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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
November 15, 2011 |
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Greetings! | |
Two RMS pastors build relationships with our four Madagascar companion synods
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Pastors Chad and Ron with their driver, Norbert. |
Pastor Ron Roschke, Grace, Boulder, CO, and Pastor Chad Kohlmeyer, Atonement, Boulder, CO, have travelled to Madagascar to rekindle companion synod relationships with our four companion synods.
The Antsiranana Synod is celebrating its twenty-fifth
anniversary on November 13, and the Mahajanga Synod is celebrating its own twenty-fifth anniversary on November 20. Pastors Ron Roschke and Chad Kohlmeyer are in Madagascar these weeks representing our synod in these celebrations. They will also visit our newest companion, the Sophia Synod in Antsohihy.
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Pastors Chad and Ron in the home of Dady, the "Mother Theresa" of the Mahatsinjo Toby in Madagascar.
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You can share in the celebration with a gift through your congregation to the RMS Seeds of Hope Fund, which supports special projects with Madagascar. And together we can celebrate our companionship with Madagascar in prayer:
Gracious God, you join us to the Body of Christ and give us partners and companions in our pilgrimage. Bless our
sisters and brothers in Madagascar in their anniversary
celebrations. Make us gifts to each other that we may wrap
the world in your love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Videos from Madagascar
Pastor Chad Kohlmeyer presented the sermon at worship on November 13 in Antsiranana, Madagascar. During the offering the congregation traditionally comes forward to present their offerings while the choir sings. About the music, Ron and Chad wrote, "We were able to taste a bit of heaven during this offering music on Sunday morning worship in Antsiranana, Madagascar."  | |
Antsiranana Madagascar Offering Music
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Pastor Chad Kohlmeyer conducted several interviews about the problem of Malaria in Madagascar:  | Nano and Noro talk about
Malaria with Chad. |
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Chad talks with President Robelison about Malaria.
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Chad writes,
"Know that all is incredibly well in Madagascar. We are excited to share our stories!"
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Christ the King Sunday
O God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace. Give us the wisdom to know what is right and the strength to serve the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Savior 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
Wind Damage at both RMS camps
Both Rainbow Trail and Sky Ranch experienced significant damage caused by fallen trees in a freak wind storm that spanned the state. Donations towards the clean up are welcomed.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
ELCA Ministries and Ecumenical Organizations
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer lists for December2011 and January2012 are available. to remember in prayers on 11/20:
ELCA Global Missions Chicago, Illinois James Gonia California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, California Christopher Kimball Iliff School of Theology Denver, Colorado Tink Tinker Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Berkeley, California Phyllis Anderson Wartburg College West Denver, Colorado Bonita Bock, Nelson Bock Colorado Council of Churches Denver, Colorado James Ryan New Mexico Conference of Churches Bernalillo, New Mexico Stephen J. Miller (Acting Executive Director) Wyoming Association of Churches Sheridan, Wyoming Douglas Goodwin
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SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GATHERING 2011
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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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GENEROSITY PROJECT WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED
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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.
The last Gathering for 2011 is:
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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 New President Elected at 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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FAITH COMMUNITIES, SOCIAL JUSTICE and the INTERNET
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Net Neutrality: What You Need to Know
World Association for Christian Communication - North America Region (WACC North America) & Office of Communication, Inc (OC, Inc) invite you to a webinar on Net Neutrality: What You Need To Know on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern.
 Faith communities and social justice advocates have invested significant resources in new technologies - from web sites to online video to an increasing interest in social media. But did you know that Internet policies in the US and Canada could adversely impact our investments in electronic communication? The Internet that we know today could be rapidly moving to a model that resembles the old broadcast and cable model dominated by a few deep-pocketed corporate interests.
 Discover with presenters Cheryl Leanza, Policy Advisor, what net neutrality is and is not, why it is important, and what you can do to advocate for net neutrality in Canada and the United States.
