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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
June 26, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Prayers at time of wildfires
In addition to the information about fires and prayers for creation and its caretakers sent on Sunday, Pastor Brenda Baalhorn, Grace, Casper, WY, sent information about a fire burning in WY as well. Between the towns of Glenrock and Douglas, in the northern part of the Laramie Range, a fire has burned over 8 square miles and is 25% contained. She notes that one family from Grace Lutheran Church has been evacuated from their summer cabin.
We continue to pray for all who are affected by the fires throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod, and for those who work tireless to contain them.
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Almighty and merciful God, we implore you to hear the prayers of your people. Be our strong defense against all harm and danger, that we may live and grow in faith and hope, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer from Sundays and Seasons Year B 2012
 Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt to be Ordained
You are invited to Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt'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 Kirsten will serve at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. 
Jennifer and Steven to be Ordained at Bethlehem, Los Alamos
You are invited to a Service of Holy Communion with the Rite of Ordination for Jennifer Chrien and Steven Simpson on July 1, 2012, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, located at 2390 North Road in Los Alamos, NM (87544). The service will take place at 2:00 p.m. and light refreshments will be provided afterwards. If overnight accommodations are needed, or if there are any questions, please contact Jennifer at 505-690-7534.
Steven is being called to serve King of Glory Lutheran Church in Newbury Park and Jennifer is being called to serve Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Oxnard, California.
Brad Doty to Serve at St. Philip as Associate Pastor upon Ordination
Please join the community of Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Poway, CA, on July 1, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. for the Service of Ordination for Brad Doty as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Lutheran Church of the Incarnation is located at 16889 Espola Road in Poway, CA (92064). Bishop Murray Finck will preside and a reception will follow the service.
Brad is called to serve as Associate Pastor of St. Philip Lutheran Church in Littleton, CO (80128) All are welcome.
Jocelyn Mamy Ranaivoson
Ordination Set for July 14
By the grace of God and the call of the church, Jocelyn Mamy Ranaivoson will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in Christ's one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 731 SW Buchanan Street, Topeka, Kansas. The Service of Ordination and Installation will take place at Trinity during this same time.
The Reverend Gerald Mansholt, Bishop of the Central States Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will preside and the Reverend Rafael Malpica, Executive Director of the Global Mission in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be preaching.
Your prayers and presence are requested. All ordained, consecrated and commissioned ministers are invited to process. The color of the day is red and everyone is invited.
Synod Prayer Cycle: North New Mexico Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for August is available. to remember in prayers on 7/1: All Saints Albuquerque, NM Phillip Wangberg Bethlehem Los Alamos, NM Bruce Kuenzel Camino de Vida Albuquerque, NM
Guillermo Yela Christ Santa Fe, NM Benjamin Larzelere
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| NEW CONGREGATION ORGANIZED! |
Congratulations to Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, Denver
Mission 25 Gifts were 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 began at 11:30 a.m. everyone was invited to attend the "fiesta" after worship. Cristo Rey is located at 501 Raleigh Street in Denver (80204).
  The children created an altar cloth using imprints of their hands. A suitable way to express "God's work. Our hands."
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS NEWS
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Farewell and God Speed to the 2011-2012 Volunteers
Notice 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!
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!
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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 YOUTH GATHERING RESOURCES
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International Companion Program
As part of the ELCA Youth Gathering's International Companion Program, our synod is hosting two youth and an adult from our companion synods in Madagascar. Our guests are: Ranaivonirina Mahomby Indrafo Sarobidy, Andrianomenjanahary Michael Nielson and Pastor Haja Wilson, who serves as the Youth Minister for his synod. They will arrive in Chicago on July 2 for orientation. Kaari Von Bermuth, a member of our Rocky Mountain Synod's LYO, will also participate in the orientation and accompany our guests back to Colorado where they will be hosted by First Lutheran Church in Longmont.
