September 9, 2020
A Reconciling in Christ synod
Remembering Our Essential Workers: Labor Day Message from Bishop Eaton
Addressing Social Issues as People of Faith
The RMS Office of the Bishop in partnership with leaders across the synod has created a community discussion guide to engage challenging topics as people of faith. Each week we will share a personal reflection on that week's featured social statement.

Peter Severson, Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado
When I think of what it means to live out my Christian faith on a daily basis, I often remember the words of the poet, Christian Wiman:
“Silence is the language of faith. Action – be it church or charity, politics or poetry, is the translation… Without these constant translations into action, that original, sustaining silence begins to be less powerful, and then less accessible, and then finally impossible.”

We decided to call this curriculum series Living Faith because “living” isn’t just an adjective describing our faith. Rather, it’s an active verb which describes what we do every day to translate our faith in Jesus Christ into the world.

In the course of that translation, we encounter the vicissitudes of the world: the concerns, joys, uncertainties and problems that shape our lives as individuals, members of households and families, and members of wider communities. As Christians and Lutherans, our understanding of how to address all of those issues faithfully is rooted in a process of shared moral deliberation about our commitments to love and serve our neighbor.

We are gifted with both a rich legacy and an active, engaged tradition of this deliberation in the ELCA. We have a body of social teaching, rooted in Social Statements and other resources, that helps guide our understanding of a wide range of major social issues. It is therefore incumbent on all of us to become equipped for our calling in the world, and to nurture others in the same. Faith formation is therefore a foundational and lifelong endeavor when it comes to being prepared to engage in moral deliberation together.
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Global Neighborhood
ELCA Good Gifts help you share God’s love with the world!
We know members love ELCA Good Gifts. And with Christmas right around the corner, they are the perfect option to replace traditional gift-giving with something more meaningful. Each gift in honor of a loved one supports the lifesaving ministries of our church and the people we serve – one goat, water well or school uniform at a time.

Whether you organize a special event or simply promote the program with your members, everything you do to help share ELCA Good Gifts with your congregation is deeply appreciated. And this year, with hunger and unemployment on the rise, people in need could really use your help. Can we count you in?

Since worship and in-person gatherings may look different now, we have prepared a how-to guide for online fundraisers to help you make the most of our digital tools this year. Your congregation can create its own goal with a “wish list,” go in together on a “group gift,” or simply promote the website to members to help them make a difference at home.

If your congregation and family would prefer our print resources, they are still available. You can order catalogs, coloring books, cards, Advent tree ornaments and additional resources – free with free shipping – while supplies last!
RMS & ELCA News and Events
LEADING AND LIVING WITH GRACE IN A DIVIDED WORLD
Saturday, September 12, 2020
9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Join Rev. Sarah Moening for this free, one-day workshop.
Register online at UCSJRIDGWAY.ORG
Synod-wide Faith Formation Meeting
September 17, Thursday at 10:00 a.m.(MT)
Hear from our camps at this month's FFN check in
The RMS Faith Formation Network meets on the third Thursday of each month to check in, network, and connect around faith formation resources and ideas. On Sept 17 we welcome representative from our two outdoor ministries, Sky Ranch and Rainbow Trail to hear about the summer and what is going on in the coming months. Join us via zoom. Everyone is welcome!

Please note, this is a new zoom link:

Like our Facebook page for reminders, updates, and events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14001545186
Rick Steves, guidebook author and travel TV host; the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); and the Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, bishop of the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod, invite you to an online benefit — the first of its kind — for ELCA World Hunger. Our goal is to raise $250,000 to confront hunger in the time of COVID-19.

