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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
October 11, 2011 |
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| Greetings! | |
RMS videos all get "thumbs up" rating!
 The synod council previewed three new videos in Volume II, which are in the mail to every congregation. The videos get great reviews!
- These videos are well done and have helped our congregation feel connected as a Synod. -Pastor Bruce Freeman
- Super way to see ministries in action. -Linda Schlitt
- You will laugh. You will cry. These stories are incredible! -Kent Mueller
- We are reminded of our interdependence without our synod as every person, every congregation, every ministry, boldy serves God's mission in Christ. -Pastor Dave Cruson
Three new videos may be viewed online and the Bible Study and Devotional materials may be downloaded for use in forums, councils, gatherings, worship, and more.
The excellent three new videos tell these stories:
- Seniors Ministry at Good Shepherd, Casper, WY
- Outdoor Ministry at Sky Ranch and Rainbow Trail camps
- Emergent Church Ministry at House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, CO
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Sovereign God, raise your throne in our hearts. Created by you, let us live in your image; created for you, let us act for your glory; redeemed by you, let us give you what is yours, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer from Sundays and Seasons Year A 2011
Pastor Jeff Louden to be Installed at St. Matthew's
Please join St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Taylorsville, Utah, for the installation of Pastor Jeffrey Louden on October 16 at 3:00 p.m. Bishop Bjornberg of the Rocky Mountain Synod will be present for the installation. All are invited for a meal afterward. For more information, please contact the church at: stoffice@stmatthewut.org.
Synod Prayer Cycle: Hospice and Care Centers
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for October is available. to remember in prayers on 10/16:
Hospice Care of Boulder and Broomfield Counties
Lafayette, Colorado
Robert Ritzen, AIM
Morning Star Senior Living
at Applewood
Lakewood, Colorado
George Meister
Namaste Comfort Care
Denver, Colorado
Don Fahrenbrink
Shepherd of the Valley Care Center
Casper, Wyoming
Marvin Skogen
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RMS MISSION PARTNERS
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Mission Partners connect to give and to receive
Cultivating relationships is vital for our mission partner congregations. Now that fall is upon us, it's a good time to re-connect with each other. Congregations receiving Mission Partner support are encouraged to write their partners with an update of their ministry.
Partnering congregations are encouraged to hold their mission congregation in prayer, put information about their mission in newsletters and find other ways to keep their members informed of the relationship. For more information about the Rocky Mountain Synod's Mission Partners program, please check out the website.
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| MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GATHERING 2012 | |
MSYG Theme is "Drenched," January 13-15, 2012
The Middle School Youth Gathering will be a dynamic experience of worship, service, and fun under the theme, "Drenched." Registration and Resources are online and live now!
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SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GATHERING 2011
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God's Positioning System
November 18-20, 2011
at Estes Park
Our own RMS Senior High Youth Gathering is a
Faith-forming, Fabulous Weekend!
Begin Online Registration Now.
The event promises an awesome line-up of speakers, workshops, worship and bands, including a concert by Agape and Rachel Kurtz. Download a schedule/poster and get more details at the SHYG website .
Are you between the ages of 18-25? Consider serving as a Cornerstone Peer Minister for the SHYG. Details and applications can be found on the SHYG web page.
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YOUTH MINISTRY NETWORK
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RMS Front Range Youth Workers Meet This Week
This is really the date!
The Front Range Youth Ministry Network meets this Thursday, October 13 at the Rocky Mountain Synod office from 10:00 a.m. until noon, followed by continued conversation at a local caf�. Time for highs and lows, prayer, networking, and sharing what is working and what is not. If you have questions, please contact Ann Maki by email.
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For ALL Adults Who Work with Youth!
The next webinar is October 16 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (MDT) with Dr. Terri Elton from Luther Seminary. The topic is "Your Role as Leader." If you miss the live webinars, they are recorded for your viewing at a later time.
This special training is for all youth and family ministry professionals and volunteers. It is great preparation for leading your youth group meetings, mission trips,  service projects, and Bible study as well as preparation for attending the ELCA Youth Gathering in 2012. Gather all adults working with youth in your congregation to participate in one of four training opportunities.