During their time with us, they will visit Rainbow Trail and Sky Ranch Lutheran Camps, plus visits with congregations and various local experiences. They will travel and participate in the ELCA Youth Gathering with their local hosts. In conjunction with the ELCA Global Mission Unit, RMS coordinators are: Pastors Paul Judson, Chad Kohlmeyer, Ron Roschke and Dave Jarvis, RTLC.
If you wish to know more about our guests' visit or want to contribute towards the sponsorship of our three guests, please contact Linda Staats. (Learn more about our synod's visit to Madagascar in 2013.
Join us for Closing Worship! On Sunday, July 22, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. MDT the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering Closing Worship will take place in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Your congregation is invited to consider joining this worship from your own location. ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson will be preaching. A detailed order of service will be provided in July.
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD CAMPUS MINISTRY
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Connecting with our college-bound students through Campus Ministry
Lutheran Campus Ministry is eager to welcome and connect with college students from your congregation or organization. The pastors of Campus Ministry within the Rocky Mountain Synod would LOVE to receive the names and emails of your college students. Please help us reach more students on campus! Each name is like GOLD to us. Thank you.
The campus ministry emails for the various schools in our Synod are listed below. If you have a list of your students from many schools around the country, please send these to LCM at University of Colorado at: Liz.Gonzales@colorado.edu . The names that you provide will be dispersed to the appropriate schools.
University of Northern Colorado (Greeley, CO) - unco.lcm@gmail.com
Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO) -
lcmcsu@gmail.com
University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY) -
ipastor@qwestoffice.net
University of Colorado (Boulder, CO) -
lcmpastor@colorado.edu
University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM)-
lcm@unm.edu
New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM) -
office@peacelutheranlc.com
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LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES ROCKY MOUNTAINS
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LFS Rocky Mountains
Widows Workshop
 On Friday, August 3 and Saturday, August 4, 2012, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains will host a FREE workshop as a special presentation by Kathleen Rehl, Ph.D., CFP, an award winning author and speaker. The workshop is titled: Moving Forward on Your Own - Workshop for Widows
The purpose of the workshop is to help those that have been widowed to be more self-confident, knowledgeable, and secure about their money matters - enabling them to take control of their financial futures. There are two opportunities to participate:
Friday, August 3rd 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village
Saturday, August 4th 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Longmont
You MUST pre-register by July 25th by emailing bob.kuehner@lfsrm.org or giving him call on 800-579-9496.
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PASTORS RIDING FOR A CAUSE
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Last year at the finish line
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Pastor Chris Davis to ride the MS 150
On June 30 and July 1, Pastor Chris Davis, Atonement, Lakewood, will join thousands of cyclists for the Colorado MS 150, a two day bike ride from Westminster, through the foothills of Colorado, to Fort Collins, and back again to Westminster, to help raise funds for the National MS Society.
Chris writes, "Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease that affects people in many different ways. It could be numbness one day, loss of vision the next or impaired memory the day after. Living with MS means living with uncertainty. There is no cure for this disease, yet, but there is hope! This past year was a good year for me with MS...." Read more of Chris' story and donate towards his goal.
 12 Pastors to run 188 mile relay-night and day-for Malaria in Sept!
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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PEACE NOT WALLS
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 (Updated List)
2012-2013 ELCA Glocal Mission Gatherings
God's work in mission always propels us to encounter the neighbor, particularly in the stranger. ELCA Glocal Mission Gatherings equip us for God's work in today's global and local realities and their "glocal" intersections.
The ELCA Glocal Mission Gathering gathers congregational teams and leaders for worship, workshops and sharing around global and local mission and to answer questions together for our migrating and immigrating world. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
September 14-15, 2012
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Event details | Register now
September 21-22, 2012
Portland, Oregon
October 5-6, 2012
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Event details | Register now
October 26-27, 2012
Universidad Interamericana Recinto Metro
Puerto Rico
Event details | Register now
November 2-3, 2012
Faith Lutheran Church
Clive, Iowa
Event details | Register now.
You are invited to save the date and begin gathering a congregational team to register for an upcoming ELCA Glocal Mission Gathering. For only $35 per person and in only 1 1/2 days, your team can enhance your connections with the local and global Christians, gain practical skills for mission and learn how churches are changing how they proclaim and serve.
