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A Reconciling in Christ synod
The History of the Lutheran Center Land
This week we as a nation commemorated Indigenous Peoples day. As the Rocky Mountain Synod we confess that we are living and working on stolen land. As part of our continued commitment to the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery, we acknowledge the peoples who originally resided on our land and how it came to be the site of the Lutheran Center.

Welcoming Congregations and Guardian Angels

AMMPARO is a holistic, whole church commitment by the ELCA, as a church in the world, to accompany children today and in the future.

The Rocky Mountain Synod in partnership with our leaders and ministries are committed to on-going accompaniment with migrant minors, immigrants, and refugees.

Welcoming Congregations
A new map highlights AMMPARO connected synods and ELCA Welcoming Congregations. The RMS currently has 4 welcoming congregations: Cristo Rey, Denver, Peace in Christ, Elizabeth, Peace, Las Cruces, and Cristo Rey, El Paso!

Learn more about becoming a Welcoming Congregation HERE!

Guardian Angels
A team of Guardian Angels in Denver show up to accompany children through the immigration process, offering presence and prayer. Immigration court for children is on the first Wednesday and Thursday of the month from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Guardian Angels let these children know that they are not alone, that God and the Church is with them as they go through this often scary and totally foreign process. Watch this introduction to the Guardian Angels, first shown at the SW California Synod Assembly in March, 2016. and read an overview of the program here . Spanish speakers are greatly needed.

The next Guardian Angel training will be on Saturday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at Bethany, Denver. Please contact Pr. Alena Lamirato at 720-256-3007 or pastoralena@yahoo.com if you plan to attend!
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
Celebrating Rainbow Trail Lutheran 2018 Camp Grace Race!
The 12th annual RTLC Grace Race was a great success. Not only did we raise money for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, but Cross of Christ, Broomfield CO (photo below), kept the Fleetest Flock Trophy, now for two years running!
RMS-ELCA News and Events
Rocky Mountain Synod 2019 Youth Gathering
This year's gathering will focus on each participant as a uniquely created child of God called to live out baptismal promises in unique and various ways. We will look at themes of spiritual gifts, vocation, community, and service as we gather and are then sent to boldly share the love of God in this world.

The YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park will also let us explore creation and relaxation in the mountains as we enjoy fellowship with middle and high school students from all parts of the Rocky Mountain Synod. While all students will gather for some large group worship time, separate tracks for Middle and High School students will allow each group to participate in age-appropriate conversation and activity based learning.
Register HERE! Visit the synod's webpage for complete information.

   Middle School Adult Leader – $180.00
   Middle School Youth – $180.00
   Sr High Adult Leader – $180.00
   Staff and Speakers

Registration closes Dec 1, 2019.
Scholarships are available, apply here by October 31.
Gathering and registration questions can be directed to Rev. Leslie Welton at lwelton@rmselca.org.
For Your Bulletin
RMS Prayer Cycle

OCTOBER 2018
CAMPUS MINISTRIES
 Week of October 7

Colorado State University
Paul Judson

University of Colorado
Zachary Parris

University of New Mexico
Bre Roberts

New Mexico State University
Jared Carson

University of Northern Colorado
Debra Abbott

Utah State University


University of Wyoming
Nathan Keith
Chinese depiction of Jesus and the rich young man, Beijing, 1879.

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, October 14
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day

Almighty and ever living God, increase in us your gift of faith, that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to what lies ahead, we may follow the way of your commandments and receive the crown of everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches

14 - 20 October 2018 :  Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico - Intercessions and Prayers
Around the Synod
Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition Meetings
Saturday, October 13, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 3, noon - 5:00 p.m.
The Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition is inviting ELCA Churches interested in the Sanctuary movement and defending immigrant rights to join in our all-coalition meetings. If you have any questions or want to discuss one-on-one, contact Joshua Stallings at joshstallings@yahoo.com or Jennifer Piper at jpiper@afsc.org.

Metro Denver Sanctuary ALL Coalition Meeting – What does the Future Hold?
Professional Facilitator will lead us in reflecting on the successes of the past four years, how to embody an immigrant led structure, evaluating the sanctuary model moving forward and developing a vision for the future. Please invite and promote to all members of your immigration group!
RSVP ( here) to receive more details.

Metro Denver Sanctuary ALL Coalition meeting
Putting in place the steps to transition into our vision – this meeting will focus on the process of getting us where we want to go by identifying the resources and the steps we need to grow
Car Wash for Hilario at St. Mark's!
Sunday October 14, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Hilario Ramirez Silva came to the U.S. in 2001 at the age of 19, seeking employment and a better life for his family. In 2013, Hilario moved to Colorado and met Juliana. The two grew close and got married. Juliana was suffering through a series of medical problems, including cancer and an aneurysm in her brain. Hilario became a solid support for Juliana. His dedication to caring for her helped her regain eyesight. Juliana's medical problems continue to this day, making her reliant on Hilario's financial and emotional support.

Despite being here for 17 years, committing no criminal offenses, and being married to a U.S. Citizen, the pathway to residency and citizenship is still long and expensive. Hilario needs your help to raise $14,000 for legal fees so that he won't be deported. Please support Hilario and his wife Juliana by contributing to their GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/help-hilario-stay-home - and attending their Car Wash on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at St.Mark’s Lutheran Church, 111 E Del Mar Cir, Aurora, CO 80011 ( map). Suggested donation for the car wash is $10. Juliana will also be selling burritos. If the weather is poor, we will not be washing cars, but will still be selling burritos and raising support for Hilario. See you there!

