Messiah Mountain Retreat Center dedication celebrates stories of history and gratitude

Our celebration on July 23 began with acknowledgment of the first people who resided in the Indian Hills--named for them.

Pastor Kent Mueller said, "As we continue to give thanks for this place today, we’d like to take a moment to recognize and remember the Native brothers and sisters who are the first peoples of these lands.The Ute people inhabited the Colorado Plateau for one to two thousand years. Along with the Arapahoe, Cheyenne, and Comanche. Today we honor them, thank God for them, and pray for them. For this was their land, their trail. Right here."

We then heard stories told by Steve Iona of the history of the Indian Hills community along with the story of Messiah Lutheran Church purchasing the site in 1969--an unusual and controversial decision that led now to this gift of outdoor ministry for the Rocky Mountain Synod and the wider community. (Video of Kent Mueller's and Steve Iona's opening words.) Kent Mueller continued with the story of the renewal.

Bishop Gonia described the wonder of the place and the opportunity to live into what it is to be "church becoming" in new and creative ways. (Video of Bishop Jim's words.) Words of gratitude were extended to all those who made this exciting renewal possible through gifts to the Next Faithful Step campaign.

Thank you! to these congregations who have given to the Next Faithful Step campaign!

In addition to the 120+ individuals/families who have contributed to the campaign, making the Messiah Mountain Retreat Center renewal possible, we celebrated the RMS congregations who have shared campaign gifts of generosity:

Congregational Endowments & Foundations

Augustana Lutheran Church Foundation, Denver, CO

Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation, Denver, CO

Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church Endowment, Dillon CO

Congregations

First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs CO

Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO

Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Greeley CO

Shepherd of the Mountain Lutheran Church, Estes Park, CO

St Paul Lutheran Church, Albuquerque NM

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Arvada, CO

St. Marks Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO

Zion's Lutheran Church, Trinidad, CO

Gifts from Holy Closure Congregations

Christ Lutheran Church, Cheyenne WY

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Boulder CO

More information about the campaign and how to give.

Excellence in Leadership - It is for YOU!

This May at Synod Assembly, the Excellence in Leadership initiative was blessed to be able to offer a session using two of the many tools offered throughout the whole 18-month experience. We hope that many of you were able to bring those tools back home to your contexts.

IN-PERSON COHORT IN ALBUQUERQUE, TWO ONLINE

If you found value in those tools and would like to explore more, we would love to invite you to participate in the next cohorts of Excellence in Leadership beginning in late September. One cohort will gather in Albuquerque for their in-person sessions. We will also have 2 online cohorts - one will meet on Monday mornings (9:00am-12:00pm) and one on Tuesday evening (6:00pm-9:00pm). These cohorts will meet 1 or 2 times per month, depending on the month. Registration is now open!

Excellence in Leadership is an experiential journey for any who wish to become more resilient, healthy, and creative in their lives and in their leadership. It is meant for people of all ages and in all stages of life: lay or rostered, council member or back pew sitter. As we navigate what the future may hold as people of faith, Excellence in Leadership provides opportunities to think adaptively and meet that future boldly.

For more information, please visit: rmselca.org/excellence-in-leadership

AUGUST 15 REGISTRATION DEADLINE

2022 Theological Conference

Sept 19-22, Park City, Utah

Exhausted?

Overwhelmed?

Need a break?

This year’s Theological Conference is for you! Join us Monday, September 19 at 4:00 p.m. until Thursday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the DoubleTree in Park City, UT, and Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church--three miles away by bus, bike, or walk!

Our program will focus on the power of connection and community; none of us makes it through life and ministry alone! We will learn about the effects of collective trauma on our communities and how to be resilient leaders. We will also have time to enjoy the beauty and opportunities of Park City.

The registration deadline is August 15, so register today. After August 15, refunds will not be possible for any reason. Registration includes hotel room, most meals, and program costs:

Single Room - $660.00

Double Room - $475.00

Commuter - $275.00

If you need a grant in order to be able to attend, or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate! Please contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo at sbjornebo@rmselca.org or 303.970.025.

TRANSPORTATION INFO

We are not providing transportation from Salt Lake City to Park City, but we encourage you to connect with colleagues and share rides as much as possible. Post a message on the RMS Colleagues Facebook page, work out transportation with your conference, coordinate flights with others, and consider public transportation from the Airport, which is $10.

Taking a train and two busses from the airport to Park City, takes about 1:45 to 2 hours. Leaving on a Green Line train from the airport at these times (at the latest) connects with Bus 902 Downtown and then connects with a White 10  or 101 Bus to Park City at the Kimball Junction Station. Use Google Maps on your computer to type in SLC to Airport, and clicking on the public transportation option. Kent Mueller will provide a public transportation guide with more info prior to the event, including which apps you'll need to purchases tickets online.