There is no charge to attend this seminar but registration is required, as spaces are limited. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
Macintosh�-based system requirement: Mac OS� X 10.5 or newer
PC-based system requirement: Windows� 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
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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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CRISTO REY - EL PASO HOLIDAY PROJECT
|  RMS Mission Congregation Asks for Assistance to Bring Joy During the Holiday Season Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey and CEPCO (Central El Paso Community Organization) are putting together Christmas baskets (they hope to make 90 this year) for the families in the After School Program, the church and families of the surrounding community that need assistance to enjoy this holiday season. Cristo Rey and CEPCO are asking for your assistance, if you are able, in supplying any of the items on their list. You can also bring a laundry basket with items on the list ready to deliver. If you prefer to donate money towards the Christmas projects of Cristo Rey that include: Christmas baskets, Posadas Celebration (this is our biggest Christmas Service and Celebration of the year), and Christmas presents for our kids, please send your donation to Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey and put in the memo: "Christmas Projects". Our address is: 1010 East Yandell Drive El Paso, TX 79902 Please contact Pastor Rose Mary S�nchez-Guzm�n at 915-42--6545 or Pat Marruffo (secretary) at 915-203-8258. |
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REGIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTES FOR 2012
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The North American Association for the Catechumenate Regional Training Institutes Offered in 2012
"GO, BAPTIZE, MAKE DISCIPLES" is a new training institute for pastors, worship leaders, and educators (e.g. directors of spiritual formation) being offered in 2012 in Carefree, AZ
(February 24-26), Baltimore, MD (April 13-15), and Minneapolis, MN (May 18-20).
For more information, to download a brochure, and/or to register online, please go to www.catechumenate.org .
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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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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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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
RMS staff meeting, synod office, Denver, CO; Executive Committee meeting by WebEx, Denver, CO; Visiting with the congregation of New Beginnings Church, Denver, CO; RMS Senior High Youth Gathering, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO; Visiting with the congregation of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Casper, WY; Visiting with the congregation of King of Kings Lutheran Church, Pueblo, CO.
RMS staff meeting, synod office, Denver, CO; Meeting of the Video Stories Task Force, Denver, CO; RMS Senior High Youth Gathering, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO.
RMS staff meeting, synod office, Denver, CO; Meeting with the Camino de Vida Advisory Committee, Albuquerque, NM.
RMS staff meeting, synod office, Denver, CO; Generosity Project conference call, Denver, CO; RMS Senior High Youth Gathering, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, 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 2013 MAY 2-4 2013 RMS Assembly Loveland, Colorado SEPTEMBER 23-26 Theological Conference Estes Park, Colorado |
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
Elim Helps Send Youths to ELCA Gathering in July 2012
 It isn't often that you get an opportunity like this! Elim is teaming up with Village Markets of Africa, an organization in Kenya which is working with the Lutheran Church in Kenya to sell their goods at a fair trade price.
 When you put "Elim" in the Fundraising Credit Box, 20% comes back to Elim to help five of our youth attend the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans July 18-22, 2012. Village Markets of Africa has some really neat stuff for sale, at very low prices, hand made by African artists, not mass produced on an assembly line. You can log on anytime and buy stuff whenever you want. These items would make lovely holiday gifts.
Help an African artist out of poverty and send five kids from Utah to the National Youth Gathering with more than 35,000 other Lutheran Youth, where they will study the Bible, worship, engage in faith-forming interactive activities, and do service projects. Not only that, but you get a beautiful piece of art to wear or display, or to give to someone else for Christmas or another occasion!
LSS Utah Holiday Essentials Program 2011
LSS of Utah has begun accepting donations for its Holiday Essentials Program.
LSS of Utah Holiday and New Year Essentials Program can use unwrapped sports equipment and educational toys for boys and girls age 4-17 years. Donations can be dropped off to Milka (801-860-3099) before December 12 during usual business hours (Mon - Thurs 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) or by appointment.
The New Year Essentials Program continues from January 9 to February 16. Non-perishable foods, new or gently used household goods, sewing machines, computers, blankets, coats, clothing, educational toys, and sports equipment can be dropped off during usual business hours
(Mon - Thurs 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) or by making an appointment with Jose (801-703-3274).
