Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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March 30, 2022
A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD
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DON'T BE A FOOL! REGISTER FOR ASSEMBLY & BOOK YOUR HOTEL BY APRIL 1
1 - register
2 - make hotel reservation
3 - upload covid vax card
2022 Synod Assembly
May 9-11, 2022
Loveland, Colorado
Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center
2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 9 through Noon on Wednesday, May 11
We will gather for worship and fellowship to grieve the losses of these past two years and to celebrate one another in the Spirit that has kept us moving!
Questions? Concerns? More Information? Please contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo. Registration (and COVID card upload!) and Hotel Reservation deadline is April 1.
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We've almost got a full slate of nominees!
JUST 5 MORE NOMINATIONS NEEDED!
FINAL Assembly Nomination Deadline extended to April 1!
We would love for these positions to all have nominees PRIOR to the assembly! The person nominated fills out the form. You may nominate yourself. Learn about the open positions here.
Thank you to all of the nominations we have already received! These are the positions still in need of nominations:
Synod Council [We need 1 additional from an ethnic-specific congregation]
Discipline Committee [we need 1 additional lay male/non-binary]
Mission Outreach Board [we need 2]
Congregational Ministries Board [we need 1]
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RMS & ELCA news and events | |
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Bike ride to D.C. for immigration reform stops in northeastern Colorado
In northeastern Colorado, Lutherans turned out last week to support bike riders from United for Immigration Reform/Unidos por Reforma Migratoria. It was the first leg in a 40-day journey by bicycle from Denver to Washington, DC, to ask the President and Congress to pass immigration reform by November 2022.
Deacon Ro Fesser joined caregivers and patients at Eben Ezer in cheering on the riders in Brush. Then, Peace Lutheran Church in Sterling invited riders to join their Lenten dinner and speak before their Holden evening prayer service. They also served as overnight hosts. Ride supporter Josh Stallings said, "It was such a blessing to experience all this hospitality in northeast Colorado!"
Riders are virtually joining supporters around the country in prayer each day of the ride at 7am and 7pm MDT. Find out more about the ride online.
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Supported by a campaign "Racial Justice Tithe" Grant
OHANA ministry creates a place for youth to belong
This beautiful video (click the arrow above!) paints the story of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and its ministry for youth who come together from different schools, different backgrounds, and different cultures to break down walls and build up the Body of Christ.
Our "Next Faithful Step" Campaign's 10% Tithe for Racial Justice is making it possible to strengthen and expand ministries such as OHANA, so vital for impacting the lives of young people with the love of Christ.
We've surpassed our FIRST STEP goal, having over $1 million dollars in gifts and pledges! We invite you and your congregation to join in supporting the campaign's 5 innovative and impactful initiatives as we reach towards our NEXT STEP goal of about $500,000 more. Help us multiply our ministry together with your gift.
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WEEK FOUR VIDEO JOURNAL
12 teams "flipping" pews to bring them back to new life!
A few rows of pews were removed from of the Valley Lutheran Church Sanctuary at the RMS Lutheran Center, and each team was given a small section of pew.
The rules are simple: teams use the materials from the pew to flip it into new life! The final products will be auctioned at this year’s synod assembly, and the proceeds will be shared with charities named by each team. Check back each week for a video journal of their progress! Click the arrow above!
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OFFER PRAYERS & ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TWO CONGREGATIONS AFFECTED BY THE MARSHALL FIRE:
Connect. Pray. Love.
Connect. Pray. Love. is an opportunity for your faith community to focus on Marshall Fire survivors for one week in 2022 by:
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Connecting with Christ the Servant Church (Louisville, CO) and Trinity Lutheran Church (Boulder, CO) by sharing our story
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Praying for those affected by the Marshall Fire
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Sharing gifts of love
Feel free to share Pastor Stephanie Lord’s video on your website, in your newsletter, and/or during worship. Stephanie Lord is the pastor of Christ the Servant Church. Her home was destroyed in the fire.
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"This is fantastic after so many years of talk and hope. Thanks to all who have made this a reality. What a gift to the people of the Rocky Mountain Synod!"
