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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.
NEW: for your instant electronic sharing
Please share this assembly update box in your email newsletters and your Sunday bulletin!

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

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

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.

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.
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/.
Employment Opportunities
Seeking employment? View the full list on the RMS website
Office of the Bishop This Week
 Bishop Jim Gonia
  • Mandy Gardner Ordination/Installation, Durango, CO
  • Congregational Transitions
  • Conference of Bishops
  • Staff & Synod Council Transitions Meetings

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
  • MIF Finance
  • Metro South Conference
  • Campaign Prospective Donor Zoom
  • St. Peter, Carlsbad, NM
  • HKBP, Denver, CO
  • Region 2 Directors for Evangelical Mission
  • Wyoming Conference
  • Utah Conference

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
  • NM First - Food/Hunger Policy Work Group
  • All Saints, Albuquerque, NM
  • Mandy Gardner Ordination/Installation, Durango, CO
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Tax Fairness Coalition
  • Lobbying meetings
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee

DIRECTOR FOR CONGREGATIONAL TRANSITION
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Excellence in Leadership
  • Congregational Transition

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller
  • Alliance for Music Education Equity
  • Messiah Mountain Retreat Center Board
  • Campaign Prospective Donor Zoom
  • Metro West (Metro) Conference

DIRECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT/LUTHERAN CENTER
Tina Kvitek
  • Campaign Prospective Donor Zoom
  • Contractor Appts for Property
  • Prospective Donor Visits
  • All Saints Endowment Committee, Albuquerque, NM

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie O'Callaghan
  • Campus Ministry CU Boulder
  • Candidacy Admin
  • Faith Formation Network
Quick Links
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Kent Mueller, Assistant to the Bishop
Feel free to contact Andrew Nakatani, Communications Assistant, with your questions and comments about eConnection and our website!

Rocky Mountain Synod 
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-733-0750