National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools

During September we remember the survivors and descendants of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools and on Saturday, Sept. 30, we will observe the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. You can participate by wearing an orange shirt and posting a photo of yourself or members of your congregation or community on social media. Use the hashtags #ELCA #TruthAndHealing and #DayOfRememberance.

The ELCA is committed to understanding our role in the tragic and sinful history of Indian boarding schools so that we can begin to heal together. Further, our learning and advocacy related to Indian boarding schools will not end Sept. 30 as our journey toward healing will continue – throughout the Truth and Healing Movement and beyond. To learn more and get involved, visit elca.org/IndianBoardingSchools

Join the RMS Hunger Network for

Housing and Homelessness: What Can Congregations Do?

Tuesday, October 10 at 6:30pm

ZOOM:

us06web.zoom.us/j/87461345638?pwd=5lbaYyu91oK1Zuvjyc404DDvShUZCA.1

Panel Members Are

Pastor Joel Pancoast – Safe Lot

Zion Lutheran in Loveland, CO

Pastor Joene Herr – Safe Outdoor Spaces

Christ Lutheran in Santa Fe, NM

Mr. Craig Tamminga – Habitat for Humanity

Augustana Lutheran in Denver, CO

Join us to learn and dream!

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! 

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 28

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024

The Rocky Mountain Synod will meet in Assembly April 25-27, 2024. At the Assembly, voting members will elect a new Bishop to serve a six-year term.

You are invited (both laypeople and rostered leaders) to a time of prayerful discussion and discernment this fall with your synod conference. The questions "Who are we?" and "Whom do we seek?" will guide our conversation. Speak with your pastor or deacon for more information about your conference's gathering.

Be part of this Spirit-led process as we continue to live out the Rocky Mountain Synod Mission Statement:

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

Some conference meetings have been scheduled. All locations TBD. Contact your Conference Dean(s), listed below, or your local pastor for more information.

Border Conference

TBD      

Pastor Catherine Lemons (revlemons@gmail.com)   

Boulder/Broomfield Conference

October 16, 6:30 pm

Pastor Katie Chullino (katie@bethlehem-lutheran.net)

Pastor Stephanie Lord (stephielord@gmail.com)

Metro East Conference

TBD

Pastor Chelsea Achterberg (cacherberg17@gmail.com)

Pastor Nic Leither (pastor@stmarksaurora.org)

Metro South Conference

October 19, 6:00 pm

Pastor Gordon Sandquist (pastorgordy@lchscentennial.org)

Pastor Brad Doty (bdoty@stphilip-co.org)

Metro West Conference

TBD

Pastor Jeffery Carlson [Mountain West] (pastorjeff@goodsheplutheran.org)

Pastor Will Johnson (pastor@nativity-lutheran-church.org)

North Colorado Conference

October 21, 10:00 am

Pastor Deb Abbott (debabbott99@gmail.com)

Pastor Kaari Nieuwlandt (pastorkaari@trinityloveland.org)

North New Mexico Conference

October 28, 9:30 am

Pastor Joene Herr (pastor.joene@christlutheransantafe.org)

Southeast Colorado Conference

October 14, 9:30 am

Pastor Carrie Baylis (carrie@flccs.net)

Pastor Dan Holt (d.holt@ascensioncos.org)

Utah Conference

October 21, 9:00 am

Pastor David Nichols (pastor@mttaborslc.org)

Wyoming Conference

TBD

Pastor Paul Rosin (pastor@ascensioncheyenne.org)

Please visit the Rocky Mountain Synod website for more general information about the Bishop Election (here)

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Executive Director, Service and Justice

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Hybrid location, based in Chicago, IL.

Grounded in our purpose and priorities, the Executive Director (ED) will serve as the head of the Service and Justice home area. The ED will help the ELCA become a welcoming, thriving and sustainable church that is able to engage new, young and diverse people by demonstrating the compassion of Jesus in the world. This will occur by connecting communities through service and justice for transformation in the way of Jesus as well as through programs and ministries of the church that promote relevancy and engagement with new people. The incumbent in this position leads the team in building bridges between the three expressions of the ELCA, our companion and partners, and new ministries that foster a shared vision for a just and peaceful world.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt, hybrid position. This is a 4-year term position. Terms are renewed by the Presiding Bishop at their discretion.

See full position description and application instructions here, download here.

To obtain further details about this opportunity, contact Sophia LaFontant, Search Consultant at slafontant@nonprofithr.com.

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

Priority registration is open for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), the tAble and the Young Adult Gathering! You can save money by registering by November 1. Congregations should select a primary adult leader to coordinate all registration, payments, transportation and rooming lists and to serve as the contact person for communication from the Gathering. Registration is open through April 15, 2024. Remember, the sooner you register, the better your chances are of having your preferences honored. Register here!

Only 9 more days until...

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!!

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!

Join us on December 9th as we give thanks for and explore the creativity that lives inside of each of us!

If you have any questions, contact Bekah at bekah@skyranchcolorado.org!

Holden Village Jubilee Auction

Holden Village is excited to announce that our biggest fundraiser event is back for the fourth year! We invite people to join us for the all-online Jubilee Auction from Wednesday, October 4 – Sunday, October 8. 

Save the Date for the Jubilee Auction!

Holden Village is a year-round remote wilderness retreat center, rooted in the Lutheran tradition, that welcomes all people into the North Cascade Mountains, above Lake Chelan, Washington.

Holden Village relies on donations to help cover costs of daily operations and programs. Help support our mission to welcome all people into the wilderness to form and renew their relationships with God, the earth, and each other.

