BENEFITING ELCA WORLD HUNGER

Rainbow Trail's 5K Grace Race !!!

Saturday, October 7

Onsite registration opens at 2:00 p.m.

Race start is at 4:00 p.m.

Help erase World Hunger at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp’s 16th Annual Grace Race on Saturday October 7, 2023 at Sloan's Lake Park in Denver!

This annual 5K run/walk was started as part of RTLC’s 50th anniversary in 2007 to raise money for ELCA World Hunger. The event is held in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Synod Hunger Network. Over the last 16 years, RTLC and the participants of Grace Race have contributed over $88,000 to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. We are aiming for 200 participants in this year’s race. Help RTLC send another $10,000 check to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal!

Online registration is open NOW until 4:30pm Friday, September 29. Day of race registration begins at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 7 at Sloan's Lake Park. Come run or walk, and make a difference!!

The world has changed, and the church is adapting. Do you have questions about setting a ministry strategy in this new world? Do you wonder how best to use your church building beyond Sundays? Are you curious about creative partnerships to reach new people? Some congregations have already taken risks in these areas and learned some things that will help us.

Join fellow congregational leaders around the Rocky Mountain Synod for a 90-minute zoom event exploring some inspiring ministry experiments. We will hear from three leaders who have taken some chances in ministry and gained insights they will share with us. After the short presentations we will enter into the small group of our choice for further conversation before returning back for a final debrief.

Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/85471053136

Zoom Meeting ID: 854 7105 3136

Please register ahead of time for this free event! 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD

GENEROSITY CONFERENCE

STEWARDSHIP

September 25 – 27, 2023

This is a HYBRID EVENT from the Messiah Mountain Retreat Center.

The purpose of this conference is for the individuals interested in the financial health and well-being of our church to engage in the abundance-mindset work necessary to enhance and grow a culture of generosity that will sustain the future of our congregations, members, and leaders that make ministry possible!

The 2023 conference will focus on STEWARDSHIP and include:

• Stewardship Kaleidoscope Plenary and Workshop Sessions
• Rocky Mountain Synod Stewardship Best Practices
• Stewardship focused Worship & Devotions

For more information and list of presenters, download informational flyer here.

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024

The focus of the Synod Assembly April 25-27, 2024 will be the election of a new Bishop. To assist with this important, Spirit-led process, a new webpage called "2024 Synod Assembly Bishop Election" has been added to the Events section of the Rocky Mountain Synod website. This will serve as our hub for information regarding this election. Currently, it contains a timeline, information about the Bishop Election Committee, and an ELCA document outlining the responsibilities of synod Bishops. To help with the community's discernment, in late Fall feedback from conference meetings and Theological Conference discussions will be added. A biographical information form for those interested in being nominated as bishop will be added early 2024. Everyone- whether you will be a voting member at Assembly or not- is encouraged to visit the site and be informed about the process ahead.

CHECK FRAUD - PLEASE HELP

ENROLL IN RMS ACH DIRECT DEPOSIT

In response to our recent check fraud crisis, the synod has launched an ACH Direct Deposit system. Modeled after the process by which money is transferred to Portico, Clergy Financial, and ELCA Churchwide, congregations may enroll in our ACH Direct Deposit system. Once banking information is received and verified, the congregation will be set-up in our bank's secure ACH system and can start initiating electronic payments. 

Mission Support Remittance forms will be received via email. You will receive a Mission Support Remittance template to be completed according to your billing timeline in order to make a monthly mission support payment. Each congregation will continue to receive monthly contribution statements by email to verify that the correct funds have been withdrawn and distributed. It is extremely important to reconcile your monthly contribution statement to ensure that all transactions are recorded correctly. Discrepancies should be reported immediately.

ENROLL in the ACH Direct Deposit system by clicking the link below. To report missing contributions or if you have any questions, please contact Jon Johnson, Finance Director at finance@rmselca.org or Yvonne Wilken, Administrator at office@rmselca.org.

RMS Forms New Property Committee

The Synod is organizing a new Property Committee with the primary function to advise on strategic planning, resource allocation, and procedural systems related to the care and management of RMS properties (description here). This includes supporting the on-site work of managers at the Lutheran Center and Messiah Mountain Retreat Center.

