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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
December 20, 2011 |
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| Greetings! | |
Theological Conference
Deadline is Tomorrow - December 21
Don't delay - please register right away! 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. The deadline is so early because we have to submit to the hotel our final numbers before Christmas! More info and registration link.
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| CELEBRATING LAS POSADAS |
Las Posadas at Cristo Rey includes volunteers from Lutheran Campus Ministry
 more photos on Facebook
Students and faculty from Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry at UNM and CNM went to El Paso to help with Las Posadas at Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey.
The children's Christmas Pageant told the story of one family whose undocumented father was stopped for speeding and ended up being deported by the police and border patrol (a true story). The family then learned the meaning of Christmas when they received help and support from the congregation.
Also first communion was celebrated for one student and a sermon on the Annunciation was presented by the Intern, Carmen Miranda. Thanks also to volunteers and friends from the Border Servant Corps, Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, NM, and Black Forest Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, CO.
Las Posadas celebrated at Zion
Lutheran Church, Salt Lake City
Pictured above are Pastor DanaLee Simon, Elim Lutheran Church, Ogden, Utah, and her family, at the Las Posadas celebration at Zion, Salt Lake City. Below, at the church door of Zion Lutheran Church. (photos by Jeffrey Louden)
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Nativity of Our Lord
All-powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace. Call us out of darkness, and empower us to proclaim the birth of your Son, 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
Retirement Reception for Pastor Mark and Pegi Crates
The pleasure of your company is requested at the retirement reception for Pastor Mark and Pegi Crates. The reception will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on January 1, 2012 at King of Kings Lutheran Church, located at 2561 Vinewood Lane in Pueblo, CO (81005).
Pastor Mark celebrated his 40th Ordination Anniversary in July and has served at King of Kings for over 14 years. If you would like more information about the event, please contact the church office by email or phone (719-564-7360).
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 12/25: 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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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.
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ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN
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 New RMS Malaria
Project webpages Working to Make Malaria History Through the work of the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO), youth teams within congregations and individuals, the ELCA Malaria Campaign is raising funds and awareness to combat the devastating effects of malaria in the world. New bulletin inserts, brochures, offering envelopes, videos and other resources can help you share the news of the ELCA Malaria Campaign with your congregation. Below are a few links to resources that provide insight into what is being done within our Synod and around the ELCA. You are encouraged to participate as you are called to do so. View resources at: RMS Malaria website ELCA Malaria website ELCA Malaria Blog RMS LYO website LYO Malaria Blog on Facebook |
ELCA GLOBAL MISSION
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2012 Global Mission Map Brochure Now Available
For the ELCA, the goal of global mission is to increase the capacity of both companions and the ELCA for proclamation and service.
Mission rooted in relationship means mutuality, inclusivity, vulnerability, sustainability and empowerment. Mostly, it means growth - for everyone involved. Together, we listen, learn and deepen our understanding of one another. As we recognize and affirm each other's gifts, we become invested. These investments are the center of global mission.
In North America, the ELCA challenges members to become better global citizens, more connected Christians and more compassionate human beings by emphasizing human dignity and interconnectedness in all of its relationships.
The Global Mission Map Brochure is:
- Filled with a panorama of photos and stories from across the globe, an overview of mission rooted in relationship.
- A way to learn how your gifts and offerings are turned into effective ministry around the world.
- Perfect for Epiphany, for annual meetings, and more.
Order the new 2012 Global Mission Map Brochure now!
To order 10 or fewer copies, call 800/638-3522 or email ris@elca.org. To order more than 10, check out the website.
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2012 FAITH ADVOCACY DAY - COLORADO
| 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 ADVOCACY
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Register Your Priorities for Advocacy
From Moses and Esther and the prophets speaking out on behalf of God's people to our own Lutheran Reformers' letters to public officials, to 21st century Christians, advocacy with people in power has long been a faith practice.
The ELCA Advocacy Department as well as State Public Policy Offices work hard to make space in our public debate for people who are not heard. The work is done through offices in Washington D.C., at the United Nations, in state capitols, and with corporations about their practices and social responsibility and is framed generally by ELCA social policy.
