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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
October 30, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Office of the Bishop Staff has 25 hour retreat together
The staff of the RMS Office of the Bishop met for a 25 hour retreat for building the team relationships and doing initial work on goals and action plans for the next year. With the leadership of facilitator Dale Sollom-Brotherton, they met at Messiah Mountain Retreat Center, a ministry of Messiah Community Church, ELCA, Denver. The retreat center is just outside metro Denver in Indians Hills, CO.
Bishop Gonia has posted a new blog:
A Church in Reformation
"...As I ponder the meaning of our identity as a church of the Reformation, I find myself thinking about the many times I've experienced Reformation Sunday as a celebration of Lutheran heritage rather than as what I believe it should be - a kick in our ecclesiological pants to remind us that we are a church always called into new ways of being and doing..."
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, 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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| ALL SAINTS DAY EUCHARIST |
RMS Eucharist is Thursday at 9 a.m. This weeks "office of the bishop" eucharist is on All Saints' Day, Thursday, November 1, at Highlands Lutheran Church in Denver at 9:00 a.m. (There is no eucharist Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Office of the Bishop this week.) The eucharist is in conjunction with this week's candidacy meetings. All are invited to join us for this eucharist celebration. Map to Highlands. Rostered leaders may sign up to lead worship. We are seeking leaders for Nov 7, 28, Dec 5! Please volunteer today! Sign up now |
| CHILDREN, YOUTH and HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY |
Recharge is coming to Denver
This 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.
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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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | Twenty-third 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
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 Kilgus
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HEALTH PLAN UPDATE
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 Portico Announces Changes for the 2013 ELCA Health Plan
The meeting is this Thursday! 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! |
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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| URBAN SERVANT CORPS NEWS |
Upcoming
Urban Servant Corps Events
All Saint's Sunday Pancake Breakfast  Sunday morning, November 4, 2012 Between liturgies
500 East Alameda Avenue
Denver, CO 80246 Bethany Lutheran Church will host a pancake breakfast to support the Urban Servant Corps on Sunday, December 2, 2012 between liturgies. Bethany is located at 4500 East Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113. Both of these events will support the Urban Servant Corps volunteer's retreat to visit our sister organization, Border Servant Corps.
Advent Prayer Breakfast  Begin Advent with Prayer at the USC Advent Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, December 5 at 8:00 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, located at 915 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80218. You will have the opportunity to learn the sung prayer service that was written for USC's 10 year Anniversary in honor of the 25th Anniversary that is being celebrated this year!
Ten Thousand Villages Community Shopping Benefit  Wednesday, December 12 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. When you shop at Ten Thousand Villages (a fair trade retailer) on 12/12/12 a portion of your purchase will be donated to Urban Servant Corps! A great way to tackle your Christmas shopping and make a contribution! Check them out online or visit the store located at 2626 East 3rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80206.
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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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RMS UPDATE for the ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN
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 Youth Leading the Way to Reach the $200K Goal
The Rocky Mountain Synod's contributions have passed the $170,000 mark, on our way to our goal of $200,000 raised to fight malaria in Africa! The Malaria Campaign Steering Committee hopes to celebrate reaching our goal at the Synod Assembly (May 2-4, 2103) to celebrate our reaching the $200,000 goal. Our youth have led the way to make  the Rocky Mountain Synod among the top six contributors across the church toward this project.
Maybe your congregation would like to include a special line item in your 2013 budget to help us reach our goal. Many congregations all around the synod have found creative and fun ways to raise awareness and funds for this incredible cause. We'd like to gather some stories of what your congregation has done and share them with everyone else in the synod through the synod's eConnections newsletter.
Please send your story (and pictures make it even better!) to Synod Minister Ron Roschke at rroschke@rmselca.org. Together we have the power to end malaria and make a huge difference in the lives of millions of people. Thanks for your partnership!
photo from the ELCA website
Mosquito net distribution in Mozambique
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RMS LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY-COLORADO
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Sign a letter in support of
protecting five vital programs
 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - CO supports ending subsidies to the oil and gas industry and instead protecting five vital programs. 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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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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PARISH NURSE ASSOCIATION
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 Please submit the names of parish nurses serving in the synodIf 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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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. 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
Colorado Council of Churches Breakfast, Denver, CO; ELCA Madagascar Consultation by Webex; Candidacy Meetings, Highlands Lutheran Church, Denver, CO; Metro West (eastern portion) Conference Missional Gathering, St. John's Lutheran Church, Thornton, CO; Border Conference Missional Gathering, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Alamogordo, NM; Region 2 Global Mission Event, Santa Ana, CA; Visit to the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, IL.
