Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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March 23, 2022
A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD
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Supported by a campaign "Racial Justice Tithe" Grant
OHANA Ministry Creates a Place for Youth to Belong
This beautiful video (click the arrow above!) paints the story of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and its ministry for youth who come together from different schools, different backgrounds, and different cultures to break down walls and build up the Body of Christ.
Our "Next Faithful Step" Campaign's 10% Tithe for Racial Justice is making it possible to strengthen and expand ministries such as OHANA, so vital for impacting the lives of young people with the love of Christ.
We've surpassed our FIRST STEP goal, having over $1 million dollars in gifts and pledges! We invite you and your congregation to join in supporting the campaign's 5 innovative and impactful initiatives as we reach towards our NEXT STEP goal of about $500,000 more. Help us multiply our ministry together with your gift.
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Assembly Nomination Deadline extended to March 25!
We would love for these positions to all have nominees PRIOR to the assembly! The person nominated fills out the form. You may nominate yourself. Learn about the open positions here.
Thank you to all of the nominations we have already received! These are the positions still in need of nominations.
Synod Council
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Two from ethnic-specific congregations [we need 2]
Consultation Committee [we need 1 pastor/deacon]
Discipline Committee [we need 1 lay male/non-binary]
Mission Outreach Board [we need 4]
Congregational Ministries Board [we need 4]
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DON'T BE A FOOL!
REGISTER & BOOK A HOTEL BY APRIL 1
Synod Assembly
The Rhythm of the Saints
2022 Synod Assembly
May 9-11, 2022
Loveland, Colorado
Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center
2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 9 through Noon on Wednesday, May 11
We will gather for worship and fellowship to grieve the losses of these past two years and to celebrate one another in the Spirit that has kept us moving!
Questions? Concerns? More Information? Please contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo. Registration (and COVID card upload!) and Hotel Reservation deadline is April 1.
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Are you are retired pastor or deacon and want to attend as a voting member?
There is still space for retired pastors/deacons to attend! Contact office@rmselca.org for more information.
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RMS & ELCA news and events | |
WEEK THREE VIDEO JOURNAL
12 teams "flipping" pews to bring them back to new life!
A few rows of pews were removed from of the Valley Lutheran Church Sanctuary at the RMS Lutheran Center, and each team was given a small section of pew.
The rules are simple: teams use the materials from the pew to flip it into new life! The final products will be auctioned at this year’s synod assembly, and the proceeds will be shared with charities named by each team. Check back each week for a video journal of their progress! Click the arrow above!
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GIVE NOW TO THE ELCA
Eastern Europe Crisis Response
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water and hygiene kits. Your gifts will support people impacted by this crisis. Gifts designated to "Eastern Europe Crisis" will be used in full (100%) for direct response to assist those affected.
Your gifts to “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used entirely (100%) to provide support for people impacted by conflict in the region.
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OFFER PRAYERS & ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TWO CONGREGATIONS AFFECTED BY THE MARSHALL FIRE:
Connect. Pray. Love.
Connect. Pray. Love. is an opportunity for your faith community to focus on Marshall Fire survivors for one week in 2022 by:
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Connecting with Christ the Servant Church (Louisville, CO) and Trinity Lutheran Church (Boulder, CO) by sharing our story
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Praying for those affected by the Marshall Fire
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Sharing gifts of love
Feel free to share Pastor Stephanie Lord’s video on your website, in your newsletter, and/or during worship. Stephanie Lord is the pastor of Christ the Servant Church. Her home was destroyed in the fire.
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See that unstable beam... being supported by a post? That all goes away as Messiah Mountain Retreat Center gets ready to start fresh with a new beam, and a beautiful new ceiling! This is possible only because of generous gifts to the RMS Campaign. Help us do even more with your own congregational or individual gift! | |
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Volunteer Day at Messiah Mountain Retreat Center is March 26
The transformation is underway! On March 26 we'll be putting the kitchen back together while some areas of the floor are demolished. Thank you for helping us with this renewal using volunteer hours!
