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Greetings!
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Wednesday, July 31, 11:30 a.m.
Groundbreaking for new Office of the Bishop renovation & addition
Join us at the new location of the Office of the Bishop on Wednesday, July 31, at 11:30 a.m., for a liturgy of groundbreaking. If all goes as scheduled, the completion is expected to be in March. View the plans in the 5 minute presentation below:
 | | New RMS Office of the Bishop Location |
Singing the Hallelujah chorus...
in the Malagasy language!
This last week the Madagascar trip participants divided into two groups to visit different companion synod locations. Group "A" enjoyed a youth concert in Antsiranana that ended with everyone singing the Hallelujah Chorus together in Malagasy!
The travelers have remained healthy and well. They travel home on Friday and Saturday.
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.
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PRAYERS
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Ninth Sunday After Pentecost
July 21, 2013
Eternal God, you draw near to us in Christ, and you make yourself our guest. Amid the cares of our lives, make us attentive to your presence, that we may treasure your word above all else, through 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:
7/21
Lutheran Church of the Servant, Santa Fe, NM
Sonnie Ericksen Fish
Messiah, Albuquerque, NM
Tom Anderson (interim)
St. Luke, Albuquerque, NM
Elizabeth Purdum,
St. Paul, Albuquerque, NM
Pat Holman
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RMS LEADERSHIP RETREAT
AND THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE
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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
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ELCA DOMESTIC HUNGER GRANTS
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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
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LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION
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One Year to Live Retreat For Pastors, Camp Directors and Senior Camp Staff
August 27-29, 2013
Camp Santa Maria, Grant, CO
Lutheran Men in Mission is conducting a One Year to Live Retreat for Pastors and Senior Camp Staff from August 27-29, 2013, right here in Colorado at Camp Santa Maria in Grant. The early registration deadline is July 26th. The cost is $225 with an early registration price of $195. This is a boot camp for men's spirituality with follow-on work that builds a community of men who support one another in their journey following Christ. For more information, contact Jim Monkman, (303) 642-1026.
To register, visit www.LutheranMenInMission.org/events/oytl, and download the brochure/registration form.
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LUTHERAN YOUTH ORGANIZATION
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Half-a-million for Change Project
L.Y.O. is a place for passionate youth to have a voice as motivated leaders, continuing to make a difference in God's community.
The RMS Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) gathered at Sky Ranch for fellowship and discernment about how they can continue to "be the change." With the change that occurred from the Malaria Campaign, they know they are able to make a difference in the community.
The LYO are excited to take a new motive making a difference in poverty, specifically shelter. Many of us are so fortunate to have a roof over our heads at night and a place to call home where we know we will be cared for and loved. Yet there are people, even youth in our towns that don't have the security of a home, and the LYO want to help change that. That's why we challenge you the Rocky Mountain Synod to dedicate 500,000 hours of our lives to shelter. Simply write down the hours you have spent to helping anything related to shelter or keep a log at your church that everyone can write in. Email us every now and then with updated hours at rmslyo@gmail.com. Tell us what you did, and even send us a picture if you'd like. Together we can make a difference in the lives of people in our own communities. We will update you with hours and stories over the course of the year. Thanks for helping us be the change! Sky Ranch Retreat 
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TO THE POINT
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FREE CHORAL MUSIC AVAILABLE
The Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO
At our assembly the choir sang two pieces at worship services. We have available 24 copies of "As Rain from the Clouds" by Thomas Keesecker (SAB) and 59 copies of "I am the Vine" by Paul Weber (SATB). If you would like to add these to your music library, please send an email to info@rmselca.org to request them. Let us know how many copies you can use and your mailing address.
CHURCHES TEAM UP FOR BLoC PARTY
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Longmont, CO
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Broomfield, CO 
Members of Bethlehem Lutheran Longmont and Cross of Christ Lutheran Broomfield were in Las Vegas for a week of filling in the blanks between the excess and luxury of The Hotels and the real life for those in need. This collaborative endeavor known as the BLoC Party is a joining of congregations. They served with Lutheran Social Services of Nevada and Catholic Charities!
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
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ASSEMBLY 2013
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View the Assembly presentation by Dr. Windham-Hughes
SUMMARY LANDSCAPE NEWSLETTER
TEXT OF THE ADOPTED RESOLUTIONS
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Urban Servant Corps Volunteers
Denver, Colorado
Urban Servant Corps is closing in on the application process and have some newly available positions for USC volunteers for this upcoming year of service (Warren Village, Focus Points, Urban Peak, Cooking Matters St. Francis Center). Who do you know that would be a great fit, but might need a little extra nudge to consider it?
- USC is a Lutheran-affiliated full-time, year-long volunteer program. The program provides food, housing, health insurance and a modest monthly stipend as well as personal growth and development funds throughout the year.
- Volunteers live in intentional community and uphold tenets of service, simplicity, spirituality and intentional community.
- Each individual is placed at a non-profit organization, where he/she works 40 hours per week as a full time volunteer.
- USCers may be eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion of the program -- $5500 to be used to pay off school loans or can be utilized for future education (grad school, seminary, etc.).
