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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
March 13, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly
April 26-28, 2012 Colorado Springs, Colorado MARCH 15 DEADLINES:
For Resolutions and Nominations! And please continue to submit PHOTOS if you haven't already. Information about photos. Detailed assembly information and registration and hotel reservation links is now posted online. DEADLINES March 15 Resolutions and Nominations Deadline March 15 Submit a video on your Landscapes of Faith March 27 Assembly Registration and Hotel Reservations |
GENEROSITY PROJECT WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED
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Generosity Project
Information about the Generosity Project is online
This Saturday
March 17, 2012
Ascension, CO Springs
9 to noon
Attending a Generosity Project workshop will help your congregation
- Grow a spirit of joyful generosity that strengthens giving from households to local congregations, to the Rocky Mountain Synod and the broader ministries of the ELCA.
- Grow faithful stewards in our homes and congregations through Bible study, prayer, cross-generational conversation and effective household faith practices.
Workshop Dates and Sites:
THIS WEEK! Saturday - March 17, 2012
Ascension Lutheran Church - Colorado Springs, CO
Saturday - March 24, 2012
Ascension Lutheran Church - Cheyenne, WY
REGISTER NOW FOR A WORKSHOP
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REFLECT AND PREPARE FOR ASSEMBLY
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Landscapes of Faith blog includes reflections, stories, photos
Visit the Landscapes of Faith blog at rmselca.org/blog to reflect on our "landscapes of faith," view stunning photos, pause, and ponder--in preparation for our April Assembly.
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TWO DIFFERENT "ASSEMBLY CHOIR" OPPORTUNITIES
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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! Assembly registrants can sign up during online registration.
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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HELP KEEP HEALTH CARE COSTS LOW!
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Rostered leaders should take the ELCA health assessment today!
As of the end of Februrary, 67 leaders have taken the assessment, which is 27% of those needed to reach our goal! We want 95 more to take the assessment in the next two weeks (by APRIL 1) in order to be on track to meet our goal!!! The estimated savings will be $42,000! While cholesterol and blood pressure numbers are helpful, they are not essential in completing the form, so DON'T DELAY!
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Fourth Sunday in Lent
O God, rich in mercy, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world and rescued us from the hopelessness of death. Lead us into your light, that all our deeds may reflect your love, 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 2012
Synod Prayer Cycle: Metro East Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer lists for April and May are available. to remember in prayers on 3/18: Joy Parker, CO Lynette Crase Lord of the Hills Centennial, CO Tom Renquist Messiah Denver, CO Wolfgang Stahlberg Nativity Commerce City, CO Kristi Beebe New Beginnings Aurora, CO Emily Cardin
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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.
FINAL GATHERINGS THIS WEEK
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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| YOUTH & EDUCATION NETWORKS |  RMS Front Range Youth Ministry Network Meeting
Hope you will be able to make it for a time of sharing and then business/information, goodness and lunch at a local cafe to follow.
RMS Youth Ministry Trainings Training this Weekend: Pueblo, CO - March 18 - King of Kings Lutheran Church
Noon - 3:00 p.m. 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. Casper, WY - March 25 - Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Salt Lake City, UT - April 15 - Zion Lutheran Church
Grand Junction, CO - April 29 - American Lutheran Church |
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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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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| RMS CHILDREN, YOUTH & HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY | |
RMS Lutheran Schools Appreciation Day for the Front Range is March 22.
Directors, pastors and board members of our preschool and early childhood education centers are invited to a gathering at the synod office on Thursday, March 22 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The cost is $10/person or $25 for three or more. Soup and beverages will be provided.
Gayle Denny, Executive Director of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association will join us. Our focus is board responsibilities, handbooks and faith development of our children.
