Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.

November 16, 2022

A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD

+ SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 +

Transgender Day of Remembrance

by Nicole Garcia

Observed annually on November 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is a day to mourn and honor the lives of the vibrant, beloved transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people lost to violence and suicide in the year prior. The date marks the birthday of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was murdered in 1998. Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender advocate, started TDOR in honor of her friend.

Black and migrant trans women of color are disproportionally impacted by this violence, and the numbers reported each year offer just a small piece of the picture. In the U.S.A. and in most countries, data including gender identity is not collected in crime reporting, leaving the reports to be made only by family and friends of the deceased.

I identify as a transgender Latina and I have defied the odds. The Lord has given me the opportunity to be a voice in the wilderness for those who were killed for daring to live their authentic lives as God created them to be. The church I love and the church that ordained me, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), through the Service and Justice Unit, has recognized my position as the Faith Work Director at the National LGBTQ Task Force as a call to ministry.

We need to take time to mourn those lost to violence and suicide. May they all rest in peace and rise in power. The ELCA has taken a bold step in recognizing the work of a queer transgender woman of color as a ministry for justice and peace. My voice is no longer in the wilderness, but a voice within the ELCA. A voice proclaiming the love of God to all those who need to hear they are loved beyond measure for we are all made in the image of God.

from Bishop Gonia

As we observe the 2022 Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, I join my own heart and voice to the memory of all transgender and gender non-conforming people who have been––and are––victims of violence, hatred, and murder in the United States and across the globe. We, together, renounce these evils that surround us and, instead, proclaim Christ’s way of love and grace––without exception.

The Rocky Mountain Synod has since 1993 been a Reconciling in Christ synod, owning and proclaiming this Statement of Welcome:

“We as the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA invite all into the fullness of God’s love. This invitation is inclusive of people of every race, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical or mental ability, sex, or station in life. We pledge to use our differences as gifts for our work together.”

It is my privilege to commend Pastor Nicole Garcia to her new call to ministry as the Faith Work Director at the National LGBTQ Task Force. She represents all of us, as we passionately proclaim and embody God’s unconditional love for the sake of the world.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Office of the Bishop Staff

There will be no eConnection on Wednesday, November 23. We include the prayer cycle in today's issue for each of the next two Sundays.

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THANKSGIVING REFLECTION

Three Gratitudes

by Carrie Newcomer

Every night before I go to sleep

I say out loud

Three things that I’m grateful for,

All the significant, insignificant

Extraordinary, ordinary stuff of my life.

It’s a small practice and humble,

And yet, I find I sleep better

Holding what lightens and softens my life

Ever so briefly at the end of the day.

Sunlight, and blueberries,

Good dogs and wool socks,

A fine rain,

A good friend,

Fresh basil and wild phlox,

My father’s good health,

My daughter’s new job,

The song that always makes me cry,

Always at the same part,

No matter how many times I hear it.

Decent coffee at the airport,

And your quiet breathing,

The stories you told me,

The frost patterns on the windows,

English horns and banjos,

Wood Thrush and June bugs,

The smooth glassy calm of the morning pond,

An old coat,

A new poem,

My library card,

And that my car keeps running

Despite all the miles.

And after three things,

More often than not,

I get on a roll and I just keep on going,

I keep naming and listing,

Until I lie grinning,

Blankets pulled up to my chin,

Awash with wonder

At the sweetness of it all.

Read it online, share it, or listen to Carrie's recording | photo by Jim Gonia

RMS & ELCA news and events

ASSEMBLY 2023

Pre-Assembly 2023 Preparation: El Paso, TX and Southern NM

As we prepare for the coming of Christ this Advent, we also prepare our hearts for the Cruzando Fronteras Synod Assembly 2023 in El Paso, TX, May 16-18.

It is in this spirit that we invite you to learn, advocate, and reflect using the “Preparing Welcome: An Advent Devotional for Immigrant Justice” created by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition.

This devotional journeys through the four weeks of Advent, from November 27 up to Christmas Day.

Through scripture, reflections, stories, prayers, and opportunities to take action, the devotional weaves together the Advent themes of liberation and hope with the ongoing struggle for migrant justice.

