A Reconciling in Christ synod
|
|
Herbert Chilstrom, first ELCA presiding bishop, dies at 88
|
In gratitude for his life, witness and ministry, we commend to God's eternal care the Reverend Herb Chilstrom, first Presiding Bishop
of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, who died today.
Herbert W. Chilstrom, 88, the first presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died Jan. 19 at his home in Green Valley, Ariz. He was born in Litchfield, Minn., on Oct. 18, 1931.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Corinne (Hansen), also a Lutheran pastor; a daughter, Mary Cress of Mesa, Ariz.; and a son, Christopher Holt of Baltimore; and four sisters, Winnifred Christenson of Robbinsdale, Minn.; Virginia Francis of Pickens, S.C.; Martha (Charles) Anderson of Ashby, Minn.; and Janet (Frederick) Sickert of West Linn, Ore.
Chilstrom completed academic degrees at Augsburg University, Augustana Seminary, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Princeton Seminary, and New York University, where he earned a doctor of education degree.
He served Lutheran congregations in Pelican Rapids, Elizabeth and St. Peter, Minn.
He was professor and dean at Luther College, Teaneck, N.J., from 1962-1970. In 1976 he was elected bishop of the Minnesota Synod of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). At the 1987 merger that created the 5.2-million-member ELCA, he was elected the first presiding bishop.
May the peace of God, the love of Christ and the comfort of Holy Spirit enfold his family and all who grieve.
|
|
|
|
In response to the crisis at the border following the family separation and reunification in July-August 2018, individuals and ministries responded with radical generosity in support of our border ministries. A Border Emergency Fund was established to meet immediate need and support on-going infrastructure such as roof repair, storage, and a playground for guests.
In total, over $44,000 was given to support our ministry on the border through Cristo Rey El Paso, Border Servant Corps, and Peace Las Cruces.
While the work for justice on the border continues, we will be closing this emergency status fund. The remaining balance will be used to support the on-going ministry of Border Servant Corps. Gifts in support of our border work may be given directly to Cristo Rey or Border Servant Corps.
Thank you for your generosity as Christ's Church, Better Together.
|
|
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
|
|
Introducing "BOB"
Cross of Glory and Highlands, Denver, Colorado
|
As you approach the front door of Denver congregations, Cross of Glory Lutheran Church or Highlands Lutheran Church, it is hard to miss "BOB," the
Big Orange Box
.
In partnership with local food banks, Metro Caring and
Bienvenidos, both congregations have placed a large orange food bank donation box at their front door, allowing food bank donations to be made 24/7. The conspicuous boxes serve as a reminder to the congregations to continue to donate food and as a connection to the community, making it easy for neighbors to participate in the congregations' food bank ministries. Food donations are up, and both congregations are proud to be known as "Orange Box" churches.
|
|
|
|
YAGMs serving in Australia request prayers for those affected by bushfires
|
There are currently two Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGMs) from the Rocky Mountain Synod serving in Australia - Joe Kiel and Macy Kennedy.
Joe recently sent a prayer request to members of the RMS Global Mission Committee: "A few of you have reached out to me asking how I'm doing/if I've been impacted with the bushfire situation here. Know that I'm okay. I've experienced a lot of smog and even seen a few fires on the horizon...but have not been significantly affected. And as most of you know...that makes me pretty lucky. Unfortunately, though, millions have suffered, so please keep Australia and all the life that's been impacted in your best wishes."
So, people of the RMS, please keep Australia, those impacted by the fires, and all of our YAGMs in your prayers!
|
|
|
|
Annual Report resources now available
|
A busy time of year is coming up and we now have annual report resources available for your congregations, including covers, the RMS report insert, and Where Does My Offering Go posters. These resources are also available
here.
Annual Report Cover:
Other resources:
|
|
|
|
 |
Installation
Rev. Wayne Nieminen
Rev. Christa Von Zychlin
St. Luke, Albuquerque, NM
2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 1
Color of the Day: Green
UPDATE: correct time is 2:00
|
|
|
|
RMS Prayer Cycle
JANUARY 2020
METRO WEST CONFERENCE
- Week of January 26 -
St. John’s - Thornton, CO
Wes Dunbar
St. Matthew’s Episcopal – Grand Junction, CO
Laura Stephenson
St. Stephen - Northglenn, CO
Paul Carlson (Interim)
United Church of the San Juans - Ridgway, CO
Pam Stofferahn
Zion - Montrose, CO
Michael Mortvedt
Zion - Idaho Springs, CO
Terry Schjang
David Brock
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Sunday, January 26
Third Sunday after Epiphany
|
Prayer of the Day
Lord God, your loving kindness always goes before us and follows after us. Summon us into your light, and direct our steps in the ways of goodness that come through the cross of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
|
|
Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West Concert
Tuesday, January 28, 7:00 p.m.
|
St Paul Community of Faith
1600 Grant St, Denver
Pacific Lutheran University Choir
of the West will present a spring tour concert with repertoire including several motets, both modern and from 18th-century Germany, Shakespeare Songs by Matthew Harris, the North American premiere of
Psalm 117 by Daniel Knaggs, spirituals arranged by Moses Hogan,
Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine by Eric Whitacre, and a world premiere piece by PLU student Thomas Wheeler.
