May 12, 2021
A Reconciling in Christ synod
RMS ZOOM CONVERSATION WITH THE BISHOP
Patterns of Post-Pandemic Church
May 21, 2021 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. via ZOOM
What are the questions your are asking as you enter into this new phase of our life together as church in a global pandemic? What might be helpful areas for feedback in your particular ministry contest? Where does Holy Communion fit into our conversations as we consider the possibilities of hybrid worship for the long-term?

You are invited to join Bishop Jim and others for some community conversation around this rapidly changing face of church across our diverse landscape in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Mental Health Awareness statement from Bishop Eaton
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2 NRSV).
 
Since the global pandemic was declared in March 2020, many of us have endured extended emotional and psychological anguish. That experience may be dramatically worsened by the ugly realities of racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia or poverty. Our anguish has taken the form of sadness in isolation, anxiety in uncertainty, grief over loss, stress over economic challenges and worry over events beyond our control — including the tremendous impact of the crisis on our children. This pandemic threatens our mental health just as much as our physical health. For millions of us adults living in the United States, receiving the vaccine and the hope it brings has alleviated our unease, sorrow and grief. 

Our faith teaches that caring for health is a shared endeavor. Being the body of Christ means carrying one another’s burdens; it also means placing our burdens in God’s hands and admitting to a caring person close to us that we need help. This is true no matter how great or small our anguish may be.


Mental Health resources:
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
The Future of Tulsa’s Past:
The Centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre and Beyond
2021 John Hope Franklin Annual Symposium
The Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod invites all our siblings from across the ELCA to join us digitally for the 2021 John Hope Franklin Reconciliation in America National Symposium, May 26-29. Following the Symposium, on the afternoon of May 29th, everyone is invited to join us for a Zoom conversation where we will continue addressing the themes of Symposium and talk specifically about how those themes speak to us as a church. Attending the Symposium is not necessary to be a part of the post-symposium gathering.

Individuals must register for the Symposium through the JHF Center website: https://www.jhfnationalsymposium.org  A schedule and list of speakers for the Symposium is also available on the website.

If you would like to join us for the post-symposium conversation, you will need to register at: https://www.aokelca.org/event-details/2021-john-hope-franklin-annual-symposium to receive the Zoom link and password for the ELCA event.


If you have questions please call the synod office at (918)492-4288
RMS & ELCA News and Events
Let us join the Sierra Pacific Synod in welcoming their new Bishop-Elect Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer!
The people of the Rocky Mountain Synod congratulate and pray God's blessings upon the Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer, Bishop-Elect of the ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod.

Read more at:


Christ's Church, Better Together!
Lutheran Advocacy Digital Summit!
Thursday, May 13, 2021, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. MDT
Join us online with advocates and community leaders in learning, listening and taking action. Discover how you as a person of faith can be mobilized for prophetic public policy advocacy, get the latest updates on our work together at the Colorado State Capitol, and be at the forefront of building relationships with your elected officials.

Even if you're new to advocacy, even if policy sounds wonky, even if you're a little Zoomed out (and aren't we all), we want you to join us! The event will include an issues briefing, remarks from Bishop Jim Gonia and a state legislator, and advocacy actions you can take to connect with your representatives.

When: Thursday, May 13, 2021, 6:30 - 8 p.m. MDT
Where: Zoom & Facebook Live
Cost: It's free!
Lutheran Center Yard Clean Up & Garden Plant Day 
Saturday, May 22, 2021, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Pastor Kent Mueller has started seeds in his basement, and he invites your help to clean out the garden beds at the Lutheran Center (site of the RMS Office of the Bishop) and plant seedlings and seeds. The are very much overrun with weeds from last season.

Gardeners who would like to volunteer to tend the garden throughout the summer may also share in the harvest as a community garden partner. Extra produce will be shared with the Growing Home food pantry.

Bring your gloves (there are lots of thistles), your spades, your trowels, your nippers, and your clippers to clean up the vegetable garden and other landscaping areas. A Thrivent Action Grant will provide for some snacks and supplies. Gardening experience is not required to join in the fun.

When: Saturday, May 22, 2021, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: The Lutheran Center, 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221
FIVE OPENINGS REMAIN
Enjoy Messiah Mountain Retreat Center for a time of spiritual renewal through photography
Join Pastor Michael TeKrony on a journey of photography and spiritual reflection at Messiah Mountain Retreat Center, located in Indian Hills, a short drive into the foothills on Highway 285 (map). Michael says, “The camera invites us to pay attention to what is right in front of us. When we focus, either near or far, God comes into view. Using the camera lens, my hope is that we can practice and grow in our awareness of God, right in front of us.”

You will provide your own cell phone camera or other photography equipment.

