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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
July 12, 2011 |
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| Greetings! | |
A Message from Presiding Bishop Hanson
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Although it is perhaps difficult to believe, we are just two months away from the ten-year anniversary of September 11, 2001. Our words of healing must speak to the grief that still remains.
In the 2004 ELCA message, "Living in a Time of Terrorism", this church made sober assessments about what it means to be Lutheran in the United States at a moment when Islam is so quickly paired with terrorism. As Lutherans, we affirm our baptismal commitment "to proclaim the good news" and "strive for justice and peace in all the earth." These words are often spoken on Sundays in our congregations throughout the ELCA, where we pray "for all the baptized everywhere" to be "sent into the world to witness" to God's love. The liberating power of the gospel releases us from human limitations so that we are freed in Christ to reach out to all our neighbors.
I encourage you to reach out to ecumenical partners, including Muslim and Jewish partners, in your communities to plan 9/11 commemorations. I invite you to focus on increased awareness, healing of relationships and our future. I've provided specific resources below that will help you choose activities that promote healing and solidarity.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Resources:
In the Denver area, a series of interfaith events are being planned for the 9/11 remembrance weekend including workshops, dialogues, cultural exchanges and a community-wide interfaith worship service on Sunday evening, September 11. Please "save the date" for this weekend of remembrance.
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
Faithful God, most merciful judge, you care for your children with firmness and compassion. By your Spirit nurture us who live in your kingdom, that we may be rooted in the way of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Synod Prayer Cycle: North New Mexico Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for August is available. to remember in prayers on 7/17:
Holy Cross Albuquerque, NM
Julie LaHam
Lutheran Church of the Servant
Santa Fe, NM
Sonnie Ericksen Fish
Messiah Albuquerque, NM
Tim Orlowski
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SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GATHERING 2011
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God's Positioning System is the theme, November 18-20, 2011 at the Estes Park "Y"
Registration for the 2011 Senior High Youth Gathering will open August 1!
Go to the SHYG page for all the exciting details!
Keep coming back as more info and details will be added each week.
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SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP
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Storyhill to Play a Benefit Concert for Sky Ranch
Sky Ranch is excited to announce that Storyhill will be playing a benefit concert on Friday, July 29 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO. The concert will begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at the door, with general admission seating.
 Storyhill is a folk duo that brings infectious melodies, smart story songs and heartbreaking harmonies together in one perfect package, mixing old-fashioned storytelling with hauntingly spare acoustic arrangements that sings about love, war and the many sorrows that accompany them.
"Storyhill...setting a new high standard for male duet harmony" Garrison Keillor
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GOOD SHEPHERD, CLOSING WORSHIP
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Good Shepherd Closing Worship is July 24 at 2 p.m.
The people of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Denver appreciate the many prayers and supportive words from congregations across the Synod. You are invited to the congregation's closing worship on Sunday, July 24, 2011, at 2:00pm. Bishop Bjornberg is presiding. Map.
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2012 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING TRAINING
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2012 ELCA Youth Gathering Training Scheduled for Grand Junction
American Lutheran Church in Grand Junction, CO, will host a "Get Ready" training, Sunday, August 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All congregations on the Western Slope are invited to send staff and volunteers to learn more about how mission trips and participation in the ELCA Youth Gathering can be faith forming. This session will include all the essential Gathering details plus much more!
This is for anyone who has already decided to attend, is undecided, or definitely not going - as the training includes the essentials for leading faith forming, youth ministry. The training will be led by Kristen Baltrum, RMS Gathering Coordinator. To RSVP, please call, text (303-817-5482) or email Kristen .
Kristen's Tip of the Week:
Here's some great updated information on registration for the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering! It's going to be SUPER easy! Check out this link.
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TAKE THE QUIZ - GET ENERGIZED
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Are you going to the 2012 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING in
New Orleans?
WE WANT TO KNOW!
□ YES! We are planning on attending!
□ We will most likely be going but don't know for sure.
□ We probably won't be going, but you never know, we might show up.
□ No, we won't be attending.
