A Reconciling in Christ synod
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residing Bishop Eaton pastoral message on
Christchurch mosque shootings
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We join in mourning for the people who were killed and wounded, for their families, for the first responders and grief counselors, and for all whose lives have been shattered today. We know that God is present in the midst of their suffering.
We know that our own Muslim neighbors here in the U.S. are also experiencing grief and fear. Many will wonder whether it is safe to attend Friday prayers today. These are not the kinds of questions that any of us should have to ask ourselves as we seek to live out our religious commitments. Yet, devastatingly, this is also a reality that binds us together as people of faith. As I wrote last November in the wake of the Tree of Life shooting: “Hate-filled violence knows no bounds – whether a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, a Christian church in Charleston, a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh” – and now these mosques in New Zealand.
Together with our ecumenical and inter-religious partners, we stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning hatred, bigotry, racism and violence whenever and wherever it occurs. We do so because all people are made in the image of God. Therefore, as an act of neighborly love, I urge you to reach out to your Muslim neighbors today and in the days to come to ask how you might offer solidarity and support – joining whenever possible with other ecumenical and inter-religious neighbors.
I leave you with the words of Psalm 16:1: “Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.” This is my prayer – for our Muslim neighbors, for the people of Christchurch, and for all who mourn and are afraid. May we see in this devastation the possibility to be Christ’s presence with our neighbors in this world – to be present in their suffering and to be partners in God’s justice and peace.
In peace,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, ELCA
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Statement from New Mexico Conference of Churches
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Our Muslim neighbors here in New Mexico are also very much in our prayers. Many will wonder whether it is safe to attend Friday prayers today. No person of faith should have to ask such questions in living out their sacred tradition. We recognize the common reality reflected in today’s statement by the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, ELCA:
“ ’Hate-filled violence knows no bounds – whether a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, a Christian church in Charleston, a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh’ – and now these mosques in New Zealand.”
Together with inter-religious partners, we condemn hatred, bigotry, racism and violence whenever and wherever it occurs. All are made in the image of God. May we find in this devastation the possibility to be Christ’s presence with our neighbors, reaching out to those in need today and in the weeks to come.
Let us recommit to being partners in God’s justice and peace.
In peace,
The Rev. Susan J. Quass
Executive Director
New Mexico Conference of Churches
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Christian Faith Leaders in Colorado Mourn the Mass Shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand
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“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”--Psalm 34:18
On behalf of our 13 Christian denominations and 850 churches in Colorado, we express our deepest condolences to the victims and loved ones of the devastating mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand that killed 50 people, and injured many others. Given the targeted nature of such terrorism, we especially stand in solidarity with Muslims around the world.There is no excuse for this tragedy to happen anywhere, especially in a space where a sacred community has gathered to worship.
We were shocked and saddened by the news. Though we come from different faith traditions, Christians and Muslims share values that call upon us to be the very best that we can be, including a commitment to live in peace with our neighbors. We mourn when anyone distorts Christian values to foment hate, and then build upon such hate to commit unspeakable acts of inhumanity against our brothers and sisters.
We deplore gun violence, hate crimes, Islamophobia, and terrorism in all their manifestations. We mourn the brokenness in our world that gives rise to such tragic events, and we are weary that they continue to happen. Yet, we remain steadfast in our commitment to love all of God’s children, regardless of their religion, and to end such violence.
Signed,
The Colorado Council of Churches
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eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
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Church Together on Ash Wednesday
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Pastor Nathan Keith (Trinity; Laramie and and University of WY campus ministry) began Ash Wednesday with a community Ash Wednesday service at the Catholic Newman Center today. Pastor Nathan was joined by Baptist, Methodist, UCC, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Wyoming Interfaith Network colleagues.
I thank our God for opening the hearts of all these congregations as we did church together. Today was a powerful witness to God's grace and is a sign for American culture that strives for separation that we can find unity in our diversity."
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Church Together with our Muslim neighbors
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A variety of ELCA pastors and lay leaders joined Bishop Jim Gonia at a dinner and conversation Sundaywith Muslim members of the Mosaic Multicultural Foundation, an organization dedicated to harmony through dialogue. Bishop Jim shared perspectives on Christian-Muslim relations based on his interfaith work in Madagascar.
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More rooms now available for the Synod Assembly!
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Assembly Deadlines -
- March 22: Deadline for Ministry Magazine Pages, Resolutions and Memorials, and Nominations for Synod Secretary
- April 5: Registration Deadline
Additional rooms are available at the
Sheraton Hotel
in Albuquerque.
