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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
October 9, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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 Deeply Rooted
Bearing Fruit
Gatherings will take place in every Conference between October and February for the purpose of engaging congregational leaders in questions of mission
and ministry as well as meeting with our new bishop, Jim Gonia.
What is God up to in the community surrounding your church? How can your congregation participate in God's mission activity there?
Every congregation in the Rocky Mountain Synod is invited to bring rostered leaders plus 5-7 lay leaders of diverse ages and interests to your Conference Mission Gathering to begin the conversation. Come with questions, curiosity, resources, or just an interest as we support and encourage one another in this process. You'll be sent home with ideas, new friendships, a network of support, and multiple resources for beginning a strategic mission plan in your own congregational setting.
Below links are provided to a brief video invitation specific to the first five gatherings. At the conclusion of each video is a slide particular to that conference's gathering. You are encouraged to show the invitation video at worship and meetings. The remaining will be provided soon.
"Deeply Rooted, Bearing Fruit"
Conference Mission Gatherings
Sunday, October 14
North Colorado - (no registration needed)
Our Savior's, Greeley, 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.
video invitation to show at worship and meetings
Thursday, October 18
Boulder/Broomfield - Call (303) 666-4655 to register.
Christ the Servant, Louisville, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
video invitation to show at worship and meetings
Thursday, October 25
Metro East - register online
Augustana, Denver, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
video invitation to show at worship and meetings
Saturday, October 27
Utah - Call (801) 278-1412 to register.
Our Saviour's, Salt Lake City, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
video invitation to show at worship and meetings
Thursday, November 1
Metro West (eastern) - Call (303) 457-2476 to register.
St. John's, Thornton, 6:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.
video invitation to show at worship and meetings
Saturday, November 3
Border - Call (575) 437-2970 to register.
Our Savior, Alamogordo, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 10
North New Mexico - register online
Holy Cross, Albuquerque. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 13
Metro South
Holy Trinity, Littleton
Saturday, December 8
Southeast Colorado - register online
First, Colorado Springs, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 12
Wyoming
Casper
Saturday, February 9
Metro West (western)
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| VIDEO INVITATION | |
Bishop Gonia invites you to the
Conference Missional Gatherings
Please watch this video to learn about the purpose of the Conference Missional Gatherings:
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Invitation to RMS Missional Gatherings
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A customized version of the video for each conference is available for you to show at worship services, council meetings, and bible studies. The links are above, or at www.rmselca.org/conferencegatherings If you do not have WIFI where you want to show the video, you may download it to your computer. Under the video window look for the "download" button. If you need a video player, a free version is available for MAC or PC. |
| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us your gift of faith, that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to what lies ahead, we may follow the way of your commandments and receive the crown of everlasting joy, through, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer from Sundays and Seasons Year B 2012
Installation of Pastor Debra Abbott
at UNC Campus Ministry Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry at University of Northern Colorado invites you to join them for the Service of Installation for Pastor Debra Abbott on Sunday, October 14 at 5:00 p.m. The service will take place at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, located at 1800 21st Avenue in Greeley, CO (80631). Bishop Jim Gonia of the Rocky Mountain Synod will preside. All are welcome to attend! The Installation will be brief and take place at the end of our "Missional Gathering" time together on October 14 (from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.).
Synod Prayer Cycle: Outdoor Ministries
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer lists for October and November are available. to remember in prayers on 10/14:
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp
Brad Abbott
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
Dave Jarvis
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FULFILLING THE RMS SAFE HAVEN INITIATIVE
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Safeguarding God's Children Training October 18, 19 and 20
A goal of the RMS Safe Haven Initiative is to have Certified Trainers for the Safeguarding God's Children program available in each RMS Conference. One set of curriculum will be provided free for each Conference. Anyone interested in becoming a trainer, please contact your Conference Dean or Linda Staats, 602-740-3752, to discuss the criteria and expectations. The fee per trainer is $25. There are several options for times to attend the Training of Trainers. Please choose one:
Option 1.Thursday, October 18: First Lutheran, Longmont, CO. 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. combined with the Saturday afternoon session at Glory of God Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge
Option 2. Friday, October 19: RMS Offices. 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Intensive
Option 3. Saturday, October 20: Glory of God Lutheran Church, Wheat Ridge, CO. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Nancy Bond, our synod's trainer, is also providing the general Safe Guarding God's Children course for your staff, volunteers, council members or parents. The fee is $10/person or maximum of $50/congregation. To register or indicate the number coming from your congregation, contact Cheryl Almquist by email or phone (303-777-6700).
