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eConnection weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod


May 24, 2011    
Greetings! 

Jonathan Rapture tree

The Jonathan
Rapture Tree

 

There is a new apple tree gracing the grounds of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Arvada, CO. It comes in response to those who claimed the world would end on May 21, 2011.  

 

Pastor Stephanie Kopsch and the people of St. Andrew acted on the words of Dr. Rossing who, at Synod Assembly, renounced the claims and quoted Martin Luther, who said that if the world were coming to an end tomorrow, he would plant a tree today.    

 

Within the congregation it is known as the Jonathan Rapture tree -- Jonathan for the brand of apples they eventually hope to have, and Rapture for the "event" that prompted its planting!"


OUR LIFE TOGETHER

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Almighty and ever-living God, you hold together all things in heaven and on earth. In your great mercy receive the prayers of all your children, and give to all the world the Spirit of your truth and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

 

Synod Prayer Cycle: Boulder/Broomfield Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer lists for
June and July are available.

to remember in prayers on 5/29:


Shepherd of the Hills  Boulder, CO

      Marty Lettow

Trinity  Boulder, CO

     Mark Twietmeyer

SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP

Sky Ranch new logo

Memorial Day Work Weekend 

May 27 - 30, 2011

 


Before we know it the vans will start arriving and camp will be officially underway! Before that happens, we need your help! 


Sky Ranch volunteer

Help prepare Sky Ranch for the busy summer season! Bring your RV or tent, get a Bunkhouse Cabin or stay in a lodge room. Come for a day or the entire weekend. There is no cost to be a part of the work weekend.  Please call Linda at our office (970.493.5258) or contact her by email  to register and to let us know which lodging option you would prefer.

 

Office Help in Fort Collins Office

If you have some spare time and would like to come into the Sky Ranch office with periodic mailings, data entry or answering phones.  Please contact Linda in the Sky Ranch office either by email  or phone (970-493-5258). 

 

Other endless Camp Opportunities:
Please check out our web site at www.skyranchcolorado.org and click on the "Get Involved" tab for more opportunities.

ELCA NEWS ALERT

Joplin Tornado image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acting Quickly to Help Those in Need


An outbreak of tornadoes tore across the Midwest this weekend, leaving a path of destruction from Texas to Minnesota.  Especially hard-hit is Joplin, Missouri, where a powerful tornado leveled parts of the community, killing at least 89 people. Residents say the city is completely unrecognizable.

 

The building that housed an ELCA congregation has been destroyed, according to its pastor. Please keep the Rev. Bill Pape and the people of Peace Lutheran Church in Joplin in your prayers. This outbreak is one of several destructive storms this spring. Communities throughout the Midwest and South Disaster Response logohave also faced widespread damage due to floods and severe storms.

 

ELCA Disaster Response is already assessing the situation in Joplin and other areas affected by severe storms and flooding. Your gifts are needed to help provide for the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by these disasters.

 

All of your gifts-100 percent-designated for "U.S. Severe Storms" will be used for emergency and long-term assistance following these storms. Please give generously and continue to pray for those whose lives have been uprooted by this disaster. 

2012 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING 

ELCA bYouth Gathering logo 2

   

2012 ELCA Youth Gathering -  "Citizen with the Saints"   


 


 

 Training for ALL ADULT LEADERS at Sky Ranch!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 

Join us at camp to GET GEARED UP AND EQUIPPED for the gathering, and receive the bonus of seeing the "Confirmation Intensive: Jesus' Passion" in action! The RMS website will be updated regularly with important and useful information Check it out! 

 

Gathering specific information, including theme, schedule, registration, transportation, housing, and budgets and more will also be covered during this time.

 

Cost: $30 (Unless already registered for that week of camp), includes transportation, 3 meals, and overnight lodging (in the lodge).

 

TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED! We will do pick-ups at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village (8:30 a.m.), Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont (9:30 a.m.), and Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins (10:15 a.m.). We will drop off at the same locations: Trinity (10:00 a.m.), Bethlehem (10:45 a.m.), and Bethany (11:45 a.m.). 

     

To register: Email Kristen Baltrum at [email protected] or call 303-817-5482

Registration deadline: Saturday, June 25, 2011

More info:  http://rmselca.org/ministries/youth_household/gathering.htm 

 

Kristen's Tip of the Week:

Have you thought about who your adult leaders will be for the Gathering? Start having those conversations now so that they can arrange for vacation time from work, if need be, and you can start budgeting to cover their expenses if your congregation is able to do so.

