The world has changed, and the church is adapting. Do you have questions about setting a ministry strategy in this new world? Do you wonder how best to use your church building beyond Sundays? Are you curious about creative partnerships to reach new people? Some congregations have already taken risks in these areas and learned some things that will help us.

Join fellow congregational leaders around the Rocky Mountain Synod for a 90-minute zoom event exploring some inspiring ministry experiments. We will hear from three leaders who have taken some chances in ministry and gained insights they will share with us. After the short presentations we will enter into the small group of our choice for further conversation before returning back for a final debrief.

Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/85471053136

Zoom Meeting ID: 854 7105 3136

Please register ahead of time for this free event! 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD

GENEROSITY CONFERENCE

STEWARDSHIP

September 25 – 27, 2023

This is a HYBRID EVENT from the Messiah Mountain Retreat Center.

The purpose of this conference is for the individuals interested in the financial health and well-being of our church to engage in the abundance-mindset work necessary to enhance and grow a culture of generosity that will sustain the future of our congregations, members, and leaders that make ministry possible!

The 2023 conference will focus on STEWARDSHIP and include:

• Stewardship Kaleidoscope Plenary and Workshop Sessions
• Rocky Mountain Synod Stewardship Best Practices
• Stewardship focused Worship & Devotions

For more information and list of presenters, download informational flyer here.

Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024

The focus of the Synod Assembly April 25-27, 2024 will be the election of a new Bishop. To assist with this important, Spirit-led process, a new webpage called "2024 Synod Assembly Bishop Election" has been added to the Events section of the Rocky Mountain Synod website. This will serve as our hub for information regarding this election. Currently, it contains a timeline, information about the Bishop Election Committee, and an ELCA document outlining the responsibilities of synod Bishops. To help with the community's discernment, in late Fall feedback from conference meetings and Theological Conference discussions will be added. A biographical information form for those interested in being nominated as bishop will be added early 2024. Everyone- whether you will be a voting member at Assembly or not- is encouraged to visit the site and be informed about the process ahead.

CHECK FRAUD - PLEASE HELP

ENROLL IN RMS ACH DIRECT DEPOSIT

In response to our recent check fraud crisis, the synod has launched an ACH Direct Deposit system. Modeled after the process by which money is transferred to Portico, Clergy Financial, and ELCA Churchwide, congregations may enroll in our ACH Direct Deposit system. Once banking information is received and verified, the congregation will be set-up in our bank's secure ACH system and can start initiating electronic payments. 

Mission Support Remittance forms will be received via email. You will receive a Mission Support Remittance template to be completed according to your billing timeline in order to make a monthly mission support payment. Each congregation will continue to receive monthly contribution statements by email to verify that the correct funds have been withdrawn and distributed. It is extremely important to reconcile your monthly contribution statement to ensure that all transactions are recorded correctly. Discrepancies should be reported immediately.

ENROLL in the ACH Direct Deposit system by clicking the link below. To report missing contributions or if you have any questions, please contact Jon Johnson, Finance Director at finance@rmselca.org or Yvonne Wilken, Administrator at office@rmselca.org.

Click here to get more information and instructions.

"God's Refracted Love for the World"

September 18-21

This year's Theological Conference will begin Monday, September 18 at 4:00pm with programming through Thursday, September 21, finishing by noon and will be held in four Regional Gatherings:

• Ascension L.C. - Cheyenne, WY
• Zion L.C. - Salt Lake City, UT
• First L.C. - Colorado Springs, CO
• St. Paul L.C. - Albuquerque, NM

The registration deadline is this Friday, September 8 so click the link below NOW and join us!

As leaders in the Rocky Mountain Synod, we find ourselves at a crossroads: What does it mean to be the church? What is the future of our ministries? What is the future of our synod? How do we manage the full spectrum of ministry, remain healthy leaders, and continue to be inspired to tell God’s love story?

This year’s Theological Conference will explore these questions and more.

Download TC2023 Schedule, including check-in info and more - HERE

View info regarding the EiL Boundary Training HERE

For Questions or Scholarship info? email HERE

RMS Forms New Property Committee

The Synod is organizing a new Property Committee with the primary function to advise on strategic planning, resource allocation, and procedural systems related to the care and management of RMS properties. This includes supporting the on-site work of managers at the Lutheran Center and Messiah Mountain Retreat Center.

[Property Committee Description]

The Synod is seeking three or four volunteers to serve as committee members for one- or two-year terms. This committee is best served by synod members who are lay or rostered individuals with the desire to share expertise related to one or more industries: property management, construction management, architecture, environmental issues, property inspection, real estate, or legal issues. Members do not need to live in the Denver area.

Send inquiries or recommendations to treasurer@rmselca.org.

