|
|
|
|
|
|
eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
November 20, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
|
Thanksgiving Gratitude:
"Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow!"
We received this letter from Pastor Carrie Bayless, First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO, and we share it in a spirit of Thanksgiving gratitude.
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
It is with great joy and thanksgiving we write this note to you. On Thanksgiving Day, our daughter, Emmy, will complete her 27-month course of treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
We have been on this journey for over two years completing many tests and procedures, hours of chemotherapy, and more blood draws than we care to remember. We have had many good days and some not so good. Through all of it we have been uplifted by your prayers, strengthened by your unending support, and amazed by the faith that you have provided us when ours may have been weak. There are no words appropriate to express our gratitude to each of you.
Emmy is a spirited child who loves the Lord, which we believe is a reflection of those who surround her at First and in our family of faith. We have much to be thankful for this Holiday Season and always. Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow!
With Love,
|
| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | |
Christ the King Sunday
Almighty and ever-living God, you anointed your beloved Son to be priest and sovereign forever. Grant that all the people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united by the glorious and gentle rule of Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sundays and Seasons Year B
Bishop Gonia travels to Madagascar
Read about Bishop Gonia's journey to Madagascar in his blogpost. We remember him in our prayers-that he has a safe journey and that he builds our companion synod relationships with our brothers and sisters in the Malagasy Lutheran Church.
Synod Prayer Cycle: RMS Office of the Bishop
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 11/25:
Bishop James Gonia
Ron Roschke
Sarah Moening
Linda Staats
Rob Moss
Kent Mueller
Cheryl Almquist
Janice Ladd-Horkey
Willie Hobbs
Brad Wood
Ruth Hoffman
|
ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN UPDATE
|
Other Ways You Can Help Make Malaria History
Lucas Owuor-Omondi is the Malaria Programme Officer from the Lutheran Communion of Southern Africa (LUCSA) and oversees malaria programming in five countries. He was welcomed to Chicago recently and spoke about the work being implemented on the ground. He was able to engage with Churchwide staff, local congregations and the ELCA Malaria Campaign National Leadership Team during his visit and Lucas shared insights from his field work, which reflects the importance of the work to a community in Zambia.
Malaria and ELCA Good Gifts
The ELCA Good Gifts Catalog offers more than 50 gifts to give in honor of a friend or loved one. These gifts support the many ministries of the ELCA. Did you know that several Good Gifts benefit the ELCA Malaria Campaign? Mosquito nets and medical care are among the gifts that you can choose. To see all of the ELCA Good Gifts which relate to malaria, click here.
Once you've chosen a gift, be sure to tell the honoree. The ELCA offers printable cards and e-cards so that you can announce your gift. If you would like to receive a card and envelope by mail, contact allison.beebe@elca.org or 773-380-2724.
Reports from the Global Mission Unit Two reports you might find interesting: the ELCA Malaria Campaign Program Status Report. Here, you'll find the latest facts and figures from the countries where malaria program work is underway. The other is the Dashboard. This document provides a quick snapshot of which stage of programming each country has reached
Synod Giving Totals
As always, the spreadsheet with giving totals for your synod is available. We are continually overwhelmed with the generosity of the ELCA. The numbers on the spreadsheet are for November 1. However, as of last week, we reached $5 million! We are one-third of the way towards our goal - thanks in large part to you!
|
| CHILDREN, YOUTH and HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY |
"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.
|
GREETINGS from BETHANY COLLEGE
|
Christmas Greeting from Bethany College
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881 and located in Lindsborg, Kansas, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)and sends its best wishes as you prepare for Christmas
The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning and service.
 May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of His love at Christmas and always.
(For a video greeting, please visit www.bethanylb.edu/MerryChristmas.)
|
| 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. You may also 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.
|
| SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS ARE NEEDED |
Trinity Lutheran College Presents: "NEXT"
The Campaign to Raise Leaders for the
Next Generation
Trinity Lutheran College seeks nominations for $56,000 youth ministry scholarships.  Do you know someone who would make an exceptional leader in youth or children's ministry, community social services, camping leadership, or pastoral ministry? Trinity Lutheran College's Children, Youth & Family Studies program is recruiting top-notch students through recommendations from church leaders and pastors. Referrals to the program serve as nominations for several scholarships - worth up to $56,000! Students are also eligible to participate in Trinity's free January Term international travel program.
For more information (or to submit a referral), visit www.tlc.edu/next or contact Professor Mark Jackson at 425-249-4721. As a bonus, nominators will receive a $10 coffee gift card.
|
| 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.
|
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in JORDAN and the HOLY LAND
|
 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.
|
CONFERENCE MISSIONAL 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
"Deeply Rooted, Bearing Fruit"
Conference Mission Gatherings
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.
|
ELCA WORLD HUNGER EVENT
|
ELCA Ethics of Eating Leadership Training Event
ELCA World Hunger is planning an Ethics of Eating event January 24-27, 2013, in the Davis, California area. We're looking for people who want to explore food production first hand, connect with other leaders, and get involved in hunger work.
