A Reconciling in Christ synod
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Introducing Pastor Ron Beckman - RMS Campaign Director
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After receiving an encouraging report from a feasibility study conducted this last spring, the Rocky Mountain Synod Council gave approval for a fundraising campaign to begin this fall. The RMS Executive Committee has selected the Rev. Dr. Ron Beckman to serve as Campaign Director.
Pastor Beckman has a passion for gift planning that supports church related charitable mission. After serving parishes in Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado (the last one as Senior Pastor of Joy Lutheran Church, Parker, CO), Pastor Ron spent the last half of his ministry as Gift Planner for Martin Luther Home Society (now Mosaic) and as a Gift Consultant for the Good Shepherd Fund. For 22 years he has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Certificate.
Bishop Gonia extends a word of gratitude and welcome to Pastor Ron as he puts his passion into action on behalf of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Pastor Ron and his wife, Judy, make their home in Westminster, Colorado, and are active members of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Broomfield.
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From the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly:
"A Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment"
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"It is exciting to be on the cusp of considering a common basis for our inter-religious relations across the diverse ministries and contexts of this church. I hope that you will experience renewed joy and fresh insights as you read this document. I also hope that you will be able to experience its potential as a tool to aid practical application and theological reflection in the places where you worship and serve.
This declaration reflects the realities of our long-standing inter-religious relations as a church, while giving us a framework for a common articulation of our context, our calling and our commitments to this vocation. We are truly freed in Christ to engage our neighbors in this multi-religious world."
- Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
- For a summary of actions from the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, go here.
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eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
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Mass for Installation of Bishop Peter Baldacchino, Las Cruces NM Diocese
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On May 15, 2019, Pope Francis named Bishop Peter Baldacchino as the third bishop of the Las Cruces Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pastor Jared Carson, Peace Lutheran Church, as a representative from the ecumenical community, greeted Bishop Baldacchino at an installation Mass held on July 23.
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"God's work. Our hands." Sunday
A hymn titled "God's Work, Our Hands," written by Wayne Wold, was selected as the winning entry in the ELCA's "God's work. Our hands." Sunday hymn contest. More than 120 entries were submitted to be considered as a hymn for the ELCA's annual...
Read more
www.elca.org
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE FRIDAY!
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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 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23.
PAYMENT DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 6.
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Important information about 2020 benefits from Portico
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Portico’s Board of Trustees has approved health plan and benefit changes for 2020, featuring new ways for ELCA-Primary members to save on out-of-pocket costs and strengthen their emotional well-being.
You can read more
here
.
Later in August, Custom Comparison Reports will be available to congregations, which will make their selections in October. Members will complete benefits enrollment in November.
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Messiah Mountain Retreat Center Work Days!
Potentially September 21 and/or September 28
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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.
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Connect College Students with Lutheran Campus Ministry!
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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!
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OTIUM
: a community meal and healing service for rostered ministers
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Thursday, September 12
Meal at noon and Liturgy at 1:00 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Cherry Hills Village
The life of pastors and deacons is one of service. Those who lead our ministry communities pour themselves out for the sake of the church and at times can find it difficult to find spaces where they can be the ones being poured into.
Periodically, throughout the year,
Otium
will offer an ecumenical place for food, fellowship, and healing prayer. Read more and register
here
.
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SING BOLDLY
: a new style of sung prayer
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Workshop, Thursday, September 12
10:00 a.m. to noon
Bethany Lutheran Church
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.”
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Rainbow Trail Confirmation Retreat
October 18-20, 2019
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Martin Luther once said: “The fewer the words, the better the prayer.” Some of the most powerful prayers have been like breathing in and breathing out… breathing in knowledge of God while reading Scripture and breathing out praise.
Breathing in God’s love and breathing out possibility that is in alignment with God’s will. Although breath and breathing seem very simple to all of us, do we really slow down in this fast-paced, high-tech world to listen to God’s Spirit? How do we establish ways to “be still and know that God is God”? Join us for this retreat time, and gathering to live into the breath and stillness of God.
