A Reconciling in Christ synod
|
|
We Are Church: Reflections from the 2019 Churchwide Assembly
My return in early August from a much-appreciated sabbatical found me at the 15th Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Milwaukee where we met under the theme, "We Are Church". This was the third such Assembly I've...
Read more
bishopgonia.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
ELCA 2019 Churchwide Assembly summary
|
The ELCA, holds a churchwide assembly triennially - to worship, vote on matters of governance and policy, and be church together for the sake of the world. This past week’s churchwide assembly was full of important votes and actions, including:
• Re-elected Rev. Elizabeth Eaton as our Presiding Bishop for a second six-year term
on the first ballot.
|
|
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
|
|
Leaving a Legacy: Christ Lutheran, Cheyenne WY
|
Christ Lutheran Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming, went through Holy Closure earlier this year.
As a way to continue their legacy for generations to come, part of the money they received from selling their church property went to the ministry at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp.
Brad Abbott, Sky Ranch Executive Director for Sky Ranch and RC Reiman, current Sky Ranch Treasurer, received the check at Sky Ranch Friday worship during the week three campers from Christ Lutheran were at camp.
Sky Ranch will be putting most of the money into establishing a general endowment fund that ensures the ministry at camp will continue for years to come. A portion will also be used to put a concrete floor in the new maintenance building, creating a “firm foundation’ of faith for generations to come.
Thank you Christ Lutheran for your legacy gift!
|
|
Messiah Mountain Retreat Center Work Days!
Potentially September 21 and/or September 28
|
Messiah Community Church, Denver, is gifting the Rocky Mountain Synod with 26 acres as a new outdoor ministry site for the RMS! We are overflowing with Gratitude!
We are in the process of planning one or two volunteer Work Days at Messiah Mountain as a part of the fall "God's Work. Our Hands" ministry focus.
We are inviting folks to indicate their potential availability on one or both dates, as well as any areas of expertise, such as painting, cleaning, plumbing, brick work, deck repair, etc.
|
|
Candidacy Discernment Day
August 21, 2019 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
|
Know anyone who may be discerning a call to rostered ministry? There is still time to join us for a day of discernment at the Office of the Bishop.
Seminary reps and other rostered ministers will be there as well for worship, prayer and reflection, conversation, information, and connection!
Whether you are just starting to think about rostered ministry or are ready for an Entrance interview, this will be a valuable day. Cost is $20 and includes lunch.
RSVP to the office
by Aug 16.
|
|
Youth Ministry Extravaganza! registration is now OPEN
January 31 - February 3, 2020
|
Registration is now open for Extravaganza 2020!
The ELCA Youth Ministry Network's main event for connection, learning, and continuing education, this time is valuable for all working in youth ministry and faith formation. If you would like to support a participant's attendance, please contact
Leslie Welton in the office of the bishop. For more info, go
here!
|
|
Connect College Students with Lutheran Campus Ministry!
|
Did you know...college students connected to Lutheran Campus Ministry get better grades and have higher retention and graduation rates than those who are not.The best way for incoming students to connect with our life-giving work is through the referral of a trusted adult. Whether you are a parent, pastor, or youth leader you can help students connect using the
LuMin Student Referral Form
. We look forward to welcoming your college students this fall!
|
|
Our 2019 Theological Conference is October 7-10
at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. Registration is: Single: $520, Double: $370, and Triple: $320.
Visit our website
for information on the speakers and registration.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 23.
PAYMENT DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 6.
|
|
Office of the Bishop Eucharist, Wednesday, August 14
|
Our monthly Eucharist will be held at the Lutheran Center today, Wednesday, August 14 at 11:30 a.m.
All are invited to join in this 30 minute worship.
|
|
SING BOLDLY: a new style of sung prayer
|
Workshop, Thurs., September 12, 10 a.m. to noon at Bethany, Cherry Hills Village
Musician Michael Morris will travel to Denver and spend a few hours in a workshop teaching local musicians his original sung meditation based in the Psalms. He is on the music staff of at St. Philip the Deacon in Plymouth, MN, where he sings and plays guitar, typically accompanied by other church musicians on cello, violin, bass, and percussion.
