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

July 27, 2024B

a Reconciling in Christ Synod

a Sanctuary Synod

A FINAL WORD FROM BISHOP JIM GONIA

Dear Beloved of the Rocky Mountain Synod,

As I prepare to conclude my call as your bishop on July 31, I want to express my profound thanks for the opportunity to be on the journey with you these last twelve years. A full one third of my 36 years of ordained ministry has been spent as synod – literally on the way together – with you. I am grateful not only for the celebrations and milestone moments we have experienced, but for the challenges that have helped us grow and learn together.

It is with immense joy that I welcome the Rev Dr Meghan Aelabouni to her call as our next bishop. Her leadership, insights and passion will be a tremendous gift in this new season. I trust that you will surround her with your prayers, love and support.

For those who are wondering what comes next for me, I am retiring from ministry in the church and will use this next chapter of life to explore other interests and opportunities, including my love of photography and time with my family. I am excited to see what new ventures may lie ahead.

It’s been my practice when presiding at a blessing of transition for a pastor or deacon, to invite the minister and Council leaders to share words of affirmation and encouragement. In closing, I leave you with a few of my own heartfelt affirmations and encouragements.

My Affirmations:

This is a healthy synod, full of vital congregations and ministries, served by faithful and talented rostered ministers. Thank you for the countless ways you proclaim and embody the gospel every day.
This is a synod with a rich diversity of contexts, with a proven commitment to being connected across the miles and to serving the neighbor. I am grateful for how you live out church better together for the sake of the world.
This is a synod open to new ideas, to new ways of being and becoming church. I appreciate your willingness to experiment and take risks for the sake of the gospel.

My Encouragements:

Keep God’s inclusive unconditional love in Jesus front and center – a gospel of grace matters more than ever to our neighbors and world. Don't be shy to share it!
Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you into new horizons of being the Body of Christ. Be bold to explore paths as yet untrodden.
Remember your call to be God's both/and people in this either/or world. It will mark your witness and service as Christ's Church.

And now, dear friends, all that remains is to offer these words of blessing:

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Yours in Faith,

Bishop Jim Gonia

on the way, together

On Sunday, Sept. 8, congregations of the ELCA will join together for an annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, explore these resources to plan and promote your day, including:

Planning toolkit.
Worship resources.
Slides for projection screens or online worship.
Posters and social media graphics.
Promotional banners.

This year we also celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger and 40 years of RMS Advocacy ministries. In commemoration of these milestones, consider including ministries focused on alleviating hunger and poverty in your plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Or make it a season of service!

Expand your volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts or food drives until World Food Day on Oct. 16.

For more information on RMS Advocacy, please contact Peter Severson HERE and/or Kurt Rager HERE

For more information, contact Pastor Kim Gonia kgonia@holyshepherd.com

Latine Ministry Workshop from Wartburg Theological Seminary - online curriculum

You are invited to join a group of learners and practitioners wanting to enhance their cultural and ministry competence to help start or strengthen Latine, Bilingual, or Multi-Ethnic worshipping communities. This virtual 10-hour workshop will explore core principles, proven resources, and current ministry initiatives among the diversity of Latine primary audiences.

Download an informational flyer here.

ELCA Mission Support Memo

In our July 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo Prince of Peace Evangelical August Lutheran Church in Bangor, Pa reminds us all that with dedicated leaders and faith, any congregation can reach out and meet community needs. Their POP's Treasures Thrift Boutique offers folks a place to share their treasures, shares these with those in need, opens a way to volunteer, plus donates profits to commuity needs. Treasures Abound! Don't miss out on participating in a free Grantwriting for Congregations webinar on August 19^th - check it out in the memo. Finally, we share our deep gratitude for God's mighty creation. Find the memo here too!

If you want to access in other ways, attached is both a .pdf and in Word .doc. Each memo is also added to the Living Lutheran SOFIA site under a NEW tab on the far right called 'Memos' ~ 2024 Memos at https://www.livinglutheran.org/sofia/ ~ you can also access the Stewardship Newsletter at this tab too!

Stewardship Kaleidoscope

September 23-25

offered online and in-person

Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), the Lutheran Church (ELCA), and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions!

