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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
July 3, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Prayers at time of wildfires
The Rocky Mountain west has been struck by wildfires, resulting in the loss of nearing 1000 homes. The Waldo Canyon fire on the edge of Colorado Springs is the most destructive fire in state history, having destroyed 346 homes. 259 homes were lost in the High Park Fire near Fort Collins, and 240 in the massive New Mexico Little Bear fire, also the most destructive in NM history. In Utah, the Wood Hollow Fire has destroyed 52 homes. In WY, the Arapaho Fire has torched a number of buildings.
Lutheran Disaster Response is working in partnership with Lutheran Social Services Utah and Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains to provide relief, and hope, in the midst of despair.
In Utah, LSS of Utah Director, Leslie Whited, reports that the wildfires have threatened fewer homes, and that one home is known to be lost. Donations for Utah fire relief can be sent to
Lutheran Social Service of Utah 4392 South 900 East SLC, UT 84124.
Donations for Lutheran Disaster Relief can be sent by mail to the Rocky Mountain Synod, marked clearly for "LDR: Fires."
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
God of the covenant, in our baptism you call us to proclaim the coming of your kingdom. Give us the courage you gave the apostles, that we may faithfully witness to your love and peace in every circumstance of life, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer from Sundays and Seasons Year B 2012
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.
Pastor Michael Tassler Installation July 22 at Grace, Colorado Springs You are cordially invited to celebrate the Service of Installation for Pastor Michael Tassler on Sunday, July, 22, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, located at 1128 East Boulder Street in Colorado Springs (80903). The installation was originally scheduled for Sunday, July 8 but because of the fire in Colorado Springs, he had to evacuate his home and postpone the move of his family. Pastor Dan Bollman, assistant to the bishop, will preside and light refreshments will be served after the service. Everyone is welcome to attend. The Tassler family is now re-scheduled to make the move on July 12, 2012.
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 7/8: Christ the King Durango, CO Rich Ajer (interim) Community of Joy Rio Rancho, NM Michael Bastian Cross of Hope Albuquerque, NM Russ Sorensen |
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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ELCA YOUTH GATHERING RESOURCES
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International Companion Program at the ELCA Youth Gathering
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 through video streaming. ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson will be preaching. A detailed order of service will be provided in July.
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BISHOP INSTALLATION SEPTEMBER 23
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Save the Date:
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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LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES ROCKY MOUNTAINS
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LFS Rocky Mountains
Widows Workshop
Updated Information: New workshops added
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 four opportunities to participate:
Friday, August 3rd from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Cherry Hills Village
Friday, August 3rd from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Colorado Springs
Saturday, August 4th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Longmont
Saturday, August 4th from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
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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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PASTORS RIDING FOR A CAUSE
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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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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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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
In the office the week
7/3 - 7/10.
Visiting with the Church Council at Joy Lutheran Church, Parker, CO.
Visiting and worshipping with the congregation of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Boulder, 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.
Summer Marriage Encounter Weekend Summer is already here, and we're sending you this email because we have a special "All Clergy" Weekend Getaway planned for clergy couples in the Rocky Mountain region! The next Weekend Getaway is scheduled for August 23 - 25, 2012 at the Plains Hotel in Cheyenne, WY. That's right! This special "All Clergy" Weekend Getaway is for any clergy couple who is looking for private time and a private space to enrich their own marriage!
An application fee of $50 per couple will give you and your spouse this much needed private time to refresh, re-energize, and reconnect before stepping back into the "real" world. (A suggested donation of $500 from your church congregation would also help cover the Weekend lodging costs!) You deserve it! For more information see the flyer or to apply today visit here.
Events
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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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