 

Financial Assistance and Volunteer Applications Opened on May 15, 2011!

 

Congregational leaders are able to apply for financial assistance ($315 registration fee) on behalf of their young people beginning May 15. The deadline is July 31, 2011 - or until the funds are depleted. The assistance awarded will be uploaded into congregational accounts; when you register on October 9, 2011, you will see a credit in your financial record. Go to www.elca.org/gathering and click on the button to be redirected to the application.

 

Also, if you are interested in volunteering for the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering, the application process opened May 15, 2011. The Gathering team is recruiting for three categories: Community Life, Gathering Volunteer Corps, and Servant Companion. Applicants must be at least 19 years old and out of high school for at least one year, and there is a $75 administrative fee for all volunteers to cover background checks and processing.  

OUR DAILY BREAD VIDEO PROJECT


 

Every congregation receives DVD of Rocky Mountain Synod stories

 

Three video segments of Rocky Mountain Synod stories are now available for use in your congregation. A DVD was distributed at Assembly to each congregation. Others will be mailed. In addition, Bible study and devotional materials are available for each video to download and print.  View the videos at www.rmselca.org/videos and download the related materials.  

 

The DVD includes these stories:


Bread in the Desert and on the Mountain

Our Savior Lutheran, Alamogordo, NM, and First Lutheran, Gypsum, CO

 

Bread in the City

Urban Servant Corps, Denver, CO

 

Bread on the Border

Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX

 

Our thanks to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for providing financial support for this project, and retired Pastor Larry Foreman of Sunmark Productions for his generous partnership.

WESTERN STATES YOUTH GATHERING

Western States Youth Gathering logo

MSYG is

July 1-5, 2011  

 

at California Lutheran University

 

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 this 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. So, you have a lot going on in your life?

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY

Peak Seminar image

PEAK:

Children, Family, and Faith


October 16-26, 2011 

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp   

 

You may take this course 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.

 

ELCA GLOBAL LINKS 

Global Links logo






The Work of ELCA Missionaries

is Never Done

 

South Sudan: The people we meet along the way

Follow a journey to southern Sudan and learn how Lutherans are actively working to encourage peace and development there.  See http://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/category/human-dignity, where you can also sign up for the Voices for Change Advocacy Blog.

 

Papua New Guinea: Answering God's call

In 1921, two young sisters from a small town in Iowa became the first Lutheran missionaries to the country now called Papua New Guinea. Read the story of Ida and Luthilde Voss at www.womenoftheelca.org/PNGmissionaries.

 

Holy Land: The Easter Laughter of Lazarus

On a Judean hill overlooking the Jordan River valley, near the biblical village of Bethany, Pastor Fred Strickert preached an Easter sunrise sermon which featured the laughter of Lazarus, the first person to experience the journey from death to life. Read more at http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand. Fred and Gloria Strickert are ELCA missionaries serving at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem.  

 

Looking for an ELCA missionary?

The 2011 Hand in Hand Annual directory including ELCA missionaries is now available online at www.elca.org/GMdirectory. For security reasons, missionaries are not pictured in the online version, so for a print copy with their photos, contact [email protected] or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2580.  Order code:  ELCADS1033. You pay only handling and shipping for this helpful resource.

 

LUTHERAN MEN in MISSION 

Lutheran Men in Mission logo

Called! Equipped! Sent!


2011 LMM Triennial Gathering Set for Denver 

 

July 22 - 24, 2011, hundreds of men from across the nation will meet in Denver, CO at the Denver Marriott DTC for the tri-annual Lutheran Men in Mission Gathering. Lutheran Men in Mission Assembly (business meeting) is July 21-22, 2011

 

Come for the speakers, workshops and music with Peter Mayer, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, widely known as the lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett's, Coral Reefer Band. Most of all come for the experience of being in fellowship with Christian men of all stations in life.  

 

Lutheran Men in Mission emblemLutheran Men in Mission is the men's ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  This ministry works to strengthen men's Christian faith, relationships, witness and service in their homes, congregation and communities. The vision of LMM is for every man to have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through an effective men's ministry in every congregation.The 2011 Gathering will give men the opportunity to build their faith, relationships and ministry and provide for ongoing leadership development. Check out the website for more information. 

