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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
March 19, 2013 |
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Greetings!
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Easter. It is about more than an open tomb. It is the good news of the risen Christ who opens lives.
 Think about Jesus' friends after his death. Their lives were closed down by fear, disappointment and confusion. The risen Christ appeared saying "peace be with you" and opened their lives with a liberating word of reconciliation. In the same way Christ opens your life with a baptismal promise that joins your life to his death and resurrection. "You are my child. Nothing in all creation will separate you from my love."
Even now Christ is opening your life, your daily work, your passions and imagination. Christ is opening your daily life into a holy calling that fills the world with love. At the Lord's table, Christ is opening you into a community that can bear even suffering with confidence, and sorrow with hope.
The risen Christ opens the Scriptures - the full depth of God's promise made to Sarah and Abraham now coming to life in the new creation. Even when everything else is being stripped away, the risen Christ opens you to God's promised future.
Christ opens you to God's work of forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, is opening this way of life for you.
In God's grace,
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
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ELCA WELLNESS CHALLENGE
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We're close. Help unlock huge financial incentives!
HUGE thanks to the 131 who have completed the health assessment as of February 28! We need just 30 more! So spouses/partners with Portico benefits are also needed to complete the assessment by MARCH 21! It's impossible for us to reach the goal without the participation of spouses/partners.
Our 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! If they are not attending the assembly, the congregation gets the $100 off.
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!" You don't want to have to take it during Holy Week. Thus the FIRST DAY OF SPRING deadline.
If you've completed the assessment, submit the your name (and spouse/partner) here: I've Taken It!
As of Februrary 28, the Rocky Mountain Synod has the third highest participation thus far of the 65 synods! 53% have taken the assessment towards our required goal of 65%.
(Did we mention that spouses/partners need to take the assessment also in order for us to reach our goal?)
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Palm Sunday
Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in glorious victory of his resurrection, 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
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 3/24:
Messiah Denver, CO
Wolfgang Stahlberg Nativity Commerce City, CO Kristi Beebe New Beginnings Aurora, CO Emily Cardin Our Savior's Denver, CO Paul Carlson
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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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PRESIDING BISHOP'S EASTER MESSAGE
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 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Easter. It is about more than an open tomb. It is the good news of the risen Christ who opens lives.
Think about Jesus' friends after his death. Their lives were closed down by fear, disappointment and confusion. The risen Christ appeared saying "peace be with you" and opened their lives with a liberating word of reconciliation. In the same way Christ opens your life with a baptismal promise that joins your life to his death and resurrection. "You are my child. Nothing in all creation will separate you from my love."
Even now Christ is opening your life, your daily work, your passions and imagination. Christ is opening your daily life into a holy calling that fills the world with love. At the Lord's table, Christ is opening you into a community that can bear even suffering with confidence, and sorrow with hope.
The risen Christ opens the Scriptures - the full depth of God's promise made to Sarah and Abraham now coming to life in the new creation. Even when everything else is being stripped away, the risen Christ opens you to God's promised future.
Christ opens you to God's work of forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, is opening this way of life for you.
In God's grace,
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
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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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| GETTING READY FOR ASSEMBLY! |
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
Deadline is April 3
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.
WE NEED YOUR LEAVES AND BARK BY MARCH 25!
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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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CRISTO REY EL PASO BORDER IMMERSION
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Cooking and Food as Faith and Learning Tools
Members of Faith Lutheran Church of Washington D.C. spent last week 2,000 miles across the country in El Paso, Texas, among other things, tutoring first-generation students in an After School Program and making traditional Mexican food with a member of Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey. They identified simple necessities which would greatly benefit the efforts of Cristo Rey's outreach programs:
- An electric pencil sharpener for the students in the After School Program
- A blender for grinding chile to be used in cooking Mexican meals, and
- A refrigerator in good working condition
These activities of tutoring and cooking are part of an immersion program sponsored by Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey through which people of faith learn hands-on about the complexities of life along the border region between the US and Mexico. The members of Faith Lutheran join with Cristo Rey in asking if you would please help by providing the above, or offering support to obtain them.
You can contact Justin Remer-Thamert, Border Immersion Program Coordinator at Cristo Rey, by email or phone (915-544-6545) about these needs or interest in an immersion trip.
