Transformational Travel Immersion Experience to the historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement

Sunday, January 7, 2024, eight siblings in Christ of the Rocky Mountain Synod began a six-day "transformational travel" immersion experience to Alabama visiting historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement - Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham and Tuskegee. (Pictured from left to right: Bishop Jim Gonia, Deacon Shanna VanderWel; Pastor Barbara Berry-Bailey; Jody Brammer-Hoelter, Esq. RMS Synod Council; Pastor Chelsea Achterberg; Pastor Julie McNitt; Pastor Wesley Dunbar; Trina Lambert, front right.)  This photograph was taken in front of the Court Square Fountain, the historic central location of the Montgomery slave trade. It was the beginning of several times when the heart was too heavy for words and we had reach in our pockets and put on that smile for the folks back home.

In addition to visiting museums and historic sites, we were blessed to hear the first-hand accounts from people for whom Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was their pastor; people who were tear gassed and turned away at the Edmund Pettus Bridge and then later walked the 52 mile journey from Selma to Montgomery. We heard the testimony of people who saw George Wallace stand in their worship space and apologize for racist behavior and his part in the perpetuation of segregation and Jim Crow laws and terrorism.

The purpose of this travel experience was to educate and empower others in our synod to "go and do likewise." As a result, two of the participants are currently planning another immersion trip for a future date.  

Yes, you CAN read books and view photos on our Rocky Mountain Synod Facebook page but as Bishop Gonia so eloquently stated, "It is one thing to read books or watch films on the struggle for racial justice. It is quite another thing to immerse yourself in places, people and living stories of what took place and perceive anew how the struggle continues."

For more information, or to plan a trip or educational experience, please contact

Pastor Barbara Berry-Bailey, Special Assistant for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Synod Assembly registration is LIVE! "Synod - On Our Way, Together"

April 25, 2:00 p.m. - April 27, noon Embassy Suites, Loveland

We will gather together in Loveland Colorado, to elect our next bishop and explore what is next for the Rocky Mountain Synod.

Registration is a two-step process:

1. Complete the registration form by following the link below and pay via credit card. Registration is $400 per participant (*Note: the registration platform requires a "country code" please enter "US" or any two characters of choice) -- ATTN Retired Clergy, please do not register until you receive a letter with special instructions -- next week!

2. Book sleeping rooms at the Embassy Suites HERE (*Do not call the Embassy Suites or use their regular reservation platforms, you will not receive the contracted room rate for this event – our contracted rate is $134 per room per night. Also, don’t forget to use your congregation or ministry’s tax-exempt certificate for the sleeping rooms) The Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center is located at 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy, Loveland, CO, 80538 -- view a map HERE

The Registration deadline is Friday, March 22

Registration cancellations will be accepted through Friday, March 15th. There will be a non-refundable fee of $50 assessed for any cancelations received by this date.

No cancellations will be accepted and no refunds issued beginning on March 16th because of contractual agreements with the hotel. However, you may substitute one attendee for another through April 15th.

Please plan to arrive and check-in by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 -- voters must check-in 30 minutes prior to the first ballot, and after we officially "Open the Assembly" (a short litany) the procedure for the first ballot will begin.

Assembly Exhibitors: there is no additional fee for an exhibit. When you register, please apply and staff will contact you with details.

If you are planning to submit a Memorial or Resolution, please indicate this intention as part of your registration and staff will contact you with details. Memorials and Resolutions must be submitted for review by Reference and Counsel by Friday, March 8th. Guidelines for Memorials and Resolutions are available HERE

Stay-tuned for schedule information and instructions for Ministry Magazine submissions.

Scholarships are available, please contact Dn. Sarah Bjornebo to apply

Questions? of If you'd like to volunteer to help with Assembly (lots of opportunities available!) email HERE -- Thank you!!

Synod Annual Report 2023

Please share the Synod's Annual Report with your congregation or ministry! Annual Meetings are a great time to share this information as well as regular communications - "Synod - On Our Way, Together!"

