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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
February 26, 2013 |
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Greetings!
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Assembly Registration Now Underway
Registration Deadline for Assembly and for Hotel is April 3
Registering for the Assembly is a two-step process. One must register for the assembly as a voting member, visitor, exhibitor, or Saturday-only attendee.
Then, those who desire a hotel room make separate hotel room reservations.
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Download leaf templates and make bark strips to submit bark and leaves to the Office of the Bishop by March 25. Information and instructions to add to our assembly "Family Tree." - Submit items for display in a 25th Anniversary celebration booth at the Assembly. Items may be sent or delivered to the Office of the Bishop by March 25, and they will be returned after the assembly. Perhaps you created a banner in 1988, or created a special stained glass window (submit a photo!). Share something from your congregation 25 years ago.
- Submit any resolutions by March 15. More info.
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ELCA WELLNESS CHALLENGE
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Leaders with Portico Health Benefits: Take the Health Assessment By February 28!
We want to reach our 65% participation goal EARLY! So take the assessment now (and have your spouse/partner do it also!). Those who do so prior to Feb 28 can enter to win a drawing for $100 off assembly registration. (Submit spouse/partner names also so the list is complete!)
Links for the assessment and contest:
p.s. It only takes a few minutes, and you'll be happy to have it "out of the way!"
If you've completed the assessment, submit the your name (and spouse/partner) here: I've Taken It!
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Third Sunday in Lent
Eternal God, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life , death and resurrection of your Son. Help us to hear your word and obey it, and bring your serving love into fruition in our lives, 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 C
Korra Looschen to be Installed as AIM April 7 in Greeley, Colorado
 Korra Looschen (pictured with her husband and son) has accepted the call to ministry at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Greeley as the new Director for Children, Youth and Household Ministries . The Service of Installation will take place at Our Savior's located at 1800 21st Avenue (80631) on Sunday, April 7 at the 8:15 and 10:40 a.m. worship services. Pastor Sarah Moening, Synod Minister for Deepening Discipleship in the Office of the Bishop, will preach and Pastor John Knutson will preside. The color of the day is white and there will be a reception with light refreshments served after the service.
Synod Prayer Cycle: Metro East Conference
to remember in prayers on 3/3:
All Saints Aurora, CO
John Petty
Augustana Denver, CO
John Pederson and Caitlin Trussell
Bethel Aurora, CO
Barbara Lemke
Christ the Savior Aurora, CO
Paul Ziegler
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BORDER CONFERENCE GATHERING
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Border Conference Missional Gathering
Breakout Sessions
- Thinking outside of the box: non-traditional models of faith formation - Jon Hundt (Peace, El Paso)
- What am i going to be when i grow up?: faith formation in the latter years - Pastor Ron Brooker (Our Savior, Alamogordo)
- Deepening your roots: contemplative practices - Pastor Geri Cunningham (St. Peter, Carlsbad)
- Oh, the places you'll go!: young adult leadership for middle and high schoolers and the Border Servant Corps
Plus!
From the Office of the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, Pastor Sarah Moening (Synod Minister for Deepened Discipleship) will be present.
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SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP
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 50th Anniversary Events Begin in Ft. Collins  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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2013 ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD ASSEMBLY
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Assembly is May 2-4 in Loveland, CO
The 2013 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will feature our year-long theme: Deeply Rooted, Bearing Fruit. Taking place May 2-4 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, CO. See details online.
Registration information
- Registration deadline is April 3
- Hotel reservation deadline is April 3
- Voting member registration is $300 per voting member.
- 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 only 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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| PRE-ASSEMBLY ARTWORK COLLABORATION |
Hey Congregations!
We need LEAVES
and BARK for our assembly Family Tree!
LInk for instructions for submitting leaves and bark
For this year's Synod Assembly we are calling upon the creative efforts of all synod participants and their congregations to help create pieces of a large scale interactive tree that reflects our collective stories as people rooted in God's grace and what this means in regards to how we bear fruit in our lives and communities.
Click on the links above for instructions and templates.
Please mail in your leaves and bark pieces or take them to the Rocky Mountain Synod Office by March 25 to ensure time to assemble the bark and leaf pieces onto the large tree.