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ELCA/RMS STEWARDSHIP
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The Generosity Project - Our Table is Ready
The Rocky Mountain Synod has received an ELCA grant to take the lead in the work and ministry of stewardship through the Generosity Project - Our Table Is Ready.
Rocky Mountain Synod congregations will be partnering with sister congregations and leaders to make this a vibrant and effective ministry. Of the 18 ELCA grants, the unique approach of the Rocky Mountain Synod focuses on giving and generosity as a faith practice of households.
The first of twelve workshops are scheduled as follows:
Saturday, October 22 -
Our Saviour's Lutheran - Casper, WY
(Central and Northern Wyoming congregations)
Saturday, October 29 -
Zion Lutheran - Salt Lake City, UT
(Utah and Western Wyoming congregations)
Saturday, November 5 -
Shepherd of Valley Lutheran - Grand Junction, CO
(Central and Western Slope Colorado congregations)
Saturday, November 5 -
Prince of Peace Lutheran- Denver, CO
(1st workshop for Denver area congregations)
Congregations in these areas have received information and an invitation to attend. If you would like to attend and need information, please email Cheryl.
Information online at www.rmselca.org/generosity.
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY-NEW MEXICO
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
2011 Advocacy Conference
"Speaking Out Together"
The 2011 conference will be on Saturday, November 12 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Albuquerque (9100 Menaul NE, between Moon and Eubank). The conference will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and the cost is $15 per person, including lunch.
This year we welcome State Rep. Gail Chasey as our lunch speaker. Planned breakout session topics include advocacy basics, hunger and more. This year there will be breakout sessions for those who coordinate their congregation's actions for ELCA World Hunger. (The registration fee will be waived for those Hunger Leaders.) Plan now to attend and learn more about advocating for our neighbors living in poverty.
To register or for more information, please contact Ruth Hoffman by email or phone at 505-984-8005.
The registration deadline is November 9.
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2012 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING UPDATE
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 33 RMS Congregations Registered for ELCA Youth Gathering on Opening Day
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RTLC FALL/WINTER RETREATS
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BOGO (Buy 1 Get 1) at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
Jesus knew the benefits of going up the mountain to pray. Follow his example and set time apart for your congregation to step away from the world. Rainbow Trail staff 
can help you plan a weekend of prayer, study, and community building.
New groups booking a retreat for 2012 at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp by the end of 2011 can get a free night's lodging as part of a weekend or midweek package Selected weekends during the winter and spring of 2012 are available. Please contact Emily at Rainbow Trail by email or phone (719-942-4220) for more information.
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RTLC Fall Confirmation Retreat
Nov. 11-13
Join us for a Confirmation Retreat at Rainbow Trail this fall and let us be partners with you in creating a fun atmosphere for learning in your confirmation program! We will sing songs, play games, learn together, and play together in God's beautiful creation.
 For more information or to register, please go to the
Rainbow Trail website or send an email message to Ashley.
Note: We also offer a retreat in the Spring from February 24 - 26, 2012.
