A Reconciling in Christ synod
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Office of the Bishop - Staff DEM Transition
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Pastor Matt Barnhouse concluded service as Director for Evangelical Mission of the Rocky Mountain Synod on August 19, 2019. With gratitude for his contributions to our calling to
proclaim and embody God’s unconditional love for the sake of the world,
we pray God’s blessings upon his future endeavors.
Please direct any immediate questions or needs related to ministry of the Director for Evangelical Mission to the RMS Office of the Bishop.
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From the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly:
Thursdays in Black
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Voting members of Churchwide Assembly voted to endorse and support the
Thursdays in Black Campaign
of the World Council of Churches
.
World Council of Churches (WCC) moderator Dr. Agnes Abuom addressed the assembly:
“This and every Thursday we join with thousands of others who dare to be counted as part of the global church’s move to resist all forms of sexual and gender-based violence,” she said. “Indeed Thursdays in Black is a movement that invites men and women, boys and girls to join as pilgrims of a world free of rape, free of gender-based violence, and in pursuit of a society, church, and family marked by justice and peace.”
About Thursdays in Black
In every country, gender-based violence is a tragic reality. This violence is frequently hidden, and victims are often silent, fearing stigma and further violence.
We all have a responsibility to speak out against violence, to ensure that women and men, boys and girls, are safe from rape and violence in homes, schools, work, streets – in all places in our societies.
The campaign is simple but profound. Wear black on Thursdays. Wear a pin to declare you are part of the global movement resisting attitudes and practices that permit rape and violence. Show your respect for women who are resilient in the face of injustice and violence. Encourage others to join you.
Often black has been used with negative racial connotations. In this campaign Black is used as a color of resistance and resilience.
- 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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Sanctuary: Our Christian Tradition
With the ELCA Churchwide Assembly vote to make the ELCA a Sanctuary Denomination, many are wondering what this means and why now. For many, the idea of...
Read more
www.facebook.com
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Rocky Mountain Synod Middle and High School Youth Gathering
Saturday, January 18 - Monday, January 20, 2020
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Saturday, January 18, 5:00 p.m. to Monday, January 20, 11:00 a.m.
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO
Registration opens September 1!
Get ready for a fun and faith-filled weekend as we delve into the transforming love of God and what it means to take that love into our everyday lives.
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News from the Global Mission Committee
Tuesday, August 27 through Tuesday, September 17
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The ELCA supports more than 220 missionaries serving in more than 40 countries around the world. These leaders are globally formed through partnerships with our companion churches and return to the U.S. well prepared to serve in critically important callings within and beyond the church.
YAGM Recruiters are in the Synod!
For the next 4 months, there are two Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) alum who will be traveling in our synod, engaging young people for possible service. Jenna Leazott (jenna.leazott@elca.org) served in Mexico and she'll be visiting the border region including Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Rachel Peterson (rachel.peterson@elca.org) served in Madagascar and she'll be traveling through Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.
You may be considering this for yourself, or you may know a young adult who you think would make a great volunteer. Either way, if you are interested in talking with a recruiter, you can reach out to Rachel or Jenna. They would be delighted to present to groups of young people, planting the seeds of walking with our neighbors around the world.
Returning Missionary Ryana Holt
Ryana Holt, Colorado Springs, CO, spent the past two years serving as a missionary in Chile, accompanying the Chilean Lutheran Church as a teacher of English. She had opportunities to accompany brothers and sisters in Christ in several regions of this Latin American nation. Previous to this, she served as a YAGM in Mexico. She would love to share her experience with you this fall. You can reach her at
ryanadh93@gmail.com. You can view a video of Ryana talking about her service
here.
