Excellence in Leadership (EiL) is a transformational experience. We have now completed the first cohort in this two-year initiative and the reviews have proven this truth. EiL provides tools and resources to help strengthen both participants and the communities in which they participate, and to help create the courageous, resilient, faithful leaders that this world craves and needs.

Truly this initiative is helpful for not only congregations, but for all people who wish to improve their leadership skills and increase their capacity for emotional intelligence. Whether you would like to do it as an individual or would like to participate as a group, this initiative is for you!

When the Rocky Mountain Synod Council issued the February 16, 2021 recommendations for navigating the next chapter in our pandemic landscape the conditions called for cautious optimism. Vaccinations were already proving to be extremely effective against COVID-19, and as more people had access to the vaccines, it felt safer to consider regathering in person.

Prayers, hymn suggestions and considerations for preaching for use on Sunday, Sept. 12, the ELCA’s annual day of service, are available in PDF and Word formats.

The Lutheran Center, home of the office of the bishop, has some projects to accomplish that could be excellent for a "God's Work. Our Hands" group. Contact Tina Kvitek if you would like to volunteer.

This week, the ELCA Youth Gathering Team hosted its official kick-off event. That video can be viewed here: https://fb.watch/6_EhEVTtPK/

And we are excited to start thinking about traveling to Minneapolis next summer! Bryan Jaster is serving as our synod coordinator for this gathering cycle, and we are hosting some monthly events to help adult leaders and youth ministry professionals be as prepared as possible. Join us on ZOOM for these important information sessions on Aug 12 and Sep 9! The webinars will be recorded. For more information contact: bryan@bethany-denver.org or locallaghan@rmselca.org

Through advocacy, the ELCA community can create lasting, systemic change. If you want to get involved in faith-based advocacy but aren’t sure where to begin, sign up for Advocacy Summer School. This five-part, online series is being offered by ELCA Advocacy in collaboration with ELCA Peace Not Walls. The first session, on Aug. 11, will paint a picture of advocacy and explore how it is shaped by a faith foundation, especially in members and affiliates of the ELCA. Future sessions will cover ways to carry out advocacy work and specific policy issues where the Lutheran community can make an impact. Join one session or all five, and learn how we can lift our voices together to advance the common good.

Read more here.

Join us for an evening of outdoor family fun, music and food! Free outdoor concert by the Colorado String Band, The Cravings food truck, homemade desserts, and a bounce house for kids! Bring your own chairs or sit out on the lawn. 15625 E Iliff Ave Aurora, CO 80013.

More information at:

“Splash, Slither, Stomp, & Soar Into Arts” at the Denver ZOO on Sat., Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver) and on Sun., Aug. 15 after worship at noon.

Savor the last days of summer with this Augustana Arts’ family-friendly concert featuring Stratus Chamber Orchestra and Guest Conductor, Catherine Sailer. Music includes the well-known “Carnival of the Animals,” “Flight of the Bumblebee,” Haydn’s Symphony no. 82 “The Bear,” and more animal favorites! Learn more by visiting www.AugustanaArts.org. A Classical experience that is sure to enrich, inspire, and uplift the entire family - young, active, or older! Join us!

Join LFSRM for our annual Tee Off for Hope golf tournament, held at Red Rocks Country Club in Morrison, CO! This is a fun-filled day of golf, community, prizes, and supporting the work that we do in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Come with a friend or a foursome to one of Colorado's most beautiful private courses for a great cause!

Questions? Email emmily.ureste@lfsrm.org

Join Todd Wynward as we discuss his book Rewilding the Way: Break Free to Follow an Untamed God.

Todd Wynward is a public school founder, small-scale farmer, wilderness educator and Mennonite organizer for watershed discipleship in the Mountain States region. He has been engaged in education reform and social change movements for twenty years, and has spent more than a thousand nights outdoors. He and his wife Peg founded a wilderness-based public charter school in 2001 and are now creating TiLT, a discipleship co-housing community emerging in Taos, NM.

