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eConnection weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
February 22, 2011 |
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Greetings!
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Rocky Mountain Synod has 65 Facebook Friends
The new Rocky Mountain Synod Facebook page is now live at www.facebook.com/rmselca.
Facebook members, visit the page, and click on "like" to receive RMSELCA info in your newsfeed! The page may also be visited by those not a member of Facebook.
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Transfiguration of Our LordO God, in the transfiguration of your Son you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah, and in the voice from the bright cloud declaring Jesus your beloved Son, you foreshadowed our adoption as your children. Make us heirs with Christ of your glory, and bring us to enjoy its fullness, 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
Synod Prayer Cycle: Metro East Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for April is available. to remember in prayers on 3/6:
All Saints Aurora, CO
John Petty
Augustana Denver, CO
John Pederson
Bethel Aurora, CO
Barbara Lemke
Christ the Savior Aurora, CO
Paul Ziegler
Cross of Glory Denver, CO
Mike Lemke
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DISCERNMENT RETREAT 2011
|  Retreat: Discerning God's Call to Ministry in the ELCA All persons who may be discerning a call to leadership ministry in the ELCA are welcome. Whether you are ready to commit to the Candidacy process, or just beginning to ask the questions regarding this vocational call, you are invited to attend this retreat on Thursday, March 31, 2011. Where: Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 East Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113. Please register by March 15. During this retreat we will: - Explore how we do faithful vocational discernment
- Discover gifts for ministry
- Learn about the variety of opportunities for services through the three rosters of the ELCA: Ordained pastors, Consecrated diaconal ministers, Commissioned associates in ministry
- Answer questions about the ELCA Candidacy process.
Call Madelyn Busse, assistant to the bishop, 360-375-6052, or email mbusse@rmselca.org with questions. To register or to submit names for invitation, please email Janice Ladd-Horkey or give her a call at 303-777-6700 / 800-525-0462. |
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RMS F.A.I.T.H. CONFERENCE 2011
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24 / 7
Faith Alive In The Home Conference
Come explore together how Faith Alive In The Home is a partnership between congregation and families that can be lived 24/7.... Together! Bring the whole family and whole ministry teams to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, located at 12099 Lowell Boulevard in Broomfield, CO (80020). The event will take place April 8-9, 2011. Keynote speakers are Andrea Fieldhouse (Building Bridges) and Lyle Griner (Full Circle Training).
Registration is now open and you are invited to register online.
Cost: $60.00 for 1-2 persons
$55.00 for 3-4 persons
$50.00 for 5 or more persons from the same
congregation
(Includes lunch, resources and take-homes)
Childcare is available!
Details can be found on the Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA website: www.rmselca.org/FaithAliveInTheHome or you may call Pastor Leta Behrens (303-570-1366) with questions. Check out the relevant, worthwhile and fun workshops!
The event hosted by the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA.
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SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP
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Sky Ranch Annual Meeting
We invite you to be a part of the Sky Ranch ministry by attending this year's annual meeting, being held Sunday March 6, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. The meeting will take place at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Longmont, CO.
 At the meeting, we will officially introduce Brad Abbott, Sky Ranch's Executive Director (who joined us in November). We will also recognize the service of  Stephanie Dugger, who worked as the Development Assistant and Bookkeeper at Sky Ranch from 2004 - 2010. Finally, we will recognize the groups who had a tremendous impact this year through - our Leave a Trace program. We will review the ministry programs of 2010 and share our vision for the 2011 camping season and beyond.
We would love to see you on Sunday to help us celebrate Sky Ranch. Light dessert and coffee will be provided.
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2011 Sky Ranch Summer Theme: Journey!
"And remember I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20b
 We plan, prepare, pack, and hit the trail to experience the journey of faith. God calls and walks beside us regardless of the shape our trail takes! Come and explore the Biblical journey of Abraham and Sarah while engaging in your own journey with God.
Now is a great time to start thinking about coming to Sky Ranch this summer and having your own exciting journey. For the 2011 camping season, our program fees have been reduced by up to 20%! To take full advantage of these savings, we encourage you to register by March 15.
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| RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP | 
Tingling Ears Retreat
Hearing God's Word in a an Age of
Hypertext and the Hyper-real
Join Jeremy Myers, Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Augsburg College, for the Tingling Ears Retreat from March 20 - 21, 2011 at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Sessions will cover an introduction to the Bible and how we use it (or don't) with our youth.
Retreat Fee is $99 and includes all sessions, lodging, and meals. Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 with dinner at 5:00 p.m. The final session will end at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 21. You may also extend your stay and join us for the Youth Directors' Retreat, March 21-23. For more information about the retreat, you may download and print the poster or contact Ben Larson by email or visit the Rainbow Trail website.