Learn more & Register

Free Preaching Cohort

online

EcoPreacher Cohort, presented in collaboration with Lexington Theological Seminary and Creation Justice Ministries with generous funding from Lilly Endowment, Inc. is a 9-month cohort intended for clergy or lay people who preach regularly and who are interested in learning new skills around climate-engaged preaching (as well as honing existing skills). With guest presenters and opportunities for communities of practice, this cohort aims to equip preachers with a robust skillset for engaging in the prophetic work of preaching in a climate-changed world.

Application deadline is August 12, 2024.

Learn more here.

Graduate Theological Education for Everyday People

Fully-online 3 week intensives

Iliff School of Theology has offered graduate level education for more than 125 years through a range of degree programs. Now, through TIER, Iliff is bringing its unique approach to theological education to the public with a series of summer courses that offer our world-class teaching outside of a traditional degree program.

TIER is designed for people considering a graduate degree, people in ministry and community leadership who want to dive deeper into study, or anyone who is ready to transform their understanding of religion and spirituality. TIER allows you to innovate your approach to your life’s biggest challenges and to realize the truths that matter most to you.

Learn more about Tier HERE

Transform your understanding of religion and spirituality.

Innovate your approach to life’s biggest challenges.

Explore your beliefs and the beliefs of others.

Realize the truths that matter most to you.

What does it mean to be Lutheran in a crucial election year?

A Review of ELCA Social Statements (six online webinars, live and recorded)

As our faith informs our day-to-day lives, Lutherans recognize that “faith is active in love [and] love calls for justice in relationships and structures of society” (ELCA, Social Statement on Church in Society, 1991). We also know the church is called to be a community that prays, deliberates, and acts together when it comes to complex social issues. In this election year, how might our Lutheran faith shape our thinking, acting, and voting on major issues?

Join us to learn and ponder timely social teachings of the ELCA and to learn tips for leading discussions in your own community. Our next event in the series is August 27th! Click here for more details. Register here.

6th Annual Addiction & Faith Conference

“Addiction, Trauma, & the Power of Faith to Heal”

October 17-19, 2024, 100% Virtual

Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith

This conference enhances the awareness of people of faith about scourge of addiction. It brings the best of science, spirituality, compassion, justice and personal stories to the task of informing and inspiring both church and society regarding addiction in its many forms. Speakers and presenters are top-flight nationally-known experts. The conference is for everyone, clergy & lay, seminarians, healthcare professionals, people in recovery and those who love them, youth leaders, and addiction specialists. They strive to educate faith communities with what they need to help those addicted. Click below to learn more about the event, the featured speakers, and to register.

Early Bird registration cost: $200 until August 1st; $250 after August 1st

Learn more & Register

Spiritual Care of the Dying: The art of ministering to emotional and spiritual needs at time of death.

August 22 - online

sponsored by Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)

Lead by Cheryl Plummer, Hospice Chaplain, Deaconess (LDA) and Deacon in the SE Michigan Synod of the ELCA,

For more information click HERE

Livestream Lutheran Summer Music Concerts from the Cathedral of the Resurrection

Lutheran Summer Music invites you to livestream over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services throughout the entire month of July. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. Click HERE to explore the schedule and access the livestream and video archive. You won't want to miss this!

RMS News

Encourage your pastor or deacon to attend Theological Conference!

Monday, September 16, 4:00 p.m. - Thursday, September 19, 12:00 p.m. at Ghost Ranch

Theological Conference is an opportunity for leaders of the Rocky Mountain Synod to gather in community for learning, inspiration, and some fun!

Office Clerk Position at the Office of the Bishop

Do you know someone looking for a part-time flexible position?

We are seeking a part-time Office Clerk to assist operations staff with basic clerical functions. The main focus will be accounts payable, cash receipts, filing, and reconciliations. The position will require 10-12 hours per week on-site at the Office of the Bishop.

Click HERE to view the job description

Apply Today!

region specific

Caffeinated Church Conference September 9-12, 2024

Denver, CO

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Church Administrators
Communication Directors
Pastors/Clergy & Ministry Leaders
Volunteers involved in church management

If your congregation has an Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) of less than 100, you will receive 50% off your registration.

