eConnection: A "glocal" sermon for Pentecost!

May 19, 2021

A Reconciling in Christ synod

Pastor Hesron Sihombing: Visiting Minister for Glocal Witness of the Rocky Mountain Synod

A Global Mission Sunday sermon for Pentecost

Meet Pastor Hesron Sihombing, your Glocal Witness for the Rocky Mountain Synod! Pastor Hesron is a resource to help RMS congregations and groups explore the connections between global and local ministry- (i.e. Glocal). Using his cross-cultural experiences, as well as his expertise in the areas of public theology and ethics, Pastor Hesron can be a gift to your ministry as a preacher, teacher, and/or conversation leader. Contact him by email.

The RMS Global Missions Team has invited him to share a sermon for Pentecost Sunday. You are invited to celebrate the gift of Pentecost by celebrating it as Global Mission Sunday!

RMS ZOOM CONVERSATION WITH THE BISHOP

Patterns of Post-Pandemic Church

May 21, 2021 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. via ZOOM

What are the questions your are asking as you enter into this new phase of our life together as church in a global pandemic? What might be helpful areas for feedback in your particular ministry contest? Where does Holy Communion fit into our conversations as we consider the possibilities of hybrid worship for the long-term?

You are invited to join Bishop Jim and others for some community conversation around this rapidly changing face of church across our diverse landscape in the Rocky Mountain Synod.

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eConnection Spotlight:

RMS in the Neighborhood

Zion’s Lutheran Church in Trinidad helps wipe out large medical debt for Colorado’s poorest citizens

Through a nonprofit called RIP Medical Debt, Zion’s Lutheran Church in Trinidad gave a donation of $2,195 which abolished $382,082 in medical debt for 622 of the poorest people across Colorado.

“I challenged Zion’s to collect $2,021 in January to help wipe out medical debt for our fellow Coloradans,” said Pastor Andrea Doeden. “Well, they met my challenge, and we sent $2,195 to RIP Medical Debt.”

Donations from churches and individuals allow RIP Medical Debt to purchase bundles of medical debt from the poorest of households, those whose incomes are less than two times the federal poverty level guideline or who are insolvent. Bundled together, RIP Medical Debt is able to purchase the debt for a greatly reduced price, much as a collection agency would. But then, instead of attempting to collect on the debt, the organization sends letters to the debtors, forgiving in full the amount owed.

Because the debt is purchased as a bundle for pennies on the dollar, every $100 donation to the organization can cancel roughly $10,000 in medical debt.

RMS & ELCA News and Events

Rocky Mountain Synod

FALL THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE

Little America, Cheyenne, WY

September 20-24, 2021

We are looking to the fall to an in-person gathering! Mark your calendars for this opportunity to gather together and savor our relationships as the church, truly "better together!"

Mark your calendar, and watch for additional information!

Lutheran Center Yard Clean Up & Garden Plant Day

Saturday, May 22, 2021, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Pastor Kent Mueller has started seeds in his basement, and he invites your help to clean out the garden beds at the Lutheran Center (site of the RMS Office of the Bishop) and plant seedlings and seeds. The are very much overrun with weeds from last season.

Gardeners who would like to volunteer to tend the garden throughout the summer may also share in the harvest as a community garden partner. Extra produce will be shared with the Growing Home food pantry.

Bring your gloves (there are lots of thistles), your spades, your trowels, your nippers, and your clippers to clean up the vegetable garden and other landscaping areas. A Thrivent Action Grant will provide for some snacks and supplies. Gardening experience is not required to join in the fun.

When: Saturday, May 22, 2021, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: The Lutheran Center, 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221

Celebrating Ordination Anniversaries!

Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver celebrated the Ordination Anniversaries of several Augustana members who are retired pastors. It was marvelous; there are 185 years of ordained ministry represented among them!

Pastor Ron Swenson, 60 years

Pastor John Pederson, 45 years

Pastor Bonita Bock, 40 years

Pastor Ron Glusenkamp, 40 years

Read all about them here!

THREE OPENINGS REMAIN

Enjoy Messiah Mountain Retreat Center for a time of spiritual renewal through photography

Join Pastor Michael TeKrony on a journey of photography and spiritual reflection at Messiah Mountain Retreat Center, located in Indian Hills, a short drive into the foothills on Highway 285 (map). Michael says, “The camera invites us to pay attention to what is right in front of us. When we focus, either near or far, God comes into view. Using the camera lens, my hope is that we can practice and grow in our awareness of God, right in front of us.”

