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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
February 5, 2013 |
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Greetings!
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Looking to the Future...
Office of the Bishop seeks expertise for office site feasibility study
The Office of the Bishop has been leasing space in the present office building since 1998. The Synod Council has endorsed the "next steps" to do a feasibility study and gathering information about office space we would own rather than lease.
We are seeking task force members with a passion for property... including architects, HVAC contractors, builders, etc. who could provide some volunteer time in the next two months so information may be shared at Assembly in May. Please email Kent Mueller if you are able to provide some expertise or even offer the names of others.
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and before you angels and saints stand in awe. Enlarge our vision to see your power at work in the world, and by your grace make us heralds of your Son, Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Sundays and Seasons Year C
Synod Prayer Cycle:
Border Conference
to remember in prayers on 2/10:
Our Savior Alamogordo, NM
Ron Brooker (interim)
Peace Las Cruces, NM
Michael Lohmann (interim)
Peace El Paso, TX
Jonathan Hundt
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY-NM
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New Mexico Bishop's Legislative Luncheon and Issues Briefing is Tomorrow February 6
You are invited and urged to attend the 2013 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Bishop's Legislative Luncheon on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, which will be hosted by recently-elected Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop James Gonia. An Issues Briefing will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in the morning prior to the luncheon.
 The Bishop's Legislative Luncheon will be at 12:30 p.m. in La Terraza at La Fonda Hote l(Old Santa Fe Trail and East San Francisco). The cost of the luncheon is $30 per person. This cost is reduced to $25 when 4 or more people attend from your congregation or group AND register by January 28. If you are only able to attend the morning issues briefing, the cost is $5. Email questions about these events to lutheranadvocacy@yahoo.com. See you on February 6. Deadline for reservations is February 1. Please make reservations by calling the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry office at 505-984-8005 or by sending an email to lutheranadvocacy@yahoo.com. Make checks payable to Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM.
 Medicaid to be expanded in NM!! It is very good news that Gov. Martinez announced on January 9, 2013, that New Mexico will expand our state's Medicaid program to include over 150,000 more people living in poverty. This opportunity under the federal Affordable Care Act will bring health care coverage to low-income people throughout New Mexico. The additional federal funds available to our state will mean that jobs will be created as more money is spent in our economy. Please use this link to thank the governor for making this decision which will mean so much to so many New Mexicans.
 Join the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico Advocacy Network!
Get Advocacy Updates and Alerts about legislation and activities happening during the upcoming session of the state legislature which begins on January 15. Advocacy Updates and Alerts bring you information that helps you to be an advocate for our neighbors living in poverty. You can join the Network by going to the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM website and clicking the button on the upper right side of our homepage. |
CONFERENCE MISSIONAL GATHERINGS
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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, February 9
Metro West (western)
Good Shepherd, Glenwood Springs, 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY-CO
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Colorado Faith Advocacy Day 2013
You are cordially invited to attend the 2013 Faith Advocacy Day which brings together various faith traditions to hear about and discuss social justice issues in the community. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 18. The Keynote Speaker for the event will be Rev. Carroll Pickett, a retired Presbyterian minister who served for 15 years as Chaplain at the prison in Huntsville, Texas. Rev. Pickett will offer a keynote address capping off a day of discussing issues surrounding criminal justice.
A brief schedule for the day will include:
- Theological Reflection-Bishop James Gonia, ELCA
- 2013 Legislative Update
- Panel Discussions:
- Juvenile Justice Reforms
- Prison/Sentencing Reforms
- Luncheon with Keynote Address by Rev. Pickett
Registration Deadline is Wednesday, February 13, 2013.
Registration cost: $30 which includes lunch
($20 low-income/student rate)
($35 after February 13)
New this year: You may register and PAY on-line with your credit card at www.lam-co.org
For more information, please contact Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO at 303-777-6700 or send an email to Willie.