Questions can be answered at joshstallings@yahoo.com. Read more about Hilario's story at https://www.gofundme.com/help-hilario-stay-home.
Becoming a more mindful parent--Education and strategies to make better choices about how we interact with our kids
Sunday, October 14, 2018, 10:50 a.m.- noon
The presenter is Dr. Elizabeth George, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist a private practice in Boulder, Colorado, was involved in research studying treatments for bipolar disorder for over 20 years and co-authored "The Bipolar Teen: What you can do to help your child and your family." She will speak with all those who interact with kids (or grandkids or any family member-and anyone who is interesting) by encouraging ways to build a more fulfilling life by teaching self-compassion, qualities for resilience, and mindfulness.

Dr. George will lead this program in the Chapel at Atonement Lutheran Church, 685 Inca Parkway, Boulder ( map ). All are welcome.

More info here, or revalan2004@comcast.net, 720-304-6918
New Beginnings Chow Hall Gala
Friday, October 19, 5:00 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 E Hampden Ave.
Cherry Hills Village, CO ( map )

Come and learn about and celebrate the ministry of New Beginnings, a Congregation Under Development that worships inside the walls of the Denver Women's Correctional Facility. Hear stories from the women of New Beginnings, learn more about our Rocky Mountain Synod prison ministry, and help support the ministry through a live and silent auction. Visit http://www.newbeginningswc.org/ to purchase tickets or to learn more.
Urban Servant Corps Fall Festival
Thursday, October 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us at the Posner Center for International Development, 1031 33rd St, Denver, CO ( map ) to celebrate a Fall Festival with Urban Servant Corps!

Be inspired by a commitment to service! Engage with members of our intentional community! Take action in response to your spirituality! Learn more about a life of simplicity! Please join the Urban Servant Corps community for an evening of supporting our full-time volunteers by attending the silent auction event. All the while, you'll also enjoy HOMEBREW BEER and FOOD CATERED FROM PARTNER ORGANIZATION SAME CAFE. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

Pumpkins with a Purpose!
4th Annual St. Peter Pumpkin Patch
Open Daily: October 6 - October 31
4th Annual St. Peter Pumpkin Patch, located at 1302 W. Pierce St, Carlsbad NM ( map )

  • Monday-Friday: 3:00 - 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Admission is FREE!
ALL sales proceeds to benefit: Packs for Hunger, Children's Advocacy Center-Buddies Program and Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey. More info at stpeter@splcnm.com or www.splcnm.com.
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
2018 Advocacy Conference - Registration is now OPEN!
Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Save the Date!

Keynote speaker:
The Rev. Amy Reumann, Director of ELCA Advocacy

St. Paul Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
$15 per person
(materials & lunch included)

Registration is now open, go HERE !
Our Life Together
2018 Advent Retreat at Sky Ranch
Friday, November 30 through Sunday, December 2
Guests of all ages are invited to join us for the 2018 Advent Retreat! We invite you to take advantage of this important season and grow closer to God with your family through reflection, fellowship, activities and music. Begin this Advent at Sky Ranch in a time of reflection and preparation for the birth of our Savior.
$80/adult, $50/child, max of $250/family

Register here. Questions? Call our office at 970-493-5258.
Employment Opportunities
New Listing
Administrative Assistant
All Saints Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM
The Administrative Assistant will team with the Pastor, staff and congregational leaders to further the mission of the congregation, as we strive to be a welcoming place where people can grow in faith and serve the community. The Administrative Assistant will play a key role supporting church ministries with administrative, communication and publishing services. This is a full time position, 35-40 hours/wk.

For further information on the position, contact Pastor Kristin Schultz at pastor_aslc@comcast.net. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to Pastor Kristin.
All Non-Rostered Positions 
Administrative Assistant
All Saints Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM

Choir Director (part-time)
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church - Fort Collins, CO

Parish Administrative Assistant (part-time)
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church - Salt Lake City, Utah
Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • In-office Appointments
  • Metro South Conference Gathering
  • Cheyenne, WY
  • Wyoming Conference Gathering
  • ACT 4 RMS Team

Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Lutheran Center Administration
  • Interim Pastors
  • Healthy Leaders Team
  • Metro South Conference Gathering
  • Vacation

Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
  • Medicaid Coalition
  • Minimum Wage Coalition
  • NM Conference of Churches

Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO
  • Proposition 111 Steering Committee
  • Amendment A Engagement
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee
  • National Council of Churches Christian Unity Gathering

Deacon Erin Power
  • In-office appointments
  • Holy Cross, Albuquerque, NM
  • North New Mexico Conference Meeting
  • Assembly Planning


Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Interim Pastors
  • Wyoming Conference Gathering
  • ACT 4 RMS Team

Pastor Leslie Welton
  • Faith Formation Network
  • In-office appointments
  • Candidacy Endorsement Interviews

Pastor Matt Barnhouse
  • DEM Gathering and Training, Chicago, IL
Quick Links
Share the News
Erin Power ,   Assistant to the Bishop
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

Articles for eConnection are due noon Monday for the issue the following Wednesday.
Event announcements are included for about two weeks then copied to the Events & News Web Page , and may be submitted via the eConnection Submission link above.