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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
November 8, 2011 |
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| Greetings! | |
The New LDR Website Encourages More Interaction with Its Visitors
The new LDR.org is now online! The new website uses a different kind of software which will function more like a blog than a traditional website. Our hope is for more frequent interaction between LDR staff and you, our partners, who serve as volunteers, donors, and supporters.
You are invited to register as a site user, which will allow you to comment and ask questions on blog posts. To register, just click the "Register" link in the upper right-hand corner on any page.
This new site will continue to grow and change, and we need your feedback to make it better. You can contact us by e-mail at disaster@elca.org, or post on our Facebook page (which you already "Like," of course!), to let us know how the site can best serve you.
Go to www.ldr.org to check out the current enhancements.
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
Righteous God, our merciful master, you own the earth and all its peoples, and you give us all that we have. Inspire us to serve you with justice and wisdom, and prepare us for the joy of the day of your coming, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer from Sundays and Seasons Year A 2011
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:
Advocacy, Grief and Prison Ministries
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 11/13:
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry -New Mexico
Ruth Hoffman
New Beginnings Church (Prison Ministry)
Emily Cardin
HeartLight Center / Horan & McConaty Mortuary (Grief Ministry)
Jennifer McBride
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LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT
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Presiding Bishop's Letter to the President on Immigration Reform
Dear President Obama:
 As the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and a member of the Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, I write to lift up the support of our national church body for comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act.
We are a church that belongs to Christ, and we believe God calls each of us by name. Therefore, the ELCA has repeatedly affirmed the biblical witness and our shared experience of working with and on behalf of America's newcomers through our ministry with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.
The 2011 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA voted overwhelmingly in support of immigration reform and the DREAM Act. The churchwide assembly is the ELCA's highest legislative authority serving on behalf of 4.2 million baptized ELCA members.
The biblical call to hospitality also inspired Lutheran congregations across the country to discuss transforming communities into centers of hospitality through relationship building and advocacy. In addition, congregations are holding DREAM Act Sabbaths to lift up the experiences of undocumented youth and encourage broader public support for the legislation.
The need to overhaul the U.S. immigration system is becoming ever more urgent. In the absence of comprehensive immigration reform, states have felt compelled to write their own immigration laws, which are often shortsighted and misguided. The ELCA needs your leadership. We urge you to continue to speak to Congress and the American public to take action on comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act and to explore other compassionate policy reforms that advance the common good.
As a national church body, the ELCA -- our congregations, bishops, schools and millions of individual members -- continues to preach, teach, advocate and work with and on behalf of America's newcomers. This nation has achieved such greatness due to the resilience, labor and intellect of immigrants. We will roll up our sleeves and work tirelessly until this nation is once again a place of welcome and justice for newcomers.
In God's grace,
Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop
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CHILDREN, YOUTH AND HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY
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RMS Front Range Youth Ministry Network Meeting November 10 The RMS Front Range Youth Ministry Network meets this Thursday, November 10 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
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY-NEW MEXICO
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
2011 Advocacy Conference
"Speaking Out Together"
Sat November 12 in Albuquerque
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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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!
All details including maps and the schedule are available on the web site.
The event promises an awesome line-up of speakers, workshops, worship and bands, including a concert by Agape and Rachel Kurtz. Late Registrations and General Questions:
Please contact R.C. Reiman, Registrar, by email for late registrations or other registration related questions. Details at the SHYG website .
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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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RMS COMPANION SYNOD COMMITTEE
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Generosity Project 2012
Workshop Dates
and Sites:
Saturday - February 4, 2012 - Albuquerque, NM (Site to be named)
Saturday - February 11, 2012 - St. Peter Lutheran Church - Carlsbad, NM
Peace Lutheran Church - El Paso, TX
Saturday - March 10, 2012 - Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO
Saturday - March 17, 2012 - Ascension Lutheran Church - Colorado Springs, CO
Saturday - March 24, 2012 - Ascension Lutheran Church - Cheyenne, WY
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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 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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| 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." Check out all the details and register TODAY!
Registration closes December 1.
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ELCA LUTHERAN YOUTH ORGANIZATION COUNCIL
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 Council of Synod LYO Presidents annual gathering
At the annual meeting of CSLYOPS, Jake Halsor was elected to serve a two-year term as Co-Chair. CSLYOPs is the ELCA's Council of Synod Lutheran Youth Organization Presidents. Jake is a member of  All Saints Lutheran in Albuquerque, NM and a leader in JCDC (Jesus Christ Discipleship Crew), the city-wide youth ministry.
