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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
October 23, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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 Conference Mission Gatherings: Deeply Rooted-
Congregations are gathering together to make connections, build community, and talk about ministry in each context.
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
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. You may download the video to share if you don't have an Internet connection throughout.
"Deeply Rooted, Bearing Fruit"
Conference Mission Gatherings
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.
video invitation to show at worship and meetings
Saturday, November 10
North New Mexico - register online
Holy Cross, Albuquerque. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
video invitation to show at worship and meetings
Tuesday, November 13
Metro South
Holy Trinity, Littleton, 7-9 p.m.
video invitation to show at worship and meetings
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)
Good Shepherd, Glenwood Springs, noon - 2:00 p.m.
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LUTHERAN MAGAZINE SUPPLEMENT
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 New RMS bishop weaves together joys, struggles and passions
This issue of the Rocky Mountain Synod Lutheran Magazine Supplement includes a feature article about our new bishop written by Pastor Jack Damien, Good Shepherd, Casper, WY, as well as an introduction to each of the staff persons in the Office of the Bishop. The Rocky Mountain Synod supplement to the Lutheran Magazine is included four times a year in magazines delivered in our territory.
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
O Lord God, you are the holy lawgiver, you are the salvation of your people. By your Spirit renew us in your covenant of love, and train us to care tenderly for all our neighbors, through, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer from Sundays and Seasons Year B 2012
Synod Prayer Cycle: Social Ministries and Agencies, Campus Ministries
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for November is available. to remember in prayers on 10/28:
Border Servant Corps
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Ryan Steinmetz
Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center
Brush, Colorado
Shelly Griffin
Emerson Gardens
Denver, Colorado
Jan Wright
Lutheran Family Services of Colorado
Denver, Colorado
Jim Barclay
Robert Kuehner
Judy Lounsberry
Lutheran Social Services of the South
El Paso, Texas
Betsy Guthrie
Lutheran Social Services of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Leslie Whited
Lutheran Refugee Services
Denver, Colorado
James Horan
Luthercare, Inc.
Casper, Wyoming
Jill Elliott
Mosaic
Omaha, Nebraska
Linda Timmons
Urban Servant Corps
Denver, Colorado
Krista Ullestad
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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.
 Gifts to Missions 25 invited for Peace in Christ ELM
You are also invited to share in the joy of the fulfillment of a dream at Peace in Christ ELM on October 28 and with a gift of $25 (or more if you would like). Please make checks out and send to the "Rocky Mountain Synod." Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Send to:
Missions 25 Rocky Mountain Synod 455 Sherman Street, Suite 160
Denver, CO 80203
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY - NEW MEXICO
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LAM-NM
"Advocacy: Making a Difference"
The 2012 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico conference will be Saturday, November 17 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Albuquerque (9100 Menaul NE, between Moon and Eubank). The conference will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and the cost is $15 per person, including lunch. Sen. Linda Lopez will be our lunch speaker this year. Session topics will include New Mexico Legislature 101, advocacy basics, hunger, and more. Plan now to attend and learn more about advocating for our many neighbors living in poverty. To register or request more information, contact Ruth Hoffman by email or 505-984-8005. Registration deadline is November 13.
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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 31
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 Please study the documents and submit your feedback by October 31.
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RMS LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY-COLORADO
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Sign a letter in support of
protecting five vital programs
 Last week Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - CO sponsored an event on "Faithful Budget, Faithful Stewardship" looking at ending subsidies to the oil and gas industry and instead protecting five vital programs: Children's Health Plan (CHP+), Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Programs (WIC), Low Income Energy Assistance Programs (LIEAP), Head Start and Water Infrastructure. By reducing energy subsidies by $10.17 Billion (a small amount of the subsidies they receive) it could bring $175 Million a year to fund these safety net programs here in Colorado.
To learn more and sign on a letter in support of these efforts, please go to the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado website at www.lam-co.org.
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| CHILDREN, YOUTH and HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY |
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 deadline is November 2!
 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 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! Registration closes December 10, 2012.
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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. Rostered leaders from the synod are leading the worship, and we now have a sign-up in place. We need a volunteer for this week!
Rostered leaders may sign up to lead worship.
