A Reconciling in Christ synod |
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Living Faith: Church in Society
a New Adult Forum/Small Group Discussion Guide
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In the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, our practice of serving our neighbor and our world flows directly from our experience of God's grace in the sacraments. It is part of our ELCA "D.N.A.", a grateful response to God's work in our lives. For us, it is not something we do to "win" God's favor and love - after all, you cannot earn something that is already freely given! Instead, service is an answer to the question, "Now what?"
A major aspect of this service in the world is our work as a public church, where we are called into the arena of social and political questions about how we govern our common life. As a church, we do not hesitate to enter into the public sphere, to speak to those in power and to advocate with and on behalf of those dealing with poverty, alienation, and injustice. This is how we respond to God's free gift of grace and love for us.
Martin Luther said, "Freed by God's grace, we turn to the neighbor in love." Our neighbor is always our answer to "Now what?" We will always wrestle with the specific answers to this question as it is lived out in the policies and structures that govern our common life. But God does not leave us alone in this, and we will always rest on the living word of the Gospel amid even our most difficult deliberations. I encourage you to use this Living Faith series to explore how you and your community might open up holy space for this kind of deliberation together, and in the process be faithfully formed and transformed.
In Faith,
Bishop Jim
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eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
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from Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp
August 24, 2020 Cameron Peak Fire Update
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RMS & ELCA News and Events |
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Theological Conference 2020
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Dr. Reggie Williams will be joining as our keynote for our 2020 Theological Conference. Dr. Williams is an Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at McCormick Theological Seminary and the author of Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance.
Registration deadline is September 4.
Hotel Reservation Deadline is August 24.
$125 REGISTRATION FOR DIGITAL EVENT
The $200 registration cost covers all programming, keynote speaker, and event costs.
Digital Resource Registration
If you are unable to attend the event, but would like access to the digital content, there is a registration option to receive content post-event.
HOTEL RETREAT GUESTS: CONTACT ERIN BEFORE REGISTERING
If you are planning to stay at the hotel, please contact Deacon Erin Power for a registration code to unlock a reduced registration fee.
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Thursday, Sept. 24, 6:00 p.m.
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Rick Steves, guidebook author and travel TV host; the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); and the Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, bishop of the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod, invite you to an online benefit — the first of its kind — for ELCA World Hunger. Our goal is to raise $250,000 to confront hunger in the time of COVID-19.
When: Thursday, Sept. 24, 6:00 p.m. Mountain time
Where: Zoom virtual event
We are in a historic moment, facing a once-in-a-century pandemic and a global change in hunger unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes. Domestically and internationally, hunger is increasing at alarming rates. At this event, you will learn about the unique ways ELCA World Hunger is responding. Our hosts will also discuss the ongoing root causes of hunger and poverty addressed in Rick Steves’ recent special Hunger and Hope: Lessons From Ethiopia and Guatemala. And you will hear from ELCA World Hunger partners on the front lines of the current hunger crisis, who will tell you firsthand how your gifts make a difference.
We are called by God to share hope in this time of challenge. Join us to face this global hunger crisis head-on and to continue moving toward a just world where all are fed.
Join us for this online event that will raise funds for ELCA World Hunger
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RMS Prayer Cycle
AUGUST 2020
NORTH COLORADO CONFERENCE
- Week of August 30-
Spirit of Joy - Fort Collins, CO
David Ryder
Trinity - Loveland, CO
Chris Davis
Trinity- Fort Collins, CO
Rick Reiten
Zion - Loveland, CO
Sonja Pancoast
Joel Pancoast
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Sunday, August 30
Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Prayer of the Day
O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world. Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands:
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
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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Faster Pastors Outrun World Hunger
Flaming Foliage Relay September 11 - 13, 2020
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
~2 Timothy 4:7
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For 9 years pastors, rostered leaders, and friends and family of the Rocky Mountain Synod have been participating in Ragnar style team relays for many hours and many miles and MUCH elevation in the Colorado mountains. These runners have been supported by volunteers and the desire to raise money for various areas of needs in our world from hunger to supporting refugees.
This year 10 pastors and friends are running in a real way and as a team in a virtual way due to our challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rocky Mountain Synod team is registered with the Flaming Foliage Relay and we are raising money for the ELCA’s World Hunger appeal. More than 820 million people - that's about 11 percent of people in our world today - are hungry. As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. This God’s Work, Our Hands weekend is the time for all of us to engage as Church…better together for the sake of the world. Please consider making donations through your church or donate online at www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/ELCA-World-Hunger. Thank you for your distant cheers and prayers.