When did we become so tame? How has “the good life” come to mean addiction to screens and status, fossil fuels and financial fitness? Can we break free to become the joyful and prophetic people God calls us to be? Trek along with wilderness guide Todd Wynward as he “rewilds” the Jesus Way. Seek the feral foundations of Scripture and the lessons that the prophets and disciples gleaned from wilderness testing.

Packed with inspiring stories of how contemporary people and groups are caring for the land and each other, Rewilding the Way issues a call to action. Read about how reskilling and local food covenants are transforming churches, and how place-based activism and creative housing are nurturing communities. Learn from those who are recovering from affluenza, replacing visions of personal wealth with the commonwealth of the earth and restoring their humble place in the community of creation. Do you despair about life on our changing planet? Join the hopeful band of seekers of God and makers of change who are rewilding the Way.

Richard Rohr calls Wynward’s novel, The Secrets of Leaven, “a spiritual roller-coaster that skewers everything we think we know about organized religion, social change, and human potential.” More of Todd’s writings and doings can be found at TaosTiLT.org and his Author Page on Facebook.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/153008509368206

Speakers will include:

Link will come out in early August, for more information: rmsammparo@gmail.com

Earlier this month, a U.S. district judge ruled to end the DACA program on July 19. Finding it unlawful, the judge’s order suspends the acceptance of any new applications while keeping intact the protections for current DACA recipients. The long-awaited decision strikes a blow against the 2012 program, which has provided relief from deportation and the opportunity to pursue an education and start careers for thousands of young people whose remarkable contributions benefit our children, our families, our communities and our church. While these important protections may continue for current recipients, this is little solace to those who may not be able to receive DACA status in the future. We lament the anxiety and turmoil this ruling is causing in our communities. We pray for all who may suffer due to the end of this program. We grieve this potential loss to our church and to the communities in which we serve.

As a church we will continue to welcome all people, regardless of their documented status, seeking to ensure hospitality and safety for all. Bishops and synods are encouraged to find ways to support congregations working with newcomers and existing vulnerable individuals and communities. We also continue our advocacy through the ELCA’s AMMPARO strategy (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) and by urging our elected officials to enact legislation such as H.R. 6: the American Dream and Promise Act (or “Dream Act”), which provides a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants with deep ties to this country. We will also pray for the wisdom and courage to welcome the stranger, and in so doing to receive our Lord.

< Download in English and Spanish >

Trinity Lutheran Church, in collaboration with St Paul's Episcopal Church, are seeking to hire a Sunday School teacher/coordinator who will foster Christian Formation on Sunday mornings for children of St. Paul’s and Trinity Lutheran age pre-school – 5th grade. The successful candidate for this position will be someone who connects well with children, enjoys teaching and is committed to creatively building the faith of children. The Sunday School Teacher/Coordinator will work closely with the clergy of Trinity and St. Paul’s to identify and teach a curriculum that fosters age-appropriate faith formation. 15 hours a month, including Sunday mornings. See the job description for more information.

Advent Lutheran Church in Westminster Colorado is looking for an Office Administrator. 30 hours per week. Job includes entering financial data, updating social media accounts, and secretarial duties. Hours are flexible, $15 - $20 per hour commensurate with experience. For detailed job description or for questions contact Advent Lutheran Church - adventwestminster@gmail.org, or leave a message at (303) 428-7501.

New Promise Lutheran in St. George, Utah seeks Music Director, in a part-time position. Call 435-628-9740 for application information. Compensation based on education and experience; negotiable – PT (15 hrs/wk); 2 wks paid vacation. Detailed job description here.

Good Shepherd, a vibrant congregation in Centennial, is seeking a Youth Director. The successful candidate will lead and grow the youth ministry program and will embody the values of Good Shepherd, which include fostering an environment that is supportive, accepting, inclusive, and open. The successful candidate will also build relationships with the youth, the congregation, and the Episcopal Church in Colorado, and will work to broaden the experiences of the youth beyond our suburban location and will provide opportunities for the youth to live out their baptismal covenant within the larger community.

This is a year-round position, with an expectation of a 19-hour work week. Salary range would be dependent on education and experience, ranging from $21,700 - $23,700 per year. For a complete job description and contact information, please visit: https://www.gshep.org/employment.