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Faith Formation Network Fall Gathering
September 19, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Come hang out at the bishop's office and celebrate the beginning of a new program year. Meet some of the new faces who have joined us, share ideas, and just support one another. We'll order pizza, so an RSVP to Leslie is appreciated. Bring a snack or dessert to share. We'll set up the ZOOM as well, so non-metro Denver folks, please log in and say hi! We'd love to see you! Adult faith formation leaders and those whose work centers on little children are also especially welcome, and we'll set aside time to network with one another. If anyone wants to bring yard games or a corn hole set, that would be fabulous as well. Hope to see you!
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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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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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Mini Border Immersion Experience
Saturday, September 14, 2019, 2:00 p.m.
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Mini Border Immersion Experience
2:00 to 5:30 p.m.
followed by Dinner (Tamales and more) at 5:30 p.m.
6281 West Yale Ave
Lakewood, CO 80227 (
map
)
Speakers:
Rev. Rose Mary Sánchez-Guzmán,
Retired Social Worker & Community Organizer:
Cecilia Herrera,
and Border Servant Corps Director:
Kari Lenander
Also, Rev. Rose Mary will be preaching at the 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday, Sept 15. Free will offering will be accepted. To RSVP please call: 303-985-1122
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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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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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Installations
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
METRO SOUTH CONFERENCE
- Week of September 1 -
Abiding Hope - Littleton, CO
Doug Hill
Laura Bostrom
Jay Gamelin
ALMC/Cristo Rey - Denver, CO
Quirino Cornejo (ECUSA)
Atonement - Lakewood, CO
Kristi Beebe
Bethany - Cherry Hills Village, CO
Gary Sandberg
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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, September 1
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
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Prayer of the Day
O God, you resist those who are proud and give grace to those who are humble. Give us the humility of your Son, that we may embody the generosity of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
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Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends Seminar in Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Thursday, September 5, 2019, 6:30 p.m. 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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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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A Stellar Salute to the Brave and Bold: United States Air Force Academy- Stellar Brass
Friday September 20th, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
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Augustana Arts is pleased to bring the United States Air Force Academy's Stellar Brass ensemble for a
FREE
performance at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave. Denver (
map
).
The Stellar Brass combines percussion instruments with a traditional brass quintet offering original and innovative music that represents a broad range of eclectic musical styles. Stellar Brass represents the Air Force as musical ambassadors, and are nationally recognized and respected as clinicians, presenting university and high school master classes. They provide musical support at numerous civic and military ceremonies, professional sporting events, and spotlight the Air Force at major concert halls throughout America. As professional Airmen and musicians, they proudly represent the Air Force and the Air Force Academy and epitomize the Air Force core value of excellence in all we do.
This year the concert will feature guest organist from Augustana Lutheran Church, Cindy Lindeen Martin. Join us for an evening concert that salutes the men and women who serve our country. To reserve your free tickets,
go here. Tickets are also available at the door. For more information -
info@augustanaarts.org.
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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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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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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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Saturday September 7
10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Anythink Pearl Mack Library
Wednesday September 11
Two sessions!
12:30-1:30 p.m. and
5:30-6:30 p.m.
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Thursday September 19
5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Montbello Library
Tuesday September 24
3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Parker Library
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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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Musicians for Ministry!
Zion Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO
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All
Non-Rostered Listings
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Musicians for Ministry!
Zion Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO
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
- Staff Meeting
- Excellence in Leadership/Staff Development Retreat
- American, Grand Junction, CO
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
- Legislative Finance Committee
- Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
- NM Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Vacation: August 22 - September 4
ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
- Staff Meeting
- Excellence in Leadership/Staff Development Retreat
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ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Congregational Ministries Board
- Staff Meeting
- Excellence in Leadership/Staff Development Retreat
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
- Staff Meeting
- Excellence in Leadership/Staff Development Retreat
- Part-time ministry meeting
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
- Staff Meeting
- Excellence in Leadership/Staff Development Retreat
- Theological Conference Planning
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
- Staff Meeting
- Excellence in Leadership/Staff Development Retreat
- Vacation August 31-Sept. 4
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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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