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



JANUARY 4, 2023

a reconciling in Christ Synod

The congregation's first building was dedicated June 3, 1956.

Denver's Christ the King Church to close Jan. 8 after 67 years of faithful ministry

The Liturgy of Holy Closure is 10 a.m. on Sunday.


Christ the King Lutheran Church in Denver was officially organized on February 10, 1956. Membership Sunday was observed two days later, with the reception of 235 baptized members. In 1959, three years later, the congregation had a membership of 771.


For 67 years the congregation shared the Good News of Christ’s love in the Harvey Park neighborhood of southwest Denver, but now will close its doors after a Liturgy of Holy Closure at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 8. Map link.


”We give thanks for the ministry and witness of the Christ the King congregation,” said Bishop Jim Gonia. “Now in the cycle of life and death and resurrection the congregation is giving their property to the Rocky Mountain Synod with a desire for it to be a place of renewed ministry. For that we are extraordinarily grateful.”

Participating in the liturgy will be Pastor Randy Mundt, Pastor Doug Hill, Pastor Dana Peterson, Pastor Paul Judson, Pastor Arlyn Saathoff, and Pastor Joel Rothe (online presence).


The people of the Rocky Mountain Synod extend our prayers of thanksgiving to the Christ the King Lutheran Church community for their many years of faithful ministry.

A Reflection At The Turn Of The Year

by Carrie Newcomer


In the opening chapter of Ross Gay’s luminous new book, Inciting Joy, the author imagines a potluck gathering where everyone brings their joys and their sorrows (along with a hot dish). In his description, our joys and sorrows are not separate things like two sides of a coin, but more like a piece of beautifully woven cloth, each thread a part of the whole...


So perhaps the turn of the year is a place to rest, a moment for the eternal now to sit in kind regard and warm conversation with all that was and will be. Perhaps today is a good time to ponder the whole cloth of our own life and the other lives around us.


Perhaps in recognizing our shared human condition and that we all carry our joys and sorrows, hopes and longings as well as our eternal now, we might be kinder in the process more tender with one another. Perhaps in sensing the whole cloth, I might embrace delight with more exuberance and humble gratitude...


Read the entire reflection

RMS & ELCA news and events

MESSIAH MOUNTAIN

Art Journal Workshop series doesn't require art skills


Three Saturdays: February 4, 11, 18

9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with lunch provided.

$175 Cost: sessions, supplies, and lunch.

Location: Messiah Mountain Retreat Center, 5200 Parmalee Gulch Road, Indian Hills, CO, a short drive into the foothills west of Denver, just 8 minutes from C-470 and Highway 285. 


Artist journals combine writing and various media (drawing, water color, pastel, collage, etc.) with the purpose of exploring ideas and making a written and visual record of experience. In this workshop series, we will mine elements of our own life story and experiences using various media and written reflections, all brought together and bound in a journal format. No artistic experience required, but a willingness to reflect, write, and engage with art media is essential. Expect some work outside class sessions each week.


Workshop Host: Ken Phillips is our host and co-traveler in this workshop. (Ken was our Park City Theological Conference artist!)


Registration is online, as well as additional information about the workshop and our workshop host. January 25 registration deadine. Contact Kent Mueller with questions.

EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP RETREAT

Deepen resiliency and create community with EiL colleagues

Resiliency, Community, and the Loneliness of Leadership

February 16-18, 2023


The Excellence in Leadership Team is excited to invite EiL colleagues to their first retreat, geared at graduates and those in Year 2 of this initiative. We recognize that the work we need to do to deepen resiliency, create community, and excel as leaders is not over when participants graduate from Excellence in Leadership. There is always work to be done, and it can be hard to do it in the normal confines of everyday life.


This retreat will...

  • allow space for being understood in a community of leaders.
  • carve out time away from the demands of leadership.
  • present Excellence in Leadership material related to Community and Resiliency.
  • strategize ways to shift culture and craft a new way forward.

 

This retreat is set before the season of Lent, so leaders can come and let go of some of their burdens ahead of a busy and deeply spiritual season. The retreat will take place at the Franciscan Retreat Center, Colorado Springs, CO. Retreat facilitators are Pastors Will Johnson and Katie Emery.


Questions? Send email to eil@rmselca.org.

Register here for EiL retreat!

FORWARD TO YOUR FINANCE FOLKS

Click on the letter to read more about what we are doing to combat check fraud


Right now, don't send checks in window envelopes.


We are also requesting that treasurers and financial staff be sure to reconcile the statement emailed or sent each month (from Jon Johnson, our financial manager) with your records to confirm that the RMS has received payments that you have sent. Some checks have been deposited fraudulently. Banks have been efficient in issuing the funds to us correctly, but we have to track down missing funds first!