 

 

Call Inc. banner

 

Pre-Gathering Event: Custom Designed-- 
Living a Life Worthy of God's Call

 

Knowing and living our God's call is essential to be who our God meant you to be. Seeking and knowing God's unique call to you is an amazing, uplifting and joyful experience! As you live in the fullness of God's call, you find the depth of life you seek. You will transform the world in meaningful ways. In the end, you will answer two of life's most significant questions: Who am I? What am I to Do?

 

This seminar is being presented by the founders of Call, Inc., Pr. Wendy Berthelsen and Mr. Steve Harr on the evenings of July 18-20 (prior to the Lutheran Men in Mission national gathering).They take place at 11331 Shimley Road in Golden, Colorado, 80403 (Coal Creek Canyon). Please contact Jim or Cathy Monkman by email or by phone at 303-642-1026  for more information or to register.

 

RESOURCES

Lutheran AIDS Network logo

Lutheran AIDS Network

 

 

The Lutheran AIDS Network has created a FREE new resource guide to help educate older adults about HIV and AIDS. Persons age 50 and older in the Unites States account for 16% of new HIV diagnoses, 31 % of persons with the disease and 45% of all deaths of persons with AIDS.

 

With nearly two-third of the ELCA and LCMS membership base being older adults, the primary goal of Brokenness to Wholeness: The Silver Edition is to help break the silence of talking about this taboo subject within and outside the church. The curriculum is designed to be used in whole or in part and the facilitator may choose the most relevant activities for the target audience to be used in small groups, Bible studies, workshops, and/or synod or district assemblies.

 

For a free download, please go to www.lutheranaids.net/B2W_Silver_Edition Limited print copies are available. CD-ROM and Kindle edition will be available soon.  Get more information at [email protected] .

WORLD WEEK of PEACE

World Week of Peace image

World Week of Peace in Palestine and Israel


May 29 - June 4, 2011


Joint action for just peace convened by the World Council of Churches


Responding to an urgent need for a peace settlement that secures the legitimate rights and future of both peoples, a week of advocacy and action for a just peace in Palestine and Israel is planned for spring. Congregations and individuals around the globe who share the hope of justice shall unite during the week to take peaceful actions, together, to create a common international public witness. Take a look at some resources.

How to get involved:
  • Praying with churches living under occupation, using a special prayer from Jerusalem.
  • Educating about actions that make for peace, and about facts on the ground that do not create peace, especially settlements in occupied territory.
  • Advocating with political leaders using ecumenical policies that promote peace with justice.  
For Rocky Mountain Synod contacts who can help facilitate education and advocacy on peace in Israel/Palestine, please contact the Rocky Mountain Synod Peace Not Walls working group through Jan Miller: [email protected] or 303-332-1263.

 

BORDER IMMERSION OPPORTUNITIES

Border Immersion Experience logo
Border Immersion Experience  

 

Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in El Paso, TX continues to offer immersion experiences for congregations, universities, seminary students, and youth groups interested in immersing themselves for a week into the unique atmosphere of the US/Mexico border. For more information about the Border Immersion Experience, please contact Tom Power, program coordinator at [email protected] or by phone at 915-544-6545.  Visit borderimmersion.webs.com for information.

 

REMINDERS

Western States Youth Gathering - "In the Balance" 

July 1-5, 2011

at California Lutheran University

For more information, please check out the website.

 


 

Every person,
every congregation,
every ministry,
boldly serving God's mission in Christ.

Bishop Allan Bjornberg
Conclude the Metro West Conference Retreat, Snowmass, CO.  

Pastor Dan Bollman
   

On vacation this week.
 
Madelyn Busse, DM

Available by email or phone appointment.  

 Pastor Jim Hytjan
 
 
Visiting with Camino de Vida and the Presbytery of Santa Fe, Albuquerque, NM; Metro South Conference Retreat, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO.

Linda Staats

Available by email or phone appointment.  


