|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
|
 "Everyone is doing well"
Read the latest blog post from Madagascar
Our twenty-person team to Madagascar is doing well as they travel throughout the country and meet with our companion synods. Reports and photos are on the synod Facebook page at facebook.com/rmselca. You are encouraged to "like" the rmselca Facebook page so you will see these updates regularly. Also, read the occasional blog from Pastor Ron Roschke.
You are invited to use this petition in your prayers for the two following Sundays while they are on their trip, representing all of us in the Rocky Mountain Synod:
You blessed your people through all generations and guided them in life and death: Abraham and Sarah; Moses and Miriam; Peter, James, John and all the apostles; and all the witnesses in ages past, in whom your Spirit spoke and moved. Be with our sisters and brothers who represent all of us in our companion synods in Madagascar. Guide and protect them, and bring them back to us with new eyes to see the partnerships we enjoy in the Body of Christ.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Download and follow the itinerary.
|
|
PRAYERS
|
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
July 14, 2013
O Lord God, your mercy delights us, and the world longs for your loving care. Hear the cries of everyone in need, and turn our hearts to love our neighbors with the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
North New Mexico Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. Many congregations print the listing in the Sunday bulletin and/or monthly newsletter.
Remember in prayer this coming Sunday:
7/14
Christ the King, Durango, CO
Tim Orlowski
Community of Joy, Rio Rancho, NM
Michael Bastian
Cross of Hope, Albuquerque, NM
Russ Sorenson (interim)
Holy Cross, Albuquerque, NM
Julie LaHam Prayers for Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry Cook, MN Joel Abenth, known to many here in the RMS with his work at Sky Ranch, is the camp director at Voyageurs Lutheran Ministrty in Cook, MN. On July 2, an accident occurred with 5 staff members in a vehicle which was hit by a semi. Libby Hill, a counselor from Missouri, tragically lost her life in the accident, and four others were injured but all doing well or improving: Whitney Cragun, Jon Vickers, Ivana Brokesova, and Vitalina Kadurin. We pray especially for the Hill family as they give thanks for the life of Libby. May God surround all with love and hope in the midst of such grief and sadness. Cards and letters of support can be sent to the VLM office, 2555 Vermilion Camp Road, Cook, MN 55723.
|
|
RMS LEADERSHIP RETREAT
AND THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE
|
Leadership Retreat
& Theological Conference
September 23-26, 2013
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO
Gifted to Grow will be the overarching theme of the 2013-2014 year. We will gather in the prime season of golden aspen, just outside Rocky Mountain National Park, as a time for spiritual renewal, connected community, prayerful worship, and engaging dialogue. We will consider what it means to be a spiritually-vibrant leader within the context of a changing and challenging ecclesiology.
Retreat leaders and guests are:
The Rev. Louise Johnson, Vice President for Mission Advancement, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, PA.
The Rev. Craig Mueller,
pastor, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,
Chicago, IL.
Carrie Newcomer, singer/songwriter,
Bloomington, IN.
Tammy Devine,
Diaconal Minister and
ELCA Wellness Manager
The event begins on Monday, September 23 with an optional pre-gathering opportunity with Tammy Devine at 1 p.m. and the start time overall at 4 p.m. The event concludes before lunch on Thursday, September 26.
Pre-Conference:
What are your Strengths?
1 to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, September 23
We have uniquely been blessed with gifts, some we may wish we didn't have, others we covet as did the people of Corinth as recorded in 1 Corinthians 12-13, others believe their gift is the coolest. Paul writes: "Fools, Every godly gift is necessary, and nobody has all the gifts! Everybody gets some gift from God; nobody gets them all." We all have been blessed with gifts to share. Through the use of story, we will listen, share, and identify your most dependable strengths (gifts). Living from our strengths we are most fulfilled and together we complete the Body of Christ.
Who should attend? Rostered leaders most certainly, but also other leaders in the church: leaders of faith formation, youth directors, seminarians.
All are welcome! All are welcome!
more information
|
|
ELCA DOMESTIC HUNGER GRANTS
|
Hunger Grant Deadline is July 17
The ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant Program Funds are derived from the ELCA World Hunger Program. The Community Development Services Program in the Program Unit for Congregational Synodical Mission provides administrative coordination for the grants process.
The deadline for submitting electronic application and supporting documents: July 17, 2013. Notifications and checks are mailed to grant recipients between February and March 2014 to 2015.
