June 16, 2021 + A Reconciling in Christ synod |
|
Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world. |
|
Welcome, to these new ELCA Bishops! |
|
In addition to Rev Brenda Bos (Southwest California Synod) and Rev Megan Rohrer (Sierra Pacific Synod) five additional ELCA bishops have been elected to serve their synods and Christ's Church.
Congratulations and God's blessings from the people of the Rocky Mountain Synod!
Christ's Church, Better Together!
|
|
eConnection Spotlight:
RMS in the Neighborhood
|
|
Join LIRS in Celebrating World Refugee Day! |
June 20 is World Refugee Day – a time when we acknowledge the overwhelming adversity faced by the nearly 80 million displaced people worldwide. At Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, it is our deepest belief that these vulnerable individuals should be protected, embraced, and empowered in a world of just and welcoming communities.
Join us on World Refugee Day (and every day!) in celebrating the incredible resilience and contributions of refugees in America – and remembering those overseas who look to us for protection. We invite you to download our World Refugee Day 2021 toolkit to learn more about refugees, to advocate for compassionate policy solutions, to share and uplift their voices, and to support the critical work of welcome and explore this interactive page to learn more about refugees, to advocate for compassionate policy solutions, to share and uplift their voices and to support our work.
|
|
“God’s work. Our hands.”
Sunday, September 12, 2021
|
This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.
|
|
RMS & ELCA News and Events |
|
Faith Formation People Connecting
Thursday, June 24 at 10:00 a.m.
|
Love children, youth and families? Join us on Zoom as we reconnect!
We'll be talking about the journey to the ELCA Youth Gathering July 2022! Bryan Jaster ( bryan@bethany-denver.org) is excited to be our Synod Coordinator for the Gathering. Please send him if a message if your church is thinking about heading to the gathering! |
|
"Organizing and Advocacy: Eco-justice and Sustainability in Infrastructure" |
“Organizing and Advocacy: Eco-justice and Sustainability in Infrastructure” will offer training and current insights for people passionate about a more just world. With pressing awareness of change needed for livable and sustainable communities, and with policy discussion on infrastructure shaping that change, join us to inform what you can do.
Promotion of “Organizing and Advocacy: Ecojustice and Sustainability in Infrastructure” can be shared from @ELCAadvocacy on Facebook and Twitter
|
|
Scam Proof Your Finances!
Thursday, June 24 at 11:30 a.m.
|
Educate, Equip, Enact (3E) is pleased to sponsor Scam Proof Your Finances from LSS Financial Counseling. Open to all in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Plan to leave this class smarter than the identity thieves. You’ll learn the many ways identity theft can happen to adults, or even kids, and steps to prevent it. Gain confidence in your safety online and in financial interactions; know about free, effective resources to turn to, if ID theft does happen. Learn what to do, with a “deter-detect-defend” strategy to minimize your risk.
Register in advance, after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
|
|
Join Faiths4Vaccines in the National Vaccine Month of Action! |
The White House, through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), published a toolkit for how organizations – including houses of worship – can work directly with vaccine providers to set up vaccination clinics in locations that people know. Download the toolkit here.
|
|
The ELCA is a partner in the Faiths4Vaccines multi-faith movement. For more info, visit Faiths4Vaccines.org.
|
|
Rocky Mountain Synod
FALL THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE
Little America, Cheyenne, WY
September 20-24, 2021
We are looking to this Fall for an in-person gathering! Mark your calendars for this opportunity to gather together and savor our relationships as the church, truly "better together!"
Mark your calendar, and watch for additional information!
|
|
Peter Severson - Sabbatical
Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado
|
Peter Severson will be on sabbatical from the Office of the Bishop from June 19 to September 19, 2021.