Each week during Advent, we will highlight a devotional for the week. Stay tuned!

TOWN HALL CONFERENCE GATHERING WITH BISHOP JIM GONIA

NOVEMBER 19 IN CENTENNIAL, CO

Worried about your congregation today?

Wondering what the future holds?

You are not alone. People throughout the church are experiencing doubts, fears, and uneasiness about the future. Bishop Gonia would like to talk with you about the worries and wonders you are experiencing. Together we will ponder how our congregations’ ministry and witness can be shaped for the sake of the gospel.

If you are invested in our Church’s future... join us!

Eight different date/time/location options to choose from:

Sat., Sept. 03, 2022: 9am-11am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Glenwood Springs CO
Sat., Sept. 10, 2022: 10am-12pm at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs CO
Thur., Sept. 22, 2022: 6pm-8pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Holladay UT
Tues., Oct. 04, 2022: 6pm-8pm at Faith Lutheran Church, Golden CO
Sat., Oct. 22, 2022: 1pm-3pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Casper WY
Sat., Nov. 12, 2022: 9am-11am at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Longmont CO
Sat., Nov. 19, 2022: 10am-12pm at Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church, Centennial CO
Sat., Dec. 10, 2022: 1pm-3pm at All Saints Lutheran Church, Albuquerque NM

Click here to download a PDF with live links for registration and locations.

GRATITUDE

Excellence in Leadership says "thank you" for campaign support

Excellence in Leadership (EiL) formed with the goal of equipping leaders––lay and rostered––to seize the opportunities before us in resilient and faithful ways. The dream of this leadership formation materialized because of the generosity of the people of the Rocky Mountain Synod through the Next Faithful Step; Better Together Campaign. Thank you!

EiL is a transformational experience. Pastor Will Johnson, Nativity, Commerce City, CO, said he would no longer be pastor without Excellence in Leadership...

"In the Fall of 2019 I signed up for Excellence in Leadership, thinking it would be another program to complete some continuing education hours. Instead, Excellence in Leadership transfigured my ministry––and my life.

"I learned language for how to be an adaptive leader, and I was part of a small group that helped me practice that before and during the early days of the pandemic. I was challenged to do self-reflection in a safe way, while other people modeled appropriate vulnerability for me and invited me into that way of life. EiL taught me how leadership theories could weave together into a transformational tapestry.

"I've heard all the good leadership talks before: be healthy, establish boundaries, be clear in your expectations, know yourself. But Excellence in Leadership made it click, made it come alive, and made it applicable to my whole life."

––Pastor Will Johnson

Campaign Information & Resources

Wholly Kicks has distributed 8,700 new pairs of shoes in two years!

8,700 brand new pairs of shoes have been provided to persons experiencing homelessness and economic disparity in the Denver Metro area in just a little more than 2 years by Wholly Kicks!

Wholly Kicks is a 501(c)(3) founded and led by Pastor Tyg Taylor. For the past 4 years, Tyg has worked as a street pastor in Aurora as part of the ACTS (Aurora Church Together Strategy), which will come to completion at the end of 2022, as Tyg retires after 32 years of ministry in our Synod.

Tyg will be launching deeper into the development of Wholly Kicks to even further expand its current outreach of love and new shoes to Title 1 schools, shelters, low-income housing, Colfax motels, and continued partnership with many metro area nonprofits who are walking with those in our community. Wholly Kicks tagline of Who You Walking With? is lived out with its commitment to developing leaders from the street.

Thank you to many of our Rocky Mountain Synod congregations who have supported this unique ministry with shoe drives, storage unit shoe prep, mission funding, and placing shoes on the feet of our neighbors at Wholly Kicks events.

For more information on the impact of Wholly Kicks, or for partnership with volunteering or support, please find us on the web at whollykicks.org on FaceBook, Instagram and LinkedIn at WhollyKicks. Contact Tyg at tyg@whollykicks.org or (719) 339-8281.

Join the Rocky Mountain Synod Faith Formation Network!

