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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
June 12, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Sky Ranch Camp evacuated due to closed road; camp not in danger
The High Park fire west of Fort Collins, CO, continues to rage. While the fire is a considerable distance away from the fire, the sheriff ordered an evacuation because the only remaining road out of the camp is being closed.
The entire camp caravanned to Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins today where they will stay overnight at the church. Tomorrow, they will travel to Highlands Presbyterian Camp at the foot of Mt. Meeker in the Allenspark area to finish out the week together. Our sincere gratitude to Highlands for their generosity in welcoming the Sky Ranch campers and staff.
We pray a lament for for the scorched hillsides, the forest creatures, the people who have lost their homes, the loved one lost. We pray perseverance for the firefighters who diligently work to save property. Lord have mercy.
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | Third Sunday after Pentecost
O God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear truth and love to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer from Sundays and Seasons Year B 2012
Ordination of Eric Roth who will be serving the Lutheran Church in Tokyo, Japan
You are cordially invited to attend the Service of Ordination of Erik Roth, son of Mark and Karl Roth, on Sunday, June 17, 2012, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, C0 (80907). A reception will follow in the Gathering Place.
Bishop Allan Bjornberg will share a message and officiate at the ordination. Pastor Paul R. Peel will be liturgist. All clergy are invited to robe and participate in the laying on of hands. Red is the color of the day.
Eric has been called to serve as co-pastor of the Lutheran Church in Tokyo, Japan. Please RSVP your intention to participate in this festive service by calling the church office at (719) 632-8836.
 Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt to be Ordained
Celebrating the gathering of Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Sturbridge, Massachusetts) on June 17, 2012 to formalize the call to Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt, you are invited to Kirsten's Service of Ordination at Bethany Lutheran Church, located at 4500 East Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village, CO (80113) on June 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
Rostered leaders are invited to process and the color of the day is red. All those processing are invited to gather at 10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall. Rostered leaders are requested to RSVP to Rhonda@bethany-denver.org
Synod Prayer Cycle: Southeast Colorado Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer lists for July and August are available. to remember in prayers on 6/17: Our Savior Wild Horse, CO Prince of Peace Colorado Springs, CO Dave Cruson Shepherd of the Hills Canon City, CO Robert Kippley St. Paul Calhan, CO Tim Bettger St. Paul's Sugar City, CO
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CRISTO REY-DENVER TO BE ORGANIZED JUNE 17
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 Congratulations to Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey MISSIONS 25 GIFTS will be given to Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey at their celebration of organization as a congregation of the Rocky Mountain Synod and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on June 17, 2012. Worship at Cristo Rey begins at 11:30 a.m. on June 17 and everyone is invited and welcome to attend the "fiesta." Cristo Rey is located at 501 Raleigh Street in Denver (80204). Gifts of $25 or more may be sent to the synod office: 455 Sherman, Suite 160, and Denver, CO 80203. Checks should be made out to the Rocky Mountain Synod and noted for Missions 25. |
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BISHOP INSTALLATION SEPTEMBER 23
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Installation of Bishop Elect Gonia is Sunday, September 23 at Bethany
Mark your calendar for the Installation of Bishop-elect James Gonia on Sunday, September 23, 2012, at 7 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO.
On September 24 and 25, a Fall Theological Conference / Bishops' Convocation will continue at the Embassy Suites just down the road from Bethany with Bishop Mark Hanson, Bishop-Elect James Gonia, and guest-presenter Rev. Ron Richardson, a noted author on matters of healthy congregations and leaders. Registration information will be available soon.
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ELCA GOOD GIFTS for FATHER'S DAY
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Good Gifts for Father's Day
Give an ELCA Good Gift and make lasting change around the world in Dad's honor or memory.
Tool Kit
 A rake, hoe, shovel and other hand tools-along with comprehensive agricultural training-help people improve their farming methods. With valuable tips and the right equipment, farmers can increase production and harvest even more crops to nourish their families.
Pig
 A pig in the pen is like money in the bank. Within months, a tiny piglet grows to weigh over 200 pounds! Should a family have a failed harvest, medical expense or other unexpected financial need, this pig can be cashed in for big bucks at the market.
Survival
A disaster, war or conflict can force a family away from their home with just the clothes on their backs. A survival kit-including a tarp, water jug, clothes and cooking supplies-helps a family get through the crisis.
Fish Farm
 Give your neighbors a fish and they will eat for a day ... give your neighbors a community fish farm and they will eat for a lifetime. The project begins with a pond, fish food, training and just a few fast-growing fish, like tilapia. Very quickly, the pond teems with enough fish to regularly provide healthy meals for families in the community.
Seminary
 Ensure that the future leaders of this church are financially able to respond to God's call to begin a life of ministry and service.
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ELCA YOUTH GATHERING RESOURCES
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Lifting Up Our ELCA Youth Gathering
Sojourners in Prayer
Forty-five Rocky Mountain Synod congregations are busy preparing 659 young people and caring adults to travel to New Orleans, July 18-22, 2012 where they will gather with 35,000 other Citizens with the Saints.
