Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.

May 25, 2022

A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD

The Rainbow Trail board discussed the potential new property boundary with a neighboring rancher.

Rainbow Trail land exchange is on the horizon

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp isn't going anywhere, but a vision more than a decade in the making will mean the camp will own its own land, rather than lease it from the Forest Service.

Rainbow Trail has purchased a mountain property that is an island of private property in the middle of forest land. The Forest Service will exchange the remote property (which is of value to restore environmental habitats) for the current Rainbow Trail leased land. The footprint of the new camp property will be tripled in the vicinity of 100 acres, from the camp's current 37 acres.

This has been an extremely complex project! Rainbow Trail has received approval at the regional level and is waiting for the final approval of the feasibility analysis and is ready to sign the Agreement to Initiate the actual exchange. This sets up the process of performing major environmental and conservation studies in the coming months.

The Rainbow Trail board recently met to envision how the camp can best move forward with their potential additional land. "We are grateful for the visionary leadership of Dave Jarvis as he begins his 34^th summer at Rainbow Trail," said Pastor Kent Mueller, RMS outdoor ministry liaison. "He and the board have taken the long view for this significant Rainbow Trail milestone."

RMS & ELCA news and events

Service day painters say "farewell" to peach & salmon as we say "wow" to the new ceiling!

We say a huge "thank you" to volunteers who put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and trim at Messiah Mountain.They were not sad to see the peach and deep salmon get painted over! Meanwhile, the ceiling is looking better every day! View the video to see the transformation unfold!.

Won't you consider helping us out with a generous gift to the RMS Next Faithful Step Campaign? For information about giving a gift, such as a stock transfer (with the tax advantage of giving appreciated stock), contact Tina Kvitek.

Messiah Mountain is being renovated to be our new place of spiritual renewal for adults. It's an amazingly short drive into the foothills, just 8 minutes from C-470 and 285 on the way to Fairplay. 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

Give to the Campaign

ASSEMBLY HIGHLIGHTS!

Assembly videos posted online

2022 Synod Assembly

May 9-11, 2022

We gathered together and reveled in the joy of being together for the first time in three years for a live synod assembly! With beating drums and lively marimbas. With poignant stories and passionate sermons. With food and fellowship and fun. We were reminded that we are truly better together as the Rocky Mountain Synod!

Highlights:

Adopted the resolution to encourage support for the ELCA World Hunger Fund. View the resolution.
Adopted the budget. View the financial packet.
Elected people to boards and committees. View election results.
Heard stories from those affected by the Boulder County fire and the ministry that continues in two poignant videos. See video links, below.
Heard from those who are often without a voice in the church or in the world. (Video will be posted).
Experienced presentations on five RMS key ministries/strategies. (Videos will be posted)
Received offerings totaling $5454
Raised $7000 through the pew flip auction and extravaganza in support of 14 ministries and programs!
Enjoyed a lively performance of the Kutandara Marimba Band from Boulder.

Assembly videos are posted:

ASSEMBLY FEEDBACK - DUE MAY 27

We are grateful for having had the opportunity to gather together for our 2022 Assembly! It is important for us to receive feedback about the event and so we ask everyone who attended to complete a feedback form by Friday, May 27. If you have not already responded, click the link below.

2022 RMS Synod Assembly Feedback Form here!

NOTE TO SYNOD ASSEMBLY VOTING MEMBERS:

You have been added to this email list for our weekly eConnection newsletter so you are kept informed about how to share resources and videos related to the assembly with your congregation. Please note: the bottom of every email includes an unsubscribe link.

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.

Watch a video about each initiative

Campaign Information & Resources

$725 scholarship means you pay just $150

Best Skills Best Churches Online Course: Enroll now!

Do you want to have effective discipleship that transforms lives?

3E is partnering with the Arizona State University Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation to offer Best Skills Best Churches. This course is offered online. It is a graduate/executive level certificate program designed to advance rostered ministers’ and lay leaders’ knowledge and skills for effective management of congregations and ministries.

View the Best Skills Best Churches Brochure.

Best Skills Best Churches course will cover:

Volunteers in Service

Legal Aspects of Governance

Effective Communication and Handling Conflict

Marketing and Community Presence

Financial Management for Effective Service

Fundraising Aspects of Stewardship.

Best Skills Best Churches will meet from 6:30 – 9:30 pm (except in December from 5:30 – 8:30 pm) on the following dates. You are allowed only TWO absences. Do not register if you cannot fully commit.

