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April 14, 2021
A Reconciling in Christ synod
Earth Day statement from Bishop Eaton
O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
—Psalm 104:24
 
Throughout Scripture, God promises to restore God’s people to health and wholeness, a promise that includes the renewal of all creation. This promise is depicted dramatically in the final pages of the book of Revelation as a grand vision of a new heaven and a new earth. The earth and its inhabitants are weary and uncertain, battered by plagues and death, wars and destruction. But God is still there, persistent and faithful. At the last, God reveals a renewed heaven and an earth permeated by the presence of God, transformed from pain to be a place of healing and wholeness for all things. The 2021 Earth Day theme, "Restore Our Earth," reminds us of this vision and the holy work God entrusts to us — of seeking the well-being of creation as inseparable from the wholeness of humankind.  

RMS & ELCA News and Events
from the RMS Veteran Servant Corps Project
2021 VA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP) Virtual Summit
The RMS Veterans Servant Corps Project invites you to join the 2021 VA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP) Virtual Summit on May 4 & May 5 as they continue to serve a diverse Veteran population across the nation.

Day 1
May 4, 2021 (click to register/join) will feature a conversation with VA Leaders about VA Programs and Services and an Overview of VA Programs.
  • Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Veterans Health Administration
  • VA Center for Minority Veterans
  • Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University, Durham, NC
  • Military Family Research Institute (MFRI), Purdue University
  • VA Chaplain Services, Transitional Care & Education
  • AmeriCorps’, Wounded Warriors, Veterans and Military Families

Day 2
May 5, 2021 (click to register/join) will feature a conversation with VA CFBNP Partners about current and ongoing efforts in their organizations and communities.
  • Veteran suicide prevention
  • Reid Temple African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
  • National Council of Churches (NCC)
  • VA Center for Women Veterans
  • Interagency Council on Homelessness
  • Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO)
  • The Nation’s Mosque
  • The Warrior’s Journey (TWJ)
  • Office of Veterans Business Development (SBA)

Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. MT
Webex Events
If you have any questions or require special accommodations, please contact
Trulesta.Pauling@va.gov, (202) 821-3848 or William.Morales2@va.gov, (202) 461-0753
For Your Bulletin
Ordination & Installation

Mandy Gardner
Deacon
Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry
Christ the King, Durango, CO
Sunday, May 23
Afternoon TBD
Color of the Day: Red
RMS Prayer Cycle

April 2021
Wyoming Conference

- Week of April 18 -

St John Lutheran
Riverton, WY
Rev. Bonita Knox

St Luke's Lutheran
Buffalo, WY
Rev. Ken Thurow

St Paul's Lutheran
Cheyenne, WY
Rev. Alison George

Trinity Lutheran
Laramie, WY
Rev. Nathan Keith
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Third Sunday of Easter

Prayer of the Day
Holy and righteous God, you are the author of life, and you adopt us to be your children. Fill us with your words of life, that we may live as witnesses to the resurrection of your Son, 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
18 - 24 April : Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine - 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.
Around the Synod
Conversations for Connection: Supporting Mental Health
Hosted by Atonement Lutheran, Boulder and Interfaith Network on Mental Illness

Resistance as Resilience: Building the Barricades of LGBTQ Mental Health"
Thursday, April 15, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
What are cultural challenges that LGBTQ young people face each day and how resilience has created an astounding generation of changemakers? LGBTQ mental health resources are available and what are the best practices for caring for ourselves and those around us in the age of COVID and beyond? We will speak about conversion therapy as a transition from resistance to resilience. From the warning signs of suicide to stories about stilettos in the White House, this is gonna be a way for each of us to know how to save lives - including our own.

Sam Brinton is one of the world’s leading advocates for LGBTQ youth. They are the founder of the 50 Bills 50 States campaign at The Trevor Project to end the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy, first in the United States and then around the globe. As a survivor of conversion therapy, Sam has spoken before the United Nations and Congress as well as testified on legislation from coast to coast to protect LGBTQ youth across the country. Sam uses they, them, or their as their pronouns as a genderfluid person.

Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220
Healing at the Intersection of Hurt and Hope"
Thursday, April 22, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
We know from experience that hurt and hope are not separate parts of our life. They flow into and affect each other. Both are real. There is suffering and struggle and there is almost always something happening in or around us that connects us to an alternative future. When we hold hurt and hope together, we are in a powerful land. In this session we will explore what happens in that middle space where hurt and hope intersect and talk about implications for pastoral care, leadership and community engagement.
Rev. Kirsten Peachy, MSW, MDiv., DMin., is Vice President, Faith Outreach Advocate Aurora Health, Chicago, and oversees the organization’s partnerships with faith community. Kirsten is a nationally known contributor in the field of faith and health and was a founder of The Center for Faith and Community Health Transformation, a collaborative effort to work alongside faith communities to address the social conditions that impact community health.

Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220
Celebrate Music Encounters:
An Evening of Uplifting Music & Inspiring Stories about Music Teachers
Friday, April 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate the music teachers in our life who inspire and encourage young lives in the arts! Join us for an evening of uplifting music as the teachers from City Strings share their stories of their early encounters in music followed by a favorite composition or two. This virtual presentation will debut on Friday, April 16 at 7:00pm.

Let us know you can attend by making a reservation at https://www.augustanaarts.org/tickets. This is a FREE virtual concert, but your donations are always appreciated in support of the arts.
Together We Grow: LFSRM Annual Gala
Friday, May 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate growth and hope with Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains for our 27th annual gala, held virtually. Join us for a silent auction, paddle raise, and stories directly from those we serve throughout Colorado and in New Mexico and Utah. Never had the chance to attend? This is the perfect year for you to tune in and learn more about the work we do! For the first time ever, we are offering a First Time Attendee Complementary Ticket. Pour a glass of lemonade and join us from the comfort of home!

For more information, to purchase a ticket, or to sponsor, go to:
Our Life Together
Sky Ranch Seeking Stellar Summer Staff!!
Sky Ranch is in the process of filling out our 2021 summer staff. Are you or someone you know interested in working with kids in the mountains this summer? Then come spend the summer sharing your faith and facilitating encounters with Christ with all guests. Staff and campers explore their faith in new and creative ways, all while having loads of fun-- Low and High Ropes, Whitewater rafting, day hikes and backpacking, cooking over a fire, and so much more!!!

We are still in need of a Summer Camp Registrar, a Weekend Cook, and a few more male counselors.

  • The Camp Registrar will work with our Office Manager in the Fort Collins office to manage camper paperwork, call parents to obtain proper forms, help with administrative duties, and assist with Sunday Registration. The position requires 35-40 hours/week and personal transportation to our Fort Collins office. 
  • The Weekend Cook would need to come up to Sky Ranch on Friday afternoons, and cook Friday dinner, all meals on Saturday, and Sunday breakfast/brunch for various sized groups.

A flyer and with job descriptions is here.

If you are interested in either position, please contact Ally Mertz at 970-493-5258 to talk about a summer at Sky Ranch, or send email to jeff@skyranchcolorado.org.
Earth Day Worship Service
April 22 at NOON
Join the Creation Care Team for a special worship service for Earth Day. The prayer service will include readings, music, and prayers from all across the synod. It will be live on https://www.facebook.com/rmselca at noon.

Questions, contact: rmscreationcareteam@gmail.com
PLU Lectures, Presentations & Workshops
"World Balance vs. Personal Salvation: An American Indian Postcolonial Perspective"
with Rev. Dr. George "Tink" Tinker
Tuesday, April 20, 8:00pm Mountain via Webinar
Rev. Dr. George “Tink” Tinker (wazhazhe, Osage Nation) is Professor of American Indian Cultures and Religious Traditions at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Tinker will address the differences between the genuine equality of American Indian peoples and the hierarchical worldview of the eurochristian West. Given the eco-devastation threatening life today, and the historical trauma experienced by American Indian nations, the survival of American Indian cultures and values may make the difference for the survival of the Earth.