We are working on fraud prevention strategies, including a system for authorizing electronic fund transfers. Read the letter by clicking on the graphic, and watch for details in the new year. Please contact Jon with questions.

CONNECT WITH OTHERS

Join the RMS 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!
Sign up for  RMS Faith Formation e-News

Faith Formation Network Meetings

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

Register now for

Wonderfully Made Youth Gathering

February 18-20, 2023


Register and book your hotel rooms by Thursday, January 19!


Go to rmselca.org/faith-formation for more information!

FAITH FORMATION

Western States Youth Gathering '23

July 6-9, 2023


Early Bird registration is $385/person.


Prices increase January 4!


Registration prices for the Western States Youth Gathering (WSYG) are increasing on January 4, 2023! Have you registered your youth group yet? Registration prices increase $100 - so be sure to register today!

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). WSYG will also include the Western States Multicultural Youth Leadership Pre-Event (WYLE), happening July 4-6, with WSYG happening July 6-9.

 

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.”

 

Learn more about the event and register your group here: https://www.wsyg.com/ 

Stay up to date by following our social media accounts!

Instagram: instagram.com/westernstatesyg23

Facebook: facebook.com/wsyg23 

Twitter: twitter.com/wsyg23 

 

Questions can be directed to info@wsyg.com.

Register now for WSYG!

LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION

The latest issue of

"foundations"

Winter 2022-2023


There is so much great content in this issue!


  • Bold Gathering - sharing about this event in October
  • Meet Joshua - Director of Discipleship
  • When Jesus became FULLY Human - Book Review
Get "foundations" - Winter 2022-23

ELCA global church network

YOUNG ADULTS IN GLOBAL MISSION

Applications Open for 2023/24 Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) Program

The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program invites ELCA young adults ages 21-29 into a transformative, year-long journey in international service. As they offer themselves in service, ELCA young adults are shaped by the witness of our global neighbors. They share in the journeys of companion churches and organizations in one of nine countries around the world.


To learn how you can support Young Adults in Global Mission, visit their sponsorship page here.


Learn about the program details and apply at ELCA.org/YAGM by Feb. 1, 2023. Priority will be given to those who apply before January 15. For more information contact YAGM at 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2861 or by email to Mae Helen Jackson, Young Adult Outreach and Placement Manager at maehelen.jackson@elca.org.

YAGM information and application

in our prayers

JANUARY 8, 2023

Baptism of Our Lord - First Sunday after Epiphany

Prayer of the Day

O God our Father, at the baptism of Jesus you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ faithful to their calling to be our daughters and sons, and empower us all with your Spirit, 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

08 - 14 January 2023: Iran, Iraq, Syria

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 JANUARY 8

RMS Prayer Cycle


January 2023

Metro West Conference


King of Glory Lutheran Church

Arvada, CO

Pastor Laura Bostrom


St. Andrew Lutheran Church

Arvada, CO

Pastor Sarah Wirth

Deacon Linda Bobbitt


All Saints Lutheran Church

Austin, CO

------


Nativity Lutheran Church

Commerce City, CO

Pastor William Johnson


St. Mark's Church of Grace Episcopal Lutheran Ministry

Craig, CO

Pastor Bain White



Glory of God Lutheran Church

Wheat Ridge, CO

Pastor Emily Cardin

Installations


Pastor Julie McNitt

Abiding Hope Church

Saturday, January 14, 2022

5:30 pm

6337 S Robb Way, Littleton, CO 80127


Pastor Julie McNitt will be installed as the Lead Servant for Spiritual Life at Abiding Hope Church. Vestments for clergy are stoles only. The color of the day is green and multicolored stoles are also encouraged.



Pastor Teresa Annette Schjang

Evergreen Lutheran Church

Sunday, January 15, 2022 (rescheduled due to COVID)

3:00 pm

5980 Highway 73, Evergreen, CO 80439


Pastors and deacons are invited to wear albs and vestments for Advent. Please arrive by 2:15 p.m. You will be directed to Memorial Hall in the lower level to dress and organize for the processional. Optimal parking will be in the lower lot adjacent to the building which allows direct entry into Memorial Hall. If stairs are challenging, please use the main entrance on the east side of the church and you will be directed to a room in which to change and then join the processional.

 

In case of inclement weather, please check our website for updates: www.evergreenlutheran.org




Pastor Sara Wirth and Deacon Linda Bobbitt

together are called to serve two congregations.