Mission Support Intents for 2024

RMS Congregations, please complete the Mission Support Intent Form below (fillable PDF), and email the completed form to Jon Johnson, Finance Director at finance@rmselca.org

IF the Mission Support Intent is completed as part of the Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop, you do not need to complete this form.

2024 Thank you for your generous support!

Download the form HERE

WHY CHURCH?

NEW SERIES TO BRIGHTEN THE LENS ON LENT

As the world around us continues to evolve, a new series has been designed to get your congregation to talk about what they yearn for in their church today and into its future, and to reflect on its interaction within the community and the world.

Created by the RMS Congregational Ministries Committee and adapted from previous conversations on “Classic Church/Church Becoming.” the resource, Why Church? Lent 2024, invites your congregation to explore one or more of these five categories, each with accompanying scripture and questions to encourage conversation.

•  Why Church? Centers on a Lutheran witness to the gospel to examine shared values among all cultures in the congregation’s context.
•  Story: Reflects on the “highs and lows” of the congregation’s story, key milestones, possible shifts in motives, and connection in the community and world.
• Change: Discovers how the congregation has changed in the last ten years, and identity parts no longer working, current gifts and who/where to serve.
• Abundance & Scarcity: Questions the motivation behind wanting “more” and what there already is in abundance and whether the focus is on surviving or thriving.
•  Holy Spirit: Ponders “Where is God in this?” When has the church discerned a past calling of the Holy Spirit and how can it listen for such a calling now? 

Contact Rev. Brian Erickson HERE for more information.

The Registration Deadline is March 13, 2024 or when capactiy is reached.

Registration does not include transportation to/from El Paso

Companion Synod Visit 2024

The Rocky Mountain Synod will be hosting the presidents from our four companion synods in Madagascar September 28-October 6, 2024!

Our hope is to introduce the presidents to different areas and ministries of the synod as they make their way from El Paso, TX to Denver, CO for the installation of our new bishop on Saturday, October 5, 2024. If you would like to be part of a planning team for the visit, please contact Terry Cole, Companion Synod rep on the Global Church Network, at tecole51@comcast.net. And if your ministry is in El Paso, TX, northern New Mexico, Durango, CO, Price, UT, the Salt Lake City area, Laramie or Cheyenne, WY and the Denver Metro area and you are interested in meeting and providing hospitability for our guests, please contact Terry, as well!



Update from the Bishop Election Committee

Thank you to everyone who suggested nominees for the election at the Assembly in April. Those suggested by the community in this way have been contacted by the Bishop Election Committee and will have the opportunity to fill out a biographical form if they are open to discerning a call as bishop.

Any Word and Sacrament Minister who is open to being nominated for bishop may complete and submit biographical information by filling out a form on the synod website January 22-March 1, 2024. Anyone who submits biographical information must still be nominated on the first ballot at the Synod Assembly to be considered. Biographical forms received from all potential nominees will be available on the synod website after March 1.

Questions? contact Pr. Ann Hultquist HERE 

More information - including a helpful timeline and the form to self-nominate -- is available on the RMS website

Introducing the Bishop Transition Team

The Synod Relations Committee of the ELCA Conference of Bishops determined that it would be beneficial to have a resource to guide the transitional actions and conversations that occur between an outgoing bishop and a bishop elect.

With this official guideline in hand, we introduce you to the

newly formed Bishop Transition Team of the Rocky Mountain Synod. This team of

five rostered and lay leaders from our synod were recruited and appointed by

the RMS Synod Council to serve through the installation and “settling in”

period of the synod bishop to be elected at the 2024 Synod Assembly. 

Their role is distinct and separate from those who are tasked

with facilitating the election of our new bishop. It is intended to help

provide a more efficient orientation and caring welcome for the new bishop as

we begin a new chapter in the history of our synod. The Transition Team members

are: Deb Elstad (Chair), Nolan Bly, Dr. Jack Lindsey, Rev. Ruth Ann Loughry,

and Rev. Kate Schlechter. 

We prayerfully invite you as a member of the Rocky Mountain

Synod to join them in their efforts and participate when requested as they

prepare for a smooth transition and good beginning for the new bishop

elect. 