The Faith Formation Network is an open community of people made of up volunteer, lay, and rostered leaders who are passionate about the ways in which the church supports faith at home, children youth and family ministry, young adults, and the ongoing faith learning in older adults. Connect with others, discover new resources and share favorites, find support and encouragement, brainstorm, ask questions, and pray for one another.

New to the Synod? Click here!

Join our "What's App" Chat, here!

ZOOM MEETING

Faith Formation Network Meeting

Thursday, November 17, 10:00am - noon

Zoom Meeting ID: 992 2724 5869

Passcode: 274795

"You are not alone! Join us every Third Thursday for our RMS Faith Formation Network meetings! CLICK HERE TO JOIN

We are meeting primarily online. Stay in the loop with all things Children Youth and Family Faith Formation in the Rocky Mountain Synod!"

FAITH FORMATION

Western States Youth Gathering '23

July 6-9, 2023

Early Bird registration is $385/person with prices increasing January 4, 2023.

The Western States Youth Gathering (WSYG) and Western States Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (WYLE) is back! Coming to California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA from July 4-9, 2023, the Western States Youth Gathering is open to high school aged youth in Regions 1-4 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The Western States Multicultural Youth Leadership Pre-Event (WYLE) will be held July 4-6, 2023.

WSYG and WYLE will gather around the theme, “Revive, Reunite, Rejoice”, grounded in Acts 2:1 “When the day [of WSYG] came, they were all together in one place.”

Early-Bird registration for the Western States Youth Gathering is now OPEN!

Learn more and register your group for the lowest possible prices at wsyg.com/registration!

LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION

October '22 Ambassador-Gram

Check out the October Ambassador-Gram for information about upcoming Events including Project Twelve, and One Life to Live. And Virtual Opportunities for Study and Fellowship such as book discussions, Bible studies, and links to Lutheran Men in Mission online resources.

Click here to view it online, or on the graphic to download a copy. Visit the LMM website, too!

VETERANS MINISTRY

SHOWERING MILITARY CHAPLAINS WITH PRAYERS AND SUPPORT

Upcoming VSCP Events

November 27

Vicky will preach at New Beginnings, inside the Denver, CO Women's Correctional Facility.

ELCA global church network

LUTHERAN WORLD FEDERATION

75th anniversary book celebrates Lutheran witness and service

"In Communion” presents LWF’s history through 75 photos

A photo per year, marking seven and a half decades of witness and service. The LWF has launched a 75th anniversary book, dedicated to all those who have made the communion’s work possible.

In Communion – The Lutheran World Federation 1947-2022 is the title of the book, which highlights moments from the communion’s rich history over seven and a half decades. LWF General Secretary Rev. Anne Burghardt presented the book on Reformation Day, 31 October, at the Ecumenical Center in Geneva.

in our prayers

NOVEMBER 20, 2022

Christ the King Sunday

Last Sunday after Pentecost

Prayer of the Day

O God, our true life, to serve you is freedom, and to know you is unending joy. We worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory. Abide with us, reign in us, and make this world into a fit habitation for your divine majesty, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

In God's Hands:

Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches

20 - 26 November : East Timor (Timor Leste), Indonesia, Philippines

Intercessions and Prayers

Join us in daily prayer

ELCA Prayer Ventures are 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.

ELCA Prayer Ventures (monthly)

Prayer Ventures, Living Lutheran (daily)

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 20

RMS Prayer Cycle

November 2022

NOV 20

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Berkeley, CA

Rev. Ray Pickett

Rev. Sara Wilson

Rev. Shauna Hannan

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA

Lori E. Varlotta

Wartburg West

Denver, CO

Young Adults in Global Mission Country Coordinator

Rev. Gabi Aelabouni

Rev. Meghan Aelabouni

Mission Investment Fund

Rev. Janice Kibler

Portico

Andrea Arey

NOV 27

ELCA Presiding Bishop

Chicago, IL

Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

ELCA Churchwide Staff

Chicago, IL

Candidacy and Leadership Manager, Regions 2

Rev. Maria Paiva

ELCA Global Mission, Madagascar

Rev. Themba Mkhebela

Betela Seminary Madagascar

Rev. Albert Ranaivomanana

RMS Companion Synods in Madagascar

Mahanjanga Synod

Antsiranana Synod

Avaratra Atsinanana Synod

Sofia Synod

INSTALLATIONS

Pastor Karen Matuska

Christ the King, Colorado Springs

Sunday, November 20 at 1:00 p.m.