--Jeff Kelty
| Every week we make more progress! New drywall is in place in the kitchen, and we have more progress on what will be a new, beautiful ceiling in the lodge, two feet higher than before, created from beetle-kill pine! Help us do even more with your own congregational or individual gift! | |
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Help us in our final push for Volunteers at Messiah Mountain!
- FRI April 15 Kitchen Paint Day
- FRI April 22 Kitchen Pergo Floor & Lodge Paint
- FRI April 29 Lodge Pergo Floor & Paint Trim
Do you have skills for installing Pergo flooring? Do you enjoy painting? We need you! The transformation is underway! And this place is going to be beautiful! We need help to get the place ready for the spring season starting in May! We will start at 9 a.m. each day
Messiah Mountain is being renovated to be our new place of spiritual renewal for adults. It's an amazingly short drive into the foothills in Indian Hills, just west of Denver. Map the location.
Gifts to the Rocky Mountain Synod "Next Faithful Step" campaign are funding this renewal! Learn about the campaign and give a gift here: rmselca.org/next-faithful-step
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What is Messiah Mountain Retreat Center, Anyway?
Come and take a quick tour with Pastor Kent Mueller, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Communication!
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Congregations invited to pledge to the RMS Campaign
Having already raised over $1 million to fund the First Step of our campaign, let's journey together into the future and top our Next Faithful Step Campaign goal of $1.57 million through gifts from congregations, foundations, endowments, and individuals!
In order to boldly and effectively continue our vital witness to the gospel as we journey together into the future, the Rocky Mountain Synod Council is investing in four ministry initiatives that form our Next Faithful Step, along with our Racial Justice Tithe.
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TRIFOLD BROCHURE
Summary of the four initiatives and the Racial Justice tithe:
Excellence in Leadership
Messiah Mountain Retreat Center
3E Lilly Grant
Lutheran Center
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Wonderfully Made – An RMS High School Summer Experience
Registration is LIVE! Deadline May 31!
With the news of the cancellation of the ELCA Youth Gathering this Summer, many leaders from around the Synod stepped up and said "we need to offer something."
So we are proud and excited to announce that the Rocky Mountain Synod, in partnership with Other + Wise, will be hosting a Summer event for your high school youth! Price is TBD, however, it is sure to be less expensive than the ELCA Youth Gathering, with even further cost savings with the option to sleep on a church floor, or a hotel/Airbnb of your choice!
The large group gatherings will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church, just south of Denver in Cherry Hills Village. Immersion experiences will take place each afternoon. Registration deadline is May 31.
Each group must secure their own transportation as this experience includes travel exploration. More info at 2022myj.com and otherwise.info.
For any questions, contact our RMS Faith Formation Coordinator - Kinna Nordstrom Kemp at 303-889-9844 (call/ text) or email misskinna.cyf@gmail.com.
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Fifth Sunday in Lent
April 3, 2022
Prayer of the Day
Creator God, you prepare a new way in the wilderness, and your grace waters our desert. Open our hearts to be transformed by the new thing you are doing, that our lives may proclaim the extravagance of your love given to all through 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
03 - 09 April : The Balkans - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia
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.
ELCA Prayer Ventures
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RMS Prayer Cycle
WYOMING CONFERENCE
Week of April 3
Ascension Lutheran Church
Cheyenne, WY
Rev. Michael Mortvedt
Covenant Lutheran Church
Wheatland, WY
Rev. Joshua Bruns
Faith Lutheran Church
Lander, WY
Rev. Kris Trahnstrom
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Casper, WY
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Ordinations
Samm Melton Hill
St Paul Lutheran Church, Arlington, MA
Sunday, April 3 at 6:00pm
Samm is called to serve Highlands, Denver, CO
Color of the day is Red
Juan de Dios Lopez
Luterano Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX
Sunday, April 17 at 4:00pm
Juan is called to serve Milagra de la Fronterra, El Paso, TX
Color of the day is Red
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Augustana Arts presents two United States Air Force Academy ensembles:
Amber Waves
with Winds
Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E. Alameda Ave.)