 
 
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CONGREGATIONS
QUICK LINKS
CALENDAR
website calendar

2011     

NOVEMBER 18-20

Senior High Youth Gathering

Estes Park, Colorado
 

2012  

JANUARY 20-22 

Middle School Youth Gathering

 Colorado Springs, Colorado

JANUARY 23-26

Winter Theological Conference 

Fort Collins, Colorado 


APRIL 26-28

2012 RMS Assembly

Colorado Springs, Colorado

JULY 16-18 

ELCA MYLA & DAYLE

New Orleans, LA


JULY 18-22

ELCA Youth Gathering
New Orleans, LA

  

MALAYSIA and SINGAPORE 

Communications

Program Worker Sought

 

Help the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore establish an effective communications program, including website development and newsletter design, and provide basic communications training to congregational leaders. See www.elca.org/globalserve and click Global Service Opportunities to search the database at the bottom.


REGIONAL ROUNDUP: SELECT A STATE
WYOMING
UTAH
NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
COLORADO
WYOMING
submit Wyoming news or photos
  

Events

 

UTAH
submit Utah news or photos
 

Wild West Swap Meet image

Wild West Mill Creek Swap Meet!  

 
It is held May 28 to September 24, 2011 at Lutheran Social Service Utah located at 4392 South 900 East in Salt Lake City [84124] (along the grassy sides toward the main intersection of 4500 South and 900 East in SLC).  This promises to be fun!  It's a great way to catch up with Leslie, too. She'd love to sip something cool and chat a bit on these Saturdays!

 

You are invited and welcome to have a table to sell items for your congregation or display information about your congregation and its ministries. Just have the person come that day with their own shade, water, table and chair.  It is $5 to register each Saturday (hassle free registration!) by showing up and checking in at the registration table.  It is a great location so it gets excellent traffic!

 

Your purchases are tax deductible.  All proceeds benefit refugee ministries & local artists. Shop while you drop by your donations! This also is an opportunity to sample and enjoy international food, music, art, produce, and the swap meet. Donate your gently used or new items which are free to refugee families. Bring your donation and get a 2011 IRS tax letter/receipt on the spot!


NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS

 

La Mansion logo

La Mansi�n:  Children's Program of Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey

 

 

Since Cristo Rey began its ministry in 1990, its projects and programs have been a visible sign of its mission within the community.  La Mansi�n, a ministry of Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, provides a safe space year- round; for school aged children of central El Paso to grow strong physically, mentally, and spiritually for children from ages 5 - 17.

 

Sponsor a Child Today

Your gift will allow a child of central El Paso to attend La Mansi�n for an eight- week summer program. When you become a sponsor, you are linked with one child who will benefit from your gift by participating in the summer program. At the end of the summer, you will receive a sponsorship packet about your child and his or her summer. See the Sponsorship Brochure.

   

Change the world - One child at a time

Your one- time tax deductible contribution of $60 allows your child to participate in a supportive, church- based summer program.  

Learn about the child you're supporting!

In addition to the sponsorship packet, you will receive at the end of the summer, you can also learn about your child through the "Sponsor a Child" link at http://cristorey.webs.com that will contain program updates throughout the summer. You may decide to visit the child you sponsor through Cristo Rey's Border Immersion Experiences.  http://borderimmersion.webs.com 

 

COLORADO
submit Colorado news or photos    

Taize II logo

Taiz� at Saint Paul - Denver in May  

Now that we're fully in the Easter season, there is much to celebrate! Blending simple song, silence, prayer, and time for reflection, Taiz� at Saint Paul is an ideal place for all those of faith to come for a time of peace and rejuvenation, especially those in need of a break from life's seemingly constant noise and hustle.

 

Our next service will be on Wednesday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the nave of Saint Paul Lutheran Church (1600 Grant Street). Parking is available and free on the street surrounding the church after 6:00 p.m.

 

Attached you will find a flyer for our upcoming service. Please post it in your communities and share it with your friends and family. You are encouraged to visit the website for more information, sample programs, and photos of past services: www.spiritoftaize.org. You may also contact Jeff Steen, Taiz� Worship Leader at Saint Paul, by email or phone (303-839-1432).



 

Saint Peter GW logo

3rd Annual We Run That They May Walk" Event


 Saturday, June 4, 2011 from

9:00 a.m. - Noon

 

Sponsored by Saint Peter Lutheran Church, the 5K Run will benefit the programs of Selian Lutheran Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania.