General inquiries about advocacy ministry in the Rocky Mountain Synod may be directed to Kurt Rager, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry New Mexico. Emergency matters may be addressed to Bishop Jim Gonia via Kim Berry, Interim Executive Administrator.
|
|
Reflection on "Photography as a Spiritual Practice" Day
recent retreat day took place at Messiah Mountain Retreat Center
|
Ten pilgrims took a journey into a new spiritual practice at Messiah Mountain Retreat Center, the Rocky Mountain Synod’s new outdoor ministry site near to Denver. Participants discovered that photography as a spiritual practice is different from regular photography. It is not about producing an image. It is about seeing in a new way.
Led by Pastor Michael TeKrony, Holy Shepherd, Lakewood, those present were invited to entered into these practices as they prepared to take photos and then share them:
-
Pray: Before taking any pictures, we may begin with something like: “Dear God, please open my eyes to see as you see. Open me to see you.”
-
Pay Attention: God is found when we pay attention to our senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, hearing. When we are present in the moment, we are able to receive the gift God is giving us.
-
Receive: Rather than “taking” or “capturing” a photo, we can imagine “receiving the image through the lens from God as a gift.
-
Perspective: Consider the angle from which you observe. Try changing the angle and look at things from other perspectives.
-
Connection: We all come from the same source of life, and we are all one with Christ. When you look through the lens, remind yourself of your deep connection with the subject of the photo.
-
Joy in Sharing: This beautiful and joyful connection with God is not intended for us alone. It is intended to be shared.
Watch for additional retreat opportunities in the future!
|
|
Celebration of Life
He was born June 26, 1925 and died March 11, 2021.
We commend him to God’s loving care.
(Clergy are invited to vest in red and process)
RMS Prayer Cycle
June 2021
Southeast Colorado Conference
- Week of June 20 -
Prince Of Peace Lutheran
Colorado Springs, CO
Rev. Dave Cruson
Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran
Canon City, CO
Rev. Chris Hjelmstad
St Paul Lutheran
Calhan, CO
Rev. Harvey Johnson
St Pauls Lutheran
Sugar City, CO
***
Tabor Lutheran
Pueblo, CO
Rev. Ruby Narucki
|
|
Sunday, June 20, 2021
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Prayer of the Day
O God of creation, eternal majesty, you preside over land and sea, sunshine and storm. By your strength pilot us, by your power preserve us, by your wisdom instruct us, and by your hand protect us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands: Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
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.
|
|
Faith Formation Network Connecting
Thursday, July 22 at 6:00 p.m.
|
Faith Formation People come and connect! Join in if you are a volunteer or church staff human who loves young people!
|
|
Service Learning in Denver!
Thursday, June 24, at 6:00 p.m.
|
|
Conversations for Connection: Supporting Mental Health
Every Thursday, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. MT
|
|
"Addiction, Grief & Loss, A Conversation with Kelli Nielsen and Gloria Englund"
June 24, 2021, Noon-1:00 p.m. Eastern time
|
Many of us have lost a friend, family member, or other loved one to addiction. That loss may have been slow or sudden, but the sense of grief and loss is always deep. The ongoing stigma around addiction and overdose can make a difficult grieving process even harder and lonelier. Join us via Zoom for a panel discussion with those who have lost loved ones and learn how to support others who are grieving.
This is a one-hour free webinar with a follow-up 30 minute Zoom discussion hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. The presenters are Kelli Nielsen, founder of The Grief Guru, and Gloria Englund, founder of Recovering u. |
|
Join us for a Soul-Full Summer Solstice Retreat
Tuesday, June 22 - 6-9 p.m.
Linda Bobbitt's backyard in Thornton, CO
|
Join Spiritual Directors, Deacon Linda Bobbitt and Pastor DanaLee Simon for a relaxing and renewing celebration of the Summer Solstice. We’ll gather in community, open to Christ’s presence with us through an exploration of the four elements (earth, wind, fire, water), share dessert, and reflect together about our experiences. Please come ready to play, pray, laugh, use your senses, wonder, fill, and be filled.
The cost is $30.
Space is limited to 30 people.
