April 28, 2021
A Reconciling in Christ synod
Synod Assembly April 29-May 1
The Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will take place via ZOOM, but everyone is invited to join in the assembly through the Facebook Livestream: www.facebook.com/rmselca

Assembly starts Thursday with a few pre-assembly events:

  • 10:00am: Yoga with Rachel, Daily Bread Yoga
  • 11:30am: Learn to cook Enchiladas with Ofelia & Pastor Rose Mary of Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX
  • 1:00pm: Opening Worship
  • 2:30pm Plenary 1
ELCA Church Council approves sanctuary church guidelines
CHICAGO (April 21, 2021) — The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met electronically April 14-17.

In response to action taken by the 2019 Churchwide Assembly that declared the ELCA a sanctuary church body, the council approved a motion to recognize that the ELCA's ministry as a sanctuary church body is a public witness that calls ELCA members to value the dignity of each human being made in God's image. The council also encouraged an understanding of the word “sanctuary” that is rooted in the principles of walking alongside, or accompanying, immigrants and refugees but acknowledged that “sanctuary” has no legal or universally accepted definition. This action also affirmed the guidance provided in the "ELCA Sanctuary Church Guidelines" for ways congregations, synods and the churchwide organization can accompany and support the ministry of sanctuary.
The council approved a revision of “Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline,” effective immediately and applicable only to conduct occurring — or alleged to have occurred — after the date this resolution was adopted. The document describes the grounds by which officers, rostered ministers, candidates for rostered ministry, congregations and members of congregations may be subject to discipline according to the practice of this church.
The council received the final report from the Mission Support experiment synods. In response, the council urged the churchwide organization and the synods to incorporate the learnings from the mission support experiments into future collaboration and encouraged the formation of a project team that would include bishops, churchwide organization staff and others to discuss future strategies for mission support sharing between synods and the churchwide organization. The synods that participated in the Mission Support experiment were: the Lower Susquehanna Synod, the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod, the Nebraska Synod, the New England Synod and the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. “Mission support” refers to the financial offerings that congregations share with synods and the churchwide organization.
In other action, the council:

  • Affirmed the presiding bishop’s decision to name the Tuesday following the celebration of the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an annual ELCA Day of Repentance From Racism and encouraged members, congregations and synods to use the “Lamenting Racism” resource in All Creation Sings and other liturgical resources of lamentation and repentance offered by the churchwide organization’s Worship team to accompany this annual day of repentance.
  • Revised the spending authorization for ELCA World Hunger from $21.5 million to $23.5 million in fiscal year 2021.
  • Approved a $1.3 million addition to the Church Council designated fund for fiscal year 2020 to cover budget shortfalls in future years.
  • Deferred questions of developing social messages on the U.S. National Drug Control Policy or on aging, gender identity or gun control policy until the fall 2021 Church Council meeting.
  • Adopted a revision to the Manual of Policies for the Management of the Rosters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to include a set of protocols for ministers of Word and Sacrament from the Lutheran World Federation companion churches who wish to serve as missionaries in congregations and synods of the ELCA.
  • Received a gap analysis of rostered women, with particular focus on rostered women of color, from the Office of the Presiding Bishop in response to a Churchwide Assembly action on the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women.
  • Received a response and recommendations regarding seminary tuition from the Christian Community and Leadership home team and supported various actions to continue addressing these recommendations.
  • Received the report of the Temporary Select Committee on Committees and approved an extension for consideration of a revised committee structure to the fall 2021 Church Council meeting.
  • Ratified amendments to the constitutions of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod and the Southwestern Texas Synod.
  • Approved amendments to the bylaws of the ELCA Foundation, United Lutheran Seminary and Luther Seminary.
  • Elected members to the governing bodies of the Endowment Fund of the ELCA, Mosaic, Inc., and six seminaries.

The council also engaged in:
 
  • A reflection on migration and the work of AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities).
  • A primer on “Indigenous Perspective in Our Country” from council member Loni Taylor, a member of the Chippewa Cree Nation.
  • A presentation on Future Church and the Open Doors Grants initiative to encourage congregations to innovate in reaching new people in the congregations’ contexts as churches transition from the pandemic. The grant application process begins April 21. Learn more about the Open Doors initiative at Open Doors — Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
 
The council also received reports from the church’s presiding bishop, treasurer, secretary and vice president, and from the ELCA Conference of Bishops.

eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
A Conversation with Christine Mangale, Program Director of the Lutheran Office for World Community
Saturday, May 1, 2:00-3:30 p.m. MDT
The Rocky Mountain Synod advocacy offices invite you to a wide-ranging conversation with Christine Mangale. We'll discuss pandemic recovery, the Biden administration's approach to international affairs, United Nations priorities and more.

