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November 13, 2019
A Reconciling in Christ synod
The Ethics of Dialogue and Debate
Journal of Lutheran Ethics, October/November edition
Journal of Lutheran Ethics (JLE) is a free, bimonthly, ecclesial online publication living out the Lutheran tradition of addressing social issues theologically, using the resources of historical, theological, and ethical tradition, biblical interpretation, and social sciences.


From the Editor, Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth
In an age of conflict and division between political parties and within political parties, between churches and within churches, American Christians often mourn disagreement, regret the diversity of opinion, and sigh for unity. This issue looks into the reality of disagreement in our nation and in our churches without rebuke. Disagreement, even radical and even uncivil disagreement, is a part of human social life, including church life. Thus, this issue is dedicated to answering the following question both theologically and practically: How do we have dialogue and debate on social and political issues with our neighbors?   Read more .

For Congregational Discussion: The Ethics of Dialogue and Debate
The Journal of Lutheran Ethics hopes to provide reading material to stimulate thinking and conversation among academics, clergy, and laity. To this end, this new section will be included in each issue of JLE in order to encourage constructive discussion within congregations about the topics discussed in JLE. Consider using this section in formal adult education classes or in informal small group discussions.  Read More.  

eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
Accompanying Families in Colorado Springs
This week's spotlight is Ascension, Colorado Springs! We know Ascension is one of many congregations in our synod partnering with Family Promise and similar organizations to accompany unhoused families! Church Together for the life of the world!
RMS-ELCA News and Events
Mission Support and Annual Report Resources Now Available
Annual Report and Mission Support resources are now available on the website:

  • Mission Support Litany
  • Mission Support intent for 2020
  • Annual Report Insert
  • What is Mission Support
  • Thank You Poster

Please submit your 2020 Intent for Mission Support by January 15! Contact Deacon Erin Power with questions.
Constitution Updates from the RMS Synod Secretary
Synod Constitution
At the August Churchwide Assembly, non-required amendments to the Model Constitution for Synods were recommended by the Office of the Secretary of the ELCA. These amendments were voted on by the RMS Council at the October 25th meeting. Council recommended the amendments be brought to the 2020 Synod Assembly for approval.


Congregation Constitution 
The 2019 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA adopted a number of changes to the Model Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Information about required updates and the process for updating your constitution can be found HERE.
Rocky Mountain Synod Middle and High School Youth Gathering
Saturday, January 18 - Monday, January 20, 2020
Registration deadline extended to November 15!
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO
Saturday, January 18, 5:00 p.m. to Monday, January 20, 11:00 a.m.

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.

Get more information and register  here!
Sanctuary Church Risk Management
Church Mutual has posted a new resource on tips for managing risk for sanctuary congregations, which can be found here.

And, Church Mutual makes its safety resources available to all ELCA congregations, and links to them can be found on the ELCA Risk Management page, here.
Meet our Missionaries!
Global Mission Update
Every year the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Missions (YAGM) program sends out dozens of young adults, ages 21-29, into a year-long journey of international service. This experience of global service invites young adults to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet in the world, as they form global friendships, provide critical support to communities in need, and reflect on how their identity connects with God’s work in the world.

For the next few months the Rocky Mountain Synod Global Mission Committee will be highlighting one of the eight current YAGM's hailing from the Rocky Mountain Synod with the hope that you as individuals and congregations will consider supporting them through prayer, communication and financial support.

This week's featured YAGM is Joe Kiel, who is currently serving in Australia. Joe's home congregations are Ascension Lutheran in Ogden, UT and Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp in Ft. Collins, CO. IF you would like to support Joe this year, please visit his website .

Over the years, Young Adults in Global Mission has proven to be one of the great pipelines for developing faith-filled leaders, both inside and outside of the church. If you would like to support or learn more about this exciting ministry, visit: https://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Global-Mission/Young-Adults-in-Global-Mission
For Your Bulletin
Ordinations

Courtney Steitz
Word & Sacrament
King of Glory, Loveland, CO
6:30pm, Friday, November 22
Color of the day:  Red

Nicole Garcia
Word & Sacrament
Christ the Servant,
Louisville, CO
10:00am, Saturday November 23
Color of the day: Red

