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

FEBRUARY 2, 2022

A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD

Of candles, shadows, and groundhogs

For centuries, February 2 has been celebrated as Candlemas, a Christian Feast Day. Candlemas is also Presentation of our Lord Day, because it honors the day that Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the Temple. If you’re wondering where candles fit into this day, look no further than the Holy Family’s encounter with St. Simeon at the Temple. The Holy Spirit had assured him that he would not die before seeing Christ and, upon seeing Jesus, exclaimed that Jesus was, “A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:32) Hence the candles and why we get them blessed on this day.

But why is Candlemas on February 2?

The date of Candlemas is always February 2 because it is exactly 40 days (inclusive) after Christmas on December 25. The Mosaic law stated that 40 days was the period of purification after the birth of a child, and so the presentation took place 40 days after Jesus was born. Incidentally, February 2 is also about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, so the date has always had significance for ancient people. The Celts, for instance, celebrated it as Imbolc, a pagan festival marking the beginning of spring.

So what’s the Connection to Groundhog Day?

Candlemas became linked to weather predictions about the end of winter as evidenced in an old English poem:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,

Come winter, have another flight.

If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,

Go winter, and come not again.

It makes sense that early February was a good time to prognosticate about the weather, especially as February 2 marks the midpoint between Winter and Spring. And the English poem makes the connection with shadows: “fair and bright” = sun = shadows = more winter, while “clouds and rain” = no sun = no shadows = spring arriving soon. It seems counterintuitive (why should a sunny day mean more winter?), but this is the exact pattern that Groundhog Day follows.

But why a groundhog? Germans developed their own take on the legend of weather prediction, pronouncing the day sunny only if badgers and other small animals glimpsed their own shadows. When German immigrants settled Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries, they brought the custom with them, choosing the native groundhog as the annual forecaster.

On Candlemas, Christians all over the world bring candles with them to their local church. These candles are blessed, and they will be lighted all year long as a symbol that Christ is the Light of the World. They flicker and banish away the darkness... and the shadows.

Candlemas blessing of candles

Candlemas traditions

Groundhog Day and Candlemas

Ten things about Candlemas and Groundhog Day for Children

PAUSE your assembly plans until further notice

Synod Council will consider options on Feb 4/5

Pastor Sarah Bjornebo is working diligently to bring possible options and proposals to our synod council meeting on Feb 4/5. We will communicate our way forward as to this year's assembly date and place.

Questions? Contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo.

How do we show compassion, grace, and kindness to those impacted by the Marshall Fire?

To respond to that question, the RMS Fire Response team has been learning about the complexities of how different organizations and agencies all network together, each providing a different aspect of relief, compassion, and expertise.

This is a very long and challenging journey towards healing and wholeness. These are three way you and/or your congregation may share the love of Christ with those in need:

Do you have a mountain cabin or condo that you would offer at no cost as a place of respite and refreshment for those who are faced daily by loss and the burned out and devasted neighborhoods? Trinity and Christ the Servant (CtS) families would be most grateful. The CtS Chrysalis Team is coordinating this ministry. Send an email to ctschrysalisteam@gmail.com. Read about the Chrysalis Initiative at here.
Congregations are invited to “adopt” Trinity, Boulder, and Christ the King, Louisville, for a week at a time as a part of “Connect. Love. Pray.” As your congregations prays for those who are impacted by the fire, you might share a video message, record your choir singing a healing message, write a poem, make sidewalk chalk drawings and send photographs. After you sign up, you will be assigned a week, and then will receive a sheet with ideas and contact emails. Sign up to be a "Connect. Love. Pray." congregation.
If you have some gifts and abilities to share, you may offer your expertise in the form below. There is a specific need for CPA’s or those with extensive tax preparation skills.

Fill out the Gifts & Abilities form

Please be reminded that no tangible items are needed at this time. The storehouses are overflowing with generous donations.

2021 annual report resources

RMS and ELCA pages available to include in 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

Next Online event is February 26

RSVP now for free GENEROSITY watch parties

You are invited to participate in our upcoming GENEROSITY WATCH PARTIES! We have selected 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: STORYTELLING

Saturday, February 26 at 10:00am

Topic: GENEROSITY AND THE BUDGET

Saturday, March 26 at 10:00am

Questions? Contact Tina Kvitek, RMS Development Director or Deb Elstad, RMS 3E Associate Director of Stewardship.

Watch Party Registration

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

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS!

