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eConnection weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
December 7, 2010
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Greetings!
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Journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter
Registration Deadline is December 23!
The annual Rocky Mountain Synod Theological Conference takes place January 24-27, 2011. To lock in the best rate for hotel rooms, our deadline is a month prior, which is why the registration deadline is an inconvenient December 23. Save yourself the last minute stress and register today! The conference will center on the liturgies of Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. The timing is perfect for experiencing the liturgies and bringing ideas for worship home with you.
January 24-27, 2011
Boulder Harvest Millennium Hotel and
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
Boulder, Colorado
information and online registration
Save Haven training is offered before and after the Theological Conference
Safeguarding God's Children is a program which provides participants with a basic understanding of the dynamics of child sexual abuse. The 3-hour course includes information on how to respond, prevent and protect the children and youth in one's congregation and ministry. The training will be offered prior to and at the conclusion of the 2011 Theological Conference. Dates are Monday, January 24, 2011 from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. OR Thursday, January 27, 2011 from 10:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Cost is $10. If attending the Theological Conference, register with your conference registration. Otherwise, contact the synod office to register. Download a flyer.
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OUR LIFE TOGETHER
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Third Sunday of AdventStir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer from Sundays and Seasons Year C 2011
 Service of Installation Set for Rev. Josh Bruns
The congregation and community of Covenant Lutheran Church in Wheatland, WY, invite you to join them as they celebrate the Service of Installation for Pastor Joshua Bruns on Sunday, December 12. The installation will take place at the 9:00 a.m. worship service, and Pastor Dan Bollman, assistant to the bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod (ELCA), will officiate. Please stay after the service to enjoy great fellowship, a cake reception and potluck meal. Covenant is located at 1863 South Road (82201). Everyone is welcome!
 Pastor Stefan Rickman to be Installed at Risen Lord Lutheran Church
Risen Lord Lutheran Church in Conifer, CO invites the community to celebrate with them the Service of Installation for Rev. Stefan Rickman. Bishop Allan Bjornberg will be present for the installation on Sunday, December 12 at the 9:00 a.m. worship service. A potluck reception with wonderful food and fellowship will follow the service. Come on out to celebrate Pastor Rickman's new ministry. Synod Prayer Cycle: Utah Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer lists for December and January are available.
to remember in prayers on 12/12:
Elim Ogden, UT Dana Lee Simon Grace Bountiful, UT John Mayer Mount Tabor Salt Lake City, UT David Nichols
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BISHOP HANSON'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
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Greetings from Our Presiding Bishop
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation!"
Isaiah 52:7
When Jesus was born, angelic messengers broke the still calm of a Judean night to sing joyously and proclaim, "This very day in David's city a Savior is born for you - God's Promised One, your Lord." Glad tidings of great joy! Common shepherds were the first and heartiest heralds of the promised Savior's arrival then, and today the joy in Jesus' birth fills every corner of this season.
Admittedly sometimes in modern America the commercial clatter and cultural clutter of the season seem to overtake the angels' song and the shepherds' joyous news. But such a majestic message of God's salvation cannot be silenced. Some loudly lament that the world will not listen to the Gospel message, but in this season so many beckon. "Christians, sing with us. Bring your songs of Christmas, of Jesus." A few may shush you, just as there were those who would later attempt to silence Jesus and his message of God's remarkable, revolutionary mercy, even to the point of crucifixion.
If so, then that is all the more reason to enter into the commotion and clutter, to let go of your inhibitions, to join the angels in singing and the shepherds in exulting with unashamed joy: Jesus, the Savior is born!
"Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy." "See, your salvation comes." Isaiah 52:8; 62:11
Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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| MIDDLE/JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GATHERING |
 Middle /Jr. High School Youth Gathering
Registration closes December 10.
January 14-16, 2011
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Colorado Springs, CO
This year's Middle/Jr. High School Youth Gathering will gather around the theme, Heroes... by FAITH, and focus on Hebrews 11 and Philippians 2:4-11.
