A Reconciling in Christ synod
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Presiding Bishop Eaton: The Well-being of Children in Detention Centers
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Children coming to our nation for safety and protection are still dying
at our southern border while in U.S. detention.
Carlos, a 16-year-old youth from Guatemala,
died
May 20 in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Wilmer, a 2-year-old,
died
May 14, also in the custody of CBP. They were preceded in death by
Jackelin
,
Felipe
,
Juan
and a 10-year-old girl from El Salvador who
died
in September 2018 but whose death has just been disclosed. One year ago,
Claudia Patricia Gómez González
, a 20-year-old woman from Guatemala, was shot in the head and killed by a Border Patrol agent while seeking safety in the United States.
I am deeply dismayed by the deaths of these children
, made in the image of God, who came to our southern border as refugees and asylum seekers to ask us for protection. As a nation we denied them that safety, instead placing them in detention facilities, sometimes for months.
Our nation and its leaders have moral and legal obligations
on behalf of those who seek safety in our land. As Congress considers federal funding for DHS, we advocate against further funds for immigration detention, deportation, and border militarization, and oppose intentional policy choices that harm children and families.
We follow a Lord who instructed, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs” (Matthew 19:14).
As we continue to serve and love our neighbor, we pray for the well-being of children and families in detention, and we urge the presidential administration to seek alternatives to the detention of children.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, ELCA
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Journeying Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence
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Together through daily observances, it calls us to work toward the prevention of gun violence as people of God who strive for justice and peace in all the world. It may be used for individual reflection, group Bible study, adult education sessions, and congregational daily devotions. Your journey is intended to start on June 16th, but this resource can be used at any time.
In 1994, the ELCA adopted the social message
Community Violence
,
calling for advocacy to end the cycle of violence in the U.S. Twenty-five years later, this message is still relevant and should be considered another resource on your journey. Also available to download are an easy-to-use guide and appendix noting key documents and actions, and a gun violence litany.
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eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
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Peace Lutheran, El Paso, hosts Ramadan dinner
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This past week, Peace Lutheran in El Paso hosted a Ramadan dinner attended by 70+ members of Peace Lutheran, Temple Mt. Sinai, Raindrop Turkish House and St. Francis on the Hill Episcopal. Each year the Raindrop Turkish House/Dialogue Institute of the Southwest offers to come to local congregations and communities to teach about the Muslim practices or Ramadan, prayer and fasting, and to serve traditional Turkish food for their friends and guests. Since members of Temple Mt. Sinai and Peace Lutheran have been gathering for interfaith discussion through Theology on Tap interfaith discussion, it made sense for us to come together for this learning and meal, as well.
The faith leaders involved in the gathering were Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson from Peace Lutheran, El Paso, Rabbi Ben Zeidman from Temple Mt. Sinai, El Paso and Bilal Acikgoz from the Raindrop Turkish House/Dialogue Institute of the SW, El Paso.
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RMS Digital Book Discussion Series
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Across our Rocky Mountain Synod we gather in many ways. Our changing church, growing technological capacity, and creative questions are leading us to consider how we gather as the Church Together, what matters, and what new opportunities we might explore:
- How do we gather and why does it matter?
- What does it mean to create community in a digital world?
- What makes a gathering meaningful, impactful, and transformational?
- How do we create gatherings that are transformational, both as a synod and in our local ministries?
- What makes a gathering meaningful, impactful, and transformational?
- What might we need to be doing differently? What are the essential elements in being the Church Together?
Four will books to guide our conversation:
How will we gather for conversation?
- An on-going conversation via a digital discussion board on Basecamp
- Live conversations via ZOOM
- In-person conversations at the fall Theological Conference
- Invite Deacon Erin Power to an adult forum, Bible Study, or small group in your congregation or ministry!
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Save the Date: 2019 Theological Conference
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2019 Theological Conference
October 7-10
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO
Registration will open mid-June. Stay tuned for more details!
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Graffiti Prayer Wall available for your use!
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The Graffiti Prayer wall from synod assembly is available for congregations and ministries. The wall can be painted over for another round of paint and prayers!
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2020 Synod Assembly: Leaders needed for 2020 Assembly!
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In 2020, we will be exploring a
different format for gathering for Synod Assembly. Instead of one large gathering, voting members, visitors, and exhibitors will gather at one of
five Regional Assembly locations.
This
format offers the opportunity for stronger local engagement in planning. We are currently looking for more "Local Team Leaders" in addition to the many leaders who have already volunteered! If you are interested in
joining one of the planning teams please contact
Deacon Erin Power. We are also specifically seeking a rostered minister or lay ministry professional to lead the Better Together Summit team.