The final product will be on display in the assembly hall during the Synod Assembly. If you have questions about how to approach this project, feel free to call or email Tara Smith 970-218-2311 or tara.highlandsyouth@gmail.com
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PEACE NOT WALLS
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International Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Middle East
We can support both Israelis and Palestinians by taking part in a new international prayer vigil sponsored by the ACT Palestine Forum that began December 24, 2012. The prayer vigil is  intended to take place around the world on the 24th of each month until the Israeli occupation of Palestine ends, all violence ceases and a just and equitable peace is negotiated. This can be as simple as co-workers gathering at lunchtime to pray for peace with justice in the Holy Land, or a meditative, musical liturgy followed by a speaker and time of education about the people and issues involved. Find educational ideas here.
There is also a Lenten litany bulletin insert:
Lenten Prayer Folder for International Prayer Vigil
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY-NM
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LAM-NM Action Alerts
The New Mexico Legislature is now in session and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM is monitoring key bills that directly impact homelessness, personal income, hunger, and immigration in the state. Below are a few of the bills that Ruth Hoffman, Director of LAM-NM, is keeping a watchful eye on.
- SB32 asks for $500,000 to increase the availability of supportive housing for people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.
- SB50 asks for $500,000 for rapid re-housing and assistance of people and families at risk of becoming homeless.
- SB166 asks for $5 million for the state Housing Trust Fund.
- SJR3 is a constitutional amendment that would direct funds from the Land Grant Permanent Fund to quality early childhood programs
- HJR6 is a constitutional amendment that would ask voters to approve tying the state minimum wage to inflation.
- HB372 appropriates $500,000 for Individual Development Accounts.
- HB449 adds stronger enforcement provisions to NM's wage theft law.
- SB416 increases New Mexico's minimum wage from $7.50 to $8.50.
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
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Urban Servant Corps 2013-2014 Year
Urban Servant Corps is seeking OUTSTANDING full time volunteers for the 2013-2014 year of service! USC is a one-year, full-time Lutheran volunteer program in Denver, CO. Volunteers commit to living in community with one another, while serving at various local non-profit organizations.
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. Urban Servant Corps volunteers commit to the tenets of intentional community, service, simplicity, and spirituality. Volunteers must be 21 years of age to apply -- there is no upper age limit!
Who can you tell about this great opportunity? Perhaps you should consider it yourself!! Visit the USC website or email Krista for more information.
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ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN
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Malaria Death Rate Slows
Thanks to a global effort, including your contributions to the ELCA Malaria Campaign, fewer children are dying of malaria. While still unacceptable, today a child dies every 60 seconds from malaria rather than last year's rate of every 45 seconds or every 30 seconds 2� years ago. You can download a new poster that illustrates this improvement at www.ELCA.org/malaria-poster.
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ELCA LUTHERAN MEN in MISSION
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One Year To Live Retreat Event
The next Lutheran Men in Mission One Year to Live Retreat will begin on Friday, April 5, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. and will run until Sunday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m. The event will be held at the YMCA Camp Santa Maria in Grant, Colorado.
For information, contact Herb Hergott by email or phone (303)588-2856. The brochure with the registration form is available at: http://www.lutheranmeninmission.org/events/oytl.html
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BORDER SERVANT CORPS
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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.
- Upcoming groups
- March 3-9: Belmont University (Nashville, TN)
- March 9-15: Lone Star College (Kingwood, TX)
- March 17-21: University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA)
- How you can help
- Donate breakfast items (oatmeal, cereal, etc.)
- Host a meal for groups during their stay
BSC Sale: BSC's annual sale will be Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, NM. This event is one of BSC's largest fundraisers for the year and we need your support! Please drop off gently-used items at Peace Lutheran Church (1701 E. Missouri Ave.) on April 1 - 4 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Items can also be accepted by appointment bsc@peacelutheranlc.com or phone (575-522-7119 Ext. 18). BSC has a limited ability to pick up items.