For more info and to register,
go here.
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RMS Middle and High School Youth Gathering
January 18-20, 2020 at YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park CO
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Registration opens soon! More information is coming, but get ready for an amazing weekend with other youth as we delve into the life-changing love of God and how we live that out in everyday life!
Come join with other youth as we explore what it means to e transformed by the amazing love of God and to take that transformative love home into everyday life! Cost is $180 per person
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Rainbow Trail Senior High Retreat
November 22-24, 2019
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Understanding ourselves helps us understand one another. Join in a weekend of exploring who you are in the safety of a community that trusts we are all created and beloved as God’s children- no exceptions.
We will explore the personality tools of the Enneagram and Meyer’s Brigg’s Type Indicator (MBTI). These will be used to deepen our self-awareness and how we can grow deeper in our relationships with God and one another. In small groups we will get a chance to allow ourselves to both know/and be known by one another. All of this takes place in the context of the beauty of God’s creation at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Trusting God fully knows us and loves us, we get to be courageous and vulnerable as we learn, play, sing, dance and celebrate.
For more info and to register,
go here.
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Youth Ministry Extravaganza! registration is now OPEN
January 31 - February 3, 2020
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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
!
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Office of the Bishop Summer Hours
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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.
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Installations
Rev. Rebecca Aardahl
Ascension, Cheyenne, WY
4:00 p.m. Sunday, August 25
Color of the day: Green
Rev. Deb Abbott
King of Glory, Loveland, CO
2:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Color of the day: Green
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RMS Prayer Cycle
AUGUST 2019
NORTH COLORADO CONFERENCE
- Week of August 25 -
Shepherd of the Mountains - Estes Park, CO
Ron Bockhaus
Shepherd of the Valley - LaSalle, CO
Wendy Kalan
Spirit of Joy - Fort Collins, CO
David Ryder
Trinity - Fort Collins, CO
Rick Reiten
Trinity - Loveland, CO
Chris Davis
Zion - Loveland, CO
Sonja Pancoast
Joel Pancoast
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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, August 25
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
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Prayer of the Day
O God, mighty and immortal, you know that as fragile creatures surrounded by great dangers, we cannot by ourselves stand upright. Give us strength of mind and body, so that even when we suffer because of human sin, we may rise victorious through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
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Disability Ministry Training with Rejoicing Spirits
Saturday, August 24, 2019, 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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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.
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Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends Seminar in Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Thursday, September 5, 2019, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
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This 10-week seminar promotes healing for those who are going through a divorce, or the ending of a love relationship and offers education, support, and optional social activities.
Weekly sessions run from Thursday, September 5, 2019 to Thursday, November 14, 2019, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (No class on
October 17). Cost is $250, plus book.
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5th Annual Joyful Celebration at Joy Lutheran, Parker CO
Sunday, September 8, 2019, 10:30 a.m.
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The fun takes place on Sunday, September 8, when
Joy Lutheran Church
and
Joyful Mission Preschool
in Parker are having a Joyful Celebration! Come and enjoy outdoor worship with live music, followed by FREE BBQ lunch, bouncy houses, GaGa Ball, games and fun for kids of all ages.
Hosted by
Joy Lutheran Church and
Joyful Mission Preschool, located at 7051 Parker Hills Court, Parker, CO (
map). The celebration takes place in the parking lot with outdoor worship at 10:30 a.m. and activities to follow at 11:30 am. For more info go to
joylc.org.
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Contemplative Outreach of Colorado:
Introduction to Centering Prayer
Saturday, September 14, 2019, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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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.
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Contemplative Outreach of Colorado:
12-Step Introduction to Centering Prayer
Saturday, September 14, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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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.
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Rainbow Trail Men's Fly Fishing Retreat
September 19-22, 2019
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Step out of the stresses of ordinary life and into the refreshing waters of the Arkansas River. This weekend of great fly fishing, hanging out with the guys, and amazing worship and conversation is led by Pastors Dave Risendal and Roger Thompson. Their deep love of fly fishing and the gospel will help you re-center and deepen your faith. Expand your fly fishing skills with instruction from Ark Anglers Fly Shop, fly tying workshops, and advice from seasoned fishermen. Whether you are an experienced angler or just want to try fly fishing, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss!