You are also invited to join PLU Chapel on Wednesday, April 21st at 10:30 a.m. PDT via Zoom to hear Dr. Tinker deliver the message. For more information and to register for either opportunity, please visit plu.edu/religion/2021-knutson-lecture.
Join the Evolving Faith Book Club!
Wednesday, April 28 at 1:00 p.m.
The Evolving Faith Book Club will be discussing the book, The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Mastery by Dr. Sarah Lewis. This book club meets on Zoom on the 4th Wednesday of each month for one hour beginning at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time. We will be discussing one chapter each month. If you would like to be added to the list to receive monthly emails with the zoom link, please sign up at www.purposefulpastor.com/evolving-faith-book-club. All are welcome!
Co-Creating the Post-COVID World
Join a conversation about the role of the church in the transformation of our communities.

  • The world is different
  • Leaders and congregations need to adapt and discern what the Spirit is doing
  • Collaboration is crucial
  • Developing life-giving patterns of ministry and ways of engaging our communities

One of the goals of the Thriving Leadership Formation program is to equip church leaders to creatively respondto the needs of their communities by connecting more deeply with their ministry context.
 
Conversation facilitated by Rev. Dr. Ray Pickett, Rector at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Desta Goehner, Director of Congregational Relations at Cal Lutheran.

2 separate conversations with the same content. You only need to attend one.

Tues., April 27, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, MDT

Wed., April 28, 7:30 – 10 pm, MDT
(Spanish Interpretation available/ Interpretación al español disponible)

Webinars will be not recorded. English and Spanish flyers attached.
Embrace Your Neighbor Through Language Access: Build Bridges for A Diverse Church
An excellent 'why', 'how to' and best practices conversation on language access and Interpretation for your online event.

This event has already happened and we think it was excellent and worth sharing for others to watch and share: http://bit.ly/EmbraceLanguage

English and Spanish flyer attached.
Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Director of Development - Seminary Relations
California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Thousand Oaks, CA
California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) invite applications for the position of Director of Development – Seminary Relations. Reporting to the Vice President of Mission and Identity, the Director is responsible for the cultivation and stewardship of congregational and donor relationships for the development of the seminary and university. The Director advances the university’s mission by building relationships and effectively communicating its mission to donors and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America synods and congregations of the western United States. This position is headquartered on the Thousand Oaks campus of California Lutheran University.

Additional information about California Lutheran University may be found at: www.callutheran.edu, and additional information about Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary may be found at: www.plts.edu. Information about California Lutheran University, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, and the desired attributes for the Director of Development - Seminary Relations can be viewed here.
More information available here.
Evergreen Lutheran Church is seeking a team player to support the Pastor of ELC and participate with the staff in providing meaningful music for all worship experiences that enhance the congregation’s spiritual life in keeping with Lutheran tradition. This important position is a part-time, salaried position and reports directly to the Pastor of ELC. Salary and other details will be discussed when an interview occurs. Please contact Rev. Vera Guebert-Steward at PastorVera@evergreenlutheran.org or at 303-674-4654, the church office phone number. The job description is attached here.
Audio/Visual and Social Media Coordinator
King of Glory Lutheran in Loveland, CO is taking applications for an Audio Visual and Social Media Coordinator. This position is part-time, paid, with one weekend off a month. Responsibilities include recording/live-streaming worship and keeping social media platforms up to date. Please see job description here.
For additional information contact: ruthann@aplace2grow.org
Director of Children, Youth and Family
St. Philip Lutheran Church is seeking a full time Director of Children, Youth and Family (CYF Director). The CYF Director is a congregational leader. The CYF Director’s purpose is to build relationships between and among and walk alongside St. Philip’s children, youth, young adults, and families with youth as they develop their faith, walk their faith journey and share the experience of God’s love with each other and the community. They will do this while upholding St. Philip’s mission of intentionally building relationships through Christ to grow and serve. The essential job duties include working with our children's ministry team, confirmation program, sr. high youth program, young adult ministry, family ministry, the St. Philip Early Learning Center, milestone ministry, and outreach ministry.