Messiah Mountain is being renovated to be our new place of spiritual renewal for adults. It's an amazingly short drive into the foothills 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: rmselca.org/next-faithful-step
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What is Messiah Mountain Retreat Center, Anyway?
Come and take a quick tour with Pastor Kent Mueller, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Communication! This new outdoor ministry setting in the Rocky Mountain Synod is in the process of being renewed and transformed.
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Next Online event is March 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: GENEROSITY AND THE BUDGET
Saturday, March 26 at 10:00am
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.
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Generosity volunteers needed for Synod Assembly!
Tina Kvitek, Director of Development, is seeking volunteers to work at the "Development" display table at Synod Assembly. She is looking for rostered and lay individuals she has worked with in the past five years who would be willing to volunteer at the 'DEVELOPMENT' table during this year's Synod Assembly. Volunteers would make themselves available during breaks to answer questions and talk with people about things like… the value and process of establishing Gift Policies and Endowments, what it means to establish their own charitable giving plan, and the value of working with Tina as an advisor on that journey.
Most of all, she wants volunteers represent the mindset of abundance that comes with the culture of generosity we are working hard to enhance! If you are planning to attend the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly this spring (May 9-11) or if it would be easy for you to get to Loveland, CO, for a morning or afternoon during any of those days, please send Tina an email at tkvitek@rmselca.org .
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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.
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TRIFOLD BROCHURE
Summary of the four initiatives and the Racial Justice tithe:
Excellence in Leadership
Messiah Mountain Retreat Center
3E Lilly Grant
Lutheran Center
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Wonderfully Made–An RMS High School Summer Experience
With the news of the cancellation of the ELCA Youth Gathering this Summer, many leaders from around the Synod stepped up and said "we need to offer something."
So we are proud and excited to announce that the Rocky Mountain Synod, in partnership with Other + Wise, will be hosting a Summer event for your high school youth! Price is TBD, however, it is sure to be less expensive than the ELCA Youth Gathering, with even further cost savings with the option to sleep on a church floor! Each group must secure their own transportation July 23-26 as this experience includes travel exploration. More info at 2022myj.com and otherwise.info.
For any questions, contact our RMS Faith Formation Coordinator - Kinna Nordstrom Kemp at 303-889-9844 (call/ text) or email misskinna.cyf@gmail.com.
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS TODAY, MARCH 23
Lutheran Men in Mission
"Stories from the Heart"
virtual BOLD GATHERING
April 22, 11:00am - 1:00pm MDT
BOLD GATHERING is a day for men to come together to learn, to network, and be equipped to BOLDY live out their faith! Visit the Bold Gathering website for more info and register here.
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Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 27, 2022
Prayer of the Day
God of compassion, you welcome the wayward, and you embrace us all with your mercy. By our baptism clothe us with garments of your grace, and feed us at the table of your love, 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
27 March - 02 April : Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia
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
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RMS Prayer Cycle
BOULDER/BROOMFIELD CONFERENCE
Week of March 27
Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran Church
Boulder, CO
Rev. Janet Kettering
Trinity Lutheran Church
Boulder, CO
Rev. Pam Challis
Westview Church
Boulder, CO
Rev. Randy Mundt, interim
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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
Juan de Dios Lopez
Luterano Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX
Sunday, April 17 at 4:00pm
Juan is called to serve Milagra de la Fronterra, El Paso, TX
Color of the day is Red
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AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS:
Amber Waves
with Winds
Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E. Alameda Ave.)
Join us for a FREE community concert featuring the United States Air Force Academy Winds and Rockies Clarinet Quartet.
Academy Winds is an innovative sextet comprised of instrumentalists from every section of the Concert Band and the result is an eclectic performance sure to please every audience member. Drawing on fresh, dynamic arrangements, the group presents a wide variety of musical styles, always with contagious enthusiasm. Whether performing Renaissance music, symphonic favorites, traditional jazz or even the latest pop chart, this versatile ensemble will have you wondering, "What could possibly be next?"
