3E Lilly Grant is partnering with the Arizona State University Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation to offer Best Skills Best Churches  

Best Skills, Best Churches, offered online, is a graduate/executive level certificate program designed to advance rostered ministers' and lay leaders’ knowledge and skills for effective management of congregations and ministries.

Best Skills, Best Churches will cover:

• Volunteers in Service
• Legal Aspects of Governance
• Effective Communication and Handling Conflict
• Marketing and Community Presence
• Financial Management for Effective Service
• Fundraising Aspects of Stewardship.

Best Skills, Best Churches will meet from 6:30– 9:30 pm (except in December from 5:30–8:30 pm) on the following dates:

• July 11 & 13
• August 1 & 3
• September 5 & 7
• October 3 & 5
• October 31 & November 2
• December 5 & 7

Upon satisfactory course completion, participants will receive a certificate in Non-Profit Management.

The cost is only $150 per participant - a $775 value made possible by the 3E Lilly Grant!

Click the link below to enroll TODAY!

Questions? contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo HERE



GOOD NEWS FROM LOGAN, UTAH!

Where Hope Grows

The people of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Logan, UT, rejoice in the progress made on their community garden project. The vision for Hope Community Garden, which is the congregation’s main outreach, is to grow food and relationships with the community. Surrounded by low-income housing, Hope Community Garden aims to reduce food insecurity and foster connections among people from all backgrounds as we grow food together.

Building on the momentum of smaller grants awarded by various organizations in 2022, including a Vital Right-Shaped Ministry grant from the Rocky Mountain Synod, Hope Community Garden is the beneficiary of a recently announced grant for which Danielle Berger, a graduate student at Utah State University (USU), applied. With this $10,000 grant from the Ivory Prize for Excellence in Community Engagement, awarded by USU’s Center for Community Engagement, Hope Community Garden can now build all 60 raised gardening beds at once, rather than having to spread this out over several years. The grant will also fund additional irrigation infrastructure and construction of a storage shed.

RMS Receives $75,000 grant from Lutheran Disaster Response for New Mexico wildfire relief

The Rocky Mountain Synod is proud to share that a $75,000 grant from Lutheran Disaster Response has been awarded to St. Paul’s Peace Episcopal/Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico, for support of wildfire and flood recovery efforts.

The largest wildfire in New Mexico history, the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire, burned for over 5 months in 2022 and affected 341,471 acres in Mora, San Miguel, and the edge of Taos Counties. The fire threatened wildlands and wildlife, homes and businesses, agricultural resources, and even the very lives of those who live in this majority-Hispanic region. Over 3,700 households have since registered for help with FEMA.

St. Paul’s Peace is working with the The Mora San Miguel Long Term (MSMLTRG) Recovery Group, Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN), several area churches, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to implement a Case Management program and set up an Unmet Needs Table. Currently, over 1,000 cases have been registered with the immediate needs program through NHN. While the daily emergency needs for food, water and everyday supplies have diminished, approximately 120 cases are registered with the LTRG Unmet Needs Table. 40 cases have been referred to another agency and/or have been funded, while 65 cases are pending. The MSMLTRG has currently funded about $102K for 16 cases. The Vicar at St. Paul’s, Mother Jill Cline, is on the MSMLTRG Board, and parishioners have been trained to listen to Unmet Needs presentations. The LDR grant will support the direct needs of community members whose needs are not met by other resources.

If you would like to donate to support the members of this community even further, you may give online via Tithely (select "New Mexico fires" on the drop-down menu).

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

ELCA Launches Truth and Healing Movement

ELCA Church Council appoints members to the Commission on a Renewed Lutheran Church

On April 20 the ELCA Church Council met electronically and appointed members to the Commission on a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC), which will hold its first meeting in July. The 2022 Churchwide Assembly called for the council to establish the CRLC to reconsider statements of purpose for the church and its organizational structure. The commission will present its findings and recommendations to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in preparation for a possible reconstituting convention. Representing the Rocky Mountain Synod is Mr. Ralston Deffenbaugh of Estes Park. A summary of the nomination process and the names of all appointed members is available here.

Get the latest Lutheran Men in Mission newsletters!

Read the Spring 2023 Ambassador-Gram and the Spring 2023 issue of foundations. Visit lutheranmeninmission.org/contact/synod-leaders-ambassadors for more information and for an archive of past Ambassador-Grams.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Italy - update!

October 16-29, 2023

A Multicultural and Ecumenical Spiritual Journey Experience

Experience the origins of your Christian faith. Walk the land where it all began, walking and visiting the fields and holy places where Jesus was born, where Jesus preached and instructed his disciples, where Jesus suffered, died, and was risen. The holy places where Jesus inaugurated his Church and commissioned his apostles to spread the Good News of God’s unconditional love throughout the whole world.

Download all updated information here.