You will provide your own cell phone camera or other photography equipment.

Messiah Mountain is a gift to the Rocky Mountain Synod recently given by Messiah Community Church, which acquired the 27 acre mountain retreat in1969. This day-long experience is limited to 10 participants (Just 5 spots remain). Cost is $10. Lunch will be provided.

from the RMS Veterans Servant Corps Project

Traveling Vietnam Wall coming to Denver

This Memorial Day weekend, the Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado will once again host the largest traveling Vietnam Wall. It will be on display May 27 - 31st at the Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado (2626 W. Horsetooth Road, Ft. Collins, Colorado). For more information, please visit https://veteransplazanoco.org/memorial-day-weekend-2021/

For Your Bulletin

Ordination & Installation

Mandy Gardner

Deacon

Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

Christ the King, Durango, CO

Sunday, May 23, 2:00 pm

Color of the Day: Red

Livestreamed at

https://ctkdurango.online.church/

Ordination

Stephen Helmreich

Pastor

Trinity, Hobbs, NM

Saturday, June 5, 11:00am

(ZOOM TBD)

Color of the Day: Red

Installations

Stephen Helmreich

Pastor

Trinity, Hobbs, NM

Sunday, June 6, 3:00pm (tentative)

Color of the Day: Green

(ZOOM TBD)

Stephanie Harmon

Pastor

St. Peter, Carlsbad, NM

Sunday, June 6, 10:30am

Color of the Day: Green

In-person service at St. Peter, guests welcome

RMS Prayer Cycle

May 2021

Metro East Conference

- Week of May 23 -

Messiah Community Lutheran

Denver, CO

Rev. Inga Oyan Longbrake

New Beginnings

Denver, CO

Rev. Terry Schjang

Our Saviors Lutheran

Denver, CO

Rev. Marty Lettow

Peace in Christ

Elizabeth, CO

Rev. Alena Lamirato

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Day of Pentecost

Prayer of the Day

Mighty God, you breathe life into our bones, and your Spirit brings truth to the world. Send us this Spirit, transform us by your truth, and give us language to proclaim your gospel, 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

23 - 29 May : Indian Ocean Islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles - Intercessions and Prayers

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.

Monthly Prayer Cycle

Around the Synod

from Flatirons Habitat for Humanity...

Volunteer with Anchor House!

Anchor House is under construction in Broomfield, CO and will soon be a home for emancipated foster youth this summer! We are looking for volunteers to help Flatirons Habitat for Humanity in the last stages of construction, painting and finishing touches. No experience necessary! Visit anchorhouseco.org/volunteer to learn more and to register. Group builds available - contact Tracy at info@anchorhouseco.org.

More information at www.anchorhouseco.org

Conversations for Connection: Supporting Mental Health

Hosted by Atonement Lutheran, Boulder and Interfaith Network on Mental Illness

Every Thursday, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. MT

Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220

Our Life Together

from the RMS Creation Care Team!

Post your pictures to the RMS Creation Care Facebook page or email them to us at rmscreationcareteam@gmail.com!

Migrant Ministry Meeting

Saturday, May 22, 10:00 a.m.

ZOOM:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86137773369?pwd=WU9Ic0hnekVlU1pQdGFleTNmTmtrZz09

Congregations in Transition

Resource Corner

check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation

from Administration Matters, May 2021

Stay safe using social media

You can promote your organization in a number of ways, but one method you shouldn’t ignore is using social media. This is an excellent and cost-effective way to reach a wide audience. However, there are several do’s and don’ts you must keep in mind. >More

A mental health reminder from Portico

Living through a pandemic has stretched us past our normal limits. During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Portico Benefit Services is offering the two-minute video “Get Yourself Some People,” in which ELCA pastor Melissa Pohlman talks candidly about the support system she relies on to keep her centered and resilient. Portico is offering other mental health resources this month on its Facebook page and encourages you to follow the page and share these tools with your ministry team.

To see the full newsletter for May or to subscribe, go to https://blogs.elca.org/adminmatters/index-of-the-may-2021-issue/.