Contact Cheryl Almquist by email or call 303-777-6700 to let us know you are coming. If you have other questions, please contact Linda Staats by email or 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 FREE Youth Ministry Leaders Retreat We know budgets are tight, so you are invited to come to a FREE RETREAT from March 19-21, 2012. The retreat is geared for all professional RMS ELCA Youth Directors and Pastors working with youth. It is great time to fellowship, recharge and have continuing education all at the same time. This year's subject will be Media, Marketing, and Ministry.  Casey Fuerst, Director of Marketing and Communications at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, will help us explore how media can be integrated into our ministry and how we tell the story (God's and ours) in today's high tech world. Register online.
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. Bring a group of guys from your congregation and sign-up today! Information and registration.
 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. Information and registration.
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. Get more information about this amazing opportunity.
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PEACE NOT WALLS
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 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Greece and Turkey October 1-17, 2012 A journey of faith and relationships! See the Holy Stones and meet the Living Stones - the people of the Holy Land, as you visit Jerusalem and the sites of Jesus' ministry in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, and Galilee. Tour Herod's fortress at Masada, swim in the Dead Sea and/or sail on the Sea of Galilee. Explore Istanbul, Pergamum, and Ephesus, and the wonders of Greece and the Greek islands. The cost of this 17-day Holy Land/Turkey/Greece tour is $4450 from Denver. Find details on the website or contact tour leader, Pastor Paul Rowold by email. Reservation deadline is April 1, 2012. |
| ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN | |
Making Malaria History
Last year, RMS raised $53,016 for the Malaria Campaign, and and this year we have already raised $23,193!
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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FOR SALE
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 Baby Grand for Sale
Berith Jacobsen, owner of the Samick Digital Electronic Baby Grande Piano (pictured) would like for you to see and play this beautiful musical instrument at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, located at 2999 South Colorado Blvd. in Denver (80222) where Berith is a Deacon. See the specs now.
Please contact Berith Jacobsen by phone to schedule an appointment: (H/O) 303-744-0200 or ( C ) 303-882-0048).
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NEW JOB LISTINGS
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Youth Minister Needed at Glory of God
Glory of God Lutheran Church, Wheat Ridge, CO is seeking an energetic and creative youth minister to guide education, fellowship, service, and faith-building activities for the youth of our church and wider community. The youth minister works with exceptional adult volunteers, talented staff and an experienced pastor in pursuing our goal of making youth an active, important and integral part of our church community. This is a permanent, year-round part-time position (20-30 hours/wk, negotiable). Salary will be based on education, training or experience equivalency. For a complete job description and more details on how to apply, please visit the church website, check us out on Facebook and/or contact Pastor Olsen by email .
 Office Manager/Director of Office Operations Sought Needed: Office Manager/Director of Office Operations for a mid-size church. View a more complete job description. Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit is located at 6400 S. University Boulevard, Centennial, CO, near Southglenn. For consideration please submit your cover letter and resume electronically to: LCHShire@gmail.com or Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Attn: Pastor Nisonger, 6400 S University Blvd., Centennial, CO 80121-2916. Within your cover letter answer these two questions: 'For you, what is most important about work?' and 'What factors are most predictive of success for a mid-sized church?'
Preschool and Daycare Director Needed Peace Lutheran Church of El Paso, Texas, is seeking a full-time Director for its Preschool and Daycare (our current Director is relocating because of a spouse's job). If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your resume to pastorpeacelc1699@att.net
St. Mark's Seeks a Preschool Director (Part-time) St. Mark's Lutheran Preschool of Aurora, CO is seeking a qualified, experienced individual for the position of part-time Preschool Director for approximately 25 hours per week. A full job description is available at the St. Mark's website. Please submit a resume, cover letter and three professional references no later than Friday, March 23, 2012 by email to: StMarksAurora.ps.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
Visiting and worshipping with the congregation of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, NM.
Presentation of the Generosity Project at Ascension Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs CO; Visiting with the Call Committee of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Fort Morgan, CO.
Presentation of the Generosity Project, Ascension Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO; ELCA CSM All Staff meeting, Chicago IL.