The rate is the same as the Embassy Suites ($119/night) and also includes breakfast (Add $10/night for double occupancy).
Use this
RESERVATION LINK
.
Phone: 505-843-7000; Room Block "Rocky Mountain Synod" RESERVATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15.
There is a complementary shuttle available between the Sheraton and Embassy Suites. If you will need the shuttle, please contact Deacon Erin Power:
epower@rmselca.org
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AIRPORT SHUTTLE
Shelley Takeuchi, a member of All Saints in Albuquerque, has offered her shuttle company to provide transportation to/from the ABQ Airport to the hotels.
Please use this link to sign up for a shuttle, and Shelley will be in touch to coordinate pick-ups!
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RMS Prayer Cycle
MARCH 2019: BOULDER/BROOMFIELD CONFERENCE
Week of March 24
Lutheran Church of Hope - Broomfield, CO
Scott McAnally
Rejoice - Erie, CO
Ruby Naruki
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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, March 24
Third Sunday in Lent
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Prayer of the Day
Eternal God, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son. Help us to hear your word and obey it, and bring your saving love to fruition in our lives, 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
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Community Conversation: Welcoming the Newcomers
Saint Peter Lutheran Church, Greenwood Village
Sunday, March 24, 1:00 p.m.
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We invite you and your congregations to join us for a light lunch at 12:30 p.m.
(there is no cost to you, but we would appreciate a rough estimate of how many might be coming from your congregation to help us plan for lunch and seating,
click here
), and Helen and Lutheran Family Services will present afterwards.
The purpose of the event is two-fold:
- To raise awareness of refugee issues in Colorado
- To collect household items needed by 11 refugee families who have recently arrived in Colorado
As you are able, please bring a housewarming gift for a newly arrived refugee family. New cooking sets, microwaves, rice cookers, dish and drinking glass sets, and $25 gift cards for groceries are much appreciated.
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Faith Formation Toolbox: Experience faith, be equipped to support others
Saturday April 6 at 10:00 a.m.
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Thrivent Financial and Ascension Lutheran Church of Colorado Springs invites you to
a FREE workshop with David and Gloria Anderson, Co-Founders of Milestones Ministry (
https://milestonesministry.org/). A FREE lunch is provided following the session, at noon.
The Whys and Hows of Faith Formation: Are you a volunteer or ministry professional working in your church? Do you work with a team dedicated to faith formation? Or, are you a parent seeking to raise your children in the faith? This workshop is for you!
See the event link
for more information and sign-up today! Questions, contact Deacon Mary Stoneback,
m.stoneback@ascensioncos.org or 303-475-4886.
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Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop
Saturday, April 6th, 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
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Interested in deepening your relationship with God? Please join us for this complimentary workshop where you will learn about a prayer method in which you sit in silence with God, opening your mind, heart and whole being. When applied as an 11th Step prayer practice, Centering Prayer opens us to the contemplative dimension of spirituality. Participants will be introduced to the basic guidelines of Centering Prayer and experience opportunities to practice it.
Center for Contemplative Living
3650 Yates St., Denver, CO (
map)
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The FAQ's of Dementia
Sunday, April 7, 10:50 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
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The
FAQs of Dementia will be offered by Kristen LeBlanc who will be discussing the “frequently asked questions” about dementia. She will touch upon the different dementias, behaviors, communication, genetic testing for medication, caregiver burnout and ideas for help and respite.
Kristen LeBlanc is the Executive Director for the
Balfour Cherrywood Village Memory Care Community
. She has specialized in assisting individuals with dementia and their family members for over 12 years in assisted living and skilled communities. Kristen enjoys teaching others how to communicate and interact with individuals with dementia. She has been teaching classes for caregivers and professional caregivers for the last 6 years.
This program is offered by the
Mental Health Ministry Team of
Atonement Lutheran Church
, 685 Inca Parkway, Boulder, CO (
map
).
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One Year To Live Men's Retreat
Friday, April 26, 2019 through Sunday, April 28
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Lutheran Men in Mission
will hold the next One Year To Live retreat April 26-28 at Camp Santa Maria in Grant, Colorado.
This is an opportunity to band together with other men and reflect on what has made you the person you are today, and where you want to be going forward. This has been a life changing experience for many participants, who then return to help staff future retreats and share the gift they have received. Please join us and invite someone along on this journey.
