A Reconciling in Christ synod
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“Excellence in Leadership” for the Life of the World
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by Pastor Sarah Moening
We are at a crossroads. We know that the old way of making disciples for Jesus no longer works. Many books over the last two decades have given us theory, statistics and antidotal evidence to this reality. We don’t even need to rely on the books; we just need to attend a familiar church to know that something has changed significantly.
Knowing that we are at the crossroads, however, doesn’t give us a roadmap or specific instructions for how we move forward. Those of us firmly planted in the institutional Church are unsure of what our spiritual home will look like in fifty years.
A way forward -
If we are honest with ourselves and our sister and brothers in Christ, this uncertainty can lead to grief and anxiety. Although we may not be able to see too far down the road, I do believe that we have a way forward if we are willing to both let go of comfortable assumptions and remain open to a future not yet visible.
So, what if we shifted the story we are telling ourselves about the impending demise of mainline religion as we know it, and see this crossroads as an opportunity to realign ourselves and our expectations of Church with the teachings of Jesus? Living during this historical intersection, we can recalibrate our aim toward Gospel values, let go of primarily focusing on institutional preservation and begin to listen deeply to where God is calling us as the body of Christ.
Today is a fine time to be the Church.
Boards, Committees, congregational councils, and other leadership teams in your ministries are encourages to read and reflect together during your fall meetings. Join us in conversation as we begin journeying together toward Excellence in Leadership.
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eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
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Accompanying our Global Neighbors
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This past week the new Young Adult in Global Mission volunteers gathered in Chicago for orientation before heading out to their countries of service. We pray for all volunteers preparing to serve, especially the young adults heading to our Companion Synod country of Madagascar:
(LtoR): Annika Johnson, Kristin Slaybaugh, Bryn Koskinen, Kasey Shultz, Arin Liszka, Rachel Peterson
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Faster Pastors Running for Refugees
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The Faster Pastors of Rocky Mountain Synod (ELCA) are at it again!
Faster Pastors is a team of 10 pastors and church leaders to run the Flaming Foliage Relay,
which is a 165 mile relay race from Idaho Springs to Buena Vista. The team will run over Guanella, Georgia, and Fremont Passes, reaching almost 12,000 feet in elevation. They choose to run because there are many people who are forced to run for their lives, from their homes and families and everything they know. They are refugees.
Specifically, the Faster Pastors have chosen to target their efforts toward the Syrian Refugee crisis.
Lutheran Disaster Response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has been providing, and will continue to provide, basic humanitarian aid for those fleeing war and oppression. They do this in partnership with agencies and companion churches in or near Syria to ensure food security, establish shelter, and provide better access to water and sanitation facilities, among other activities. They also bolster livelihoods by providing microloans and skills training to provide jobs and knowledge for health and wellness. Finally, they provide critical psychosocial support needed for the atrocities that many have experienced personally or witnessed.
The Faster Pastors run for our neighbors who need who run for their lives. If you care to support the team, their run, and this great cause, you can make any contribution in one of three ways:
- Directly to Lutheran Disaster Response
- Send a contribution to Rocky Mountain Synod, marked clearly for "Faster Pastors"
- Send a contribution to the congregation of any of the team members, marked clearly for "Faster Pastors"
The Faster Pastor Team this year:
Matthew Bolz-Weber- Holy Love, Aurora
Gus Brockmann- First, Longmont
Nicole' Ferry- Bethlehem, Los Alamos
Brenda Frelsi- Grace, Casper
Nate Gerhardt- St. Peter, Greenwood Village
Wendy Kalan- Shepherd of the Valley, La Salle
Joel Pancoast- Zion, Loveland
Sonja Pancoast- Zion, Loveland
Rick Reiten- Trinity, Fort Collins
Daniel Smith- Ascension, Colorado Springs
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Stay informed, share our stories!
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The
2018-19 RMS Events Poster is now available. A copy was also mailed to each congregation. Keep your members in the loop of all our synod events!