The gathering again takes place at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs, CO. The youth from your congregation, youth ministers and caring adults are invited to gather for this great weekend of fun, prayer and fellowship. Get more information including release forms, a guide to what to bring and what NOT to bring, maps, etc.
Registration Deadlines:
November 23 - December 10: $115
Register online!
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
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 Community Shopping Benefits the Urban Servant CorpsDecember 15 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Ten Thousand Villages(2626 E. Third Ave., Denver, CO 80206)
Holiday shopping is so much fun at this non-profit, fair trade retailer of home decor, personal accessories, and unique gift items from around the world! Ten Thousand Villages provides vital, fair income to Third World people by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. When you shop at Ten Thousand Villages on December 15, 15% of the sales will be donated to the Urban Servant Corps.
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 USC Names New Community Life Director
Erin Benson has just accepted the job as Community Life Director for Urban Servant Corps and with the new position the Bensons, Erin, Thane and baby Blaise Xavier, will be returning to Denver to continue to contribute to the mission of Urban Servant Corps.
Erin and Thane are a USC couple, but unlike most Urban Servant Corps couples they did not meet during their volunteer year in Denver. They met in the intervening years at another volunteer program. The Benson's are very excited to be returning to Denver after spending time at Nazareth Farm in West Virginia, Regis University here in Denver and in upstate New York. Welcome home! |
| YOUTH and HOUSEHOLD RESOURCE |  Faith Formation Journeys
...a resource and blog by Rev. Leta Behrens and Brigette Weier
We are excited to announce this new resource aimed at communicating, networking, and resourcing areas of youth, family and household ministry. It's like a one stop spot for checking out new information, getting the cliff notes on journals, books, events, and more. Check out the download-able, printable and reproducible Christmas week devotions and use them in your home and/or congregation this year! Subscribe and follow to stay up to date on this journey we take together!
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| RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP |
 Summer Program Schedule Now Available
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp invites you to join us for an outstanding opportunity to share in the love and joy of God's family. majestic wilderness becomes an excellent setting for growth and renewal.
Most of the commonly asked questions can be answered in the FAQ or the Registration Policies. Please take a moment and check out the program availability schedule and see what Rainbow Trail has to offer this summer.
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 Understanding Adolescence - Youth Director's Retreat
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp is offering a FREE retreat to all full and part time professional youth directors from March 21-23, 2011. Time away provides the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and be rewarded. Time is spent in a peaceful mountain setting surrounded by God's creation and a wonderful supporting Christian community. There is plenty of time scheduled for networking, continuing education, sharing with others, rest, and play.
If you need more information in order to plan your time at the camp, please check out the brochure. Why wait? Register online today!
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| SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP |
2011 Summer Program Schedule
Registration for the summer 2011 is now open . Summer camp will run from June 12 through August 5. We have lowered our rates and want to see the camp full of kids ages 1st grade through high school.
Congregations are encouraged to come up for a weekend or for a week of Family Camp July 3 - 8. For Sky Ranch to fulfill its mission, kids need to come to camp. Every kid should be allowed to have a mountaintop experience.
Visit our website at SkyRanchColorado.org to register.
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| BORDER IMMERSION EXPERIENCE |
La Frontera: The Intersection of Cultures, Languages and Nations
Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry at UNM and CNM, the Border Servant Corps and Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey-El Paso will host a Border Immersion Experience January 5-9, 2011. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in Immigration and Border issues.
 The cost for the weekend is $50 per person (a significant discount from the usual $225 cost for a Border Immersion). The trip is supported by the Border Servant Corps, Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, and Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry. You are invited to check out the brochure for more complete details. The deadline for registering is Monday, December 20, 2010.
 There is space for a dozen people total, so please contact Pastor Anne Morawski right away by email or phone at 505-243-0336.
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RMS MISSION PARTNERS
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 Mission Partners Help Keep the Work of the Church Alive
Advent is an opportunity for us to acknowledge that we are all recipients of gifts. During this holiday season, we especially want to thank and give thanks for all Mission Partners congregations for their prayers and financial support of mission congregations in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Your gifts are needed and greatly appreciated.