Projects on the Messiah Mountain Horizon

Pictured is the "before" and we need you to help us get to the "after!" We don't have the timeline in place yet, but as we move ahead with renovations made possible through the Next Faithful Step campaign, we are seeking volunteer/s to:

remove the old laminate kitchen countertops and install new pre-fab laminate countertops from Home Depot.
remove kitchen cupboard doors and hardware and sand/prep for painting, then install new hardware and reinstall after painting.
use a compressor to "professionally" spray paint the kitchen cupboards.
paint walls and ceilings.
remove old lighting fixtures and install new ones.
install stone or faux stone on a gas fireplace.
create/install a new fireplace mantel.
bathroom vanity installation/plumbing.
level floors prior to new floor installation.
install laminate flooring.

Messiah Mountain is being renovated to be our new place of spiritual renewal for adults. It's nearby in Indian Hills, just west of Denver. Map the location.

Gifts to the Rocky Mountain Synod "Next Faithful Step" campaign are funding this renewal! Learn about the campaign and give a gift here: https://rmselca.org/next-faithful-step

Volunteer for Messiah Mountain

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.

Register NOW for Colorado Lutheran Day at the Capitol

Thursday, February 17

8:00am to 1:00pm

Colorado Lutheran Day at the Capitol is back! Join us on February 17 for a morning of learning, sharing and action. Even if you're new to the lobbying process, have never met a legislator, or have never even stepped inside the State Capitol, we want you to join us. Advocates will gather to learn about what's happening this year under the Gold Dome, better understand the connection between advocacy and our faith, and go to the State Capitol in downtown Denver to meet our legislators in person.

A remote participation option is also available for the morning portion (non-Capitol) of the event, and remote participants will be equipped with the tools to schedule virtual visits with their legislators. The morning event is at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant Street, Denver.

Registration is $20 and includes all materials as well as breakfast and lunch. Join us and make a difference through advocacy

2022 ELCA Youth Gathering canceled

The 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering has been canceled due to the ongoing pandemic, the recent COVID-19 surge and public health considerations. The Gathering pre-events - the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, the ELCA gathering for youth with disabilities - have also been canceled. Registered congregations can visit their registration accounts starting Monday, February 7, to select their desired refund option. For more information and FAQs, please visit elca.org/Gathering.

An announcement from the ELCA Youth Gathering states: "We know there are thousands of young people who will not get to experience the Gathering, and our hearts break for them. This was not an easy decision, and we ask for your prayers and your grace. We understand the impact this decision will have on our youth, volunteers and planning teams, and we hope to return to Minneapolis for a future Gathering."

Lutheran Men in Mission

a message from Herb Hergott, RMS LMM Ambassador

I hope you are well, and will take time to read through our January 2022 Lutheran Men In Mission (LMM ) Ambassador-Gram. LMM is promoting programs for men with tools and programs you can use in your congregations. May you be inspired to participate in one of these program options, and ask friends to join you too.

BOLD GATHERING is a day for men to come together to learn, to network, and be equipped to BOLDY live out their faith! There are two gatherings planned for 2022. A virtual meeting on Saturday, April 22 and a Fall National Gathering, October 7-9 in Ashland, NE. I encourage you to visit the Bold Gathering website for more info and to watch and listen to the video's of men who shared at past Bold Gathering events.

And consider attending the upcoming One Year to Live retreat that will be held at Camp Santa Maria in Grant, CO from April 22-24. Get a brochure here!

Visit the new RMS Lutheran Men in Mission webpage!

ONLINE EVENT

for such a time as this

from the Women of the ELCA

Do you serve on the board of a synodical women’s organization? Or are you a conference or cluster leader? Then you are invited to attend the 2022 leadership event, For Such a Time as This: Spirit fed, Spirit led.

The main sessions take place February 18 – 19, 2022 (that’s a Friday and Saturday), from 12 noon – 4:00 p.m. MST via Zoom. There will also be individual gatherings, by region, on Thursday, February 17, at 7 p.m. in a region-friendly time zone (for those regions that span two or more time zones). Register to attend via Zoom.

Learn more about "for such a time as this"

Veteran Servant Corps Project

Get our new brochure: A Time to Reconnect!

Share the new Veterans Servant Corps Project brochure! Get it here: print or online version.

February 6, 2022 – Vicky Daub preach at the 9:30am worship service, Christ the King, 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? Click here to contact Vicky Daub.