There is no cost to attend, but we request reservations for capacity counts.
People who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear masks and social distance as possible. Masks are encouraged, but not required while inside the building or unless the USAFA, city, or church request them at the time of the performance.
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AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS:
Synergy of Stratus II: For the Love of Music
Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E. Alameda Ave.)
Enter code WelcomeBack2022 at checkout for $10 OFF all ticket price levels.
Our final Stratus concert of the season transcends all the challenges of the year with a synergistic concert of exciting works by Vaughan Williams, Beethoven, Rand, and Haydn. Guest Conductor Adam Torres leads the orchestra in a night celebrating the love of music; sharing this passion with fellow artists, friends, family, and patrons of Stratus in concert is sure to stir from within the profound hope and joy music elicits in all of us.
The highlight of the evening is the world premier work of renowned composer, Dr. James M. David, with a commissioned selection for this concert. Plus, we are pleased to champion the talents of a rising young cellist, Kelcey Howell, for the moving Haydn Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major.
Join Stratus for ONE NIGHT ONLY as they also perform Rands’ Fanfare for a Festival, Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (Pastorale).
Masks and PoV may be requested at the time of this concert and will follow prescribed state, city and church guidelines.
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Urban Servant Corps
Palm Sunday Prayer Walk & Open House
Sunday, April 1, 1:00 to 3:00pm
1660 Ogden St. Denver, CO
To begin the journey of Holy Week, we invite you to the neighborhood where Urban Servant Corps volunteers have been present for 35 years. You will have the opportunity to engage with this year's Urban Servant Corps volunteers, learn about partner organizations, and take a deeper dive into understanding the needs of our neighbors and neighborhood.
This year's event is a "drop in"/Open House opportunity. Please feel free to come with your friends, family, or church group any time between 1-3pm.
May this opportunity be an act of faithful support for the justice we seek in our community!
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The Summit: A Retreat for Faith Formation Leaders
Monday-Wednesday, April 25 - April 27
Calling all faith formation leaders! Come spend time at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in Colorado for personal reflection, renewal, and professional development with other youth, family, children, young adult, and faith formation leaders!
This is a FREE retreat for folks in the Rocky Mountain Synod! Folks outside of the synod are welcome to join. Professional Counselor, Julie Miller, and other speakers will facilitate conversations about Managing Mental Health: A two part training for ministry professionals. For more info and to register, go to rainbowtrail.org/retreats/the-summit.
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IN-PERSON EVENT
REAL SABBATH
Pub Theology Retreat at Sky Ranch
May 6-8
Friday night to Sunday 11am
A Young Adult retreat for those age 18-35!
Use QR code to register.
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Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp:
Day Camp Weeks Available!
RTLC Day Camp is a unique partnership designed to provide congregations with a vibrant and faith formative experience that nurtures relationships between the adults and children within the church, and provides an outreach opportunity in the local community. Weeks available for Day Camp this summer are:
- Week 3: June 26- July 2
- Week 4: July 3- July 9
- Week 9: August 7-13
- Week 10: August 14-20
For more info visit rainbowtrail.org/summer-camps/day-camps or contact Maggie at maggie@rainbowtrail.org.
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United for Immigration Reform
March 21 - May 1
A group of Colorado undocumented immigrants and allies are setting out on a 40-day bicycle ride from Denver to D.C. to push the federal government to pass immigration reform before the November 2022 elections. We believe that immigrants and allies have a responsibility to take action to create change… even if it requires sacrifice. We invite ELCA members to join us - by bicycle and car, in demonstrations, and in prayer and meditation - during this journey. Please visit the united4immigrationreform.org to learn more about this effort and how you can support, and please share with your friends and family!
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HYBRID FUNDRAISING EVENT
"Thomas Keating, the last 30 years" with Cynthia Bourgeault
Saturday, March 26, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Cynthia’s talk will be on “Thomas Keating: The Last Thirty Years,” in which she will explore his life as he passed through two significant stages of the journey - The Dark Night of the Spirit and the gradual awakening to the Unitive.