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WEBINARS for CLERGY and LAY LEADERS
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Colorado Council of Churches Events
The Colorado Council of Churches is sponsoring the upcoming webinar for clergy and lay leaders.
Prevent Child Abuse Webinar
February 7, 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
If you or members of your congregation have an interest in how the faith community can play a role in preventing child abuse, this webinar is for you.
Participants MUST register for either or both webinar(s) by going to www.cochurches.org, click on Upcoming Events, and then click on the link for the webinar(s) you are interested in.
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2013 ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD ASSEMBLY
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Assembly is May 2-4 in Loveland, CO
The 2013 theme is a continuation of our year-long theme: Deeply Rooted - Bearing Fruit. As faith communities rooted in the Good News, congregations in the Rocky Mountain Synod are bearing fruit here at home and throughout the world through the work and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Come share and celebrate "God's work. Our hands." The assembly will take place at the beautiful Embassy Suites on I-25 in Loveland, Colorado.
NEW times and format!
- The assembly will begin with opening worship at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. [Thursday dinner is not provided.] Synod Council will meet Thursday morning.
- Friday, May 3 will primarily focus on the assembly business, with an ELCA 25th Anniversary celebration that evening.
- Saturday, May 4, will be a day of excursions and engagements, and guests are invited to join in just for the day for a small registration fee.
Ministries, Teams, and Organizations may sign up for involvement at the assembly
In addition to the usual display tables and the annual ministry booklet, we are seeking involvement in new and unique ways. At our May 3, Friday evening celebration of the ELCA's 25th anniversary, we invite booths and activities where attendees can interact and experience various ministries. On Saturday, May 4, we are envisioning a day of excursions and engagements. Those present at the assembly will journey to Northern Colorado sites such as campus ministry sites, participate in unique opportunities in the Loveland community, or be engaged by workshops and experiences at the hotel. Please sign up for ways your organization, congregation, institution, or ministry team can engage the assembly!
Sign up for opportunities here with a deadline of February 15.
Special invitation to youth and young adults!
We continue to strive for the highest possible involvement and participation of youth and young adults! As congregations are seeking/inviting/electing voting members, please consider a youth or a young adult to serve in that way. We will assist with hotel arrangements so that youth are housed appropriately with other youth and same-gender adults as needed. Youth are considered those 17 and under. Young Adults are 18 to 30.
Registration information
- Registration link and hotel reservation link will be available by February 7.
- Registration deadline is April 3
- Hotel reservation deadline is April 3
- Voting member registration is $300 per voting member. Includes two lunches, one dinner, and breaks.
- Visitor with meals is $240. Visitor without meals is $125.
- Exhibitor with meals is $165. Exhibitor without meals is $50.
- Guests attending only the Saturday Celebration are $25.
- Hotel is $109 per room for a single or double room. For triples or quads the rate is $139 for the room. Note that all Embassy Suites rooms are two-room suites with beds in the bedroom and a sofa-bed in the front room.
- Travel equalization funds will be available for those who must travel far distances.
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ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN
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We Did It,
So Let's Party!
We're having a party at Synod Assembly on Saturday morning, May 4, to celebrate making our $200,000 goal for funds from the Rocky Mountain Synod for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. We want to acknowledge every congregation which has contributed to the project by that time. This PDF file shows the names of all the congregations of whom we are aware which have given to the project so far. If your congregation has contributed directly through church-wide offices and your name does not appear on this list, please send an email message to Pastor Ron Roschke so we can add you to the list. Thanks!
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BORDER SERVANT CORPS NEWS and EVENTS
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Get Involved with the Border Servant Corps
Border Immersions:
Border Servant Corps hosts groups interested in first-hand cultural immersions focused on education about border issues. This program is designed for undergraduate missions, alternative spring break programs, seminarians, and church and youth groups. January and February visiting groups are fellow volunteer corps from Denver.
- Upcoming groups
- February 14-17: Colorado Vincentian Volunteers (Denver, CO)
- How you can help
- Donate breakfast items (oatmeal, cereal, etc.)
