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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
December 13, 2011 |
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| Greetings! | |
Deadline to submit potential nominee names for RMS bishop election is December 15
 So that information and conversation about the necessary gifts for bishop in the Rocky Mountain Synod can take place prior to the assembly (April 26-28, 2012), names of potential nominees for bishop are being gathered until December 15.
Those whose names are raised up will be informed shortly after December 15 with an invitation to submit a two-page biographical and informational page due by January 31.
The list of all those whose names have been submitted will be made available in early January. The biographical/information pages of those who choose to submit them will be posted online in early February.
The actual nomination process takes place at the synod assembly. That is why this preliminary process is for the purpose of gathering names of "potential nominees."
Submit the name of a potential bishop nominee.
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that would obstruct your mercy, that willingly we may bear your redeeming love to all the world, for you live and reign with the Father 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 list for January 2012 is available. to remember in prayers on 12/18: Our Saviour's Salt Lake City, UT Jeff Beebe Prince of Peace North Logan, UT Bob Nuhn(Interim) Shepherd of the Mountains Park City, UT Steve Leiser St. Matthew's Salt Lake City, UT Jeffrey Louden Zion Salt Lake City, UT Steve Klemz
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2012 THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE
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 Theological Conference Deadline is December 21
Don't delay! Register now before the busy week before Christmas! If you register late you cannot be guaranteed the group room rate!
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 and registration link. |
YOUTH GATHERING UPDATES
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Middle School Youth Gathering
The RMS Middle School Youth Gathering is January 13-15, 2012, in Colorado Springs at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. More info.
Registration is formally closed.
For any questions regarding registration, please contact R.C. Reiman by email.
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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.
 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.
The next Webinar is December 18, 2011
from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., "Faith Conversations" with Rev. Dennis "Tiger" McLuen. Participation in the ELCA Youth Gathering and these trainings is an opportunity to transform your Youth and Household Ministry and your congregation!
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2012 FAITH ADVOCACY DAY
| Mark Your Calendars
 Put Your Faith Into Action
Turning the Corner from Charity to Justice
Faith Advocacy Day will take place on Monday, February 20, 2012, at the new History Colorado center, located at 1200 Broadway in Denver (80203). The event will be from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m with two optional sessions following the main event.
Street parking at meters is free on this day since it is a holiday. Also, there are pay lots one block west of History Colorado at 12th and Acoma.
For more information, including ways to register for the event, please check out the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado website. |
ELCA GLOBAL LINKS ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER
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Spread the News
A Non-violent Warrior for Peace
"Every time the bold men rose up, they rose up with guns," says Liberian Lutheran Leymah Roberta Gbowee, winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. Read Leymah's story by visiting "Living Lutheran."
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Madagascar: Standing on the Success of Past Missionaries
Barbara Hinderlie recently completed service in Madagascar to begin service in Tanzania. She reflects on her missionary service and how previous generations of missionaries have walked alongside the church there as it prepares for a new era of ministry. Read the entire story at the Hand in Hand blog. Click either the copy-ready bulletin insert or the Fall 2011 issue of the Hand in Hand newsletter.
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Seeking Agricultural Volunteers
Various volunteer opportunities from two months to one year in duration are available with the Asian Rural Institute in Japan. Visit www.elca.org/globalserve/search and do a keyword search (at the bottom of the page) for "Japan" for more information.
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| TAKE THE ASSESSMENT IN THE NEW YEAR! |
 ELCA / Mayo Health Assessment Begins Fresh in January for ELCA Health Plan
You are encouraged to take the health assessment each year. All congregations and organizations within our synod will earn a 2% discount on 2012 ELCA health contributions if 65% of the eligible ELCA-primary plan members and spouses in our synod take the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment between January 1 and April 30.
Those organizations that earn the 2% discount on ELCA health contributions use teamwork. They plan ahead, share responsibility among several people and coordinate their actions and messages. Last year, 30 synods earned the discount. More information.
By taking the assessment, you'll earn $150 in your personal wellness account and will be taking stock of your health. Healthy leaders do enhance lives and ultimately create a healthier ELCA community. Take the assessment at www.elcaforwellness.org . You will find instructions for taking the assessment in the "Understand My Benefits" section at www.elcabop.org .
Reminder: the ELCA Board of Pension is changing its name to Portico Benefit Services.
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GENEROSITY PROJECT WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED
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Generosity Project 2012
Workshop Dates
and Sites:
Saturday - February 4, 2012 - All Saints Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM
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. |
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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 SALE
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Church Sanctuary Fixtures for Sale
Highlands Lutheran Church, Denver, is seeking a new home for the pulpit, lectern, baptismal font and elements table that were used in their original building. These items are in the old German style: white with gold trim. This furniture is small but is in excellent condition and could still be useful. The best offer will be accepted. Please contact Mary Williams by email for more 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 Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, Denver, CO.
ELCA Faith Formation Summit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Available by email
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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
 Las Posadas - The Journey of Mary and Joseph to Find Room at the Inn
Who are we turning away from our doorsteps?
 Join us on December 16, 2011. The procession starts at 5:30 p.m. at Crossroads Urban Center, 347 South 400 East, then proceeds to First United Methodist Church and St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, ending at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
Please contact Marjorie Hurder, by email or phone 801-364-7765 (ext. 106), at Crossroads Urban Center for more information. Learn more about the tradition of Las Posadas.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Events |
| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
Christmas Vespers at King of Glory - Arvada
On Wednesday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m., King of Glory Lutheran Church will present its Christmas Vespers Concert, an evening of music from a variety of traditions, celebrating the blessed birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Music will be provided by the King of Glory Adult Choir; the King of Glory Handbell Choir; Mandy Bomar-Townend on keyboards; Jessie Rember and Jan Helgeson playing flutes; and Curtis Rember playing both guitar and saxophone.
The concert is FREE. A free will offering will be taken. King of Glory is located at 10001 West 58th Avenue, Arvada (80002).
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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