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2012 RMS BISHOP ELECTION
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Fall Conference Gatherings Begin
Bishop Election Discernment The Conference Dean in each of our ten conferences is setting the date for a Fall Conference Gathering for the purpose of beginning conversation and discernment leading to the election of a new bishop at our 2012 Synod Assembly. Additional information about the Bishop Election process is now posted online at www.rmselca.org/bishopelection. Visit that page for additional information, including how to submit the name of a potential nominee. After December 15 all potential nominees will be invited to submit a bio and info which will be available online in February as a part of the discernment process. Gatherings are listed (some times/places are tentative) as follows: Bishop Election Fall Conference Gatherings October 15 (Sat) - Northern CO at Faith in Eaton October 16 (Sun) - Metro East at Christ the Savior in Aurora from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. October 18 (Tues) - Metro West part 1 at Good Shepherd in Glenwood Springs at 10:00 a.m. October 23 (Sun) - Southern CO at Grace in CO Springs in the afternoon October 23 (Sun) - Boulder/Broomfield at Grace in Boulder, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. (Bishop portion) November 5 (Sat) - Border at Cristo Rey in El Paso from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. November 5 (Sat) - Northern NM at All Saints, Albuquerque, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. November 5 (Sat) - Boulder/Broomfield in Boulder 9:00-10:30 a.m. (Ministry Audit only) November 12 (Sat) - Utah at Our Saviour's in Salt Lake from 9:00 - 12:00 p.m. November 14 (Mon)- Metro South at Bethany Lutheran, from 7:00 to 9:00 p,m. December 3 (Sat) - Metro West part 2 at Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge from 9:00 a.m. - noon Wyoming to be announced |
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RMS 2011 HUNGER NETWORK WORKSHOP
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LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS
An Equipping Workshop for ALL Who Care About Hunger
Saturday, October 29
from 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
King of Glory - Loveland, CO
The Rocky Mountain Synod Hunger Network invites all who care about hunger and poverty to an "equipping workshop" on Saturday, October 29, from 8:45 am to 1:00 pm, at King of Glory Lutheran Church located at 2919 North Wilson Avenue in Loveland (80537). There is no fee for this event but participants are asked to pre-register online as soon as possible. Two excellent speakers will be present.
The absolute registration deadline is Monday, October 24.
Go to www.rmselca.org/hunger and click on the link to register. Contact Carol McDivitt by email or phone (970-669-4090) for additional information.
Congregations are invited to put this article in their October newsletters. A bulletin insert and flyer to post are also available for your use as well as descriptions for the workshops. Help a friend who doesn't have a computer! Please download, print and mail the registration form.
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BEWARE OF AWARD SCAM
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Award is really a scam to
get you to buy an award
You may get an email with a cool award photo with the words, "In recognition of your achievement, a special 2011 Award has been designed for display at your place of business. You may arrange to have your award sent directly to Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA..."
From the "US Commerce Association" (USCA), it certainly looks and sounds official. But it's not. It's designed to get you to buy the award! More info.
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LUTHERAN RELIEF EFFORTS AROUND the WORLD
|  Lutheran Organizations Providing Long Term Relief and Assistance
ELCA brings hope and renewal to those affected by disasters
We help to bring God's comfort, healing and renewal to those affected by disasters. And when the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need.
Check out the ELCA Disaster Response Blog
Hurricane Irene
Read More or Give Now
U.S. Floods .
Read More or Give Now
ELCA Partners with Lutheran World Federation to Provide Humanitarian Aide in Africa
Lutheran World Federation manages the Dadaab camps and reports that while they were originally built to host 90,000 refugees, they are now hosting over 400,000 people with 1,200 new arrivals each day. By the end of 2011, the camp population 
will likely exceed 500,000 people in need of immediate and long-term humanitarian assistance.
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RMS CHILDREN, YOUTH, and HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY
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Youth Ministry Training for Volunteers
10:00 a.m. Friday, October 21 until
2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 23
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
This weekend is designed for anyone who regularly volunteers with youth and their families. Youth ministry staff and paid leaders: bring your entire ministry team/committee. Sessions are filled with practical skills and basics for every day ministry. This is an opportunity to network with those who do what you do.
For more info or to register, contact Ben Larson by email or phone (719-942-4220).
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PEACE NOT WALLS RESOURCE
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Resources Available for Study of Kairos Palestine The 2011 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly passed a resolution encouraging congregations to study Kairos Palestine, a call to the world from Palestinian Christians, a word of their suffering and hope. As you plan to study in your congregation, here are some resources: See Jan's blog about peacemaking in Israel and Palestine. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------  On Our Way to Bethlehem: Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent A benefit for Dar al-Kalima College, Bethlehem (the only Lutheran College in the Holy Land) Come sing with us.... 
Sunday, December 4, 2011 beginning at 7:30 p.m., Bright Stars of Bethlehem - Colorado Chapter will host a Festival of Lessons and Carols at Augustana Lutheran Church, located at 5000 East Alameda in Denver (80246). A reception will follow featuring the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, live from Bethlehem. If you or your church choir would like to sing or if you would like more information, please contact Margaret Hinchey by email or phone (303-773-9857). : mhinchey@aol.com  Bright Stars of Bethlehem - Colorado Chapter is raising $50,000 for the music room at the college. This Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols is a benefit for the college. A FREEWILL offering will be received. Funds raised will be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans chapter grants.