Originally from Falcon Heights, MN, Morris attended St. Olaf College where he studied theology. He later began pursuing music after realizing his passion for the arts. Rather than preaching from the pulpit, Morris instead takes the weekly message given by the pastor and connects it to the congregation through music.
“We have a long tradition at St. Philip the Deacon of musical excellence in our worship life, as well as a wide variety of worship styles every weekend,” said Senior Pastor Tim Westermeyer. “Michael continues that tradition of excellence, while helping to stretch us in some new ways musically. He is also committed to affirming the deeply Lutheran instinct that congregational singing is the priority—which he leads and guides brilliantly.”
|
|
Office of the Bishop Summer Hours
|
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.
|
|
 |
RMS Prayer Cycle
AUGUST 2019
NORTH COLORADO CONFERENCE
- Week of August 18 -
Our Saviour’s - Fort Collins, CO
Leta Behrens
Michael Stadtmueller
Peace - Akron, CO
Dan Hays
Peace - Sterling, CO
Dan Hays
Shepherd of the Hills - Fort Collins, CO
Penni Walsh (Interim)
|
|
|
|
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, August 18
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
|
Prayer of the Day
O God, judge eternal, you love justice and hate oppression, and you call us to share your zeal for truth. Give us courage to take our stand with all victims of bloodshed and greed, and, following your servants and prophets, to look to the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
|
|
Disability Ministry Training with Rejoicing Spirits
Saturday, August 24, 2019, 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
|
Rejoicing Spirits ministry will be offering free training at the
Office of the Bishop. The STAR Institute will provide a morning session on tips and tools for serving people of all ages who are differently abled, and in the afternoon Safe Haven training will be offered.
A light lunch will be provided. This training is open to anyone who would like to expand their capacity for accessible ministry and is mandatory for adults wishing to serve specifically in the Rejoicing Spirits mission development (particularly the Safe Haven training). Free will donation to offset the cost of lunch is appreciated.
Zoom will be available.
For more information on the training or about Rejoicing Spirits, contact Pastor Brigette Weier at
weierbrigetter@gmail.com.
|
|
Contemplative Outreach of Colorado:
Introduction to Centering Prayer
Saturday, September 14, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
|
Are you looking for a way to explore or deepen your relationship with God? In our free introductory workshop to Centering Prayer, you will discover a centuries-old prayer method. Centering Prayer consists of simply sitting in silence with God—beyond thoughts, words, and emotions – and opening your mind, heart and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery.
In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of Centering Prayer, experience it in a guided setting, and be able to ask questions and share experiences with the presenter and your fellow initiates. For more information and to register, go
here.
|
|
Contemplative Outreach of Colorado:
12-Step Introduction to Centering Prayer
Saturday, September 14, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
|
When applied as an 11th Step prayer practice, Centering Prayer draws us closer to the healing we desire from the Higher Power. In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of Centering Prayer practice, experience it in a guided setting, and be able to ask questions and share experiences with the instructor and your fellow initiates. For more information and to register, go
here.
|
|
CELEBRANDO LAS ÁMERICAS: A FAMILY FIESTA
Saturday, August 31, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
|
Casa Camino Real Bookstore, in collaboration with the Border Servant Corps, will celebrate books, art, music, and culture, with a fundraiser,
Celebrando Las Ámericas: A Family Fiesta
, a day-long fundraising event at
Peace Lutheran Church, 1701 E. Missouri Avenue in Las Cruces, NM
.
|
|
LFS Rocky Mountains Foster Care Informational Meetings
|
Each year in Colorado, thousands of kids are unable to live with their biological parents because of abuse or neglect. We need families who can provide temporary care until children reunify with their parent, as well as families willing to adopt children and teens if they can't return to their families.
These no-cost, no-obligation, informational meetings offered by the
LFS Foster Care Program are held throughout the Denver Metro area. Come find out if foster care is the right path for your family!