- Cook a dinner at Peace Lutheran (Las Cruces) for groups during their stay (groups sleep at the church)
Honoring 15 Years of Service to the U.S./M�xico Border: Consider donating $15 per month to BSC. This donation can be made easy through JustGive.org, which provides options for one-time or automatic, monthly giving.
- Details
- Visit http://www.borderservant.com/, select the big, red "Make a Donation" button on the right-hand side, and "Donate Now."
- BSC is a ministry of Peace Lutheran Church, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization; gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
- BSC relies heavily on support from individuals and congregations. With your donation, BSC can continue doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly on the U.S. / M�xico border.
Many Thanks: During the month of January, participants in the BSC Servant Stomps in both cities were able to learn about community resources and updated border issues from current volunteers. Thank you for your support of BSC in a variety of ways!
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SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP
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 Sky Ranch Evening of Songs, Stories and Laughter Benefit Concert
 Make plans to attend a concert to benefit Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp on Friday, February 22, 2013 beginning at 7:00 p.m. The concert will feature Michael Tomlinson, who is known for his intimate performances, appealing tenor voice and melody-rich songs that focus on healing and unity among humankind through understanding and honest communication. This benefit concert will take place at the First Lutheran Church Friendship Center, located at 3rd Avenue and Terry Street in Longmont, CO (80504). Tickets are $15 or $17 at the door and are available via www.firstluth.org or the First Lutheran Church office (303-776-2704). Please help get the workout out by downloading and posting this announcement in your organization. For a free song mp3, email mt@michaeltomlinson.com and I'll email you a beautiful song - Michael Tomlinson
 Year of Jubilee 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, celebrating 50 years of Ministry with Altitude. Visit www.skyranchcolorado.org and check out the "50th Anniversary" tab for the latest information. Gala Celebration: Tuxes and Tevas Register now for the initial event of the 50th year. Take time to complete the questionnaire and share your favorite memories. Your input will help shape the evening. Go to www.skyranchcolorado.org for updates. Tell your friends. 50th Anniversary Calendar of Events - March 1 Alumni Gathering in Fort Collins
- March 2 Gala in Loveland
- March 3 Worship and Annual Meeting at Zion in Loveland
- June 28-30 Alumni weekend with Pastor Ralph Yernberg & Joel Abenth
- June 30 - July 5 Family Camp with Pastor Kim Gonia
- July 5 -7 Alumni weekend with Pastor Ron Letnes
- July 26 -28 Alumni weekend with Pastor Bob Kuehner
- September 13-15 All Camp Reunion
- October 13 Rendezvous in Longmont
Please download and share the bulletin with friends, family and in your congregations |
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
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Urban Servant Corps Events February 2013
Lenten Book Club
Starting the week of February 17
Each year, USC volunteers, alumni, and friends gather for a communal Lenten discipline of reading and discussion. The books and dates/times of the gathering are to be determined based on each group. If you are interested in engaging in conversation around a book that connects to one of the USC tenets (intentional community, service, simplicity, and spirituality), please email
krista@servantcorps.org! It is a great way to reflect in the midst of community during the season of Lent!
 Trattoria Stella -- Dining Out for a Cause!
3201 E. Colfax (Colfax and Steele)
Sunday, March 17
5:00 p.m. - close (9:00 p.m. for dinner, 11:00 p.m. for drinks)
A great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day -- Italian food! When you dine at Stella'son Colfax Avenue on March 17 from 5:00 p.m. until close, 10% of your bill is donated to the Urban Servant Corps!
Silent Auction Celebration!
Thursday, May 16 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Location -- coming soon!
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RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE
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32nd Annual Rural Ministry Conference
From March 3 - 5, 2013, the Center for Theology & Land at Wartburg Theological Seminary hosts the annual Rural Ministry Conferences that have been held in Dubuque since 1982. Each year's conference addresses issues and themes pertinent to the well-being of rural communities and  the ministry of rural churches.