It may seem obvious that food is essential to our lives and communities. But what we see on our plates is part of a complex process that involves a confluence of lives,  communities and systems. The Ethics of Eating event will explore U.S. food production and the global food distribution system as it relates to hunger, worker rights, and the environment.
As people of faith, we approach the topic through a theological lens, while listening to those who are involved in this system for their livelihood. Join us as we consider this topic through some hands-on experience at a farm, a variety of speakers, and engaging discussion. A quote from a former participant in the event: "You really learn a lot about how what we eat is produced and the sometimes disappointing treatment of the people (and animals) who work so hard to produce that food."
For an application or more information, please download the 2013 Ethics of Eating application.
|
RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP
|
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!
|
ELCA MISSIONARY SPONSORSHIP
|
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
How can my congregation sponsor a missionary? A colorful new guide and fillable covenant for ELCA Missionary Sponsorship are now available at ELCA.org/missionarysponsorship or by calling 800-638-3522 ext. 2657.
Please share this information widely so that others may have the opportunity to participate in God's mission by sponsoring a missionary.
|
ARIZONA CAMPUS MINISTRY POSITION
|
Campus Ministry Associate Needed at Arizona State
Lutheran Campus Ministry/Arizona State University will have an opening for the position of Campus Ministry Associate (CMA). The preferred starting date is August 1, 2013, but an earlier date could be possible. Some of the duties include some worship leadership, retreats, creation, organization, and implementation of programs.
Salary is negotiable. A huge benefit for this position is free graduate tuition at ASU for the CMA and/or spouse. Candidate should be a college graduate. Experience with campus ministry is preferred. A more detailed job description is available.
Send resumes to: Pastor Gary N. McCluskey, Lutheran Campus Ministry, 340 East 15th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281 or
Questions? Use the same e-mail or call 480-967-3543 and ask for Pastor Gary. Resume deadline is January 7, 2013.
|
FOR CONGREGATIONS
|
 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.
|
|
 |
Every Person, Every Congregation, Every Ministry, Boldly Serving
God's Mission in Christ
|
THIS WEEK
Bishop Jim Gonia
Madagascar Trip through December 2, 2012.
Linda Staats
Doing the work of the Interim Synod Minister for Special Projects.
Pastor Kent Mueller
Doing the work of the Synod Minister for Connected Community.
Conference Deans Webex meeting, Denver, CO.
Pastor Ron Roschke
Doing the work of the Synod Minister for Shared Ministries.
Pastor Sarah Moening
Deepened Discipleship Team meeting, Denver, CO.
Conference Deans Webex meeting, Denver, CO.
Pastor Rob Moss
Doing the work of the Interim Director for Evangelical Mission.
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
Board Volunteer Interview, Denver, CO.
Colorado Interfaith Voices for Justice Luncheon, Denver, CO.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
Revenue Stabilization and Tax. Policy Committee meeting, Santa Fe, NM.
Health and Human Services Committee meting, Santa Fe, NM.
Interfaith Dialogue Dinner, Albuquerque, NM.
|
CALENDAR |
website calendar 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
|
|
|
|
NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
| |
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.
|
| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
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
 Four Winds American Indian Council Hosts the Sand Creek Massacre Commemoration As we accompany our brothers and sisters of 4 Winds, please consider participating in in one or more of the events that have been planned. We especially highlight the following: the Candlelight Vigil at the Denver Art Museum, Friday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m.; Prayer/Blessing at Riverside Cemetery, located at 5201 Brighton Blvd. on Sunday, November 25 at 7:00 a.m.; and Conclusion of the commemoration at the Colorado State Capitol at 10:00 a.m. There is more information about all the commemoration events in the brochure.
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.
 The Family Promise Christmas Party
The Family Promise of Greater Denver Christmas Party, for current and previous families of the program, will take place at University Park United Methodist Church from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on December 2, 2012. At the party, you will have the opportunity to decorate cookies, play reindeer games, and visit with Santa Claus. Volunteers are needed to help plan and supervise games, food and supplies, and help with wrapping gifts the day before. Groups are needed to adopt a family. Call 303-675-0713 to find your perfect spot.
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
 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.
The Lutheran Chorale Christmas Concert 2012
The Lutheran Chorale presents its Christmas concert, "Welcome Joyous Season", at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 South Allison Parkway in Lakewood, on Thursday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m. The Chorale will be joined by Green Mountain High School's Shadow of the Mountain choir, and the Golden Children's Choir. The concert will feature selections from Handel's magnificent Messiah (including as always the Hallelujah Chorus), plus contemporary Christmas music such as Roger Whitacre's Seal Lullaby based on a poem by Rudyard Kipling, and For the Sake of Our Children by Jeffrey Ames. Traditional music will include Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella arranged by John Rutter, Carol of the Bells, (a Ukrainian Christmas Carol), and Patapan (a French Christmas Carol).
Tickets: Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
| |
|