You will also have the opportunity to fund other special projects and funds including supporting the Indigenous Artist-In-Residence program, new mattresses, and a portable cardiac monitor for the Holden medic station.

We are excited to feature stays and retreats at several Lutheran and Christian camps in the Pacific Northwest and West in our auction.

Whether you live close by or far away, whether you’ve recently visited or it has been a long time or you have never visited Holden, YOU can connect with the Holden community far and wide by participating in the Jubilee Auction.

All proceeds will support Holden Village, so you can enjoy bidding on fun items and experiences for yourself or as gifts, all while sustaining Holden's mission.

Share this event with your congregation:

Content for E-newsletter Announcements

Print Flyers

Print Bulletin Announcements

RMS WOMEN'S ORGANIZATION

RMSWO Fall Gathering

"Walking Together in God’s Way"

Friday, Oct 6 - Sunday, Oct 8

First Lutheran-Peel House

1515 N. Cascade, Colorado Springs

Have you registered for the Fall Gathering in Colorado Springs on October 6-7? It will be wonderful to see all our sisters in Christ together again. We have a full agenda with Bishop Gonia leading us in opening worship on Friday night. Come learn, share, meditate, hug and sing with your sisters.

Enjoy reading about:

• Ralph Patrick and Cindy Weaver and their work for Family Promise in Colorado Springs
• Vicki Profitt serving as Executive Director for both SARAH’S HOME and DANIEL ACADEMY
• Pastor Stephani Shumaker, the new Associate Pastor at Atonement Lutheran Church in Boulder
• Susan Bolduc who serves as president of our Rocky Mountain Synod’s Advocacy Policy Committee and has led congregational and community social justice groups
• Pastor Kelsey Fauser, who serves as Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs
• a short bio about Bishop Jim Gonia
• how to make Elder Boxes, and more!!!

Download the newsletter here, sign up for the Fall Gathering!

AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS

TUVAYHUN

Colorado Chorale & Augustana Chancel Choir in Concert

7:00pm on Friday, October 27

Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E Alameda Ave

Cost: $25 general, $20 senior, free child/student

“Tuvayhoon” in Aramaic is “blessed.” Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing choral journey as the Colorado Chorale collaborates with the Augustana Lutheran Church Chancel Choir to present Kim André Arnesen’s ethereal masterpiece.

This extraordinary work begins from the biblical Beatitudes and responds with new poetry that sheds light on who among us might be in need of blessing. The texts––ancient and new––are woven into a colorful tapestry of music inspired by a variety of traditions, highlighting the universality of the human experience.

Tuvayhun is more than a concert. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, expressed through the unifying power of music!

Christ the Servant in Louisville is collaborating with MOTUS Theater to bring personal stories from the frontlines of immigration policy to our community. All are welcome to join us for the powerful performance of monologues and music. Tickets are $10. Grab a friend and get your tickets now!!

CONTEMPLATIVE OUTREACH OF COLORADO

Fall Conference with Brian McLaren

Faith, Doubt and Contemplation: Being Contemplatives in a Dangerous Time

Saturday, October 7, 9am-3pm MT

(in person & via zoom)

Join theologian and author, Brian McLaren, for his talk on Faith Doubt and Contemplation: Being Contemplatives in a Dangerous Time. "The road to faith after doubt is often lonely. But beyond the loneliness, you discover a place of solidarity where everything is sacred and everything belongs, including your doubts and including you..." Register or call 303-698-7729.

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. 

Learn How to be a Citizen Scientist

Oct 14 at 10:00am

Join Joy Sherlock from Rocky Mountain Wild to learn about being a citizen scientist. She works with the Colorado Pika Project and with Boreal Toad conservation. She will talk about the Pika as indicator species and the Boreal Toad as an endangered species of the Rocky Mountains, and explain the work she does and how you can get involved doing citizen science where you live. Although she is in Colorado, this will be a great talk for everyone in the synod.

THE CORNERSTONE CHORALE & BRASS PRESENTS A POWERFUL MESSAGE OF RECONCILIATION AND UNITY     

Friday, November 3. 6:00pm

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 6322 South Lakeview Street, Littleton, CO

The program features a unique combination of traditional choral and instrumental

music with narration woven together with newly composed musical themes. The 2023 Tour program offers a unique faith experience reflecting on the pervasive fear that underlies our everyday lives, and focusing on the message that “Perfect love casts out fear.” ( I John 4:18 )

Cornerstone is the creation of its conductor, DR. BRUCE VANTINE, and consists of 30 professional vocalists, instrumentalists, narrator and staff currently on a 3½ week tour including 20 performances in 12 states across the Midwest and Southwest. Members of the ensemble include experienced professional performers from all over the United States. The group has presented more than 480 performances since 1988, offering unique and uplifting programs which often help raise awareness and funds for charities in the local sponsoring community. (Read more here)

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 Southwestern Washington Synod is that portion of western Washington State from the Columbia River in the south up through Tacoma to Federal Way, Auburn and Enumclaw in the north. It then curves westward around the Puget Sound (Salish Sea) to include all of the Olympic Peninsula. Our Synod, then, reaches from the Columbia to Canada, and from the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean. <more>"

The Rev. Rick Jaech was re-elected as synodical bishop at the Synod Assembly in Vancouver WA in June 2019- He is actively serving his second 6-year term.

See the Southerwestern Washington Synod Data Toolkit 2021, visit swwasynod.org/, and on Facebook.

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