When: Thursday, Sept. 24, 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time
Where: Zoom virtual event

We are called by God to share hope in this time of challenge. Join us to face this global hunger crisis head-on and to continue moving toward a just world where all are fed. Join us for this online event that will raise funds for ELCA World Hunger!
Fall 2020 Abide
Registration is now open!
Registration for Fall 2020 abide is NOW OPEN for individuals AND groups at the link below!
This community is for everyone 18-35 looking for affirming young adult community and dynamic faith conversation.
Groups meet weekly Oct 5 - Nov 20.
DM with questions. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Abide serves as a ministry of ELCA Young Adult Ministries. ELCA YA is a program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's churchwide office and cooperates with several ministries such as YAGM, LVC, Dream Chasers United, Campus Ministry and more. Please visit the ELCA website for Young Adult Ministries for more information and opportunities for further involvement.
For Your Bulletin
Installation

Rev. Sara L. Wilson
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Berkeley, CA
12 noon MDT
Wednesday, Sept 9
Color of the day:  Green
Rostered leaders are invited to wear green stoles and add an * to the front of their Zoom name.
Bishop Gonia will invite you to introduce yourself at the beginning of the service.

All are welcome to join via Zoom:

RMS Prayer Cycle

SEPTEMBER 2020
METRO SOUTH CONFERENCE

- Week of September 13 -

Christ - Highlands Ranch, CO
Eric Allert 
Gail Mundt

Christ the King - Denver, CO
Joel Rothe

Faith - Golden, CO
Jane Jebsen
Sunday, September 13
Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Prayer of the Day
O Lord God, merciful judge, you are the inexhaustible fountain of forgiveness. Replace our hearts of stone with hearts that love and adore you, that we may delight in doing your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

In God's Hands:
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
13 - 19 September : Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay - 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
Faster Pastors Outrun World Hunger
Flaming Foliage Relay September 11 - 13, 2020
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
                     ~2 Timothy 4:7
For 9 years pastors, rostered leaders, and friends and family of the Rocky Mountain Synod have been participating in Ragnar style team relays for many hours and many miles and MUCH elevation in the Colorado mountains. These runners have been supported by volunteers and the desire to raise money for various areas of needs in our world from hunger to supporting refugees.

This year 10 pastors and friends are running in a real way and as a team in a virtual way due to our challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rocky Mountain Synod team is registered with the Flaming Foliage Relay and we are raising money for the ELCA’s World Hunger appeal. More than 820 million people - that's about 11 percent of people in our world today - are hungry. As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. This God’s Work, Our Hands weekend is the time for all of us to engage as Church…better together for the sake of the world. Please consider making donations through your church or donate online at www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/ELCA-World-Hunger. Thank you for your distant cheers and prayers.
Conversations for Connection
Thursdays via Zoom, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

"Sleep in the Time of CoVID" with with Richard C. Williams
Thursday, September 10, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
In chaotic times, sleep becomes victim to the anxiety, grief, and depression that inevitably come from change. Amidst the see-sawing of medical advice and flip-flopping of politicians on the virus, there are some proven practices and understandings about sleep. Sleep is vital to our physical and mental health and in the face of a world of political, social, economic and psychological turmoil, sleep is something we can do to help ourselves be mentally and physically well. Led by Richard C. Williams, LCSW. Rich is a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker and medical social worker. Rich is a therapist at Mental Health Partners in Broomfield, CO. Hosted by Atonement Lutheran Church, Boulder, and INMI (Interfaith Network on Mental Illness.)
Building Resilience to Cope with Life’s Challenges (Parents, grandparents, caretakers-- (supporting children and youth.)
Thursday, September 17, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
We will explore our resilience by identifying strengths, needs, and barriers that foster the healthy development of ourselves and our children. Children grow and develop within a complex system of relationships and are impacted by multiple aspects of their surrounding environment. Parents, grandparents, and caretakers are one of the most important relationships, and because of that they play a fundamental role in how children experience and cope with life. Dr. Shelly Mahon is the executive director of the Parent Engagement Network, whose mission is to support parents in raising healthy, happy youth. For over 25 years she's worked with youth and families, specializing in child and adolescent development, parent-child relationships, and parenting after divorce. Her passion is in supporting parents in developing thriving and lasting relationships with their children.
Our Life Together
Rocky Mountain Synod Season of Creation Worship Service
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7:00 p.m. on the RMS FB Page
Please join your Rocky Mountain Synod Creation Care Team for the Season of Creation worship service on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 7:00pm. It will be live on the RMS FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/153008509368206/.
Brad Abbot From Sky Ranch will be preaching. This year's focus is on the Jubilee for the Earth. The Earth needs us to take a Sabbath as much as we do. Covid-19 has made that clear this year. Together we will pray, sing, and commit ourselves to taking better care of this planet God has gifted us. For questions or information, please contact Pastor Alena Lamirato at pastoralena@yahoo.com.
PLU’s 2020 Annual
Lutheran Studies Conference
Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the US with author Rev. Lenny Duncan 