RMS Prayer Cycle

- Week of November 17 -

ELCA MINISTRIES AND ECUMENICAL ORGANIZATIONS

ELCA Global Mission - Chicago, IL
Missionaries
Themba Mkhebela, Madagascar
Gabi & Meghan Aelabouni, Jeruselum and the Holy Land

Regional Candidacy Manager
Mark Nelson 

California Lutheran University - Thousand Oaks, CA
Christopher Kimball

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary - Berkeley, CA
Raymond Pickett
Shauna Hannan

Wartburg College West - Denver, CO
Greg Lorenz

Colorado Council of Churches - Denver, CO
Adrian Miller

New Mexico Conference of Churches - Bernalillo, NM
Rev. Susan Quass

Wyoming Interfaith Network - Laramie, WY
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, November 10
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without you nothing is strong, nothing is holy. Embrace us with your mercy, that with you as our ruler and guide, we may live through what is temporary without losing what is eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

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

17 - 23 November: East Timor (Timor Leste), Indonesia, Philippines - Intercessions and Prayers
Around the Synod
Race and Justice: Community Meeting on the Unjust Identification Police Practice of Show Ups in Denver and Colorado
Thursday, November 14 from 6:00 -7:30 p.m.
Together Colorado's Transforming Justice Team is gathering community members, faith leaders, law enforcement, and elected officials to address a troubling policing procedure used in the field to identify perpetrators of a crime, known as "show ups," that criminalizes Black, Brown, and poor people. Show ups are an unreliable method of identifying suspects. The threat this poses to people who might loosely “fit the description” is grave because it routinely misidentifies, charges, and incarcerates innocent people. Our hope is to collaborate with our elected officials for meaningful criminal justice reform.

Come to Shorter Community AME Church, 3100 Richard Allen Ct, Denver, CO ( map ) and please join us on November 14 at 6:00 p.m. and RSVP here.
For more info, visit Together Colorado or contact Pastor Caitlin Trussell.
MUSIC OF THE VINE
A Fundraising Event for Stratus
Danza! Beguiling the Dance Immersive Concert with Harpist, Dani Bash
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.
A special wine, music & cheese pairing event with Master Wine Educator Claude Robbins at Historic Grant Avenue (216 S. Grant Ave.) Saturday evening is a special fundraiser for Stratus performing Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring”.

It takes two to tango, as the saying goes. That sheds new light on the term “wine pairing,” doesn’t it? A good cheese and the right wine make for the most exquisite dance on your palate. Add to that the perfect music to accompany the dance, and you have all the ingredients you need for an enchanting evening. Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and Debussy’s “Sacred and Profane Dances” are highlights. And yes, there’s a tango. Two of them, in fact!

Join us Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. for a Stratus immersive concert (no wine pairing) at First Plymouth Congregational Church, 3501 S. Colorado Blvd.( map) and/or Saturday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. for a special wine, music & cheese pairing event with Master Wine Educator Claude Robbins at Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S. Grant Ave.( map). Saturday evening is a special fundraiser for Stratus and sure to be an enlightening and engaging evening of fun and great music!
LuMin Thanksgiving for Renovations
Sunday, November 17, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Rejoice with Lutheran Campus Ministry in Fort Collins as they celebrate the completion of phase one renovations on their 52 year old building. Renovated bathrooms and community space as well as and new showers and laundry will help your outpost ministry serve well young adults in higher education in Fort Collins. Come by anytime between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17 to see how these renovations will give new life to the ministry of caring for present participants and position LuMin to reach out to students facing housing insecurity in the coming semester.

You are always welcome to stay for worship at 5:15 p.m. following by supper. Lutheran Campus Ministry - LuMin is at 805 S Shields St, Fort Collins, CO 80521 ( map ). For more info: www.lcmcsu.org For questions: pastor@lcmcsu.org.
Equine Therapy
Sunday, November 17, at 10:45 a.m. - 12 noon
Atonement Lutheran Church
685 Inca Parkway
Boulder, CO ( map )