Trip Leaders: The Rev. Quirino Cornejo (QC) (Pastor/Priest/Missioner for Multicultural Ministries and Witnessing) accompanied by Bishop Kym Lucas and Bishop Jim Gonia. For more information contact: The Rev. Quirino Cornejo, , qcornejo@rmselca.org or qc@episcopalcolorado.org. Mobile. 325-227-2139

Informational Meeting with Tony Abuaita, CEO of Good Shepherd Travel: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 6:30 pm MT. Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/6866523628

For customized or specific travel needs contact Good Shepherd Travel directly at 1-84HolyLand (4-659-5263) FAX: 1(844)659‐5263 www.Goodshepherdtravel.com info@Goodshepherdtravel.com

Listening Post on the Farm Bill

National Bilingual Focus (Spanish/English)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 at 6:00pm

Speakers include:

John Johnson, ELCA Program Director for Domestic Policy

The ELCA federal advocacy team is asking for support from diverse sectors across the ELCA who may wish to participate in an informative session on Farm Bill advocacy. This legislation is key to addressing conservation and both hunger in the United States and globally. Listening sessions are virtual gatherings where ministry leaders, members of congregations, and those with valuable lived experiences will provide input to Witness in Society team in Washington, DC. Your viewpoints, initiatives, concerns, and hopes for a future farm bill will inform our advocacy and help shape the final law that Congress passes. Let’s talk and act together!! *Note: While all are welcome to register for all Listening Sessions, each session will feature some discussion specific to the region. ➤ This session will focus on listening from Spanish speaking community members.

National Bilingual (Spanish/English) Focus Wednesday, May 24 – 6 p.m. MT

Registration https://bit.ly/ELCAreunionLeyAgricola

More Information: https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/elca-farm-bill-listening-sessions/

Tema de la reunión: Un diálogo nacional sobre la Ley Agrícola convocada por la ELCA [enfoque bilingüe]

El equipo de incidencia política federal de la ELCA desea solicitar la colaboración de diversos sectores de la ELCA que deseen participar en una sesión de sensibilización sobre la Ley Agrícola. Esta legislación es clave para abordar la problemática de la conservación y el hambre tanto en Estados Unidos como en el resto del mundo. Estas sesiones son reuniones virtuales en las que los líderes de los ministerios, los miembros de las congregaciones y aquellos con valiosas experiencias vividas proporcionarán información al equipo de Witness in Society en Washington, DC. Sus puntos de vista, iniciativas, inquietudes y esperanzas respecto a la futura ley agrícola servirán para informar nuestra incidencia y ayudarán a dar forma a la ley final que se apruebe en el Congreso. ¡Dialoguemos y actuemos junta/os! *Nota: Todas/os son bienvenidas/os a inscribirse en cada uno de los diálogos. En cada sesión habrá algún discurso específico para esa región del país. ➤ Esta sesión se centrará en las experiencias de los miembros de nuestras comunidades que hablen español.

Enfoque nacional bilingüe (español/inglés)

Miércoles 24 de mayo - 18.00 horas MT

Inscríbase https://bit.ly/ELCAreunionLeyAgricola

Mas Informacion: https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/elca-farm-bill-listening-sessions/

Join the Quarterly RMS Faith Formation Network call!

Gather and meet In-Person Or via Zoom

We will be sharing a BUNCH of new information about the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Join the network for free lunch and ministry/ person check-in time. Then we will talk about the 24ELCAYG!

PLEASE RSVP IF YOU ARE JOINING IN PERSON SO WE GET ENOUGH FOOD! KIDS WELCOME!

Register for the Reclaim Gathering by African Descent Ministries

 September 14 - 17, 2023 

RECLAIM is a curated gathering for people of African Descent of all ages and gender identities brought to us by African Descent Ministries. Building on well established community traditions and principles like Umoja, Sankofa, and Ubuntu, we will gather together to grow across generations. The African Descent community thrives most when gathered. This event is meant for our siblings in the pulpits, pews, and brunch.

Follow us on social media as we announce our workshop leaders and keynote speakers. Join African Descent Ministries and our community on September 14 through the 17 in Minneapolis, MN.

For more information and to register go to elca.org/reclaimgathering.

Support Veterans Homes in our synod

Each area of the Rocky Mountain Synod has at least one Veterans Home. The Vision Statement of one of these homes is “Working together to provide the highest quality of care and the best quality of life for veterans and their families.”

Get information about Veterans homes in our synod:

• Colorado Veterans homes: (cdhs.colorado.gov/our-services/older-adult-services/veterans-community-living-centers)
• Wyoming Veterans home: (health.wyo.gov/aging/veteranshome)
• Utah Veterans homes: (veterans.utah.gov/veterans-homes)
• New Mexico Veterans home: (nmhealth.org/about/ofm/ltcf/nmsvh)
• El Paso Veterans home: (vlb.texas.gov/veterans-homes/locations/el-paso/index.html)

The Veteran Servant Corps Project (VSCP), a ministry of the Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS), is currently offering regular worship services at three of these homes. VSCP pays $200 plus expenses to ordained clergy for each of these services.