Join us for a FREE community concert featuring the United States Air Force Academy Winds and Rockies Clarinet Quartet. Academy Winds is an innovative sextet comprised of instrumentalists from every section of the Concert Band and the result is an eclectic performance sure to please every audience member. Drawing on fresh, dynamic arrangements, the group presents a wide variety of musical styles, always with contagious enthusiasm. Whether performing Renaissance music, symphonic favorites, traditional jazz or even the latest pop chart, this versatile ensemble will have you wondering, "What could possibly be next?"
There is no cost to attend, but we request reservations for capacity counts.
People who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear masks and social distance as possible. Masks are encouraged, but not required while inside the building or unless the USAFA, city, or church request them at the time of the performance.
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AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS:
Synergy of Stratus II: For the Love of Music
Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E. Alameda Ave.)
Enter code WelcomeBack2022 at checkout for $10 OFF all ticket price levels.
Our final Stratus concert of the season transcends all the challenges of the year with a synergistic concert of exciting works by Vaughan Williams, Beethoven, Rand, and Haydn. Guest Conductor Adam Torres leads the orchestra in a night celebrating the love of music; sharing this passion with fellow artists, friends, family, and patrons of Stratus in concert is sure to stir from within the profound hope and joy music elicits in all of us.
The highlight of the evening is the world premier work of renowned composer, Dr. James M. David, with a commissioned selection for this concert. Plus, we are pleased to champion the talents of a rising young cellist, Kelcey Howell, for the moving Haydn Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major.
Join Stratus for ONE NIGHT ONLY as they also perform Rands’ Fanfare for a Festival, Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (Pastorale).
Masks and PoV may be requested at the time of this concert and will follow prescribed state, city and church guidelines.
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Urban Servant Corps
Palm Sunday Prayer Walk & Open House
Sunday, April 10, 1:00 to 3:00pm
1660 Ogden St. Denver, CO
To begin the journey of Holy Week, we invite you to the neighborhood where Urban Servant Corps volunteers have been present for 35 years. You will have the opportunity to engage with this year's Urban Servant Corps volunteers, learn about partner organizations, and take a deeper dive into understanding the needs of our neighbors and neighborhood.
This year's event is a "drop in"/Open House opportunity. Please feel free to come with your friends, family, or church group any time between 1-3pm.
May this opportunity be an act of faithful support for the justice we seek in our community!
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Journeying through Lent with Urban Servant Corps
Throughout this Lenten season, Urban Servant Corps volunteers and staff have reflected on the "Seasons of Grace" that are in their midst.
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You are invited to share in these experiences through five messages from USC's Executive Director, Krista Kilgus, and USC volunteers Kristin Slaybaugh (serving at Senior Support Services), Tyler Derrick (serving at SAME Cafe), Lily Schillinger (serving at New Legacy Charter School), and USC's Community Life Coordinator, Carolyn Sautter. | |
Ignatian Volunteer Corps Informational Meeting
April 20, 10:00am
St. Ignatius Loyola Church - Brady Hall
Share your lifetime of experience. Get the experience of a lifetime.
The Ignatian Volunteer Corps is an organization of retired men and women who use their time and talents to help others. IVC members commit one or two days per week serving organizations that address poverty in Denver while gathering monthly to prayerfully reflect on their apostolic work and to form community. As part of the Jesuit tradition, we strive to be contemplatives in action. Come to our information session on April 20, at 10:00 am in Brady Hall located in the basement of St. Ignatius at 23rd and York in Denver.
For additional information, please visit the IVC website, contact the IVC Director, Erin Benson at 720.588.3836, or ebenson@ivcusa.org.
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The Summit: A Retreat for Faith Formation Leaders
Monday-Wednesday, April 25 - April 27
Calling all faith formation leaders! Come spend time at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in Colorado for personal reflection, renewal, and professional development with other youth, family, children, young adult, and faith formation leaders!
This is a FREE retreat for folks in the Rocky Mountain Synod! Folks outside of the synod are welcome to join. Professional Counselor, Julie Miller, and other speakers will facilitate conversations about Managing Mental Health: A two part training for ministry professionals. For more info and to register, go to rainbowtrail.org/retreats/the-summit.