The ELCA Washington Office for advocacy is encouraging everyone to take a brief survey to express their priorities for future advocacy efforts in international affairs, as well as domestic matters. The survey has five questions and should take ten minutes or less to complete. Your opinions matter now as much as ever!
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RESOURCE FOR CONGREGATIONS
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"Serving Christ in the World" Program for Youth
Do you know a high school sophomore or junior who has served in a leadership role in your congregation or community who is asking tough questions about his or her faith and the world around them? Then encourage him or her to apply for Youth in Mission's Serving Christ in the World program, which guides participants in exploring ways to live out their faith in the world.
 Participants will spend one week at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and will also travel to Mexico for a six-day multicultural immersion experience led by the CREAR ecumenical organization and the Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development. Youth will discover their leadership skills and explore their gifts for service and ministry during workshops, class sessions, worship, small group discussions, and site visits.
Youth in Mission's next Serving Christ in the World program will take place June 16-30, 2012. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. All application materials must be received no later than February 24, 2012. For more information about this faith-building, life-changing experience, visit www.lstc.edu/yim , email youthinmission@lstc.edu , or call 773-256-0725.
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GLOBAL LINKS
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Christian Music: A Global History
This new book from Fortress Press, written by Tim Dowley, travels beneath the plurality of forms and styles to pose questions about the meaning of diverse traditions, combining insights from specialists for a truly global history of Christianity's musical culture. Christian Music: A Global History is the first to encompass all eras, regions, and varieties of this rich and vast treasure. From its Jewish origins, through medieval chant and hymns, to gospel and rock, Christian music around the world is harmonized beautifully in this colorfully illustrated work. Check it out.
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Sponsors Needed for Missionaries in Palestine
Learn how you can be a sponsor for Julie Rossate and Jeff VonWald, newly called missionaries to Palestine, where they mentor young adults serving ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Sponsors from the New England Synod of the ELCA and the Iowa area are especially welcomed to minimize their travel time and maximize their effectiveness while on home assignment. You can get more information by visiting the ELCA website, by sending an email message to Missionary Sponsorship, or by calling 800-638-3522 (ext. 2657).
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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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Every Person, Every Congregation, Every Ministry, Boldly Serving God's Mission in Christ
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THIS WEEK
Bishop Allan Bjornberg
Abbreviated schedule for this week.
Abbreviated schedule for this week.
Abbreviated schedule for this week.
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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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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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"Servant Stomp" Comes to Two New Mexico Cities
The Border Servant Corps will host two "Servant Stomp" events in January, 2012: The first will be Saturday, January 21 and the second will be on Saturday, January 28.
 Las Cruces, New Mexico
On Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the "Servant Stomp" event will take place at Peace Lutheran Church. Peace is located at 1701 East Missouri in Las Cruces, NM (88001). The suggested cost for the event is $10 with lunch included. Please make reservations before January 18, 2012 by emailing Kari or call her on 575-522-7119 (ext. 16). Presenters will be Greer Aeschbury, Bree Gallicchio, Jaye Hobart, Bridget Hughes, Kristina St. Cyr, Jaye Hobart, Bridget Hughes, Kristina Cyr. Please download, print and post the flyer to help get the word out.
Come learn about Border Servant Corps, valuable community resources, and border-related issues by touring these local agencies in Las Cruces: ACLU-NM Regional Center for Border Rights, Colonias Development Council, Jardin de los Ni�os, La Casa, Inc. Domestic Violence Shelter, La Semilla Food Center, Peace Lutheran Church, and Peace Village Peace Camp. [T-shirts are available at $15 each.]
 El Paso, Texas
On Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the event will take place at Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey. Cristo Rey is located at 1010 East Yandell Drive in El Paso, TX (79902). The suggested cost for the event is $10 with lunch included. Please make reservations before January 25, 2012 by emailing Kari or call her on 575-522-7119 (ext. 16). Presenters at the event will be Ali Boyd, Amy Czulada, Hannah Drewes, Amelia Furrow, Tom Power, and Alyssa Telander. Please download, print and post the flyer to help spread the word about the event.
Come learn about Border Servant Corps, valuable community resources, and border-related issues by touring these local agencies in El Paso: Ciudad Nueva Community Outreach, Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services, Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, and Paso del Norte Civil Rights Project. [T-shirts are available at $15 each.]
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| 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
announcement at the time it should appear.
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