Installation of Pastor Ron Bockhaus 

The congregation and community of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, 

MAY 12-14, 2011

• Assembly in Colorado Springs.

 National Youth Gathering

in New Orleans

Please make a way for your young persons to attend the 2012 ELCA National Youth Gathering. The journey of discipleship that is the ELCA Youth Gathering starts a year before teenagers come together in New Orleans. We will offer a series of trainings to equip adult leaders to be with young people in ways that lead to the outcomes for which we are planning and praying.  

We are shaping a service learning experience that will affirm young people's welcome into God's story through baptism, will help them draw closer to God by engaging in intentional faith practices, will train them to bear witness to Jesus' activity for the sake of the world, and will arouse in them their vocational call to "serve all people, following the example of Jesus" (ELW pg. 236). 

Learning outcomes will give participants the tools to: 

• Practice discipleship - demonstrate the capacity to articulate their unique witness.
• Practice peacemaking - Act in a way that reflects God's value for everyone, particularly those whose are marginalized by society and
• Practice justice - Live boldly in the face of injustice, crisis and suffering.

You can download and print the poster, or request one from us by writing to gathering@elca.org. Every ELCA congregation will receive two posters.

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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)

FREE 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.

 Inspiring Everyday People to Engage the Bible

April 29-May 1, 2011
Luther Seminary

Through presentations, conversation and practical takeaways, this conference for congregational leaders, both lay and clergy, will inspire and equip you to lead your congregation into opening, reading and discussing the Bible in engaging new ways. 

People who attended the 2009 Jubilee exclaimed it was one of the best conferences they had ever attended from the hospitality to the content and worship. The 2011 conference promises to be of the same high quality!  "I was equipped in ways I am only beginning to realize. The event in its entirety was life-changing and affirming of what truly matters, of whose we are and the importance of sharing that good news."

2011 Sky Ranch Summer Theme: Journey!

"And remember I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:20b

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. Download brochure.

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.

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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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Spring at RTLC   

 March 24-27, 2011   

Put your feet up and unwind at this Spring Retreat! Michelle Okes, long time Rainbow Trail camper, former staffer, mother of two summer staff members will lead a weekend of thought provoking Bible Study, worship, crafts, hikes (or snowshoeing if the weather permits), cooking with Chris, relaxing with the massage therapist, and enjoying the sisterhood in Christ.  Information is available on the Rainbow Trail website or by e-mailing Laura.  

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 Men's Fly Fishing Camp at RTLC  

April 7-10, 2011

Take some time to step out of the stresses of ordinary life and into the refreshing waters of the Arkansas River. This weekend of fly fishing, hanging out with the guys, and amazing worship and conversation is led by Pastor Dave Risendal. He has a deep love of fly fishing and the gospel and will help you re-center and deepen your faith. You'll expand your fly fishing skills with instruction from Greg Felt, owner of Ark Anglers Fly Shop, fly tying workshops, and advice from other seasoned fishermen.  More information is available at the Rainbow Trail website or by e-mailing Carl.

FREE Money for Nothing!
Well, almost.

ELCA Health Plan Members: Take the 2011 Health Assessment by April 30, 2011 

Let's do it this year!
Let's earn the discount!

$150 available to you [and your spouse]!

$150 more each for participating in wellness action!

2% discount on health premiums available to your congregation (if enough take the assessment!)

If you have ELCA-primary or ELCA Medicare primary health coverage, take the health assessment today for your synod, your congregation and yourself. You'll earn your $150 personal wellness account credit and can begin using your personal health summary to make small changes to improve your health.  It's easy to start. Take it now!

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.

Tax Related Resources for Congregations

Due to tax laws in certain states, the fair market value of employer-provided health coverage for an eligible adult child up to age 26 (who is not a tax dependent) may be taxable for state income tax purposes (but not for federal tax purposes).    

You may want to consult with your payroll administrator, tax adviser or state's Department of Revenue for guidance about current tax laws that apply in your state. [Form W-2, box 16]. The fair market value of ELCA health coverage is $405 per month, per child in 2010, and $419 per month, per child in 2011.

Other tax-related resources

Check out the Board of Pensions new web section, Tax-related resources, to find more tax information like:

• Federal reporting requirements for churches
• Clergy tax guide
• 2011 Social Security tax reduction
• Housing allowance
• Social Security/Medicare allowance
• IRS resources

for more

information (303-332-1263).

Western States Youth Gathering - "In the Balance" 

July 1-5, 2011

at California Lutheran University

For more information, please check out the website.

Lutheran Men in Mission Triennial Gathering

July 22-24, 2011 in Denver! 

Called! Equipped! Sent!

For information and registration

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Egypt

October 10-26, 2011

Details: www.pilgrimageholyland.blogspot.com or contact Jan Miller by email. Reservation deadline is April 1.

St Philip Lutheran Church Business Administrator Position

St. Philip Lutheran Church in southwest Denver has an open position for a Church Business Administrator. A bachelor's degree or equivalent and five years experience working in a full service office is desired.  Finance, managerial, building management experience, and strong people skills are required.  Prior church experience preferred. Please send resumes to: CBADENCO@comcast.net

Augustana Vocal Ensemble Presents:

First Flight

Come on board this first flight with AVE, as they soar to new heights with a unique new vocal blend. Still a foursome, they welcome two new members to this first ever Augustana Arts concert together. They guarantee to pilot you to some fascinating places in first-class musical style. This pleasurable flight will suit every taste - exceptional in style and luxury.