Sunday, January 22 - Color of the day is green

Advent, Westminster - 8:30 a.m. Installation

St. Andrew, Arvada - 10:30 a.m. Installation


Monthly Prayer Cycle

around the synod

GRAND JUNCTION & ONLINE

Classes on Grief and Living with Meaning begin in January


The in-person course Pathways Through Grief will meet on Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00 am at Shepherd of the Valley, Grand Junction, (Room TBD), January 4, 11, 18 and 21. The online course will occur on the same dates 6:30-8:00 pm on Zoom.


A new course, Living With Meaning & Purpose in Life, will meet in person at Shepherd of the Valley, Grand Junction, Friday mornings from 9:30-11:00 am on January 6, 13, 20 and February 3.


The online course will be on Monday evenings January 9 16, 23 & 30.


REGISTRATION CLOSES ON DECEMBER 15!

For more information, contact Deacon Gail Britt and register by email to Brittgail2545@gmail.com.

Concert Encounter for Kidz

Sunday, January 29 at 3:00pm


Hey kids (of all ages)! Get up close and comfortable with music for Stratus Chamber Orchestra’s 2nd Annual “Concert Encounter for Kidz.”


Hear all the sounds! See their fingers move! Touch the instruments! This afternoon concert will feature music of horns, woodwinds, and strings –– ALL with a kid-friendly flair. Expose little young ones to the joy of music where there are no rules or restrictions to bounce, sway, dance, or stomp to the music.

A concert to inspire any future young artist!


Event takes place in the Fellowship Hall at Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80246). Cost is $15 per adult and $5 per child.

Tickets for Concert Encounter with Kidz!

our life together

ONLINE ZOOM MEETING

God Holds You: A Pandemic Chronicle by Sarah Scherschligt

Wednesday, January 11, 1:00-2:30pm


For the first thirteen months of the pandemic, Pr. Sarah Scherschligt, an ELCA pastor in Alexandria, VA, wrote nightly reflections with the aim of conveying God’s steady presence to a reeling world. She compiled those writings into a book, God Holds You: A Pandemic Chronicle, and has started using her reflections with small groups to reflect on the pandemic.


During the small groups she ask questions like:


When did you first know the pandemic was real?

Throughout the pandemic, how did joy and sorrow exist together?

When did you feel especially vulnerable to the virus, to racism, to poverty, or to something else, and how did you get through it?

Where did you find grace?

What values became clear?

And, importantly, how did you know God was with you?

The Rocky Mountain Synod has invited Pr. Sarah to be with us on Wednesday, January 11th from 1-2:30 p.m. to share about her new book and lead a small group gathering to reflect together on the pandemic.


The Zoom info for this online gathering is:

zoom.us/j/98049988778?pwd=Q1hhQS9IUUI4VklBbGVHYitoUHN4QT09

Meeting ID: 980 4998 8778

Passcode: 617701

Phone: +1 346 248 7799


In preparation, read this article by Pr. Sarah in Faith+Lead. Our hope is that the conversation with Pr. Sarah will be valuable to lay and rostered leaders alike!

ONLINE ZOOM MEETING (FREE)

Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop

Saturday, January 14, 9:00am-noon


Are you looking for a way to explore or deepen your relationship with God? In our introductory workshop to Centering Prayer, you will discover a centuries-old prayer method. Centering Prayer consists of simply sitting in silence with God - beyond thoughts, words, and emotions - and opening our mind, heart and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery.


In this FREE workshop, you will learn the basics of Centering Prayer, experience it in a guided setting, and be able to ask questions and share experiences with the presenter and your fellow initiates.


To register, call (303)698-7729 or centeringprayer.net/introtocenteringprayer.

IN-PERSON EVENT (FREE)

12-Step Introductory Workshop to Centering Prayer

Saturday, January 14, 9:00am-noon

Center for Contemplative Living, 3650 Yates St., Denver, CO


Many members of 12 Step recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, NA, ACA, OA, SAA and others have found Centering Prayer to be transformative in their recovery work generally, and specifically as it pertains to emotional sobriety and practicing a daily 11th Step: "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out."


Our presenters will share their experience, strength and hope with Centering Prayer. We will present this simple method to help deepen contact with your Higher Power. Those who already practice Centering Prayer as a part of their 12 Step recovery and desire a refresher will also find the presentation useful. Please join us.


To register, call (303)698-7729 or go to centeringprayer.net/introto12step.

Love Your Neighbor!

Sunday, January 15, 4:00pm - 6:00pm


Lord of the Hills Lutheran

21755 E Smoky Hill Rd. Aurora, CO 80015


Join Rejoicing Spirits on Sunday, January 15 at Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church in Aurora from 4-6 p.m. for dinner and worship!

There will be activities, singing, laughing and loving God together. Rejoicing Spirits is an inclusive worship space for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, their care givers, families and anyone who seeks an open, joyful and creative worship experience.