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

in our prayers

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

February 6, 2022

Prayer of the Day

Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and before you angels and saints stand in awe. Enlarge our vision to see your power at work in the world, and by your grace make us heralds of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

In God's Hands:

Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches

06 - 12 February : Andorra, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Vatican City

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

BORDER CONFERENCE

Week of February 6

Desert Springs Lutheran Church

Truth Or Consequences, NM

Rev. Peter Cacoperdo

Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey

El Paso, TX

Rev. Rose Mary Sanchez Guzman

New Hope Lutheran Church

El Paso, TX

Rev. Jeff St. Clair

Ordinations

Wylie Cook

All Saints Lutheran Church, Wales, WI

Saturday, March 26 at 11:00am

Wylie is called to serve as associate pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, CO

Color of the day is Red

Samm Melton Hill

St Paul Lutheran Church, Arlington, MA

Sunday, April 3 at 6:00pm

Samm is called to serve Highlands, Denver, CO

Color of the day is Red

Installations

Monica Butler

Immanuel/UNC, Greeley, CO

Sunday, February 20 at 2:30pm

Color of the day is Green

Monthly Prayer Cycle

around the synod

HYBRID EVENT

The Biology of the Human Condition

presented by Dr. Christine O'Brien Travers

Saturday, February 5, 9:00am-noon

In this presentation, Christine O’Brien Travers builds on Thomas Keating's teachings and takes us into new research that validates that contemplative practice, like centering prayer, rewires our be-ing. In this presentation, we will learn how the brain centers of compassion and connection, along with our understanding of our core basic goodness, become more regulated and more deeply ingrained with Divine Therapy.

To register please go to centeringprayer.net or call 303-698-7729.

AUGUSTANA ARTS EVENT AT BETHANY

Music of the Vine - A French Excursion

ONE NIGHT ONLY

Friday, February 11 at 7:00pm

Enjoy this memorable evening with Gossamer Winds side-by-side with Claude Robbins, Master Wine Educator with the International Wine and Spirits Guild. Join us at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village, CO

You are invited to a rare opportunity to experience the French region through a sophisticated collage of music, wine, and cheese. Well-known and barrier-breaking woodwind quintet, Gossamer Winds, will perform French classical and popular music plus other Valentine's Day selections. And distinguished wine expert, author, and educator, Claude Robbins, will share his expertise and enthusiasm for the fine art of wine and cheese pairing - an evening sure to set the mood for your Valentine's weekend.

Limited seating for safe distancing. A special date night and/or weekend getaway to France in the relaxing atmosphere of a picturesque "Cherry Hills Village" Riviera (without the flight). Augustana Arts invites you!

$10 Discount for ELCA members! Use code ELCA 10

$35pp /$60 couple. Masks required; Proof of Vacc./ID verified. Must be 21+ to attend.

Reserve your concert tickets HERE

our life together

ONE SMALL THING: New Year Notes from the RMS Creation Care Team

Zero Waste—what is it? Have you heard the term “circular economy?” It is an alternative to a traditional “linear economy” (take, make, waste). It seeks to reduce waste, recovers resources at the end of a product’s life, and channels them back into production thus significantly reducing pressure on the environment. The reduce, reuse, recycle triumvirate and the green triangle with arrows are taken one step further—from the home and recycle bin scene to a competitive economy.

Another term which will become familiar is Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR. When producers are responsible for the “end of life” of their products, they will have more incentive to design products that are easily recycled to close the waste loop. The sustainable design of plastic materials is especially important because research indicates that 95% of plastic products are single use. Estimates are that 600,000,000 tons of plastic are in the oceans—used but not used up! Virtually all plastics can be recycled, but we can’t recycle our way out of plastic pollution.

The answers to our plastic and other environmental pollution lie with design policy, governmental regulation, collection, and sorting of items to be recycled or composted. Shifting the system will not be easy; responsibility lies with government, businesses, and citizens. How can we do our part? Education in schools and in homes combined with self-discipline in purchasing are key. Look at YouTube videos on circular economy to get great ideas about what we can do

RMS Creation Care on Facebook

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.

Get 40 Days of Giving resources here

ELCA Introduces “Now Is the Time” Study Guide

Introducing “Now Is the Time: A Study Guide for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent” to help congregations wrestle with the meaning of the declaration, adopted at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly. In the declaration, the ELCA “apologizes to people of African descent for its historical complicity in slavery and its enduring legacy of racism in the United States and globally. We lament the white church’s failure to work for the abolition of slavery and the perpetuation of racism in this church.”

“Now Is the Time” stresses realism, self-examination and accountability as the church acknowledges and apologizes for the history and impact of slavery and systemic racism in the United States and globally. The study guide focuses on deepening our understanding of this history as participants engage in often-difficult conversation and reflection to move the church toward racial healing and justice.

The Explanation of the Declaration, a Study Guide, and Participant Materials, are available at elca.org/Resources/Racial-Justice.