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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
December 11, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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"Let's Eat!"
Middle School Youth Gathering, January 18-20 in Colorado Springs
Registration Deadline
EXTENDED until DECEMBER 17!
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! Check out the promotional video made by the youth at Ascension Lutheran in Colorado Springs! Keep checking out the website to see the latest MSYG details.
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TASK FORCE IS REVIEWING RMS OFFICE SPACE
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Got Office Space?
Our original lease for the Office of the Bishop was extended one year to provide the opportunity for the new bishop to be elected and the new staff to be in place prior to any additional transition related to office space. Thus, the new lease expires September 30, 2013.
If you have leads on office rental space, a building for sale, a church with extra space, or, perhaps, you just would like to donate office space or a building (relatively centrally located in Denver) to be the home of the Office of the Bishop in the Rocky Mountain Synod, please contact Kent Mueller.
Our current office space is 4343 square feet (with an additional 840 square foot conference room that is shared with all of the building tenants at no additional cost to us).
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | |
Third Sunday of Advent
Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus 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
Kirsten Sauey Hofmann
to be Ordained December 15
 All are invited to the Service of Ordination for Kirsten Sauey Hofmann on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Littleton, CO (80120). A light reception will follow. Clergy are invited to vest and the color of the day is red.
Kirsten was a youth director at Holy Trinity from 2005-2008. She graduated from PLTS in Berkeley, CA in May 2012 and completed her internship at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont, CO. She has received a call to serve Trinity Lutheran Church in Hobbs, NM.
Pastor Alena Lamirato to be installed January 13 in Buffalo, WY
Pastor Alena Lamirato began serving at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Wyoming, on the First Sunday in Advent. She will be installed by Pastor Sarah Moening, Synod Minister for Deepened Discipleship, on Sunday, January 13 2013. Everyone is welcome to attend the Service of Installation.
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 12/16:
Mount Tabor Salt Lake City, UT
David Nichols
Our Saviour's Salt Lake City, UT
Jeff Beebe
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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, January 12
Wyoming
Casper
Saturday, February 9
Metro West (western)
Good Shepherd, Glenwood Springs, noon - 2:00 p.m.
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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.
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| URBAN SERVANT CORPS EVENTS |
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.
USC Worship Opportunities and More Learn about USC's community worship opportunities; Friday Community Day; Issues Night which featured a trip to the Catholic Worker Movement Organization in Denver during the month of November; and Faith Reflection -- Interfaith Panel. This year's USC volunteers expressed interest in learning a bit more about faith traditions other than their own. Therefore, they gathered for an interfaith conversation with a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Jewish Rabbi to share central beliefs. Urban Servant Corps is a one-year, full-time Lutheran volunteer program located in the heart of Denver. Volunteers commit to living in community with each other, while serving at various local nonprofit organizations addressing basic human concerns of low-income and at-risk populations. USC positions are in programs that provide immediate and direct service, as well as programs that advocate for lasting solutions and long-term social change. Since 1987, USC volunteers have put their values into action. Whatever your passion, we have the placement for you!
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BORDER SERVANT CORPS
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Border Servant Corps Remembers the Season
During this holiday season, Border Servant Corps reflects upon the story of Jesus' birth: a young couple traveling from their land (pregnant and without the convenience of modern transportation), a lowly stable (complete with animals and a manger, and an announcement to lowly shepherds. Perhaps God wanted the poor and outcast of society to know that they were important, too, in a world where they were normally excluded.
Border Servant Corps is continually humbled by the people with whom we work. We remember the ways our season is made bright in our world today: when we come together in community to care for one another.
We give thanks to you, for all of the ways you have supported BSC to make this ministry possible. If you would like to assist BSC in continuing its ministry, please consider the following:
- Pray for BSC (volunteers, service sites, clients, Board and support committee members, church and community members)
- Serve on a support committee
- Provide items on the Wish List:
- El Paso (Casa de Paz): Full-size bed sheets, baking pans, gardening/work gloves
- Las Cruces (Casa Palomas): Baking sheets, big cutting board, gardening materials
- Las Cruces (Janaan's House): Emergency preparedness kit, cleaning supplies, gardening materials
- Volunteers always enjoy receiving care packages. Consider including the following items: eco-friendly laundry soap and fabric softener, eco-friendly dishwasher detergent and dish soap, gardening supplies, cleaning supplies, and toiletry items.
- Offer a financial contribution
- Share the BSC story with others
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ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN UPDATE
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Ways You Can Help Make Malaria History
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.
Synod Giving Totals
Through the work of the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO), youth teams within congregations and individuals, the ELCA Malaria Campaign is raising funds and awareness to combat the devastating effects of malaria in the world. RMS Malaria Total Update: Our latest total of donations is over $182,134.55! Read more.
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY
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Safeguards for Low-income People
The ELCA e-Advocacy Network and the Circle of Protection
encourage you to remind your elected officials to think about hunger and poverty this holiday season.