See flyer here. Curious? Contact Randy McNitt at
randymcnitt@comcast.net
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Palm Sunday Prayer Walk
Sunday, April 14 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
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Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and sacrificial giving. How will you spend your 40 days of Lent?
To honor the beginning of Holy Week,
Urban Servant Corps
invites you to walk and pray for the neighborhood where USC volunteers serve and accompany those who are most in need in our community. After the walk, we will gather with Bishop Gonia for a prayer service and an opportunity to
share offerings in support of the ministry of Urban Servant Corps. May this event be an act of faithful support for the justice we seek in our neighborhoods!
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40th Anniversary Celebration - Joyful Mission Preschool
Sunday, April 28 following 9:30 a.m. worship service
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Joyful Mission Preschool is the one of the longest running Christian Preschools in Parker and will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary on Sunday, April 28.
This event, which will be held at
Joy Lutheran Church (
map), offers something fun for everyone; music, games, bounce houses, and face painting! While the kids are playing games you will have the opportunity to participate in our drawing and silent auction which is loaded with lots of goodies you won’t want to miss. You’ll be able to see how our preschool has grown, see our vision for the future and enjoy lunch on us!
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Ivy Street Ensemble with Guest Harpist Rachel Ellins
June 1, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
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An evening of chamber music with the award winning Ivy Street Ensemble and harpist Rachel Ellins. Musical selections from the Classical to the Contemporary will fulfill appetites of all concert patrons.
Augustana Lutheran Church
Augustana Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Fairfax and Alameda to the east of Cherry Creek Mall. Free parking is located on the north and south sides of the building. Most concerts will occur in the Sanctuary which is located on the north west side of the building.
Doors open at 6:30pm and the house will open at 7:00pm. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Get your tickets here!
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PLTS Big Give during Cal Lutheran Giving Day
Wednesday April 3, 2019
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Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is participating in its first ever Big Give as part of California Lutheran University’s Giving Day on Wednesday April 3
rd
. Our goal is to raise $20,000 in 24 hours. This day is all about you! You can choose to support the seminary in two ways. Your gift to the Seminary Fund will go to where the need is greatest today at PLTS and your gift will be matched by Phyllis and Herbert Anderson. Your gift to the Seminex endowed faculty chair in biblical studies supports theological education of the future and will be matched by Mary Gundelach.
You can participate in these ways:
- Give online on April 3rd: https://www.callutheran.edu/giving-day/
- Collect an offering on Sunday March 31 or Wednesday April 3.
No matter which day you choose, please send Sara Wilson, Associate Director of Seminary Relations, an email at
swilson@plts.edu
with your congregation’s name, city/state, Giving Day total dollars collected, and any specific designation by 11:59 p.m. on April 3 to be counted toward our matching challenges and Giving Day event.
Mail your contribution check to PLTS, 2000 Center Street Berkeley, CA 94704 with Giving Day in the memo line and we will promptly put it too good use and send our thanks.
Note: All undesignated gifts will be split 50/50 between the two initiatives. Gifts will be matched up to $10,000 in total gifts for each initiative.
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Special needs for LFS Refugee Program
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The
refugee program has had a good start to the year, and we hope to welcome even more refugees this coming year with your help! We are low on
bath towels, pillows,
twin-sized bedding (sheet sets and comforters), and
cookware (pots and pans). Can you help give a warm welcome a new refugee family by donating new or gently used items? If so, contact Jaime at
jaime.blanchard@lfsrm.org or 303-217-5181.
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Germany 2020: Study Tour and Oberammergau Passion Play
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Pastor Jared Carson from Peace Lutheran Church, Las Cruces is organizing a study tour to Germany in June 2020. This trip is open to anyone in the Rocky Mountain Synod. The trip includes the Oberammergau Passion Play, which occurs every 10 years. Because of the popularity of the Oberammergau Passion Play, he is asking people to reserve their spot for the study tour now. The bulk of the tour will highlight Lutheran Reformation sites. Don’t miss this chance to dive into Reformation history first hand! If you are interested in the trip, brochures and more information are available online:
http://peacelutheranlc.com/germany-2020-study-tour/
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Bridges Not Walls Holy Land Delegation
Friday, July 26 through Tuesday, August 6, 2019
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Young Adults, ages 17 to 35 join an alternative pilgrimage of peace and justice in the Holy Land!
Visit key sites in and around Jerusalem (including Bethlehem and Nazareth). Deepen faith and develop peace-building, leadership and advocacy skills while building relationships with local Palestinians and Israelis, including active youth and young adults of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), and others engaged in the pursuit of peace and justice in the Holy Land.