Congregation name and city: ______________________
Primary leader name: ____________________________
Primary leader email: ____________________________
The first 10 email responses to Kristen Baltrum, the RMS Gathering Coordinator, will receive a $5 gift card to Starbucks to energize you for the planning process!
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RMS REPRESENTED IN ELCA VIDEO CONTEST
|  Vote for the ELCA Video Contest! The Rocky Mountain Synod is represented by four videos in the ELCA "Living Lutheran" video contest. Prizes will be announced at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, August 14-19. Some of the prizes are awarded based upon the votes received for the videos. To vote, you must have an account for the new livinglutheran.com website. Create an account now. Voting closes on July 15, so vote today! Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills, CO
Elim Lutheran Church, Ogden, UTGood Shepherd Lutheran Church, Casper, WY (entry I)Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Casper, WY (entry II)View and vote today! Each video is 90 seconds or less! |
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
|  Summer time means....transition time! Mark your calendars for these summer events saying "farewell" and "welcome" to Urban Servant Corps volunteers. Closing BBQ August 1, 2011 -- 6:00 p.m. 835 & 839 32nd St. Denver, CO Join in the celebration of this year's USC volunteers at the BBQ event! Move-In Day! August 28, 2011 -- 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Calling all alumni and friends! Do you remember what it was like moving to Denver for the first time? Please share your hospitality and welcome the new crew on move in day! Commissioning Service Our Savior's Lutheran Church September 25, 2011 -- 10:00 a.m. liturgy Members of the Our Savior's community will offer a blessing on the 2011-2012 Urban Servant Corps volunteers during liturgy. All are welcome! |
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RMS CHILDREN, YOUTH & HOUSEHOLD NINISTRY
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Youth Leadership Retreat
Inviting all 8th - 12th grade youth who want to explore the gifts that God has given them and learn how to use those gifts to serve the Church and the world.
DATE: July 22 - 24
LOCATION: Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp
PRICE: $45
The weekend includes team building, leadership training, spiritual gift exploration, and peer ministry. This retreat opportunity is great for youth on church council, in local youth group or wanting a leadership role in the RMS or ELCA Youth Gatherings.
For more information, check out the color brochure. You may register online at the Sky Ranch website.
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MEN'S MINISTRY
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Randy McNitt, Holy Trinity, Littleton, is coordinating the event Prayer Team. He requests that area congregations include the speakers, musicians, and attendees in your Sunday prayers of the people the coming weeks.
From 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 is the men's ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The 2011 Gathering will give men the opportunity to build their faith, relationships and ministry and provide for ongoing leadership development.
 You are invited to make your own reservations at the Denver Tech Center Marriott located at 4900 South Syracuse in Denver (80237). You may also call the hotel at 303-779-1100 / 800-266-9432 for room information. To reserve your space at the Tri-Annual Gathering, you may register online. or complete and mail the form to the registrar.
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ELCA GLOBAL MISSION
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Global + Local =
Glocal Mission
From Friday afternoon/evening and daytime Saturday, September 30 - October 1, sponsoring organizations will present an ELCA Glocal Mission Gathering at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, located at 925 North Waco Street in Wichita, KS (67203) and you are invited.
For more information, including workshop descriptions, registration, how to find special hotel rates and housing, please go to www.elca.org/glocal .
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SAVE the DATE
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RMS Children, Youth and Household Ministry
P.E.A.K.: Children, Family and Faith Conference October 16-26, 2011 at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
See the color brochure for more information.
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NEW JOB LISTINGS
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Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church - Lakewood, CO
seeks a custodian
Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lakewood, CO, has an opening for a custodian/janitor, to begin on September 1, 2011. The deadline for bid submission is no later than Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Details and requirements can be found on the website listed below, or by contacting Barbara Newman at 303-233-2740.