The Synod is seeking three or four volunteers to serve as committee members for one- or two-year terms. This committee is best served by synod members who are lay or rostered individuals with the desire to share expertise related to one or more industries: property management, construction management, architecture, environmental issues, property inspection, real estate, or legal issues. Members do not need to live in the Denver area.

Send inquiries or recommendations to treasurer@rmselca.org.

Join Excellence in Leadership!

Registration is open for 18-month cohorts beginning in September 2023 and a 13-month cohort beginning January 2024!

Excellence in Leadership is an experiential journey for any who wish to become more resilient, healthy, and creative in their lives and in their leadership. It is meant for people of all ages and in all stages of life: lay or rostered, council member or back pew sitter. As we navigate what the future may hold as people of faith, Excellence in Leadership provides opportunities and community to think adaptively and meet that future boldly.

Become the more resilient, courageous, and faithful leader God has made you to be!

A Life Changing Faith Formation Event!

New Orleans, LA

July 13-16, 2024: MYLE & the tAble

July 16-20, 2024: ELCA Youth & Young Adult Gatherings

The Gathering’s mission of faith formation in young people is the hub from which all things come for MYLE, the tAble and the Gathering. Our goal is to create environments and opportunities for faith formation through worship, interactive learning, Bible study, service and fellowship. While some of the experiences can be replicated at home, some are unique and special to the Gathering because of the size and scope of this ministry.

Registration for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), the tAble and the Young Adult Gathering will open on Sept. 15, 2023 at noon central.

RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP

Rainbow Trail Women's Retreat

Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 8

It’s time for you to free yourself from your daily stressors and escape to Rainbow Trail for some spiritual freedom, fellowship, and fun! Don’t miss this opportunity to be immersed in community on the mountain, in which we will discover and affirm the gifts that God has given us. Call your best gal pals, staff alumni sisters, church buddies, neighbor that God has been nudging you about. But do it soon… registration will fill fast!

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Confirmation Retreat

Friday, October 20 to Sunday, October 22

Join us for a Confirmation Retreat at Rainbow Trail this fall and let us be partners with you in creating a fun atmosphere for learning in your confirmation program! We will sing songs, play games, learn together and play together in God’s beautiful creation.

Learning in a fun-filled camp atmosphere may be just what your kids need to bond together as a group and build relationships with other confirmands. Spend time in fellowship and learning with our extraordinary Rainbow Trail staff in the place your confirmands have grown to love. Our staff will lead your kids in crafts, team-building activities, outdoor activities such as hiking or archery, fun games and camp-style songs!

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Senior High Retreat

Friday, November 17 to Sunday, November 19

The Senior High Retreat is specifically geared for high school youth. This retreat can be an opportunity to connect on the real struggles that high school presents, explore what life after high school might look like, and how we can live faithfully through it all.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be immersed in community on the mountain, in which we will discover and affirm the gifts that God has given us. November in the mountains can be chilly, but also refreshing both physically and spiritually. Join us and other senior high youth in the Synod for a faith adventure in the mountains!

• A story of a son and father,
• Facts on loneliness and the importance of LMM for men,
• A teaser on the Bold Gathering this November,
• The LMM APP and More!!!

Click the Link, Read the Stories, Forward the link to others who need to hear what Lutheran Men in Mission is all about.

AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS

Music Without Boundaries

Stratus Chamber Orchestra Concert

Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7pm

Augustana Lutheran Church

5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver

Sunday, Sept. 24 at 3pm

City Park Pavilion

2001 Steele St., Denver

Join us for an exceptional Stratus Chamber Orchestra concert experience that celebrates the limitless creativity of female composers and composers of color, forging a unique connection between performers and audience while championing diversity through captivating works that transcend traditional boundaries.

The program features Arturo Marquez's lively "Danzón No. 4"; Kevin Puts' expressive Flute Concerto, featuring Stratus’s own Tamara Maddaford on flute; Nkeiru Okoye's vibrant Charlotte Mecklenburg; and Florence Price's powerful Concert Overture No. 1. Through this concert, especially with SCO's unique immersive seating at the Sunday performance, we transcend boundaries, champion diversity, and highlight the universal language of music.

Join us on Saturday evening, September 23, at Augustana Lutheran Church, or on Sunday afternoon, September 24, at City Park Pavilion.