Ms. Mangale is serving as the Churchwide Representative at the 2021 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly. This conversation gives participants the opportunity to hear from her and connect more directly. Your questions and comments will be invited into the conversation.

The event is free and open to all, not just voting members at the Synod Assembly.

ZOOM:
Facebook Live:
RMS & ELCA News and Events
Excellence in Leadership Graduation!
Almost two years ago the Rocky Mountain Synod began a new program geared toward raising up “courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders” who are better equipped to lead in their communities through times of change and challenge. At the time we had no way of knowing how important this program would be. This program has recognized the importance of creating emotionally intelligent leaders who can think adaptively. This program has provided tools for leaders to be authentically themselves while also understanding and respecting the systems in which they work. This program is Excellence in Leadership (EiL).

In May, the first cohort of 48 people will be graduating from the program and we would like to invite you to celebrate with them! If you know a participant who is graduating from EiL this year, please contact them to receive an invitation to participate in their graduation live. The graduation will also be recorded and made available later in the month for those unable to attend live.

Congratulations, graduates!
Join us for the Lutheran Advocacy Digital Summit!
Thursday, May 13, 2021, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. MDT
Join us online with advocates and community leaders in learning, listening and taking action. Discover how you as a person of faith can be mobilized for prophetic public policy advocacy, get the latest updates on our work together at the Colorado State Capitol, and be at the forefront of building relationships with your elected officials.

Even if you're new to advocacy, even if policy sounds wonky, even if you're a little Zoomed out (and aren't we all), we want you to join us! The event will include an issues briefing, remarks from Bishop Jim Gonia and a state legislator, and advocacy actions you can take to connect with your representatives.

When: Thursday, May 13, 2021, 6:30 - 8 p.m. MDT
Where: Zoom & Facebook Live
Cost: It's free!
ELCA World Hunger domestic grants!
A new round of Daily Bread Matching Grants launches soon! ELCA congregations interested in raising funds for their feeding ministry through ELCA World Hunger’s online platform, matched with a $500 grant, can register and apply in ELCA GrantMaker starting Monday, April 26. Registration will be open through May 1, 2021 and the application will close May 7, 2021. Congregations approved to participate will raise funds for their ministry online from June 5 – June 20, 2021 and will be eligible for a special opportunity to explore goals for their ministry with an ELCA Coach.

For details on the grants and eligibility requirements, visit elca.org/dailybread. There are a limited number of grants available on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested congregations should apply as soon as they are able. Congregations that have previously received a Daily Bread Matching Grant are not eligible to re-apply at this time.
Second, registration for Domestic Hunger Grants is underway. Ministries can apply starting April 19, 2021 until May 21, 2021. ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany congregations and their partners throughout the United States and Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job readiness, human rights, policy change, leadership development and more. Together, these ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger — for good. Grants are available for up to $10,000 a year for up to three years. More information about the grants and how to apply is available at ELCA.org/domestichungergrants.

Questions about either grant can be addressed to hunger@elca.org.
NEW --- Open Doors Grants!
Beginning today, your congregation is invited to apply for an Open Doors Grant. Any ELCA congregation can apply for funding with a specific and actionable idea for how its ministry might meet new people while we consider this time of transition and regather in community as COVID-19 considerations allow.

What does an actionable, specific and new idea look like? Don’t overthink it! Most congregations have been innovating and adapting in real time throughout the pandemic. A good place to start is where the church always has started — with people. Whom have you met during this pandemic time, and who is God calling you to love and serve today?

  • Are there students in your area who are craving connection in new ways?
  • Have you “met” new people who joined your virtual worship or digital activities? How might we stay connected with people who have not visited our church buildings but have joined us online?
  • Have you built new connections with health care workers, first responders and other essential workers? How might they feel invited into the life of your congregation?
  • How can your congregation be intentional about making new connections during this anticipated time of transition?