Please register with Nicole at
nicole.brown@lfsrm.org or 303-217-5852. One-on-one meetings can also be arranged to work around your busy schedule.
|
|
Tuesday August 27
5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Englewood Library
Altenbach room
Thursday September 19
5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Montbello Library
|
|
Saturday September 7
10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Anythink Pearl Mack Library
Tuesday September 24
3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Parker Library
|
|
Wednesday September 11
Two sessions!
12:30-1:30 p.m. and
5:30-6:30 p.m.
|
|
LFS Rocky Mountains Refugee & Asylee Program
|
Do you like learning about other cultures? Then consider joining a cultural mentor team for a refugee family and participate in an exchange of cultures as you accompany a newcomer friend through life for 6 months (or more). Send an email to Mary Feeney Francis at
mary.francis@lfsrm.org for information about training dates and more of what the mentor program entails.
Is your congregation interested in learning more about refugees and immigrants and what scripture says about them? Mary Feeney Francis, from
LFS’ Refugee & Asylee Program, is happy to help you and your church understand and engage this very relevant cultural and biblical issue. You can contact her at
mary.francis@lfsrm.org or 303-225-0199.
|
|
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
|
|
Your Stewardship Toolkit for Congregations - September 2019
|
Here's the September 2019 "Stewardship Toolkit" brought to you by Rev. Rob Blezard, Assistant to the Bishop Lower Susquehanna Synod. It has an original newsletter article, RCL-based "stewardship snippets" for Sunday bulletins, and links to resources to explore the monthly theme. This month's theme is
"Stewardship of our intelligence and gifts." Get your Stewardship Toolkit
here!
|
|
Director of Youth Ministries
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church - Broomfield, CO
|
Cross of Christ
is seeking a Director of Youth Ministries to build and execute a strategy to develop youth programs and activities for 6-12th grade youth, with potential expansion to include 4th-5th grades. Responsibilities include:
- Be a visible and consistent presence in the congregation and develop meaningful personal relationships with a wide circle of youth and families in the congregation.
- Build, organize and execute an annual calendar of programs and activities that encourages Youth to seek Christ in their lives.
- Teach the high school Sunday School class during the Sunday School hour (Sept-May), encouraging ongoing Faith development and building a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Communicate youth activities in the weekly bulletin, monthly newsletter, electronic communications, and other means (i.e. youth bulletin board, youth calendar, etc.).
A full job description including qualifications and salary is available
here
.
Please send resume and letter of interest to: Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Attn: Pastor Will Johnson, 12099 Lowell Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020
Resumes due by September 1, 2019
|
|
All
Non-Rostered Listings
|
|
Director of Youth Ministries
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church - Broomfield, CO
Choir Director (part-time)
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church - Cañon City, CO
High School Program Director
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp - Fort Collins, CO
Executive Director
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center - Carefree, AZ
Part-Time Music Minister
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM
|
|
Office of the Bishop This Week
|
|
Bishop Jim Gonia
- All day staff meeting
- Colorado Conference of Churches
- Rainbow Trail Staff farewell
- In-office appointments
- Synod Council Zoom
ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
- Behavioral Interview Training, Baltimore, MD
- Congregational Vitality Event, Baltimore, MD
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
- Staff meeting
- NM Assoc. of Food Banks Board meeting
- Medicaid Coalition
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Young Adults in Global Mission Orientation, Chicago, IL
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
- Lord of the Mountains, Dillon, CO
- All day staff meeting
- 1-1 meetings
|
|
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Interim Pastors
- Leadership planning
- All day staff meeting
- Joy, Parker, CO
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Lutheran Center Administration
- All day staff meeting
- Off: August 16-25
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
- All day staff meeting
- Theological Conference Planning
- RMS Communications
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
- All day staff meeting
- Candidacy Committee Meeting Prep
- In-office appointments
|
|
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 303-339-4744
Submissions
are due noon Monday each week's issue.
Past issues of eConnection may be found
here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