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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
Operation: Turkey Sandwich Under Way
at House for All Sinners and Saints
 House for All Sinners and Saints (Denver, CO) will continue its annual tradition of sharing meals with those who have to work on Thanksgiving through Operation: Turkey Sandwich. Volunteers will meet on Thanksgiving morning to assemble bag lunches containing turkey sandwiches, pumpkin cookies, and stuffing muffin. The meals will then be given to 7-11 clerks, cops, bus drivers, and any one else stuck working on the holiday. Last year, 350 meals were delivered, and 500 is this year's goal!
Meal assembly will take place from 10a-12p on Thursday November 24th at St. Thomas Episcopal, 2201 Dexter St in Denver. If you are interested in volunteering, or are willing and able to donate food to share, please visit House's sign up page, or contact Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber (nadia@houseforall.org). Roasted turkeys are especially needed, and much appreciated.
Metro East Cluster Women's Brunch in 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. 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.
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!
 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. Mr. Edwards (1703-1758) was a Puritan theologian who inspired a number of religious revivals and has been called "the greatest mind produced in America."
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 will be accepted.
 Shall We Gather at the River?The community of Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village is celebrating "SHALL WE GATHER at the RIVER" on Wednesday night, Thanksgiving Eve (November 23) at 7:00 p.m. Country-Western music star Michael Peterson will be our guest performer as he joins with the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir and Children's choirs in leading our worship that evening.  We will "gather" to give thanks and raise awareness for Project  Sanctuary and Centus, two organizations that provide amazing support for returning military veterans and their families. A free will offering will be received to support these two ministries.
Additionally, we are asking people to bring a gift card of any dollar amount for the following things: Grocery store gift card, gas cards, Sam's or Costco cards.
Two Opportunities to Hear Sister Helen Prejean Speak 
Lunch with Sister Helen Prejean (of "Dead Man Walking" fame) Tuesday, November 29, 2011 from 11:30 am - 1:00 p.m. Wellshire Presbyterian Church 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80222 In conjunction with Coloradans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, the Colorado Council of Churches is offering clergy an opportunity to not only hear Sister Helen Prejean, but also to become informed and prepared for the effort to repeal the death penalty in Colorado by 2013. Reservations are required and can be made at www.cochurches.org. No charge for lunch.  St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
19099 East Floyd Avenue Aurora, CO 80013-3703 November 30, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
R.S.V.P. by November 15 Please RSVP by November 15, to Jim Peters, Religious Education Director, by email or phone 303-690-6797; or Lisa Cisneros, Executive Director, Coloradans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, by email or phone (720-261-0905). You can find more information about this event on the flyer or visit the website. All are welcome. No charge for admission.
On Our Way to Bethlehem:
Lessons and Carols for Advent On Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., Augustana Lutheran Church will host a concert to benefit Dar al-Kalima College, Bethlehem (the only Lutheran College in the Holy Land). A reception featuring the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, live from Bethlehem, will follow the concert. Both events will take place at Augustana, located at 5000 East Alameda Avenue in Denver (80246). For more information, please contact Margaret Hinchey by email or phone (303-773-9857).  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. Freewill offering will be accepted. Funds raised will be matched by Thrivent Financial chapter grants.
LFS Seeks Your Support on
"Colorado Gives Day" Support Lutheran Family Services of Colorado on the Second Annual Colorado Gives Day on December 6, 2011!  Last year, the goal to raise $1 million for Colorado charities was exceeded in just 24 hours! LFS came in 5th for the greatest number of donations received!
- Why give to LFS on December 6?
- 100% of your donation will come to us - all processing fees are waived
- The value of your donation will be increased by the FirstBank Incentive Fund.
You can help LFS win cash prizes! We have a chance to win $1,000 Bonus Bucks and $5,000 High Five cash prizes when you remember us on Colorado Gives Day. Donate online at www.givingfirst.org/lfsco any time over the 24 hour period of December 6 to GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE!
Events
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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
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