Jake, accompanied by Rev. Paul Judson, the RMS's LYO advisor, attended the gathering November 3-5 at Camp Joy Holling in Ashland, NE. We give thanks for Jake, LYO and the young people in our synod - and all the caring adults who support them!
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2012 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING UPDATES
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"Citizens with the Saints"
2012 ELCA
Youth Gatherng
July 18-22, 2012
New Orleans, LA
The Rocky Mountain Synod has 41 congregations and 590 youth and caring adults registered for the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering. Registration is still open, so congregations may still register.
Keep up with all the resources and tools for your preparation by signing up for the Gathering E-News.
See who else is going from our synod by checking out our own RMS Gathering web page.
If you have questions, please contact your RMS Gathering Coordinator, Kristen Baltrum, or Coach, Linda Staats by email.
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
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Advent Prayer Breakfast 
Saint Paul Lutheran Church
1600 Grant Street (80203)
Tuesday, November 29 - 8:00 a.m.
The Urban Servant Corps is planning their annual Advent Prayer Breakfast and would like to invite you to attend! This gathering will be an opportunity to hear the latest and greatest stories from the Urban Servant Corps and to connect with pastors and congregation members from Lutheran Churches in the Denver area.
Please join us for this prayerful event on Tuesday, November 29 at 8:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (1600 Grant Street in Denver). Between now and then, if you think of others who would like to attend this event, please invite them to come as well! Postcards are available to print and give to friends and family and you may print and post on a bulletin board the informational flyer. The Urban Servant Corps looks forward to celebrating with you!
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LWR MALARIA RELIEF EFFORTS
|  Lutheran Malaria Initiative Continues Ground-Breaking Work through Generous Gift from ELCA to LWR The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has pledged $250,000 to support Lutheran World Relief's anti-malaria work in Tanzania through the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is part of a global effort to put an end to this devastating disease, that kills nearly a million people a year, mostly children under age 5, by 2015.  LWR works with its longtime partner, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), to educate people about prevention, symptoms and treatment of malaria. The highly successful program supports church and community outreach programs; trains healthcare workers in church-run health facilities to diagnose and treat malaria; and helps rural clinics, often cut off from efficient communications, manage their flow of medical supplies and take advantage of government subsidy programs.
With this generous gift from funds raised through the ELCA Malaria Campaign, as well as ongoing support from Lutheran congregations, groups and individuals nationwide, LWR and the ELCT will expand these proven strategies to help even more people in more communities. Read more. |
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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 December 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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RESOURCES
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Yours is the Glory: Settings of Global Tunes for Organ
A new resource of 7 global hymn tunes has been composed by Pastor Ronald Roschke of Grace Lutheran Church in Boulder, CO. It is now available for purchase from Augsburg Fortress. Each piece would be a fitting prelude for a worship service where one of  the hymns has been selected to be sung. Pastor Roschke has served the church in a variety of roles serving in committees, partnerships, and as pastor of churches in Kansas, New York, and Colorado. In addition to his current ministerial role, Roschke serves as adjunct professor at Iliff School of Theology in Denver.
Butler Bass Books Available at a Discount In October Messiah Community Church (ELCA) hosted a series of lectures that were presented by Diana Butler Bass. Messiah still has a few copies available at a price that's cheaper than booksellers like Amazon. 
Christianity For the Rest of Us (PB) $10
Strength for the Journey (PB) $12. If you are interested in any of the following books, please call the church office (303-355-4471) for more information. |
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FOR CONGREGATIONS
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 Electric Organ to Donate
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located at 2400 South Colorado Boulevard in Denver (80222), has an electric organ to give to any 501(c)3 organization. It is a Gulbransen 2 manual with one octave of pedals. For information, please call Peter Homburger at 303-423-2642.
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Antique Baby Grand Piano for Sale
Christ the King Lutheran Church in Denver has a small grand piano for sale. Manufactured by Jacob Doll & Sons in the early part of the 20th Century, the piano has been well cared for, is in good shape today (wood and mechanics), and has been appraised at $2,000. If you are interested, please contact the church office by phone (303-935-4669) or email (CTKLutheran@gmail.com).
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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
Utah Conference Retreat, Salt Lake City, UT; Candidacy Committee meeting, synod office, Denver, CO.
Conclude First Call Theological Education, Malibu, CA.; Visiting and worshipping with the congregation of King of Kings Lutheran Church, Pueblo, CO.
Candidacy Meetings and Interviews, synod office, Denver, CO. Available by email
Newly Organized Congregations Conference, Emeryville, CA.