Resources are available in the .pdf format that you may use to lift up these sojourners in prayer, along with all those engaged in mission this summer.
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS NEWS
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USC Kicks off Summer in Grand Style
25th Anniversary at
City Park Jazz
Sunday, June 24, 2012 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
 Look for the Urban Servant Corps banner and all of your dearest USC alumni. A gathering will take place on the southwest side of the band shell at City Park. Bring some snacks and beverages to share! Chances are there will be an ultimate Frisbee game, in addition to the great music, food, and festivities! Families and friends are more than welcome!
Accepting Applications for 2012-2013 If you know stellar individuals who are committed to engaging in service, exploring simplicity and spirituality, and living in intentional community, please send them our way! The USC application can be found online under the "Become a Volunteer" tab!
See New Date for the Barbeque Event 
Closing BBQ at USC
Monday, July 9, 2012 835 32nd St. from 5:30-7:00 p.m. As the year winds down, please consider congratulating this year's USC volunteers by joining us for a celebration BBQ! Main dish will be provided, but please bring a side dish to share. Per the norm, you will get a glimpse of the current volunteers experience in community life and in the world of service. All are welcome! |
ELCA ADVOCACY NETWORK
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 Farm Bill Update from the ELCA Advocacy
You are invited to participate in a special advocacy/hunger online web-based learning opportunity regarding the Farm Bill. Updated information on the upcoming legislation will be provided by the ELCA Washington Office on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. (Central Time).
Food not only sustains our bodies, but so much of the economy relates to the processes by which we grow, harvest, transport, cook, bake, package, distribute, sell and buy what we eat. "Give us this day our daily bread."
 To explain this part of the Lord's Prayer, Martin Luther commented on the provision of "daily bread" by describing the ability of a farmer not only to grow wheat but to plant in peaceful fields and bring crops to a fair market. There is a system involving the production and consumption of food that needs people to consider it comprehensively if it is to work well.
 The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is present in many communities, speaking out for policies that support rural economic growth and the long term stability of American farming. As people of faith who are concerned about hunger, understanding and influencing the forces that shape our food economy is essential if we are to make sure that all who are hungry are fed.
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FASTER PASTORS OUTRUNNING MALARIA
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12 Pastors to run 188 mile relay-night and day-for Malaria!
Twelve pastors from the Rocky Mountain Synod will be running the Colorado Relay from Breckenridge to Aspen, September 7 and 8, 2012, to raise funds for the awareness, prevention, and treatment of malaria for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Read the ELCA blog to be inspired to give generously!
The Rocky Mountain Synod has a new PayPal account to receive credit card donations! Please note: you need not have a Paypal account to use this link. Click on "Don't have a Paypal account" when asked how to proceed.
GIVE GENEROUSLY IN SUPPORT OF
THE FASTER PASTORS!
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SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP
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 Youth Leadership Opportunities
Lift up and equip youth in your congregations with the skills they need to be leaders on your church council, in your youth ministry or as you travel for service and mission.
Youth Leadership Retreat June 22 - 24
The Youth Leadership Retreat is an Invitation to all 8th - 12th grade youth who want to explore the gifts that God has given them and learn how to use those gifts to serve the Church and the world. The weekend will be full of team building, leadership training, spiritual gift exploration, and peer ministry moments. The cost is $55.
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ELCA HUNGER GRANTS
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 Hunger Grants Applications are Available Online
Welcome to the Domestic Hunger Grants Program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Here you can learn about the grants process, read descriptions of current grant recipients (and search for them by state or synod), and find out how you can support hunger ministries like these.
The Domestic Hunger Grant application is now on the ELCA website. Please note that applications are due by July 9, 2012. You may go to www.elca.org/grantinghope for more information. There are menu boxes on the left side of the page that will take readers to the application and the criteria for grants.
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| JOB POSTINGS | |
Professional Quartet Member and Section Leader Needed
Augustana Lutheran Church is seeking a mezzo-soprano to fill a vacant position in the professional Augustana Vocal Ensemble (AVE). The position begins August 29, 2012. The time commitment includes Wednesday evening Chancel Choir rehearsals, two Sunday morning worship services, special services, and quartet rehearsal. The position is compensated. If you are interested, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to: Dr. Cindy Lindeen-Martin, Minister of Music and Organist.
Augustana Lutheran Church is located at 5000 E. Alameda Avenue, Denver (80246) 303-388-4678.
Worship and Music Ministry Positions Available Zion in Loveland is looking to fill part time ministry positions in their Worship and Music department. The general music responsibilities include:
(1) Chancel Choir and Traditional Worship Leader;
(2) Praise Band and Contemporary Worship Leader;
(3) Children, Youth, & Family Music Coordinator;
(4) Worship Coordinator; and
(5) Bell Choir Director. The desire is to fill these five positions with as few staff as possible, so applicants are encouraged to apply for as many of the responsibilities as they feel they are gifted to serve. Complete job descriptions can be downloaded from the website. Questions and applications may be sent to: jobs@zionloveland.com.