Color of the day is white.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

Pastor Laurel Alexander

July 18, 1958 - November 4, 2022

Memorial Service

Friday, November 18, 2022 at 3:00 pm

Rose Hills Memorial Park - Memorial Chapel

3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601

Pastor Laurel Alexander served as the pastor of Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Colorado from 1997 until 2010. We give thanks to God for the gift of Laurel's life, work, and love.

Phyllis Gilbertson

Wife of Retired Pastor Paul Gilbertson

"Giving Thanks for a Life of Faith, Love and Service” will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church, Denver, on Thursday, December 1 at 11:00 a.m Burial will follow in the Augustana Memorial Garden. Lunch and conversation will take place in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

Monthly Prayer Cycle

around the synod

SOUTHEAST COLORADO

As Foretold

an oratorio for chorus, strings and organ

CANÕN CITY

Saturday, November 19, 4 pm

The Steeple Community Events Center, 701 Macon Ave

COLORADO SPRINGS

Sunday, November 20, 4 pm

Saint Michael's Episcopal Church, 7400 Tudor Road

The Royal Gorge Philharmonic presents As Foretold, an oratorio for chorus, strings and organ with performing choral groups from Shepherd of the Hills ELCA, Air Force Academy Cadet Choir, Church of Latter-Day Saints Ward One Choir and Saint Michaels Episcopal Church Choir.

Questions, contact bearblanca@aol.com.

ALL SAINTS, AURORA, CO

Arts, Crafts, Baked Goods Sale

December 4, Noon to 4:00pm

Need Holiday gifts? If so, this is a great opportunity to patronize local artisans selling handmade goods! If you’re interested in selling at our craft sale, please contact Mona Marquardt at 303-910-0405.

This, and more going on at All Saints!

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Luther House Annual "Cheers and Beers" Christmas Carol Celebration

Sunday, December 4, 2-4 pm

Luther House of NM presents our annual "Cheers and Beers" Christmas Carol Celebration and Fundraiser!

There are two ways to support Luther House: join us at the B2B Garden Brewery on Sunday December 4 from 2-4pm to celebrate and sing Christmas Carols together AND/OR dine in or carry out food from 12pm-8pm!

A portion of the profits from sales for the entire day on December 4 will go to Luther House. So get dressed up in your favorite party clothes and join us to celebrate OR stay home in your comfy jammies and order some food.

Either way we appreciate your support!

Questions, email to lcmunmcnm@gmail.com and visit us LutherHouseNM.org

AUGUSTANA, DENVER, CO

Join the musicians of Augustana Lutheran Church and Augustana Arts for the celebratory Christmas Festival Concert featuring the Augustana Chancel Choir, Augustana Ringers, and Stratus Chamber Orchestra musicians all led by Chancel Choir Conductor, Kevin Padworski.

The concert will feature Saint Saens’ "Christmas Oratorio - a cantata-like work for chorus, organ, strings and harp featuring Andrew Peters on organ. Saint-Saëns wrote the Christmas oratorio in only ten days before its premiere on Christmas 1858 at La Madeleine in Paris. Other holiday favorites will round out the evening concert.

There is NO COST to attend, but reservations are requested. Make your reservation here. Free will offering baskets will be available for your gifts. A wonderful holiday tradition for the ENTIRE family!

FREE parking is available in the Alameda lot or off Fairfax Ave.

Make your reservation here

AUGUSTANA, DENVER, CO

New Years' Eve Concert with Organist Andrew Peters

Saturday, December 31, at 7:00 p.m.

Ring in 2023 with a New Years' Eve concert featuring organ music and a silent film! Organist Andrew Peters will improvise on Augustana Lutheran's incredible pipe organ as you watch the 1923 Harold Lloyd silent film, Bumping into Broadway on a giant screen.

The evening also includes great works for the organ including Chapman’s Fanfare and Procession, Vivaldi’s Concerto No. 2 in a minor, Pamela Decker’s Tangos for Organ, and the all-time favorite, Handel’s Fireworks Music.