Please consider using an Advent offering to support one of the mission congregations in our Synod. And also please consider a mission partner gift from a special Christmas offering. For more information, please contact Pr. Jim Hytjan, Assistant to the Bishop, at james_hytjan@rmselca.org or 303-777-6700 or 800-525-0462. Thank You!
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PEACE NOT WALLS
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 First Lutheran College in the Middle East
Dar Al-Kalima College is the first Lutheran college in the Middle East, begun by Lutherans at the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and their pastor, Mitri Raheb. When he was here in September, Pastor Raheb was raising money for the college. During his visit, Denver Lutherans (ELCA and Missouri Synod) raised more than $17,000 for the college. We formed an ongoing Bright Stars group that is working to raise another $50,000 this next year. The college has already graduated at least classes of students who have completed a two-year degree. The college is expanding its programs each year. The dedication of the college was November 30. Want to learn more? -----------------------------------------------------------------
Give a Gift to the
Christmas Lutheran Church Thrivent Financial is encouraging all members to designate their Choice Dollars to Bright Stars of Bethlehem (an approved 501c3) if their designation has not been made for 2010. The most recent project of the Christmas Lutheran Church is the development of a unique Lutheran College in the Middle East dedicated on November 30, 2010. Colorado Lutherans, in support of Bright Stars and the college, are committed to furnishing a music room in the new college building! What a wonderful designation for your Choice Dollars. Learn more: www.brightstarsbethlehem.org Choice Dollars form: www.thrivent.com/choice
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GERMAN CHRISTMAS SERVICES
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Deutscher Adventsgottesdienst German Advent Worship Service Service in German with Traditional Advent HymnsSunday, December 19, 2010, 5:00 p.m. A German language Advent Service will be held at Community of Joy Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM on Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. Michael Bastian, German born pastor at Community of Joy, will deliver the sermon and lead the service in the German language. Traditional Advent hymns and music will be provided. Community of Joy Lutheran Church 841 Saratoga Drive NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87144 The church is located approximately 1/4 mile west of Rio Rancho Blvd. (Hwy 528) on Saratoga Drive, just north of Northern Blvd.
 Frohe Weihnachten!
Okumenischer Weihnachtsgottesdienst
in deutscher Sprache
The congregation of Messiah Community Church invites the community to a Christmas worship service presented entirely in German. This event will take place on Sunday, December 19 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Featured musician will be Eric French playing the organ, Mike Gill playing the trumpet and Lori Gill, soloist. This year, Messiah Community Church will also present its Krippenspiel (Nativity Play).
Messiah is located at 1750 Colorado Blvd in Denver (80220). If you would like more information, please visit the church website or call the office at 303-355-4471. You may also print and post the flyer inviting the community to the event. Herzlick willkommen!
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GIVE A GIFT TO SUSTAIN CRISTO REY'S MINISTRY
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 Cristo Rey, El Paso, expresses gratitude, invites donations
Pastor Rose Mary Sanchez-Guzman extends her gratitude to all those on the list of those who have contributed to Cristo Rey's special appeal.
The congregation wants to thank all of their friends who have helped with their "1000 Friends Project." Details here.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
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Organist/Choir Accompanist
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection is looking for an organist/choir accompanist. We are looking for a part-time, 8-10 hours a week musician/pianist/organist to help in worship leadership, choir accompaniment, and worship planning. Please inquire via email to Pastor Garrett Struessel and include a resum�, contact information, salary range, and cover letter for introduction. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection is located at 7100 W. Mississippi Avenue in Lakewood, CO 80226.
The Rocky Mountain Synod has a list of jobs available within congregations. Please check out the website.
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Every person,
every congregation,
every ministry,
boldly serving God's mission in Christ.
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Bishop Allan Bjornberg
Colorado Council of Churches meeting, Denver, CO; New to the Synod Retreat, synod office, Denver, CO; Installation of Pastor Stefan Rickman at Risen Lord Lutheran Church, Conifer, CO.