MAIL, FAX OR EMAIL ALL BIDS AND DOCUMENTS TO:
Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church
920 Kipling St., CO 80215
PH: 303-233-2740
FAX: 303-274-6725
WEB: www.holyshepherd.com
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 Fort Collins Congregation Seeks Office Administrator and/or Director of Communications Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, CO is currently seeking applicants to join them in ministry as Office Administrator. The Office Administrator position is a part-time position of 15-20 hours per week. Check out a more detailed job description which includes responsibilities, expectations and compensation. The Director of Communications and Publications position is a part-time position of 15-20 hours per week. Available here is a more detailed job description which includes responsibilities, expectations and compensation. Applicants should send responses (resume with cover letter) by emailed to trinitylutheranfc@comcast.net. If you require additional information, please contact Marilyn Hartig by email or phone at 970-226-4332. Deadline is July 19 for applicants. ------------------------------------------------------------------ You can find these and other job opportunities posted on the Rocky Mountain Synod's website. Please take a look. |
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| Every Person, Every Congregation, Every Ministry, Boldly Serving God's Mission in Christ |
THIS WEEK:
Bishop Allan Bjornberg
Out of the office until
July 21, 2011.
Macedonia Project Retreat, synod office, Denver, CO; Visiting the Call Committee of Grace Lutheran Church, Casper, WY.
Macedonia Project Retreat, synod office, Denver, CO; Joint Consultation with Cross of Glory Lutheran Church and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Denver, CO.
Macedonia Project Retreat, synod office, Denver, CO. Available by email
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| CALENDAR |
NOVEMBER 18-20Senior High Youth Gathering Estes Park, Colorado
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 SEPTEMBER 23 Installation of Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop Denver, Colorado SEPTEMBER 23-25 Fall Theological Conference/ Bishop's Convocation Denver, Colorado |
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GLOBAL MISSION
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South Sudan: Pray for a New Nation
Every Friday from now until July 9, we ask for prayers as South Sudan prepares to become an independent nation. See "A Season of Prayer."
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Ethiopia and Washington, D.C.: Living and breathing God's Presence
Fifteen-year-old Milkom and approximately 250 others from the Oromia region of Ethiopiahave found community and a spiritual oasis at one of 24 Oromo-speaking ELCA congregations in the United States. See "The Center of Life".
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Liberia: Witnessing Miracles
At age 73 Edna Johnson wanted one more great adventure in life. Following a 28-year career as a nursing instructor, Edna became a volunteer missionary for the ELCA and moved to Liberia. There she has been a witness to miracles. See "Rebuilding a Hospital - Rebuilding a Country."
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
Workshop in Salt Lake City
Faith Alive in Home and Congregation!
Monday, July 18,201l, from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church
1070 Foothills Drive,
Salt Lake City UT 84108
All Christian Ed leaders and pastors are invited to an evening of exploring what it means to be intentional about practicing faith together in partnership of home and congregation. Pastor Leta Behrens will focus on the "Together in Faith" curriculum as one aspect of milestones ministry & creating intentional spaces for faith conversation amongst the generations. Come discover what this means for you, your household, your congregation & community. RSVP to Pastor Leta Behrens: pastorleta@gmail.com
Wild West Mill Creek Swap Meet! Held now through September 24, 2011 at Lutheran Social Service Utah located at 4392 South 900 East in Salt Lake City [84124] Tax deduction for your donations of gently used or new items which are free to refugee families. |
NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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COLORADO
| submit Colorado news or photos
Hymn Society of the U.S. and Canada Annual Conference in Colorado Springs
With a hymn festival at St. Paul, Denver
The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada will hold its annual conference in Colorado Springs, CO from July 17-21, 2011. Our theme is "Touch the Earth Lightly," which will focus on our responsibility to care for God's creation. Our program will feature Dr. I-to Loh, a world renowned specialist in Asian hymnody, as well as outstanding leaders in church music from across the United States and Canada. Six events are open to the public:
Sunday, July 17
Organ Recital by Carol Wilson, 4:00 p.m., First Christian Church, 16 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Hymn Festival, 7:30 p.m., Touch the Earth Lightly: Singing Our Care for the Earth, Grace and St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 601 Tejon Street, Colorado Springs.
Monday, July 18
Hymn Festival, 7:30 p.m., A Heart to Praise Our God: A Festival Highlighting Hymns by Gay and Lesbian Poets and Composers, First Congregational Church, 20 East St. Vrain Street, Colorado Springs.
Tuesday, July 19
Hymn Festival, 7:30 p.m., Rooted in the Rockies: Congregational Song with a Colorado Connection, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant Street, Denver.