Depart the SLC airport on Light Rail Green Line at these times (or sooner!) to make connections to Park City. Green lines depart the airport towards downtown every 15 minutes.

am

5:35 - 722

6:50 - 8:37

7:50 - 9:49

pm 

1:05 - 2:52

3:20 - 5:22

4:20 - 6:22

5:50 - 7:52

We'll provide similar info for the return to the airport.

Free parking is an amenity of the hotel, and Park City offers excellent public transportation; the bus stop is right in front of the hotel, and there is a bike/walk path the three miles to our church site. City bikes are next to the bus stop, and the golf course is located across the street.

More information on visiting Park City

More information about our hotel: The DoubleTree - Yarrow

Please register by August 15

Announcing the next Generosity Watch Parties

A series of 3 events: July 30, August 27, September 24

-- resources and connections for everyone that inspire and empower a culture of generosity. The Watch Parties are on Zoom from 10:00am to 11:15am on these three Saturdays:

July 30: "Practice Gratitude"

August 27: "Not Stewardship in a Box"

September 24: "Abundance Mindset"

Our time together is led by RMS staff, GSB Fundraising consultants, 3E leaders, EiL leaders and invited guests. Each presentation also provides a curated follow-up packet of relevant online resources on these topics from the Center for Generosity. Please register and you will receive the Zoom link prior to the session. Watch Party Registration

Questions? Contact Deb Elstad, 3E Associate Director for Stewardship at deb.elstad@gmail.com or Tina Kvitek, RMS Director of Development at tkvitek@rmselca.org.

RMS HUNGER MINISTRY TEAM

"Thirsting for Water"

Saturday, September 17

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Are you wondering exactly what to think about the climate crisis and widespread drought whose stories fill our headlines almost daily? Where is God in all this news? What are the actual facts of the situation? What is a holy response we can undertake?

The Rocky Mountain Synod has an event coming up that will help you learn, discuss, ponder and consider personal actions to address this crisis and its impact on food production and hunger. You're invited to Thirsting for Water: At the Intersection of Climate, Water, and Hunger. It will take place September 17 from 9 am to 3 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO, and via Zoom.

The registration link is live now at rmselca.org/events/thirstingforwater. Cost is $25 per person on-site (includes lunch) and $15 for Zoom participants. Register now!

Take Action and Take our Congregational Survey!

The Hunger Network submitted a resolution at the 2022 RMS Synod Assembly and it passed unanimously! The resolution calls upon congregations to take concrete steps to: increase their support of local hunger ministries, increase their awareness of hunger and poverty issues through educational resources developed by ELCA World Hunger, and to increase opportunities to financially support the work of ELCA World Hunger.

Here is a flyer with suggestions for how to implement this resolution in your congregation. AND click the button below to take the Congregational Hunger Ministry Survey. 

On Sunday, Sept. 11, congregations of the ELCA will join for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, our dedicated day of service. As you explore opportunities to participate, visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for planning resources including a tool kit, worship material, videos, posters, social media graphics and a special hymn for the day. 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.” Plan your day of service.

FROM VICKY DAUB, VSCP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

" We Are All Here"

“Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” Recently, I read these words from Acts 16:28 as part of the reading during worship for the 7^th Sunday of Easter. I kept re-reading them as I practiced. In my role as the Executive Director of the Veteran Servant Corps Project (VSCP), I have been thinking about the phrase “we are all here”, especially in terms of the 18+ Veterans who complete suicide daily in our nation. Raising awareness about this issue is one our VSCP tenets. Are you and your congregation interested in joining in conversation around this important issue? Contact me, Vicky Daub, at Director@veteranservantcorps.org.

Or are you interested in being part of our “We Are All Here” initiative by donating? Click here then select the General Fund Gift option, enter "Veteran Servant Corps Project" in the note/memo line. If you prefer to mail a donation, send it to the Rocky Mountain Synod, 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221, adding Veteran Servant Corps Project to the note portion of your check.

Upcoming VSCP Events

ONLINE MEETINGS

Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness with Children and Teens

Thursdays: July 28, Aug 25, Sept 22 - 7:00-8:00 pm

“Our kids are not okay. Our children and youth are hurting!” Those who know this are also hurting. You are invited to join a series of Thursday Evening Connections about the book, Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence on Mental Illness and Teens and Children, and the “Survival Guide” by the Rev. Sarah Lund.

This book shakes up any lethargy about the plight of our youth’s mental health. It is a crisis. These Connections will be at 7 pm on zoom and are free. The facilitator is Deborah Berghuis, PhD, a trauma-informed, gender-affirming therapist who enjoys working with the members of the LGBTQA+ community, faith leaders, clinicians, and healthcare professionals. Rev. Lund will be in Boulder in person on Oct. 9-10. Her books are available online.

