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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
November 1, 2011 |
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| Greetings! | |
Give Thanks for Saints
ALL SAINTS' DAY
Give thanks for those whose faith is firm
when all around seems bleak:
on God's good promise they rely,
so while they live and when they die
how forcefully they speak--
the strong who once were weak!
Give thanks for saints of ages past
and saints alive today:
though often by this world despised,
their hearts by God are richly prized.
Give thanks that we may say
we share their pilgrim way.
--Martin Leckebusch, ELW 428
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
All Saints' Sunday
Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savor and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer from Sundays and Seasons Year A 2011
Larry Sydow to be Installed in Roswell, NM
Pastor Larry Sydow will be installed at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Roswell, New Mexico on Sunday, November 6, 2011, at 10:15 a.m. Clergy and other rostered leaders are welcome to attend and vest/process. The color of the day is white. Following worship, a fellowship potluck will take place to welcome Pastor Sydow to St. Mark Lutheran Church.
Leta Behrens to be Installed
in Fort Collins, CO
Pastor Leta Behrens will be installed at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Fort Collins on November 13, 2011, and you are invited to attend. The Service of Installation will take place at the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 worship services and Bishop Allan Bjornberg of the Rocky Mountain Synod will preside. Our Saviour's is located at 2000 South Lemay Avenue (80525). All are welcome.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
Rostered Leaders on Leave from Call
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for November is available. to remember in prayers on 11/6:
Nico Ashe
John Bell
Cynthia Biddlecomb (AiM)
Mary Black (DM)
Joel Brandt
David Brock
Annemarie Burke
Chris Davis
Jan Erickson-Pearson
Brenda Fleagle (DM)
Connie Grogan
Merlyn Hartzler
Dan Hays Susan Honn
Michael Jeffrey
Seokhwan Jeong
Carol Jeunnette
Janice Johnson
Paul Joncas
Erik Karas
Sandy Olson (AiM)
Roy Dale Poland
Wayne Pouppirt
Timothy Stadem
Corinne Thul
Patrice Von Stroh
Paul Ward
Dena Williams
Randy Young
Gene Zeller
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RMS COMPANION SYNOD COMMITTEE
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Companion Synod Sunday
To Our Shepherds in Christ:
You are encouraged to schedule a Companion Synod Sunday, preferably November 13 or 20, 2011. Please include the bulletin insert in an upcoming Sunday bulletin. You may download the Seeds of Hope and Companion Synod - Walking Together brochures to use as bulletin inserts or for stimulating discussions about our sister synods in adult forums, council meetings or whichever arena you find most attractive for the congregation you serve. Additional resources for Companion Synod Sunday can be found on the RMS website.
 Also, encourage the congregation you serve to give to the Seeds of Hope fund which underwrites so much good work at Betela Seminary and throughout the Lutheran Church in Madagascar.
Bishop Allan Bjornberg and
Pastor Ron Roschke, Chair of the RMS Companion Synod Committee
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| FALL CONFERENCE GATHERINGS | |
Fall Conference
Gatherings focus on Synod Ministry
Information about the Bishop Election process is 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 as follows:
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 at Atonement 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
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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!
We Live by Grace.
Registrations accepted through TODAY - November 1.
Register 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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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. Please bring a cross+generational group from your congregation to experience this engaging time together -- and take it home to share with your congregation.
The next two workshops are scheduled as follows:
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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| 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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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
|  All Saint's Day Pancake Breakfast
Bethany Lutheran Church and
Augustana Lutheran Church
Sunday, November 6
(between services)
 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! Proceeds from this event will support USC's travel to El Paso, TX to visit the Border Servant Corps and participate in an educational Border Immersion Experience.
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Advent Prayer Breakfast 
Saint Paul Lutheran Church
1600 Grant Street (80203)
Tuesday, November 29 - 8:00 a.m.
Advent is a time of hopeful anticipation, preparation, celebration, and prayer. Bishop Allan Bjornberg of the Rocky Mountain Synod will join the USC community, Lutheran pastors and congregation members to pray for this year's group of Urban Servant Corps volunteers. You are invited to join them.
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RMS SECRETARY UPDATE
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Congregation Constitution
Updates Are Essential
If your congregation's constitution was amended following the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly and included the amendments passed at that time, use the 2011 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations for a quick update.
If your congregation's constitution has not been amended for more than two years, refer to ELCA Model Constitution for Congregations 2011 and Guidelines for Use of Model Constitution for Congregations 2011.
Please contact Earline Bohling, RMS Secretary, with questions about constitutional updates.
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY-NEW MEXICO
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
2011 Advocacy Conference
"Speaking Out Together"
Register soon.
The registration deadline is November 9.
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.
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RTLC FALL/WINTER RETREATS
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Get a Sweet Deal on a Retreat Package
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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2012 WINTER THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE
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Winter Theological Conference:
January 23-26 in Fort Collins, CO
Registration is now open. Deadline is Dec 21.
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.
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RMS JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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Holy Trinity Seeks a Preschool Teacher
Holy Trinity Lutheran Preschool in Littleton, CO, has an immediate opening for a part-time teacher in a classroom for two year old children. Applicants must have ECE (Early Childhood Education) certification or equivalent qualifications. Please contact Director Tracy Seul by email or phone (303 797-6345) for further information.
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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
In the office this week.
Visiting with the congregation of Peace Lutheran Church, El Paso, TX; Visiting with the call committee at St. Philip Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO; Presentation of the Generosity Project at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Denver, CO; Installation of Pastor Larry Sydow at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Roswell, NM; Begin First Call Theological Education, Malibu, CA.
Presentation of the Generosity Project at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Denver, CO.