Want to share your idea and inspire others? Add it to our virtual idea-sharing space! You don’t have to apply for a grant to share your ministry idea for (safely!) meeting new people. And, you just might be inspired by someone else’s idea!
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. Cost is $10. Lunch will be provided.
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

Reception to the Roster

Alicia Harker
Chaplain
Centura Health - St. Anthony
Evergreen, CO
Sunday, May 16, 9:30am
Color of the Day: White
RMS Prayer Cycle

May 2021
Metro East Conference

- Week of May 2 -

All Saints Lutheran Church
Aurora, CO
Rev. Chelsea Achterberg
 
Augustana Lutheran Church
Denver, CO
Rev. Ann Hultquist
Rev. Caitlin Trussell
Deacon Shanna VanderWel
 
Aurora Church Together Strategy With Homeless
Aurora, CO
Rev. Tyg Taylor
 
Bethel Lutheran
Aurora, CO
Rev. Barb Lemke
Sunday, May 2, 2021
Fifth Sunday of Easter

Prayer of the Day
O God, you give us your Son as the vine apart from whom we cannot live. Nourish our life in his resurrection, that we may bear the fruit of love and know the fullness of your joy, 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
02 - 08 May : Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan - 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
Conversations for Connection: Supporting Mental Health
Hosted by Atonement Lutheran, Boulder and Interfaith Network on Mental Illness

Replacing Stigma with Help and Hope"
Thursday, April 29, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough, and the isolation, blame and secrecy that is often encouraged by stigma can create huge challenges to reaching out, getting needed support, and living well. Learning how to avoid and address stigma are important for all of us. Every day, we have an opportunity to help create broader understanding of mental health, overcome stereotypes, and break down barriers. Join NAMI for this discussion on how we can all do a little bit more each day to eliminate stigma and replace it with help and hope.

Anna Kim is the Executive Director for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Boulder County. She is passionate about NAMI's mission of providing support, education and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness, and to reduce stigma, instill hope, and generate change. Learn more at https://namibouldercounty.org/.

Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220
Solace and Sanctuary: The Role of Creativity in Healing"
Thursday, May 6, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
History is filled with those that used their creativity and imagination to find their way forward after pain and loss and to address the existential questions that suffering awakens. Join local therapist and artist Joy Redstone as she explores this topic. General concepts about the therapeutic value of art will be explored and Joy's personal journey from suicide survivor to artist will be explored. Discussion from participants about their connection to this topic will be encouraged.

Joy Redstone is a licensed clinical social worker and addiction counselor (CACIII), and adjunct faculty at Naropa and U. of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. She is a writer and artist. Her work has focused on the intersection of mental health struggles, addiction, and oppression. She served as ED of Bridge House for 7 years, is Director of Naropa Community Counseling and is Board President for the Grief Support Network.

Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220
Together We Grow: LFSRM Annual Gala
Friday, May 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate growth and hope with Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains for our 27th annual gala, held virtually. Join us for a silent auction, paddle raise, and stories directly from those we serve throughout Colorado and in New Mexico and Utah. Never had the chance to attend? This is the perfect year for you to tune in and learn more about the work we do! For the first time ever, we are offering a First Time Attendee Complementary Ticket. Pour a glass of lemonade and join us from the comfort of home!

For more information, to purchase a ticket, or to sponsor, go to:
Happy Birthday, Herr Brahms!
Friday, May 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Johannes Brahms, German composer and pianist of the Romantic Era, was born on May 7, 1833. Join us for an evening of music for “Happy Birthday, Herr Brahms!” - a premier selection of Brahms’ best works performed on what would be his 188th birthday. This concert will be performed by elite musicians Philip Fiscor, Constantine Finehouse, and William Hinkie, on May 7, 2021 at 7 p.m.

This is our first in-person concert of the spring at Bethany Lutheran Church (4500 E. Hampden Ave.). Concert time is 7pm and will run for approximately 90 minutes. Reservations are required for the first 50 people and tickets are “Flex Pay” meaning you pay what you choose to enjoy the concert – we want all to enjoy this concert! It will also be live streamed on YouTube with a link available on our website starting at 7pm on May 7th! Virtual admission is unlimited capacity and is a "flex pay" ticket price as well. To reserve your spot for the in-person or virtual concert, visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/35350/production/1047017?performanceId=10679825, or email info@augustanaarts.org with any questions.
Our Life Together
Run with the Faster Pastors!
The faster pastors are running again in the Flaming Foliage Relay September 10-11, and we need a few more runners. Runners get to help pick the cause we're running for, and join a supportive and fun team running through the mountains during the beautiful early fall. Runners need not be "faster" or "pastor," just take a look at our group from 2014!
Interested? Contact Joel Pancoast at pastorjoel@zionloveland.com or Daniel Smith at d.smith@ascensioncos.org.
Sky Ranch Seeking Stellar Summer Staff!!
Sky Ranch is in the process of filling out our 2021 summer staff. Are you or someone you know interested in working with kids in the mountains this summer? Then come spend the summer sharing your faith and facilitating encounters with Christ with all guests. Staff and campers explore their faith in new and creative ways, all while having loads of fun-- Low and High Ropes, Whitewater rafting, day hikes and backpacking, cooking over a fire, and so much more!!!