The registration deadline is August 15

Learn more & Register TODAY!

RSVP HERE

For more information, contact Deacon Korra at klooschen@stphilip-co.org

Green Home Tour and No-Waste Potluck

August 10th at 10:00 a.m.

2866 S. Pancratia St., Denver, CO

Tour the latest in environmentally friendly home design and then participate in a no waste pot-luck in the park (no-waste means nothing gets thrown away and includes cloth napkins, reusable plates, and composting leftovers.)

If you are unable to attend in person, the tour will also be shared via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316

in our prayers

Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches

July 28 - August 3 prayers for Republic of Congo, Gabon, São Tomé, and Principe

ELCA Prayer Ventures are 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 (monthly) and Living Lutheran (daily) Prayer ventures

Conference Prayers

Please pray for the congregations and Clergy of the North New Mexico Conference

All Saints, Albuquerque, NM

Pastor Kristin Schultz

Camino de Vida, Albuquerque, NM

Pastor David Martinez

Cross of Hope, Albuquerque, NM

Pastor Adam Berndt

Holy Cross, Albuquerque, NM

Lutheran Campus Ministry of NM

Pastor Rhonda Newby-Torres

Messiah, Albuquerque, NM

Pastor Doug Mathison

St. Luke, Albuquerque, NM

Pastor Wayne Nieminen

Pastor Christa von Zychlin

St. Paul, Albuquerque, NM

Pastor Kristi Koppel

St. Timothy, Albuquerque, NM

Pastor Matthew Powell

Albuquerque, NM

Rev. Dr. Kathryn Schlecter

St. Peter, Carlsbad, NM

Christ the King, Durango, CO

Pastor Tim Orlowski

Deacon Amanda Gardner

Mercy Regional Medical Center

Durango, CO

Pastor Joshua Magyar

Mission Funding Director, Region 2

Pastor Carmen Retzlaff

Trinity, Farmington, NM

St. Paul's/Peace Episcopal-Lutheran

Las Vegas, NM

Pastor Jill Cline

Pastor Madelynn Johnston

Bethlehem, Los Alamos, NM

Pastor Nicolé Ferry

Deacon Amy Schmuck

Valley, Los Lunas, NM

Pastor Kenneth Vogler

Community of Joy, Rio Rancho, NM

Pastor Paul Schick

Christ, Santa Fe, NM

Pastor Joene Herr

L.C. of the Servant, Santa Fe, NM

Pastor Jason McSpadden

Monthly Prayer Cycle

Special Prayers

Please pray for Pastor Tim Orlowski as he is recovering from an emergency appendectomy on Tuesday.

Please pray for the friends and family of Pastor Benjamin Elder who died on July 12. His memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran, Boulder on August 10 at 1pm.

Please pray for Pastor Jane Jebsen as she has received a diagnosis of cancer, again - breast cancer this time. Prayers as decisions are being made and treatment is happening.

Click HERE to connect to her CaringBridge page.

Please pray for Pastor Mark Will who is hospitalized with multiple health concerns

Please pray for Pastor Ron Roschke as he is undergoing cancer treatments.

Please pray for Pastor Margo Wright She recently received a breast cancer diagnosis. Click HERE to visit her CaringBridge page.

Please pray for Pastor Kristi Beebe, she is recovering from spine surgery

Holy God, out of your great love for the world, your Word became flesh to live among us and to reconcile us to you and to one another.

Rekindle among us the gift of your Spirit that we might live as one new humanity in Christ, dismantling the walls that divide, ending the hostility between us, and proclaiming peace to those who are near and to those who are far away; through Christ Jesus, in whom we all have access, in the one Spirit to you, both now and forever. Amen.

(Holden Prayer around the Cross,

p. 132-33)

Thank you for all your prayers.

Installations

Rev. Michael Vinson

Christ, Highlands Ranch, CO

July 27 at 5:00 p.m. and July 28 at 9:00 a.m.

July 27: casual dress/clerical

July 28 the color of the day is GREEN

Bishop-elect Meghan Johnston Aelabouni

Augustana, Denver, CO

October 5th at 4:00 p.m.