This year's Lutheran Studies Conference focuses on systemic racism and will involve opportunities for reading, reflection and commitment to action for individuals and their faith and/or educational communities. We will be guided in this work and reflection by Rev. Lenny Duncan, an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Church of America (ELCA). The conference will include:

  1. Keynote Address on October 1st at 7:00pm. Rev. Lenny Duncan will be speaking on his book, Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the US (2019). This webinar will be held virtually via Zoom.
  2. Adult Forum book discussions for Congregations on September 20th & 27th at 9:00am. Forums will focus on Chapters 1, 9 and 10, and will be facilitated by Dr. Marit Trelstad, PLU Chair of Lutheran Studies. Please encourage your congregation to read ahead!
  3. PLU Chapel on September 30th at 10:30am. Rev. Lenny Duncan will be preaching with University Pastor Jen Rude. 

We invite you to read Rev. Duncan’s book with us in preparation for the conference events.

The conference is free and open to the public and is made possible by the generosity of the anonymous donors who endowed the University Chair in Lutheran Studies.

Registration for all events is required. Please join us!
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Views from the Rockies for September2020
Views from the Rockies is produced by the Rocky Mountain Synodical Women's Organization (RMSWO). It provides information about current programs, projects, and more. Here women share their ideas, their thoughts, their concerns, and their joys. The Views from the Rockies seeks to provide the news that all women in the Rocky Mountain Synod need! Get your copy here. .
for the Season of Creation
Free Graphics for Congregational Use
from the SW California Synod
The Season of Creation is an ecumenical time of prayer and action that unites the world’s 2.2 billion Christians around one shared purpose, observed between the Day of Prayer for Creation and the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
 
During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home.This year, amid crises that have shaken our world, we’re awakened to the urgent need to heal our relationships with creation and each other. During the season this year, we enter a time of restoration and hope, a jubilee for our Earth, that requires radically new ways of living with creation.
 
Resources for this year's Season of Creation, which has the theme "Jubilee for the Earth," can be found here. Additionally, Leah Chang, a graphic artist and member of the SW California Synod Justice Team, has made the following graphics for each Sunday during the Seasons of Creation available for your congregation's use. The graphics are free for you to use in any of your media - please credit Leah at suntreeriverdesign.com!
Celebrate the Season of Creation 2020
in your Congregation
Tuesday, September 1 through Sunday, 0ctober 4, 2020
The ecumenical Season of Creation lasts from September 1, Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation until October 4, Feast day of St. Francis. This is an invitation to engage in a month of prayer, symbolic acts, and campaigns to give thanks for creation and renew our human vocation to care for it. The 2020 theme, “Jubilee for the Earth”, invites us to consider the integral relationship between rest for the earth and ecological, economic, social and political ways of living. This particular year, the need for just and sustainable systems has been revealed by the far-reaching effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The LWF Celebration Guide contains liturgical resources, prayers and meditations, and calls to action and advocacy. It can be used by individuals or congregations to nurture the moral imagination to restore right, just, and sustainable relationships with the Earth and among all species. Young adults and others in the academic community have appreciated the church's focus on caring for the earth and all creatures. Check it out!

Join our Rocky Mountain Synod Creation Care Team Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/153008509368206/

Caring for Creation
Online Worship Service for September 20th
Lutherans Restoring Creation is busy preparing a creation-focused worship service utilizing the lectionary texts for Pentecost 16 (September 20, 2020) that congregations can download and use however they wish. It will include participants from all over the country including Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, The Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing, Rev. Lenny Duncan, Rebekah Bruesehoff, as well as numerous parish pastors and members of the Lutherans Restoring Creation Board of Directors. Music will be provided by Marty Haugen, the Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, and Pastor John Tirro. 