Middle School Youth Gathering Site Visit, Colorado Springs, CO; Recharge Event, Greenwood Village CO; Senior High School Youth Gathering Site Visit. Available by email
or phone appointment.
In the office serving as Synod Minister for Connected Community.
Pastor Ron Roschke
ELCA Madagascar Consultation by Webex; Candidacy Interviews and Meetings, Highlands Lutheran Church, Denver, CO; Region 2 Global Mission Event, Santa Ana, CA.
Preaching at Highlands Lutheran Church, Denver, CO; Senior High School Youth Gathering Site Visit, Estes Park, CO; Visiting with the congregation of King of Kings Lutheran Church, Pueblo, CO; Speaking at the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO.
Pastor Rob Moss
Metro West (eastern portion) Conference Missional Gathering, St. John's Lutheran Church, Thornton, CO.
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
Metro West (eastern portion) Conference Gathering, St. John's Lutheran Church, Thornton, CO; Visiting with the congregation of Christ the servant Lutheran Church, Louisville, CO; Region 2 Global Mission Event, Santa Ana, CA.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
ERD Legislative Committee meeting, Santa Fe, NM; Border Conference Missional Gathering, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Alamogordo, NM.
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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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| GLOBAL LINKS | |
Zambia: Malaria cases cut in half The ELCA Malaria Campaign is making a difference by preventing, treating and controlling the disease in Africa. In Zambia, the incidence of the disease is half what it once was. Read more at www.ELCA.org/Zambia-malaria.
Central African Republic: The people's language
To live and work in Africa is to be immersed in many languages. ELCA missionary Susan Smith, already fluent in French, the language of the government, is learning Sango, the language of the people, to "better understand their worldview," she says. Read more at www.ELCA.org/CAR-language.
China: ELCA committed to Chinese church
In his first visit to China, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, shared a message of hope, appreciation for and commitment to the ministries and relationships between ELCA members and Chinese Christians. Read more at www.ELCA.org/China-church.
Syria: Numbers tell a sad story
The number of refugees is expected to swell from 100,000 to 700,000 by the end of the year. Many are not prepared for the cold weather soon to come. Women and children comprise 75 percent of the current refugees. Many families have become separated. Read more at www.ELCA.org/Syria-refugees.
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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
 In pace: A Requiem of Peace U.S. Premiere Concert, Saturday, November 3, 7:30 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E. Alameda Ave, Denver, 80246) Augustana's Chancel Choir; Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra; Bruce Johnson, soloist; Dick Larson, conductor Augustana's Chancel Choir and members of Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dick Larson, present In pace: A Requiem of Peace by Steven G. Morgan, composer and professor at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan. This unique work draws on texts from the Book of Common Prayer, the New Testament, as well as the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, Thich Nhat Hanh, Black Elk, and John Henry Newman. This is the North American premiere concert here at Augustana. The concert is free and childcare will be available. This is a rare opportunity to hear this work for the first time in the United States. For additional information, contact Augustana Lutheran Church (303-388-4678 or www.augustanadenver.org).
 PeaceJam Foundation's fourth annual Hero Awards Luncheon This event will feature 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner and fellow Lutheran, Leymah Gbowee, who will speak about her amazing work that played a critical role in ending Liberia's brutal civil war. Gbowee's long relationship with ELCA dates back to 2004, and she was recently the keynote speaker for the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering. JOIN US NOVEMBER 13, 2012 DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 10:30 VIP and Sponsor Receptions 12:00-1:30 (Doors open at 11:30) For tickets: Call 303-455-2099 or visit http://www.peacejam.org/luncheon.aspx
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.
 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).
 Four Winds American Indian Council to Host Fundraising Art Show
In its process of becoming more financially independent, the Four Winds American Indian Council will host an art show featuring art work by local and nationally known Indigenous and Native American artists. The hope is to raise a significant amount of money for upkeep of their current facility. The community is invited to come and enjoy a unique fine art exhibit and sales event which will take place on Friday, November 16 from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This is not only an opportunity to support 4 Winds but also an opportunity to learn more about the organization and its programs.
On Friday and Saturday, take part in celebrating Native American heritage Month. This is a opportunity to purchase original paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Also, view and cast your vote for a "People's Choice Award" for traditional works including carvings, beadwork, quillwork, and traditional clothing. Enjoy Native American food and live entertainment throughout the event.
No RSVP is needed. Please take time to visit the art show as you are able and be amazed by some of the incredible art work. If you are unable to attend, please lend your prayers of support for this event and for the 4 Winds American Indian Council.
Four Winds is located at 201 West 5th Avenue in Denver (80204) at the corner of 5th and Bannock.
 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
EventsTwelve, Twelve, Twelve Project
4500 East Hampden Avenue Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 Bethany has created a blog that will be updated regularly.T his 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.
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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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