June 23, 2021 + A Reconciling in Christ synod
Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
A Message from the Presiding Bishop:
Stewardship: A Deeply Spiritual Act
In her June/July column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton addresses the deeply spiritual act of stewardship and what we can learn from the Apostle Paul.
 
The first-century church in Corinth must have been a lively place. Its members were competitive, jealous, divided into factions and litigious. The congregation was diverse. There were Jews and gentiles, rich and poor, men and women, young and old, those brand new to the faith and those with more maturity.

Paul spent over 18 months establishing the church in Corinth. He worked with, lived with and loved these people. Paul wanted them to know the risen Christ and the life of love and freedom found in Christ.
 
Read Bishop Eaton's entire message in English or Spanish.
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
ELCA World Hunger: How Does It Actually Work???
Zoom on Tuesday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m.
The people and congregations of the Rocky Mountain Synod are very generous in their support of 
ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response. Do you ever wonder where the money goes and who decides how to spend it? How the voices of people being helped are heard? 

Gabe Brannan, the Mission Funding Director assigned to our synod, will be with us in July to answer these very questions… and any others you may have!
 
Join the Rocky Mountain Synod Hunger Network at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, July 13 to learn about the ins and outs of ELCA World Hunger
BRING YOUR QUESTIONS!! 
  
ZOOM:
 
If you are unable to join us, catch the program on Facebook Live
RMS & ELCA News and Events
Faith Formation People Connecting
Thursday, June 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Love children, youth and families? Join us on Zoom as we reconnect!

We'll be talking about the journey to the ELCA Youth Gathering July 2022! Bryan Jaster (bryan@bethany-denver.org) is excited to be our Synod Coordinator for the Gathering. Please send him if a message if your church is thinking about heading to the gathering!
Explore these exciting programs brought to you by 3E - Educate, Equip, Enact!
Scam Proof Your Finances!
Thursday, June 24 at 11:30 a.m.
Educate, Equip, Enact (3E) is pleased to sponsor Scam Proof Your Finances from LSS Financial Counseling. Open to all in the Rocky Mountain Synod.

Plan to leave this class smarter than the identity thieves. You’ll learn the many ways identity theft can happen to adults, or even kids, and steps to prevent it. Gain confidence in your safety online and in financial interactions; know about free, effective resources to turn to, if ID theft does happen. Learn what to do, with a “deter-detect-defend” strategy to minimize your risk.

Register in advance, after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
And there's a stewardship program for every congregation in 2021!
Learn how to do year-round, on-going stewardship resulting in more money for ministry, become more energized stewards, and build a culture of generosity. Registration is open now for Beginning a Culture of Generosity (BCG) and SAS Refresher that both begin in August.
 
“I expected that this program would help us put together a stewardship appeal but WOW! It has certainly exceeded my expectations…It has made a huge difference for us.” ~ BCG pastor

Beginning a Culture of Generosity
Beginning a Culture of Generosity (BCG) is a program to guide congregations and provide the necessary tools to run a successful fall appeal. Participants receive training online in seven online sessions August 14 to December 4, and one-on-one guidance on an easily implemented program to stimulate generosity. Cost is $150 per congregation – no limit on number of participants. 

Stewardship for All Seasons Refresher
The SAS Refresher is a 6 session once-a-month course designed for congregations that have been through Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS) previously. The Refresher is for those who wish to continue the journey of generosity culture building. It is for those who have new leadership on your council and/or new members on your stewardship team.
 
The full year Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS) has already started with Cohort 5. If you are interested in participating in SAS beginning April 2022 or have questions about all programs, contact Deb Elstad, 3E Associate Director for Stewardship at deb.elstad@gmail.com.
Rocky Mountain Synod
FALL THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE
"Finding a Way"
Little America, Cheyenne, WY
September 20-24, 2021

We are looking to this Fall for an in-person gathering! Mark your calendars for this opportunity to gather together and savor our relationships as the church, truly "better together!"

Mark your calendar, and watch for additional information!
For Your Bulletin
Around the Synod
Service Learning in Denver!
Thursday, June 24, at 6:00 p.m.
Join Don Marsh of Service Learning Camps at Bar Louie (7111 W Alaska Dr, Lakewood, CO 80226). He is in town for the Servant Tour with Abiding Hope and would love to share the power of Service Learning with youth, opportunities in Denver, Minneapolis, and in your community.