Lay leaders interested in other teams should include a brief reference/affirmation from their pastor/deacon and past congregation/synod leadership experience.
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Office of the Bishop Summer Hours
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The Office of the Bishop will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Friday the hours are 9 a.m. to noon.
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Installations
Rev. Wade Brinkopf
Bethlehem, Brush, CO
2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 30
Color of the day: Green
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RMS Prayer Cycle
JUNE 2019
SOUTHEAST COLORADO CONFERENCE
- Week of June 9 -
Zion - Limon, CO
Zion’s - Trinidad, CO
Andrea Doeden
First - Burlington, CO
Jeffrey Hanson
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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, June 9
Day of Pentecost
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Prayer of the Day
God our creator, the resurrection of your Son offers life to all the peoples of earth. By your Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of your love, empowering our lives for service and our tongues for praise, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
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Come and see -
Pentecost Jazz Vespers
Sunday, June 9, at 7:00 p.m.
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ves·pers
/ˈves•pərz/
noun
a worship service of evening prayer
jazz
/jaz/
noun
a type of music of black American origin characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and usually a regular or forceful rhythm- (but you knew THAT!)
The Barry Sames Ensemble, with Randy Sutin, vibes; Marlon Simon, drums; Barry Sames, piano; St. Paul choir and congregational singing.
Saint Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith
1600 Grant Street, Denver, CO (
map
)
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Ken Caryl Concerts presents
"An All-American Evening"
Wednesday, June 26, 7:00 p.m.
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Join us at
St. Philip for an evening of folk, classical, patriotic and rock songs celebrating America and American composers performed by Kristen Celusniak (voice) , Bryan Chuan (piano), Karen Donaho (flute), Don Williams (trumpet), the Ken Caryl Concerts Children's Choir and special guest the
Tivoli Brass Band.
This is a free concert and family friendly. Apple pie and ice cream will be served following the performance. Donations benefit future concerts and
Piano Pathways of Colorado
.
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Urban Servant Corps: Emeritus
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Eagerly announcing the opportunity to apply to Urban Servant Corps: Emeritus!
This program is intended to "match the joy of freedom with the need for purpose" in the emeritus/golden/encore/retirement years! We are now accepting applications for folks interested in a part-time (16 hours per week) volunteer position who will serve at a Denver non-profit organization that matches the gifts and interests of each individual. Participants will also engage with a community cohort for faithful reflection and conversations around social justice issues during this year-long commitment of service AND will overlap with the current young adult USC program for some inter-generational connection! See more information at
here!
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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RMS Part-Time Ministry Guidelines are now available
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The Rocky Mountain Synod has provided
Part-Time Ministry Guidelines, prepared by the RMS Congregational Ministries Board and the Part-Time Ministry Steering Team, and adopted by the Synod Council on May 2, 2019, as a guide and resource. Because each ministry context is different, and the ministry needs of each congregation will vary, we hope it will encourage comprehensive, thoughtful discussion among all parties involved towards the goal of establishing and sustaining effective part-time ministry.
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Children, Youth, Family & Outreach Minister
Evergreen Lutheran Church - Evergreen, CO
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Evergreen Lutheran (ELC), a vibrant, fun and growing congregation in the foothills west of Denver is seeking a full-time person to partner with an already strong and committed staff. Candidates should possess a heart for Jesus, a desire to bless young people and a gracious congregation with unselfish ministry. The Pastor and staff of ELC hope to partner with an individual who is a servant-leader, wants to create their own, strong ministry, lives inclusively and relationally. The position is benefit eligible and the salary is competitive. A full position description is available
here.
If you are interested, please send your resume, cover letter and references to Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward at
Guebstewar@gmail.com or 303-674-4654. Interviews will begin by mid-June. ELC hopes to fill the position by July 1, 2019.
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All
Non-Rostered Listings
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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
Faith Formation Coordinator for Children & Families
Atonement Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO
Pianist/Organist (3/8 time)
Saint Peter Lutheran Church - Greenwood Village, CO
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Sabbatical until August 5
ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
- Denver Area ministry visits
- Staff Meeting
- Sky Ranch Staff Commissioning
- New Beginnings, Denver, CO
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Staff Meeting
- Renter's Rights Coalition
- LFS Board Meeting
- Rainbow Trail
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
- Staff Meeting
- Centennial, Englewood, CO
- 1-1 appointments
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ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Staff Meeting
- Trinity, Boulder, CO
- Vacation
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Executive Committee Meeting
- Staff Meeting
- Finance Task Force
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
- Staff Training
- Theological Conference Planning
- RMS Communications
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
- Staff Meeting
- Rainbow Trail Staff Training
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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
Submissions
are due noon Monday each week and will run for about two weeks.
Past issues of eConnection may be found
here
.
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