 

Selian HospitalSelian Lutheran Hospital was established in the 1950's by Dr. Mark Jacobsen and has grown from a dispensary with a single building and ten beds into a 120-bed, full service hospital.  The Hospital provides life-saving services that are desperately needed in this area of the world, including treatment of malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia and AIDS.  Selian Hospital offers in-patient and outpatient services, pediatrics, general and specialty surgery, obstetrics, maternal and child health, hospice and orphan care. 

 

Please help the ministry of Saint Peter support the programs of Selian Hospital by participating in the 5K Run and recruiting friends, neighbors and co-workers to sponsor you.  You can find on the Saint Peter website more information including registration and sponsorship forms. You may also email Carol Mayer or give her a call on 303-470-1205 with question.  

 


 

Lutheran Family Services of Cooradol;ogo

LFS Colorado Zoo-B-Q Event

 

 

Please join Lutheran Family Services on Friday, June 10, 2011 from 6:30 p.m.  -  9:30 p.m. for a ZOO Bar B-Q. This will be a time when the Denver Zoo is reserved exclusively for this LFS event!

 

LFS giraffTickets: are: Adult (13+) $16, Children (3-12) $11, Children (0-2) Free
Registration includes classic American BBQ, old fashioned carousel rides, face painting, magician, and other entertainment! Please register online at www.lfsco.org . (You must pre-register - no tickets will be sold at the gate.)

 

It's a great evening for adventure and raising money for a wonderful cause!

 


 

3rd Annual Golf Tournament        Golfer image

June 20, 2011 beginning at 1:00 p.m.  

 

You are cordially invited to enjoy a day of golf on the challenging Colorado Springs Country Club Golf 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. After the shamble, please join us in the clubhouse or on the patio for dinner.  Dinner is included for registered golfers, guests are $20 each (see updated brochure).  Awards and drawings will take place during that time. Prizes: Team and individual prizes will be presented. Awards will also be given for longest drive, the longest putt and closest to the pin. There is an opportunity to win the "split the pot" game and multiple other gifts. Red Nolan will also be on hand to participate with some prizes! Registration is open. Contact Calvin and Patty Jolly (719-347-2662) for more information.   


Sponsored by St. Paul Community Outreach Center, Calhan, CO
a [501 ( c ) (3) organization]
   
 

Zion Lutheran Church-Montrose

Zion Lutheran's 1st Annual

YOUTH Habitat for Humanity Build and Christian Concert

 

Zion Lutheran Church of Montrose will have its first Humanity Build and Christian Concert event from July 6 -9, 2011. The build will take place on July 6 and 7 and the concerts will be performed on July 8 and 9 and will feature Mercy Me, Casting Crowns, Superchick, and many others.

 

The cost is $50.00 which includes 4 breakfasts, 2 dinners and a T-shirt. We only have spots for 20 people available on a first come basis. The registration deadline is June 6, 2011. For more information, please contact the church (970-249-9828) or Heidi by email or phone (970-901-8225). Zion is located at 701 South Junction Avenue, Montrose (81401). 

  

The Leona and Ed Bock Foundation of Messiah Community Church, ELCA Presents:

 

Diana Butler Bass photo

The Shape of Congregations for a Vital Future

 Diana Butler Bass

October 28-30, 2011

  

The congregation of Messiah Community Church invites you to a lecture series featuring acclaimed author, speaker and independent scholar Diana Butler Bass. She holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Duke University and specializes in American religion and culture.

 

The schedule for the lectures is:

Friday, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Lunch, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

 

Sunday Worship, 9:30 a.m.

Adult Forum, 10:45 a.m.

 

The cost is $15 for any one lecture and $60 for all four lectures (Friday-Saturday) including lunch on Saturday. Students with an I.D pay only $5 for a single lecture and $20 for all four including lunch on Saturday. You are encouraged to download, print and display the poster for all to see. For more information, please call the church on 303-355-4471. Messiah Community Church is located at 1750 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO (80220).

 


Events
  
 

 

Volunteer Opportunity
Saint Paul Lutheran Church - Denver, Local Assistance Ministry

Training is provided!  Please call the church office at 303-839-1432 or email Alex for more information.

Communications Staff
Rocky Mountain Synod
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700

Announcements for eConnection are due before noon on Monday for the issue the following day. Event announcements are included for two weeks. Please submit your announcement at the time it should appear.