We are seeking leaders for Nov 7, 14, 28, Dec 5
Sign up now
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PARISH NURSE ASSOCIATION
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 Please submit the names of parish nurses serving in the synodParish Nurses/Faith Community Nurses are registered nurses who have completed an endorsed educational program and are currently working within a congregation. The Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Association (ELPNA), a national organization that promotes the specialty practice of parish nursing/faith community nursing in Lutheran congregations, is working to identify parish nurses/faith community nurses working in a synod congregation or are members of a synod congregation to connect them with our organization.
One of our goals is to provide a support system for new and established parish nurse programs and equip parish nurses in these programs through communication, cooperation, and collaboration. Additionally, the organization provides a network and forum for sharing programs, projects and resources; promotes wellness among congregations and church leaders; and enhances the spiritual development of ELCA parish nurses.
If you have a parish nurse working in your congregation, either in a paid or unpaid position, please ask them to contact the Region Two Directors by email: Sheryl Stenseth or Andrea (Andy) West.
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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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RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP
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RTLC Fall Confirmation Retreat
Join Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp from November 9 - 11, 2012, for a Confirmation Retreat this fall and let us be partners with you in creating a fun atmosphere for learning in your confirmation program! The theme for this year is "Face to Face."
You may receive more information by emailing Ash or going to the website to also register online.
RTLC: Working now to Complete the Land Exchange ProcessThe land exchange campaign enabling Rainbow Trail to own its property has reached the $450,000 level! Rainbow Trail now has a new goal to reach $700,000, which will cover the cost of both the land and the land exchange process. To find out more and learn how you can help, go to: http://www.rainbowtrail.org/about/land-exchange/
 Retreat, Renew, and Recharge at RTLC Whether you are looking for a space to study and reflect, a home base for a ski retreat, time to make plans for the future, or just need to kick back and relax, RTLC staff can help you plan a wonderful retreat. With many options for lodging, food, activities, programs, and assistance in planning, we can help put together the perfect retreat package for your congregation. There are great winter and spring dates available. Visit www.rainbowtrail.org/retreats for more information, or contact Ben Larson by email or phone (719-431-0050).
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HEALTH PLAN UPDATE
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 Portico Announces Changes for the 2013 ELCA Health Plan
Portico Benefit Services Regional Representative Andrea Arey invites rostered leaders 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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Colorado Springs Organist Needed
First Lutheran Church of Colorado Springs, a large congregation with a strong traditional music program, is seeking an organist. The successful candidate should be an accomplished organist who will provide quality organ music to enrich the worship life of the congregation. The candidate must be a skilled accompanist for choir, soloists and instrumentalists. Also, the candidate will be responsible for three Sunday services and two choir rehearsals weekly, plus additional services for Advent, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. A 41 rank, three manual Casavant organ was installed in 2005. Please visit the church website: www.flccsc.org for job description and application instructions.
apply by October 31 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.
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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
Visiting with Peace Lutheran Church, Akron, CO; Visiting with All Saints and Bethlehem Lutheran Churches, Brush, CO; Visiting with Peace Lutheran Church, Sterling, CO; Utah Conference Missional Gathering, Salt Lake City, UT; Peace in Christ ELM Organizational Event, Elizabeth, CO; All Staff Retreat, Indian Hills CO.
Faith Formation meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO; Utah Conference Missional Gathering, Salt Lake City, UT; Children, Youth and Household Ministry Conversations, Salt Lake City, UT;
Lead Cross+generational Hour, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Logan, UT; All Staff Retreat, Indian Hills CO.
Available by email
or phone appointment.
Preaching at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO; All Staff Retreat, Indian Hills CO.
Pastor Ron Roschke
Confirmation Service at Grace Lutheran Church, Boulder, CO; All Staff Retreat, Indian Hills CO; Public Theology Lecture, University of Colorado Campus, Boulder, CO.
Visiting with Peace Lutheran Church, Akron, CO; Visiting with All Saints and Bethlehem Lutheran Churches, Brush, CO; Visiting with Peace Lutheran Church, Sterling, CO; Utah Conference Missional Gathering, Salt Lake City, UT; All Staff Retreat, Indian Hills CO.
Pastor Rob Moss
Metro East Conference Missional Gathering, Augustana Lutheran Church, Denver, CO; Utah Conference Missional Gathering, Salt Lake City, UT; Preaching at Ascension Lutheran Church, Ogden, UT; All Staff Retreat, Indian Hills CO.