July 12 & 14

August 2 & 4

September 6 & 8

October 4 & 6

November 1 & 3

December 6 & 8

While the cost for each participant is $875, Educate, Equip, Enact (3E) will provide each participant a $725 scholarship so that the total cost for the entire course for you is only $150. Both rostered ministers and lay leaders are eligible for the scholarship. Registration deadline is June 17!

To enroll in Best Skills Best Churches, click the button below. You will then be directed to a Rocky Mountain Synod Tithe.ly link for payment.

For further information, contact Pastor Michael Tassler, 3E Program Director, at mtassler@rmselca.org.

enroll in Best Skills Best Churches

ATTN STEWARDSHIP TEAM:

Beginning a Culture of Generosity Now

“Learned so much about stewardship, generosity, inspiring the desire to give, asking, and thanking, thanking, thanking.”

Join Beginning a Culture of Generosity (BCG). This program was curated in response to the pandemic and gives your stewardship team confidence right now while everyone is working through a variety of very real financial stressors.

BCG is a program to help guide congregations and provide the necessary tools to run a successful fall appeal. It is delivered online in six virtual sessions and begins August 20 ending December 3. In this final year of the Lilly Endowment stewardship scholarship grants, 3E is offering free tuition to five congregations that sign up before July 1. Questions, contact Deb Elstad at deb.elstad@gmail.com

BCG Print brochure/mail-in registration (here)

Visit 3E Becoming a Culture of Generosity

September 11 is God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday

On Sunday, Sept. 11, congregations of the ELCA will join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, our annual day of service.

We are a church energized by lively engagement in faith and life. As we continue our tradition of service to our neighbor, we remember the words of Martin Luther: “Our faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing.” With our hands, we do God’s work of restoring and reconciling communities in the name of Jesus Christ.

As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, ELCA.org/DayofService has everything you need to plan and promote your day:

Old Lutheran has T-shirts and other items available for purchase. The deadline for ordering your congregation’s personalized T-shirts is Aug. 19.

Don’t forget to share your congregation’s participation with us! Send stories and photos to LivingLutheran@elca.org so that together we can celebrate what God accomplishes through you. Participate on social media using #GodsWorkOurHands.

If your congregation cannot participate on Sept. 11, please consider another day for your service activities. You work every day to make your community a better place. We look forward to working together on “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday.

Wonderfully Made An RMS High School Summer Experience

Registration deadline is 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 MYJ2022 and OTHER+WISE.

For any questions, contact our RMS Faith Formation Coordinator - Kinna Nordstrom Kemp at 303-889-9844 (call/ text) or email misskinna.cyf@gmail.com.

If you be holding a Memorial Day tribute for veterans at your church/community, please share it by contacting Vicky Daub at: director@veteranservantcorps.org.

Visit the VSCP website

Lutheran Campus Ministry Regions 1 & 2

Staff Retreat June 26-29

We are on for June 26-29 at the Dumas Bay Center in Federal Way, Washington. Staff, please fill out this form to register. Synod folks, encourage the staff in your part of the world to join us for this important and life-giving event!

The cost is only be $150 per person for 3 nights in single dorm rooms with catered food and a lovely view of the bay. We'll start Sunday night with dinner and check-in. We'll have time to share about our ministries, experiences, and to have practical conversations about our work within our regional and historical context. We'll make sure we have time for prayer, rest, outdoor and urban exploring.

Lutheran Campus Ministry Network (LuMin) is a network of inclusive faith communities celebrating God’s love and grace on or near the campuses of over 230 colleges and universities across the United States.

Checks or paypal accepted. Checks should be mailed to: LCMNet, c/o Agape San Diego, 6556 Park Ridge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120-3236. To pay online go to paypal.me/LCMNet

in our prayers

Seventh Sunday of Easter

May 29, 2022

Prayer of the Day

O God, form the minds of your faithful people into your one will. Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found, your Son, Jesus Christ our 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

29 May - 04 June : Angola, Mozambique

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

RMS Prayer Cycle

Metro East Conference

Week of May 29

New Beginnings

Denver, CO

Rev. Terry Schjang

Our Saviors Lutheran Church

Denver, CO

Peace in Christ

Elizabeth, CO

Rev. Alena Lamirato

Saron Lutheran Church

Strasburg, CO

Rev. B. Jeanne Larsen

St Mark Lutheran Church

Aurora, CO

Rev. Nic Leither

St Paul Lutheran Church

Denver, CO

Rev. Barbara Berry-Bailey

Deacon Mark Filbert

Ordination & Installation

Juan De Dios Lopez has been called to serve Milagro de la Frontera, El Paso, TX. He will be ordained and installed on Sunday, June 12 at 5 p.m.

