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

JANUARY 19, 2022

A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD

PAUSE your assembly plans until further notice

Continuing Covid concerns are causing some deep reflection about the El Paso assembly

An assembly in El Paso is all about experiencing life on the border and venturing out to places of ministry in both El Paso and Juarez. The planning team is concerned about those meaningful excursions and the slightest possibility of us bringing Covid into vulnerable communities. Additionally, traveling to El Paso so that we sit in a convention center is pointless.

Therefore, we are researching the possibility of rescheduling the El Paso assembly to 2023, recognizing that many of you have already made your travel arrangements. Fortunately, most carriers are allowing changes without additional charges.

If we are able to juggle our various assembly hotel contracts over the next several years without penalty, we will consider a revised assembly venue in Colorado (and very possibly a change of date.) The final decision will be made by Synod Council when they meet February 4 and 5.

Please know we are doing the best we possibly can to navigate this. We are not considering a total Zoom assembly at this time.

Watch for updates soon. Questions? Contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo.

El Paso congregations gather to envision "Church Together"

This last weekend (and following strict Covid protocols) our four ELCA congregations in El Paso met with one another and four Office of the Bishop staff members to listen, learn, deepen relationships and imagine how the Spirit might be leading into a more collaborative future.

Please keep these congregations in prayer as the journey continues!

Peace Lutheran Church
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey
New Hope Lutheran Church
St Timothy Lutheran Church

Christ’s Church, Better Together!

More than $42,000 received in RMS Fire Response Fund

We extend our prayers of gratitude for the gifts given to the RMS Fire Response Fund. Indeed, the love of Christ is made known through such generosity!

We continue to navigate our support and path of recovery for those impacted by the Marshall Fire in Boulder County. A team has been called together to network the available resources, including the oversight of Lutheran Disaster Response and the work of Lutheran Family Services.

This will undoubtedly be a long journey ahead for those impacted.

How to help

We invite you to volunteer your expertise in these areas by completing the form link below.

Insurance expertise
People to accompany people in insurance processes
Contractors and Construction related folks
Document Replacement support (government docs, etc)

VOLUNTEER EXPERTISE FORM

RMS FUND

The Rocky Mountain Synod welcomes contributions to a fund to assist those affected by the fire.

GIVE TO RMS FUND

CTS FUND

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church welcomes contributions to assist those affected by the fire.

GIVE TO CTS FUND

ELCA DISASTER RESPONSE

ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response invites contributions for those impacted by U.S. Wildfires.

GIVE TO ELCA DISASTER RESPONSE

DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Marshall Fire Donations Center at Flatirons

The Marshall Fire Donations Center opened on January 11, 2022, at 21 West Flatiron Crossing Drive Broomfield (the former Nordstrom department store at FlatIron Crossing Mall). See the specific list of items needed (and not).

Other Groups Collecting Items for Marshall Fire Victims (private groups)

Resource list for needs and opportunities for giving.

Housing Resource List by Boulder Area Housing Resource Association

Available Properties & Resources for Displaced Residents.

2021 annual report resources

RMS and ELCA pages available to spice up your annual report!

As you prepare for your congregation's annual meeting, you are encouraged to include these communication resource:

RMS Annual Report 2021 Pages

ELCA Annual Report Cover Pages

RMS & ELCA news and events

First of three Online events is January 22

RSVP now for three free GENEROSITY watch parties

Our 3E – Phase 2 grant has been addressing 3 key pillars of our lives together: stewardship, financial well-being of our rostered leaders, and vital right-shaped ministry. As we enter the third and final year of our Phase 2 Lilly Endowment Grant, we are working on strategies to sustain our Rocky Mountain Synod culture of generosity through the stewardship of information!

You are invited to participate in our upcoming WATCH PARTIES! We have selected three topics that people have been hungry for, and will bring a power packed hour of information at each Zoom session that will cover important technical aspects, critical adaptive components, and the spiritual grounding that centers and connects us all to God’s work!

These sessions are open to rostered and lay leaders throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod at NO COST.

Topic: GOVERNANCE

Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 10am

Topic: STORYTELLING

Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 10am

Topic: GENEROSITY AND THE BUDGET

Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 10am

Register and you will receive the Zoom link prior to the session. Questions? Contact Tina Kvitek, RMS Development Director or Deb Elstad, RMS 3E Associate Director of Stewardship.

