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

April 6, 2022

A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD

What was just a cosmetic refresh has turned into a huge project to shore up the lodge's structural integrity. And we don't have the funds to do it.

Every week we make more progress! This week, we discovered a slew of unexpected issues. Take a look at this video to see for yourself!

Help us complete the Messiah Mountain renovation with your campaign gift!

It's become both complicated and expensive

The Messiah Mountain renovation project has hit some major turbulence as water damage due to drainage issues, inadequate structural foundations, and deteriorating wood have resulted in sloping floors and vulnerable walls. What started out as a cosmetic refresh is now a much more complex––and expensive––renovation.

Won't you consider helping us out with a generous gift to the RMS Next Faithful Step Campaign? For information about giving a gift, such as a stock transfer (with the tax advantage of giving appreciated stock), contact Tina Kvitek.

VOLUNTEER FOR OUR WORK DAYS!

FRI April 15 Kitchen Paint Day
FRI April 22 Kitchen Pergo Floor & Lodge Paint
FRI April 29 Lodge Pergo Floor & Paint Trim

Do you have skills for installing Pergo flooring? Do you enjoy painting? We need you! The transformation is underway! And this place is going to be beautiful! We need help to get the place ready for the spring season starting in May! We will start at 9 a.m. each day

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

Give to the Campaign

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR ASSEMBLY IS 11:59pm TODAY, APRIL 6!

1 - register

2 - make hotel reservation

3 - upload covid vax card

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.

Assembly Information and Registration

Hotel Reservations

After you register, submit your Covid VAX card!

RMS & ELCA news and events

Rebuilding underway after four tropical cyclones hit Madagascar

During January and February, four tropical cyclones have passed through Madagascar, resulting in heavy flooding and resulting in over 200 deaths. Flooding and wind damage to agricultural crops have generated concerns about food security in the coming months while 206,000 children remain out of school because of destroyed or damaged schools. 663 churches were damaged; almost all of them had their roofs blown off, some with destroyed walls, doors and windows missing.

Lutheran Disaster Response invites gifts to the Madagascar Cyclone Rebuilding. While the four Rocky Mountain Synod companion synods in Madagascar are in the northern areas of the country, other synods are companions with synods in the south, where a majority of the damage has been centered. So we can be certain that gifts are directed to the Madagascar needs, please give your gift through the Rocky Mountain Synod.

Give to Madagascar Rebuilding

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.

Watch a video about each initiative

Campaign Information & Resources

from Christ the Servant Church

Marshall Fire Designated Fund Update: March 2022

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (CTS) in Louisville, CO established a Marshall Fire Fund on December 31, 2021, to financially support survivors of the devastating Marshall Fire in a way that has no strings and is beyond the official channels of support like insurance and government agencies.

To date we have received approximately $189,000 in monetary gifts and gift cards from as far away as Singapore. We have distributed $107,000 to survivors through a combination of responding to requests as well as unsolicited gifts to those in our family who have lost their homes or have been displaced for a period of time. CTS and the Rocky Mountain Synod have combined to cover administrative expenses so that 100% of the Marshall Fire Fund donations go to survivors. For those who have been a part of this generosity – THANK YOU!

Our fund vision is to distribute up to 50% of our monthly balance to the most impacted folks and up to 25% to other survivor needs including outreach to survivors outside of CTS for as long as we have funds within the three-year journey of recovery and rebuilding that we anticipate. Ongoing contributions allow us to continue this ministry which has been a very tangible sign of care to our brothers and sisters. If you would like to contribute to this ministry, you can use CTS’ online giving portal or make checks out to Christ the Servant with “MFDF” in the memo and sent to CTS at 506 Via Appia, Louisville, CO 80027. Trinity Lutheran Church in Boulder, the Rocky Mountain Synod, and Lutheran Disaster Response are also taking donations.

As people of faith, we know that there is no such thing as “just praying.” Beyond money, please know that your prayers are sustaining us.

Thank you and God Bless

Marshall Fire Fund Committee

CTS Lutheran Church

CTS Online Giving Portal

Wonderfully Made – An RMS High School Summer Experience

Registration is LIVE! Deadline May 31!

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, or a hotel/Airbnb of your choice!

The large group gatherings will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church, just south of Denver in Cherry Hills Village. Immersion experiences will take place each afternoon. Registration deadline is May 31.

Each group must secure their own transportation 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.

If you be holding a Memorial Day tribute for veterans at your church/community, please share it by contacting Vicky Daub at: director@veteranservantcorps.org.

Visit the VSCP web page

Now Is The Time ELCA Cal Lutheran hosted event.jpg

Click here to Register

Lutheran Campus Ministry Regions 1 & 2

Staff Retreat June 26-29

We are on for June 26-29 at the Dumas Bay Center in Federal Way, Washington. Staff, please fill out this form to register. Synod folx, encourage the staff in your part of the world to join us for this important and life-giving event!

