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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
November 27, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Snapshots from Madagascar
Bishop Gonia and his daughter, Caroline, are travelling in Madagascar to build relationships and to connect with our brothers and sisters in our Companion Synods.
Bishop Gonia, left, enjoyed Thanksgiving Day with eight ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) serving in Madagascar for one year.
Caroline Gonia, Bishop Gonia's daughter, at Maevantanna Lutheran Church, with Voahangy.
Bishop Gonia brought greetings to the people of Maevantanna Lutheran Church. He speaks the Malagasy language.
Bishop Gonia met in conversation with the 41 students at Betela Seminary.
Letters from RMS youth, written at our recent High School Youth Gathering, were delivered to Betela Seminary and will be shared throughout our Companion Synods.
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | |
First Sunday of Advent
Stir up your power Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sundays and Seasons Year B
Pastor DJ Dent to be Installed as Associate at Christ Lutheran Church
The community is invited to the Service of Installation for the Rev. Daniel (DJ) Dent, Jr. as Associate Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Highlands Ranch, CO, on Sunday, December 2, 2012, at the 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. worship services. The Rev. Kent Mueller, Synod Minister for Connected Community, will preach and represent the Office of the Bishop. A reception will follow both services. Clergy are invited to attend the installation and vest. The color of the day is blue.
Pastor DJ comes to us from the Northwestern Ohio Synod and is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. He will be joined by his wife Jennifer and his children, Grace (5) and Caleb (1).
Synod Prayer Cycle: Utah Conference
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 12/2:
Ascension Ogden, UT
Matthew Muters
Ascension St. Matthew's
Price, UT
James Drury
Christ the King South Jordan, UT
Scott Stein
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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. You may also download, print and share the flyer to help promote the event
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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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CONFERENCE MISSIONAL GATHERINGS
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 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.
 Conference Mission Gatherings are exceptionally well-attended! The Missional Gatherings have been attended very well, with new insights about mission and ministry shared amongst those present. The final three gatherings are listed above.
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RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP
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RTLC is Part of Colorado Gives Day December 4
Support RTLC on Colorado Gives Day! On Tuesday, December 4, 2012, Coloradans will come together again to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits like RTLC. 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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LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES ROCKY MOUNTAINS
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LFS 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
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| CHILDREN, YOUTH and HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY |
"Let's Eat!"
Middle School Youth Gathering, January 18-20 in Colorado Springs
REGISTRATION CLOSES
DECEMBER 10TH.
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! Keep checking out the website to see the choices for workshops and the lastest MSYG details.
RMS Senior High Youth Gathering Participants "Kicked it up a Notch" for Malaria 
The 468 folks gathered for the SHYG contributed $1,540.82 toward the ELCA Malaria Campaign and Lutheran Disaster Relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
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ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN UPDATE
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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 our 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!
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ADULT MISSION TRIP PLANNED
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Evergreen Lutheran to Host
Anapra, Mexico Mission Trip with Rainbow Trail
Evergreen Lutheran Church wishes to invite all congregation members who may be interested to join Evergreen Lutheran in an adult mission trip to build a house in Anapra, Mexico with the Bridging Borders ministry of Rainbow Trail.
 Rainbow Trail's longest running service trip, Bridging Borders Mexico is a unique service opportunity in Anapra, Mexico. You will work on a building site for the week and will build a home for a family in need from the ground up. Experience the intense impact of living on the other side of the border where people are focused on loving their families and living with joy instead of material possessions.
For more information, please contact Dave Kirberg of Evergreen Lutheran Church by email or Ash McConnell of Rainbow Trail by email or phone (719-276-5233).
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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 and the latest crisis 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).
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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ELCA WORLD HUNGER EVENT
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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.
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ELCA MISSIONARY SPONSORSHIP
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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.
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Every Person, Every Congregation, Every Ministry, Boldly Serving
God's Mission in Christ
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THIS WEEK
Bishop Jim Gonia
Conclude Madagascar Trip.
Begin Region 2 Mobility Conference, Sacramento, CA.
Linda Staats
Generosity Project - Developing Generous Households Hosting and Training, Denver, CO.
Highland Lutheran Church Council Retreat, Denver, CO.
Middle School Youth Gathering Planning meeting at Lutheran Church of Hope, Louisville, CO.
Pastor Kent Mueller
Installation of Pastor DJ Dent at Christ Lutheran Church in Highlands Ranch, CO.
Pastor Ron Roschke
Doing the work of the Synod Minister for Shared Ministry.
Pastor Sarah Moening
Generosity Project - Developing Generous Households Training, Denver, CO.
Meeting of Northern Colorado Theological Book Group.
Begin Region 2 Mobility Conference, Sacramento, CA.
Pastor Rob Moss
Doing the work of the Interim Director for Evangelical Mission.
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
All Families Deserve a Chance Legislative Committee meeting, Denver, CO.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
Retreat with the congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, NM.
Legislative Finance Committee meeting, Santa Fe, NM.
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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
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
eNewsletter of the ELCA
Hurricane Sandy: ELCA provides and receives aid
In the wake of the devastation in the U.S. from the storms spawned by Hurricane Sandy, the ELCA is for the first time receiving international aid from The Lutheran World Federation. Through ELCA Disaster Response, this church is also providing relief to the storm-damaged areas of the U.S. and the Caribbean. Read more.
Peru: An inspiring Global Mission story
"Today, we made history!" was the reaction of the Protestant bride and Catholic groom after the Rev. Dana Nelson, an ELCA missionary in Peru, assisted in their wedding ceremony. The couple had sought her out for their "mixed" marriage because they heard Lutherans were "open minded." To read this and more stories from ELCA missionaries, download the autumn Hand in Hand Newsletter or bulletin inserts.
Colombia: Small business makes big difference.
Jency, a young girl in Colombia, has a brighter future thanks to contributions to ELCA World Hunger that helped her mother and two friends learn to run a small business. The income from their spa helps them provide for their families. Without it, "life would be very difficult," they say. Read more.
Nepal: Cleaner water for healthier life
Amrita Shahi, of Ruma, Nepal, doesn't get sick from her water like she used to. She now keeps her drinking water sanitary by using simple techniques learned from education programs sponsored by The Lutheran World Federation. Read more.
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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
Centus Counseling: fundraising through Creator Mundi until 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 now 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 Sunday, 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.
 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.
"Baking Bread with Ron"
Pastor Ron Glusenkamp of Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO is a baker and has been asked a  number of times about what he considers the best communion bread recipe. So, Pastor Glusenkamp has created a video titled "Baking Bread with Ron." He uses a well-known, well-used, well-loved recipe that Luther Seminary has provided for more than 25 years. This communion bread is served as part of the seminary's weekly Holy Communion service in chapel each Wednesday and is known throughout the country as one of the best tasting and easiest to make.
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
Holy Shepherd Presents: "Holy Light" Christmas Cantata
Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 920 Kipling St. in Lakewood (80215) will be presenting the Christmas Cantata, "Holy Light", by Robert Hobby on Sunday evening, December 16th. We invite you to this wonderful musical evening which will feature Holy Shepherd's 30 voices Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Children's Choir, Brass Quintet, Percussion, and Organ. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church. The cantata is a gift to the community, so admission is free. For more information, please contact the church at 303-233-2740.
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).
Cross of Christ, Broomfield, CO, presents Christmas Concert:
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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