Watch Party Registration

ONLINE MONTHLY ON THIRD THURSDAY

RMS Faith Formation Network

Thursday, January 20, 10:00 a.m. to noon

Kinna Kemp is the new Rocky Mountain Synod Faith Formation Coordinator. She extends an invitation to all who lead Children Youth and Family Faith Formation throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod. She invites everyone to gather online to connect with one another, have a Bible study, take part in continuing education (topic changes with the speaker for the month), and hear announcements from around the synod.

ZOOM INFORMATION

https://zoom.us/j/99227245869?pwd=RzdkTW5Wbi9ja3EwTGtkSnV3TWJZUT09

Meeting ID: 992 2724 5869

Passcode: 274795

Phone: +1 346 248 7799

SUBMIT YOUR FAITH FORMATION CONTACT INFO

Help us update and confirm our records for who is serving in staff positions and volunteer positions in faith formation by completing this form:

Submit Faith Formation Staff/Volunteer Information

Congregations invited to pledge to the RMS Campaign

Having already raised over $1 million to fund the First Step of our campaign, let's journey together into the future and top our Next Faithful Step Campaign goal of $1.57 million through gifts from congregations, foundations, endowments, and individuals!

In order to boldly and effectively continue our vital witness to the gospel as we journey together into the future, the Rocky Mountain Synod Council is investing in four ministry initiatives that form our Next Faithful Step, along with our Racial Justice Tithe.

TRIFOLD BROCHURE

Summary of the four initiatives and the Racial Justice tithe:

Excellence in Leadership

Messiah Mountain Retreat Center

3E Lilly Grant

Lutheran Center

Watch a video about each initiative

Campaign Information & Resources

THIS SATURDAY at Messiah Mountain Retreat Center

Lodge ceiling demolition kicks off renovations made possible through Campaign gifts

Because of generous gifts given to our Next Faithful Step Campaign we are able to begin renovations to the Messiah Mountain Retreat Center lodge in the new year! The first project is to remove old ceiling tiles from the kitchen and to demolish the drop ceiling in the fireplace gathering area. Please RSVP today for our Demo Day which will be Saturday January 22, 2022, at 9 a.m.

We invite your volunteer help to accomplish this project! We will next be installing a more attractive ceiling in the gathering area, painting cupboards in the kitchen, painting walls, installing a new floor, and more. Share skills you have on the form as well. Map the location.

Messiah Mountain Retreat Center is a gift given from Messiah Community Church, ELCA. The retreat center is in Indian Hills, CO, just west of metro Denver. Learn more about Messiah Mountain.

If you would enjoy some light duty demolition please click the button. Questions? Please contact Pastor Kent Mueller.

Messiah Mountain Retreat Center Campaign Video

Kickoff the new Colorado Legislative session with Faithful Thursdays!

The Faithful Thursdays coalition is back, and you're invited to our 2022 Session Kick-Off on Thursday, January 20. Join us for A Gathering of Gratitude, Lament, and Hope - Thursday, January 20 at Noon

Zoom link here

And save Thursday, February 17 - we'll be hosting Colorado Lutheran Day in Denver at the Capitol. Mark your calendar now! Registration will open later this month. For more information, including location, time, registration cost, and frequently asked questions, visit our website: 2022 Lutheran Day at the Capitol.

ONLINE EVENT

Advocacy 101 Training Event

Monday, January 24 7:30 p.m.

Have you found yourself motivated to reach out to your legislators about an important issue or a specific bill being considered? Have you wanted to support LAM-NM's Action Alerts by contacting legislators? But, you held back because you were not sure how or what to say and do?

Join us on Monday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. for Advocacy 101 Training!

Veteran advocates Ellen Buelow, Judy Messal, along with LAM-NM Director, Kurt Rager, will provide you with all the tools you need to reach out effectively and with confidence when advocating with your legislators. Please sign up HERE !! A link to the training on Zoom will then be sent to you. Join us!

Veteran Servant Corps Project

Calendar of Events

February 6, 2022 – Vicky Daub will be preaching, 9:30am worship service, at Christ the King in Colorado Springs.

April 22-24, 2022 – VSCP first Veterans Couples retreat at Rainbow Trail Lutheran camp. This retreat is free for any/all Veteran couples. Interested in participating? Contact Vicky Daub.