Web address and/or email for additional information: Deb

Elstad, deb.elstad@gmail.com

All Creation Waits

The RMS Creation Care group used the book All Creation Waits by Gayle Boss as meditations for Advent, looking at how 25 animals adapt to darkness and cold. Some, like turtles and frogs, slow down and essentially freeze underground until Spring. Others, like bears and woodchucks, hibernate, but rouse for a few minutes or days during the winter. Animals such as porcupines and chickadees work to find food and shelter every day and night. We are reminded that the natural world is part of creation that God asks us to steward. David Rhoads in his essay Reading the Bible with Care for Creation writes that “God wants all creatures to thrive.” From Genesis 1:22 is God's blessing: "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." Also “God calls humans to honor [all creatures’] right to life and to foster their well-being.” Psalm 104:24 tells us: "O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Honoring all creatures and caring for all creation are part of our gifts from God and to God.

For additional information: Rocky Mountain Synod Creation Care

Team on Facebook or rmscreationcareteam@gmail.com

Urban Servant Corps is

Accepting Applications!

A place to belong. A welcoming and affirming community. An opportunity to serve. If these values are important to you, consider joining the Urban Servant Corps community in Denver, CO.

At USC, we believe that service is transformational -- it creates the opportunity for shared humanity and to faithfully respond to one another's needs. We also believe that in community, we are able to live more faithful, simple lives that are in service to one another. Our full-time volunteers live in an intentional community house in downtown Denver with others who are committed to social justice, racial justice, and accompanying vulnerable populations. Food, housing, health insurance, a monthly stipend, student loan debt reduction (up to $7000) and an annual "growth and development" allotment are provided. Additionally, Spiritual Direction, alumni mentorship, and professional development opportunities are offered as part of this experience.

Are you (or do you know) a young adult dedicated to social justice and a simpler way of life? Are you someone who hopes to explore or deepen your faith? Are you seeking experience in the non-profit/social service field?

Priority deadline for applications is March 1. 

For more information visit: www.urbanservantcorps.org



Opportunity to assist a Venezuelan family in Denver

Update on the Venezuelan family in Denver 

As of January 8, 2024 Denver 37,018 migrants from the southern border have arrived in Denver (many from Venezuela) and 4,581 people are currently being sheltered by the city. Thank you for the support offered so far for the Villarroel-Brito family from individuals and congregations in the Rocky Mountain Synod! 

This family arrived in Denver in October, 2023 and after several weeks in a hotel shelter they moved into an apartment just before Christmas. The children are enrolled in school. A 19 year-old son crossed the border on Christmas Eve and arrived safely in Denver just before January 1. As the family settles into their new home they are focused on applying for asylum in the United States and meeting basic needs. They will need ongoing support in the coming months. There are many ways to help. For example: hire the mom or dad for occasional work (the dad is trained as an electrician and is an excellent cook; the mom is willing to do a variety of tasks including older adult care and cleaning services); gather information about local programs, financial support for rent, bus passes, and other basic needs), transportation, and practicing English. 

To assist with accompanying the Villarroel-Brito family: 

contact Carolyn Swenson at cjswenson57@gmail.com

Learn more about how to support migrants in Denver:

https://denverite.com/2024/01/09/how-to-help-denver-migrants/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=denverite&utm_campaign=denverite20240109

Advocacy Alert on asylum from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services:

https://lutheranimmigrationrefugeeservice.quorum.us/campaign/47850/  

Spend a Summer at Sky Ranch!

There's nothing quite like a summer spent on staff in outdoor ministry. The skills learned, experiences had, connections formed, and memories made are lifechanging. Whether you're leading a hike through the beautiful Rocky Mountains, helping a camper on high ropes, or planning an unforgettable campfire, you'll be a part of something truly special. So don't wait, apply today and join us for an unforgettable summer at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp! 

If you have young adults in your life, I urge you to share this wonderful opportunity with them!  

