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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
November 13, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Conference Mission Gatherings:
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
Tuesday, November 13
Metro South
Holy Trinity, Littleton, 6:30 - 9:00 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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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | |
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Almighty God, your sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth. Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world, trusting that your kingdom comes and your will is done through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Sundays and Seasons Year B
Renee Lier to be Ordained and Installed on November 17 and 18
 Renee Lier and the congregation of First Lutheran Church, Longmont, CO, invite everyone to celebrate her Service of Ordination at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2012.
First Lutheran Church is located at 803 W. Third Avenue in Longmont, CO (80501). Bishop James Gonia will preside. The color of the day is red. All clergy, diaconal ministers, and associates in ministry are encouraged to vest and participate.
Renee has been called to be Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Ault, Colorado. Please join Renee and the congregation for her Service of Installation at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 18, 2012. First Lutheran Church is located at 402 Graefe Avenue (80610). Rev. Sarah Moening, Synod Minister for Discipleship, will preside. The color of the day is green. All clergy, diaconal ministers, and associates in ministry are invited to vest and participate.
There will be receptions following both services and everyone is welcome.
Synod Prayer Cycle: ELCA Ministries and Ecumenical Organizations
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for December is available. to remember in prayers on 11/18:
California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks, California
Christopher Kimball
Iliff School of Theology
Denver, Colorado
Rev. Tink Tinker
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Berkeley, California
Phyllis Anderson
Wartburg College West
Denver, Colorado
Rev. Bonita Bock, Rev. Nelson Bock
Colorado Council of Churches
Denver, Colorado
Rev. Dr. James Ryan
New Mexico Conference of Churches
Bernalillo, New Mexico
Rev. Dr. Donna McNiel
Wyoming Association of Churches
Laramie, Wyoming
Chesie Lee
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EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in JORDAN and the HOLY LAND
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 Life in Palestine through another Lens
Learn about life in Palestine from the personal blog of Kai Staats who is serving for 4-months as the Interim Communication's Assistant to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). Kai is the son of Linda Staats, Minister for Special Projects in the Office of the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod (ELCA).
His blog entry, At a Round Table with The Elders, gives insight into the current situation. The ELCJHL is led by Bishop Younan, also President of the Lutheran World Federation. The ELCA accompanies the ELCJHL in many ways, including placing six Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM's) there for 2012-2013. Their individual blogs give a glimpse into daily life in Palestine. Check out the RMS Peace Not Walls web page to learn more of how our local leaders are actively involved.
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY - NEW MEXICO
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Conference is November 17
"Advocacy: Making a Difference"
Registration deadline is today, November 13!
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 MALARIA CAMPAIGN UPDATE
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We Can Help Make Malaria History
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 would like to have a chance at the Synod Assembly (May 2-4, 2013) to celebrate our reaching the $200,000 goal. This is well within reach! 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!
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| CHILDREN, YOUTH and HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY |
RMS Senior High Youth Gathering
Registration is now closed. If you have registration updates or questions, please email RC Reiman.
Please keep the SHYG Planning Team and the 500 youth and caring adults traveling this weekend to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park in your prayers as they gather and Connect-4 Life. The community will live out and explore: Friday p.m.: Light: Genesis 1:3, John 1:1-5 and Matthew 5:14-16. Saturday a.m.: Image: Genesis 1:26 and Romans 5, Saturday p.m.: Friends: Genesis 1:27-28 and John 15:12-13. Sunday a.m.: Enjoyment: Genesis 1:31 and Romans 14:17. All the required forms, packing lists and details for the Saturday eve party are available on the website.
"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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| GENEROSITY PROJECT |
Developing Generous Households
workshop is November 29
An extension of the Rocky Mountain Synod's Generosity Project funded by a grant from the ELCA
 Thursday, November 29, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the foundations of the Generosity Project will be presented for congregational leaders at the RMS offices. The focus is a Cross+Generational approach to stewardship and developing the faith practice of Generosity in the Home. We will be joined by Debbie Streicher who shares her passion for family ministry in her role as Family Ministries Consultant with Faith Inkubators; Associate Consultant for Vibrant Faith Ministries, and President-elect for Lutheran Association of Christian Educators. A fee of $10/person or $25/congregation includes all materials and lunch. To register, please call 303-777-6700 or email Cheryl Almquist. Please download, print and share the flyer to help promote the event Generations of Generosity
& Generous Households: December 1 Saturday, December 1, your entire Household is invited to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO, to experience Generations of Generosity and Generous Households. From 9 a.m. to noon, join us for a fun, interactive time for all ages! Go home with your very own milk jug piggy-bank. Let us know you are coming: register with Cheryl Almquist by email or phone 303-777-6700. More information is available on the flyer that you may download, print and share with others.
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| URBAN SERVANT CORPS NEWS |
Pancake Breakfast for Urban Servant Corps is December 2
Bethany Lutheran Church will host a pancake breakfast to support the Urban Servant Corps on Sunday, December 2, 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 is December 5  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 is December 12  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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RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP
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RTLC: Working now to Complete the Land Exchange Process
The 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).
RTLC Part of Colorado Gives Day December 4, 2012 Support RTLC on Colorado Gives Day! On Tuesday, December 4, 2012, Coloradans will come together again to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits like ours. Last year, a remarkable $12.8 million was distributed to Colorado nonprofits. RTLC raised close to $24,000 in that 24 hour period. Their goal this year is to raise $40,000. All funds raised will go towards the Annual Fund. Since they are in the middle of their land purchase some have shifted their annual fund donation towards the Capital appeal. But, they still need contributions to the annual fund to sustain day-to-day operations. Mark your Calendars!
