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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
January 3, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Video Contest Deadline is March 15!
New RMS video is a resource
for how to shoot a great video! Over the past two years, the Rocky Mountain Synod has produced six "professional" videos that tell stories of faith and people. Now, it's your turn! For the 2012 Synod Assembly, we invite congregations to tell their own stories about the "Landscapes of Faith" in the Rocky Mountain Synod. This new video provides some pointers on how to tell stories and take good footage. If your Internet connection is slow and the video skips or freezes, you may need to hit "play" and wait a a few minutes for it to download before restarting it. Information will soon be posted on the RMS website about how to submit videos. The ones that tell the most engaging stories will be shown at the RMS Assembly in April. Video contest videos are due March 15. |
| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Baptism of Our Lord
Holy God, creator of light and giver of goodness, your voice moves over the waters. Immerse us in your grace, and transform us by your Spirit, that we may follow after 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
Ordination Celebration at Evergreen Lutheran Church
Mark Meyer will be ordined and installed as Assistant Pastor at Evergreen Lutheran Church, Evergreen, Colorado, serving with Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward. The liturgy will take place at Evergreen Lutheran Church at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 15, 2012. Bishop Allan Bjornberg will preside, and Pastor Guebert-Steward will preach. All are invited and clergy are invited to vest and wear red. A reception will follow at the church.
 20th Anniversary Celebration
On Sunday, January 8, Pastor Beth Ann Doerring of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bethune, CO, will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of her ordination. All are welcome to come and celebrate with her. Worship will be at the church at 10:00 a.m. with a potluck dinner following. She was ordained on January 5, 1992, at St John Lutheran Church of Westhoff and Lindenau, TX. The color for the Sunday is white.
Synod Prayer Cycle: Utah Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer lists for January and February are available. to remember in prayers on 1/8: Advent Westminster, CO Barb Martens All Saints Austin, CO Tom Lange (interim) American Grand Junction, CO Barbara Johnson First Gypsum, CO Kari Reiquam Glory of God Wheat Ridge, CO Paul Olsen Good Shepherd Glenwood Springs, CO Jeffrey Carlson Highlands Denver, CO Liliana Stahlberg Holy Cross Wheat Ridge, CO Ron Bock
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| YOUTH & EDUCATION NETWORKS | |
Front Range Christian Education Network
Anyone who coordinates Christian Education or teaches Sunday School or leads Faith Formation in their congregation is invited to network with other paid and volunteer leaders on Thursday, January 19 at the Rocky Mountain Synod office from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. RSVP to Linda Staats and to receive further details.
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Front Range Youth Ministry Network
Please join us for the next meeting of the Front Range Youth Ministry Network which will take place on Thursday, January 12 at the Rocky Mountain Synod office The meeting is expected to last from 10:00 a.m. to noon followed by conversation and a meal in a local caf�. For more information, contact Anne Maki.
youth.trinity@lpbroadband.net
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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 |
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY
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REMINDER: SAFE HAVEN GUIDELINES
All congregations are to have begun or completed the process of creating Safe Haven Guidelines and procedures for their congregation and related ministries by the 2012 Assembly. The Safe Haven initiative is all about keeping children and youth safe within the congregation's ministry.
The "Safe Haven: A Resource for Congregations" is the result of diligent work by a team of people in the Rocky Mountain Synod. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Linda Staats who will refer you to a member of the Safe Haven Task Force.
If your congregation has completed or updated your Safe Haven Guidelines, please send notification to Linda Staats, Assistant to the Bishop for Youth and Household Ministry. If your guidelines are posted on your congregation's website, please send the web link. Any comments you wish to include about the process and what these guidelines have meant for your congregation will be much appreciated.
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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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FOR CONGREGATIONS
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Liquid Candles to Donate St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Taylorsville, UT has 10 off white 1 inch diameter, 12 inch long liquid wax candles to give away. The recipient need simply to pay for shipping and they are yours. If you are interested, please email Pastor Jeffrey Louden at pastor@stmatthewsut.org.
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NEW JOB LISTING
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Part-time Secretarial Position Open Highlands Lutheran Church, located at 3995 Irving Street in Denver (80211) is seeking a person to fill a part time secretarial position. The secretary supports the mission of Highlands Lutheran Church by working with the Pastor and other members of the church performing administrative and clerical duties. A more complete job summary can be found at this link. If you are interested in applying for this position, please email Pastor Liliana Stahlberg at either office@highlandslutheran.org or pastor@highlandslutheran.org.
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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
Bishop's Academy, San Diego, CA; Meeting with the Four Winds Group, Denver, CO; Visiting the congregation of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Alamogordo, NM.
Visiting with the congregation of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Buffalo, WY; First Call Theological Education conference call, Denver, CO; Visiting with the Call Committee of Ascension Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, CO.
Meeting with the Four Winds Group, Denver, 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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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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submit New Mexico or El Paso news or photos
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Annual Bishop's Luncheon is February 2 The annual Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Bishop's Legislative Luncheon will be Thursday, February 2. Make plans to attend and be sure to make your reservation (or a reservation for a group from your congregation!) to attend this annual gathering which will be held at La Fonda in Santa Fe beginning at 12:30 p.m. Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop Allan Bjornberg will speak at the luncheon and will also share a message with us during the Issues Briefing in the morning prior to the luncheon. The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church (1701 Arroyo Chamiso) with registration, fellowship and an opportunity to learn more about the issues for which Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico will be advocating throughout 2012. The cost of the luncheon is $30 person ($25 per person when 4 or more people from a congregation or organization make reservations by January 26). If you are only attending the morning issues briefing, the cost is $5. Please contact Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM by phone (505-984-8005) or email lutheranadvocacy@yahoo.com to make reservations or for more details. The deadline for reservations is January 30.
 "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
 Luther College Nordic Choir in Concert in Colorado
The Luther College Nordic Choir will present present three concerts in the in Colorado as part of the 2012 Colorado Concert Tour. The  concerts are: - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 29 at First Congregational Church, located at 2101 16th Street in Greeley.
Tickets are $15 Adults; $8 Students
You may purchase tickets online or by calling 800-4-LUTHER
- 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 30 at Augustana Lutheran Church, located at 5000 East Alameda Avenue in Denver (80246).
Tickets: $20 adults; $15 Seniors; $10 Students
You may purchase tickets online or by calling 800-4-LUTHER
- 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 31at Bethany Lutheran Church, located at 4500 East Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village (80113).
Tickets: $20 adults; $15 Seniors; $10 Students
You may purchase tickets online or by calling 800-4-LUTHER
The program will feature selections chosen from: Holy Radiant Light, Alexander Gretchaninov; Love Is the Key, Zebulon Highben (recent winner of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians' 2011 Raabe Prize); other choral works by Sch�tz, Bach, P�rt, Lauridsen, and Nelhybel, as well as hymn-arrangements and spirituals. Allen Hightower is the conductor.
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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