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
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Urban Servant Corps Fundraising Events
 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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SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP
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 The Galena Fire - A report from Brad Abbott, Executive Director of Sky Ranch The Galena Fire is now estimated at 1348 acres. There has been minimal growth in the fire and the higher estimate is based on better mapping. The fire is not near the camp, it is much closer to Fort Collins (Horsetooth Reservoir area). "I assume some of the people affected are from Fort Collins congregations. It does go to show how dry conditions are in the area," says Brad. Containment is at 75% but is expected to be higher by the end of the day (3-18-13). 130 firefighters are still on scene with two Type 2 helicopters flying today if conditions permit. No structures have been damaged. There have been two minor injuries. Both firefighters were treated and released at a local hospital. Fire crews will be completing and securing fire lines today as well as doing some mop-up. Crews have constructed approximately five miles of lines which given the early season limited resources is extremely good. Incident Commander Tony Simons says crews are working hard and have a positive attitude. Winds will still be a big factor today and will cause increased smoke in the interior of the fire. The investigation into the cause of the fire is close to being complete. The fire has been determined to be human caused but was NOT a result of a campfire, a controlled burn or a prescribed burn that escaped. Details will be made available as soon as the investigation is complete. Pre-evacuation notices remain in effect today due to concerns about the wind. |
ELCA LUTHERAN MEN in MISSION
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LMM April Retreat
Look forward to... - Banding together and being challenged
- Examining your life and making decisions
- Be prepared for a spiritual boot camp.
- This 45-hour experience is not for the faint of heart!
 YMCA Camp Santa Maria
51321 US Highway 285 Grant, Colorado 80448 303-443-4474 ext. 4450 SCHEDULE Arrive promptly at 5:30-6:00 p.m. on Friday and depart at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please plan to stay for entire retreat-no exceptions. Registration is non-refundable, but is transferable to another participant for the same retreat. Includes 2 nights lodging, 6 meals and retreat materials. Early Registration is $175 by March 1, 2013. Late Registration cost is $195 by April 1, 2013 For more information, including the registration form, please check out this link.
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY - CO
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Abolition Sunday - Focusing on Repealing the Death Penalty
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - CO has been involved with a coalition working to repeal the death penalty in Colorado for many years. This year is the year! We ask everyone to get involved to support the repeal of the death penalty. As Christians, we are called to be committed to justice and oppose the death penalty. "Executions harm society by mirroring and reinforcing existing injustice. The death penalty distracts us from our work toward a just society. It deforms our response to violence at the individual, familial, institutional, and systemic levels. It perpetuates cycles of violence" (ELCA Social Statement).
One way you can take part is participating in Abolition Sunday. During Abolition Sunday, you can host a guest speaker, watch a movie on the death penalty, gather facts sheets and petitions, and contact your Representative and Senator to support the repeal of the death penalty.
For more information about hosting an Abolition Sunday, go to www.lam-co.org.
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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 Copier
Pastor Alena Lamirato of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Wyoming has a very basic copier free to anyone who can use it. For your convenience, she is willing to bring the copier to the 2013 RMS Assembly or to the Office of the Bishop in April when she will be in the area. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Lamirato by email.
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PRAYERS for HEALING AND UNDERSTANDING
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Good Friday Vigil
March 29, 2013
NOON
On the West Steps of the Colorado Capitol
Join us as we
- prayerfully reflect on gun violence
- as we remember the crucifixion of Christ and mourn the senseless slaughter of all victims of gun violence
- as we seek hope and pray for peace
The service will take approximately 45 minutes.
Sponsored by the Social Action & Outreach Committee, Washington Park UCC
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ELCA MISSION BUILDERS
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 Mission Builders: Carpenters for Christ
A Great Opportunity to Serve Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Two years have passed since the flood of 2011 in Minot, ND. The need is still great to get these people back into their  homes. What are you doing this summer? Can you take a week or two to help? Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran Social Services, and Hope Village have a goal of repairing 55 to 65 homes this summer. Help is needed and whatever your skill level, they could use you. How about getting a group together and make a project out of this? You could visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park along the way. Maybe even a stop at the Black Hills. Have a great time and serve those in need.
Here is your contact information: Terry Haider 701-500-5280 or "Hope Village."
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JOB OPENING
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Organist/ Accompanist Needed
St. Andrew Lutheran Church located at 6774 W. 66th Avenue in Arvada, CO, is seeking an organist/accompanist for Sunday morning worship and weekly (Thursday) choir practice. We are accepting applications now to fill the position beginning in June 2013.
The qualified candidate works with the pastor, choir director and council liaison to enhance congregational music through worship, liturgy and accompanying the choir. The organist/accompanist uses the Allen Renaissance III manual organ.