By the end of the event, your team will be equipped to lead inviting worship that includes global voices; serve in a way that is sustainable, respectful, and cross-culturally sensitive; give, receive, lead and serve in different ministry settings; practice and share best practices in mission in your own congregation, the local community and across the globe.
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BORDER SERVANT CORPS
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Border
Servant Corps News and Events
 Join us for Move-In Day! BSC will be preparing the new house at 1289 S. Espina St. on Sunday, July 1st at 11:30am. In preparation, we are collecting gently-used furniture and other household items (couches, chairs, twin beds and/or bed frames, towels, sheets, tables, toaster, end tables, lamps, etc.) to make the home welcoming for the new volunteers.
 Donate a Vehicle.BSC is in great need of a few vehicles (our current mini-van is not doing well). Due to program growth, we are looking for a small car to be used primarily for administrative purposes to travel between Las Cruces and El Paso, a mini-van and/or a 15-passenger van for retreats, community events, immersions, etc. We are seeking vehicles in good condition with low gas mileage, if possible. Remember, any donation to BSC is tax-deductible!
 Upcoming Events!
- Wine & Cheese in El Paso. Friday, July 27 at 5:57 p.m. at the Thrivent Financial Offices (2615 Montana Ave., El Paso, TX 79903). Join the 2011-2012 volunteers before they continue on their journey and participate in this delicious fundraiser! Bring a bottle of your favorite wine or non-alcoholic beverage to share. Recommended donation: $10.
- BSC Recognition in Las Cruces. Sunday, July 29 at 9:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church (1701 E. Missouri Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001). Bid farewell to the 2011-2012 volunteers and thank them for their year of service.
- BSC Farewell in El Paso. Sunday, August 5 at 11:00.a.m. at Cristo Rey (1010 E. Yandell Dr., El Paso, TX 79902). Say farewell to the 2011-2012 volunteers and thank them for their year of service.
- BSC Commissioning in Las Cruces. Sunday, August 26 at 9:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church (1701 E. Missouri Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001). Welcome the 2012-2013 volunteers to their year of service.
- BSC Welcome in El Paso.Sunday, September 9 at 11:00.a.m. at Cristo Rey (1010 E. Yandell Dr., El Paso, TX 79902). Welcome the 2012-2013 volunteers to their year of service.
- BSC Quincea�era. October 5-7, 2012. BSC will be celebrating 15 years of service on the borderland. Mark this exciting weekend in your calendar...details to follow!
If you have any questions or would like to become more involved with BSC, please contact us at bsc@peacelutheranlc.com or 575-522-7119. Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly.
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PEACE NOT WALLS
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Peace Not Walls Presents: Discover Islam DVD Series and Study Guide
A few DVD's are still available for your use.
The office of ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, in cooperation with the ELCA Global Mission, and our nationwide Lutheran Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Representatives Network recently received a generous gift from Discover Islam - USA: complimentary copies of a six-disc DVD series titled Discover Islam. The Rocky Mountains Synod has a limited number of copies that may be borrowed by contacting the synod office at 303-777-6700 or sending an email to Willie. You can read more information and preview the series at the Discover Islam website. Study guides are available at the ELCA Inter-Religious Relations website.
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JOB POSTINGS
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Grace, Colorado Springs Seeks Director of Music Ministries
The congregation of Grace Lutheran Church located at 1128 E. Boulder Street in Colorado Springs seeks to fill the position of Cantor, Director of Music Ministries, Director of Music, or Minister of Music. A few of the responsibilities include:
- Plan and coordinate the entire music program, providing leadership and resource to the congregation.
- Participate in the planning of worship and other musical activities in the congregation.
- Schedule all choirs and ensembles participating in worship.
- Hold weekly rehearsals and direct or oversee the following groups: (examples - Adult Choir, Gospel Choir, Folk Choir, Contemporary Choir, Youth Choir, Bell Choir, Men's or Women's Ensemble, Orchestra, Band, or other instrumental ensemble).