Option 1. Thursday, October 18: First Lutheran Church, Longmont, CO. 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Option 2. Saturday, October 20: Glory of God Lutheran Church, Wheat Ridge, CO. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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PEACE NOT WALLS
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THIS SATURDAY:
Living and Working Together for Peace
in Palestine
This half-day workshop introduces "Kairos Palestine" as an opportunity for American Christians. We will explore the reality on the ground in Israel and Palestine, where Christians, Jews and Muslims live together and work for peace with justice.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Augustana Lutheran Church
5000 East Alameda Avenue, Denver (80246)
8:30 a.m. - noon
- "Breakfast in Palestine"
- Abby Farrand, Young Adults in Global Mission in Jerusalem and the West Bank, 2011
- Workshops to equip participants to host studies in congregations
Cost: $15 - includes breakfast and "Steadfast Hope," a study guide for Kairos Palestine - with DVD
Register online: http://rmselca.org/world/peace_not_walls/events.htm or contact Jan Miller: janlmiller@q.com
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| CHILDREN, YOUTH and HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY |
Front Range Youth Workers
meeting is October 11, 2012
Front Range Youth workers will gather on Thursday, October 11, 2012, in the large conference room down the hall from the Office of the Bishop. Those interested in a book study on The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning will meet at 9 a.m. General meeting will begin at 10 a.m. Lunch will follow at about noon. Hope to see you all there.
Save the Date!
Recharge is coming to Denver
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Recharge is a practical, affordable, team-based training and mid-year ministry boost for you and your children, youth, and family ministry teams. It is a one-day multi-denominational event that aims to inspire and equip professional staff and C-Y-F ministry volunteers in their efforts to share faith to the next generation. Valerie Hess, Coordinator of Music Ministries at Trinity Lutheran Church, Boulder, CO, will be presenting a workshop at the conference.
Recharge is a ministry of Youth Leadership in cooperation with a local planning team.
Registration is underway!
 RMS Senior High Youth Gathering
The 2012 RMS Senior High Youth Gathering is scheduled for November 16-18, 2012, at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park Colorado. This year's gathering is a place and time to "Connect-4 LIFE!" Check out all the details available on the website. If you have updates or cancellations to your congregation's registration, please call the Office of the Bishop to facilitate any changes.
 The Senior High Youth Gathering is now on Facebook. Check it out!
 "Let's Eat!" Middle School Youth Gathering, January 18-20, 2013 in Colorado Springs The Theme is "Let's Eat," Ezekiel 3:2-3. Jonathan Rundman will lead our singing and music for worship. MSYG traditions will be honored as well as some added twists and surprises! The Gathering will once again be at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Check out the promotional video made by the youth at Ascension Lutheran in Colorado Springs!
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WEDNESDAY EUCHARIST
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Join us for Wednesday Eucharist at 11:30 a.m.
Each week the staff in the Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop, along with others who desire to attend, are gathering for a Eucharist worship. Pastors from the synod are leading the worship.
 Last week Pastor Liliana Stahlberg of Highlands Lutheran Church in Denver led our worship (pictured). This week we welcome Pastor Sarah Anderson of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Denver.
If rostered leaders are traveling to the Denver area, we want to be especially attentive to offering this opportunity to those when they are "in the neighborhood." Let Kent Mueller know if you are from outside the "metro" area and would like to sign up for a presiding opportunity in the near future. We will have an abbreviated liturgy prepared, and will invite a 3-4 minute homily/reflection. We are working on online method for signing up, which is not yet in place. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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ELCA PROPOSED CRIMINAL JUSTICE STATEMENT
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Let Your Opinion be Heard!
Provide your feedback on the proposed ELCA Criminal Justice Social Statement by October 15
The Office of the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, in conjunction with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry offices in Colorado and New Mexico, encourage all congregations to study the new proposed Social Statement on Criminal Justice and offer comments before the deadline of October 15, 2012.