This is a hybrid presentation being conducted in-person at The Center for Contemplative Living in Denver, CO and online via Zoom. Breakfast snacks and a light lunch will be provided for in-person participants. In-person participation is limited to 80 people and is subject to COVID requirements. Register at centeringprayer.net or call (303) 698-7729
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LuMin Open House and Pie Action
Sunday, March 27
2:00pm to 4:00pm
All are welcome to the celebration of renovations to the St Thomas Chapel at Lutheran Campus Ministry in Fort Collins. Come and see the changes to the building, but more importantly, meet college students and hear the value of Lutheran Campus Ministry in the lives of young adults. Find out about the LuMin Student Housing Security Initiative, a housing project for low-income college students who lack generational wealth, yet courageously attend a land-grant institution in middle of a front-range high rent community. Dr. Joel Bacon, Professor of Organ and Liturgies, will present a mini-concert. Bishop Jim Gonia will lead in seeking God's blessings for this ministry of the ELCA. And there will be pie to eat and to bid on in an action (so bring your Venmo).
LuMin is located at 805 S Shields St, Fort Collins, CO 80521. Additional parking is available across the street at Moby Arena. The event will also be on-line. Zoom ID 970 482 2160. Password: LuMin. Questions? Contact Pastor Paul Judson at 970-482-2160 or pastor@lcmcsu.org
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IN-PERSON AND ONLINE
Dr. Josh Packard - "The Changing Face of Religious Engagement in America"
Our Savior's Lutheran, Greeley, CO
Sunday, April 3, 9:30am
Come hear Dr. Josh Packard speak on "The Changing Face of Religious Engagement in America." This event will also be live streamed on greeleylutheran.org. Dr. Packard has written "Church Refugees", "Meaning Making", "Belonging" and spoken widely of the challenges and opportunities for congregations today. The session is free and no registration is required. Read about Dr. Packard here. Please come join us!
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ONLINE EVENT
The Book of Hope Discussion
April 9 at 10:00am
Join the Creation Care Team to discuss "The Book of Hope," a great read for Lent and is perfect to discuss right before Easter. Focus on one chapter a week during Lent or read the whole thing in one sitting. This book will also have us well prepared for Earth Day on April 22. The book is very easy to read and remarkably enjoyable. Jane reminds us that there is hope and to not be afraid, and we will reflect on that in our Lutheran context. Read more about "The Book of Hope" here.
Join on Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316
Questions, email rmscreationcareteam@gmail.com
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from the March 2022 Issue
Administration Matters
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Recommendations for congregation secretaries
Every congregation requires a secretary. The secretary is arguably the most important officer, responsible for organizing, assimilating and disseminating information within and without the organization. They need to be organized, hardworking and intelligent, with excellent writing skills. Here your congregation’s secretary can find some recommendations/guidelines for performing their duties efficiently. >More
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office of the bishop this week | |
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Region 2 First Call Consultation
- Wylie Cook Ordination, Wales, WI
- CSU Campus Ministry
ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
- St. Paul Area Synod DEM
- vacation, Twin Cities, MN
- Holy Love, Aurora, CO
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CANDIDACY, FIRST CALL, ROSTER SUPPORT, AND GLOBAL CHURCH
Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson
- Candidacy Follow Up
- Region Two First Call Meeting
- First Call Planning
- New Hope, El Paso, TX
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Legislative hearings
- Renters' Roundtable
- Colorado Social Legislation Committee
UTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
- Peace Lutheran - Las Cruces, NM
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR ADMIN & COMMUNICATION
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Messiah Mountain Renovation
- Lutheran Center Church Visioning
- Finance Committee
DIRECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT/LUTHERAN CENTER
Tina Kvitek
- Development Conversations
- Campaign Strategy
- Finance Committee
- Generosity Watch Party: Budget
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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
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-733-0750
rmselca.org
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