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
Colorado Council of Churches Criminal Justice Committee meeting, Denver, CO; All Families Deserve a Chance Executive Committee meeting, Denver, CO; All Staff Retreat, Indian Hills CO.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
Health Care for All Steering Committee meeting, Albuquerque, NM; New Mexico Conference of Churches Advisory Council meeting, Albuquerque, NM; All Staff Retreat, Indian Hills 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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ELCA eNEWSLETTER
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Horn of Africa: Drought aid one year later
ELCA members have contributed over $1 million in the last year to help those struggling to survive the African drought. Many have been helped, but the need is still great. Read more at:
Jamaica: Helping others heal
Seven seminary students in Jamaica experience inner healing as they learn how to bring healing to others. Read more of this story from ELCA missionaries David and Mary Kuck at:
A close-up view of world poverty and hunger
The Center for Global Education at Augsburg College "will make you think, laugh, challenge your understanding of the world, grow, and generally experience the world in ways you never have before," says one student. With funding from your donations to ELCA World Hunger, for 25 years it's been providing a grassroots look at the causes of hunger and poverty in Latin America and Southern Africa. Read more at:
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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!
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
America by the Numbers:
film about refugees in America
Join Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains for an inspirational film about refugees in America on October 25, 2012, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Denver Film Society, located at 2510 East Colfax (Lowenstein CulturePlex).
Tickets are available at the Denver Film center website.
Co-Sponsored By:
The Denver Film Society, Rocky Mountain Public TV, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains,
Women's and Girls Lead
Walter Brueggemann to Present
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.
 Professor David Lose will Speak
at Our Saviour's, Fort Collins 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.  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.
SuperKids After School Program for 2012-2013 Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in Denver and Saint Paul Lutheran Church of Denver have teamed up once again to offer the SuperKids After School Program for the 2012-2013 school year. The program goes from October 16, 2012 through May 2013 and lasts from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.  Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Cristo Rey Community Center (church address) to help students with homework as well as provide academic activities and recreational fun. The program is designed for elementary school students in kindergarten to sixth grade. There is no cost for students in the program. If you would like more information, please view the flyer for the schedule, activities and the registration form, contact the church at 303-934-6948 or contact Pastor Armando Rangel at 720-297-1550.
 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.
 Bright Stars of Bethlehem Presents:
A Weekend With Pastor Mitri Raheb of the Christmas Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, Palestine "Instruments of Peace" Bright Stars of Bethlehem - Colorado Chapter will be hosting a series of events featuring Dr. Raheb Mitri, during the first week of December. 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. The events will take place in the Denver and Fort Collins area and newsletter announcements and bulletin inserts are available for November and December. Wednesday, December 5 - Advent worship with Pastor Mitri at Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village (80113) Thursday, December 6 - Pastors' lunch at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins is an evening fundraising event - contact Jody by email (jodylockwood@comcast.net) or phone (970-214-8086). Friday, December 7 at 7:00 - 7:00 p.m. Concert at Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA)
301 E. Stuart Street, Fort Collins (80525) Saturday, December 8 - 5:00 p.m. worship and concert at Redeemer Lutheran (LCMS) Fort Collins Sunday, December 9 at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00: worship with Pastor Mitri at Redeemer Lutheran 9:30 - Adult Education Forum with Bright Stars' Vice President Beth Chase December 1-2 and 8-9 - Bethlehem Bazaar at Redeemer Lutheran Church - sale of products and artwork from artisans in Bethlehem For more information, see the flyer or contact Jan Miller by email. janlmiller@q.com Fundraising during the weekend events will benefit Dar Al-Kalima Lutheran College in Bethlehem, providing instruments for the music program at the college.
Alternative Giving Fair and Market Nov. 4 and 5 in Fort Collins
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, located at 1200 South Taft Hill Road in Fort Collins (80521), will host an Alternative Giving Fair and Market on Saturday, November 3 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 4 from 9:00 a.m. until noon.
If you have questions, please contact the church office by email or phone (970-482-9692).
 Lutheran Family Services: Colorado Gives Day 2012
24 Hours to Give
Where You Live!
Support Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains on Colorado Gives Day - Tuesday, December 4th! Last year, Coloradans came together to raise $12.8 million dollars!
- 100% of your donation will come to LFS.
- The value of your donation will be increased by the FirstBank Incentive Fund.
Donate online on December 4, 2012, or pre-schedule your donation today! www.GivingFirst.org/lfsrm
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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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