Medicine Horse with Tabitha Farrar, Executive Director. Medicine Horse programs enhance the mental health of individuals, couples, families and groups through interactions with horses. The horse is an intuitive, honest, and responsive being. Because horse herds closely resemble the family system, our interactions with horses can lead to awareness of how we relate to ourselves and others. Each horse’s distinct personality may remind you of someone you know! Benefits could include: lift spirit and lessen depression; encourages communication; reduces anxiety; aid children in overcoming emotional disorders; and lessens feelings of isolation. Come listen and learn.
Hosted by the Mental Health Ministry Team.
Denver Author and Race Activist Theo Wilson To Speak at Saint Peter Lutheran Church, Greenwood Village
Wednesday, November 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Theo Wilson, a Denver author and activist, will be visiting St. Peter Lutheran Church 9300 E Belleview Ave. Greenwood Village, CO ( map to share his experience as a black man who went undercover as a digital white supremacist Dinner and childcare will be provided by Saint Peter at no cost to you. RSVP to hold your space and to join this important conversation.   https://www.stplc.org/community-conversations
St. Stephen’s Annual Christmas Gift, Craft, and Bake Sale
Saturday, November 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church
10828 Huron St.
Northglenn, CO ( map )
303-452-5469

Vendors include: Pampered Chef, Handmade Cards, Book Lady, Tole Painting, The Amethyst Rose – Gems and Jewelry, Christmas Decorations, Handsewn items for kitchen/dining, Thirty-One totes and bags, Avon, Woodcraft, Norwex.
Refreshments and baked Goods by St. Stephen’s Bakers.
Proceeds go to camperships for our youth.
Alternative Gift Fair
Sunday, December 1, from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Glory of God Lutheran Church
12200 W 38th Ave.
Wheat Ridge, CO ( map )

You are invited to our Alternative Gift Fair on Sunday, December 1 from 10:00 am to noon. Products sold will include handmade crafts, clothing, greeting cards, jewelry, bags and wallets, jams, natural cosmetic products and more! The Alternative Gift Fair supports various non-profits who help those in need both locally and globally.
For more info, write to pa@gloryofgodchurch.net.
Holiday Family Sing-Along, A Time of Wonder
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 2:30 p.m.
It's the time of year for cookies, cocoa and the best holiday deal for families! The Chorales will be joined again by Kent Jones and the Colorado Saints Chorale for one of our most fantastic shows of the year at a price that won't pinch your budget. This annual Sing-Along includes a beautiful choral concert followed by a holiday festival that includes games, cookie decorating and photos with Santa Claus himself. The music includes stunning choral classic like Handel's Hallelujah Chorus as well as caroling favorites. Expect lots of audience participation! Fun for the whole family. Get your tickets here!
The Lutheran Chorale Holiday Concerts
Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
You are invited to welcome the Advent/Christmas season with a concert of familiar carols presented by The Lutheran Chorale on Sunday, December 8. The afternoon concert will be at 3:00 p.m. in the beautiful Chapel of the Good Samaritan at SCL Lutheran Hospital, 8300 W. 38th Avenue in Wheat Ridge ( map), and the evening concert will be at Concordia Lutheran Church, 13371 W. Alameda Parkway in Lakewood ( map) at 7:30 p.m. 

No tickets are necessary, although a freewill offering would be appreciated at the door. The concert at Concordia will also feature a bake sale and silent auction prior to the concert, beginning at 5:30. 

The Lutheran Chorale, under the direction of David Hodel and accompanied by Coreen Wells, is made up of singers from across the metro area who are eager to share familiar and classical sacred music with our community.
Save the Date: Carols & Cheer with Luther House
Sunday, December 15, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Join Luther House , 1805 Las Lomas Road NE, Albuqurque ( map ) for our second annual Carols & Cheer event!
We will follow Martin Luther's tradition of gathering in pubs to enjoy local beverages from Broken Trail Brewery & Distillery to share the songs of the season. A percentage of the beverage sales made will benefit the ministry and programming of Lutheran Campus Ministry.

Our musicians will again be Pauleta Hendrickson, director of music at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, and Clara Byom, director of music at St Tim's Lutheran Church. Come and celebrate Luther House with us!
Our Life Together
Support Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp on Colorado Gives Day
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 !!
Colorado Gives Day is an annual day of giving to non-profit organizations all across Colorado. Whether you live in Colorado or not, you can donate to Rainbow Trail on December 10.
Each donation helps RTLC receive additional funds from Community First Foundation through a sum that's divided among all participating non-profit organizations as well as prizes at the end of the day.
You can even pre-schedule your CO Gives Day gift NOW so you won't forget to donate! Support non-profits like Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp on Colorado Gives Day! Give at https://www.coloradogives.org/rainbowtrail/overview!
Rainbow Trail Senior High Retreat -
2019 Theme  "Fully Known"
November 22-24, 2019
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!
Our keynote speaker Pastor Margot Wright  serves the fantastic folks of Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church and Preschool in Centennial, Colorado. Pastor Margot is fueled for the journey of following Jesus by a variety of spiritual practices including time with her dogs, quieting her busy mind with yoga, and writing out gratitude lists in the midst of joys, sorrows and all the in-betweens.