Registration closes on June 17th.
Details and directions to registrants will be sent out as the event gets closer. Please share this invite with friends you think would enjoy this retreat. Questions? Feel free to e-mail Linda (lbobbitt2.0@gmail.com) or DanaLee (sagehillwisdom@gmail.com).
|
|
Fifty and Better Mid-Summer Lecture Series |
Join FAB between sessions for some stimulating
independent, 2-hour lectures in June & July!
Registration is NOW OPEN! Click the button below to register.
Introducing our virtual Mid-Summer Lecture Series! Each independent, 2-hour lecture is $8 (unless specifically noted). Students communicate with speakers via the chat function in Zoom. All lectures are recorded (with the exception of JPL) and available for students to watch upon request. See below for the captivating topics and speaker biographies!
|
|
"The Dude Abides": The Big Lebowski and the Legacy of the 1960s
On Tuesday, June 29 at 10am (PT), Dr. David Parsons will connect the dots between the cult classic The Big Lebowski and the legacy of the 1960s. Dr. Parsons received his doctorate in History from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), and is a professor and writer focusing on the political, social, and cultural history of 20th century America.
The Bald Eagle: Finding Artistic Inspiration in an Execrable Tyrant of
Bad Moral Character (FREE)
On Wednesday, June 30 at 10am (PT), Paul Grindrod of the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology will take a look at the Bald Eagle through art and literature from the early American Colonial period to today. Paul has a Master's of Science in Environmental Humanities from the University of Utah, and has been teaching about nature and science since 1994.
|
|
|
|
The Climate Justice Committee of Together Colorado seeks input |
Do you have an interest in fighting climate change? Do you have expertise in something related to climate change and the environment? Are you an armchair scientist, eco-theologian, or researcher? We would love to collaborate with you. The Climate Justice Committee of Together Colorado is a faith-based climate group working to fight climate change in Colorado. As part of Together Colorado, we are working to:
- Enact and influence legislation on climate change. Working on legislation requires research, interviews, data collection, and interaction with our elected officials.
- Help educate people of faith on climate issues by providing resources, training, and tools for congregations.
- Organize across faith traditions to cultivate support for changing climate policy locally, regionally, and statewide.
Would you like to help? We are providing the following survey to create a network of people to work on climate change issues around Colorado. Brand new?
We have resources available to help you get started. If you are interested in climate issues and/or have connections to influencers on climate issues, please fill out this survey and let us know.
|
We look forward to working with you as we all work to care for creation and protect our common home, Planet Earth. If you have questions, please contact Rev Bonita Bock who serves as a advisory board member of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado: bonita.bock@wartburg.edu. |
|
A Guide and Resources for Care-Filled Worship And Sacramental Life In A Lingering Pandemic |
Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic is a comprehensive update from the Ecumenical Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacramental Practices consultation. Incorporating the latest CDC guidance, this update informs decision making and basic practices of Christian worship and congregational life at this stage in the pandemic. The ELCA has been an ongoing partner in this consultation since the early days of the pandemic. The consultation included an ecumenical group of theologians, scientists, physicians, pastors, bishops and practitioners from seven church bodies. |
Additional resources can be found on the ecumenical consultation website or Facebook page.
On Wednesday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the consultation will host a webinar titled “Leading the Church in a Lingering Pandemic,” a roundtable discussion with public health experts and pastors in a time of progress and uncertainty concerning the Covid-19 pandemic. How will congregations minister to those who are vaccinated and those who are not vaccinated in multigenerational settings? What church activities should we continue to adapt or avoid, such as congregational singing or shaking hands?
|
|
Bishop's Office seeking Finance Manager |
Whether you are a recent grad or seasoned professional, we might have just the right job for you! The Rocky Mountain Synod is seeking an accountant/bookkeeper.