For more information or to submit a cover a letter and resume, call (303-384-9153) or email the church office
(to the attention of Gloria).
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, Centennial Lutheran Church, Englewood, CO.
- Visiting with the congregation of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO.
- Meeting with Lutheran Social Service of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
- Meeting with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Logan, UT.
- Visiting the congregation of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Jordan, UT.
- Visiting with members of Zion Lutheran Church, Salt Lake City, UT.
- Meeting with the congregation of Elim Lutheran Church, Ogden, UT.
- Visiting with the congregation of Ascension Lutheran Church, Ogden, UT.
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Team Leaders Assembly Planning meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Visiting with the congregation of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO.
- Vacation.
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Lenten Supper with the congregation of Christ Lutheran Church, Highlands Ranch, CO.
- Front Range Christian Education Network meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Middle School Youth Gathering Planning Meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Conclude CSM All Staff meeting, Chicago, IL.
- Visiting with the Leadership Team at Well of Hope Worshipping Community, Castle Pines, CO.
- Visiting with the Worshipping Community of Camino de Vida, Albuquerque, NM.
- Performing the tasks of the Synod Minister for Connected Community.
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- Skype with CIVJ Volunteers, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Vacation.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- Health Care for All Steering Committee meeting, Albuquerque, 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
How would you improve the world?
Here's a chance to help shape the future of the world. The ELCA's advocacy ministry at the United Nations encourages you to participate in the "My World" survey on your priorities for creating a better world. See www.ELCA.org/WorldWeWant
Help youth learn about global hunger and poverty
Are you looking for activities to teach your youth group about the realities of global hunger and poverty? Check out the Hunger Education Toolkits developed by ELCA World Hunger. See www.ELCA.org/hunger-toolkits.
South Sudan: Helping refugee kids enjoy being kids
Life in a refugee camp can be hard, especially for the children. Through The Lutheran World Federation, the ELCA is helping bring some joy to the lives of refugee children by providing child-friendly areas and play resources. See
www.ELCA.org/SouthSudan-play
A missionary service opportunity in Europe
The ELCA is seeking a regional representative for Europe who will also be the director of the ELCA Wittenberg Center. This person will assist the ELCA in its relationships with companion churches, international congregations, mission personnel, volunteers, programs and projects in Europe and direct the program of the ELCA Wittenberg Center. Priority will be given to applications received by March 20. See www.ELCA.org/hr
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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.
Events
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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 St. Paul Invites Everyone to their Malagasy Experience Event
On Holy Hilarity Sunday the folks of St. Paul Lutheran Church are offering a novel opportunity for people to share in the joy of being part of the world-wide body of Christ. Please read on....
On April 7, at noon, we will be holding a Madagascar awareness event at St Paul. We will have a Malagasy meal, entertainment by our Malagasy members, and information about our companion synod program and ELCA global missions. Terry Cole's purpose in making a return trip to Madagascar is to increase awareness of and involvement in Global Missions at St. Paul, her home congregation, and throughout New Mexico. She is so excited to have four fellow New Mexicans on this trip!
 Since her last trip (in 2005), she has been on Global Missions Program Committee for the ELCA and also on our synod Companion Synod Committee. Through this involvement, she realizes that we need to do more to raise awareness "out here" in the synod away from the main action in the Denver area (where congregations tend to know more and do more in this area).
The fundraising focus of this event is to support the Global Mission Ministry at St. Paul. Our vision is to connect youth through Young Adults in Global Mission and offer others the opportunity to grow deeper in their awareness of God's global church. On behalf of the people of St. Paul, you and any of the kids or adults from New Mexico are invited to attend this event.
Share this information with anyone else that might be interested, and please RSVP to Terry Cole if you are coming.
 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
 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
Easter Worship Service in German �kumenischer Ostergottesdienst in deutscher Sprache Christ ist erstanden...  1750 Colorado Blvd Denver CO 80220 www.messiahdenver.org info@messiahdenver.org Tel: 303-355-4471 Ostersonntag den 31. M�rz 2013 um 17 Uhr Wolfgang Stahlberg, Pastor Eric French, Organist Ostereiersuche f�r Kinder
 Beyond Divorce Workshop The workshop, Beyond Divorce: Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends, begins on Thursday, April 11, 2013, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch. The seminar is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Thursday for 10 weeks, ending on June 13, 2013. Complementary child care is available.
For more information please contact Beth Walker by email or phone (720-352-9915).
Events
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