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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
February 28, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly
April 26-28, 2012 Colorado Springs, Colorado TWO MARCH 1 DEADLINES:
We want photographs from EVERY CONGREGATION by March 1. Details here. As we prepare for the April 2012 Assembly of the Rocky Mountain Synod, you are invited to join in conversation on the Landscapes of Faith blog. Detailed assembly information and registration and hotel reservation links is now posted online. DEADLINES March 1 Display / Ministry Page / Plenary Time Requests March 1 Submit photos of your congregation's landscape March 15 Resolutions and Nominations Deadline March 15 Submit a video on your Landscapes of Faith March 27 Assembly Registration and Hotel Reservations |
| TWO DIFFERENT "ASSEMBLY CHOIR" OPPORTUNITIES | |
Choir participants sought for opening and closing assembly choirs
OPENING WORSHIP is at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, at the Crowne Plaza, Colorado Springs. Choir rehearsal is that same Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the Colorado Ballroom. Assembly registrants and community members are welcome!
CLOSING WORSHIP is 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, at the Crowne Plaza, Colorado Springs. Choir rehearsal, especially for members of Colorado Springs choirs, will be Wednesday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs. (Attendance at the rehearsal is essential in order to sing at worship on Saturday, as there will be no opportunity for a Saturday morning rehearsal.)
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Second Sunday in Lent
O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us a means of life. Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake 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 2012
Ordination of Anna Hansen Bonaro
Christ the Savior Lutheran Church, Aurora, will be holding the Service of Ordination for Anna Hansen Bonaro on Saturday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. Anna is the daughter of Sandy Olsen and Rev. Michael Mortvedt. Clergy are invited to vest (red) and process. Christ the Savior Lutheran Church is located at 1092 South Nome Street in Aurora (80012). Everyone is welcome to attend. Installation of Rev. Dan Barwinski
at Shepherd of the Valley, LaSalle, CO
You are invited to the Service of Installation for Pastor Dan Barwinski on Sunday, March 4 at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Dan Bollman, assistant to the bishop, will preside. The service will take place at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, located at 225 South Sixth Street in LaSalle (80645). All are welcome.
Synod Prayer Cycle: Metro East Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for April is available. to remember in prayers on 3/4: All Saints Aurora, CO John Petty Augustana Denver, CO John Pederson, John Bengston Bethel Aurora, CO Barbara Lemke Christ the Savior Aurora, CO Paul Ziegler Cross of Glory Denver, CO Mike Lemke
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| POTENTIAL NOMINEES FOR BISHOP | |
Seventeen respond by submitting bio
Of the 64 names submitted last fall, 17 pastors responded to the invitation to complete a bio page and answer six questions. This is a part of the preliminary, informative process leading up to the election process at the Assembly, April 26-28. Read the informative pages by clicking on the photos at left.
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SPRING CONFERENCE GATHERINGS
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Spring Gatherings prepare for the Bishop Election at the 2012 Synod Assembly
These gatherings will be to educate voting members, rostered leaders, and others, about the discernment and election process, to begin discernment in light of the potential nominee biographical and ministry materials available to them, and to identify initial questions to be presented to nominees at the assembly. Bible study and discernment materials will be provided.
THIS SATURDAY:
Northern CO
SAT 3/3 from 10:00 a.m. - noon - Immanuel in Greeley
Border
SAT 3/3 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Mt. Hope in El Paso
Utah
SAT 3/10 from 10:00 a.m. to noon - Christ the King in South Jordan
Metro West part 1
SAT 3/10 from 10:00 a.m. to noon - Holy Cross in Wheat Ridge
Metro East
SUN 3/11 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Christ the Savior in Aurora
Boulder/Broomfield
SAT 3/17 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Grace in Boulder
Metro South
MON 3/19 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - St. Philip in Littleton
Southeast CO
TUE 3/20 from noon-2:00 p.m. - First Lutheran in Colorado Springs
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ASSEMBLY VIDEO CONTEST: SHARE YOUR STORIES
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Video Contest Deadline is March 15!
New RMS video is a resource for how to shoot a great video!
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.
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Telling Video Stories in the Rocky Mountain Synod
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Upload your video to YouTube and then provide a link to your video. Submit your link to landscapesoffaith@gmail.com.