Pastor Dan Bollman
New to the Synod Retreat, synod office, Denver, CO; Installation of Pastor Joshua Bruns, Covenant Lutheran Church, Wheatland, WY.
Madelyn Busse, DMAvailable by email or phone appointment.
Pastor Jim Hytjan
Mission Investment Fund meeting, synod office, Denver, CO; New to the Synod Retreat, synod office, Denver, CO.
Linda Staats
Youth Ministry Network, Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, CO; RMS Umbrella Team meeting, synod office, Denver, CO; New to the Synod Retreat, synod office, Denver, CO; Middle School Youth Gathering Planning Team meeting, Denver, CO; Council Retreat, Highlands Lutheran Church, Denver, CO; Safe Haven Task Force meeting, synod office, Denver, CO.
Available by email or phone appointment.
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| CALENDAR |
website calendar2011
JAN 14-16
Middle/Jr. High School Youth Gathering
Colorado Springs. Colorado
JAN 24-27
Theological Conference
Boulder, ColoradoMAR 21-23RMS Youth Workers RetreatRainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
MAY 12-142011 AssemblyColorado Springs, Colorado2012
APRIL 26-28
2012 Assembly
Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Quote for the Month
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Faithful Christian Stewardship is living a life of meaning and purpose according to God's will as best we can discern that. Say this to yourself everyday -
I am a sign of God's gracious love!
From the Collections newsletter (August 2010)
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church - Salt Lake City, UT)
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
Events
LSS of Utah 15th Anniversary Celebration (5/2010-4/2011)
World of Arts Shoppe Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Lutheran Social Service of Utah
4392 South 900 East in Salt Lake City Open to the Public
The Wednesday Market Wednesdays, June through October 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (in good weather)
4392 South 900 East Salt Lake City
(The People's market is a consortium of refugee fair trade, organic and justice-minded artists and organizations.) |
NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Events
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COLORADO
| submit Colorado news or photos
 "Give Where You Live"
and Support LFS-CO
Lutheran Family Services is participating in Colorado Gives Day - one day that will help raise $1 million for Colorado charities. LFS-CO needs your  support on this special day. All donations given to LFS through the Givingfirst.org website over a 24-hour period on December 8 are eligible for the Colorado Gives Day Incentive Fund, which will increase the value of your donation!
Give Where You Live on December 8 and help support LFS!
 Peter Mayer's
Stars and Promises Tour
2010
Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Peter Mayer, widely known as the lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett's, Coral Reefer Band, enters into his tenth consecutive year with the Stars and Promises Christmas Tour, along with Maggie Estes and R. Scott Bryan. The tour will make one of its seventeen stops across the country on Sunday, December 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 East Hampden Avenue Cherry Hills Village (80113).  The concert is a fundraiser for Lutheran Men in Mission. " Read more about Peter... Tickets are: Adults - $12; Children 6-12 yrs old - $5; under 6 - free!
You can purchase tickets now.
 Sing We Now Of Christmas
Kantorei welcomes the joy of the holiday season by presenting a memorable afternoon of holiday choral music.
Augustana Lutheran Church 5000 East Alameda Avenue,
Denver (80246) $20 Adult / $15 Senior / $15 Student Sunday, December 19 at 3:00 p.m.
 Essential Elements of A Vibrant Christian Life
On Saturday, January 15, 2011, Cornerstone Church in Boulder is hosting an "Essentials Conference." Attendees will learn the essential elements of a vibrant Christian life: grace, discipline, community, and covenant. They integrate conversation, teaching, and worship to create a full day of insight and encouragement for anyone who needs their faith refreshed, their interest awakened, or their spiritual life deepened. Among the speakers is Pastor Kai Nilsen, author of For Everything a Season: 75 Blessings for Daily Life. He is a pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Gahanna, Ohio.
Events
Juried Art Show in Loveland Explores Lutheran Identity
February 11-25, 2011
Zion Lutheran Church (Lanette)
815 East 16th Street Loveland CO 80538
970-669-0303
Artist entry deadline is January 11, 2011.
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