At the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, it is anticipated that the proposed social statement will be considered. Draft copies of the Social Statement on Criminal Justice, leader resources and frequently asked questions can all be found at http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements-in-Process/Criminal-Justice.aspx
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| URBAN SERVANT CORPS NEWS |
Upcoming
Urban Servant Corps Events
All Saint's Day Pancake Breakfast
Sunday morning, November 4, 2012
Location and time TBD
Help support Urban Servant Corps volunteer's retreat to visit our sister organization,
Border Servant Corps by attending the All Saint's Day/Dia de los Muertos Celebration. There will be HOT CAKES!
Stay tuned for announcements for the Advent Prayer Breakfast The litany that was written for the 10th year Anniversary will be sung in celebration of the 25th Anniversary and the Ten Thousand Villages Community Shopping Benefit that will take place on 12/12/12 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
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| OCTOBER 28 CELEBRATION AT 2:00 P.M. |
Elizabeth, CO, ministry to become a chartered ELCA congregation in the Rocky Mountain Synod
RSVP NOW for the celebration and reception.
Peace In Christ Episcopal Lutheran Ministry in Elizabeth, CO, invites you to share in their joy! They have been approved to become a chartered congregation of the ELCA and a parish of the Diocese of Colorado. A service of celebration and recognition will be October 28, 2012, (Reformation Sunday) beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Joy Lutheran Church, 7051 East Parker Hills Court in Parker, CO (80134).
Bishop Jim Gonia will preside and The Reverend Canon Lou Blanchard will represent the Colorado Diocese. Light refreshments will follow the service. Lay members and clergy are invited to attend. Clergy are asked to vest and to process. The liturgical color is red. Please RSVP the number of attendees from your congregation so that plans can be made for the service and the fellowship.
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RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP
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RTLC: opportunity to purchase their site!
We're almost there but your help is vital!
Total increased to $330,000 raised to date.
Let's keep the momentum going!
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp has the opportunity of a lifetime! The camp is on leased Federal land and has been since its inception. They now have the opportunity to purchase non-federal land that the forest service wants and then exchange it with the forest service to own their site!
To date, $330,000 has been raised which includes $170,000 of matching funds. So far, $130,000 of these funds have been matched. That means we still have $40,000 that can be matched by your gifts so your help is needed to keep the momentum going to reach the goal.
To find out more and learn how you can help, go to:
http://www.rainbowtrail.org/about/land-exchange/
 RTLC Day Camp Weeks Available Teams are available several weeks next summer (2013): June 30 - July 6, July 21-21, August 4-10, and August 11-17. If you are interested or would like more information, please visit the website or contact Ben Larson by email or phone at 719-431-0050.
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY - COLORADO
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 Energy Subsidies vs Food for All The true cost of energy subsidies to Colorado families: a workshop Thursday, October 18, 2012 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (lunch provided) Messiah Community Church 1750 Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO (80220) - How much financial support does the United States give to oil and gas companies through our tax dollars?
- How many families and children could we help if we ended these subsidies today?
- What benefits to Creation are there in ending oil and gas subsidies?
Receive a copy of Eco-Justice Program's report: "Faithful Budget, Faithful Stewardship: An Analysis of Energy Subsidies and Poverty Assistance Programs." This resource examines the priorities that are reflected in our budgets and their moral implications. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Brad Wood, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - CO, by email or phone (303-777-6700). Sponsored by: Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - CO and the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Programs |
HEALTH PLAN UPDATE
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 Portico Announces Changes for the 2013 ELCA Health Plan
Portico Benefit Services Regional Representative Andrea Arey invites you to attend an hour-long presentation on Thursday, November 1, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. concerning 2013 benefit changes. There will also be a time for question and answers. The presentation will take place at First Lutheran Church, located at 1515 N. Cascade Avenue in Colorado Springs (80907). To RSVP, please contact Teri Swanner by email or phone (719-632-8836). All are welcome! |
JOB POSTINGS
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ELCA / RMS Position Description:
Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM)
Currently, Pastor Rob Moss is serving as the interim Director for Evangelical Mission. This is an ELCA position which represents the Congregational & Synodical Mission (CSM) unit in the territory of the Rocky Mountain Synod.
We are seeking a permanent staff member to fill this position beginning somewhere around February 1. The individual serving in this position works with developing new and renewing congregations, engages the synod in missional strategy, and encourages congregational mission support. The link below provides specifics, as well as an Addendum to the position description unique to the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Ordained leaders and rostered lay leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America who apply for a position in the churchwide organization must have completed Rostered Leader Profile (RLP) papers on file.