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| YOUTH & EDUCATION NETWORKS |  RMS Youth Ministry Trainings Updated Trainings Schedule Below A series of on-site, face-to-face Youth Ministry trainings will take place throughout the RMS as part of the Practice Discipleship: The ELCA Youth Ministry Training Project. Specifically, all adults accompanying youth to the ELCA Youth Gathering are encouraged to attend, as well as a representation of your high school youth registered for The Gathering - at least one youth for every five registered. The three-hour trainings, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., will be led by Kristen Baltrum, Gathering Coordinator and Linda Staats, Gathering Coach and members of the synod's Core Team for the Gathering: Andy Sprain (Sky Ranch) and Ben Larson (RTLC). Save the following dates for your area. Sites will be announced when they are available. Wheat Ridge, CO - March 4 - Glory of God Lutheran Church
Colorado Springs, CO - March 18
Casper, WY - March - 25
Salt Lake City, UT - April 15 - Zion Lutheran Church Ft. Collins, CO - April 29 - Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church |
| RMS LUTHERAN CAMPS |
 
TOO MUCH FUN
CAMP GAME NIGHT Staff from Sky Ranch and Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camps will be leading a wild and wonderful evening of amazing camp games and other ridiculously fun stuff on Sunday, March 4 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Glory of God Lutheran Church, located at 12200 W. 38th Avenue in Wheat Ridge (80033). Bring your middle school and senior high school youth to this city-wide (or however-wide) event - an hour of games, then snacks and worship, and you're home in time to do your homework. Let us know that you're coming by calling 303-421-2721 or emailing Christi at zappgog@lbtmail.com) if you can, and we'll be sure to have plenty of snacks...or show up at the last minute with a bag of chips. A lot of fun and a foretaste of summer.
It's All about Grace...Everyday Grace!
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LUTHERAN MEN in MISSION RETREAT
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One Year to Live Men's
Retreat in Grant, Colorado
One Year to Live, April 13-15, 2012 is an intense 40 hour retreat for men to explore their own lives and faith and make real discoveries and real decisions about themselves.
This retreat will take place at Camp Santa Maria in Grant, CO, and is being hosted by First Lutheran Church, Longmont; Faith Lutheran Church, Golden; St. Peter Lutheran, Greenwood Village; and Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village.
Check out the web page to learn more.
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GENEROSITY PROJECT WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED
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Generosity Project 2012
Information about theGenerosity Project is online
Workshop Dates
and Sites:
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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| RMS CHILDREN, YOUTH & HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY | |
RMS Lutheran Schools Appreciation Day in Metro Denver is March 22
You are invited to a "Gathering" for Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS) preschool and school directors, pastors and a school board member/staff person. The events will take place in two locations:
- Thursday, March 22, Denver area. Site TBA
Gayle Denny, Executive Director of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) will be with us. All are invited - one does not need to belong to ELEA to attend.
The cost is $10/person or $25 for three from a church and school. Each gathering is from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and includes lunch and free give-aways! To RSVP, email Cheryl Almquist in the synod office or call 303-777-6700/800-525-0462. If you have other questions, please contact Linda Staats by email or phone (602-740-3752).
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
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Alumni Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater and Brunch at Ogden House
This event, presented in partnership with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, is a great way to celebrate Easter with an ecumenical community! Meet in row 48 at 5:45 a.m. on April 8. After worship, join fellow USC alumni at the Ogden House (1660 Ogden Street in Denver) for Brunch, or come just for brunch)! Cost is $2.50 per person.
Come Celebrate with
the Urban Servant Corps It's time to CELEBRATE 25 years of "serving Christ for better community!" On Thursday, April 19 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., the Urban Servant Corps will hold its 25th Anniversary Celebration and Silent Auction at St. John's Episcopal Cathedral (Dagwood Hall), located at 14th and Washington. You will connect with former volunteers, be reminded of the history of Urban Servant Corps, and have the opportunity to bid on some AWESOME items to support the continued mission of USC! All are welcome! Admission is $10 at the door.
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RAINBOW TRAIL RETREATS
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 Retreat and Camping Experiences for Everyone Men's Adventure Camp at RTLC April 27-29, 2012 (New Friday - Sunday Format) Experience faith renewal, fellowship and tons of fun during this action packed weekend of rock climbing, hiking, archery, fly tying, beer making! Worship and study led Pastor Tim Stadem will be refreshing and challenging as you explore how our Christian faith calls you to be adventurous in our everyday life. With activities for all skill levels led by experienced guides this is the perfect time to hone your skills or try something completely new. Bring a group of guys from your congregation and sign-up today! Information and registration at www.rainbowtrail.org/retreats/mens-retreats/adventure-weekend  Women's Retreat at RTLC
April 12-15, 2012 It's time to free yourself from daily stress and escape to Rainbow Trail for some spiritual freedom and fun! Michelle Okes, mother of three and longtime friend of Rainbow Trail, will lead an inspiring weekend of study and activities, focusing on scripture-based ways to build more intimacy with God so that you can share with the people that you connect with in everyday life. There will be great worship, Bible study, great food, social time in the evenings and a mix of activities during the afternoon that you can either choose to participate in or spend free time on your own taking a nap, reading a book or exploring God's unique mountain creation. Information and registration at www.rainbowtrail.org/retreats/womens-retreats Into The Wild July 8-14, 2012  Let Rainbow Trail help prepare your graduating Seniors prepare for an awesome college experience! RTLC's experienced college guides will lead a week long Compass Points backpacking trip that takes you literally into the wild and back again as you explore the joys and challenges that are ahead of you in college. Explore with faithful, experienced young adults what life with roommates is like; how to balance the pressures of work, studying, and social life; taking your faith down the mountain and into school; and other questions you have; as you trek through the amazing mountains surrounding RTLC. Check out more about this amazing opportunity at www.rainbowtrail.org/compass-points/into-the-wild.