Veteran Servant Corps Project is a self-funded ministry of the RMS. As such, a minimum of $600 in monthly donations is needed to enable VSCP to continue offering these worship services. There are more of these Veterans Homes desiring worship services. At this point, VSCP can add no more worship services until supporting donations are received.

Please prayerfully consider donating to help us expand our ministry. This is a marvelous opportunity to honor a Military Member and/or Veteran in your life as Memorial Day 2023 approaches. Click the button below and select "Veterans Servant Corps Project" from the dropdown list.

Jazz Vespers Continue at St.Paul Lutheran in Denver

Saturday, May 13, 6:00pm

Purnell Steen and the Five Points Ambassadors return to St. Paul-Denver on May 13 at 6:00 pm for the monthly Jazz Vespers. Come and have your spirit lifted with music, a message, and fellowship. A free-will offering will be received.

St. Paul Church, 16th and Grant, Denver, CO

 stpauldenver.org

ZOOM LEARNING

2ND ANNUAL VALBORG TOLLEFSRUD EDUCATIONAL EVENT

What Every Nurse Needs to Know About Spiritual Care

Presented by Sondra Weinzierl, MA, BAN, PHN, Faith Community Nurse

Thursday, May 11, 5:00-7:00pm

The intentional care of the spirit is foundational to faith community nursing. Yet, many FCNs feel unprepared to identify spiritual needs and provide care in complex situations with diverse clients in a rapidly changing world. This workshop provides information on assessing spiritual needs, spiritual care barriers and interventions.

Download flyer with more details here!

TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT GO TO lutheranfcna.org/event-5243488.

Malagasy dinner and presentation

May 11, 5:30pm

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM

505-242-5942

Please plan to enjoy a delicious Malagasy dinner in the Fellowship Hall and learn about some of the projects our sister, Rijasoa, is doing now that she is back in Madagascar. The dinner will be a fundraising event to support the Day Camp Rijasoa will be holding in July to bring students from rural areas of Madagascar to the capital, Antanarivo (Tana), for 5 days to attend camp and learn English. Rijasoa will give one of her very interesting presentations about this program while we enjoy a traditional meal. She will also be bringing many items for a silent auction. Please plan to attend! Or join us via Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/j/85609839763. Donations can be made online at stpaulabq.org/donate. (Please send an email afterwards to finsec@stpaulabq.org to confirm your donation is to support this fundraiser.) ~Peace, Terry Cole (Rijasoa’s American Mom)

Visit stpaulabq.org (map)

Creation Care Field Trip to CSU SPUR

Saturday, May 13 10:00am

Join the creation care team as they explore CSU's new educational facility at the Nation Western Complex, 4777 National Western Dr., Denver, CO 80216 (map). We will meet in the free north lot and then visit the land and water buildings to learn about the latest research on creation care.

Please email rmscreationcare@gmail.org if you will be attending or if you would like to zoom in on the event.

Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/153008509368206.

Build Day - Daniel Kuhlman & Friends - Longmont

Saturday, May 20, 8:30am

451 South Andersen Street, Longmont, CO

Volunteers will be helping Veterans Community Project with the construction of tiny homes for homeless Veterans! Check-in begins at 8:00 AM. Please arrive no later than 8:30 AM for our safety presentation. Build days get started at 8:30 AM and go for ~7 hours, with a lunch break.

Prior construction experience is NOT necessary. Bringing your own tool belt or tools is optional (VCP will have tools on-site and cannot reimburse you for damaged or broken tools you bring to the site.) Construction tasks will vary each day.

Click button for more information and to register:

We will gather at LOTH on the third Sunday of each month in 2023. If you would like more information regarding the Rejoicing Spirits experience or volunteering, please contact: Pastor Ann Hultquist at native2615@gmail.com or Karen Ullestad at kmullestad@hotmail.com.

Join King of Glory Lutheran Church in celebrating their 65th Anniversary!

Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 9:00am

10001 West 58th Avenue

Arvada, CO

King of Glory Lutheran Church is celebrating 65 years of Mission and Ministry. We would like to invite former pastors, staff members and former congregation members to join us on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Our celebration begins at 9:00 am with festival worship followed by brunch and program. Please RSVP to Diane Burton by email dianeburton44@msn.com or call 303-431-6118 by May 20, 2023.

"Our local ministry and witness includes 250+ Congregations and 3 Synod Authorized Worshipping Communities, 9 Mission Districts, and over 119,000 people. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod is part of Region 7.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod is made up of nine geographical areas called Mission Districts. Each mission district has a dean who is elected from among the clergy of the Mission District. The Dean serves as an advisor to the Bishop and assists in representing the Synod and Mission District at important events in congregations and communities. Each Mission District also has a Synod Staff Liaison appointed by the Bishop.."

The Rev. Christopher deForest, Kutztown, Pa., was elected Oct. 24, 2020 to serve a six-year term as bishop.

Visit nepasynod.org and on Facebook.

Click here to view a Bishops and Synods map of our 65 ELCA synods and 9 regions.