ELCA Faith Formation Summit conference call, Phoenix, AZ; ELCA Book of Faith conference call, Phoenix, AZ; Region 2 Global Mission/Hunger Consultation, Pacifica Synod Center. 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 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 Annual Bazaar and Bake Sale
benefitted local ministries
On Saturday, November 5, St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Wyoming held its annual Bake Sale and Bazaar.
Proceeds from the bazaar are designated toward buying meal tickets for residents at the Buffalo Senior Center as well as their emergency medical fund.
The proceeds from the raffle go to the Lutheran Center in Billings MT.
Events
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Events |
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COLORADO
| submit Colorado news or photos
 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.
Bethany Lutheran Church to Host Denver Brass Concert Cathedral Brass and Organ: Feel the Sound! November 11 and 12, 2011 Indulge in the Magnificence of Brass and Organ, and experience the thrill and genius of our early master composers. Brass students from Lamont School of Music will provide the ultimate in surround sound brass. Critically acclaimed organist Joseph Galema will bring to life captivating and dazzling works of Bach, Strauss, Saint-Sa�ns and Karg-Elert. Bethany is located at 4500 East Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village (80113). Get more information.
 "Bob Hope Tour" comes to Glory of God,
Wheat Ridge
Glory of God Lutheran Church, 12200 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO invites you to an enjoyable extravaganza in honor of Veterans' Day! A "Bob Hope Tour Sponsored by USO" will be presented by talented Glory of God actors on Saturday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m., followed by fellowship and refreshments. Come see classic entertainers, such as Bob Hope, Minnie Pearl, Judy Garland, Groucho Marx... and more!
 A member of the Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra (Augustana Arts) writes...What Family Concerts Do
Our annual Family Concerts are designed to capture the fertile imaginations of our young kids. By engaging them in an experience that helps them learn more of the language of music and fully interact with the music, we hope to stimulate their creative spirit and open their minds to the magic of great music. Live concerts give your kids something they can't get with a recording - the chance to watch the players enjoying the blessings of making music together. This Family Concert will play a part in musical stories for many kids - I hope yours will be among them. -- John Richardson, bassoonist (read more)
Augustana Arts Family Concerts Series Presents:
Fairy Tales, Games & Make-Believe
Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church
5000 East Alameda Avenue
Denver, CO 80246
 Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.
Abiding Hope Lutheran Church
6337 South Robb Way (Coal Mine and Simms)
Littleton, CO 80127
 Featuring Musica Sacra Orchestra,
David Rutherford - Music Director
 Tickets: $10 Adults; $8 Students: Free for children under 4 y.o.
Maurice Ravel: Mother Goose Suite
George Bizet: Jeux d'enfants (Children's Games)
Williem Walton: Music for Children
purchase tickets online
St. Andrew to Host Farewell Reception for Pastor Carol Jeunnette The people of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Arvada invite you to a farewell reception for Pastor Carol Jeunnette on November 13 at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Carol has left her mark on this Synod with three interims, a call, and a PhD, not to speak of all the many side activities she regularly engages in! Pastor Carol will preach at St. Andrew at the 9:00 a.m. service on November 9, and if her ministry in this synod has touched you in any way, we hope you will join us and send her off with Godspeed and good wishes. Pastor Carol is moving to Vermont now that her husband John has accepted a position at Dartmouth College.
"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 R.S.V.P. needed by November 11 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.
Faith Lutheran in Golden is A "Blessing" in the Community Last Spring, Bethany Lutheran Church organized a BTB Sunday: Be the Blessing! Worship was cancelled so that the congregation could join in service throughout the community. Faith Lutheran Church in Golden, CO, recently sent 230 congregation members out in service to the world! View the Faith, Golden video!
Atonement Lutheran Church
Global Gift Fair Come to the Global Gift Fair at Atonement Lutheran Church located at 6281 W. Yale Avenue in Lakewood, on Saturday, November 19 and/or Sunday, November 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Find products from around the world, while helping non-profit organizations earn money. Buy gifts from Tanzania, Uganda, El Salvador, and even Denver! You can buy world music from Putamayo or a 2012 calendar from the returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Where else can you buy a cookbook with a recipe for elephant stew? The returned Peace Corps Volunteers has just that recipe! You can also buy your frijoles from the Women's Bean Project here in Denver.
Proceeds benefit artisans, food producers, and small and micro businesses in developing countries and Denver!
Events
Jonathan Edwards (a.k.a. Rev. Dr. Jack Van Ens) to Preach Thanksgiving Eve Sermon
Atonement Luther Church
6281 West Yale Avenue
Lakewood 80227
The traditional Thanksgiving Eve pie and coffee fundraiser for youth attending the 2012 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans will follow the service.
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