Messiah Mountain is a gift to the Rocky Mountain Synod recently given by Messiah Community Church, which acquired the 27 acre mountain retreat in1969. This day-long experience is limited to 10 participants (Just 5 spots remain). Cost is $10. Lunch will be provided.
RMS Veterans Servant Corps Project
Fall Retreat for couples
September 10-12, 2021 at Sky Ranch!
Register early (here) for this couples' retreat at Sky Ranch; attendance will be limited to ten couples. It is sponsored by the Veterans Servant Corps Project. For more information or questions, please contact Vicky Daub at lvdaub2@gmail.com.
For Your Bulletin
Ordination & Installation

Mandy Gardner
Deacon
Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry
Christ the King, Durango, CO
Sunday, May 23, 2:00 pm
Color of the Day: Red
Livestreamed at

Reception to the Roster

Alicia Harker
Chaplain
Centura Health - St. Anthony
Evergreen, CO
Sunday, May 16, 9:30am
Color of the Day: White
Livestreamed at:
Limited in person worship, sign up:
RMS Prayer Cycle

May 2021
Metro East Conference

- Week of May 16 -

Holy Love Lutheran
Aurora, CO
Rev. Kari Reiquam
 
House For All Sinners And Saints Lutheran
Denver, CO
Rev. Reagan Humber
Deacon Ryan Cronshaw
 
Joy Lutheran
Parker, CO
Rev. Rod Hank
Rev. Ryan Jerome
 
Lord of The Hills Lutheran
Centennial, CO
Rev. Margot Wright
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.
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Seventh Sunday of Easter

Prayer of the Day
Gracious and glorious God, you have chosen us as your own, and by the powerful name of Christ you protect us from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved world, that we may find our joy in 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
16 - 22 May : Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal - Intercessions and Prayers
Around the Synod
from Flatirons Habitat for Humanity...
Volunteer with Anchor House!
Anchor House is under construction in Broomfield, CO and will soon be a home for emancipated foster youth this summer! We are looking for volunteers to help Flatirons Habitat for Humanity in the last stages of construction, painting and finishing touches. No experience necessary! Visit anchorhouseco.org/volunteer to learn more and to register. Group builds available - contact Tracy at info@anchorhouseco.org.

More information at www.anchorhouseco.org
Conversations for Connection: Supporting Mental Health
Hosted by Atonement Lutheran, Boulder and Interfaith Network on Mental Illness

An embodied approach to healing ambiguous loss"
Thursday, May 13, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ambiguous loss - incomplete or uncertain loss - can create frozen grief, depression, anxiety, and family conflict. This talk will explore the construct of ambiguous loss in general and as it relates to the pandemic. The physiology of ambiguous loss and the pandemic will be explored as well as embodied skills for healing.

Dr. George is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Boulder and was a research associate at CU Boulder until 2012 conducting treatment outcome research for individuals with bipolar disorder. She is a certified Brainspotting therapist, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and a Somatic Resilience and Regulation for early trauma touch therapist. Dr. Geroge is committed to social justice. She inhabits a white body and is currently leading a Somatic Experiencing informed healing racialized trauma for white bodies group. She has an active ecodharma Zen practice combining spiritual practice grief and trauma healing, and activism.

Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220
Meeting the Moment of Crisis:
A Co-Response Model and Philosophy"
Thursday, May 20, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Co-responder programs, which are partnerships between mental health clinicians and law enforcement, have gained in popularity over the last few years. Co-responders respond with police to behavioral health crises happening in the community, which provides a unique opportunity to intervene at the moment of crisis.
Lucy Larbalestier, the supervisor of the City of Boulder’s co-responder team, will present on her experience as a supervisor, co-responder, and crisis clinician over the last decade. Lucy is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). She has specialized in crisis work over the course of her career, has extensive experience training clinicians. and is passionate about providing ethical, compassionate care to people experiencing crisis.

Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220
Our Life Together
Migrant Ministry Meeting
Saturday, May 22, 10:00 a.m.
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
While we will always try to share new and unique resources, keep these synod sites in mind for helpful resources for your ministries.

Employment Opportunities
New Listings
Director of Faith Formation
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado is seeking an individual with passions for youth and family ministry, education, and spiritual growth to serve 30 hours per week as Director of Faith Formation. We are open to candidates with varied levels of education and experience as we seek to find the right person to work alongside members and staff.

Job description attached here. For more information go to https://bethlehem-lutheran.net/about-us/employment.html (registration required)

All interested persons are encouraged to send a resume and cover letter to Council President, Matt James (president@bethlehem-lutheran.net).
Newest Non-Rostered Listings
Director of Faith Formation
Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Longmont, CO

Worship & Media Technician
Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO

Assistant Preschool Teacher
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO, South Table Mountain Preschool

Lead Preschool Teacher
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO, South Table Mountain Preschool

Organist/Accompanist
Ascension Lutheran Church - Colorado Springs, CO

Choral Conductor (part-time)
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver, CO
Office of the Bishop This Week
 Bishop Jim Gonia
  • Lutheran Advocacy Summit
  • Congregational Ministries Board
  • Executive Committee
  • Alicia Harker Installation

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
  • DEM Meeting
  • Holy Love, Aurora, CO
  • Congregational Ministries Board
  • Anchor Church-Abiding Hope/Rejoice Meeting
  • Nativity, Commerce City, CO
  • 3E Meeting

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
  • New Mexico Conference of Churches
  • Advocacy work in New Mexico

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Lutheran Advocacy Digital Summit
  • LAM-CO Policy Committee
  • Christ, Highlands Ranch, CO Worship
  • Financial Equity Coalition
DIRECTOR FOR CONGREGATIONAL TRANSITION
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Excellence in Leadership
  • Congregational Transition

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • Alliance for Music Education Equity
  • Better Together Campaign Meeting
  • Lutheran Center Administration

DIRECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT/LUTHERAN CENTER
Tina Kvitek
  • Better Together Campaign Meeting
  • Excellence in Leadership
  • Shepherd of the Hills, Cañon City, CO

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie O'Callaghan
  • RTLC Board Retreat
  • Candidacy Admin
Quick Links
Share the News
Kent Mueller, Assistant to the Bishop
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