Web address and/or email for additional information:

https://www.skyranchcolorado.org/employment



The Magic of Mozart

February 24th at 7:00 p.m Augustana, Denver, CO

Experience the brilliance of Mozart's music and more. Opening the concert, Caroline Shaw's Entr'acte adds a contemporary touch, paying tribute to Mozart while infusing the evening with a fresh and modern perspective. Then, prepare to be captivated by the virtuosity and timeless elegance of Mozart Piano Concerto 21, performed by pianist Matthew Liu, winner of the International Keyboard Odyssiad Competition. Feel the grandeur and electrifying energy of the "Jupiter" Symphony, Mozart's magnum opus, as the orchestra brings to life its majestic melodies and intricate orchestration.

Web address and/or email for additional information:

https://www.augustanaarts.org/events/the-magic-of-mozart



LIRS has changed their name to Global Refuge

It is with gratitude for your partnership that we share with you our new name: Global Refuge. This name embodies the essence of our work, casting a spotlight on the diverse communities we serve and emphasizing the expansive nature of our God-given mission. We believe that this new identity will provide greater visibility to the people we serve and that it will act as a beacon of hope and welcome on a global scale.

Our organization has always been molded by our Lutheran DNA, and we are proud to say that our faith remains steadfast in shaping our work of welcome. Our relationships with Lutheran communities, congregations, and other ecumenical and interfaith partners are essential, and they will continue to be an integral part of who we are.

For more information, READ the full press release HERE

If you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to us:

• Dan Beirne, Director for Mobilization and Faith Relations: Dbeirne@globalrefuge.org

• Deacon Sarah Kretschmann, Congregational Engagement Specialist:

Skretschmann@globalrefuge.org

• General Inquiries: workofwelcome@globalrefuge.org



Retirement Readiness Webinars

Resolved to feel more financially prepared for the future? Check out Portico’s Retirement Readiness Series from Fidelity starting at the end of January. Register for live webinars covering topics like turning your savings into retirement income, understanding Social Security, and estate planning basics. Recorded versions of these topics – and many more – are available on demand on myPortico. 

Learn to Live 2024 Webinars – January

Take 30 minutes to boost your mental well-being by joining a live webinar led by the Learn to Live Clinical Team. January topics include making effective habit change, mindful eating, and creating a positive mindset by avoiding negative thinking traps. View the webinar schedule, as well as their library of previous topics, and use the access PORTICO to register.

COLLABORATION | RESPECT | STEWARDSHIP | INTEGRITY | EXCELLENCE

It’s time to nominate students for Lutheran Summer Music



Each year, the primary way that music students find their way to LSM is through the encouragement of their church musician! LSM offers opportunities for musicians of all kinds: brass, winds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more! Students receive advanced musical instruction through large ensembles (Festival Choir, Band and Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons with collegiate-level faculty, and elective classes (such as conducting, composition, church music, intro to the pipe organ, jazz band, musical theatre, music therapy). In the evenings, students attend recitals and Evening Prayer services, and social events with their friends. LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 30-July 28 (Full Session) or June 30-July 14 (Half Session) and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12.

Know a musical young person who would thrive at LSM?

Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate. 

Caffeinated Church Conference September 9-12, 2024

Denver, CO

The 1st Annual Caffeinated Church Conference will bring together leaders, administrators, communicators, and volunteers in our faith communities. Our mission is to equip and inspire you to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your church's communication and administrative functions.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Workshops & Collaboration Sessions: Gain access to hands-on workshops, led by known experts in church communications and administration. Hear from influential thought leaders who will challenge your thinking and provide fresh insights into the ever-changing landscape of church communication and administration. Topics include strategic planning, social media outreach, artificial intelligence, budgeting, digital evangelism, volunteer management, leadership development, and more.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals who are facing similar challenges and share best practices. Engage in thoughtful discussions and create lasting relationships that will benefit your ministry.
• Innovative Technology Exploration: Explore the latest tools and technologies that can enhance your church's communication and administration. From cutting-edge software for graphic design, to AI tools for working more efficiently and effectively, to creative solutions for engaging your congregation, discover what's new in the field.