Share the new Veterans Servant Corps Project brochure! Get it here.

Have Veterans events at your church/community that you would like to publicize; want Vicky or another VSCP board member to visit your church/community? Contact Vicky Daub.

Visit the VSCP web page

for your bulletin

Third Sunday after Epiphany

January 23, 2022

Prayer of the Day

Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

In God's Hands:

Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches

23 - 29 January : Cyprus, Greece, Turkey

Intercessions and Prayers

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.

ELCA Prayer Ventures

RMS Prayer Cycle

METRO WEST CONFERENCE

Week of January 23

Evergreen Lutheran Church

Evergreen, CO

Rev. Sara Wirth

Highlands Lutheran Church

Denver, CO

Rev. Deb Cote

King of Glory Lutheran Church

Arvada, CO

Rev. Laura Bostrom

Nativity Lutheran Church

Commerce City, CO

Rev. Will Johnson

Shepherd of the Valley and American Lutheran

Grand Junction, CO

Deacon Gail Britt

Shepherd Of The Valley Lutheran Church

Grand Junction, CO

Rev. Kaila Armbruster

Spirit of the Mountain

Golden, CO

Rev. Paul Hofer

St John Lutheran Church

Thornton, CO

Rev. Wes Dunbar

St Mark's Church Of Grace Episcopal Lutheran Ministry

Craig, CO

Rev. Bain White

Ordinations

Monica Butler

University Lutheran Chapel

Berkeley CA

Saturday, January 29, 10:30am (tentative)

Monica is called to serve as pastor or Immanuel/UNC, Greeley, CO

Color of the day is Red

Installations

Pr. Joe Natwick

Bethel Lutheran Church

Windsor, CO

Sunday, January 23, 2:00 p.m.

Color of the day is Green

Monthly Prayer Cycle

around the synod

Made in God's Image

God's Boundless Diversity

Reconciling in Christ Sunday

January 30, 2022

ReconcilingWorks wants to celebrate with your faith community and is excited to offer these resources. Many RIC communities celebrate RIC Sunday on the last Sunday in January. This year, that lands on January 30, 2022. ReconcilingWorks encourages you to celebrate on a date that is meaningful for your community. Be sure to use this day as a time to recommit to your partnership as a RIC faith community, discern ways to live into your RIC partner commitments, and set new milestones for the year to come.

RIC Sunday Resources here

Let us welcome St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Taylorsville, UT - a new RIC congregation!

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Taylorsville, Utah, has submitted a profile survey to Reconciling Works to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Partner. Their congregation unanimously approved a new welcoming statement at their Congregational meeting on November 21, 2021. They will celebrate January 30, RIC Sunday, with the theme "Made in God's Image: God's boundless Diversity."

St. Matthew's looks forward to being advocates for our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters in Christ and exploring how they can best serve. This has been a two-year journey for the Task Force and congregation at St. Matthew's and they are excited for the future and how they can welcome, learn and care for all God's people.

Read St. Matthew's RIC Welcoming Statement!

Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp Hiring Summer Staff

Sky Ranch is hiring energetic, responsible, faith centered young adults to mentor youth of all ages! Spend a summer in the beautiful Rocky Mountains experiencing God's creation while Facilitating an Encounter with Christ. Staff should love working with kids, be open to guiding faith conversations, willingness to share and learn new skills to take with you down the mountains. Summer salary starts at $3,000 and includes two weeks of training, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, and room and board. Sky Ranch is hiring for a variety of roles this summer, check out our website for more information. We look forward to seeing you up the mountain this summer!

Go to Sky Ranch website for more info

our life together

ONLINE EVENT

Boldly Serving Our Afghan Neighbors: A Call for Congregational Accompaniment and Co-Sponsorship

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 5:00 PM MST

The need for our accompaniment and support is growing following evacuation of thousands of Afghan refugees to the United States, and we hear the call to bear witness to God's love with Afghan newcomers who have lost their homes and must make new beginnings. Lutheran Disaster Response, the ELCA AMMPARO network and ELCA Witness in Society will help congregations and individuals answer the call to engage in co-sponsorship, financial support and advocacy meaningfully and effectively as we seek to show welcome in the days and years ahead.

There's room for more!