Wednesday, July 20
Hymn Festival, 7:30 p.m., The Earth is Our Mother, First United Methodist Church, 420 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Thursday, July 21
Hymn Festival, 10:30 a.m., "Look in Wonder, Hold in Honour," Air Force Academy Chapel, Colorado Springs.
Registration and schedule: http://www.thehymnsociety.org/conference.html
Lutheran Family Services "Tee Off for Hope" Golf Event Join Lutheran Family Services for the 18th Annual Golf Classic - 'Tee Off for Hope'. The event will take place at Arrowhead Golf Club on Monday, July 25, 2011 - 7:30 Shotgun Start.  The individual fee is $175 and $700 for a foursome. Fees include: green fees for 18 holes, golf cart, breakfast, unlimited snacks, lunch, exceptional prizes and more!
Register online at www.lfsco.org . You may also call Danette at 303-217-5860 with questions or to get more information.
Taize at Saint Paul - Denver Taiz� is back for July and everyone is invited to the service at Saint Paul - Denver! Please join us on Wednesday, July 27 at 7:00 p.m. for this rich ecumenical service which offers the opportunity to worship with simple song, silence, and prayer. We invite you to join us! Parking is available and free on the street surrounding the church after 6:00 p.m. For more information and directions, please visit our website. Saint Paul Lutheran Church is located at 1600 Grant Street in Denver (80203).
 Intro to Social Networking at Bethany on Tuesday, August 2 Trey Daum, intern with Pastor Matthew Bolz-Weber at Holy Love Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO, will be covering the following on August 2 at Bethany Lutheran from 9:00 a.m. to noon: 
- Claiming a Google Place Page
- Starting (and beginning to understand) a Facebook Page (and Facebook Profile)
- Setting up a twitter account and why / how to use it
- Answering questions about how social media is best used in a church setting.
Please RSVP to Bonita Bock at 303-860-7119 or email bonita.bock@wartburg.edu. This workshop is limited to 50 persons. A suggested donation of $25 should be made out to Trey Daum and bought with you to the event.
Lutheran Colleges Fair and Seminar 
Sunday, August 21, 2011 at Bethany Lutheran Church Registration begins at 6:45 p.m.
Financial Aid Seminar at 7:00 p.m.
College Fair from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
The Value of a Lutheran Education Research has documented conclusively that Lutheran colleges are more effective than large public institutions in producing broad career and life outcomes. On Sunday, August 21, 2011 Bethany Lutheran Church will host a Lutheran Colleges Fair and Seminar. The event is being sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Lutheran Colleges.org (LECNA) .  Although each of the 40 colleges and universities represented by the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA) is unique, they all focus on developing the whole self through active learning that engages the mind, body and spirit. Don't miss this opportunity to talk to representatives from more than two dozen different Lutheran colleges and get important information about financial aid resources. Learn what questions to ask when choosing a college. Get help with financial aid resources...how, when and where to apply. Find out how to plan your high school classes to be well prepared for attending college.
 Save the Date
New Beginnings 13th Annual Celebration Dinner and Fundraiser On September 24, New Beginnings 13th Annual Celebration Dinner and Fundraiser will take place at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO featuring a silent auction, dinner, entertainment, and awards. Mark IV will be on hand offering their musical gifts throughout the evening. Also, many hand knitted and crocheted items from the women on the inside will be available at the silent auction. For silent auction inquiries or donation, please contact Heiko Meyer by email. (Monetary donations are also welcome.) Come and make this a night to remember and let the women know that they are cared about. New Beginnings Church is an ecumenical ministry inside the Denver Women's Correctional Facility.
Events
"Avenues of Hope" Event - Providing Hunger Relief for Metro Denver
9-10-11 (September 10, 2011)
Please check out the website to see how you might be able to help.
Remembrance and Worship - 10th Anniversary of 9-11
Ecumenical services, workshops, dialogues, and cultural exchanges throughout the weekend. For more information, contact Rabbi Steve Booth-Nadav by email.
Dr. Diana Butler Bass at Messiah Community Church, Denver
October 28-30, 2011
For more information, please visit the website or call the church at 303-355-4471.
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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.
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