Cristo Rey, El Paso, Texas

Color of the Day: Red

ordination juan de dios lopez june 12 2022.jpg

Monthly Prayer Cycle

around the synod

AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS:

Music of the Vine:

A Spanish Excursion

Friday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m.

Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E. Alameda Ave.)

Experience the bold, energetic, percussive sounds of Flamenco music with one of the world’s foremost solo Flamenco guitarists - René Heredia. During the performance, distinguished wine expert Claude Robbins will pair Spanish wines and cheeses for a spectacular fusion of toque and tannins that will introduce you to Spanish culture! So sit back, sip on your vino, and be serenaded by Maestro Heredia’s virtuosic talents for a perfect date night surrounded by candlelight.

Reserve your spot EARLY! We are offering a special early-bird ticket price that is $35 per person or $60 per couple. After June 5, tickets go up to $40 pp/$70 per couple.

Event is 21+. ID's will be checked at the door at the ushers' discretion - bring it with you just in case!

Purchase tickets for A Spanish Excursion

our life together

ONLINE ZOOM EVENTS

Feeling overwhelmed?

Join us for learning, conversation, and support

For more than two years, many people have used the term "overwhelmed’ to describe how they're feeling. We've struggled with a pandemic, including deaths and severe illnesses in our families and communities, social division, economic disruption, and more. There's a clinical word that can be used to describe this feeling: trauma.

Join us as we find paths to understanding what we're coping with, and ways to support one another through these unusual times. The facilitator, Dr. Edward Mooney, an ELCA pastoral ministry candidate in Colorado, is a researcher and educator who has spent years studying the effects of trauma in schools.

Join us for one of these three Zoom opportunities for learning and conversation:

Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 6:30-9 p.m. - register now!

Saturday, June 11 from 9-11:30 a.m.

NEW WINE MINISTRY COMING TO CO SPRINGS

New Wine Ministry performing Bright Star

Friday, June 17, 7:00pm

Grace Lutheran is hosting the New Wine Ministry youth group from Zion Lutheran Church and others from Cloquet, Minnesota. They are high school students grades 9-12 from area schools and area churches, with 39 members from 16 different congregations. This summer is the 31^st year of their ministry; you can learn more about the group on Zion's website.

Inspired by a true story, Bright Star features a toe-tapping gospel/bluegrass score by comedian Steve Martin and singer/songwriter Edie Brickell. It tells the heartbreaking yet uplifting saga of literary editor Alice Murphy. When Alice meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past, leading to a transformative moment for both.

The performance is free, no tickets required. A free-will offering will be collected after the performance to help cover their costs of the tour. They will be going to New Mexico after spending the night at Grace Lutheran, 1128 E. Boulder Street, Colorado Springs.

The performance will also be zoomed at us02web.zoom.us/j/86014705281?pwd=YVEvTHZrTFl2ZzdhODBZY0Z2Vy9tdz09

Meeting ID: 860 1470 5281 Passcode: 4889083

Leadership Lab at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL

Monday, June 20 through Saturday, June 25

Who: All students 9th grade - Age 22

What?: At Lab students experiment and practice leadership for church and community. Many have an intense transformational faith experience. Students worship as a group two times a day and attend three small group "lab" sessions daily, enjoy meals and free time together. Most learning is small group based and designed to foster both friendship within the group as labbers explore and develop their own faith in Christ.

Cost: $275-$400 Per person (food/lodging/materials)

More info at: leadershiplab.net/about

FROM THE RMS CREATION CARE TEAM

5 Ways to Green your Congregation

Click on this graphic to download a PDF version that you can print and share with your congregations!

resources

Church Organ

Ready soon for a New Home from Immanuel, Greeley

An electronic church organ will soon become available for use in a new place. It is offered by Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greeley. This organ is currently used in combination with six ranks of windblown pipes. The pipes will stay in service and be interfaced with a new, upgraded console and system of speakers (early summer 2022). If you or anyone you know might be interested removing and relocating the current console and its speakers, please contact the church office at (970)352-3003 or write to office@immanuelgreeley.org.