Children's Tone Chime Choir Director Needed
Lutheran Church of Hope in Broomfield, CO is seeking a Children's Tone Chime Choir Director. The charge of this choir is to develop and teach basic music skills and to introduce the children to the music ministry at LCH. This is a ten month per year position (September - June) and will commence on January 1, 2013. A complete job description is at www.lchope.org. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume electronically to musicsearch@lchope.org no later than Monday, October 22, 2012.
Shared Youth and Education Director -
St. John's and Advent in North Metro Denver  St. John's Lutheran Church and Advent Lutheran Church are both small but healthy ELCA congregations seeking to expand upon their Youth and Education Ministries through a shared Youth and Education Director. This candidate will balance a full-time work schedule between both churches. These churches are located in the northern Denver metro area and are approximately 9 miles apart.  The position will be full time and will report to the Pastors and Youth Board and the candidate expected to begin around January 2, 2013. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. A full job description with qualifications and responsibilities is available.
 Bethany Lutheran Church Seeks a New Chancel Choir Director
The position description has been finalized, and includes a list of qualifications and process details. Applications are now being accepted and information for the process can be found on the website. The interview and evaluation process will occur from January to March of next year. The aim is to have Dan's successor named by April 2013. Application deadline is December 31, 2012.
Information about open positions can be found onthe Rocky Mountain Synod's website.
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Every Person, Every Congregation, Every Ministry, Boldly Serving God's Mission in Christ
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THIS WEEK
Bishop Jim Gonia
Conclude Conference of Bishops, Chicago, IL; Executive Committee meeting, Denver, CO; North Colorado Conference Mission Gatheriing, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Greeley, CO.
or phone appointment.
Gratitude celebration at Cristo Rey, Denver.
Pastor Ron Roschke
Endorsements and TEEM Interviews and Meetings and Candidacy Consultation, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA; Endorsements and Interviews at Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, IA and Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN.
Front Range Youth Workers Luncheon, Denver, CO; Preaching and worshipping with the congregation of Peace in Christ Episcopal Lutheran Church, Elizabeth, CO.
Pastor Rob Moss
Visit with Christ the King, South Jordan, UT; North Colorado Conference Missional Gathering, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Greeley, CO.
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CALENDAR |
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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AROUND the SYNOD
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2013 Education Event Connects U.S. and
German Churches
June 14, 2013 (10 Day Tour)
Coordinated by: Pastor Stephanie Kopsch of St. Andrew Lutheran Church (ELCA). Please contact
Pastor Stephanie by email or phone (303-421-5197) for more information.
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| WYOMING | submit Wyoming news or photos
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
Annual Bazaar, Cookie Sale and Raffle
 It's that time of the year again! The St. Luke's Lutheran Church Annual Bazaar, Cookie Sale and Raffle will take place on Saturday, November 3 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke's. The church is located at 615 North Burritt in Buffalo (82834). You are welcome to attend!
Events
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Events |
| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
 Cristo Rey's Luncheon of Gratitude
The congregation and community of Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey (ELCA) in southwest Denver cordially invite everyone to join them for a "Lunch of Gratitude." Cristo Rey is so very grateful for the support received in these past years and would like to share their  good fortune. The luncheon will take place October 10, 2012, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the newly renovated church located at 501 Raleigh Street in Denver (80204). A special invitation is extended to clergy who would be willing to share their stories about working with the Cristo Rey community. A flyer is available to download and use as a bulletin insert or to post. All are welcome to stop by for a bite!
 Knowledge is Power - CHUM Sponsored Documentary CHUM is sponsoring discussion and a showing of a recent documentary as background to Amendment 64. Capitol Hill United Ministries (CHUM) is sponsoring a documentary film and discussion/panel on October 12 at 7:00 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, located at 1400 Lafayette Street in Denver  (80203) in Capital Hill near Cheeseman Park. The film will serve as background information to Amendment 64 (legalizing marijuana in Colorado). CHUM is sponsoring the conversation but is not taking a position on Amendment 64.
This is a new documentary that deals with the active community organizing efforts that took place leading up to California's vote on Proposition 19, also about legalizing marijuana. The human drama surrounding that effort takes us inside the emotional and legal impact this issue has on so many people. More information from the available flyer.