This year's theme is Food & Faith. Keynote speaker is Dr. Norman Wirzba, Research Professor of Theology, Ecology and Rural Life at Duke Divinity School and Research Professor at Duke's Nicholas School for the Environment. He is also the
author of Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating.
The conference will include worship, keynote speakers, workshops, and Bible study, and offer participants a unique opportunity to network with others who are active in and concerned about rural ministry. Presenters come from a variety of denominations. Learn more.
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PACIFIC LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
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Enjoy a Week of Renewal at PLTS
Join us June 24 - 28, 2013 in Berkeley, CA for a week of worship, stimulating conversation, and restorative time in the company of colleagues in ministry and lay people interested in theology. There will be five outstanding classes:
- Tom Rogers, "Reclaiming the E word"
- Jane Strohl, "The Global Luther"
- Victor Thasiah, "Justice for a New Day: Anarchism and Christianity"
- Steed Davidson, "Prophets Then & Now"David Balch, "The Economy: Jesus, Luke/James/USA/El Salvador"
You can find more information is available on the website.
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JOB OPENINGS
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Organist and Choir Director Needed at Grace, Boulder
Grace Lutheran Church in Boulder, CO is seeking a Choir Director and an Organist.
The candidate(s) will be responsible for one Sunday service and a weekly choir rehearsal, plus additional services for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. Please email office@graceboulder.org for more information or to submit a resume.
 Administrative Assistant (Part Time) in Lakewood, Colorado Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Lakewood Colorado, is seeking an Administrative Assistant for 12 hours per week, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 8-12noon. A more complete job description may be found at www.elca-co-resurrection.org If you are interested in applying for this position, please email cover letter and resume to: Pastor Garrett Struessel, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection 7100 West Mississippi Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226 |
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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
- Bishop's Legislative Luncheon and Issues Briefing, Santa Fe, NM.
- Metro West (western area) Missional Conference Gathering, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Glenwood Springs, CO.
- Metro West (western area) Missional Conference Gathering, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Glenwood Springs, CO.
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Bishop's Legislative Luncheon and Issues Briefing, Santa Fe, NM.
- Companion Synod Committee meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Visiting with the congregation of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO.
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Senior High Youth Gathering planning meeting, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Boulder, CO.
- Worshipping and Visiting with the congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cheyenne, WY.
Pastor Stephanie Quick
- Beginning her call in the RMS office as Director for Evangelical Mission
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- Book Study on "the New Jim Crow," Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Payday Lending meeting, Pew Charitable Trust, Denver, CO.
- All Families Deserve a Chance Coalition meeting, Mile High United Way, Denver, CO.
- Speaking at the Adult Forum at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Denver, CO.
- Peace Not Walls Event, Augustana Lutheran Church, Denver, CO.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
- Bishop's Legislative Luncheon and Issues Briefing, Santa Fe, NM.
- New Mexico Association of Food Banks Board meeting, Santa Fe, NM.
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CALENDAR |
website calendar 2013 FEBRUARY 18 Faith Advocacy Day MAY 2-4 2013 RMS Assembly Embassy Suites Hotel
Loveland, Colorado SEPTEMBER 23-26 Theological Conference YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
eNewsletter of the ELCA
Christmas message from Jerusalem
"God is with us. We must accompany one another, just as God in Christ accompanies us," says Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, president of The Lutheran World Federation in his Christmas message from Jerusalem. Remembering Mary and Joseph's flight to safety, the bishop, a Palestinian refugee himself, says that the Federation currently cares for 1.5 million refugees around the world.
Start the new year with a new relationship with a new missionary
In January, during the season of Epiphany, three new ELCA missionary couples were oriented for service in Jerusalem and Mexico. Celebrate Christ's light for the whole world with a covenant to support one of these new couples. Contact missionarysponsorship@ELCA.org
for information about them; download
South Africa: 'I want to see new worlds'
When Rachel Hunstad heard a story read to her South African school children about a fish wanting to explore new streams, it captured perfectly her urge to become a mission volunteer in South Africa for a year. "The fish's desire to 'see if there's another way' resonated with me like crazy," she says. Read more.
