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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
March 5, 2013 |
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Greetings!
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Assembly Registration Deadline is April 3
Several requests for assembly volunteers and involvement...
- We are seeking some donations of items as "prizes" at our assembly celebration of the 25th Anniversary. Might you donate a restaurant gift certificate? Or an art item? Or? Send an email to Erin Power if you have something to donate.
- For the assembly, we would like to put together a video about the creation of our assembly "Family Tree" sculpture. Most of the videoing will take place in advance of the assembly at Loveland, CO. Do you have a video camera and video editing skills to offer? Email Tara Smith.
- We will need some volunteers to help construct our "Family Tree" attatching bark and leaves. This will take place in Loveland, CO. If you or a youth group would like to help out, email Tara Smith.
ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION INFO
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.
LEAVES AND BARK AND MORE...
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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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Sarah Anderson wins $100 off her assembly registration for taking the health assessment!
92 people joined in taking the health assessment in February, and Sarah Anderson, Epiphany, Denver, won the drawing! We'll know our total number who took it in January and February next week. We need to reach 161 total!
New contest for $100 off assembly registration ends March 21! Everybody who took it is entered again, along with new folks. Please have your spouse/partner take it NOW!
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 |
Fourth Sunday in Lent
God of compassion, you welcome the wayward, and you embrace us all with your mercy. By our baptism clothe us with garments of your grace, and feed us at the table of your love, 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
Rev. Kim Gonia to be Installed
at Prince of Peace, Denver  The community is invited to the Service of Installation for Pastor Kim Gonia at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located at 2400 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver (80222). The service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on March 17, 2013 at the church. The color of the day is purple and everyone is invited to attend.
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
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for April is available. Also, you may view the lists for the coming months.
to remember in prayers on 3/10:
Cross of Glory Denver, CO Mike Lemke
Peace in Christ Elizabeth, CO
R. Dean Smith
Epiphany Denver, CO
Sarah Anderson
HKBP/Montclair Denver, CO
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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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LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES ROCKY MOUNTAINS
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 LFSRM Teams with CPK for
an All Day Fundraiser
Join us at California Pizza Kitchen for a flavorful FUNdraising event which will take place on Sunday, March 24, 2013, (ALL DAY) at area California Pizza Kitchens. Purchases include dine-in, take-out, catering and all beverages.
 Print out your area flyer and give it to your server - 20% of your check will be donated to LFS! Download and print the coupon:
Denver_Metro Area Flyer (414 KB)
Colorado Springs Flyer (414 KB)
Visit any of these locations: Flatiron Crossing Mall, Cherry Creek Mall, 29th Street Mall, Briargate, Colorado Mills Mall and Park Meadows
*Events in Denver metro locations support the Older Adult & Caregiver Services program. Event in Briargate location supports the LFS programs in Southern Colorado.
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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 email her.
Tara also needs more help!
- For the assembly, we would like to put together a video about the creation of our assembly "Family Tree" sculpture. Most of the videoing will take place in advance of the assembly at Loveland, CO. Do you have a video camera and video editing skills to offer? Email Tara Smith.
- We will need some volunteers to help construct our "Family Tree" attatching bark and leaves. This will take place in Loveland, CO. If you or a youth group would like to help out, email Tara Smith.
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
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Urban Servant Corps Fundraising Events
 Trattoria Stella -- Dinning Out for USC!
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's on Colfax Ave. on March 17 from 5:00 p.m. - close, 10% of your bill is donated to Urban Servant Corps!
 Silent Auction Celebration!
Thursday, May 16
6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Location TBD
This weather might have you thinking about spring! If so, mark your calendar for the 4th Annual Urban Servant Corps Silent Auction Celebration!
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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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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 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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SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP
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 50th Anniversary Events 
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 - 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 |
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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| LEADERS: SPEAK OUT TODAY! |
Balanced Budget Reductions - Let's Not Harm Our Neighbors
 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.
Not yet receiving ELCA e-Advocacy Network emails to your inbox? Sign up here.
