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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
March 27, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Registration & Hotel Deadline is Today: March 27
Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly
April 26-28, 2012
Colorado Springs, Colorado
A late fee of $25 applies to registrations after today. The hotel rate is guaranteed through today!
Detailed assembly information and registration and hotel reservation link.
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MORE NOMINATIONS NEEDED!
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Consider a nomination for a board or committee / churchwide assembly
Many of our elections have no candidates! Those listed below had zero nominations last week! Youth and young adults, as well as people with multicultural backgrounds, are encouraged for all positions, not just those labelled such.
CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY August 12-18, 2013
Metro East-Lay Male
Metro South-Clergy
Metro West-Clergy
North Colorado-Clergy
SE Colorado-Lay Female
Utah-Clergy
Wyoming-Lay Male
at Large Youth
SYNOD COUNCIL
Southeast Colorado Lay Female
Wyoming-Clergy
at Large-Young Adult (Age 18-28)
Youth 2 year term (Age 15-17)
MISSION OUTREACH BOARD
Colorado (not Denver area) Lay or Clergy
New Mexico/Texas Lay or Clergy
Wyoming Lay or Clergy
CONGREGATION AND LEADERSHIP HEALTH
New Mexico/Texas Lay or Clergy
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Border Lay or Clergy
Denver & Suburbs Lay or Clergy
Wyoming Lay or Clergy
CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRIES BOARD
New Mexico/Texas Clergy
Colorado (not Denver are) Clergy
CONSULTATION COMMITTEE
at Large Lay Male
at Large Clergy
COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINE
at Large Lay Male
at Large Clergy
Wyoming Lay or Clergy
at Large Lay or Clergy
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Palm Sunday
Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory in the resurrection of 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: Wyoming 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 4/1: Ascension Cheyenne, WY Paul Everett Christ Cheyenne, WY Karen O'Malia Covenant Wheatland, WY Joshua Bruns
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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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| PRESIDING BISHOP HANSON'S EASTER MESSAGE | |
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Christ is risen! Imagine the power in those words of promise.
When the disciples first heard Jesus speak of his death and resurrection, "they kept the matter to themselves" (Mark 9:10). But the news is too good to keep to ourselves. The life of Jesus Christ has been unleashed into the world.
 Because Christ is risen, you can embrace life's complexities and uncertainties with a living, daring confidence in God's grace. The risen Christ goes ahead of you, meeting you in the most surprising faces and unexpected places. Christ's resurrection puts us right where God wants us to be -- in the thick of life.
Because Christ is risen, you have a word of hope. To those weary from mourning loss and fearing death, the assurance is given that nothing in all creation will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
The life of Jesus, God's own life, has burst into the world, restoring community. At the barriers we erect to divide us, the risen Christ meets us, turning those walls into tables of reconciliation. To those who live in fear and feel unworthy, the promise is given. "You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19).
Every morning you awaken with the mark of Jesus' death on your forehead and the promise of Christ's resurrection on your lips.
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
In God's grace,
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HELP KEEP HEALTH CARE COSTS LOW!
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 Leaders: Take the Health Assessment by March 31!
We need 95 more to take the assessment by March 31 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! This is for ELCA Primary Coverage leaders AND their spouses!
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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 Remaining Training Opportunities: Salt Lake City, UT - April 15 - Zion Lutheran Church
Grand Junction, CO - April 29 - American Lutheran Church
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). |
| ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN | |
Observe World Malaria Day on April 29
The ELCA has committed to raise $15 million to join hands with 11 African companion churches in the global effort to prevent, treat and contain malaria by 2015.
World Malaria Day is Wednesday, April 25, so consider observing it in your congregation on Sunday, April 29, with a special offering. Order offering envelopes, brochures and more by visiting www.elca.org/resources and click the ELCA Malaria Campaign tab on the left. Together we can Make Malaria History!
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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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ELCA GLOBAL LINKS eNEWSLETTER
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 Malaysia: New Lutheran study center opens  Sabah Theological Seminary in Malaysia opened the Lutheran Study Centre on March 9. Established at the initiative of the five Lutheran churches in Malaysia and Singapore, this center will enhance Lutheran identity within these churches and across southeast Asia, leading to enhanced evangelism efforts throughout the region. The ELCA is supporting this effort, and will place a missionary professor there this fall. Learn more.
 "Suffering and Salvation in Ciudad Ju�rez" Since 1993 more than 600 girls and women have been brutally slain in Ciudad Ju�rez in internationally condemned violence for which no one has been arrested. This new volume from Fortress Press offers a powerful reflection on this destructive violence and the yearning for release, justice and healing. Check out a copy.
New Orleans: 100 Wells Challenge at ELCA Youth Gathering in July Just $2500 could build a well that provides clean water for up to 500 families. The 100 Wells Challenge allows youth of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) across the country to make a difference by raising $250,000 to build 100 wells or support water projects where they are needed most. More information. |
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.
USC Celebrating Silver, Service and Simplicity The Urban Servant Corps invites you and the community to participate in celebrating Silver, Service and Simplicity. Everyone is welcome to the 25th Anniversary Celebration and Silent Auction event which will take place on Thursday, April 19 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at St. John's Cathedral's Dagwood Hall (14th and Washington). Tickets are $10 at the door (suggested donation). Co-workers, family, church folk, and all friends of the Urban Servant Corps are asked to help spread the word about the event. A postcard is available to print and post for others to see. Got Facebook?! ? There are SO MANY ways to engage people around this very momentous and celebratory occasion. Funds from the Denver Chapter of Thrivent will be matched 1:2 up to $3200.