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2012 WINTER THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE
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Winter Theological Conference:
January 23-26 in Fort Collins, CO
The narrative of Jesus is some two millennia old. One of our greatest challenges is how we tell and share that Old Story in our New Day. At the 2012 Rocky Mountain Synod Theological Conference, Dr. Anna Carter Florence, Pastor Keith Anderson, and Dr. Stanley Olson will consider what it means to be proclaim, communicate and serve in today's context. Read more about the presenters. Registration will open later in October.
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
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All Saint's Day Pancake Breakfast for Local Lutheran Churches
Sunday, November 6
Urban Servant Corps volunteers will flip pancakes as they become acquainted with Lutheran faith communities who prayerfully and financially support the Urban Servant Corps. A celebration of all the saints will be part of this event!
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Shopping Event to Benefit the USC
10,000 Villages
2626 East Third Avenue, Denver (80206)
Thursday, December 8 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The rumors are true...there are some who are planning for Christmas time already! Mark your calendars to shop 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 8, a percentage of the sales will be donated to the Urban Servant Corps.
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FOR CONGREGATIONS
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Roland Atelier AT 90s Organ for Sale
This slightly used, flagship Atelier is designed like a traditional console organ, but offers players deep, rich sounds. See more of the specifications here. Originally it sold in the tens of thousands but Lutheran Church of the Resurrection is offering it at $2500 or best offer.
If you have questions, please contact Suzanne at 303 -988-2776 or Pastor Garrett by email or phone (303-922-0596).
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St. John's Has Music to Donate
St. John's Lutheran Church in Thornton, Co has many boxes of choir music that they are not using and they want to donate it. For any person or congregation interested in any of the music, please contact Pastor Penni Walsh or the church office at 303-457-2476. She will email you a five-page .pdf list of the music.
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RMS JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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Bookkeeper/ Administrative Assistant Position Open
Lutheran Campus Ministry at CSU, located at 805 S. Shields in Fort Collins, CO (80521) is looking to fill a Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant position. Some of the major duties include bookkeeping, assisting in PR and Fund Development duties, and overseeing building operations and use. View a more detailed job description.
10-15 hours per week, 2 to 3 hours per day, four days a week. Compensation is $13 - $15 an hour depending on qualifications. If you are interested, please send your resume to Pastor Connie Winter-Eulberg by email.
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Every Person, Every Congregation, Every Ministry, Boldly Serving God's Mission in Christ
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THIS WEEK
Bishop Allan Bjornberg
Companion Synod Committee meeting, synod office, Denver, CO; Installation pf Pastor Jeffrey Louden at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Taylorsville, UT; Visiting with the congregation of Grace Lutheran Church, Bountiful, WY; Border Conference Retreat.
Visiting and worshipping with the congregation of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Wheat Ridge, CO.
Cross of Glory/Prince of Peace Consolidation Project meeting at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Denver, CO; Visiting with the congregation of American Lutheran Church, Grand Junction, CO.
ELCA Book of Faith Consultation at the Lutheran Center, Chicago, IL; Middle School Youth Gathering meeting, Colorado Springs, 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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Sneak Peek:
ELCA World Hunger Resource Packet
The new ELCA World Hunger Resource Packet is in the mail! Each congregation will receive this packet with a collection of the latest resources designed to raise funds and awareness for ELCA World Hunger in the congregation. This packet includes the latest edition of "Congregation Connections," reproducible stories, malaria resources and a copy of the new ELCA Good Gifts catalog. Order an additional copy, or any of the specific resources, at www.elca.org/resources.
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The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
The year 1517 is recognized by many to have been the birth of the Reformation. The Luther Decade, which began in 2008, has included events around themes leading up to 2017, the 500th anniversary of this event. The ELCA Wittenberg Center in Germany and the Evangelical Church in Germany are partners in this initiative. See www.elca.org/wittenberg.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Lutherfest at Christ Lutheran Church
Christ Lutheran Church of Santa Fe, New Mexico cordially invites you to their annual LutherFest event. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the church.