Join the zoom conversations: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220.

This series is hosted by Atonement Lutheran Church, Boulder, Mental Health Ministry, and the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (inmi.us). Questions, contact revalan2004@comcast.net.

Servant Stock: Urban Servant Corps' 35th Anniversary!

Sunday, July 31 from 11am-4pm at Advent Lutheran (7979 Meade St)

Get ready to boogie like it's 1987 (USC's founding year) at this Music Festival Event!

Live music by USC alumni and supporting band "The Hip Replacements" (members of Bethany Lutheran) will be sure to put you in a great mood! The SAME Cafe food truck will be there, too, along with yard games, bubbles, and friends galore! Where would you rather be on a sunny summer day? AND in celebration of the meaningful and faithful service of USC volunteers -- event better!

Daryl Mosley in Concert

Saturday, August 13th at 5:00 pm

Grace Lutheran Church

1128 E Boulder St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Join us on Saturday, August 13th at 5:00 pm for a concert featuring Daryl Mosley. Daryl performed for many years as part of the world famous Grand Ole Opry. He has shared his music on stages ranging from the Bluebird Café to West Point Military Academy and from churches that range from small, rural churches to mega churches like First Church of the Nazarene in Denver .

He released a solo album in 2020 (“The Secret of Life”) and another in 2021 “(Small Town Dreamer”). Both albums are filled with story songs about life, faith, traditional values, and nostalgia and each of the albums cracked the Top 10 on Billboard Magazine’s album chart.

He has enjoyed a career spanning over 30 years. His songs and stories feel like old friends. Daryl says, “I am so thankful that God has allowed me to make this my life’s journey. Using my songs and my story to share His story and message is my life’s greatest joy. (You may preview some of his songs on his website – Darylmosley.com/music.

Please come and share an afternoon with Daryl on August 13th at 5:00 pm. The concert is free – a free-will offering would be appreciated!

darylmosley.com >

AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS

DOTSERO Jazz & Launch the Season Party!

Sunday, August 28, 2022

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Augustana Lutheran Church

Join us for the ultimate end-of-summer party as we “Splash into Arts” and launch into our 25th season of arts and music! Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to sit on as you enjoy music by Colorado’s own DOTSERO jazz band. Beer, wine, sodas, and snacks will be available to purchase with all proceeds going to Music Encounters.

Tickets are $10 per person ($15 with an included drink coupon!). Children under 12 are free. Prices go up by $5 after August 25th.

In addition to music, snacks, and drinks, this is your final chance to bid on a stand from The ArtiStandza Project! Also, find out what’s in store for the 2022-23 Stratus Chamber Orchestra season, and meet our new conductor, Maestro Adam Torres!

Tickets available at augustanaarts.org/tickets. More info here, download flyer here.

ELCA SERVICE & JUSTICE

Life & Ministry in Palestine/Israel

Sunday, July 31, 1:30pm

Holy Shepherd, Lakewood

Rev. Gabi and Rev. Dr. Meghan Aelabouni serve as the ELCA's Area Desk Director for the Middle East and North Africa and the Theologian in Residence for the Middle East and North Africa Desk, respectively. With ties to the Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS), the Aelabounis are in Colorado this summer for their home assignment as mission personnel. In partnership with the RMS's Global Mission Committee and Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, the Aelabounis are excited to tell their Global Service story and share about their life and ministry in Israel/Palestine with the RMS.

Join them on YouTube at youtu.be/wCRtn0no-Uw

FOR REGIONS 1 & 2

REVITALIZE YOUR CONGREGATION’S PREACHING MINISTRY

with Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan

Sundays, October 2, 2022 - January 8, 2023

This is a lay leadership education offered by the office of Congregational Relations from California Lutheran University.

Send email to Desta Goehner, Director of Congregational Relations at California Lutheran University at desta@callutheran.edu for more information.

Register at this link. Download poster here.

The geographic area of the Pacifica Synod includes the state of Hawaii and portions of Southern California, including the counties of Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial and part of Los Angeles County. The number of ELCA congregations in the Pacifica Synod is currently 110, comprised of nearly 25,139 baptized members (2019 Synod totals based on congregational reports submitted). 

The synod is served by Bishop Andrew A. Taylor. Last May, The Rev. David Nagler, pastor of Christ Lutheran Pacific Beach in San Diego, was elected to serve a six-year term as Pacifica Synod's fourth bishop, beginning August 1. Visit pacificasynod.org.

Click here for a map of our 65 ELCA synods and 9 regions.