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 Rev. Brigette Weier at weierbrigetter@gmail.com.


"We will know what it is to be created in God's image when all are included."

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Managing Leadership Anxiety

Friday, Feb 3 from 6:00-9:00pm

and Saturday, Feb 4 from 8:00-2:00pm


God is counting on all of us to be leaders in our workplaces, homes, community, schools and beyond creating peace and inclusion. Abiding Hope Church is hosting a free workshop on “Managing Leadership Anxiety” by Steve Cuss. Steve Cuss is an author and speaker on leadership anxiety, helping individuals learn to function as calm, aware, and present humans in their work and home place.

Join us Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4 with dinner, breakfast, and lunch included. This event is free! To register please email Cathi@abidinghope.org.

Speaker info at stevecusswords.com.

GREATER METRO DENVER

Well of Hope needs storage space for their furnishings


Well of Hope, ELCA, in Castle Rock, CO has lost the lease on the building where they have worshiped for the past 5 years. Despite an extensive search, they have not yet been able to locate new worship space. At the end of December, Well of Hope will need to place the majority of their property in storage, while they worship temporarily in a neighboring church.


Well of Hope is in need of a place to store 75 chairs, an altar, piano, large wall cross and other smaller miscellaneous items. If you have an unused classroom, basement or other storage area in your building that Well of Hope could use while they continue to search for a new place to call home, please contact congregation president Tom Reed at tomcareed@msn.com. Thank you.

classified ads

Free set of Luther's Works


Augustana Lutheran Church has a set of Luther's Works, Volumes 1 through 54, that are free to a good home! Please contact us at julie@augustanadenver.org to pick them up.

get to know our synods

Western Iowa (5E)

Situated on lush farmland, nestled within and east of the rolling Loess Hills and the storied Missouri River, the Western Iowa Synod is one of 3 ELCA Synods in Iowa.


With a diverse and faith-filled history of native people and early settlers from Europe, we are joyfully called as servants to accompany over 50,000 baptized members, 122 congregations and their leaders in guiding all people to God’s saving grace.



Bishop Lorna Halaas serves the Western Iowa Synod.

Visit seiasynod.org and on Facebook.


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

staff this week

Bishop Jim Gonia

  • New Beginnings, Denver, CO
  • Madagascar Network
  • Church Becoming Team


ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION

Pastor Dana Peterson

  • New Beginnings, Aurora, CO
  • Innovation/Outreach Team
  • Glory of God, Wheat Ridge, CO
  • Christ the King, Denver, CO


ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CANDIDACY, FIRST CALL, ROSTER SUPPORT, AND GLOBAL CHURCH

Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson

  • Vacation


LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO

Kurt Rager

  • NM Food/Hunger/Water/Ag Coordinating Committee
  • St. Andrew Presbyterian Church - ABQ

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO

Peter Severson

  • ELCA State Public Policy Offices monthly call
  • First Day of 2023 Colorado Legislative Session
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee


ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR ADMIN & COMMUNICATION

Pastor Kent Mueller

  • Christ the King, Denver, CO
  • Administration & Communication


DIRECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT/LUTHERAN CENTER

Tina Kvitek

  • RMS Disaster Response
  • Christ The King, Denve,r CO
  • St. Marks, Aurora, CO
  • Christ, Highlands Ranch, CO

employment opportunities

Director of Pastoral Care

Frasier Retirement Community - Boulder, CO 80303


Youth and Outreach Program Director

Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp - Fort Collins, Colorado



Executive Director

Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA)


Executive Director

Mt. Cross Ministries, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Northern California


Wartburg West Program Director

Wartburg's Denver Program


Communications Specialist and Admin

Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO


Outdoor School Instructors, Spring 2023

Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences in Southern California


Organist/Accompanist (part-time)

King of Glory Lutheran Church - Arvada, CO


Office Administrator (part-time)

Lutheran Church of the Master - Lakewood, CO


Early Childhood Teacher/Assistant Teacher (part-time)

Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO


Choir Director (part-time)

Bethel Lutheran Church - Aurora, CO


Nursery Ministry Coordinator

Lutheran Church of Hope - Broomfield, CO


View RMS Employment Opportunities

quick links

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eConnection: past issues


Find a Congregation


Rocky Mountain Synod Website

Congregations in Transition


Excellence in Leadership


Better Together Campaign


Give a contribution

Staff Photos, Emails, and Phone Numbers 

Kent Mueller, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Communication

Andrew Nakatani, Communications Assistant


Contact Andrew Nakatani or Kent Mueller with questions and comments about eConnection and our website! Submit eConnection items here.


Rocky Mountain Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

303-777-6700

rmselca.org


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