A goodwill offering will be accepted.
|
|
|
|
James Hersch Returns!
Saturday, February 1 starting at 6:00 p.m.
|
Holy Love Lutheran Church
4210 S. Chambers Rd, Aurora, CO
Singer/Songwriter James Hersch
returns
to Holy Love Lutheran for a concert on Saturday, February 1. A potluck Soup Supper will be held at 6:00 p.m. The concert will follow, starting roughly at 7:30 pm.
|
|
|
|
Join us for Lutheran Day at the Legislature
Thursday, February 27, 7:30 a.m. to noon
|
Colorado Lutheran Day at the Legislature is Thursday, February 27.
We invite you to join us! The event is a great opportunity for learning, listening, and action, and will involve visits to your representatives in the Capitol building.
|
|
|
|
JustServe
Provides Web Platform for Volunteer Engagement
|
Would you like to reach interested volunteers for your service project, or are you looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities yourself?
JustServe is a free community resource sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The
JustServe.org website is used by a wide array of faith, nonprofit, community, and government organizations to post service opportunities. People use JustServe.org to work with community partners to identify needs and respond to those needs in the spirit of charitable service. Volunteers can quickly find opportunities that fit their interests, skills, and availability.
|
|
|
|
ALOA - Don't miss these FREE webinars!
|
ALOA webinars feature a knowledgeable older adult ministry leader covering a single topic and providing information on available resources.
All are free and last approximately 60 minutes. If you can't be available for the live webinar, sign up anyway and we'll email you a link to the recording and associated resources.
January 23, 2020 – Noon ET
Aging Parents and Their Adult Children with Disabilities
Mona Fuerstenau, Director of Ministry Partnerships at Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Watertown, WI, will discuss the challenges and possibilities aging parents face as they make plans for their adult children with disabilities after they are gone.
Register now
February 27, 2020 – Noon ET
Nursing Homes: Quality Care & Quality of Life, Part 2
Alice Hedt, former Executive Director of the Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, provides a follow-up to her webinar on finding a quality care facility. In this session, she'll explore how family members and residents themselves can promote quality of care and quality of life once there.
Register now
Find out more about ALOA webinars and check out the archive of past topics on our
website.
|
|
|
|
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
|
|
Stewardship Toolkit for February 2020
|
Here's your
February 2020 "Stewardship Toolkit
." It's a Word file with an original newsletter article, RCL-based Sunday bulletin blurbs, and links - all related to a monthly theme. The February theme is
"Steward your life: Cultivate a Heart of Love."
|
|
|
|
38 Children's Choir Robes available now!
|
Bethany Lutheran Church has 38 dry-cleaned and pressed robes for children for anyone who is interested. All are royal blue in color. Contact us at 303-758-2820 or
Sarah@Bethany-Denver.org if you'd like them or for more information.
|
|
|
|
Bookkeeper (part-time)
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church - Broomfield, CO
|
Christ Lutheran Church, Highlands Ranch, Colorado is seeking a detail-oriented individual to fill the role of Bookkeeper. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the financial records and reports on the financial business of the church. This person will need to have a strong working knowledge of accounting principles and practices and be proficient with Microsoft Office (including Excel) and QuickBooks. This is a part-time position that will average 20 hours per week.
A full job description is available
here
. For more information, please contact Pastor Gail Mundt at
pastorgail@clchr.org
; 303-791-0803.
|
|
|
|
Bookkeeper (part-time)
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church - Broomfield, CO
Director of Youth Ministries
Glory of God Lutheran Church - Wheat Ridge, CO
Administrative Assistant-Communications
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO
High School Program Director
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp - Fort Collins, CO
|
|
Office of the Bishop This Week
|
|
Bishop Jim Gonia
- Trip to the Holy Land, January 22-29
ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
(Interim, 1/2 time)
- In-office appointments
- 3E Planning Meeting
- Stewardship for All Seasons
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
- Legislative Session
- Coalition to End Homelessness
- End Homelessness Rally
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Colorado Social Legislation Committee
- Renter's Roundtable
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
|
|
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- In-office appointments
- Vacation January 25-29
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller
(1/2 time)
- Finance Team
- Part-time Ministry Webinar
- Dean's Zoom
- RMS Campaign Meeting
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
- Synod Assembly Planning Meetings
- Synod Communicators Gathering, Columbus, OH
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie O'Callaghan
- Western Mission Network, Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Feel free to contact
Andrew Nakatan
i
, 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
Submissions
are due noon Monday each week's issue.
Past issues of eConnection may be found
here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