Augustana Lutheran Church 5000 East Alameda Avenue, Denver (80246)

$18 Adult / $12 Senior / $12 Student

Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Celebrating 100 Years in Ministry

Pastor Julie Brooks, the congregation and community of Saron Lutheran Church invite you to join them in celebrating their 100th year and the ministry of being the church in the Strasburg area.

On Sunday, March 20, we worship with Bishop Allan Bjornberg at 8:30 a.m., share brunch at 10:00 a.m., and enjoy a program with music at 11:00 a.m. Along with giving thanks for the past 100 years, we re-dedicate ourselves to know Christ's love, grow in Christ's love and go in Christ's love. During the program, there will be an opportunity for you to share remembrances and stories.

Please forward this invitation to your family and friends. You may RSVP to Saron Lutheran Church by email or phone (303-622-4303). Saron is located at 1656 Main Street (80136). 

Almighty God, grant us, our servants, the unity of the Spirit in bond of peace. Show us new ways to serve you and our neighbor. Make us worthy to bear the sign of the cross in the world and bring us at last into your kingdom of glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (LBW)

Taiz� at Saint Paul - Denver

Wednesday, March 23, 7:00 p.m.

1600 Grant Street (80203)

As we embrace this time of waiting and reflection, I would encourage you to join us this month for an hour of candlelight, simple song, prayer, and silence. This is an opportunity to spend time with yourself and with God. We encourage and welcome anyone to attend, whatever your faith background!

Please print the flyer for this month's service and share it with your communities, posting it where appropriate. We especially encourage you to reach out to the youth of your communities, offering them an opportunity for worshipping in a way less bound by the liturgy of traditional service. 

We are also excited to have House for All, Sinners and Saints joining us this month! Led by Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber, this urban faith community is doing wonderful things for those seeking a faith home in metropolitan Denver. Learn more about that at houseforall.org.

For more information about Taiz� at Saint Paul, please contact Jeff Steen, Taiz� Worship Leader, by email or phone (303-547-8760). 

House for All Sinners and Saints Brings You: Beer and Hymns

The congregation of House for All Sinners and Saints cordially invites you and the community to fellowship, beer and hymns at Hamburger Mary's Club M room on Saturday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. so come out early and plan to have dinner in the Club M room. Hamburger Mary's is located at 700 East 17^th (Washington and 17^th Avenue). Everyone is welcome!

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.

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).

LFS 18th Annual Gala: A Mile High Evening to Remember

On Saturday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m., Lutheran Family Services is having its 18^th Annual Benefit Gala, "A Mile High Evening to Remember", at the new Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Denver. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 7:00 p.m. Mistress of Ceremonies is Kim Christiansen, 9News Anchor/Reporter  and entertainment this year will be provided by Lannie Garrett, a veteran Denver singer and entertainer. Please join us for this fun event which includes dinner, the LFS program and the live auction, as we celebrate the programs of LFS and raise funds that will offer help and hope for children, families and older adults. There is limited seating , so please RSVP no later than March 30^th. Cocktail attire. Reservations may be made online at www.lfsco.org or by calling 303-217-5860.

Practical Strategies for the Self-Management of Chronic Disease

Do you struggle with managing a chronic health condition?  Do you care for someone who does?  Join Lutheran Family Services' Care Management Solutions Program for Be Well Colorado, a free

Katie Mahan in Concert

On May 15, 2011 at 3:00 p.m., Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Denver is sponsoring a "Concerts for Non-Profits" performance featuring international concert pianist Katie Mahan. Praised for her unique personality and extraordinary musical sensitivity, American pianist Katie Mahan is quickly establishing herself as an artist of rare appeal.  Her passionate performances have attracted audiences around the world.

The concert will support the work of The Denver Hospice and will feature, among other works, Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57. Katie's strong commitment to community, and her desire to give back, made this performance possible.  The Denver Hospice says it is honored to have such a rare talent support our mission with this intimate performance. For tickets and further information please go to: http://giving.thedenverhospice.org/katiemahan 

3rd Annual Golf Tournament

Monday, June 20, 2010 - 1:00 p.m. (Start)      

You are cordially invited to enjoy a day of golf on this challenging course. Players may form their own foursomes. Individual entrants are welcome. Team placement will be arranged for singles.  Format: Four-person, shamble. Mulligans will be available for $5 each. Dinner is included for registered golfers, guests are $20 each (see registration form).  Awards and drawings will take place during that time. Prizes: Team and individual prizes will be presented.
 
Please begin now by sharing this information with your family, friends, co-workers and business associates - since we have doubled every year in the number of golfers, please send your registration form early to assure your spot. You may  download, print and mail the registration form to the registrars.
 
FYI - We would also love to double the number of sponsors this year.  All golfers are invited to join us at the gorgeous Colorado Springs Country Club located at 3333 Templeton Gap Road (80907). To those that joined us the last two years, thank you again for making each tournament so enjoyable and successful. Contact Calvin and Patty Jolly (719-347-2662) or view the brochure for more information.