Kenya: Walking with the rich and poor
As they have been enjoying the hospitality of the members of their new congregation, ELCA missionaries the Rev. Michael Fonner and Leslie Weed-Fonner have been struck by the income disparity among their new friends. Read more.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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 Let's Tour Germany ... in August 2013
It is a 13-day tour from August 12 through the 24. The details of the tour, places of interest, and prices are set. Some of the cities and places participants will visit are:
- Frankfurt
- Eisenach (Luther site)
- Wittenberg (Luther site)
- Berlin
- Dresden
- Nuremberg
- Munich
- Neuschwanstein (castle)
- A short cruise on the Rhine is also included.
For more information about itinerary, pricing and details of the trip, please contact Pastor Michael Bastian by email or phone at 505-896-2543.
Events
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| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
 Stephen Ministry Christian Care-Giving Workshop On Saturday morning, February 23, Atonement Lutheran Church in Boulder will host a Stephen Ministry Workshop from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Christian churches throughout the Front Range. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. The workshop consists of three sessions designed to enhance participants' care-giving skills and to help congregations explore ways to build and expand a lay led caring ministry. The cost of this workshop is $15 per person or $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation. To learn more or to register call Stephen Ministries at (314) 428-2600 or visit www.stephenministry.org/workshop
 THEOPROBE - Mind/Body/Spirit Experience! A cordial welcome is extended to you to join the THEOPROBE (sometimes known as skioprobe!) experience this year at Beaver Lodge in Winter Park, CO for 6 day from Saturday, February 23 through Friday, March 1, 2013. Pastors and their families and congregation members come from all over the country. Each morning and evening (leaving the day free for skiing!), two professors will lead theological lectures and dialogue focusing on the Lukan cycle. (A certificate of participation is issued to present, if needed, for continuing education.) During the day, there are many local winter activities, as well as time to meet with the professors or small groups or catch up on rest or reading. Following a trip to the hot tubs, a great dinner and lecture, we close each evening with worship and fellowship. The cost is $540 (double occupancy), which includes room, breakfast, dinner and lectures. (Lift tickets are not included, however good discounts are available.)
Contact Frank Carau by email or phone (970-635-2306) or Pastor Ed Smith (Trinity Lutheran Church in Loveland, CO) by email or phone (970-481-6868) for more details or to register.
 Metro East Women's Cluster Spring Gathering
"We remember." Hebrews 13:3
 The spring gathering of the Metro East Women's Cluster of the Rocky Mountain Synod will be on Saturday, March 16, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at All Saints Lutheran Church, located at 15625 East Iliff Avenue in Aurora (80013). We hope you can join us for brunch and a morning focused on New Beginnings Church and our part in ministry to our sisters in Christ in the Denver Women's Correctional Facility. Pastor Emily Cardin from New Beginnings will share this ministry with us.
Please register with your church group before March 9th and have one person from your church e-mail registrations to waggoners2_3@msn.com. You may also call the church at 303-752-4083 for more information. The registration fee is $5.00 per person - payable at the door. If able, please bring new or used all occasion or holiday greeting cards as part of your offering. There will be a free will offering to assist New Beginnings ministry. All women are invited! Childcare will be provided. We look forward to having you join us for a morning of inspiration, special music and fellowship!
 Eumenical Continuing Ed Germany Prep Meeting On Monday, January 28, six of the seven Rocky Mountain Pastors attending the ecumenical Continuing Ed event in Germany this summer met at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Arvada to get to know each other and talk about the details of the trip. The 10-day event in June will include a weekend in a German congregation, time together with colleagues from the UCC and the Badische Landeskirche, and day trips to places of the Reformed and the Lutheran Reformation. Stephanie Kopsch, the pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Arvada, is the coordinator for the Rocky Mountain participants.
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