The cost is only be $150 per person for 3 nights in single dorm rooms with catered food and a lovely view of the bay. We'll start Sunday night with dinner and check-in. We'll have time to share about our ministries, experiences, and to have practical conversations about our work within our regional and historical context. We'll make sure we have time for prayer, rest, outdoor and urban exploring.

Lutheran Campus Ministry Network (LuMin) is a network of inclusive faith communities celebrating God’s love and grace on or near the campuses of over 230 colleges and universities across the United States.

Checks or paypal accepted. Checks should be mailed to: LCMNet, c/o Agape San Diego, 6556 Park Ridge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120-3236. To pay online go to paypal.me/LCMNet

in our prayers

Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday

April 10, 2022

Prayer of the Day

Sovereign God, you have established your rule in the human heart through the servanthood of Jesus Christ. By your Spirit, keep us in the joyful procession of those who with their tongues confess Jesus as Lord and with their lives praise him as Savior, 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

10 - 16 April : Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania

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

WYOMING CONFERENCE

Week of April 10

Grace Lutheran Church

Casper, WY

Vicar Colleen Teeuwe

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church

Rock Springs, WY

Rev. Levi Powers

Our Saviour's Lutheran Church

Casper, WY

Rev. Laurie O'Shea (interim)

Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church

Gillette, WY

Rev. Gene Zeller (interim)

Ordinations

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

Installation

Pr Samm Melton Hill

Highlands, Denver CO

Sunday, May 1 at 1 p.m.

Color of the day is White

Monthly Prayer Cycle

around the synod

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.

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.

Purchase tickets for Synergy of Stratus II

Urban Servant Corps

Palm Sunday Prayer Walk & Open House

Sunday, April 10, 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!

Journeying through Lent with Urban Servant Corps

Throughout this Lenten season, Urban Servant Corps volunteers and staff have reflected on the "Seasons of Grace" that are in their midst.

You are invited to share in these experiences through five messages from USC's Executive Director, Krista Kilgus, and USC volunteers Kristin Slaybaugh (serving at Senior Support Services), Tyler Derrick (serving at SAME Cafe), Lily Schillinger (serving at New Legacy Charter School), and USC's Community Life Coordinator, Carolyn Sautter.

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.

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.

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.

our life together

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!

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

from the RMS Creation Care Team -

Earth Day is April 22

Earth Sunday will be celebrated in many ELCA churches on April 24. The actual Earth Day is April 22 and is observed by about 200 countries around the world. Some countries call it International Mother Earth Day. The first Earth Day was March 22, 1970. Oil spills, pesticides, lake and river pollution, and smog were prevalent. Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River actually caught on fire. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, of Wisconsin, had been campaigning for a decade before the cause of environmental action caught on. Earth Day has remained an important way to raise awareness about environmental issues each year. Remember, there was no EPA, no Clean Air Act, no Clean Water Act--no regulation at all to care for our environment. Senator Nelson proposed to Congress that there be a special day to honor and promote “care of creation”—our Mother Earth. We are grateful for this planet and its amazing natural resources.

Each Earth Day has a special theme. This year it is “Invest in Our Planet” to focus on accelerating solutions to combat climate change. The planet needs our help. The number of garbage trucks Americans fill each year would stretch halfway to the moon! We can limit waste by reducing the amount we buy; and one reusable shopping bag can prevent the use of 600 plastic bags. The “Seventh Generation Principle” is based on an ancient Iroquois philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future.

There is hope and there are solutions to the climate change crisis. We have the technologies. State and local governments are leading the way. Faith-based organizations must encourage this leadership. Every fraction of a degree of warm avoided will save lives. Together we can protect the climate and a livable future for our children. It is our sacred trust.

Follow the Rocky Mountain Synod Creation Care Team on FB!

resources

Updated ELCA Style Guide

As language continues to evolve around the way we identify ourselves and others, so has the ELCA’s style guide. The most recent shift involves use of gendered language regarding our siblings in Christ, with a focus on ways to ensure that we represent everyone in the church, emphasizing gender-inclusive terminology and using titles and pronouns to reflect and honor nonbinary identities. These changes may seem small, but they are significant steps toward ensuring that we are all seen and loved as children of God throughout the church. Download the newest version at ELCA.org/brandmark.

Journal of Lutheran Ethics (JLE) April/May 2022

Restorative Justice: Prospects for Transformation & Penitence

On January 6, 2022, the Lutheran Ethicists gathered by Zoom before the virtual annual meeting of the Society for Christian Ethics. The topic was about the nature and possibility of justice in America after nearly 250 years of slavery and not quite 160 years of post-slavery systemic racism. This issue of JLE presents the written essays that were presented at the Gathering.