The position is full time; 40 hours a week with benefits. Salary will be commensurate with experience and education within range of $42,000-$55,000 annually.
Go to https://www.stphilip-co.org/employment/ for the CYF Director Job Description and information on how to apply.
We are looking for a technology admin individual to support our live streaming Worship services on Sunday mornings 8:00am - 11:00am. Prep work required. Compensation for work. Ability to work with others necessary. Creative license is a asset. For more information and to apply write to: pa@gloryofgodchurch.net.
Adminstrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
The Administrative Assistant is responsible for sharing in the day-to-day operations of the church office, providing support to all staff and church members, maintaining confidential church records, preparing printed materials, and scheduling facility use. Additionally, the Administrative Assistant will maintain accurate accounting records of the church, including the general ledger, payroll and financial statements. Please follow this link for complete details and how to apply.
Assistant Preschool Teacher
Joy Lutheran Church in Parker, CO, is seeking two Assistant Preschool Teachers. The persons selected for this position must be experienced in working with young children and must be sensitive, mature individuals, able to relate well to both children and adults. They should have an understanding of Joyful Mission Preschool’s mission statement and philosophy, as well as Joy Lutheran Church’s vision statement.
A full job description is available here.
For questions or additional information, write to: preschool@joylc.org
Joyful Mission Preschool in Parker, CO, is seeking a Lead Teacher. The individual selected for this position must meet the requirements of the Department of Human Services of Colorado with a minimum of Lead Teacher qualifications required; be a sensitive, mature individual, able to relate well to both children and adults; have the personality and ability to provide leadership and stability for the program; and be able to lead the classroom education program through both the Christian and academic curriculum.
A full job description is available here.
For questions or additional information, write to: preschool@joylc.org
We are an ELCA and Reconciling in Christ congregation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, seeking a part-time Director of Music (averaging 15 hours per week). The role of this position is to lead, seek out, encourage, and coordinate the music ministry to enrich the worship and spiritual life of the congregation and the community. Full job description, and submission information here.

Candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in music, while a Master’s degree in music is preferred.
Application deadline: 1 April 2021 Start date: 1 May 2021
All Non-Rostered Listings
Director of Development - Seminary Relations
California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary - Thousand Oaks, CA

Minister of Music
Evergreen Lutheran Church - Evergreen, CO

Audio/Visual and Social Media Coordinator
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO

Director of Children, Youth and Family
St. Philip Lutheran Church - Littleton, CO

Technology Administration
Glory of God Lutheran Church - Wheat Ridge, CO

Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
First Lutheran Church - Longmont, CO

Assistant Preschool Teacher
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO

Preschool Teacher
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO

Director of Music
St. Paul Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM

Facilities Manager
First Lutheran Church - Longmont, CO

Director of Music Ministries
King of Kings Lutheran Church - Pueblo, CO

Interim Director of Faith Formation
Trinity Lutheran Church - Loveland, CO
Office of the Bishop This Week
 Bishop Jim Gonia
  • 1-1 Appointments
  • RMS Executive Committee
  • Vacation April 19-22

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
  • 1-1 Appointments
  • Westview, Boulder, CO

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
  • NM Medicaid Coalition
  • Assembly Reference and Counsel Committee

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Reference and Counsel
  • Colorado Social Legislation Committee
  • LAM-CO Policy Committee
DIRECTOR FOR CONGREGATIONAL TRANSITION
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Congregational Transition
  • Excellence in Leadership

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Lutheran Center Administration
  • Messiah Mountain Team

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
  • Assembly Planning
  • RMS Communications

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie O'Callaghan
  • Candidacy Meetings
Quick Links
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Feel free to contact Andrew Nakatani, Communications Assistant, with your questions and comments about eConnection and our website!

Rocky Mountain Synod 
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-733-0750