 Supporting Our Nation's Veterans in Time of Need On Sunday, October 21, Bethany Lutheran Church will offer the greater community an opportunity to celebrate and show their support of those men and women who have sacrificed so much as they answered our nation's call to military service in Afghanistan and Iraq. Operation One Nation, in collaboration with the Men of Bethany, the Health and Wellness Cabinet, and a host of other Bethany volunteers will honor military families at the 9:00 a.m. service. Joining the celebration in song will be Country and Western recording artist, Michael Peterson, with backing from Bethany's own Chancel Choir!  The 9:00 a.m. service also serves as an expression of Bethany's fidelity and commitment to the ELCA Memorial of 2007 and the Rocky Mountain Synod Resolution, which asks the Lutheran community to do all within our capacity and capability to mind the gap in offering assistance to military members and their families. Operation One Nation is Bethany's answer to that call to service.
Operation One Nation is requesting Bethany members and visitors demonstrate their support of our nation's veterans by purchasing and donating grocery and gasoline gift cards at all three worship services on October 21. Your generous offerings make a difference that matters in the lives of so many men and women who risk their own lives each day in our nation's defense. Learn more about the Bethany concert as well as Michael Peterson concerts at: Christ Lutheran Church in Highlands Ranch, Friday, October 19, 7:00 p.m. Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver, Saturday, October 20, 7:30 p.m.
 Grace Boulder
75th Anniversary Celebration You are cordially invited to join the community of Grace Lutheran Church in Boulder as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary on Saturday, October 20, 2012, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the Eaton Humanities Building on the CU Boulder Campus (Room HUMN 150)  Dr. Martin E. Marty is the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of the History of Modern Christianity in the Divinity School, University of Chicago. Dr. Marty will speak on: "Universities and Churches" Can't live with each other? Can't live without each other! Panel discussion will feature Jennifer Korbelik, City of Boulder Liaison to the University of Colorado and Gardiner Tucker, Assistant Dean of Students at CU Boulder. For more information, please check out the flyer, contact the church office by email or by phone (303-442-1883).
 Professor David Lose will Speak at Our Saviour's, Fort Collins Please note the date correction. Professor David Lose of Luther Seminary will present a 3 hour seminar on "Culture Change and the Church: Building Up Faith on Shifting Soils " at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church (2000 South LeMay, Fort Collins CO 80525) on Saturday, October 27, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Reformation Weekend).  He will also be preaching at Our Saviour's 5:30 p.m. Saturday Evening Service. You will have another opportunity to hear Professor Lose when he preaches during the Morning Service and during the education hour on Sunday. Admission is free and a free will offering will be taken. Download the flyer and post it on a bulletin board or use it as a bulletin insert. The event coincides with Lutheran Campus Ministry at CSU annual chili-cook-off fundraiser from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. that afternoon, so consider making an evening of it. Please contact Our Saviour's Lutheran's office at 970-484-3133 for more information.
 Bethany Lutheran Church Presents Its Twelve Twelve Twelve Project This holiday season, your faith community is invited to join a hunger relief movement by mobilizing every person within your congregation to: - donate $12
- collect 12 pounds of food AND
- tell 12 people about Metro CareRing.
 Collectively, Bethany hopes to raise $50,000 to help the nearly 1 out of 4 children who are hungry in Denver. In the coming months this blog will be jam packed of ideas, resources, tools, hunger facts, stories, prayers and quotes to help inspire and motivate you to action! Check out this Twelve.12.Twelve promo video on the blob page.
Events Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann to Give Lectures in Denver October 26-28, 2012 "The Interface of Power and Truth" Messiah Community Church, located at 1750 Colorado Blvd.in Denver (80220) invites everyone to attend their lecture series from October 26-28, 2012 featuring Dr. Walter Brueggemann. Dr. Brueggemann is seen as the foremost Hebrew Bible scholar in the world and is known throughout the world for his method of combining literary and sociological modes when reading the Bible. He has authored many books, articles and Bible commentaries. A poster announcement is available to download and display for those who might be interested in attending. The poster contains the schedule and ticket process. A Weekend with Pastor Mitri Raheb of the Christmas Lutheran Church, Palestine "Instruments of Peace" - December 5-9, 2012 You are invited to come and learn about the ministries and vision of Lutherans in Palestine and help raise funds for the music programs at Dar Al-Kalima Lutheran College in Bethlehem. A schedule of times and places is available. For more information, please contact Jan Miller by email
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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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