Minimum Requirements: degree in accounting or significant experience
Desired Requirements: Experience with non-profit accounting and software
This is essentially a one-person accounting office so we are looking for someone who is flexible handling all aspects of our financial procedures: contributions, general ledger, tracking, and reporting. The position is salaried with benefits.
Please send cover letter, resume, and inquiries to finance@rmselca.org. Priority applicants will submit materials by June 17. |
|
Teacher Assistant
Holy Love Pre-School and Kindergarten
|
We are seeking an enthusiastic, energetic, and compassionate Christian individual to complete our Pre kindergarten team! Please email your resume (with references) to holyloveschool@holylovelutheran.org and leave a message stating your interest at (303)693-8519.
- Experience a plus, but not necessary.
- Hourly wage based on experience.
- Position is Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays; 7 hours a day; 8:45-3:45.
- Morning and afternoon sessions. Lunch and prep break.
- Working with up to three teachers and 27 students.
- Responsible for the Art Center, creating projects, assisting children and working closely with the teachers during each session.
- Will plan daily and monthly with the teachers to coordinate classroom schedule, daily plans, and instruction of children.
Start date is August 9.
**You will be expected to work the August 9-13 for staff workweek, based on a 7-hour day.
First day of class is Monday, August 16.
|
|
Jr. Kindergarten Teacher
Holy Love Pre-School and Kindergarten
|
We are seeking an enthusiastic, energetic, and compassionate Christian individual to complete our Jr. Kindergarten team! Please email your resume (with references) to holyloveschool@holylovelutheran.org and leave a message stating your interest at (303)693-8519.
- Must hold a current state-issued Early Childhood certification.
- Experience a plus, but not necessary.
- Hourly wage based on experience.
- Position is Monday through Friday, 12:15-3:45 p.m.
- Maximum of 14 students with two teachers.
- Team position with one other teacher to coordinate classroom schedule, daily lesson plans, and instruct children
Start date is August 9.
**You will be expected to work the August 9-13 for staff workweek, based on a 7-hour day.
First day of class is Monday, August 16.
|
|
Kindergarten Teacher
Holy Love Pre-School and Kindergarten
|
We are seeking an enthusiastic, energetic, and compassionate Christian individual to complete our kindergarten team! Please email your resume (with references) to holyloveschool@holylovelutheran.org and leave a message stating your interest at (303)693-8519.
- Must hold current elementary state certification.
- Experience a plus, but not necessary.
- Hourly wage based on experience.
- Position is Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays; 8 hours a day.
- Team teaching with one other elementary certified teacher.
- Working with a maximum of 20 students.
- Share in the planning, classroom assignments, and instruction of children.
Start date is August 9.
**You will be expected to work the August 9-13 for staff workweek, based on a 7-hour day.
First day of class is Monday, August 16.
|
|
Office of the Bishop This Week |
|
Bishop Jim Gonia
- Region 2 Consultation
- DEI Training
- Executive Committee
- LuTMA Conference
ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION
Pastor Dana Peterson
- St Peter, Carlsbad, NM
- Westview, Boulder, CO
- DEM meeting
- Campaign Advisory Team
- Rejoice!, Erie, CO
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO
Kurt Rager
- New Mexico Conference of Churches
- New Mexico First
- NM Food/Hunger Farm Act Steering Committee
- Staff DEI Training
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO
Peter Severson
|
|
DIRECTOR FOR CONGREGATIONAL TRANSITION
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Excellence in Leadership
- Congregational Transition
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR ADMIN & COMMUNICATION
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Region 2 Consultation
- Campaign Advisory Team
- Campaign Event
- RMS Administration
DIRECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT/LUTHERAN CENTER
Tina Kvitek
- Excellence in Leadership Retreat
- RMS Campaign Meetings and Fundraising Even
- RMS Campaign Meetings
- Lutheran Center Projects
ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR FAITH FORMATION & CANDIDACY
Pastor Leslie O'Callaghan
|
|
Kent Mueller, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Communication
Andy Nakatani, Communications Assistant
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