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Installations
Rev. Bre Roberts
University of New Mexico Campus Ministry
Saturday, August 24, 10:00 a.m.
Color of the Day
: Green
Rev. Martin L. Lettow
Our Savior's, Denver, CO
Sunday, August 26, 2:00 p.m.
Color of the Day: Green
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RMS Prayer Cycle
AUGUST 2018
NORTH COLORADO CONFERENCE
Week of August 26
Shepherd of the Mountains
- Estes Park, CO
Ron Bockhaus
Shepherd of the Valley
- LaSalle, CO
Wendy Kalan
Spirit of Joy
- Fort Collins, CO
David Ryder
Trinity
- Fort Collins, CO
Rick Reiten
Trinity
- Loveland, CO
Chris Davis
Zion
- Loveland, CO
Sonja Pancoast
Joel Pancoast
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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, August 26
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
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Prayer of the Day
Holy God, your word feeds your people with life that is eternal. Direct our choices and preserve us in your truth, that, renouncing what is false and evil, we may live in you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
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$ave Green, Be Green: How to Save Money and Shrink the Environmental Impact of Your Organization
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This is a free workshop for Denver-area nonprofits and faith based organizations
Spend the day with your peers learning about ways to make your organization more sustainable while also reducing costs.
Topics include:
- Prioritizing Building Upgrades and How to Pay for Them
- Solar for Nonprofits
- Making Sustainability Part of Your Organizational Culture
This is a free event with coffee, pastries and lunch provided - however, registration is required as space is limited to the first 120 attendees. Registration information
here.
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Rachel Kurtz In Concert
Saturday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m.
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Rachel Kurtz, a phenomenal musician and singer from Minneapolis is well-known performer within the Lutheran community, having performed on the main stage of the last several ELCA National Youth Gatherings. We are super excited to have such a talented singer join us and hope you can join us too! Her soulful and faithful songwriting has endeared her to people of all ages. Bring your friends, your neighbors, your youth group, or whoever you want to this free concert!
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Sky Ranch Coyote Howl Confirmation Retreats
Friday, September 28 - Sunday, September 20
and Friday, October 5 - Sunday, October 7
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Coyote Howl Confirmation Retreats create sacred space for confirmation students to build upon a foundation which will travel back with them to their home congregations. Coyote Howl retreats offer community building, Bible study, worship and fellowship with youth from throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod. Alongside our dynamic, energetic and passionate staff, youth will explore the way that God is at work in their individual communities along with how their connection to one another essentially shapes their journey of faith. This program is designed to support congregational confirmation curriculum with time for congregations built in throughout the weekend.
Coyote Howl weekends fall during the peak season of changing colors. This creates a unique setting for youth to experience their faith away from the distractions that can often distract us from the beauty around us. Each member of your group is a valuable gift. Coyote Howl is a space created to recognize the gifts each person brings; when we allow space for the members of confirmation classes to be authentically themselves and truly hear their story, the wonders of God’s love and grace can truly be recognized.
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A Great Community Awaits!
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Is your congregation sending high school graduates into the world? A great community awaits them on colleges and universities.
Lutheran Campus Ministry supports young adults during those critical years when they are asking, “Who am I and what am I doing here?” These questions are surrounded in worship, bible study, retreats, small groups, trips, mentoring, peer support, and individual (coffee shop) conversations with a pastor.
Help us know that they are coming and we will welcome them with great care. Simply submit their names and contact information at
this link and we will do the rest. If you have questions about campus ministry contact any one of the campus pastors listed on the
Rocky Mountain Synod website under Faith Formation.
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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ELCA Administration Matters: from the July 2018 Issue
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New Wholeness Wheel Bible study
Published by Portico Benefit Services and authored by Pastor Amanda Nesvold of Christ Community Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Wis., this
resource
was a hit at this year’s synod assemblies! Use it alone or with others to consider how you’re stewarding all dimensions of your life and faith. >
More
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Here's Your Stewardship Toolkit for September!