This festival has so much to offer that you just don't want to miss it - Norwegian pastries, games and prizes, many vendors of arts and crafts, live music by the UFF Da Band, a huge flee market, Scandinavian dance troupe a German style lunch made by Lutherans (no Lutefisk!), plus so much more. Check out the poster to see. You will also get the chance to win a helicopter ride for two.
 Come, Eat, Donate, Dance, Shop, and Win!
Christ Lutheran Church is located at the Triangle of Old Pecos Trail, St. Michael's Drive and Arroyo Chamiso, across from the Fire Station (505- 690-9609).
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COLORADO
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TOMORROW MORNING: 1G Network -
Job Creation, Speaker Series
The 1G Network, is a professional networking group that meets every 2nd Wednesday of each month. For October, the 1G Network is proud to bring you Brenda Cody with Career3D on Wednesday, October 12 from 7:00 - 8:15 a.m., in the Great Hall at Bethany Lutheran Church.
 Brenda is an experienced job search coach specializing in educating and inspiring mid-career professionals to take control of their job search and careers. Brenda's presentation, "Brand YOU - Understanding Your Personal Career Brand", will focus on identifying and crafting your personal brand, effective strategies for marketing yourself to potential employers, and marketing your ideas to teammates and prospective customers.
There is no registration or fee. Just wake up early, come and introduce yourself! For more information about the 1G Network and Brenda's presentation, please visit www.bethany-denver2.org/1G-Network.
Centus Trivia Night: Saturday, October 22 from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Brooklyn's at the Pepsi Center
901 Auraria Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
Trivia Night at Brooklyn's (map) will benefit Centus, providing top tier mental health services throughout metro Denver! Bring your own team of 4-8 people, or come and join a team.
 The cost is $25 per person for advance online reservations. Prizes will be awarded for winning teams! The cost includes appetizers. A cash bar will be available. Register and pay in advance online at www.centus.org/trivia-night. Centus provides counseling services in a network throughout Metro Denver.
The Lutheran Chorale presents Two October Concerts 
In Paradisum: Songs of Heaven (Selections will be from Faure's Requiem and Brahms Requiem, plus Mendelsohn's A Star Shall Rise, Bach's Ah Lord, When My Last End, Sibelius' Be Still My Soul', plus others) October 23, 2011, 3:00pm - Sunday Christ the King Lutheran Church 2300 South Patton Court. Denver (80219) and October 23, 2011, 7:00pm - Sunday St. Andrew Lutheran Church 6774 West 66th Avenue, Arvada (80003) Ticket Prices: $15 - adults // $10 - seniors & students // $25 - family
New Season of Kantorei Begins In October  Augustana Lutheran Church, located at 5000 East Alameda Avenue in Denver (80246) is pleased to announce and host the performance of This Shining Night on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. This Shining Night marks the opening of Kantorei's 2011-2012 season by the appearance of distinguished guest conductor, Dr. Anton Armstrong, director of the famed St. Olaf Choir.
The Leona and Ed Bock Foundation of Messiah Community Church, ELCA Presents: 
The Shape of Congregations for a Vital Future Featuring: Diana Butler Bass October 28-30, 2011 The congregation of Messiah Community Church in Denver 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, Oct 28, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct 29, 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, Oct 30, 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).
 Reformation Celebration at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church - Fort Collins
With special guest: Prof. Tim Wengert of
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia 
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
"Identifying Lutherans and Other Rare Birds" October 29- 30 Guest preacher at worship services - Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. October 30 Guest speaker at Forum Sunday 9:45 a.m. in room 12E
"Luther's Small Catechism for Adults: Tasting It Again for the First Time" Professor Wengert is the Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor of Reformation History and Confessions at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, teaching primarily in the fields of Reformation history and the Lutheran Confessions. Read more about Prof. Wengert.
Events
SuperKids After School Program at Cristo Rey - Denver
Contact Mark Filbert by email or phone (720-274-4708) for more information.
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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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Practice Discipleship Training