Questions? Please contact Johnnie Thompson at (800-638-3522) ext. 2693 or by email at DomesticHungerGrants@elca.org
|
|
ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN
|
Malaria Program "Doing
Wonders" in Malawi
Greetings from the Malaria Team! We hope your summer is off to a great start.
According to Ms. Judith Jere, coordinator of the Lutheran Malaria Program, "The [malaria] campaign is doing wonders. It's like a miracle. You know, at first many children were dying. But now the mortality rate has reduced significantly, and we're very proud about what ELCA is doing [with] our church." She also said, "Everywhere you go, you talk about the malaria campaign, women are just dancing and singing, because so many lives are being saved, especially under the young children under 5 years."
These are just some of the wonderful insights shared by Judith. Click here to read the entire interview and hear how, " With the interventions we have in the Malaria Campaign, life is much, much easier now."
The Rocky Mountain Synod has surpassed its fundraising goal of $200,000 for the Malaria Campaign and has now raised over $250,000! As of today, the campaign has reached $8.5 million , with $2 million coming in so far in the 2013 fiscal year. Thank you for your gifts!
|
|
TO THE POINT
|
NEW VIDEO CONFERENCE TEXT STUDY!
Especially for those in "remote" parts of the RMS
Webex, Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m.
A new text study is forming especially (but not necessarily only) for those in the more isolated parts of our Synod. The WebEx (online) Text Study meets on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. MST to talk about the texts for the coming Sunday, with a focus specifically on preaching. All preachers are invited to this online text study. Please email Pr. Kirsten Sauey Hofmann from Trinty, Hobbs, NM, if you are interested.
SUNDAY SCHOOL MATERIALS
St. Matthew Lutheran Church
Aurora, CO
The Sunday School program has leftover materials from the Sparks Lectionary series for grades Pre-K and Kindergarten, and grades 1 through 6. There are both teaching and student materials. If interested, please contact the church office by phone at 303-366-1373 or by email at stmatthew@qwestoffice.net
COPY MACHINE FOR SALE
Peace Lutheran Church
Las Cruces, NM
Peace Lutheran Church has a Kyocera 1500 Copier to sell for $250. It is in great working condition and has a maintenance agreement since it was purchased 10 years ago. If interested, please call the office, 575-522-7119.
|
|
ASSEMBLY 2013
|
View the Assembly presentation by Dr. Windham-Hughes
SUMMARY LANDSCAPE NEWSLETTER
TEXT OF THE ADOPTED RESOLUTIONS
|
|
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
|
Program Coordinators
Border Servant Corps
El Paso, TX / Las Cruces, NM
Border Servant Corps is seeking to hire qualified individuals to manage relationships with current volunteers, agencies and other key partners of BSC as a Program Coordinator. Positions are available to work out of BSC offices in
El Paso, TX and Las Cruces, NM. BSC is a domestic full time volunteer program that recruits, screens, and places 15-25 volunteers each year on the U.S./M�xico border. The Program Coordinator implements BSC's mission "in field" by building and maintaining relationships with volunteers, placement agencies, and local support committees.
An ideal candidate will have personal experience with a full time volunteer program, a commitment to the four tenets of BSC, and demonstrated initiative. The position will begin in early August, and the Program Coordinator will participate in training prior to the beginning of the 2013-2014 service year. Please send a cover letter, indicating geographic interest, and resume to kari.bsc@gmail.com. The first set of interviews will begin July 15. Read the full job description at: http://www.borderservant.com/employment-opportunities.
Part-Time Accompanist
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Littleton, CO
Holy Trinity is seeking an accompanist for Sunday morning worship and weekly (Thursday) choir practice. Some benefits will be included. Resumes are being accepted now until the position is filled. For more information or to submit a resume, please email holytrinitylutheranlittleton@gmail.com
or contact Pastor Dave Palma-Ruwe at (303-798-1356) or Bob Zermuehlen at (303-781-4107).
Job openings can be found on
|
|
CELEBRATING OUR 25 YEARS TOGETHER
|
September 8, 2013, is ELCA-wide "God's work. Our hands." Sunday!