The $195 program fee includes meals and lodging. Rental equipment and professionally guided fishing are available at a great price! Invite your friends and join us for an amazing weekend.
Go here for more info and to register.
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Dr. Mark Allan Powell, presents
Something to Savor: The Bible as our Book of Faith
Saturday October 19, 2019, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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3rd Ave and Terry St, Longmont CO
(
map
)
Mark Allan Powell is a professor of New Testament Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. He is a theologian widely recognized for his work in spiritual formation, congregational ministries, and author of 20 books.
Rev. Dr. Powell will present
"Something to Savor: The Bible as our Book of Faith"
on October 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and he will talk about all the different ways we read the Bible. You will learn about “inerrancy” and fall in love with God’s Word all over again. He will follow up by preaching on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday, October 20 at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
The Saturday event is free, a light lunch will be provided from 11:30-2:00. Please register with Maria Sutton (for a lunch count) at 303-776-2800 or
maria.sutton@firstluth.org.
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CELEBRANDO LAS ÁMERICAS: A FAMILY FIESTA
Saturday, August 31, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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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
.
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LFS Rocky Mountains Foster Care Informational Meetings
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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.
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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
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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
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Wednesday September 11
Two sessions!
12:30-1:30 p.m. and
5:30-6:30 p.m.
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LFS Rocky Mountains Refugee & Asylee Program
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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.
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Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
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Your Stewardship Toolkit for Congregations - September 2019
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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!
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Journal of Lutheran Ethics Book Review Issue...
Editor's Introduction Nancy Arnison Book Review Editor Summer reading is often wide-ranging. We dip into genres outside our typical work to explore worlds beyond our everyday existence. This book review issue honors that summertime trend as it...
Read more
elca.org
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Director of Lutheran Advocacy - New Mexico
Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA - Santa Fe, NM
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The Rocky Mountain Synod is hiring a Director of Lutheran Advocacy-New Mexico. This position is based in Santa Fe and is one of two advocacy offices in the Rocky Mountain Synod. The role of the director includes:
- Collaborate with other Office of the Bishop staff, the Synod Council, and synod ministries to integrate and interpret the ministry of advocacy into the life of the synod
- Advocate with New Mexico state government public policy makers in accordance with the social justice positions of the ELCA and the Rocky Mountain Synod
- Maintain connections with related ministries of the ELCA
A summary of qualifications is
here
, and a full job description can be found
here
.
Applications will be received by email, with a deadline of September 23
and should be addressed to Bishop Jim Gonia. Send to
rmsynod@rmselca.org and
include:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three letters of reference, including the pastor of your current congregation
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Director of Youth Ministries
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church - Broomfield, CO
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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
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All
Non-Rostered Listings
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Director of Lutheran Advocacy - New Mexico
Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA - Santa Fe, NM
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
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Office of the Bishop This Week
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Candidacy Committee
- Installation of Rev. Rebecca Aardahl, Ascension, Cheyenne, WY
- Conference Deans
ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Matt Barnhouse
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
- Invest in Kids Now
- Organizational appointments & tasks
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Vacation: August 22 - September 4
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
- Holy Trinity, Littleton, CO
- Sky Ranch Board Retreat
- American, Grand Junction, CO
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ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- In-office appointments
- Dean's Zoom
- Congregational Ministries Board
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Off: August 16-25
- Dean's Zoom
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
- Candidacy Discernment Retreat
- Theological Conference Planning
- Nativity, Commerce City, CO
- Installation of Rev. Rebecca Aardahl, Ascension, Cheyenne, WY
- Rostered Ministers Gathering Meeting, Chicago, IL
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
- Candidacy Discernment Retreat
- Candidacy Committee
- Sky Ranch Board Retreat
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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.
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