More info and and registration is here .
Sky Ranch Advent Retreat
Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8, 2019
Are you seeking peace for your family during a whirlwind pre-Christmas season? 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 Season at Sky Ranch in a time of reflection and preparation for the birth of our Savior. Activities for all ages include worship, advent-themed projects, and cozy campfires.

Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Your Stewardship Toolkit for Congregations - December 2019
Here's the December 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 your Sunday bulletins, and links to explore the monthly theme. This month's theme is "Your perfect Christmas gift," get it here!
Covalence for November 2019 - Lutheran Alliance for...

Welcome to the November 2019 issue of Covalence, the online magazine of the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology!

Read more
luthscitech.org
Employment Opportunities
New Listing
Director of Youth Ministries
Glory of God Lutheran Church - Wheat Ridge, CO
We are seeking a part- time Director of Youth Ministries who will build and implement youth programs and activities for 6-12th grade youth.

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.
  • Direct Youth events focusing on spiritual growth, learning, Christian fellowship and service
  • Plan, implement and promote synod and ELCA youth gathering, outdoor ministers, servant events and mission trips.
  • Develop programming and relationships with middle school and high school students and families.
  • Recruit, train, and support parents and other interested adults, gaining their support of congregation’s youth ministry program.

Please send resume and letter of interest to: Glory of God Lutheran Church, Attn: Pastor Emily Cardin, 12200 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Director of Music (part-time)
Messiah Community Church - Denver, CO
Messiah Community Church, a small, progressive faith community for people of all ages near City Park, Denver, seeks a Part-Time Music Director to coordinate the musical components of our worship service, lead musical ensembles (bell and voice choirs, with the possibility for a children’s choir). Music is an essential component of Lutheran worship, and the Music Director is integral to that part of worship. We believe music, both traditional and new, helps guide our spiritual life.

Start date: January 2020. Questions or letter of application and resume can be sent to Pastor Inga Oyan Longbrake at pastor@messiahdenver.org
Non-Rostered Listings 
Director of Youth Ministries
Glory of God Lutheran Church - Wheat Ridge, CO

Director of Music (part-time)
Messiah Community Church - Denver, CO

Administrative Assistant-Communications
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO

High School Program Director
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp - Fort Collins, CO

Director of Economic Justice
Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, Denver, CO

Director for Leadership and Candidacy - Domestic Mission Unit
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sound Production Minister
Lutheran Church of Hope - Broomfield, CO

Musicians for Ministry!
Zion Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO
Office of the Bishop This Week
  Bishop Jim Gonia
  • Luther Seminary Visit
  • LAM-NM Advocacy Conference
  • Our Saviour's, Fort Collins, CO
  • Cross of Christ, Broomfield, CO
  • Staff Retreat Day

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson (Interim, 1/2 time)
  • New and Renewing Ministries
  • Staff Retreat Day

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Ruth Hoffman
  • Medicaid Coalition
  • Advocacy Conference
  • Staff meeting

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • In-office appointments
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee
  • Staff Retreat Day

ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
  • RMS Campaign Meeting
  • 1-1 Meetings
  • Peace, Las Cruces, NM
  • Staff Retreat
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • First Call Theological Education
  • Excellence in Leadership, South Colorado
  • Grace, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Staff Retreat Day

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Available via email: kmueller@rmselca.org

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
  • Assembly Planning Meetings
  • LAM-NM Advocacy Conference
  • Cross of Hope, Albuquerque, NM
  • Staff Retreat Day

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie Welton
  • In-office appointments
  • St. Mark's Aurora, CO
  • CSU Campus Ministry Renovation Celebration, Fort Collins, CO
  • Staff Retreat Day
Quick Links
Share the News
Erin Power ,   Assistant to the Bishop
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  303-733-0750

Submissions are due noon Monday each week's issue.
Past issues of eConnection may be found here.