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GLOBAL LINKS for MARCH
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 News from the electronic newsletter
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Bishop Hanson Sends Letters of Support to Syrian Church Leaders The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offered his support of the churches' collective call for an end to violence and his prayers for the people in the region. See http://blogs.elca.org/peacenotwalls/.
Plant a Tree in the Luther Garden The roots of the Reformation that began with Martin Luther's 95 theses in 1517 are being remembered and watered already in the Luther Garden in Wittenberg, Germany. Learn how your congregation can participate at www.elca.org/wittenberg (click the Luther Garden tab on the left navigation bar).
Lenten Meals from around the World Does your congregation host meals before Lenten services? Try out the Lenten Meal Series! You'll find complete plans for 12 different meals, including global recipes, table prayers, discussion starters and more. www.elca.org/hunger/lent.
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| SAFE HAVEN | |
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 MALARIA CAMPAIGN | |
 Momentum Continues to Build in the ELCA Malaria Campaign
Every day more congregations are finding creative ways to raise awareness about malaria. We want to hear from you! Share your story of how your congregation is taking part in the ELCA Malaria Campaign.
Our Facebook page (Lutheran Malaria Campaign, Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA) is a great place to share and find ideas. You can also send your story to Deb Abbott at debabbott99@gmail.com. Don't forget to Like us on Facebook!
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NEW JOB LISTINGS
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Children, Youth and Family Ministry Leader Needed
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, located at 2500 East 3900 South in Salt Lake City, UT (84124), is seeking a part time (20 hrs/wk) staff person in the area of children's, youth, and family ministry. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a ministry working with elementary through senior high age youth. For a complete job description, go to the church website: www.oslcslc.org. Cover letter and resume to Pastor Jeff Beebe pastorjeff@oslcslc.org . Additional questions can be directed to 801-278-1412.
Office Manager Needed St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Aurora, Colorado, is seeking an Office Manager to serve approximately 30 hours per week. The Office Manager supports the ministry of St. Mark's Lutheran church by working with the Pastor and other members of the church performing administrative and clerical duties. A more complete job description can be found at www.stmarksaurora.com. If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your resume to stmarksaurora.ofcmgr.app@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
Conference of Bishops, Chicago, IL.
Installation of Pastor Dan Barwinski at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, LaSalle, CO; Sky Ranch Annual meeting, First Lutheran Church, Longmont, CO.
Visiting and worshipping with the congregation of Camino de Vida, Albuquerque, NM; Mission Partners meeting, synod office, Denver, CO.
Begin Lifelong Learning Partners meeting, Carefree, AZ. Available by email
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CALENDAR |
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
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH Cherry Hills Village, CO. SEPTEMBER 23-25 Fall Theological Conference/ Bishop's Convocation
EMBASSY SUITES Denver, CO. 2013 MAY 2-4 2013 RMS Assembly Loveland, Colorado SEPTEMBER 23-26 Theological Conference Estes Park, Colorado |
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| WYOMING | submit Wyoming news or photos
The Book of Exodus Will Highlight the Lenten Season at Good Shepherd-Casper
Good Shepherd Lutheran in Casper will be travelling back in time to the book of Exodus in its Lenten journey this year. During the five Wednesday night, 6:00 p.m. fellowship hours and 7:00 p.m. worship services, beginning February 29, congregants will hear dramatic scriptural readings of Growing up Egyptian, The Burning Bush, Making Bricks Without Straw, Let My People Go, and Singing of Deliverance. The Exodus readings are part of the church's emphasis on the "Roots of the Faith" and how the Old Testament prepares the way for a deeper understanding of the New Testament, communion, and of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Good Shepherd is at 51 Primrose Street, behind Shepherd of the Valley Health Care Center. From CY Avenue in Paradise Valley, turn north on Paradise Drive, then left on Magnolia Street, then right on Primrose. For more information, call 237-3503.
Events
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UTAH
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Elder House Has Happened!
It is with great delight that Lutheran Social Service of Utah announces the development of Elder House by private owners, Mike and Debbie Johnson, who are part of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (attends St. Paul in Ogden). They named the facility: Trinity Care Center!