We are still in need of a Summer Camp Registrar, a Weekend Cook, and a few more male counselors.

  • The Camp Registrar will work with our Office Manager in the Fort Collins office to manage camper paperwork, call parents to obtain proper forms, help with administrative duties, and assist with Sunday Registration. The position requires 35-40 hours/week and personal transportation to our Fort Collins office. 
  • The Weekend Cook would need to come up to Sky Ranch on Friday afternoons, and cook Friday dinner, all meals on Saturday, and Sunday breakfast/brunch for various sized groups.

A flyer and with job descriptions is here.

If you are interested in either position, please contact Ally Mertz at 970-493-5258 to talk about a summer at Sky Ranch, or send email to jeff@skyranchcolorado.org.
from the PLTS Center for Climate Justice and Faith
Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith
This certificate offers a cohort-based, online trans-continental curriculum which empowers participants to cultivate moral, spiritual, and practical power for leadership in the work of climate justice in communities of faith and in collaboration with others. Topics covered include theology, ethics, and spirituality related to climate justice; climate change knowledge; and social change practices that connect ecological well-being with racial, economic, and gender justice.

Lay and rostered leaders throughout the Lutheran World Federation communion and from other faith traditions are invited to complete an interest form if you are curious to know more about this inaugural, non-degree learning program scheduled for September 2021 – May 2022. Long-term collaboration and networking are expected to endure well beyond certificate completion date.

Applications are now open and will be accepted until June 15, 2021. Download flyer here. To apply or to learn more, visit https://www.plts.edu/programs/certificates/certificate-in-climate-justice-and-faith.html.

If the online GoogleForm link below does not work for you email Phoebe at pmorad@plts.edu to be sent a pdf copy.
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Lutheran Men In Mission's
Ambassador-Gram, April 2021
The Ambassador-Gram is a newsletter that features Lutheran Men in Mission activities and reminders of upcoming events.
Download the April 2021 issue here.
And read past issues or find your local LMM Synod Ambassador, here.
A beautiful Organ for a Small Church!
This beautiful Allen organ is perfect for a small church and it is free! It will need to be picked up from Bailey, Colorado by the end of May, 2021. Please contact me at Pvonvett@hotmail.com.
Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Ascension is seeking an organist/accompanist to lead our congregation in song on Sunday mornings, accompany the choir, soloists, and small ensembles, and join a fun and collaborative team of staff and volunteers. For more information, go to: www.ascensioncos.org/organist-accompanist-position-available/
All Non-Rostered Listings
Organist/Accompanist
Ascension Lutheran Church - Colorado Springs, CO

Choral Conductor (part-time)
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver, CO

Arts and Events Coordinator
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO

Virtual Church Director
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO

Director of Development - Seminary Relations
California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary - Thousand Oaks, CA

Minister of Music
Evergreen Lutheran Church - Evergreen, CO

Audio/Visual and Social Media Coordinator
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO

Director of Children, Youth and Family
St. Philip Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO

Technology Administration
Glory of God Lutheran Church - Wheat Ridge, CO

Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
First Lutheran Church - Longmont, CO

Assistant Preschool Teacher
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO

Preschool Teacher
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO

Director of Music
St. Paul Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM

Facilities Manager
First Lutheran Church - Longmont, CO

Director of Music Ministries
King of Kings Lutheran Church - Pueblo, CO

Interim Director of Faith Formation
Trinity Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO
Office of the Bishop This Week
 Bishop Jim Gonia
  • Synod Council
  • Synod Assembly

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
  • Synod Council
  • Synod Assembly

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
  • Synod Council
  • Synod Assembly

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Synod Council
  • Synod Assembly
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee
DIRECTOR FOR CONGREGATIONAL TRANSITION
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Synod Council
  • Synod Assembly

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Synod Council
  • Synod Assembly

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
  • Committee on Appeals
  • Synod Council
  • Synod Assembly
  • Final Day: May 5

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie O'Callaghan
  • Synod Council
  • Synod Assembly
Quick Links
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Erin Power,  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