- The program begins on August 25 and ends the first week in August 2014.
- Visit http://www.urbanservantcorps.org/ to find the application under the "Become a Volunteer" tab.
Director of Youth Ministries
Trinity Lutheran Church, Boulder, CO
The director of youth ministries at Trinity Lutheran Church a full-time position that is responsible for directing the planning, scheduling, and implementation of Trinity Lutheran Church's Youth and Family Ministries and Programs. Qualifications: This position requires college education with the minimum of a Bachelor's degree. Course work in Christian Religious Studies and/or extensive Bible Study is helpful and preferred. Position will work with youth up to 12th grade. Certification through Center for Youth Ministries - Wartburg Seminary, and CPR and/or First Aid certification is required within the first year.
Please submit applications to: youth@trinityboulder.org Deadline to submit application is July 26.
For more information, please contact Pastor Mark Twietmeyer at Trinity Lutheran Church at 303-442-2300 or twiet@comcast.net
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.
Job openings can be found on
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CELEBRATING OUR 25 YEARS TOGETHER
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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.
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Pastor Sarah Moening
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Mission Developer Training, Maryland
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Theological Conference Planning
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- Healthcare for All Committee
- Medicaid Advisory Committee
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Bishop Younan urges Christian-Muslim engagement
"We need engagement with all monotheistic faiths, especially Muslims," Bishop Munib A. Younan, president of The Lutheran World Federation and bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land said in a speech to a conference on the Christian presence in the Middle East. Speaking in Beirut, Lebanon, Younan said, "We know that extremism is not the monopoly of one religion alone and that more than just one people is capable of violence."
See www.ELCA.org/Younan-speech
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QUICK LINKS
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SOCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY
SERVANT CORPS OUTDOOR MINISTRY
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| 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
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
Elim Vacation Bible School raises $213.88 for WRCNU
Elim Lutheran Church, Ogden, UT
A check for $213.88 was presented to Dalyn Erickson-Marthaler, director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah (WRCNU) during a "Faith Hike" of Elim Lutheran Church on Monday, July 14, 2013, said Pastor DanaLee Simon of Elim.
The money donated was raised by the children enrolled in Elim's recent Vacation Bible School (VBS). Elim's VBS enrolls students from preschool through sixth grade, with teenagers in higher grades serving as helpers. One of the perks of being a helper is to select the charity to be supported each year, said Simon.
For the last three years, the VBS has supported the ELCA Malaria Initiative, but this year the teen helpers voted to raise money for the WRCNU, which is rehabilitating the beavers injured by the Willard Bay diesel oil spill. A plush animal, Bucky the Beaver, was chosen as mascot for VBS and presided over donations during closing worship each of the six days of VBS.
Photo courtesy Gloria Wurst, Elim Luterhan Church.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Border Servant Corps 2013-2014 Service Year:
Positions Available!
Border Servant Corps is seeking individuals that are interested in living and serving on the U.S./Mexico border for the 2013-2014 service year (August 19, 2013 - August 8, 2014)!
BSC is a domestic full time volunteer program that hosts 15-25 full-time volunteers that live in intentional community, learn about living simply, work for social justice, and explore spirituality. Volunteers work with issues such as poverty, immigration, domestic violence, education, and health care with opportunities to work in churches, shelters, legal centers, after-school programs, clinics, and other social service agencies within the unique context of the border region.
Positions currently available*:
*All positions are eligible for a full-time AmeriCorps Education Award.
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COLORADO
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Young people 3-years-old through those entering sixth grade are invited to register as participants. Middle School and High School students are invited to join the Day Camp Staff of Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for the week.
The program begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 3:00 p.m. each day, (the preschool program ends at 11:30 a.m.). Thursday night, August 8, we will wrap up camp with a family picnic and program beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The cost for the week is only $55.00/child, $45.00/each additional child, and $35.00/preschooler. Snacks and water bottles will be provided, but campers will need to bring their own lunches. (Preschoolers do not eat lunch at camp.) For more information on this year's Day Camp, to volunteer as part of our staff, or to offer other support for this ministry, please contact the church office at 303-770-9300. Join us this August at Saint Peter Lutheran Church, as we consider what it means to be Blessed to Be a Blessing- it is guaranteed to touch your hearts!
Building an Inclusive Church
Northern Colorado Chapter of Reconciling Works.
conference at Lutheran Campus Ministry, Fort Collins, CO
On Saturday, July 20, 2013, the Northern Colorado Chapter of Reconciling Works is holding a one day, intensive workshop called Building an Inclusive Church. This training has been designed specifically with congregations and their leaders in mind. We will explore topics which will help participants to become more effective in working with congregations on issues related to human sexuality and gender identity for the purpose of helping a congregation discern God's call to become more welcoming and inclusive. The workshop will be 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Lutheran Campus Ministry, 805 S. Shields, Fort Collins CO, 80521. For more information, please contact Don Kreger at dkreger7@comcast.net or 970-266-8375.
Celebrating 15 Years: Ministry Behind Bars
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.
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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.
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