 St Philip Organist/pianist, part-time St. Philip Lutheran Church, located at 7531 South Kendall Boulevard in Littleton, CO (80128) is seeking a part-time organist/pianist to play all Sunday and holy day services. The appropriate candidate will play piano with the worship ensemble and accompany the adult choir. Rehearsals are on Thursday evening. Bachelor of Music degree is preferred, though experience will be considered in lieu of a degree. The salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience. Resumes can be faxed to St. Philip (fax: 303-979-6396) marked to the attention of "Personnel."
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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
Organization of and Celebration with Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey as a new congregation within the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Denver, CO;
Ordination of Eric Roth at First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO; Region 2 Mobility Conference, Pacifica Synod, CA.
Visiting with the Call Committee of All Saints Lutheran Church, Austin, CO; Visiting and worshipping with the congregation of Messiah Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, NM; Region 2 Mobility Conference, Pacifica Synod, CA.
House for All Sinners and Saints Ministry Review, Denver, CO; Organization of and Celebration with Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey as a new congregation within the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Denver, CO; Region 2 Mobility Conference, Pacifica Synod, CA.
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CALENDAR |
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. NOVEMBER 16-18 RMS Senior High Youth Gathering YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, CO
2013 JANUARY 18 -20 RMS Middle School Youth Gathering
MAY 2-4 2013 RMS Assembly Loveland, Colorado SEPTEMBER 23-26 Theological Conference Estes Park, Colorado
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
 Elim Lutheran Announces Vacation Bible School
Elim Lutheran Church in Ogden is taking registrations for this summer's Vacation Bible School (VBS), which will meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for three weeks beginning on June 11. The theme for this year's VBS is "Operation Overboard-Dare to go deep with God!" Kids will dive in and discover God's underwater universe! Kids will journey miles below the water's surface into God's Word to find what true faith is all about.
Each evening of VBS will begin with a nutritious, kid-friendly meal for kids, their parents, and the VBS staff. Students will sing, play games, hear stories, and make craft projects. Enrollment is open to preschool through sixth grade. Junior high age kids are invited to become part of the VBS staff. Non-members of Elim are especially invited to be part of VBS.
Tuition for VBS is $3.00 per kid, with a maximum fee per family of $10.00. Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford this. Elim's VBS is funded in part by a grant from the Northern Utah Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Every year, the VBS kids pick a worthy cause to support with their offerings. This year, the kids on the steering committee voted to support the same cause as last year, the ELCA Malaria Campaign, which has as its goal to end malaria in sub-Sahara Africa by 2015. For more information or to register, please contact the Elim Lutheran Church office by email or phone (801-394-5543).
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Camino de Vida Offers Summer Music programs for Kids
Camino de Vida (Presbyterian/Lutheran), a New Church Development Congregation within the Rocky Mountain Synod, invites students and musicians to be a part of their summer music program. The program will be taught by Camino de Vida professional musicians with Saturday morning classes from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lessons will be offered on guitar, conga, drums, piano, trumpet, and violin.
In order for each student to have an instrument, donations of used instruments are invited:
- 6 Congas
- Acoustic guitars
- Drum sets
- Violins (3/4 and full size)
- Electric keyboards with cables/stands (at least 61 keys)
- B flat trumpets
If you have an instrument to donate, know of a student who would like to be part of this great summer opportunity, or would like to make a financial gift, please contact Pr. Guillermo Yela by email or phone at 505-514-9515 revgyela@gmail.com
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| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
Annual Mount of the Holy Cross Pilgrimage Dates Set
Each year since 1976, Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Vail, CO, has sponsored a pilgrimage hike up Notch Mountain to view Mt. of the Holy Cross. Again this year Mount of the Holy Cross will sponsor pilgrimages climbing Notch Mountain in order to view the Mount of the Holy Cross.
 There is a brief service of worship near the summit before descending. It's a wonderful experience for those who participate and this year the community of Mount of the Holy Cross wanted to offer the opportunity to a wider audience. Due to Forest Service regulations the groups are limited in number so reservations are required. The dates are Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21, 2012. The event will be from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. This is a fairly strenuous hike and requires good hiking boots and waterproof weather protection. There is no cost to participate but pre-registration is required. Please email the church or call 970- 476-6610 to receive a registration form or for more details. photo provided by Pastor Scott Beebe Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Vail
2nd Annual "Be the Blessing" Event at Bethany Lutheran Church was a Success Be the Blessing! If you showed up to worship as usual at 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village on Sunday, June 3, you may have found the building empty. A sign was posted that said that worship is cancelled at these times and our congregation has joined the service in the neighborhoods of our community! Check out all sorts of "way cool things" about Bethany's "Be the Blessing" day.  Over 750 people "skipped" church "to be the church" on Sunday. In addition, more than 100 people attended a special prayer service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday since the 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. services were CANCELLED. There were opportunities for anyone to serve from the little ones through 100 year olds.
This was Bethany's second year to offer this amazing outreach opportunity, and the list of projects had folks at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp and Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, the Urban Servant Corps and Metro CareRing. |
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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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