RMS Spring 2022 Border Immersion Experience

April 9 - 15

We are nearing the time to send in our first Grand Junction, CO group deposit for The Border Immersion Trip from El Paso into Juarez! Although the trip is scheduled for April 9-15, 2022, we want to confirm who will participate from other RMS congregations so we can send in our first deposit by February!

For more information or to confirm your participation, please attend an ONLINE ZOOM MEETING Monday, January 24 at 7:00 pm (MT)

To receive the Zoom link and for more information, contact Deacon Gail Britt. Brochure available here, feel free to pass it on to your friends and family!

A passport and COVID vaccination are required.

Participants are advised to obtain a new passport as soon as possible.

An estimated $600-625 for the week, includes lodging at the church, group meals, ground transportation while in El Paso and group deposits. (Does not include airfare or hotel accommodations)

Our Synod Cares for Creation!

As we embark on a new year, it is always good to consider where we have been and where we hope to be going. Reflecting on 2021 in the area of our relationship with God's gift of creation, the Rocky Mountain Synod overwhelmingly adopted two significant measures at the May Assembly. These are the Resolution "Renewed Relationship: a 21st Century Resolution to Care for Creation" and a "Memorial to Churchwide to Renew the 1993 Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice Social Statement." 2022 provides an opportunity for us to act on both of these documents at personal, congregational and churchwide levels.

In order to advance creation care in your congregation, it would be highly beneficial to form a "Green Team." LRC provides a wealth of resources to assist such ministry in a variety of areas including social justice, climate change, just transition, loss of biological species and indigenous people concerns at Lutherans Restoring Creation. Under the "About Us" tab drop down and find a "Map of Care for Creation Ministries."

For the four states in our synod (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) and El Paso, TX it would be helpful to add any Green Teams or any other categories of representation in addition to what is shown. So, for a challenge in the new year enter your information at the LRC website or email us and get on the map in 2022!

Interim Ministry Training Using a Group Coaching Model

Beginning Friday January 28, 2022

2nd and 4th Fridays each month

9:00am - 10:00am

This Interim Ministry Training is based in the real-time real life work of an Intentional Interim Pastor. it uses a "coach approach," which believes the participants are "creative, resourceful, and whole," and is directed by a trained coach.

Three-quarters of participants' time together will center around the process and issues facing the participants, with the remainder assigned to the master of knowledge essential to providing successful interim pastoral leadership. Participants will meet for one hour twice monthly over six months.

This training was initially designed by Fresh Thinking Coaching and Consulting and has been developed in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop.

The cost for the program is $585. To learn more and to register, please go to the Purposeful Pastor website.

resources

Lenten Resources from ELCA World Hunger

We invite you to study, pray, reflect and give with us during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving — for our families, our neighbors and communities around the world.

As the world has reeled from the effects of a deadly pandemic, we have seen the number of hungry people around the world rise, watched as food pantries and soup kitchens expanded to serve an ever-growing number of guests, and longed together for the time when we “will hunger no more, and thirst no more ... and God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes” (Revelation 7:16-17). This very yearning is at the heart of who we are as church together. Yet our longing has never led to inertia or despair, despite the discouraging forecasts. We are an Easter people, ever journeying toward the cross but trusting in faith that God’s story does not end on that hill.

Explore and engage during this Lenten season by bringing ELCA World Hunger into your congregation and home with these resources

Administration Matters

January 2022

2022 IRS mileage allowance

The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2022 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on January 1, 2022, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

58.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 1 cent from the 2021 rate.
18 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the armed forces, up 2 cents from the 2021 rate.
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2021.
The business mileage rate increased 1 cent for business travel and 1 cent for medical and certain moving expenses from 2021. The charitable rate is set by statute and remains unchanged. For more information, visit the IRS website.

Are employer-provided cell phones a fringe benefit?

If your organization provides employees with cell phones for business use, both their business and personal use of the cell phone is a nontaxable fringe benefit. Likewise, reimbursement stipends and cell phone allowances that cover employees' personal cell phone costs are still nontaxable benefits. >More

Don't be left in the cold - inspect your heating boiler

A regular boiler inspection will help ensure that your boiler is operating at its highest level of efficiency and providing the most heat for the least possible cost. State and local laws often require boiler inspections, and failure to comply may result in fines or other penalties. >More

See full issue of Administration Matters