Park at LuMin for CSU Football Games

Attending one or more Colorado State University home football games? Then, park at LuMin (your Lutheran Campus Ministry in Fort Collins) and support this young adult ministry of the Rocky Mountain Synod. We ask $20 for one game or $100 for the season (a $20 savings). We offer in-door and newly remodeled bathrooms and a cool place for hot game days and a warm place for cold game days. You're welcome to "tailgate" on your tailgate in the parking lot, or around the front of the building, or in the Lulounge with kitchen access, or on the back deck equipped with a gas grill.

Our address is 805 S Shields St in Fort Collins. It's a short walk across the inner-mural fields to the stadium. Contact Pastor Paul Judson to reserve a spot or answer questions: 970-482-2160 (call/text) or pastor@lcmcsu.org.

LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES PRESENTS

FREE a Financial and Estate Planning Seminar!

Saturday, September 16, 2023

8:00 am - 11:30 am

Join us on September 16, at the Lutheran Family Services Offices, 1035 Osage Street Suite 800, Denver, Colorado for a FREE financial planning seminar, a Charitable Giving Class and Estate Planning 101, presented by Chris Holdgard and Nathan Richter from Thrivent Financial Services and Estate Planning 101 by Beth Mitchell AMBLER | KEENAN | MITCHELL | JOHNSON Estate Planning Law Firm.

The first 25 registrants will receive a beautiful planning padfolio. To register contact Margo Hatton at margo.hatton@lfsrm.org, 719-250-7491 or on-line at www.lfsrm.org/financialplanning.

Join Rejoicing Spirits Sunday, September 17 at Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church, 21755 E Smoky Hill Rd. Aurora, CO, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

We will unite in activities, singing, laughing and loving God. Rejoicing Spirits is an inclusive worship space for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, their caregivers, 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:

Pastor Margot at pastor@lordofthehills.org

Pastor Ann Hultquist at native2615@gmail.com or

Karen Ullestad kmullestad@hotmail.com

ONLINE EVENT

From Wedding Rings to Nose Rings

Generational Differences in the Pews

Presented By Faith Roberts, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

Tuesday, October 10, 5:00 - 7:00 pm MT

Registration fee: $30 for LFCNA members/ $50 for non-members

Have you been wondering why some churches elect to rent a high school gym or area hotel for worship? Or why the front of the worship space is an electronic haven? For some, church attendance is a given for others it is "nice if you can make it".

At the time of this presentation worship is being done with up to SIX generations attending/ watching/listening. The world we live in changes continually as has attendance patterns and financial support of places of worship.

Understanding what defines each generation helps the practicing Faith Community Nurse (FCN) to support programming and services that speak to different age groups. 

Revised Compensation Guidelines for Congregations from Synod Council

The Synod Council updated compensation guidelines for rostered ministers. Here is the revised Compensation Guidelines Narrative, and an Excel Worksheet to aid with your financial calculations.

• Compensation Guidelines Narrative - revised June 2023 (PDF)
• RMS Rostered Leader Salary Worksheet (Excel)

• These resources are also available at: rmselca.org/compensation

"The Alaska Synod office is located in Anchorage at Lutheran Church of Hope, on the ancestral land of the Eklutna Dena’ina People. We acknowledge the care of the ancestors who lived here and who did not cede these lands. Our office is located east of Cook Inlet, north of Turnagin Arm, south of Knik Arm. Campbell Creek, Chester Creek, Crow Creek, Eagle River, Eklutna River, Glacier Creek, Knik River, and Ship Creek form this watershed.

The Synod has been divided into five different clusters, geographically defined with the exception of the Alaska Native Lutheran Church in Anchorage that aligns with the Inupiat-dominant congregations of the Seward Peninsula Cluster. The Synod Council is consists of members elected from each cluster (one clergy and one lay representative), three executive positions, two at-large representatives, a multi-cultural representative, a youth representative and the president of the statewide Women of the ELCA. The council is responsible for business of the synod between yearly synod assemblies."

The Reverend Shelley Wickstrom was elected to serve as Bishop of the Alaska Synod at the 2012 Alaska Synod Assembly at Joy Lutheran Church in Eagle River. 

See the Alaska Synod Data Toolkit 2021, visit elcaalaska.net, and on Facebook.

Click here to view a Bishops and Synods map of our 65 ELCA synods and 9 regions.