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Conversations for Connection
Thursdays via Zoom, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
"The 6 Needs for Happiness and How to Meet Them during COVID!" with Rev. Christine Ruth
Thursday, August 27
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One of the basic human needs we all need to have met to feel fulfilled and happy is to have some sense of certainty and predictability about our future. That need has definitely come under fire during this pandemic! Many are ruminating about the future- feeling stressed and helpless as we try to control things that are OUT of our control. We wonder: When will this pandemic end? How will my kids/grandkids go to school? What plans can I make? Will I be stuck at home forever? We all have 6 basic needs that are critical for us to feel fulfilled and happy in our lives and relationships. We'll explore those 6 needs, how to express them to others, and how to creatively meet them. Christine Ruth, M.Div., MS, LMFT is an ordained pastor, teacher, and licensed marriage and family therapist. She founded Niwot Counseling Center in Niwot, Colorado.
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"Choosing Joy and Creativity in Difficult Times: Possible or Pipe Dream?" with Sue Brightman and Sam Glover
Thursday, September 3
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In a global pandemic, with anxiety everywhere, dashed plans, hopes on hold, we will consider: How do we choose joy in the middle of loss? How can we embrace beauty and creativity without entering toxic positivity? What does radical joyous self-care look like while not denying the challenges of this moment? Sam will share his story of finding peace through creativity. Sue is a business and personal coach, interfaith chaplain, and author of A Call to Further Becoming, interviews with 100 women over age 50. She advocates spiritual practice as part of mental health. www.suebrightman.com. Sam Glover is a professional sound engineer, podcast producer, musician and visual artist who uses creative expression as a means of maintaining wellness and peace. Find him on Instagram at Samuel.8.Glover.
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Wouldn't you love to join an area-wide Lutheran Virtual Choir?! |
Hello, I am Peyton Strouth, Director of Worship and Music at Christ Lutheran in Highlands Ranch. During this time of physical distancing when singing together in person is not an option, it has become common for choirs to create virtual choir videos for online worship services. I hope that, perhaps, we can join forces and work together to create an area-wide Lutheran Virtual Choir. If we combine forces we would benefit from have more voices and sharing the work load of creating such videos.
My current plan is to have weekly Zoom gatherings for learning the music, creating a video for Reformation Sunday, maybe a video for All Saints Sunday, and hopefully several videos for Advent and Christmas.
I would like to have a Zoom on September 2 at 7:00 p.m. with all interested Directors and music leaders to discuss all the details – if this date doesn't work, we can find one that does. I love collaborating with other creative types - so I am anxious to work together and come up with a process and schedule.
If you are interested in a project like this, please reach out to me at pstrouth@clchr.org so we can discuss how we can accomplish it!
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For nearly sixty years, the marvels of God's universe have been a source of joy and wonder for Pastor Bruce Booher. You are invited to join him for a three session Zoom event to explore some of these marvels and consider how they can inspire faith and awe. There will be links and resources to help you continue to explore the marvels of God's creation, and the opportunity for you to share your thoughts and questions.
Wonders of the Universe - 8/26/20 - Marvel at the beauty and majesty of some of the most exciting objects in the cosmos. Discover ways to make new faith connections with God's magnificent creation.
Touring Our Solar System - 9/2/20 - We will explore stunning images of the Sun, Moon and planets from observatories and space probes. Discover what you may expect to see through telescopes as an amateur astronomer.
Introductory Stargazing - 9/9/20 - Learn the basics of telescopes and binoculars and how to use them. Find out easy ways to locate some of the brighter deep sky objects in the night sky. Learn some constellations and the stories behind them.
Register in advance
These events are free, but you must register in advance.
Each presentation will last about 30 minutes, followed by time for questions and discussion. These events are intended for ages 12 and up.
This event series is sponsored by the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology, an independent Lutheran organization dedicated to expanding awareness, encouraging conversation and promoting action regarding the implications of science and technology for Christian faith and life.