Join Excellence in Leadership!

Registration is now open for 18-month cohorts beginning in September 2023 and a 13-month cohort beginning January 2024!

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 and community to think adaptively and meet that future boldly.

Become the more resilient, courageous, and faithful leader God has made you to be!

• A story of a son and father,
• Facts on loneliness and the importance of LMM for men,
• A teaser on the Bold Gathering this November,
• The LMM APP and More!!!

Click the Link, Read the Stories, Forward the link to others who need to hear what Lutheran Men in Mission is all about.

AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS

Music Without Boundaries

Stratus Chamber Orchestra Concert

Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7pm

Augustana Lutheran Church

5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver

Sunday, Sept. 24 at 3pm

City Park Pavilion

2001 Steele St., Denver

Join us for an exceptional Stratus Chamber Orchestra concert experience that celebrates the limitless creativity of female composers and composers of color, forging a unique connection between performers and audience while championing diversity through captivating works that transcend traditional boundaries.

The program features Arturo Marquez's lively "Danzón No. 4"; Kevin Puts' expressive Flute Concerto, featuring Stratus’s own Tamara Maddaford on flute; Nkeiru Okoye's vibrant Charlotte Mecklenburg; and Florence Price's powerful Concert Overture No. 1. Through this concert, especially with SCO's unique immersive seating at the Sunday performance, we transcend boundaries, champion diversity, and highlight the universal language of music.

Join us on Saturday evening, September 23, at Augustana Lutheran Church, or on Sunday afternoon, September 24, at City Park Pavilion.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH'S SECOND SATURDAY JAZZ VESPERS RETURNS FOR ITS SECOND SEASON!

Saturday, September 9, 2023

St. Paul Lutheran Church’s Second Saturday Jazz Vespers returns for its second season, September 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 1600 Grant St. on the corner of 16th Avenue, two blocks from the Capitol building.

The Julie Koenig Trio will be there to provide the music along to accompany a message that speaks to your soul. Stay a while afterwards for fellowship and refreshments.

There’s no better way to start your Saturday evening.

Parking is available on the West side of Grant Street, please look for the "EVENT AT ST. PAUL" sign and enter there.

Valley Lutheran Church,

Los Lunas, NM

50th Anniversary!

Sunday, September 10 at 12:00 noon

Join the people and Pastor Ken Vogler of Valley Lutheran in celebrating their 50th glorious anniversary!

"We just wanted to share that we made it to 50 years as a Lutheran Church and as far as we are concerned, this is just the beginning! We are focused on the future and with efforts from our members, we accept the challenge. We are Lutherans who love our church!"

Park at LuMin for CSU Football Games

Attending one or more Colorado State University home football games? Then, park at LuMin (your Lutheran Campus Ministry in Fort Collins) and support this young adult ministry of the Rocky Mountain Synod. We ask $20 for one game or $100 for the season (a $20 savings). We offer in-door and newly remodeled bathrooms and a cool place for hot game days and a warm place for cold game days. You're welcome to "tailgate" on your tailgate in the parking lot, or around the front of the building, or in the Lulounge with kitchen access, or on the back deck equipped with a gas grill.

Our address is 805 S Shields St in Fort Collins. It's a short walk across the inner-mural fields to the stadium. Contact Pastor Paul Judson to reserve a spot or answer questions: 970-482-2160 (call/text) or pastor@lcmcsu.org.

FREE ONLINE EVENT

Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop

Saturday, September 9, 9:00am-noon

Are you looking for a way to explore or deepen your relationship with God? In our introductory workshop to Centering Prayer, you will discover a centuries-old prayer method. Centering Prayer consists of simply sitting in silence with God - beyond thoughts, words, and emotions - and opening our mind, heart and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of Centering Prayer, experience it in a guided setting, and be able to ask questions and share experiences with the presenter and your fellow initiates.

LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES PRESENTS

FREE a Financial and Estate Planning Seminar!

Saturday, September 16, 2023

8:00 am - 11:30 am

Join us on September 16, at the Lutheran Family Services Offices, 1035 Osage Street Suite 800, Denver, Colorado for a FREE financial planning seminar, a Charitable Giving Class and Estate Planning 101, presented by Chris Holdgard and Nathan Richter from Thrivent Financial Services and Estate Planning 101 by Beth Mitchell AMBLER | KEENAN | MITCHELL | JOHNSON Estate Planning Law Firm.

The first 25 registrants will receive a beautiful planning padfolio. To register contact Margo Hatton at margo.hatton@lfsrm.org, 719-250-7491 or on-line at www.lfsrm.org/financialplanning.