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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. 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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ELCA GOOD GIFTS
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Sell a Chick and Make a Difference this Easter
This Easter, join congregations from across the nation by having a "Buck-a-Chick" sale. For one dollar, members can purchase and decorate a paper chick for themselves or honor a friend or loved one. Your gifts will provide families living in poverty with chicks, which will become a  source of food and income. Send the donations to ELCA Good Gifts (ELCA, 39488 Treasury Center, Chicago, IL 60694) with "Buck-a-Chick" in the memo line. Get the children's coloring page at www.elca.org/hunger/lent. |
| RMS SYNOD ASSEMBLY 2011 | 
2011 Assembly Information
and Registration Links are Live.
MARCH 16 DEADLINE
- for submitting a resolution
- for requesting a display table
- for inclusion in the "ministry magazine"
- for requesting an interest lunch
- for consideration for plenary time
APRIL 6 DEADLINE
- for registering for the assembly
- for making a hotel reservation
MAY 12-14, 2011
- Assembly in Colorado Springs.
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RMS CHILDREN, YOUTH & HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY
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PEAK:
Children, Family, and Faith
October 16-26, 2011 Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Take as Continuing Education or for Academic Credit Offered through a Partnership for Education And Knowledge by Wartburg Theological Seminar, Rocky Mountain Synod, and Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Immerse yourself in this 10-day course and develop a deeper understanding of children's faith development. Led by faculty from Wartburg Theological Seminary this course may be taken for academic credit or continuing education. Details can be found in the color brochure but if you have questionS, please contact Ben Larson or Linda Staats by email. |
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ELCA REGION 2 YOUTH GATHERING
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Western States Youth Gathering
July 1-5, 2011 at California Lutheran University
Early Bird registration due today!
So, you have a lot going on in your life? Sometimes in the middle of school and work, family and friends, expectations and hopes don't you just scream out for a break? How do you balance all this stuff when so much of it seems out of balance? When the world seems to be pulling you in all directions at the same time the words of Paul are welcome. There is "NOTHING that can separate from the love of Christ."
 In the confusion of voices, all telling us different things what is God calling us to be about? Join us next summer on the campus of California Lutheran University as we celebrate that which nothing can take away - the love of God in Jesus Christ. Join us as we consider how Jesus is our balance leading us to lives that make a difference. For more information, 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
Conference of Bishops, Chicago, IL.
Pastor Dan Bollman In the office this week.
Madelyn Busse, DMAvailable by email or phone appointment.
Pastor Jim Hytjan
In the office this week.
Linda Staats
Conclude ELCA Lifelong Learning Partners Retreat, Carefree, AZ.; ELCA Youth Gathering meeting, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.; Speaking at the Adult Forum of Faith Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ.
Available by email or phone appointment.
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| CALENDAR |
website calendar2011 MARCH 21-23RMS Youth Workers Retreat Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
MAY 12-142011 RM Synod Assembly Colorado Springs, Colorado2012
JANUARY 23-26
Winter Theological Conference
Fort Collins, Colorado
APRIL 26-28
2012 RM SYNOD Assembly Colorado Springs, Colorado |
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
Easter
Supplies Drive
Angela Cuillard, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sandy, is working to gather Easter education supplies for refugees at LSS of Utah. Any gently used or new educational items can be coordinated with Angela by email or phone (801-572-3412). She'll have more ideas for items but some initial thoughts are art supplies, pens, pencils, notebooks, CLIP Boards (we really need these for ESL studies), crayons, markers, highlighters, book bags, etc.
If you would like to give to an education basket to an Agency of LSS of Utah, we truly need clip boards, fine tip felt pens (for those of us with arthritis), white board markers, 901-xl black and white ink cartridges and 901 color cartridges, art supplies, new computers, etc. Also, in order to hire our ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher through the summer months (outside of our usual fiscal partnership), we need $100 per week for 3 months or $1300 total. Contact Angela regarding anything related to this project.
Churches and organizations are invited and encouraged to publish LSS Utah statistics and snapshot of services in their newsletters, post the information on bulletin boards and take the Spring challenge and highlight Lutheran Social Service materials on their website.
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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submit New Mexico or El Paso news or photos
Community of Joy Lutheran Chruch Responds to the ELCA Malaria Initiative
Community of Joy, Rio Rancho, NM, raised awareness about the Lutheran Malaria Initiative through Confirmation class projects, class discussions, and offerings. Their original goal was $300 for  30 nets, but they soon exceeded their goal and set a new goal of $500, which they have reached! They enjoyed using the Malaria Campaign Calendars. With these calendars they were able to raise money for nets for the Malaria Initiative. Every day on the calendar lists a different amount of money to give. For example, on the 8th "give ten cents for every year of school you've completed," or on the 15th "give one cent for every video game and DVD you own." Totaling up the money for every day, together, they raised money to buy nets!
Events
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COLORADO
| submit Colorado news or photos
 Saint Peter Lutheran Church Hosts Area Stephen Ministry Workshop
Want to learn to be an active listener and reach out to others in a distinctively Christian way? On Saturday, March 5, 2011, Saint Peter Lutheran Church, 9300 East Belleview Avenue in Greenwood Village (80111) will host a Stephen Ministry Workshop from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The cost of the workshop is $15 per person or $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and refreshments will be served. Get more information or register online to attend .
