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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
November 29, 2011 |
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| Greetings! | |
 Video Series Team seeks grant-writing expertise
The six Rocky Mountain Synod videos in the "Our Daily Bread" series have been received with appreciation and affirmation! If you haven't viewed the videos or used them in your forum, fellowship, or study classes, you are overlooking a great resource! View them now online.
The videos team would like to produce additional videos, but funding is not available. The team is seeking one or more individuals with grant-writing experience to seek additional funding. Please contact Pastor Kathy Armstrong if you can help with writing grants, or if you would like to sponsor one or more videos.
Assembly Video Contest
We know each other by sharing our stories!
The Theme for the 2012 Synod Assembly in April 26-28, 2012 is Landscapes of Faith, and the deadline for submitting your own video stories is March 15. Details will be posted in the future, but we wanted to get the word out right away!
We will be seeking videos that are 2 minutes or less that depict not only the diverse geographic landscape of our Synod, but also the diversity of our people and ministries. . Watch for more info!
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Second Sunday of Advent
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives: 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
Synod Prayer Cycle: Utah Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer lists for December 2011 and January 2012 are available. to remember in prayers on 12/4: Ascension Ogden, UT Matthew Muters Ascension St. Matthew's Price, UT James Drury Christ the King South Jordan, UT Scott Stein
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| FALL CONFERENCE GATHERINGS | |
Submit names of potential nominees for bishop by December 15
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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YOUTH GATHERING UPDATES
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 Middle School Youth Gathering Deadline is this Thursday, Dec. 1
The RMS Middle School Youth Gathering is January 13-15, 2012, in Colorado Springs at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Please remember to gather the registration information from your middle school youth, as the deadline for registration is just eight days away! More info.
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Front Range Youth Ministry Network Christmas Party
Member of the Front Range Youth Ministry Network will have their monthly meeting and Christmas party on Thursday, December 8 at 10:00 a.m. It will take place at Highlands Lutheran Church, located at 3995 Irving Street in Denver (80211). No R.S.V.P. is necessary.
Wear an ugly Christmas sweater. Bring a snack to share and a white elephant gift. You are invited to go out-to-lunch following the network party. Please contact Deaconess Ann Maki by email with questions.
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 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering
"Citizens with the Saints"
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 ha snot closed yet, 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.
Plan now to bring your caring adults together for the next webinar December 4, "Leading a Small Group." Check out the many resources available to equip ALL your adults to accompany young people to New Orleans and in your every day ministry, right where you are. Info link.
If you have questions, please contact your RMS Gathering Coordinator, Kristen Baltrum, or Coach, Linda Staats by email.
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Senior High Youth Gathering
400 high school youth and caring adults gathered in Estes Park before Thanksgiving. "God's Positioning System" or GPS guided them in worship, large and small groups and three different "pit stops" - workshop rotations. $2,460 was raised for ELCA World Hunger in response to the Citizens for the Saints Concert tour. View photos of the gathering.
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INFORMATION, NEWS AND DEADLINES
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 Theological Conference Deadline is December 21
The RMS Theological Conference is January 23-26, 2012, in Fort Collins, CO. December 21 seems like an early deadline, but we have to submit to the hotel our final numbers before Christmas! So remember the deadline is on the solstice! More info.
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NEW ELCA BENEFITS MANAGER
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Name Change Coming for the
ELCA Board of Pensions
The ELCA Board of Pensions is changing its name to Portico Benefit Services with the tagline, "A separately incorporated ministry of the ELCA." While plan member benefits aren't changing as a result of this name change, we do want plan members and employers to recognize the new name so they don't, in these early days, discard benefits-related information coming from Portico Benefit Services. More information can be found on the website.
Spread the news!
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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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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. |
ELCA GLOBAL LINKS
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Russia: A New Era of Service
Bradn Burkle and his spouse, Natasha, served parishes of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia and Other States and its Novosaratovka Seminary in St. Petersburg from 2002-2011. He now begins a joint appointment between the ELCA and the Hermannsburg Mission (Germany) to serve in Siberia. Watch a short video at http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand.
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World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, is About "Getting to Zero"
Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths. The "Getting to Zero" campaign runs until 2015 and builds on last year's successful World AIDS Day "Light for Rights" initiative encompassing a range of vital issues identified by key affected populations.
Two ways to observe World AIDS Day
- Hear a conversation between ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and Ambrose Moyo, former bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, on Thursday, December 1, World AIDS Day, at the Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta, Ga., from 5:30-7:00 p.m., followed by a light supper and worship service.
- Get resources from the ELCA website to help you and your congregation in observing World AIDS Day.
- Attend the conference, "A Time to Listen: The Church and HIV and AIDS," to be held on December 2-3, at Lodge at Simpsonwood in Norcross, Ga. For registration and other information, contact david.creech@elca.org.
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ADVENT/CHRISTMAS WORSHIP in GERMAN
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Deutscher Adventsgottesdienst
German Advent Worship Service
A German language Advent Service will be held at Community of Joy Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM on Sunday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. Michael Bastian, German born Pastor at Community of Joy, will deliver the sermon and lead the congregation through the service in the German language. Traditional Advent hymns and music will be provided.
