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

March16, 2022

A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD

Assembly Nomination Deadline is March 22

We would love for these positions to all have nominees PRIOR to the assembly! The deadline for nominations is March 22. The person nominated fills out the form. You may nominate yourself. Learn about the open positions here.

KEY: [pink means we need nominations!] [yellow means we are OK]

ELCA Church Council (Young Adult male or non-binary) [we have 2 nominations]

Synod Council

One (lay or rostered) from the North Colorado Conference [we have 1]
One (lay or rostered) from the Utah Conference [we have 1]
One (lay or rostered) from the North New Mexico Conference [we have 2]
One (lay or rostered) from the Metro East Conference [we have 1]
One At-Large lay male or non-binary [we have 2]
One At-Large lay female or non-binary [we have 0]
One Youth [we have 0]
Two from ethnic-specific congregations [we have 0]

Consultation Committee (1 lay male or non-binary, 1 minister of Word and Sacrament) [we have 0 nominations]

Discipline Committee (2 lay males or non-binary, 2 male or non-binary ministers of Word and Sacrament needed ) [we have 1 lay male/non-binary and we have 2 male/non-binary ministers]

Mission Outreach Board (6 needed) [we have 0]

Congregational Ministries Board (4 needed) [we have 0]

Global Mission Committee (1 needed) [we have 0]

Campus Ministry Committee (3 needed) [we have 3]

Nomination Form

synod assembly

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.

Assembly Information and Registration

Hotel Reservations

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.

RMS & ELCA news and events

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.

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE

Brad Abbott's Retirement as Sky Ranch Executive Director

Sky Ranch is hosting an in-person retirement party for Brad Abbott on Saturday, April 2 from 1:00-4:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, CO (Please RSVP). A short tribute to Brad's years of service will begin at 2:30pm.

Can't make it in person on April 2, no problem! Join us Sunday, March 20 at 2:00pm MT for a Zoom worship and celebration (Zoom info here) We will have opportunities for people during this worship to share memories from Brad's ministry and blessings for his retirement. We are also be compiling video greetings for those memories and blessings and in order to include as many as possible please try to keep them less than 30 seconds long. Send them to office@trinityloveland.org by Thursday, March 17.

WEEK TWO 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: 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 to see their progress and follow their Pew Flip Journey!

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:

Connecting with Christ the Servant Church (Louisville, CO) and Trinity Lutheran Church (Boulder, CO) by sharing our story
Praying for those affected by the Marshall Fire
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.

We need more volunteers!

Volunteer Day at Messiah Mountain Retreat Center is March 26

The transformation is underway! On March 26 we'll finish kitchen cabinet painting and install hardware 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

Messiah Mountain Transformation Tour

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.

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

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

Watch Party Registration

Generosity volunteers needed at 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 .

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

JOIN THE LAST 'STEWARDSHIP FOR ALL SEASONS' COHORT!

What does the past year mean to the beginning of culture change?

3E is in the final year of the generous Lilly Endowment grant that has helped fund Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS). Here’s what pastors and congregation leaders have said about the impact of SAS:

You helped me understand how my offering has an impact in the congregation and outside it.
Learned that we focused on scarcity vs generosity. Totally changed how we look at stewardship and the way we talk and think about money at church.
SAS provides a year-round plan … to help members live and give generously.
We used the process to really focus on our mission goals and began communicating more clearly who we are as the people of God and what God called us to do.
We could tell there was positive, thoughtful movement of the Spirit!

We are recruiting the last cohort for 3E’s Stewardship for All Seasons to begin May 21. The value of SAS is evident in the reflections above. The process of getting from “training,” which is about transmitting knowledge or information, to culture-changing “learning,” is about the process of absorbing information to build skills that can be used in a variety of contexts. It is our ongoing hope that SAS have become transformative learning about generosity in our life together.

There are places available in this last cohort for first-time Year 1 SAS congregations, and also places for congregations who have completed SAS Year 1 and want to further their generosity culture-changing by participating in SAS Year 2. Contact Deb Elstad or submit this webform: rmselca.org/express-interest-3e-sas-final-cohort-2022.

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.

Veteran Servant Corps Project

March 20 – Vicky Daub is visiting Bethel Lutheran, Aurora, CO and will deliver a Temple Talk during the 9:30am worship service where Pastor Barb Lemke will be preaching.

April 22-24 – The VSCP first Veterans Couples retreat has been canceled due to water damage issues at Rainbow Trail Camp. Another retreat is under discussion and will be announced when details are available. If you have any questions, contact Vicky Daub.

Do you have a Veterans event at your church/community that you would like to publicize? Would you like Vicky or another VSCP board member to visit your church/community? Contact Vicky Daub.

Visit the VSCP web page

in our prayers

Third Sunday in Lent

March 20, 2022

Prayer of the Day

Eternal God, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son. Help us to hear your word and obey it, and bring your saving love to fruition in our lives, 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

20 - 26 March : Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

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

BOULDER/BROOMFIELD CONFERENCE

Week of March 20

Cross Of Christ Lutheran Church

Broomfield, CO

Rev. Kathy Armstrong

Rev. Aly Kohlmeyer

First Lutheran Church

Longmont, CO

Rev. Garrett Struessel

Rev. Katie Emery

Grace Lutheran Church

Boulder, CO

Rev. Matthew Weber

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

Pastor Kate Davidson

Lord of the Mountains, Dillon, CO

Saturday, March 19, 3pm

Color of the day is Purple

Pastor Pam Challis

Trinity, Boulder CO

Sunday, March 20 1pm

Color of the day is Purple

Monthly Prayer Cycle

around the synod

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.

Purchase tickets for Amber Waves with Winds

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.

Purchase tickets for Synergy of Stratus II

our life together

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

ONLINE EVENT

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains

Foster Care Info Meeting - Colorado Springs

Tuesday, March 29, 2022, 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a foster parent or how YOU can personally help kids and young adults in the child welfare system? Join us for an informal Q & A session on just what it takes to be a foster parent. At LFSRM, we are committed to answering your questions and alleviating your concerns because we believe that you CAN be a foster parent and we will be there to support you every step of the way.

For more information and to register for this session, please contact Beth Schlauch at beth.schlauch@lfsrm.org. Registration required to received login information.

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!

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

resources

from the March 2022 Issue

Administration Matters

Create engaging virtual ministry with Vanco

Your church might already offer livestreaming, but this Lenten season you can take your virtual ministry up a notch with Vanco. During this important season, discover how to build on your existing online ministry to drive engagement and generosity (without breaking the bank).

Download your free copy of How to Have a Successful Online Church Ministry to learn . . .
How to build or expand upon the foundation of your virtual ministry without spending a fortune.
Which easy-to-use tools, such as Vanco Live, can help you set up an online church and drive meaningful interactions.
How to keep the conversation going with members and guests after virtual services.
Get the eBook. Vanco is a preferred vendor of the ELCA.