CLICK HERE for the details and to register:
Employment Opportunities
New Listing
Director of Children, Youth, and Families
St. Andrew Lutheran Church - 5607 NE Gher Rd, Vancouver, WA 98662
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, an active, service-oriented ELCA congregation in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, invites individuals who are passionate about sharing God’s good news with others, particularly children, youth, and their families, to apply for the position of Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.

About the Job
The Director will provide leadership, organization, training, support, and evaluation for the children, youth, and family ministry vision in cooperation with St. Andrew staff and lay leaders. The goal of children, youth, and family ministry at St. Andrew is to create a safe environment where children, youth, and families experience the love of God, deepen their faith in Christ, and identify their Spirit-given gifts and calling in order to empower them to share the good news of God’s inclusive grace in word and deed at church and in their daily lives.

How to Apply
Email the following items to Amy McCann at officemanager@salcvan.org:
  • a cover letter that includes a paragraph or two describing your vision for Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
  • a resume
  • three references

The position is available immediately and interviews will be conducted beginning September 24, 2020. The selected candidate will be required to pass a background check prior to hiring.
Office Coordinator
Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO
Christ Lutheran Church is seeking a friendly, outgoing, and detail-oriented individual to fill the role of Office Coordinator. In this important role, you will be the face of CLC to our members and the public by being the first point of contact for the church. In addition, you will provide office services for church staff and various committees, organize communications, act as a receptionist for the church, and keep church records. We are looking for someone with strong organization, computer, and communication skills. This is a part-time position that will average 30 hours per week.

Resumes should be sent to, and job descriptions can be obtained from, Executive Pastor Gail Mundt, Christ Lutheran Church, 8997 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126, pastorgail@clchr.org. *Covid restrictions are in currently in place. Please contact Pastor Gail Mundt at pastorgail@clchr.org for additional information.
Preschool Staff
Joy Lutheran Church - Parker, CO
Joy Mission Preschool, 7051 Parker Hills Ct, Parker
Joyful Mission Preschool, a ministry of Joy Lutheran Church, in Parker, Colorado, has three open positions: a Lead Teacher, a Floating Teacher, and an Office Administrator. Applications and resumes are due by August 26th. Full job descriptions may be found at: https://www.joylc.org/jobs
All Non-Rostered Listings 
Director of Children, Youth, and Families
St. Andrew Lutheran Church - Vancouver, WA

Office Coordinator
Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO

Preschool Staff
Joy Mission Preschool - Parker, CO

Faith Formation Coordinator for Children and Families
Atonement Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO
Office of the Bishop This Week
 Bishop Jim Gonia
  • Installation of Pastor Sara Wilson
  • Lutheran Family Services Board Meeting
  • New to the Synod ZOOM
  • Next Faithful Step Campaign
  • Synod Council

ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
  • Congregational Vitality Cohort
  • Bethlehem, Longmont, CO
  • United Church of the San Juans Workshop
  • Next Faithful Step Campaign

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
  • New Mexico First Hunger/Poverty Work Group
  • New Mexico Hunger Coalition

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
  • Lutheran Family Services Program Services Committee
  • LAM-CO Policy Committee
  • Prince of Peace, Gillette, WY

ELCA REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER
Tina Kvitek
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Pastor Sarah Moening
  • Congregation Transitions
  • Interim Pastors
  • Excellence in Leadership
  • United Church of the San Juans

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Pastor Kent Mueller (1/2 time)
  • New to the Synod Social Hour
  • Next Faithful Step Campaign
  • Lutheran Center Administration

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR SYNODICAL LIFE
Deacon Erin Power
  • Theological Conference Planning
  • New to the Synod Social Hour
  • RMS Communications

ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie O'Callaghan
  • In-office Administrative work
  • Candidacy Committee work
Quick Links
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Erin Power,  Assistant to the Bishop
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Rocky Mountain Synod 
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-733-0750

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