September 8, 2013, is "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, an opportunity to celebrate our 25th anniversary as the ELCA! Since we are a church that "rolls up our sleeves and gets to work," join together for a dedicated day of service as 4 million ELCA members and nearly 10,000 congregations. You can order personalized T-shirts to wear that Sunday, as well as bulletin inserts, flyers, and other resources to promote the day.
|
|
 |
|
|
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Continuing Education, Iowa
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Valley Vision Conversation
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Valley Vision Conversation
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering
- EOPR Interim Committee
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering
- Medicaid Coalition
|
| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Mexico: Immersion trip, September 17-22
Learn how to transform the conflict-filled realities in local and global communities during five days with faith leaders and Christ-centered nonprofits in Mexico City. Faith-based strategies and practical tools to transform conflict will be emphasized. See www.ELCA.org/Mexico .
|
QUICK LINKS
|
SOCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY
SERVANT CORPS OUTDOOR MINISTRY
|
| CALENDAR |
website calendar 2013 SEPTEMBER 23-26 Leadership Retreat / Theological Conference YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
NOVEMBER 22-24
Senior High Youth Gathering
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
2014
JANUARY 17-19
Middle School Youth Gathering
Elegante Hotel & Conference Center
(new name for the Crowne Plaza!)
Colorado Springs, Colorado
MAY 8-10
2014 Synod Assembly
Marriott Tech Center
Denver, Colorado
|
|
|
|
UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
 Standing for Welcome
Salt Lake City, UT
As the debate over immigration reform heats up in Washington D.C., Norma Klemz, wife of Zion Evangelical's pastor Steve Klemz, speaks out in an effort to promote welcoming immigrants into the United States and providing them with resources that would allow them to obtain citizenship.
Klemz is featured towards the bottom of the article, and in photos.
Are you ready to blossom?
Flourish in Faith at the TENS 2013 Stewardship Conference
July 12-13 at the Episcopal Commons of Utah
TENS members only: $300
Non-members: $370
Webcast Registration: $75 p/site
Registration price includes all seminars/workshops, materials, all meals, & shuttle from hotel to Episcopal Commons of Utah
Click Here to Register Now!
|
|
WYOMING
| submit Wyoming news or photos
Bikes and Blessings
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Cheyenne, WY
 Pump up those tires and grab your helmet to join other St. Paul's members and friends on Sunday, July 14 for a blessing of the bikes!
Ride your bike or motorcycle to church for worship at 9:30 a.m. and stay for a blessing for you and your bike at 11:00 a.m. on the front lawn
St. Paul's is at 218 E 19th St, Cheyenne, WY 82001
|
|
NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
| |
|
|
COLORADO
| |
New Beginnings Prison Ministry:
Celebrating 15 Years of Ministry
taking place at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Wheat Ridge, CO
Join us for a dinner and silent auction celebrating 15 years of ministry behind bars at New Beginnings Church on September 28, at 5:30 p.m., at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. There will be a freewill offering for the cost of the buffet dinner, and music by Apostles Creed. Thrivent has committed to match the funds raised in the auction.
Please RSVP to Kathy Melies at 303-831-7023 or by email at oslc915@juno.com
Holy Cross is located at 4500 Wadsworth Blvd, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Urban Servant Corps Update Alumni: Paint Your Old Room! at USC Homes Saturday, August 17: 9am-2pm Are you missing your old USC sleeping space? Or perhaps you are looking for a fun, productive way to gather with your former housemates?!? This day of service will not disappoint! There are a number of projects that will be tackled in preparation for the August-arriving volunteers! Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Spread the word! Brought to you in partnership with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the USC Alumni Affinity Group. Closing BBQ 835 32nd St. (USC 5&9 House) Monday, July 29: 5:30pm So long! Adios! Au revoir! Believe it or not, it's time to offer a departing blessing on the 2012-2013 USC volunteers. Please help celebrate this year of service! Main dish will be provided -- bring a side to share, if you are able! For more Urban Servant Corps news, visit www.urbanservantcorps.org
Annual Mount of the Holy Cross pilgrimage dates set  Again this year Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Vail, CO, will sponsor two pilgrimage hike climbing Notch Mountain (13,237) in order to view the Mount of the Holy Cross (14,005). Because of the popularity of this hike and due to U.S. Forest Service regulations which limit each group to no more than 15 persons at a time, reservations are required. Dates are Friday, July 26 or Saturday, July 27, 2013. The event will be from approximately 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. This is a fairly strenuous hike and requires good hiking boots and waterproof weather protection. Pre-registration is required. Call Pastor Scott Beebe, (970) 476-6610 or email mtholy@vail.net for a registration form or for more details.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Synod Minister for Connected Community
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 about two weeks. Please submit your announcement at the time it should appear.
|
|
|