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FOR CONGREGATIONS
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Free Children's Choir Robes
Trinity Lutheran Church in Boulder, Colorado has 15 Children's Choir Robes available. Robes are off-white cotton with a burnt orange yoke. They appear to be homemade and were made to fit the youth, but there are about 7 for youth age 5-7 years old, 6 for youth ages 8-10 years old, and 2 for youth ages 11-12 years old. In addition, there is fabric, pattern, and cloth for the making of purple yokes for these same robes.
The robes and additional materials are free to any church that can make use of them for their choir, costume closet, or whatever! Contact Melanie in the Trinity church office by email or phone (303-442-2300) if you are interested.
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LSTC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE EVENT
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LSTC Leadership Conference
and Special Events: March 10-11
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will hold its annual Leadership Event and Alumni Awards Ceremony on Monday, March 11, 2013 beginning at 9:00 a.m. You are also invited to a free lecture by Eboo Patel on Sunday, March 10, preceded by a concert.
Faithful Living in an Interfaith World
Why do Christians engage in interfaith encounter and dialogue? What is it deep within our tradition that motivates us for and sustains us in this endeavor? Why and how do other faith communities approach interfaith engagement?
 March 10, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Concert and Lecture
Eboo Patel, founder and president of the Interfaith Youth Core, will speak on the topic of his recent book, Sacred Ground, sharing a vision of a better America. He believes that religion is a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division.
 The evening begins with a concert by the Salaam-Shalom Music Project, made up of members of the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and distinguished artists from the Chicago Arabic music community.
Leadership Conference March 11, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cost for the one-day conference is $75. Register online: HERE Alumni with special anniversaries will receive a discounted price of $50.
The registration deadline is March 8, 2013.
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JOB OPENING
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Ascension Seeks Director of Music and Worship
Ascension Lutheran Church of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is seeking a part-time Director of Music and Worship. We are estimating the position to be approximately 15 hours a week. Applications, cover letter, and resume must be postmarked by 3/31/13. This position is responsible for selecting worship music, coordinating worship volunteers, supervising musical groups and instrumentalists, and directing the vocal choirs. Prefer BA in Music and five years of experience or equivalent.
Send cover letter and resume (no phone calls please) to:
Director of Worship and Music Search
Ascension Lutheran Church
2505 North Circle Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
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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
- Lenten Worship with the congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Calhan, CO.
- Region 2 Conference Call, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Gather with Boulder/Broomfield Conference Leaders.
Pastor Ron Roschke
- ELCA Malaria Campaign Webex conference call, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- ELCA Bishop's Assistants Gathering, San Antonio, TX.
- First Call Theological Education Conversation, San Antonio, TX.
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Sexual Misconduct Workshop, San Antonio, TX.
- ELCA Bishop's Assistants Gathering, San Antonio, TX.
- Visiting with members of HKBP/Montclair Lutheran Church, Denver, CO.
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Lenten Worship with the congregation of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO.
- ELCA Bishop's Assistants Gathering, San Antonio, TX.
- Meeting with members of the Boulder/Broomfield Conference.
- Office Site Task Force, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO
- ELCA Bishop's Assistants Gathering, San Antonio, TX.
- Assembly Worship Team Webex meeting
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- Health Care Day of Action, Denver, CO.
- Committee Hearing SB018 and HB 1227, Denver, CO.
- Urban Servant Corps Advocacy Day , Colorado State Capitol and Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Denver, CO.
- All Families Deserve a Chance Coalition meeting, Mile High United Way, Denver, CO.
- Skype with CIVJ Volunteers, 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.
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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
Lutherans worship in the round in Salt Lake City landmark
The Salt Lake City Tribune ran an article about Mount Tabor Lutheran Church in Salt Lake City.
Read the article.
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.
Events
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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
Lutheran Family Services Presents: The 25th Annual Taste of Weld County Birthday Bash
 Thursday, March 7, 2013 Island Grove - Greeley 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tickets are: Early Bird - $20;
Tickets at Door - $22; Student/Senior - $15; Children 6-13 - $5; Children 0-5 - FREE For more information, please call 800-579-9496. To purchase tickets in advance, you may visit the website.
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!
 Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Training Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Training is being offered Thursday, March 21, 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, please call Beth Walker at 303-694-2967 or go to www.prepare-enrich.com Beth Walker
7650 East Phillips Cir
Centennial CO 80112-3243
Events
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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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