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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 2013 MAY 2-4 2013 RMS Assembly Loveland, Colorado SEPTEMBER 23-26 Theological Conference Estes Park, Colorado |
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| WYOMING | submit Wyoming news or photos
 St. Luke's to Hold Its Annual Bazaar and Bake Sale
On Saturday, November 5, St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Wyoming will have its annual Bake Sale and Bazaar. The event will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
The congregation will be serving a soup and pie lunch. The bazaar will feature all kinds of goods from knit and wood crafts to ceramics and Christmas items. Tickets will be sold to raise money for the Lutheran Center in Billings. $100 in groceries are at stake. Again this year the Bazaar and Bake Sale will feature Fair Trade Hand Crafts from around the world provided through Lutheran World Relief. Proceeds from the bazaar will go toward buying meal tickets for residents at  the Lutheran Center as well as their emergency medical fund.
For more information, please contact the church office: 307-237-3503. St. Luke's is located at 615 North Burritt Avenue in Buffalo (82834).
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
Bake, Pray, Love
Elim Lutheran Church to give away cookies... and blessings
 Elim Lutheran Church, 575 23rd Street, Ogden, UT, will give free cookies to the community at noon on All Saints Sunday, November 6.
Members of the congregation have been baking cookies with one additional step. Each batch of cookies has been prayed over as they are baked, asking God's blessings on those who will eat these lovingly made treats.
Since the next holiday is Thanksgiving, the project is called, "Bake, Pray, Love: Thanks be to God." Cookie distribution by the Sunday School children will begin at noon and will continue until all cookies are given out. The children will be offering free cookies to cars that pass, and will present cookies to Elim's neighbors.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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COLORADO
| submit Colorado news or photos
Fort Collins Alternative
Giving Fair and Market...
...for an Early Holiday Shopping Experience
 Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Co invites the community to its Alternative Giving Fair and Market on Saturday, November 5, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 6 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Beautiful handcrafted items created by people from around the world will be featured. The Fair supports Fair Trade and provides an alternative to traditional gift purchasing before the holidays. Give a gift this season that gives back to the world.
Healthcare Exchange Webinar: November 9
Learn How to Shop for Health Care Coverage
By action of the state legislature, Colorado is in the process of creating a Health Benefit Exchange where individuals and small businesses will be able to shop (comparing apples to apples) for health care coverage for themselves or for their employees. Clergy, lay leaders and members who need health care coverage or seek to provide health care coverage for their employees will benefit by being informed on what the Exchange will offer and when it will be available.
 To this end, the Colorado Council of Churches is offering an informational webinar at no cost on Wednesday, November 9 from 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. For participation in a webinar, you need a computer with internet access (for visual) and a phone (for audio). You may register for the webinar by going to www.cochurches.org.
You will receive an email confirmation of your registration with a link to use for the webinar as well as the phone number to call on November 9 for the audio. These webinars are limited to 50 participants, so register (and share this information with appropriate people in your congregation) soon.
Bethany 1G Network - Help in Maximizing Personal and Professional Potential The 1G Network at Bethany Lutheran Church presents Dawn Greaney, Professional Life Coach,. Join us in the Great Hall at Bethany Lutheran Church on Wednesday, November 9 from 7:00 - 8:15 a.m. for a cup of coffee, professional networking, and learning. Dawn's subject will be "Enabling Your Intuition to Guide Your Career."
  On November 9 Dawn will inspire you with tips and techniques to help you quiet "the noise" and listen to what is most important. She will assist you in recognizing the patterns of your moods and listen to your intuitions in an effort to help you determine what you are truly passionate about pursuing in your career.
Join us in the Great Hall at Bethany Lutheran Church, located at 4500 East Hampden Avenue in Cherry Hills Village (80113) on Wednesday, November 9 from 7:00 - 8:15 a.m. for a cup of coffee, professional networking, and learning. Everyone is welcome.
"A Gift to the Church"
Hymn Festival
Saint Paul Lutheran Church - Denver Music at Saint Paul is a "music ministry" that presents outstanding concerts and inspiring liturgies in the superb acoustics of the congregation's historic building. On Sunday, November 13 at 4:00 p.m., Music at Saint Paul will present "A Gift to the Church - A Festival of Colorado Hymns." Freewill Offering accepted. Everyone is invited. Review a list of other concerts happening through the remainder of the year.
Metro East Cluster Women's Brunch at Parker The Metro East Cluster of the Rocky Mountain Synodical Women's Organization (WELCA) congregations are invited to a Brunch at Joy Lutheran located at 7051 E. Parker Hills Court in Parker, on Saturday, November 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be food and devotions, special music, and a special program. Reservations must be made to Joy Lutheran by calling 303-841-3739 or 303-841-2341 no later than November 11, 2011. All Women of the Metro East Cluster of Lutheran churches are invited, and please bring a friend. If you have questions contact Gwen Wilhelm at 303-841-2341.  Learn more about what our women are doing! Information about the Rocky Mountain Synodical Women's Organization (RMSWO) and cluster units can be found on the women's website. Check out the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELC) website for news and information from around the national church.
 Jonathan Edwards to Preach Thanksgiving Eve Sermon at Atonement, Lakewood You are cordially invited to spend Thanksgiving Evening (November 23) with Jonathan Edwards who will be preaching a sermon titled "What a Pilgrim's Faith is All About." The Rev. Dr. Jack Van Ens of Arvada, CO brings to life this intellectual giant, considered to be the most important American philosopher and theologian of his time.  Rev. Dr. Jack Van Ens' presentation at Atonement is made possible by funding from the Lutheran Center for Theological Studies. Atonement's traditional Thanksgiving Eve pie and coffee fundraiser for youth attending the 2012 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans will follow the service. Atonement is located at 6281 West Yale Avenue (80227). A Free Will offering is will be accepted.
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