Cost is approximately $1,350 (lodging, meals, transportation, tour guide fees, entrance fees, tips). Airfare to Tel Aviv not included in price (approximately $1,000-$1,200). Registration & Deposit of $350 due by March 15, 2019. Trip Leaders: Trena Montgomery and Jessica Morton Smith.
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The Summit 2019: Learning to Support our Youth with Mental, Emotional, and Social Health Issues
Monday April 8, 11:00 a.m. through Wednesday April 10, 11:00 a.m.
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You know how hard your youth ministry staff works for your congregation. Well, Rainbow Trail wants to give them a little bonus for all that they do. The Summit, RTLC’s youth ministry retreat, is for your youth and family ministers. And it is absolutely FREE. The Summit will be held April 8-10, 2019 at camp and is free to church personnel who work with youth in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Our keynote speaker, Julie Miller, will be talking about “Learning to Support our Youth with Mental, Emotional, and Social Health Issues.” Julie is an expert in this area and is excited to share her knowledge around MESH issues and youth. We look forward to offering a time of personal renewal, professional development, continuing education, and networking with other Youth Directors, Pastors, and Christian Educators. Contact Daniel at
daniel@rainbowtrail.org for more information and details. Registration is open!
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LFS' 25th Annual Gala on April 26 - Mark your calendars!
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The LFS Gala is our premier fundraising event which features a night of dinner, entertainment, an auction, and companionship.
More information here! Silent auction item donations are still needed - can you or a group of friends put together a gift basket, or donate a gift certificate or item to help raise funds for our human service programs? For more information or to schedule a pick-up, contact Katie Scherr at
katie.scherr@lfsrm.org.
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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Administration Matters for March 2019
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Reminder: The ELCA Yearbook is now paperless!
To access the most current ELCA directory, visit
directory.elca.org
with any web browser. Next, select a login provider and enter your credentials. Chances are you are already registered with one of our supported login-identity providers: Facebook, Google, Microsoft or Yahoo. If you have an ELCA login (ELCA community) account or an @elca.org email address, you can also use that to access the directory. If you are a rostered minister or represent a synod, congregation or other organization with a listing in the ELCA directory, now is a great time for you to review your listing to ensure that we have the most up-to-date contact information. Please notify us of any changes by emailing
Conginfo@elca.org
.
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Organist/Accompanist (part-time) -
updated*
St. Andrew Lutheran Church - Arvada, CO
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St. Andrew, Arvada is looking for an organist/accompanist interested in a year-round, part time position supporting our Sunday worship environment and accompanying our small, fun, volunteer choir, on both organ and piano. Responsibilities include Sunday morning worship, weekly rehearsal with the choir (Sept-May), a brief warm-up rehearsal prior to worship, and occasional special services, including Christmas Eve, mid-week Lenten services and Easter. See job description for more details and see our website for more info about St. Andrew.
* Job description attached here!
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All
Non-Rostered Positions
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Minister for Pastoral Care (part-time)
Abiding Hope, Littleton, CO
Organist/Accompanist (part-time)
St. Andrew - Arvada, CO
Office Administrator (part-time)
Holy Love Lutheran Church - Aurora, CO
Administrative Assistant (part-time)
First Lutheran Church - Longmont, CO
Preschool Director, South Table Mountain Preschool
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Executive Committee
- Wyoming Conference Retreat
- Good Shepherd, Casper, WY
- Conference Deans Meeting
- In-office appointments
ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
- Latino Ministry West Denver leadership meeting
- Camino de Vida Leadership meeting
- Ascension, Ogden, UT
- Domestic Mission all-staff meeting, Chicago, IL
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
- Office catch up work
- Personal catch-up time
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Legislative Session
- Lutheran Disaster Response
- Domestic Mission all staff meeting, Chicago, IL
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
- New Beginnings, Denver, CO
- Good Shepherd, Casper, WY
- 1-1 Appointments
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ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Executive Committee
- Messiah, Albuquerque, NM
- Congregational Transition
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Lutheran Center Administration
- Rostered Minister Support
- Dean's Meeting
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
- RMS Communications
- Synod Assembly Planning
- Global Mission Committee
- Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge, CO
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
- UNM Campus Ministry, Albuquerque, NM
- Faith Formation Conference Coordinators
- In-office appointments
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You are welcome to directly contact
Andrew Nakatan
i
, Communications Assistant, with questions, comments, or concerns you may have 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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