- Attend regular staff meetings and work with the Music Committee or other congregational committees for
- Maintain professional competency by practicing, performing, attending continued education opportunities, teaching workshops or seminars, and reading professional journals.
For more information is available, including a more a more detailed job description, required skill set and qualification. You may also contact the church office by email or by phone (719-634-2478).
 Preschool and Kindergarten Music Teacher Needed Abiding Hope Preschool and Kindergarten is in need of a music teacher for children 2 1/2 - 6 years of age. Candidates must have experience working with children and have an ability to individualize instruction. A degree in music and qualifications as an Early Childhood Teacher is a plus. Please send resume by email to Heather Shea, Preschool & Kindergarten Director.
Cross of Christ Seeks a Director of Youth Ministries Cross of Christ Lutheran Church is currently seeking a Director of Youth Ministries to continue current Youth programming and expand programming to engage the 3rd-12th grade population of the congregation. The goal of the Director of Youth Ministries is to develop Youth in their faith formation and to help them mature as Disciples of Christ. The Director of Youth Ministries will do this by maintaining and developing a comprehensive youth ministry program for the Cross of Christ congregation. This is a full-time position and reports to the pastor responsible for education and youth, and, ultimately, to the Church Council. A complete job description is available but for more information, please contact the church at 303-469-4004.
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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
Ordination of Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt, Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, CO.
Trinity Lutheran Church Mutual Ministry Committee meeting, Loveland, CO; First Call Planning meeting. Denver, CO; Visiting with the congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Denver, CO.
Conference Call with the congregation of Peace in Christ Episcopal/Lutheran Church, Elizabeth, CO.
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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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| WYOMING | submit Wyoming news or photos
Journey through the Wilderness
on a Spiritual Retreat
The Wyoming Association of Churches is sponsoring the Spiritual Retreat: Journey through the Wilderness at Ring Lake Ranch near Dubois on August 13-15, 2012   In prior years, retreats sponsored by the Wyoming Association of Churches were restricted to "new pastors" and their spouses. Not anymore! This year it is open to all, clergy and lay members. You need not be "new," although it is a good way to get introduced to the religious and spiritual community in Wyoming. You will also have the chance to meet retreat leaders the Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter and the Rev. Warren Murphy. Couples are welcome. Early registration is encouraged and at a reduced cost. The deadline for early registration is Monday, July 9. More information, including the schedule, can be found on the attached brochure and you may register on line at www.wyomingassociationofchurches.org or by mail with the form. If you have questions, please contact executive director of the Wyoming Association of Churches, Chesie Lee by email.
Events
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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
New Beginnings Church 12th Annual Celebration Dinner and Silent Auction New Beginnings Church invites you to joint them in their 12th Annual Celebration Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, September 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, located at 4500 Wadsworth Blvd. in Wheat Ridge (80033). The featured speaker is  Sydna Mass�, founder of Ramah International, and her topic is "Forgiveness: Breaking the Chains." The auction will also include many handmade items donated by women on the inside. Music will be provided by New Beginnings Church. For dinner, there is a suggested donation of $10.00, payable at the door. For more information or to register, please email Kathy or give her a call on 303-831-7023.
Her Choice to Heal New Beginnings Church of the Rocky Mountain Synod (ELCA), invites you to hear Sydna Mass�, founder of Ramah International, speak at a workshop on Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The workshop is titled Her Choice to Heal: Finding Spiritual and Emotional Peace After Abortion and will take place at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 6322 South Lakeview in Littleton (80120).  During the workshop, Sydna will outline:
- Basic issues confronting post-abortive women
- Post-abortive mindsets and how to communicate through them
- Provide a healing method for assisting them to grieve those losses at a healthy level
- Offer a much a deeper understanding of how this particular American demographic impacts the attendees personally
The cost of the workshop is $45/person and includes a detailed manual. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. For more information and to register, please email Kathy or give her a call at 303-831-7023. The event is sponsored by New Beginnings Church. |
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