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Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
of California Lutheran University
invites you to Founders' Day
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Online via Zoom Webinar
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
9:00am PT/10:00am MT - Gathering of Community
9:30am PT/10:30am MT - Welcome and Distinguished Alum Awards
10:00 am PT/11:00am MT - Lecture with Q&A
11:00am PT/Noon MT - Worship
Zoom Link Coming Soon
Climate Justice, Racial Justice and Divestment: The Call of the Church
Our moment in time is pivotal. Movements around the globe are aligning for powerful action toward climate justice, holding racial justice at the heart of the struggle to protect Earth’s fragile climate. Bill McKibben is recognized around the globe as a foremost leader in that struggle. His address will draw the links between racial justice, climate well-being, divestment/reinvestment, and the call of the church.
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Speaker
Bill McKibben is a founder of the grassroots climate campaign 350.org and the Schumann Distinguished Professor in Residence at Middlebury College in Vermont. He was a 2014 recipient of the Right Livelihood Prize, sometimes called the ‘alternative Nobel,’ and the Gandhi Peace Award. He has written over a dozen books about the environment, including, The End of Nature, published 30 years ago, and his most recent, Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?
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Preacher
Rev. Dr. Melanie Harris is professor of Religion and Ethics at Texas Christian University. She teaches in the areas of African American religion, environmental ethics, social justice, interfaith dialogue and womanist ethics. Rev. Dr. Melanie Harris lectures and conducts leadership and empowerment workshops throughout the country for faith based and non-profit organizations. Rev. Dr. Melanie Harris is also a professional performing artist and ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
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You are invited,
All Faith Community Nurses/Parish Nurses!
Tuesday, September 8 at 5:00 p.m.
To a Meet & Greet hosted by: Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Association, Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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Who: All ELCA Region 2 Faith Community Nurses/Parish Nurses in the Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountain Synods
When: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Happy Hour!
5:00 p.m. MDT
Where: Zoom meeting in the comfort of your home or office!
Let your light so shine before others that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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Celebrate the Season of Creation 2020 in your Congregation
Tuesday, September 1 through Sunday, 0ctober 4, 2020
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The ecumenical Season of Creation lasts from September 1, Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation until October 4, Feast day of St. Francis. This is an invitation to engage in a month of prayer, symbolic acts, and campaigns to give thanks for creation and renew our human vocation to care for it. The 2020 theme, “Jubilee for the Earth”, invites us to consider the integral relationship between rest for the earth and ecological, economic, social and political ways of living. This particular year, the need for just and sustainable systems has been revealed by the far-reaching effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The LWF Celebration Guide contains liturgical resources, prayers and meditations, and calls to action and advocacy. It can be used by individuals or congregations to nurture the moral imagination to restore right, just, and sustainable relationships with the Earth and among all species. Young adults and others in the academic community have appreciated the church's focus on caring for the earth and all creatures. Check it out!
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Caring for Creation Online Worship Service for September 20th |
Lutherans Restoring Creation is busy preparing a creation-focused worship service utilizing the lectionary texts for Pentecost 16 (September 20, 2020) that congregations can download and use however they wish. It will include participants from all over the country including Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, The Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing, Rev. Lenny Duncan, Rebekah Bruesehoff, as well as numerous parish pastors and members of the Lutherans Restoring Creation Board of Directors. Music will be provided by Marty Haugen, the Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, and Pastor John Tirro.
CLICK HERE for the details and to register:
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Preschool Staff
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO
Joy Mission Preschool, 7051 Parker Hills Ct, Parker
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All Non-Rostered Listings |
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Preschool Staff
Joy Mission Preschool - Parker, CO
Faith Formation Coordinator for Children and Families
Atonement Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO
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Office of the Bishop This Week |
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- VACATION: August 24- September 6
ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
- Excellence in Leadership Planning Team
- 3E Leadership Team
- 1-1 Appointments
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
- Domestic Hunger Grants Review Team
- New Mexico First: Food & Poverty Work Group
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Domestic Hunger Grants Review Team
- Prince of Peace, Gillette, WY
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
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ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Congregation Transitions
- Excellence in Leadership Planning Team
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Next Faithful Steps Campaign
- Vacation August 27-September 5
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
- Theological Conference Planning
- Domestic Hunger Grants Review Team
- Gathering Well Session 5
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie O'Callaghan
- Sky Ranch Board Retreat
- Candidacy. Committee Follow-up
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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
Past issues of eConnection may be found here.
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