 The ELCA is a charter member of the Circle of Protection, a coalition committed to ensuring any federal deficit reduction measures include safeguards for low-income people. ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson says, "In a time of difficult budget negotiations, we believe the first commitment is to those who live in poverty. Compromises should not be at the expense of the programs that support those who live with the reality of hunger and poverty. As churches, we will continue to serve those who live in poverty, but we need the leadership of elected officials."
Click here to write to your Representatives and Senators now. You will notice this letter is blank - tell your officials, in your own words, how you and your ELCA congregation are doing your part to help our most vulnerable neighbors, and encourage them to do the same throughout the current fiscal debate in Washington. Addressing hunger and poverty requires a multi-faceted approach. Urge them to take a balanced approach to deficit reduction, one that does not harm people living in poverty. Article is from the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM newsletter
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FOR CONGREGATIONS
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Augsburg Provides Free Shipping On Select Bibles (Limited Time Offer)
One of the concerns many congregational leaders have is the cost of shipping. Although Augsburg Fortress doesn't have the "buying power" for freight that large for-profit companies like Amazon has, Augsburg must charge for shipping on orders placed with them.
 But, between now and December 15, they are offering free ground shipping in the USA on orders of 5 or more copies of select Bibles when those orders are placed via their web store.
More information about the Bibles that are included in this special offer can be found on the Augsburg website.
These may be orders from congregations or individuals doing last minute Christmas shopping or anyone who has a passion for putting Bibles into the hands of children, youth and adults! But, it is a limited time offer and expires on Saturday, December 15!
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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
- Conclusion of D.C. Ready Bench" ecumenical meeting
- Front Range Youth Ministers meeting, Denver, CO.
- Executive Committee meetings, Denver, CO.
- Ordination of Kirsten Sauey Hofmann, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO.
- Visit the congregation of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Estes Park, CO.
Linda Staats
- Doing the work of the Interim Synod Minister for Special Projects.
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Assembly Visioning meeting with staff, Denver, CO.
- Executive Committee meeting, Denver, CO.
- Ordination of Kirsten Sauey Hofmann, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO.
Pastor Ron Roschke
- sAsembly Visioning meeting with staff, Denver, CO.
- Executive Committee meetings, Denver, CO.
- Ordination of Kirsten Sauey Hofmann, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO.
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Assembly Visioning meeting with staff, Denver, CO.
- Front Range Youth Ministers meeting, Denver, CO.
- Executive Committee meetings, Denver, CO.
Pastor Rob Moss
- Behavioral Interview Training, Seattle, WA
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- TANF Rules Revision meeting - Colorado Department of Human Services, Denver, CO.
- Landlord-Tenant Relations Bill meeting with Sen. Aguilar, Denver, CO.
- AFDC meeting at the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Denver, CO.
- Executive Committee meeting, Denver, CO.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
- Meeting of the Medicaid Coalition, Albuquerque, NM.
- Health Care for All Steering Committee meeting, Albuquerque, NM.
- Executive Committee meeting, Denver, CO.
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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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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
Elim Lutheran Church Announces Special Advent Activities
During this Season of Advent, Elim Lutheran Church in Ogden will have a special series of adult education classes at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and Family Advent Nights at 6:00 p.m. on Mondays.
The adult education classes will be:
- December 16 - Advent Angels
- December 23 - An hour of storytelling.
 The remaining Family Advent Night will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on December 17. Participants will be exploring Jesus' Family Tree. They will learn about Jesus' family tree and what it tells about Jesus. On December 3 and 10, participants started with a simple dinner at 6:00 p.m. and then engaged in family tree activities. On December 17, the activity will be Christmas caroling to Elim's home-bound members. There will be no dinner that night so that the carolers can get out to as many people as possible between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Anyone with questions may send email to office@elimlutheran.org or call 801-394-5543. Photo: Mandy Widner and Catelynn Rude enjoy a Family Advent Night in December 2011
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Las Posadas: A Christmas Play in El Paso on December 15
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.
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey (ELCA) in El Paso Seeks Your Support
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey and CEPCO (Central El Paso Community Organization) are putting together 90 Christmas food baskets for the families in their After School Program, their our church and families of the surrounding community that need assistance to enjoy this holiday season when work is scarce. They are also planning their Biggest Christmas Celebration for our Community "The Posadas" where 200 to 300 people come to re-enact the journey of Mary and Joseph and later celebrate with Mariachis, the traditional Mexican Christmas meal, the Pi�ata for the kids and  more. Finally they are collecting gifts or gift card to buy presents for the kids in the After School Program and their church community.
They invite your support for these Christmas projects as Cristo Rey wishes to bless our community during the holidays. We specially need help with the Posadas event and the Christmas baskets.
Please send your donation or gift cards to: Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey and put in the memo: "Christmas Projects". We will use your money where most needed for the projects. Our address is 1010 East Yandell Drive El Paso, TX 79902.