Join Rejoicing Spirits Sunday, September 17 at Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church, 21755 E Smoky Hill Rd. Aurora, CO, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

We will unite in activities, singing, laughing and loving God. Rejoicing Spirits is an inclusive worship space for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, their caregivers, families and anyone who seeks an open, joyful and creative worship experience.

We will gather at LOTH on the third Sunday of each month in 2023.

If you would like more information regarding the Rejoicing Spirits experience or volunteering, please contact:

Pastor Margot at pastor@lordofthehills.org

Pastor Ann Hultquist at native2615@gmail.com or

Karen Ullestad kmullestad@hotmail.com

RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP

Rainbow Trail Women's Retreat

October 6-8, 2023

It’s time for you to free yourself from your daily stressors and escape to Rainbow Trail for some spiritual freedom, fellowship, and fun! Don’t miss this opportunity to be immersed in community on the mountain, in which we will discover and affirm the gifts that God has given us. Call your best gal pals, staff alumni sisters, church buddies, neighbor that God has been nudging you about. But do it soon… registration will fill fast!

from Pastor Michael Mortvedt

A review of The Great Displacement, by Jake Bittle

“With every passing year, indeed every new season, climate change forces more people out of their homes. By the time you read this, some new and unforeseen calamity may have already come to dominate the headlines. (fires in Maui and tropical storms in California for instance) The levees are already breaking, the rivers are already running dry, the fires are already snaking through the forests...The next century may usher us into a brutal and unpredictable world, a world in which only the wealthiest and most privileged can protect themselves from dispossession, or it may usher us into a fairer world—a world where one’s home may not be impregnable, but where one’s right to shelter is guaranteed. Both worlds are possible. We still have time to choose between them.”

That is how author Jake Bittle concludes his book The Great Displacement.

I confess I have not considered the growing number of internally displaced persons caused by the effects of climate change in north America. Of course, it is in plain sight for us in the Rocky Mountain Synod with so many of our neighbors displaced by unprecedented fires, tornadoes, drought, and other severe weather events. Extreme weather that used to be considered one hundred- and five-hundred-year occurrences appear to be becoming the norm in some parts of the United States as well as the rest of the world. Bittle makes a clear case that climate migration is not just happening in faraway places like Africa, Asia, and low-lying island nations. It is starting here too.

The author weaves together firsthand accounts from people who lost their homes to hurricanes in the Florida Keys, forest fires in Santa Rosa, California, flooding in Huston, Texas, sea level rise in Norfolk, Virginia, and extreme weather events in other parts of the country. Many individuals and families chose to rebuild even though the risk remained and several experienced the same destruction only a few years later. Others chose to move if they could, but many could not afford to because of limited insurance and federal assistance.



It was not always the case, but mostly it was the minority and less affluent neighborhoods and communities that had the least opportunities to recover, rebuild or relocate. Systemic racism and poverty played a part in many of the accounts. In Lincoln City, a whole community founded by a Black preacher’s son shortly after the end of the Civil war, the residents were asked to accept a government buyout so their flood prone town could be returned to the river. Many of the Lincoln City residents felt they were really given no choice. Other similar, but more affluent and mostly white communities were given more choices and allowed to rebuild.



This is not a religious book, although faith communities play a role in some of the accounts. Bittle poses the question: "How do we adopt to climate change and who should bear the burden for that adaption?” How should we prepare as congregations and church agencies for assisting those in need because of climate change accelerated weather disasters, especially those most vulnerable? How do faith communities and agencies prepare for the changes ahead and the probable great migration from the southern tier of states to more northern latitudes because of the inevitable increase in excessive heat? For faith communities it is now a question of who is my neighbor in a world of global climate change?

Revised Compensation Guidelines from Synod Council

The Synod Council updated compensation guidelines for rostered ministers. Here is the revised Compensation Guidelines Narrative, and an Excel Worksheet to aid you with your financial calculations.

• Compensation Guidelines Narrative - revised Sept 2023 (PDF)
• RMS Rostered Leader Salary Worksheet (Excel)

• These resources are available online at: rmselca.org/compensation

"The witness of seven historic Caribbean Synod Lutheran churches, several established more than a century before the United States was even a country, reveal a lot about the struggle for liberation amid white privilege, oppression, slavery and economic and social status. Their stories also point out the difficulty of any church to be prophetic, bold and true to the gospel while serving a culture whose values and practices clash with those of Our Lord. These are issues many North American churches also need to face.

- Study guide for “The oldest ELCA church resides in the U.S. Virgin Islands” By Robert C. Blezard January 11, 2023

The Rev. Idalia C. Negrón Caamaño, San Juan, Puerto Rico, was elected June 16, 2018 to serve a six-year term as bishop.

Visit Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Sinodo del Caribe - Caribbean Synod on Facebook.

Click here to view a Bishops and Synods map of our 65 ELCA synods and 9 regions.