Sponsor an Intern: BSC internships allow current college and/or seminary students to participate in multi-month volunteer experiences. This summer, BSC hopes to host four interns to serve in downtown El Paso and live in intentional community. Participants work with partner sites and participate in activities surrounding the BSC tenets. BSC interns cost $550 per month to cover food, housing, transportation, programming, and a $100 personal stipend (simplicity!). Consider sponsoring a portion of an intern's stay on the U.S./M�xico border!
Thrivent Choice Dollars: The Thrivent Choice� program allows members to recommend where some of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans' charitable outreach funds are allocated by directing Choice DollarsSM. BSC is able to accept these donations through Peace Lutheran Church (Las Cruces, NM). For more information about how to donate, please contact kari.bsc@gmail.com.
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| LEADERS: SPEAK OUT TODAY! |
Balanced Budget Reductions - Let's Not Harm Our Neighbors
In the midst of fiscal brinksmanship and manufactured crises, faith leaders are urging our officials to show moral leadership. Yesterday, the national faith leaders from the Circle of Protection sent a letter to President Obama and congressional leaders, addressing seven points of faith-grounded counsel on budget negotiations.
 Now the Circle of Protection invites faith leaders around the country to sign on in support of balanced deficit reduction measures that do not harm our neighbors struggling with hunger and living in poverty.
Your voice is important- our leaders need to hear from you!
Encourage your pastors to join the growing Circle by directing them to this letter and the opportunity to sign.
Send a message to our officials, telling them you speak out for responsible compromise by adding your signature today. Be sure to select the "Evangelical Lutheran Church in America" option when asked to identify your denominational affiliation.
The focus of our nation's budget negotiations should not be about which politicians win or lose, but about whether our budget decisions reflect our best common values.
Not yet receiving ELCA e-Advocacy Network emails to your inbox? Sign up here.
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RMS JOB OPENING
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 Seeking Director of Congregational Music for Centennial Lutheran
Church
This is a part time 12-month/year, paid position. For more information please contact Rev. Justin Nickel by email or call the church office at 303-798-1424.
 Youth and Family Ministry Coach Needed
Youth and Family Ministry Coach who will be a primary leader within the life of faith connections and development at FAITH. Specifically, Find more information about responsibilities and qualifications.
For more information or to apply, please contact Pastor Jane Jebsen by email or phone (303-279-5379).
These and other job openings can be found on the
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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
- Conference of Bishops, Chicago, IL.
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Conclude Campus Ministry Winter Staff Gathering for Regions 1 and 2, Carefree, AZ.
- Sky Ranch 50th Anniversary Gala Event, Loveland, CO.
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Youth Ministry Leadership meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Visiting with congregations in the Border Conference.
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Lenten Worship with Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, CO.
- Webex meeting for the Generosity Project, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Visiting with the North New Mexico Conference.
- Visiting with the congregation of Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, Denver, CO.
- Worship and Dinner with the congregation of House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, CO.
- Assembly, Administration, and Communications tasks.
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains Board meeting, LFSRM offices, Denver, CO.
- AFDC Executive Committee meeting, Denver, CO.
- Meeting with members of Denver Urban Ministries (DenUM), Denver, CO.
- Speaking at the Adult Forum, Messiah Community Church, Denver, CO.
- Skype with CIVJ Volunteers, Denver, CO.
- CSLC meeting, Denver, CO.
- All Families Deserve a Chance Legislative Committee meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Monitoring the New Mexico Legislature for the progress of certain bills on immigration, homelessness, hunger, etc., Santa, Fe, NM.
- State Public Policy Office conference call, Santa Fe, NM.
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CALENDAR |
website calendar 2013 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
Tanzania: American Medical Association honors ELCA missionary
"It is humbling to realize that many years of serving among the poor has ultimately been respected and profoundly honored by the profession," said Dr. Mark L. Jacobson, who was given the 2013 Dr. Nathan Davis International Award in Medicine for his work in Tanzania. See www.ELCA.org/Jacobson.
Ethiopia: Lutheran church breaks ties with the ELCA
The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus is severing its relationship with the ELCA, the Church of Sweden and "those churches who have openly accepted same-sex marriage." "The ELCA is very saddened by this decision," said the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director for ELCA Global Mission. See www.ELCA.org/Ethiopia-decision.