If you have any questions please contact Pastor Rose Mary S�nchez-Guzm�n at 915-422-6545, Pat Marruffo at 915-203-8258 (Secretary) or Ceci Herrera (Director for Central El Paso Community Organization) at 915-544-6545.
Thank you for any assistance you can provide!
Community of Joy in Rio Rancho (ELCA) Presents: A German Advent Service December 16
Deutscher Adventsgottesdienst Service in German with Traditional Advent Hymns  A German language Advent Service will be at Community of Joy Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. Michael Bastian, German-born Pastor at Community of Joy, will deliver the sermon and lead through the service in the German language. Traditional Advent hymns and music will be provided. |
| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
Tomorrow is 12-12-12!
And Bethany has a special project underway!
4500 East Hampden Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
Bethany has created a blog that will be updated regularly.This blog is 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 blog page.  Holy Shepherd Presents: "Holy Light" Christmas Cantata on December 16 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.
 Augustana Presents: Gloria! Augustana Lutheran Church, located at 5000 East Alameda Avenue in Denver (80246) will present Gloria! by Antonio Vivaldi, on Sunday, December 16 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  Augustana's Chancel Choir, Augustana Vocal Ensemble (AVE), Augustana Ringers, and Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra will perform this and other holiday gems including Ralph Vaughan Williams's Fantasia on Christmas Carols. The event includes a Christmas carol sing-along accompanied by organ and orchestra. Childcare is provided, and the concert is free. For additional information, visit www.augustanadenver.org or call 303-388-4678.
 Service of Lessons and Carols
by the Chancel Choir of
Holy Love Lutheran Church
 Holy Love Lutheran Church, located at 4210 South Chambers Road in Aurora (80014) invites the community to a Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday evening, December 16 at 6:00 p.m.
There will be Christmas Scriptural readings and carols for the congregation. The Holy Love Chancel Choir will enhance the service by presenting music by Bach, Berger, Britten, Handel, Manz, Moe, Morley, oed, Pearson, Rutter, Shaw, Sleeth and he Christmas Peace. For more information, please contact the church office at 303-693-1162
 Peter Mayer Christmas Concert at Bethany Peter Mayer returns to Bethany on Sunday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.!  Peter Mayer embarks on his twelfth year with Stars and Promises, celebrating Christmas in story and song with its Theme for 2012: "The Light of Christmas." Stars and Promises has become a yearly tradition for many, returning to hear songs such as "Sing Joy", "Junkman's Christmas", and "Christmas Overture", along with other favorites. This year, R. Scott Bryan will be joining us on percussion and vocals, Marc Torlina on bass, Mark Holland on native flutes, Chris Walters on keyboard and Maggie Estes will play the violin and mandolin. Tickets are $20 for adults $10 for ages 15 and under Doors open at 6:45 p.m. More information can be found at: www.bethany-denver.org or www.petermayer.com
 Frohe Weihnachten! �kumenischer Weihnachtsgottesdienst in deutscher Sprache Herzlich willkommen!
The community is invited to a German Christmas Worship service on Sunday, December 23, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at Messiah Community Church (ELCA), located at 1750 Colorado Blvd in Denver (80220). The Rev. Wolfgang Stahlberg is the pastor, Eric French is the organist and Lori and Like Gill will present special music. If you need additional information, please call the church office (303-355-4471) or visit the website.
Bitte weitersagen!
Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Training  Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Training is being offered Monday, January 7, 2013, at Bethany Lutheran Church, located at 4500 E. Hampden Avenue in Cherry Hills Village. The workshop is designed to teach facilitators to administer and provide feedback to premarital and married couples. For more information, or to register, please call Beth Walker at 303-694-2967, or go to www.prepare-enrich.com
 Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends
Beyond Divorce: Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends will begin on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch. The seminar is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Tuesday for 10 weeks, ending on March 12, 2013. Complementary child care is available. For more information please call St. Andrew United Methodist Church at 303-794-2683, and ask for Diane Smith, or email Beth Walker at walkerpbl@earthlink.net.
 The Saint Paul Choir Presents - The Nativity of Our Lord: A French Baroque Christmas Monday, December 24, 2012, 10:30 p.m. (as a Prelude to the 11:00 p.m. Mass of Christ) Choral and instrumental music by the great French baroque composer, Marc-Antoine Charpentier, performed by the Saint Paul Choir and strings under the direction of Cantor Mark Alan Filbert during a half-hour Prelude to and interspersed throughout Saint Paul's 11:00 pm celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord. Music at Saint Paul is a ministry of Saint Paul Lutheran Church to present outstanding concerts and inspiring liturgies in the wonderful acoustical setting of the congregation's historic building. An elevator to the nave level of the church may be accessed via the ramp by the red doors facing 16th Street; take the ramp down to the courtyard level, enter the church through the door on the backside of the tower, and find the elevator just inside the entrance. Map and directions.
 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).
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