Join us for this exciting New Years' Concert! Tickets are flex-pay (pay what you choose) and available by clicking the button, below!

Get your tickets here

our life together

Give to these organizations through the Colorado Gives Day website:

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains
New Beginnings Worshipping Community
EbenEzer Care Center
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
Urban Servant Corps

NOTE FROM DAVE JARVIS

SUPPORT RAINBOW TRAIL!

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 Tuesday, December 6. Each donation helps RTLC receive additional funds from Community First Foundation through a sum that's divided among all participating non-profit organizations and prizes at the end of the day. You can even make your CO Gives Day gift NOW so you won't forget to donate! Gifts made in November on the CO Gives website will count toward Rainbow Trail's Colorado Gives Day total on December 6.

Give for Rainbow Trail!

RMS CREATION CARE TEAM

A draft of the social message "Earth's Climate Crisis" is posted for public comment! Feedback of this kind helps the drafters know how the document could be more clear, helpful and faithfully Lutheran. Please read the social message draft and use this survey to share your input by Friday, Dec. 2. Questions or longer responses can be emailed to draftsocialmessage@elca.org.

The draft will be edited, guided by the feedback, and presented to the ELCA Church Council to be voted on this coming spring."

Read and Respond

ROSTERED WOMEN: ONLINE & IN-PERSON

Lutheran Women in Theological and Religious Studies 2022

Women's Stories as Sacred Embodiment

Friday, November 18, 8:00am - 5:30pm

with Optional Dinner @ 6:00pm

St. Paul Lutheran Community of Faith, 1600 Grant St., Denver CO 80203

Out of care for people at risk, the steering committee requests that everyone wear a mask if attending in person, outside of mealtimes. In-person registration includes a light breakfast and lunch.

To see a tentative version of the schedule, please click here.

If you have any questions or need financial assistance with the registration fee, please email Heather.Dean@elca.org.

DENVER, CO

Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb speaking at Bethany Lutheran

Sunday, November 20 at 11:20 am

4500 E Hampden Ave

Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113

Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb is the Founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University of Arts and Culture in Bethlehem. Bright Stars of Bethlehem is the non-profit group in the US that supports the university. Dr Raheb is the most widely published Palestinian theologian to date. He has authored and edited 40 books.

Rev. Dr. Raheb will bring greetings at the 8:30 and 10:00 worship experiences and then have an opportunity to present during Bethany's Community Time. He will also have time for Q&A following his talk. All are invited to attend.

Click on the graphic to go to a version with live Zoom links.

Or click here for the Zoom link

Or click here for the Call-in link

get to know our synods

Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast (4F)

"The TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod is a network of 108 congregations, missions, and ministries working together to plant churches, support churches around the world, prepare pastors, help congregations find pastors, support congregations in crisis, encourage evangelism, generosity and ministry among people of all ages.

Each congregation is a mission outpost called to a unique setting and gifted in particular ways to carry out their mission. We represent many predecessor expressions of Lutheran tradition and weave together our various pasts for the hope of a stronger mission in partnership with one another.

The Lutheran witness is undergoing transformation as we enter into a new time in the history of the Christian movement. The post-post modern world where we are called to bear witness is calling us to clarify our vision, mission, values, and strategies in new ways to reach a pluralistic world. The opportunity for us collectively and for congregations individually to examine why they exist and to claim their mission for the future is exciting and urgent."

The Bishop Michael Rinehart serves the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod.

Visit gulfcoastsynod.org and on Facebook.

Click here for a map of our 65 ELCA synods and 9 regions.

resources

HOLY SHEPHERD, LAKEWOOD, CO

Congregation Mailboxes looking for a new home! - 4 sets

Holy Shepherd has 4 sets of wooden mail slots that are in perfect shape and are looking for a new home.

There are four sections, each is 53"w x 46-1/2"h x 11"d. There are 184 slots per section, slots measure 2x5." The picture shows them sitting on cabinets, but they are not attached.

For more information please feel free to call Diane at 303.349.9430 or email dklinkerfues@holyshepherd.com.