Jordan: $100,000 from ELCA aids Syrian refugees
"When we saw ... how children, the most vulnerable among the vulnerable, were impacted by the [winter] storms, we felt it necessary to respond quickly," said the Rev. Robert Smith, ELCA program director for the Middle East and North Africa. More than 50 percent of the Syrian refugees in the Jordanian Za'atri camp are under the age of 18. See www.ELCA.org/refugee-aid
Middle East: U.S. church leaders see urgent need for two-state accord
ELCA leaders have joined other U.S. Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders in calling for a bold new U.S. initiative for a two-state peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East "before it is too late." See www.ELCA.org/MiddleEast-leaders.
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
Building an Inclusive Church
Building an Inclusive Church will be presented at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1070 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, April 5 - 6, 2013. Registration and information is available on the website of Institute for Welcoming Resources..
 Health Care Resource from LSS of Utah Leslie Whited, Diaconal Minister and CEO of Lutheran Social Service of Utah, has provided information that might be able to help members of congregations navigate the complexities of the new health care law. The information is from the Salt Lake County Mayor's working group on health (Council on Diversity Affairs Health Committee) of which LSS of Utah is a part. Please check out the website created by the U.S. government concerning the Affordable Care Act so that you can receive more information and tips on choosing coverage that's right for you in the new Health Insurance Marketplace, information on new benefits and resources to help spread the word.
 Missionaries to Africa to speak at
Elim Lutheran Church Bonnie Rembacz and Karen Trenholm of Elim Lutheran Church in Ogden, will speak of their experiences as missionaries to Zambia at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, at Elim.  Rembacz and Trenholm spent the month of May 2010 in Zambia. as volunteers for the Zambia Scholarship Fund (ZSF). ZSF finds sponsors for high school students whose parents are deceased so they cannot pay the $300 per year to attend school. ZSF also supports students who attend a two year teacher college. The students are paid a stipend if they will in turn teach in a basic school in the "bush." The two missionaries visited schools in the northern part of Zambia where ZSF students attended. They also visited schools in the bush that had ZSF teachers. They said they were treated like celebrities and that it was a wonderful experience. Bonnie and Karen will show pictures and tell the story of their missionary work during the February meeting of Elim's "Young at Heart," a fellowship group for people age 50 and older. However, anyone under 50 is welcome to attend as a guest. The meeting is open to the public For more information, send email to office@elimlutheran.org or call 801-394-5543. photo: Bonnie Rembacz (2nd from left) and Karen Trenholm (far right)
in Zambia with the Zambian Scholarship Students. Photo courtesy Bonnie Rembacz.
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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.
For more information about itinerary, pricing and details of the trip, please contact Pastor Michael Bastian by email or phone at 505-896-2543.
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| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
 Upcoming Music Events at Saint Paul
Organ Recital featuring Joel Bejot This performance by Mr. Bejot will take place on Sunday, March 3, 2013 and will include organ music of Bach, Franck and others. A Freewill Offering will be accepted. See area parking map and all the scheduled events through July 1, 2013.
The Nineteenth Annual Gallery of Living Art
 From March 15 - 17, First Lutheran Church, located at 1515 N. Cascade Avenue in Colorado Springs (80907) will host its 19th annual "Gallery of Living Art, a Passion Play" presented in a most dramatic and unique venue. The Gallery of Living Art tells the story of Christ's Passion and Resurrection through scripture, music sung by First Lutheran's choir and live reproductions of fourteen sacred works of art staged by a sixty member cast. The art includes the well-known Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper," Heinrich Hofman's "Christ in Gethsemane" and Michelangelo's "Pieta." Viewings will take place in the sanctuary on: - Friday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and
- Sunday, March 17 at 3:00 p.m.
 The nativity scene is a life size representation of "Joseph, Mary, the Light Bearer and the Magi" as created by local artists, Bob and Jan Simpich of Simpich dolls. The public is cordially invited to attend this inspirational presentation of Christ's Passion and Resurrection. Admission is free and childcare is provided. Contact: Joan Kuehn or Judy Wach at 719-632-8836.
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!
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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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