lutheran Church of the Servant - Santa Fe, NM
Jason McSpadden

Messiah - Albuquerque, NM
Doug Mathison, Interim  

St. Luke - Albuquerque, NM
Gene Zeller, Interim 

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 14
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day

O Lord God, your mercy delights us, and the world longs for your loving care. Hear the cries of everyone in need, and turn our hearts to love our neighbors with the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

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

14 - 20 July Djibouti, Somalia - Intercessions and Prayers
Around the Synod
2019 SPLASH INTO ARTS
Friday, July 26 at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m., and Sunday, July 28 at 12 noon
Featuring Stratus Chamber Orchestra performing music to highlight the "Colors of Summer"

Sit within an orchestra. Sit next to a musician! Come to a FREE Family Summer Concert Event featuring Denver’s very own Stratus Chamber Orchestra July 26, 27 and 28. Splash into Arts at any of the three concert events in Douglas, Adams, and Denver Counties. (no water is involved unless it rains!) The event doesn’t stop with music. Musical Crafts, Life Art Dance Ensemble, Hawkquest (Sat. only), and more will also be there to make the day EXTRAORDINARY! 

This Immersive Concert Event is FREE for EVERYONE and no tickets are required. Bring your Entire Family & Splash into Arts this summer! This concert event is made possible through a grant of the National Endowment for the Arts and Scientific & Cultural Facilities District.
Visit www.AugustanaArts.org for more information.

Friday, July 26, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Music@Mainstreet 
19600 Mainstreet
Parker, CO 80138 ( map)
Crafts begin at 5:30 p.m.; Concert at 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. followed by more crafts. 

Saturday, July 27, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Lutheran Center 
7375 Samuel Dr
Denver, CO 80221 ( map)
Crafts begin at 11:00 a.m. Concert at 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. followed by more crafts. 

Sunday, July 28, 12 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church
5000 E. Alameda Ave.
Denver, CO 80246 ( map)
Crafts begin at 12 noon; Concert at 12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m. followed by more crafts. 
"From Screen to Door" Training

Our United Methodist Church friends in Johnstown, CO, are hosting a two day practical and hands on experience in how to reach new people through social media and create inviting and welcoming real word experiences. You will leave with a plan...

Read more
johnstown.church
Film Screening of "Wild Hope" documentary, with Executive Producer Suez Jacobson at CTK Denver
Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Are you concerned about climate change and the future of our planet? On Wednesday, August 14th at 6:00 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church in Denver, together with Grow Local Colorado, is hosting a potluck dinner and screening of the documentary, “Wild Hope.” This new film tells the story of our deep spiritual connection to the natural world, a connection that has the power to rewire our brains, take us back to our deepest roots, and change how we think and act in a world needing our care. Please join us and the executive producer of the film, Suez Jacobson, for a night of learning, conversation and hope. More information about the film is available at http://www.wildhopefilm.com.

Christ the King Lutheran Church is located at 2300 S. Patton Court, Denver, CO 80219 ( map). For more information, please contact the CTK office at office@ctkdenver.org.
Rejoicing Spirits Training for Congregations
Saturday, August 24, 2019 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The Rejoicing Spirits team is offering training, in conjunction with the Star Institute, for ministry with people with disabilities. Tips and tools for accessibility, communication, environment and relationships will be provided by the Star Institute and the Rejoicing Spirits team will provide Safe Haven training, to ensure the safety and protection of all people who participate.
This training is open to all who would like to expand their ministry capacity and is mandatory for adults wishing to participate in the Rejoicing Spirits mission development.

Lunch is provided. A freewill donation to offset the cost of training and lunch is a appreciated. We will gather at the Office of the Bishop at 7375 Samuel Dr. Denver 80221 and Zoom will be available. 

For more information, please contact Pastor Brigette Weier at weierbrigetter@gmail.com.
Our Life Together
Re-Imagining Prison Ministry - Living Lutheran

Visiting those in prison is one of the fundamental calls in fulfilling the gospel, but within that call lies an invitation to relationship. Pastor Fred Nelson from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, Ill., is founder and executive director of ...

Read more
www.livinglutheran.org
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Free choir robes from Shepherd of the Hills, Ft. Collins!
Available now from Shepherd of the Hills, Fort Collins are 54 choir robes in various sizes, full cuffed sleeves, maroon polyester with cream and white accents. Call 970-482-9692 for more information.
Employment Opportunities
New Listings 
Part-Time Music Minister
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, a vibrant Christian community undergoing a redevelopment process, seeks a motivated and joyful person of faith to enrich our journey of renewal by leading the musical portions of our worship experiences, directing and accompanying a vocal choir, and equipping others to use their musical gifts for our life together. Holy Cross seeks someone with keyboard proficiency comfortable leading from both the piano and the organ. Visit our website at  www.holycrossabq.org , and go  here for a full job description  with primary duties, qualifications, and compensation. Please send cover letter and resume to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6901 Wyoming Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, 505-821-4676, and/or  worship@holycrossabq.org .
Executive Administrator
Rocky Mountain Synod, Office of the Bishop - Denver, CO
The Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop is seeking applicants for the position of Executive Administrator. The Executive Administrator serves alongside ten other members of synod staff. Primary duties include offering support for synod Bishop and supporting staff in the areas of Congregation Transition, Candidacy, Event Support, and Roster Maintenance. Additional duties include general office management and hospitality. A Provisional Job Description, subject to change, is available here. This is a full-time position with benefits.

Resume’s and a cover letter should be submitted to Rev. Kent Mueller, kmueller@rmselca.org, by July 20. The approximate start date is October 1.
All Non-Rostered Listings 
Part-Time Music Minister
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM

Executive Administrator
Rocky Mountain Synod, Office of the Bishop - Denver, CO

Faith Community Nurse (Parish Nurse)
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver, CO

Communication Specialist (part-time)
Well of Hope Worshipping Community - Castle Rock, CO

Youth Ministry Coordinator (part-time)
Well of Hope Worshipping Community - Castle Rock, CO

Children, Youth, Family & Outreach Minister
Evergreen Lutheran Church - Evergreen, CO

Community Relations and Special Events Coordinator
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains - Denver, 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
Office of the Bishop This Week
  Bishop Jim Gonia
  • Sabbatical until August 5

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
  • Mount Calvary, Boulder
  • Staff meeting
  • Christ the King, Denver
  • Continuing ed, Executive Skills for Church Leaders, CLU

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
  • Medicaid Coalition
  • Organization appointments

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Staff Meeting
  • Trinity, Boulder,CO
  • Vision 2020 Policy Meeting

ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
  • Partner Meetings
  • Staff Meeting
  • ELCA Foundation All-Staff Meetings, Chicago, IL
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Interim Pastors
  • Excellence in Leadership Team
  • Staff meeting
  • In-office appointments

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Interim Pastors
  • Staff Meeting
  • Part-time Ministry Team

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
  • Staff Meeting
  • Digital Book Club
  • Church Together Ambassadors Check-in
  • Continuing Ed, Executive Skills for Church Leaders, CLU

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Faith Formation Conference Coordinators
  • Staff Meeting
  • St. Paul, Cheyenne, 135th Anniversary
  • House for All, Denver
  • Vacation July 16-29
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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

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