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Annual German Christmas Service at Messiah Community Church
Please join the congregation of Messiah Community Church for their annual German Christmas Service on Sunday, December 18 at 5 p.m. Messiah is located at 1750 Colorado Blvd. in Denver (80220). For more information, please contact the church by phone (303-355-4471) or visit the website.
Herzlich willkommen!
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FOR CONGREGATIONS
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Christ the Savior Has Chairs Available
Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO has 40 or so metal folding chairs and cart available for pickup. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact the church office at 303-340-2835 or Pastor Paul Ziegler by email.
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JOB LISTINGS
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Office
Assistant
Position Open
Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, CO is currently seeking applicants to fill a part time Office Assistant position. The position is 20 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
A detailed job description which includes responsibilities, qualifications and compensation is available by email at office@sojoyfc.org with 'Office Assistant Job Description' as your subject line or pick up a copy from the church office at 4501 S. Lemay, Fort Collins, CO 80525.
Application deadline is December 9. You may email your resume with a cover letter to office@sojoyfc.org or deliver it to the Spirit of Joy office. If you require additional information, please contact Nancy McNair by email or phone (970-223-5303) or you may contact Diana Collins by email or phone (970-225-9124).
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Music Coordinator Needed at
Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO
Lutheran Church of Hope, an ELCA congregation in Broomfield, CO, is seeking a Music Coordinator, who would have responsibility for coordinating the music ministries and music staff of the congregation. A complete job description is on the congregation's website at www.lchope.org or by contacting the church office at 303-466-4823. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume electronically to musicsearch@lchope.org no later than Friday, December 9, 2011.
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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
Visiting with the congregation of Messiah Community Church, Denver, CO.
Rainbow Trail Advent Retreat, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp; Region 2 Mobility Conference, Grand Canyon Synod, Phoenix, AZ.
Ministry Review for Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX; Visiting with members of House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, synod office, Denver, CO; Region 2 Mobility Conference, Grand Canyon Synod, Phoenix, AZ; Visioning meeting with the congregation of Rejoice Lutheran Church, Erie, CO.
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CALENDAR |
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, Cherry Hills Village, CO. SEPTEMBER 23-25 Fall Theological Conference/ Bishop's Convocation, Cherry Hills Village, CO. 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
 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.
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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COLORADO
| submit Colorado news or photos
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).
 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. Free will offering will be accepted. Funds raised will be matched by Thrivent Financial chapter grants.
First Ever HeartLight Holiday Market! To celebrate this holiday season, HeartLight Center is offering a great opportunity to make your holiday shopping easy by bringing different vendors together for an afternoon of fun! Shop for everyone on your list AND help to support HeartLight Center as well. Please join us for snacks and shopping on Sunday, December 4, 2011 between noon and 4:00 p.m. at HeartLight Center.
Non-profits Participate in Colorado Gives Day The second annual Colorado Gives Day Is on December 6, 2011. On this day citizens will come together again to raise millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations. Last year, the goal to raise $1 million for Colorado charities was exceeded; $8.7 million was distributed instead!  Presented once again by Community First Foundation and FirstBank, Colorado Gives Day asks you to give to your favorite charities through the website www.GivingFirst.org , an online giving resource featuring all of the nonprofits participating in Colorado Gives Day. On this website we share our goals, accomplishments and much more to help you be informed.
Here are two RMS affiliated organizations that your gift could benefit by going online to donate: Lutheran Family Services of Colorado Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Donate online any time over the 24 hour period of December 6 to Give where you live!
The Lutheran Chorale/Lakewood Symphony Christmas Concert Welcome Joyous Season! Come celebrate the Christmas season at the Lakewood Cultural Center with the Lutheran Chorale, the Lakewood Symphony, and Green Mountain High School's "Shadows of the Mountain" chorus, performing selections from Handel's Messiah, Vaughan-Williams' Fantasia on Christmas, Bach's Suscepit Israel, Mendelsohn's There Shall a Star from Jacob, and other great music of Christmas.
There will be only one performance on Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 pm. For tickets, please call the Lakewood Cultural Center (303-987-7845), log on to the website, or stop by the box office at 470 South Allison Parkway.
Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols The congregation of Holy Love Lutheran Church and their Chancel Choir invite you to experience the joy of the season by attending their Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday evening, December 11 at 6:00 p.m. There will be Christmas scriptural readings and carols for the congregation. Choral pieces will include Bach, Berger, Britten, Handel, Manz, Moe, Morley, Ord, Pearson,  Rutter, Shaw, Sleeth,and the Christmas Peace. Holy Love is located at 4210 South Chambers Road in Aurora (80014). You may call the church office for more information (303-693-1162).
"Gloria!" Augustana Lutheran's Chancel Choir, AVE, organ and brass join together at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2011 to present Augustana's Festival Christmas concert for the congregation and the community. The afternoon features Rutter's famous and well-loved Gloria  as the centerpiece. Other music rounding out the program includes the finale from Bach's Christmas Oratorio arranged for brass and choir by Denver Brass' Kenneth Singleton, Neil Harmon's Unto Us is Born a Son and the Sussex Carol. And everyone will enjoy singing familiar Christmas carols with organ and brass. The concert is free. Childcare is provided. The afternoon will be sure to leave everyone in the spirit of Christmas. For more information call the church at 303-388-4678. Augustana Lutheran Church is located at 5000 East Alameda Avenue in Denver (80246).
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