Please RSVP to bryan@bethany-denver.org if you can join for dinner!
Conversations for Connection: Supporting Mental Health
Hosted by Atonement Lutheran, Boulder and Interfaith Network on Mental Illness

Every Thursday, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. MT
Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220
Our Life Together
from your RMS Creation Care Team
A reflection about "Ozone and You"
On June 6, I got my first Ozone Action Day notification of the year. I don't know why it caught me off guard, but it did. I guess I was expecting everyone to still be home sheltering in place, but now that the pandemic is more under control, the temperature is up and more people are on the road, more ozone is getting trapped down here where people live. Ozone is fine up in the stratosphere, but down here on the ground it causes all sorts of health issues from asthma attacks to death for those who have a hard time breathing already.  It can also cause cardiovascular harm and may cause harm to the nervous system. (www.lung.org)

Creation Care June Activity
Don't forget to submit a picture of the weirdest thing you picked up while plogging, plalking, pliking, or even plitting!
Send your photos to: rmscreationcareteam@gmail.com
"Addiction, Grief & Loss - A Conversation with Kelli Nielsen and Gloria Englund"
June 24, 2021, Noon-1:00 p.m. Eastern time
This is a one-hour free webinar with a follow-up 30 minute Zoom discussion hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. The presenters are Kelli Nielsen, founder of The Grief Guru, and Gloria Englund, founder of Recovering u.
Fifty and Better Mid-Summer Lecture Series

Join FAB for some stimulating independent, 2-hour lectures in June & July!

Introducing our virtual Mid-Summer Lecture Series! Each independent, 2-hour lecture is $8 (unless specifically noted). Students communicate with speakers via the chat function in Zoom. All lectures are recorded (with the exception of JPL) and available for students to watch upon request.
See below for the captivating topics and speaker biographies!
"The Dude Abides": The Big Lebowski and the Legacy of the 1960s
On Tuesday, June 29 at 10am (PT), Dr. David Parsons will connect the dots between the cult classic The Big Lebowski and the legacy of the 1960s. Dr. Parsons received his doctorate in History from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), and is a professor and writer focusing on the political, social, and cultural history of 20th century America.
 
The Bald Eagle: Finding Artistic Inspiration in an Execrable Tyrant of
Bad Moral Character (FREE)
On Wednesday, June 30 at 10am (PT), Paul Grindrod of the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology will take a look at the Bald Eagle through art and literature from the early American Colonial period to today. Paul has a Master's of Science in Environmental Humanities from the University of Utah, and has been teaching about nature and science since 1994.

"Pushout" - the Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools
Free online study
Wednesday, July 21 & 28 at 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 22 & 29 at 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Are black and brown children “violent, disruptive future criminals” or “amazing gifts of God to be cherished and protected?” Learn about the impact of punitive discipline and policing on children and families. Discuss how to reduce the criminalization of Black girls, that we may interrupt pathways to confinement for ALL youth.

This event is hosted by the UMC Conference and the UMW, however, it is open to all, including Lutherans and men. Study leader: Pastor Melanie Martin-Dent, Montana Synod Racial Justice Task Force

Purchase Pushout from a bookstore or borrow from a library near you.

There is NO CHARGE but pre-registration is required.
Resource Corner
A Guide and Resources for Care-Filled Worship And Sacramental Life In A Lingering Pandemic
Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic is a comprehensive update from the Ecumenical Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacramental Practices consultation. Incorporating the latest CDC guidance, this update informs decision making and basic practices of Christian worship and congregational life at this stage in the pandemic. The ELCA has been an ongoing partner in this consultation since the early days of the pandemic. The consultation included an ecumenical group of theologians, scientists, physicians, pastors, bishops and practitioners from seven church bodies.
Employment Opportunities
Bishop's Office seeking Finance Manager
ELCA logo lagre size
Whether you are a recent grad or seasoned professional, we might have just the right job for you! The Rocky Mountain Synod is seeking an accountant/bookkeeper.

Minimum Requirements: degree in accounting or significant experience
Desired Requirements: Experience with non-profit accounting and software

This is essentially a one-person accounting office so we are looking for someone who is flexible handling all aspects of our financial procedures: contributions, general ledger, tracking, and reporting. The position is salaried with benefits.

Please send cover letter, resume, and inquiries to finance@rmselca.org. Application deadline is July 1.
Finance Administrator
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church
1401 E. Dry Creek Rd., Centennial, CO 80122
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Centennial, Colorado, is seeking a Finance Administrator. With a pre-pandemic average Sunday attendance of 240 and a current annual budget of $600,000, we are one of the larger congregations in the diocese with solid and experienced lay leadership. Currently in an interim, we are looking for a part-time (24 hours/week) Finance Administrator to complete our paid staff of six.
For further information, please see the attached Job Description or contact St. Timothy's treasurer at dennis4627@aol.com.
Office of the Bishop This Week
 Bishop Jim Gonia
  • Madagascar Consultation
  • Region Two Mobility Conference
  • LFS Strategic Planning
  • Region 2 Bishops

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
  • DEM meeting
  • Twin Cities

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
  • Early Childhood Ed Steering Committee
  • Advocacy in NM Tax System

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Sabbatical
  • DIRECTOR FOR CONGREGATIONAL TRANSITION
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Excellence in Leadership Admin
  • Transitions Work

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR ADMIN & COMMUNICATION
Pastor Kent Mueller
  • Family medical leave

DIRECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT/LUTHERAN CENTER
Tina Kvitek
  • RMS Campaign Meetings
  • Lutheran Center Property Maintenance
  • Congregational Charitable Giving Support Meeting

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie O'Callaghan
  • Candidacy meetings
Quick Links
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Kent Mueller, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Communication
Andrew Nakatani, Communications Assistant
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