 Life Wishes Workshop Saturday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Anna Paulson Room This may come as a shock to some, but death is not optional. We as human beings are born "terminal." We ain't getting outta here alive!  This is said not to trivialize death; rather, it is said to highlight the importance of living each moment. Since we have no guarantees other than our mortality, we should be compelled to discuss and explain our end-of life wishes with our family and friends. Do not miss this opportunity to explore various options for advance directives, Ethical Wills, and final arrangements. Your life depends on it!
The work is presented by Jane W. Barton (MTS, MASM) who is Director of Education with Life Quality Institute, a non-profit organization that provides palliative and end-of-life education. A poster is available to print and include in Sunday worship bulletins or to post on a bulletin board. Please register in Augustana's office for the workshop which will include a light brunch. Call Sheryl Stenseth, Augustana Parish Nurse, with any questions (303-388-4678,ext. 106).
Faith Communities Organize to Alleviate Hunger in Metro Denver
We each are called to service and love-we hold these things in common. Let us come together, act together, and love together; to be the hands, the feet, and the heart that responds to the most basic need of those who are hurting in our community. Come and organize as a community to ensure that no one is going hungry! An event is happening on September 11, 2011 and your planning assistance is needed:
Help us design this tremendous metro-wide event, sponsored by the faith communities on Monaco and Hampden. The planning meetings will take place on March 8 and 14, 2011 beginning with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at Metro CareRing office, 1100 East 18th Avenue in Denver (80218)
Please RSVP to Pastor Glusenkamp by email or phone (303-758-2820) by March 3rnd. Include which date works best for you. Don't miss this breakfast meeting at Metro CareRing as we plan for Denver's future.
 CU Campus Ministry Future College Students:
Come Check Out CU, Lutheran-Style An introduction to CU will be offered by students at Lutheran Campus Ministry-Boulder on Saturday, March 12, beginning with a noon lunch. Guided tours of campus and sharing stories of campus life will follow. Our student leaders also have camp leadership experience, so count on this being both a fun and informative event. RSVP now by calling Pastor Dan Hays or Liz Gonzales at 303-786-7137, or email at lcmpastor@colorado.edu.
Gallery of Living Art - Christ's Passion and Resurrection First Lutheran Church of Colorado Springs once again announces it's widely acclaimed Gallery of Living Art now in its seventeenth year! The Gallery of Living Art is a Passion Play presented in a very dramatic and unique venue. The story of Christ's Passion and Resurrection is told through a narrative reading of scripture, with a cast of over 90 men, women and children staging life size visual representations of sacred works of art enhanced by outstanding music performed by First Lutheran's seventy voice choir.  Fourteen pieces of art, including the well known
Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper",
Heinrich Hofman's "Christ in Gethsemane" and Michelangelo's sculpture, "Pieta"
are beautifully portrayed on stage. Doors open one hour before each presentation which are:Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 3:00 p.m. Admission is FREE and child care is provided. First Lutheran Church is located at 1515 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs CO (80907).
The Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekends Two Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekends planned for the Denver metro area this year: April 8-10, 2011 and October 21-23, 2011.
The Weekend starts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night and is complete by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. The entire Weekend is conducted within a hotel in the Denver metro area. Applications are requested at least one month before the start of the weekend in order to guarantee hotel reservations. Couples who are interested in the April weekend should apply by March 8. Information and online application: www.GodLovesMarriage.org
The expectations on church professionals can be hard on marriage relationships. Pastors and professional staff who are interested in attending a Marriage Encounter Weekend may request a scholarship for the Weekend application fee. Please send an email message to Cindy if you would like more information.
Volunteer Opportunity at St. Paul, Denver Looking for an opportunity to serve? The Local Assistance Ministry (LAM) of St. Paul Lutheran Church is currently seeking new volunteers! LAM is a ministry of service to those in need in our community. Our focus is on meeting basic needs, offering hospitality, and providing hope. Most people come to LAM seeking assistance for paying their rent, for motel vouchers, or covering their prescription costs. We are currently seeking hosts and counselors. The volunteer commitment is twice a month from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon. Hosts prepare and serve a light lunch and have the opportunity to converse with clients while counselors meet one-on-one with clients to determine their need and provide assistance. Training is provided! If you are interested in working with this ministry, please call the church office at 303-839-1432 or email Alex for more information.
Events The Lutheran Chorale Area Workshop and Concert Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakewood Workshop - Saturday, March 12
Concert - Sunday, March 13 For more information, please contact David Hodel or Linda Blandin. Project Sanctuary Retreat Whole Family Support for Returning Families Friday, April 15 through Tuesday, April 19, 2011
A retreat for fifteen to twenty families at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO. Saint Peter Lutheran Church "We Run That They May Walk" 5K Run Event Saturday, June 4 from 9:00 a.m. til noon For more information and registration forms.
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