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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! 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. |
NEW JOB LISTINGS
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 Seeking a Youth and Family Ministries Director
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church located at 506 Via Appia Way in Louisville CO, seeks a Christ-centered individual to work with children, ages birth through 5th grade, and their families. Our Director will work closely with parents, the Pastor, the Youth Director, staff, and a Children's Ministries Committee to carry out the Children's and Family Ministries Vision. We see the Director as an essential member of the ministries team, whose presence on Sundays is important to children and families.
Additionally, the Director is responsible for Sunday School, Faith Milestones, and Vacation Bible School. This is a part-time position (~15/hours per week). A full job description of the position is available. To apply please email a resume and the contact information for three references to the secretary of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church. The review of applicants will begin on April 2nd.
Please check out the synod's website for other job opportunities.
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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
Candidacy Retreat, Augustana Lutheran Church, Denver, CO; Chism Mass, Christ Lutheran Church, Santa Fe, NM.
Visiting with the Call Committee of Peace Lutheran Church, El Paso, TX; Visiting with the Call Committee of Mt. Hope Lutheran Church, El Paso, TX .
Candidacy Retreat, Augustana Lutheran Church, Denver, CO, Candidacy Meetings and Interviews, synod office, Denver, CO. Available by email
Visiting with the Camino de Vida Advisory Committee, Albuquerque, NM.
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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
Good Shepherd - Casper is on the Air
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Casper, WY, will launch a first-time radio broadcast of its worship services on Easter Sunday, April 8. This will be a major mission outreach for Good Shepherd, which has a large percentage of elders and those who have difficulty attending worship on a regular basis. Casper, home to four of our ELCA churches, currently has only two Baptist broadcasts on Sunday mornings.
The liturgical worship of Good Shepherd Lutheran will be a major addition to the religious landscape in central Wyoming, expecting to connect well with many of the Episcopal,  Presbyterian, Catholic, and other main-line church listeners. The signal from radio station KUYO-AM, heard at 10:00 on Sunday mornings, will beam across a 300-mile swath of Wyoming. The worship service will also be available world-wide through the internet. KUYO-AM streams its Sunday morning broadcasts on www.kuyo.com. Check it out!
Events
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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
Taiz� at Saint Paul - Denver in March As we embrace the Lenten Season, you are encouraged to join us for an hour of candlelight, simple song, prayer, and silence. This is an opportunity to spend time with yourself and with God. We encourage and welcome anyone to attend, whatever your faith background!  Taiz� Service at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Denver will take place on Wednesday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the nave of the church (1600 Grant Street). All are welcome at this contemplative, ecumenical service! Come and spend some time reflecting, praying, and singing as you continue on the journey of Lent.
Parking is available and free on the street surrounding the church after 6:00 p.m. For more information and directions, please visit our website: www.spiritoftaize.org.
Biblical storytelling: Hearing The Passion Story (Mark 14 & 15) told in worship Storyteller Pam Faro (MDiv) will be telling "The Passion Story from The Gospel of Mark" four separate times as part of the upcoming Holy Week services at two Boulder-area churches: Saturday, March 31 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 1 (Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday) at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Christ the Servant Lutheran Church 506 Via Appia, Louisville, CO 80027 (303-666-4655)  Friday, April 6 (Good Friday) at 7:00 p.m.
Atonement Lutheran Church 685 Inca Parkway, Boulder, CO 80303 (303-499-4567) For more information contact Pam at 303-828-2267/ pamfaro@gmail.com
Palm Sunday Afternoon Concert at Our Savior's, Denver
On Palm Sunday afternoon, April 1, at 2:00 Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Denver will present its annual fund-raising concert to benefit the ministries of the church. Music will be offered by the Lesniaks, Erica Hoaglund, Pastor Paul Carlson, and Donald Zimmermann. This program will be in honor of Lilo Pacheco's 60th anniversary of becoming a member of Our Savior's and will feature the singing of some of her favorite German hymns.
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.
Benefit Piano Recital by Katie Mahan On Sunday afternoon, April 15, at 3 p.m.,internationally known superstar pianist Katie Mahan will return to Our Savior's for another benefit recital. This will feature piano music by Debussy, whose 150th birthday is being observed this year. Katie was recently described as "the empress of the piano" by conductor Jurgen de Lemos. The event will be a benefit concert for Metro CareRing of Denver.
 Women of the ELCA Southeast Colorado
Cluster Retreat May 4-5 This retreat will challenge all women called to discipleship. Our theme, "Lessons for Today's Disciples," invites women to grow more deeply in their understanding of whose they are and where they are going. It will be a time of exploration and personal growth. - What does discipleship mean to women?
- How does it affect their response to God?
- How does walking in fellowship with God become a part of us?
- How do we walk confidently?
Registration opens at 2:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon at the historic landmark, the Abbey, near Canon City. There will be a pre-retreat reflection experience at 2:30 p.m. followed by dinner and Bible Study at 6:00 p.m. Saturday 7:00 a.m. Matins will expand our experience as we see where discipleship places us in the community of faith. The worship at 5:00 p.m. will be a moment for final reflection as we end our time together. For more information, like a list of featured speakers, lodging and registration options, please check out the brochure or visit the website of the Rocky Mountain Synodical Women's Organization (WELCA).
 Lutheran Church of the Master powered 100% by solar
Lutheran Church of the Master of Lakewood, CO, in an effort to strengthen their relationship with God's creation, is now 100% solar-powered. Partnering with Renewable Energy Ventures LLC, a full solar array was installed and is now leased, both at no cost to the congregation. LCM now purchases electricity at a competitive rate from them until such time as they can purchase the array--anywhere from six to twenty-five years out. It is one more way this congregation is strengthening relationships with God, worshiping community, and the world.
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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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