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Here is a great all-in-one resource from the Lower Susquehanna Synod, with the theme "
Stewardship of Our Work Life," 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!
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Current
Non-Rostered Positions
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Executive Director for Domestic Mission
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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The
ELCA
is searching for an
Executive Director for Domestic Mission
. A copy of the
Position Profile
is attached.
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Director of Gift Planning
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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The
ELCA Foundation
is searching for a
Director of Gift Planning
. A copy of the
Position Profile
is attached.
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Accompanist/Choir Director
Highlands Lutheran Church - Denver, CO
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Highlands Lutheran Church is an active neighborhood ELCA church in northwest Denver at
3995 Irving St. We are seeking an individual with strong musical leadership to play piano and/or organ and to possibly direct our small, but mighty choir which sings for selected services. We are in search of someone who is ready and willing to bring their creativity to worship through music and to collaborate in planning.
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Lead Preschool Teacher/Assistant Preschool Teacher
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO
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Our faith-centered preschool and childcare facility provides high quality, NAEYC accredited preschool and enrichment care. We are looking for an enthusiastic teacher or assistant to join our team for our 3- or 4-year-olds. The Preschool staff member is responsible for providing a safe environment for the children, helping students reach developmentally appropriate learning goals, and to contribute to a positive team spirit with fellow colleagues.
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MIF Regional Manager, Colorado
ELCA
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The
ELCA is searching for a full-time
Regional Manager Colorado, Mission Investment Fund (MIF).
To find out more about this exciting opportunity, qualified applicants may visit the
elca.org/careers website or click on this
link to view the position details and apply. You are welcome to reach out to Nancy Sifuentes, ELCA Recruiter, Human Resources at
Nancy.sifuentes@elca.org on any additional questions.
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Intern Choir Director (part-time)
Christ the King Lutheran Church - Colorado Springs, CO
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Christ the King is looking for an intern as choir director for a fun group of adult singers. This is for the 2018-2019 school year. Job description and application info
here. Please contact Pastor Paula at
pastor@ctkcs.org for more information.
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Worship and Music Minister (part-time)
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO
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The Worship and Music Director position requires the ability and desire to contribute to the mission of King of Glory. We are seeking a musician who understands the theology, worship, and liturgy of the ELCA. The person who holds this position must understand planning and leading worship as a vocation and calling. This includes a personal relationship with God lived out as a staff member and in congregational worship. Our minister of Worship and Music demonstrates excitement for working one-on-one with our Pastor and members to plan worship that is inspiring, engaging and connects faith with daily life. This requires a musician who is willing to think critically and creatively about worship content, flow, liturgical seasons and themes.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to:
kog.glory@gmail.com. Deadline for submission is August 24, 2018. For more information, click
here, for a job description, click
here.
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Organist/Pianist
St. Philip Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO
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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.
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Praise Singers Director (part-time)
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO
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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.
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Gonia
- In-office appointments
- Staff Meeting
- Installation of Rev. Bre Roberts, UNM Campus Ministry
- St. Luke, Albuquerque, NM
- St. Tim's, Albuquerque, NM
- Vacation
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Lutheran Center Administration
- Staff meeting
- Dean's Zoom
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
- Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
- Fairness Coalition
- UNM/CNM Campus Pastor installation
Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
- YAGM Orientation, Chicago, IL
- Staff Meeting
- Colorado Social Legislation Committee
- Vacation
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Pastor Judith VanOsdol
- Developer Meetings
- Staff meeting
- Farewell brunch
- Pr. Marty Lettow Installation, Our Savior's, Denver
- Dean's Zoom meeting
- In-office meetings
Deacon Erin Power
- Staff Meeting
- Theological Conference Planning
- Word & Service Summit Planning Retreat
- Dean's Zoom
Pastor Sarah Moening
- In-office appointments
- Dean's Zoom
Pastor Leslie Welton
- RMS Youth Gathering Planning
- Installation of Rev. Bre Roberts, Albuquerque, NM
- Vacation
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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.
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