Speaking at a Pennsylvania Synod Assembly, Hanover, PA; Discipleship Project Training, Colorado Springs, CO; Welcome to the Synod Event for Youth Ministers, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp; Youth Leaders Retreat, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. 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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ELCA GLOBAL LINKS
| Electronic Newsletter of the ELCA
Teach in Central Europe
Teach in a bilingual junior/senior high school in Slovakia or Poland. Primary need is for English teachers -- other subjects (religion, science, math, geography, etc.) also needed on a limited basis. For more information, visit www.elca.org/globalserve/search and enter keyword "Central Europe."
Just arrived in Madagascar
Austin and Tanya Propst are the new ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission coordinators for Madagascar. They have just arrived in what will be their new home for the next four years. See http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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 Community of Joy - Rio Ranch Presents: Lenten Journey
On Palm Sunday, singers from Community of Joy Lutheran Church will join with singers and soloists from the community and professional musicians to present Lenten Journey.
Lenten Journey is a suite of original pieces composed by Aaron Howe, Director of Music at Community of Joy Lutheran Church, using text from the readings commonly used during the season of Lent.
The performances will be on Sunday, April 1st (Palm Sunday) at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Admission is free and attendees are highly encouraged to bring friends and guests. For more information contact Earlene by email or phone (505-896-2543).
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| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
 1G Network "Leadership" Series Begins (Tomorrow) March 14The 1G Network "Leadership" series starts March 14, 2012 from 7:00 - 8:15 a.m. in the Great Hall at Bethany Lutheran Church. Our feature presenter, Brian Gast, Executive Coach and President of Quadrant International. His topic will be "Qualities and Practices for Successful  Leadership." Brian will bring his experience as CEO of public and private companies and present his concepts and practices to help you grow yourself as a successful leader.
Learn about the 1G Network professional networking group by visiting the 1G Network page on the Bethany website at www.bethany-denver2.org/1g-network, and join the 1G Network Linkedin Group to receive regular session/speaker updates.
 Lutheran Family Services Fundraiser with 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 This Weekend 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
Filbert and Friends - Concert for a Cause On Sunday, 18 March 2012 beginning at 3:00 p.m., you are invited to come and hear organist Mark Alan Filbert, soprano Ruth Wilson Francisco, flutist Fran Piazza, and pianist Nancy Thomas as they perform music for various combinations of organ, voice, flute, and piano in this Sixth (almost) Annual Concert for a Cause. A Free Will offering is to benefit the 2012 Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey Summer Music and Arts Camp in Metro Denver. Check out the Saint Paul Lutheran Church website for more information.
 5K Run/Walk Event to Benefit Selian Lutheran Hospital in Tanzania
On Saturday, June 9, 2012 from 8:15 a.m. until noon, Saint Peter Lutheran Church will sponsor a 5K Run/Walk Event which will benefit the programs of Selian Lutheran Hospital and the Arusha Lutheran Medical Center (ALMC), completed in 2009 in Arusha, Tanzania. T he Selian 5K Run Event will include a jump castle and face painting for the kids, Jamba Juice, Juice Plus, Free blood pressure readings, live musical entertainment, craft and food concessions, swag bags, t-shirts, awards and door prizes. You may register online at http://register.stplc.org and e-mail carolmayerco@aol.com with questions. For more information visit the Selian Hospital website: www.selianlh.habari.co.tz or the Saint Peter website: www.stplc.org. Saint Peter Lutheran Church, located at 9300 E. Belleview Avenue in Greenwood Village (80111).
Upcoming Concerts At Our Savior's, Denver
- Mt. Carmel Piano Trio, Wednesday, March 14 at 7 p.m., free admission; donations accepted
- Concert with Dr. Donald Zimmermann and friends, Sunday, April 1 at 2 p.m. to benefit the ministries of Our Savior's Lutheran Church
- International Concert Pianist Katie Mahan in an all-Debussy recital to benefit Metro CareRing, Sunday, April 15 at 3 p.m.; suggested donation, $25
Events
Creation Care Conference
April 15 - 15, 2012 (More information/Register)
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Wheat Ridge, CO
Stephen Ministry Workshop
April 21, 2012 (More Information)
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
Fort Collins, CO 80525
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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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