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FOR CONGREGATIONS
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 St Mark Lutheran Church of Aurora has Items to Donate
St. Mark Lutheran Church in Aurora, CO has a number of items that the congregation would like to donate to a congregation that could use them. Please click on the
thumbnail to the right to see the items enlarged. For more information, please contact or phone (303-366-9702).
Along with the items in the photo, St Mark has some acolyte apparel of various sizes and colors to donate.
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JOB POSTINGS
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Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries in Loveland, Colorado
The full-time position at Zion Lutheran Church in Loveland, Colorado, seeks a balance between (1) equipping, empowering, and training adults for youth and family ministry and (2) maintaining direct, positive, faith-filled relationships with children, youth, and families. The ministry description is posted at www.zionloveland.com.
Resumes can be sent to jobs@zionloveland.com; deadline is Friday, November 16, 2012.
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.
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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
All Staff meeting, Denver
CO Council of Churches, Denver,
Mobility Team meeting, Denver
Senior High Youth Gathering, Estes Park, CO
Ordination of Renee Lier, Longmont, CO
Madagascar Trip
Linda Staats
All Staff meeting via Webex
Pastor Kent Mueller
All Staff meeting, Denver
Assembly Planning Team meeting, Loveland, CO
Pastor Ron Roschke
All Staff meeting, Denver
Pastor Sarah Moening
All Staff meeting, Denver
Our Redeemer, Ft. Morgan, CO
Senior High Youth Gathering, Estes Park, CO
Installation of Renee Lier, Ault, CO
Pastor Rob Moss
All Staff meeting, Denver
Visiting with the Utah Conference
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
All Staff meeting, Denver
St. John's Senior Program meeting, Thornton, CO
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
All Staff meeting via Webex
Medicaid Coalition meeting, Albuquerque, NM
Individual Dev. Accounts meeting, Santa Fe, NM
LAM-NM Advocacy Conference, Albuquerque, 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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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Las Posadas: A Christmas Play
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey invites you to a Christmas Posadas on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the church located at 1010 East Yandell Drive in El Paso (79902) where the Christmas Play and the service will take place.
 The meal, Mariachis, Pi�ata, and celebration will be at 915 Florence at 7:00 p.m.
The cost is $10 per person but the event is FREE for people who make donations for this event. Please reserve your ticket soon!
For more information, you may call Pat or Rose Mary at 915-544-6545 or 915-422-6545. To learn more about the tradition of Las Posadas, please check out the Rocky Mountain Synod website.
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| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
 PeaceJam Foundation's fourth annual Hero Awards Luncheon is November 13 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
 HFASS Operation: Turkey Sandwich For the past 4 years, House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver , CO has planned and implemented "Operation: Turkey Sandwich" whereby brown bag Thanksgiving meals are distributed to folks who can't experience a "traditional" dinner because they are working on Thanksgiving Day. (This year, Thanksgiving Day is November 22.) Volunteers make fresh turkey sandwiches and put them in a lunch sack with mayo, mustard, salt & pepper, a pumpkin cookie and stuffing muffin. Each sack has a colorful sticker that says "It sucks you have to work on  Thanksgiving. Operation: Turkey Sandwich - Brought to you by House for All Sinners and Saints." Then the volunteers go all over town handing out the lunches to anyone they find who is working, such as store clerks, bus drivers and police officers. You can help by cooking or baking, assembling lunches, driving around handing them out (super fun!), or donating money. You can also help by sharing this event with others who might want to make it happen. You can't imagine how grateful people are to have us suddenly show up at their workplace with Thanksgiving lunch! We'd love for you join us for this awesome opportunity to serve others on Thanksgiving. Email us at houseforallsinnersandsaints@gmail.com
Centus Counseling: fundraising through Creator Mundi November 18 - December 1
Help raise funds for Centus (Denver's network of Samaritan Counseling Centers) while providing yourself and others with high quality, culturally authentic sacred art. 15% of your purchase will be returned to Centus between November 18 and December 1.
Cherry Creek North Store Location:
2910 East Third Avenue, Denver, 80206
Remember to inform the clerk that your purchases benefit Centus!
HOURS
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Find them online at: www.creatormundi.com
When checking out online in Step 4, enter Centus80210 into the PO# box (do NOT enter it in the coupon box).
Seeking a counselor? Learn about Centus at www.centus.org. Counselors are available at ten metro Denver congregational sites.
 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.
 Four Winds American Indian Council
Art Show November 16 and 17
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: Rocky Mountains
Gives Day 2012 is December 4
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
New Group for Progressive Lutherans
Imagine belonging to a group of people who meet once a month for discussions of Bible texts, church events, books, theological developments, and more. Imagine that group becoming a bunch of friends, engaged in refreshed discipleship, theological development, and restful companionship.
Are you a progressive theological thinker and interested in a group like that? All are welcome to attend, although the group might attract mostly rostered leaders.
A suggested meeting time is the second Monday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon and possibility lunch together. We can meet at Messiah Community Church, 1750 Colorado Blvd, Denver (80220). The first meeting will be January 14, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. As topics, Wolfgang Stahlberg suggests a discussion on Marcus Borg's book Speaking Christian and an introduction (or re-introduction) to the Enneagram. All are welcome!
If you have questions, please contact Pastor Wolfgang Stahlberg by email or phone (303-355-4471).
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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