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IN-PERSON EVENT
REAL SABBATH
Pub Theology Retreat at Sky Ranch
May 6-8
Friday night to Sunday 11am
A Young Adult retreat for those age 18-35!
Use QR code to register.
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Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp:
Day Camp Weeks Available!
RTLC Day Camp is a unique partnership designed to provide congregations with a vibrant and faith formative experience that nurtures relationships between the adults and children within the church, and provides an outreach opportunity in the local community. Weeks available for Day Camp this summer are:
- Week 3: June 26- July 2
- Week 4: July 3- July 9
- Week 9: August 7-13
- Week 10: August 14-20
For more info visit rainbowtrail.org/summer-camps/day-camps or contact Maggie at maggie@rainbowtrail.org.
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United for Immigration Reform
March 21 - May 1
A group of Colorado undocumented immigrants and allies are setting out on a 40-day bicycle ride from Denver to D.C. to push the federal government to pass immigration reform before the November 2022 elections.
We believe that immigrants and allies have a responsibility to take action to create change… even if it requires sacrifice. We invite ELCA members to join us - by bicycle and car, in demonstrations, and in prayer and meditation - during this journey. Please visit the united4immigrationreform.org to learn more about this effort and how you can support, and please share with your friends and family!
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IN-PERSON AND ONLINE
Dr. Josh Packard - "The Changing Face of Religious Engagement in America"
Our Savior's Lutheran, Greeley, CO
Sunday, April 3, 9:30am
Come hear Dr. Josh Packard speak on "The Changing Face of Religious Engagement in America." This event will also be live streamed on greeleylutheran.org. Dr. Packard has written "Church Refugees", "Meaning Making", "Belonging" and spoken widely of the challenges and opportunities for congregations today. The session is free and no registration is required. Read about Dr. Packard here. Please come join us!
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ONLINE EVENT
The Book of Hope Discussion
April 9 at 10:00am
Join the Creation Care Team to discuss "The Book of Hope," a great read for Lent and is perfect to discuss right before Easter. Focus on one chapter a week during Lent or read the whole thing in one sitting. This book will also have us well prepared for Earth Day on April 22. The book is very easy to read and remarkably enjoyable. Jane reminds us that there is hope and to not be afraid, and we will reflect on that in our Lutheran context. Read more about "The Book of Hope" here.
Join on Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316
Questions, email rmscreationcareteam@gmail.com
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from the March 2022 Issue
Administration Matters
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Recommendations for congregation secretaries
Every congregation requires a secretary. The secretary is arguably the most important officer, responsible for organizing, assimilating and disseminating information within and without the organization. They need to be organized, hardworking and intelligent, with excellent writing skills. Here your congregation’s secretary can find some recommendations/guidelines for performing their duties efficiently. >More
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office of the bishop this week | |
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Region 2 First Call Consultation
- Wylie Cook Ordination, Wales, WI
- CSU Campus Ministry
ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
- Trinity, Hobbs, NM
- Christ the King, Denver
- Excellence in Leadership Advisory Board
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CANDIDACY, FIRST CALL, ROSTER SUPPORT, AND GLOBAL CHURCH
Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson
- Candidacy Follow-up
- First Call Planning
- Global Mission Committee
- Trauma Support Planning Team
- Metro West Conference Gathering
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
- Legislative hearings
- ELCA State Public Policy Office monthly meeting
- Contemplative prayer retreat
UTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
- Fair Lending Coalition
- ELCA State Public Policy Offices
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR ADMIN & COMMUNICATION
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Messiah Mountain Renovation
- Administration & Communication
- Finance Committee
DIRECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT/LUTHERAN CENTER
Tina Kvitek
- Vacation
- Finance Committee
- Trinity, Laramie, WY
- Grace, Casper, WY
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Kent Mueller, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Communication
Andrew Nakatani, Communications Assistant
Contact Andrew Nakatani or Kent Mueller with questions and comments about eConnection and our website! Submit eConnection items here.
Rocky Mountain Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-733-0750
rmselca.org
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