A Reconciling in Christ synod
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A Joint Invitation: A Call to Discipleship
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In this season of Pentecost, as we open ourselves anew to the work of the Holy Spirit,
the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), commends to this church the Arusha Call to Discipleship from the World Council of Churches.
In this invitation, Eaton unites with the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church; the Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, primate, Anglican Church of Canada; and the Rev. Susan C. Johnson, national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
This common invitation joins the seasonal devotions from this four-way relationship as resources for the churches.
In their joint message, the church leaders state:
“
This Call helpfully comes to us at a decisive moment, as our four churches commit anew to engage together the challenges and opportunities of faithful mission in our fast-changing contexts. We are mindful especially of seeking racial justice, of honouring the Quad-Centennial (1619-2019) of the forced trans-Atlantic transportation of enslaved African persons to this continent; of challenging theologies which have endorsed dispossession of Indigenous Peoples; and of strengthening our support for the displaced and dispossessed seeking new beginnings in our midst.
We welcome this witness from Christians around the world. The Call is a document of realism and of joy, of honest assessment and of hope for transformation, of trust in the way of Christ and in the power of the Spirit.”
Read
the full invitation from the four church leaders.
Read
the Arusha Call to Discipleship.
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A 60-Day Journey 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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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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Celebrating our commitment to ministry!
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As of March 31, our total raised is $235 million,
including $185 million in cash and multi-year commitments and $50 million in planned gifts for campaign ministries. From Senegal to Cambodia, South Sudan to North Dakota, the generosity and support of ELCA members and congregations is making a difference in the lives of people around the world.
Thanks be to God!
We hope to do even more together before the campaign’s conclusion on June 30. We need your help in driving toward the successful completion of this effort as we continue to grow and transform these ministries for years to come.
Here are a few ways you can help in this last month of the campaign:
- Consider making an initial or additional gift to one or more campaign ministries. Key priority areas that have momentum and are near their financial goals include:
- ELCA World Hunger: As of March 31, we are at 96.5% of our $115-million goal for ELCA World Hunger. This is the largest component of the campaign, making up nearly 60% of our total fundraising goal.
- International Women Leaders: launched as a new initiative of the campaign, International Women Leaders is at 83% of its $4-million goal.
- Young Adults in Global Mission: with more than $5.5 million in cash and commitments, less than $500,000 is needed to reach this program’s five-year goal.
- Share the campaign with your congregation, friends and family. Use the campaign video to spread the word.
- Continue to pray for the ministries and work of this campaign.
We are Christ's Church, Better Together for the sake of the world!
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Much has been written about leadership in multiple realms of our society. Excellence in Leadership is focusing on five schools of thought/thinkers to engage our imaginations for effective and meaningful leadership in the church and in our own lives. Here is a short synopsis of one of those areas:
Emotional Intelligence
The entire
Excellence in Leadership (EiL)
program is built upon this foundation, Emotional Intelligence. When Jesus talks about having abundant life, salvation, wholeness, he is talking about our increasing awareness of “the unifying mystery at the core of being,” relationship. Jesus is talking about our relationship with God, with other human beings, indeed, with all of creation.
Emotional intelligence is our ability to know ourselves well enough to build these significant, healthy, loving, honest relationships.
Throughout this two-year program we will focus on the four quadrants of emotional intelligence – self-awareness, self-control, community awareness, and community management. In this time we will be spend time in prayer, discussion, engagement, and exercises in order to increase our intelligence in all four of these areas. These will be the markers on our map of our own personal transformation in order that we may make a difference in the world as emotionally intelligent people and leaders.
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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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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 Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Friday the hours are 9:00 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 16 -
Grace - Colorado Springs, CO
Michael Tassler
Holy Cross - La Junta, CO
Jennifer Shadle (ECUSA)
Immanuel - Bethune, CO
Our Savior - Wild Horse, CO
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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 16
The Holy Trinity
First Sunday After Pentecost
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Prayer of the Day
Almighty Creator and ever-living God: we worship your glory, eternal Three-in-One, and we praise your power, majestic One-in-Three. Keep us steadfast in this faith, defend us in all adversity, and bring us at last into your presence, where you live in endless joy and love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
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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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Fine Arts Academy for grades 5 and up
Monday, July 8, 2019 through Thursday, July 11, 2019 each day
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July 8-11, 2019 from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
5th Grade and Older
Come explore your creativity! Each student will participate in Music and Bible Theme classes, as well as two electives. Electives include Creation Art, Handbells, Quilting, Watercolor, and Woodworking. Each class is led by qualified adults who are passionate about sharing their artistic gifts with others. Students share their creations at an evening program on Thursday, July 11.
Cost is $40 per participant, $30 per each additional participant. Visit website
here, register to attend or volunteer
here!
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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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Faith Community Nurse (Parish Nurse)
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver, CO
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Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver is seeking a spiritually mature, experienced registered nurse to fill a continuing part-time (60%–75%) Faith Community Nurse (formerly Parish Nurse) position. The person works closely with the pastoral and program staff in a shared ministry relationship. The Faith Community Nurse responds to health-related concerns of parishioners through visits in homes or health care facilities to evaluate needs, provide support, facilitate the integration of faith and healing, and make referrals as needed. This nurse also coordinates health education programs, support groups, and other health-related activities in the congregation. The Faith Community Nurse works collaboratively with the Health Ministry Committee and coordinates volunteers to assist in carrying out other health ministry initiatives.
Minimum qualifications include RN license, baccalaureate degree in nursing (master’s preferred), and five years of professional experience. Educational preparation and experience in parish nursing highly desirable. A full position description is available
here, or online
here.
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Communication Specialist (part-time)
Well of Hope Worshiping
Community - Castle Rock, CO
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Well of Hope, a mission development site in Castle Rock, CO is seeking a part-time Communication Specialist (maximum of 20 hours per month). The Communication Specialist will design and implement an overall communications strategy to market and promote the ministry of Well of Hope. This person will be responsible for external communications via web, mobile, print and social media platforms. Job description is available
here or at Well of Hope
website.
Please submit resumes to
woh.elca@gmail.com by July 1st. Additional questions can be directed to Pastor Julie McNitt at 720-439-0846.
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Youth Ministry Coordinator (part-time)
Well of Hope Worshiping
Community - Castle Rock, CO
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Well of Hope, a mission development site in Castle Rock, CO is seeking a part-time youth ministry coordinator (maximum of 20 hours per month). The youth ministry coordinator will build relationships with high school and middle school youth, help plan events for youth from Well of Hope and participate in youth activities with our joint Lutheran/Episcopal youth group. Job description is available
here or at Well of Hope
website.
Please submit resumes to
woh.elca@gmail.com by July 1st. Questions can be directed to Pastor Julie McNitt at 720-439-0846.
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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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Faith Community Nurse (Parish Nurse)
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver, CO
Communication Specialist (part-time)
Well of Hope Worshipping Community - Castle Rock, CO
Youth Ministry Coordinator (part-time)
Well of Hope Worshipping Community - Castle Rock, CO
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
- United Methodist Annual Conference, Albuquerque, NM
- Region 2 Mobility Conference,Glendale, CA
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
- Grand Canyon Synod Assembly
- 1-1 Appointments
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ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Leadership Planning
- Congregation Transition
- Region 2 Mobility Conference, Glendale, CA
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Part-time Ministry Team
- Vacation June 13-23
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
- RMS Communications
- Theological Conference Planning
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
- Candidacy Conversations
- Denver Pride
- Christ, Highlands Ranch, CO
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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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