It is a 36 person facility for assisted care/long term care levels (a person would need to have dementia or need double assist to qualify) and often this facility is for people who are just on Medicaid/Medicare. Many services are offered from professional medical care to therapy services, games and outdoor activities.
Meet Mike and Debbie and get more information about the Trinity Care Center. You can reach Mike by email or cell phone: 801-231-8132. Debbie is adept at setting up Medicare/Medicaid for families/patients. There are currently six openings: 3 women and 3 men.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
 Taiz� at Saint Paul Denver Our next service will be held on February 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the nave of Saint Paul Lutheran Church (1600 Grant Street). Please note that this is a change from the usual fourth Wednesday service because of a conflict with Ash Wednesday. We will continue to offer services on the fourth Wednesday, however, as long as there aren't major conflicts. If you would like to learn more about our Taiz� services you may contact Jeff by email, view pictures of the sanctuary, and/or visit us online.
Watoto Children's Choir at Trinity in Ft. Collins On March 4, 2012, Trinity Lutheran Church is once again honored to host the Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda. Watoto is an organization that provides a home, education, spiritual foundation and hope to thousands of children orphaned by disease and disaster in Uganda.  The Children's Choir travels the world bringing their joyful singing and powerful testimony as ambassadors of this highly successful program. The choir will be singing at both services on Sunday, March 4 (at 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.) as well as sharing stories. Please consider attending this memorable event. For more information, please e-mail Lisa Benson, Outreach Ministry Chair at Trinity or call her by phone (970-482-1226).
Lutheran Family Services Fundraiser includes the
Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets vs. OKC Thunder Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m.  Join Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for a Denver Nuggets basketball game. Enjoy a night out while supporting LFS. All seats are located in the reserved LFS sections. As an added bonus, $8 from every ticket sold will go directly to LFS!
Lutheran Family Services discounts: Upper level - $26 (normally $28) VIP Club Level - $58 (normally $85) *No taxes or fees added to orders You may purchase your tickets online. Brady McIntyre with the Denver Nuggets may be contacted by email or phone (303-405-7635 with questions.
Gallery of Living Art 2012 You are invited to experience a unique and powerful presentation of Christ's passion and resurrection as told through 14 staged life-size sacred works of art, music and scripture. This spectacular event will take place at First Lutheran Church, located at 1515 North Cascade Avenue in Colorado Springs (80907).  Presentation dates and times are:
March 16th * 7:30 p.m. March 17th * 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. March 18th * 3:00 p.m. The First Lutheran Choir and Instrumentalists will provide inspiring music. Admission is Free. Doors will open one hour prior to each presentation. Child care is provided. A poster is available with more information and photos of last year's presentation.
Metro East Women's Cluster Meeting On March 17, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Metro East Women's Cluster of the Rocky Mountain Synodical Women's Organization will hold its Spring Gathering. The gathering will take place at St Mark's Lutheran Church, located at 111 Del Mar Parkway in Aurora. This year's program theme is: Flock Into Fellowship. The registration fee: $5.00. If you have question, please contact Marian by email.
Brahms' Orchestral Masterpiece "A German Requiem" to be Presented Join the Colorado Chorale, the Littleton Symphony Orchestra and the Columbine Chorale as they combine voices to present Brahms' choral and orchestral masterpiece, A German Requiem at Littleton United Methodist on Friday, March 16 and Bethany Lutheran on Saturday, March 17. This classical work expresses Brahms' interpretation of life, death and spirit throughout seven movements of elevating music. This will be an evening that concert-goers shouldn't miss! Visit www.coloradochorale.org to order tickets. Ticket prices: Adults - $15; Seniors (62+) - $12; Youth under 18 and students with ID - $5
Creation Care Conference Climate Change & Faith 2012 Conference The conference will take place from April 14-15, 2012 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, located at 4500 N. Wadsworth Blvd. in Wheat Ridge (80033).  The keynote speaker for the event is Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, founder of BridgeWorks and the author of Green Church: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice! and Seven Simple Steps to Green Your Church.
For more information or to register, please visit the Colorado Interfaith Power and Light website.
Stephen Ministry Workshop at Our Saviour's - Ft. Collins Want to learn to be an active listener and reach out to others in a distinctively Christian way? On Saturday, April 21, Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Fort Collins (80525) will host a Stephen Ministry Workshop from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and refreshments will be served. The half-day workshop consists of three sessions designed both to enhance participants' care giving skills and to help congregations explore ways to expand their caring ministry. The Stephen Ministry is a program that congregations use to train lay people to share the load of providing pastoral care for hurting people inside and outside of the congregation-from divorce, loss of a loved one, just about any struggle in life. Stephen Ministers provide a listening ear for months or even years, time that pastors just don't have to give. Get more information. |
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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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